WHAT IS NAVARATRI?
First of all, Navaratri is an annual Hindu festival which is celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga, an aspect of Mahadevi, the goddess of Hindus, as Hindu calender it spans over nine nights and ten days of first in the month of Ashvin (September - October). It is celebrated differently in various parts of Hindu Indian cultural sphere.
Navaratri is one of the most important and widely observed festival. This festival symbolizes the victory of the good over evil, particularly the victory of the goddess durga over the demon Mahishasura. Each of the nine nights of navaratri is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, and the festival end on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashmi or Dussehra.
MEANING OF NAVARATRI
The word 'Navaratri' is derived from Sanskrit, in which Nava means "nine" and Ratri mean "nights". So Navaratri means 'nine nights'. Navaratri is also called as Nauratha, Nauratri, Navarathri, Navaratra, Navratan, Naurata, Nauraat, and Durga pooja.
During the Navaratri, people engage in various religious and cultural activities, some are -
1. Fasting - Some people do fasts during the Navaratri. Fasting is considered a form of purification and devotion.
2. Worship - Devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and do decoration for the goddess Durga. People visit temples of Durga and participate in special pujas.
3. Garba and Dandiya raas - In Gujarat and some other states of India, people participate in colorful dance form known as Garba and Dandiya raas. These dances are performed in large groups with traditional music and costumes.
4. Doll display - In some other parts of south India, families display dolls and figures called "Golu" or "kolu".
5. Dussehra - The festival end with the celebration of Dussehra, which makes the victory of Durga over Mahishasura, also the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana.
HISTORY BEHIND THE NAVARATRI
The history behind the Navaratri is rooted in Hindu mythology and legends. Here's a brief overview of the history of the Navaratri:
1. Mythology origin - According to Hindu mythology, there was a powerful demon named Mahishasura who had received a boon from Lord Brahma, which made him virtually invincible. With his powers, Mahishasura began to threaten the gods and humans. Unable to defeat him, the gods created the goddess Durga to combat Mahishasura.
2. Cultural significance - Navaratri is a cultural celebration. It is a time for music, dance, and cultural performance. These cultural activities give encouragement to a sense of community and joy during the festival.
3. Harvest festival - In India, Navaratri also come same time with the harvest season. Farmers express their gratitude to the goddess for a good harvest.
NINE DAYS OF THE NAVARATRI
The festival is associated to the battle that took place between the Durga and the demon Mahishasura to celebrate the victory of good over evil. These nine days are solely dedicated to Durga and her nine avatars. Each day is associated to each avatar.
DAY 1 - Shailaputri:
Pratipada (first day), is associated with the form Shailaputri, an incarnation of Parvati, it is in the form that Durga is worshiped as the daughter of the guardian god of Himalaya, Himavan. She is depicted as riding the bull named Nandi with trishula in right hand and lotus flower in her left hand. The colour of this day is yellow. She is also considered to be a reincarnation of Shiva's first wife - Sati.
DAY 2 - Brahmacharini:
Dwitiya (second day), is associated with the form Brahmacharini, another incarnation of Parvati. In this form Parvati become Yogini. Brahmacharini is worshiped for moksha and endowment of peace and prosperity. She is depicted as walking bare feet and holding a rosary and a pot in her hands. Color of this day is green.
DAY 3 - Chandraghanta:
Tritiya (third day), is associated with the form Chandraghanta, one of the forms of Durga. The name composed of two Sanskrit words "Chandra," which means "Moon", and "Ghanta," which mean "Bell." Therefore Chandraghanta translates to "she who has a bell in the shape of the moon. She is depicted as with a third eye on her forehead, symbolizing her spiritual insight. In her ten arms, she holds various weapons and symbols of power, including a sword, a trishul, a bow and arrow, a lotus, and many more.
DAY 4 - Kushmanda:
Chaturthi (fourth day), is associated with the form of Kushmanda, the name is derived from two Sanskrit words "kusha," which means "little grass," and "anda," which means "egg." Therefore, Kushmanda means "She who created the universe as an egg from the small grass." She is depicted as with a radiant smile on her face, symbolizing her role as the creator of the universe. She is depicted with eight arms and each hand holds different object or symbol of power, including a chakra, a rosary, a kamandalu, a bow, arrows, a lotus flower, a mace, and a gada.
DAY 5 - Skandamata:
Panchami (fifth day), is associated with the form of Skandamata, the name derived from two Sanskrit words "Skanda," which is another name of Lord Kartikeya in her lap. Her symbolic color is white. She is depicted with a calm expression and her vehicle is lion. Skandmata represents motherly aspect of the divine. She is the protector and provider for her devotees, similar to the way a mother.
DAY 6 - Katyayani:
Shashtami (sixth day), is associated with the form of Katyayani, Katyayani is named after her mythological origin. She was born as the daughter of saga Katyayana, hence the name "Katyayani." Katyayani is depicted as a warrior goddess with four arms and rides a lion. In eastern India Maha shashti is celebrated on this day and starting of shardiya Durga puja.
DAY 7 - Kaalaratri:
Saptami (seventh day), Kaalaratri is the most cruel form of goddess Durga. It is believed that Parvati removed her pale skin to kill the demons Sumbha and Nishumbha. She is depicted as a cruel look with long disheveled hair. She has four arms, and in her hands, she holds a cleaver and noose and her other two hands are in the mudra of granting blessings and dispelling fear.
DAY 8 - Mahagauri:
Ashtami (eight-day), is associated with the form of Mahagauri, she symbolizes intelligence and peace. It is believed that Kaalaratri took a bath in the Ganga river and get the form of Mahagauri. She is depicted as a beautiful and gentle goddess. She portrayed with four arms and her attire is white. She holds a trident and drum, while her other two hands are in mudra.
DAY 9 - Siddhidatri:
Navami (ninth day), is associated with the form of Siddhidatri, she is believed to possess and bestows all types of siddhis. She is depicted as sitting on a lotus or a lion. In her four hands, she holds a discus, a mace, a conch shell, and a lotus flower. On this day many businesses grant a holiday to their employees.
IMPORTANCE
The importance of the Navaratri can be understood in various ways:
1. Religious Significance: Navaratri is primarily a religious festival that celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
2. Social Significance: Navaratri encourages social interaction and bonding. People dresses in traditional costumes, visit temples, participates in various events and exchange gifts.
3. Feminine empowerment: Navaratri celebrates the divine feminine energy represented by the goddess Durga.
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festivals