Happy Navratri- History, Significance And Why Do We Celebrate It

Navaratri can alternatively be referred to as Navratra or Sharada Navaratri. Hindus all across the world celebrate Navratri, a nine-day celebration of auspiciousness for the Hindu faith. As fall approaches in India, people prepare for the Navratri Festival, which takes place over nine nights following the monsoon. Essentially, Navratri is a Navratri celebration of the triumph of virtue over evil. The significance of Navratri varies greatly across India. According to the Hindu calendar, it takes place in the Ashvin month between September and October.

History Of Navratri

This nine-day event is celebrated for a variety of reasons and is mentioned in various folklore and stories. However, it adheres to a common narrative that celebrates and acknowledges good’s victory over evil. For the wonderful heritage of this festival, two well-known businesses are in charge. People in different areas of the nation have varying levels of faith in various legends and myths.

Most of Northern and Western India believes the first narrative, which tells of Lord Rama’s vengeance on Ravana, who kidnapped his wife Devi Sita and murdered him on Dussehra. It comes before the nine-day Navratri festival, during which Lord Rama is said to have worshipped nine goddesses for nine days in order to acquire the strength necessary to fight Ravana. For nine days, the ‘Ramayana’ is recited aloud, culminating in a climactic battle between Rama and Ravana. The culminating ceremony, known as Ramlila, features burning effigies of Ravana.

The second Navratri Festival tale extols the virtues of Goddess Durga. In fact this event is celebrated in parts of India’s east and north east to commemorate Durga’s triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. She was able to triumph over the forces of evil by establishing the Dharma (Justice) and bringing about peace. In addition to this the legendary Durga Pooja is performed on the tenth day after the nine days of Navratri celebrations. This narrative was written by ‘Devi Mahatmya,’ so that future generations of Indians might learn about the abundance and value of kindness.

In addition, Navratri is celebrated in various ways in the Southern states of the country to worship the Goddess and to rejoice in a distinctive manner.

Significance And Nine Days Of Navratri

During these nine days, devotees pay homage to all of Durga’s incarnations. Following are the nine Navratri days along with their significance:

First Day

The first day of the festival is dedicated to the goddess Shailputri and is a major celebration. A strong Durga avatar holds back the combined might of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.

Second Day

On this second day, devotees pay homage to the Goddess Brahmcharini and Maa Durga’s second incarnation. She is a symbol of plenty, joy, and well-being. Because of her existence, we may see the path to liberation and happiness.

Third Day

On the third day, we celebrate Chandraghanta, the next incarnation of the Goddess. You’ll be captivated by her calm beauty, which exudes elegance, tranquillity, and plenty in all aspects of life. She is also a symbol of heroism and valour.

Fourth Day

During the fourth day, people worship Goddess Kushmanda, who is revered as the architect of the universe. There is a popular myth that the Universe was created by the laughing of a woman.

Fifth Day

Day five is celebrated with Durga Mata’s next avatar, Goddess Skand Mata, who represents the mother of both Skanda and Karthikeya. She served as the primary commander in a conflict with demons after being appointed by the ultimate powers. She portrays the fortitude and strength of a vulnerable mother who will go to any lengths to safeguard their kid in dangerous situations. Her role as a mother compels her to take a strong stance and engage in combat with the demons.

Sixth Day

Sixth-day Navratri’s Katyayani Devi is the sixth God or Goddess to be worshipped. She was the daughter of sage Kata, who was also an incarnation of Durga. Her strength and fortitude are on display as she wears an auspicious orange outfit.

Seventh Day

On the seventh day Kalratri is worshipped. This goddess represents the dark-skinned goddess who is brave and courageous. Her unkempt hair and stoic demeanour convey her resolute character. Dressed in pure white, she embodies the antithesis of everything a feminist should be. A powerful woman may be both furious and tranquil, according to this saying.

Eighth Day

On the eighth day, devotees pay homage to Goddess Maha Gauri, the eighth manifestation of Devi Durga. She is the epitome of serenity, tranquilly, affluence, and intelligence.

Ninth Day

Siddhiratri, the Hindu Goddess of Mercy, is honoured on the ninth day of the nine-day festival of Mahashivratri. She is well-known for her amazing healing abilities, which she combines with superhuman strength. This goddess, like the infinite blue sky above, is both heavenly and joyful.

Celebration 

Navratri is celebrated by Hindus all throughout the country, but it takes on a special character in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Gujarat’s Garba and Dandiya celebrations, in particular, draw people from all across the country to be a part of this massive festival. There are several large-scale preparations when people assemble in vibrant clothing to dance around the Goddess Durga and adore her with their fortunate Garba movements. It’s a good time where competitions go on and people have a good time.

Many people also observe nine-day fasts, during which they worship nine little girls and one male to mark the end of the fast. Having little girls in the family represents the blessings of Goddess Durga and has been a traditional Indian custom for a very long time. People immerse Durga idols in water on Vijaydashmi’s 10th day, exactly like they do on Ganesh Chaturthi.

Navratri, also known as Maha Navratri, is the holiest day in the Hindu calendar, and it is observed with great fervor and excitement. This event is enthusiastically observed by people all throughout the country.

Additionally, know more about Hindu Festivals: Diwali, Krishna Janmashtami, Holi