Navratri 2023: Date, History, Significance, Story & more.

Navratri Quick Facts

History of Navratri

Navratri is a major nine-day festival of Indian Hinduism. This festival is celebrated to worship and worship Goddess Durga. Navaratri literally means "nine nights" and is derived from the Sanskrit words "nava" and "ratri". The festival is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm and devotees seek the blessings and blessings of Goddess Durga.

The history of Navratri is thus presented in various forms and its significance is deeply rooted in religious and cultural traditions. The festival provides an opportunity to remember the glory of life and power of Goddess Durga and shows the devotees the way to receive her grace and blessings. Mother Durga is worshiped and worshiped on this occasion and her grace and blessings are requested.

Story of Navratri

According to another legend related to this festival, Goddess Durga had killed a buffalo-like asura ie Mahishasura. According to mythology, being bound by the concentrated attention of Mahishasura, the gods gave him the boon of being immortal. After giving him the boon, the gods were worried that he would now misuse his power, and as an expected return, Mahishasura expanded hell to the gates of heaven, and seeing his act, the gods came into a state of astonishment. Mahishasura had usurped all the rights of Surya, Indra, Agni, Vayu, Moon, Yama, Varuna and other deities and himself became the master of heaven. The deities had to wander on the earth due to the wrath of Mahishasura. Enraged by this audacity of Mahishasura, the gods created Goddess Durga. It is believed that an equal force of all the deities was put into the making of Goddess Durga. To destroy Mahishasura, all the gods had given their weapons to Goddess Durga and with the combined efforts of these gods, Goddess Durga became stronger. Goddess-Mahishasura war took place during these nine days and finally after killing Mahishasura she was called Mahishasura Mardini.

Significance of Navratri

The importance of Navratri is very important. It is a major festival celebrated in Hindu religion for the worship and worship of Goddess Durga. Navaratri literally means "nine nights" and is derived from the Sanskrit words "nava" and "ratri". It symbolizes the unique power, gentleness and love of Mother Durga. During Navratri, Goddess Durga is worshiped and worshiped by the devotees. Nine forms of Navadurga are worshiped for nine days, which are called Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. By worshiping these forms, the devotion and dedication of the devotees towards Durga Mata is expressed. During Navratri, people observe fast, visit temples, sing hymns to Goddess Durga, offer aarti and bhog in pandals, and stories of Goddess Durga are narrated among the devotees. This festival is a symbol of religious and cultural unity and enthusiasm. Through this people wish for the blessings and blessings of Durga Mata and try to achieve happiness, prosperity and success in their lives.

How to celebrate Navratri

During Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Durga for nine days. Every day a particular form and worship is performed, which is called the worship of the nine forms of the nine days of Navratri. These forms are: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.

Worship of Mata Durga: During Navratri, idols of Mata Durga are installed in homes and temples. After this, puja and aarti are performed and various types of flowers, incense, lamps, and offerings are made to the mother.

Fasting : Devotees observe a fast for nine days during Navratri and take a vegetarian diet. They consume fasting foods like milk, curd, snacks and potatoes and observe nine fasts for the nine days of Navratri. This fast starts from the day of Shubharambha and ends on the day of Navami. The idol of Maa Durga is installed in temples and in Navratri pandals and special pujas and aartis are performed. Mother's hymns are sung by the devotees and prayers are offered at the feet of the mother.

Offering Bhog: An important part of Navratri is the offering of Aarti and Bhog. Aarti is performed by the devotees and different types of prasad are offered like halwa, puri, jackfruit, gram, sweets etc. These bhogs wait for the blessings of the mother and her prasad is distributed among the devotees.

Garba and Dandiya Raas: Garba and Dandiya Raas are organized during Navratri. It is a colorful dance performance in which people move around in the night with popular songs and using dandiyas (wooden sticks). It is a joyful and colorful activity which makes people feel cultural unity and joy.

Storytelling: Religious stories are narrated during Navratri, which narrate important events about Maa Durga. These stories strengthen the religious reverence and faith and provide more knowledge about the Mother to the devotees.

Haats and Fairs: Navratri fairs are organized at many places where people enjoy traditional dances, songs and colorful displays. These fairs also provide an opportunity to buy idols and religious clothes of Goddess Durga.

Tradition and customs of Navratri

Navratri is one of the important festivals in Indian culture which is celebrated with great pomp across the country. The festival is an occasion to worship Goddess Durga and lasts for nine days. Various customs are followed during this festival which makes it even more exhilarating. In the initial days, the idol of Mata Durga is installed which is kept at a special place of worship. The idol is decorated with special decorations and lamps, incense, akshat, flowers and naivedya are placed around it. Since then, daily worship and worship of Mata Durga is done. As soon as the Navratri celebrations are over, the idol of Goddess Durga is prepared for immersion. This idol is taken near the river or sea and there it is given its farewell. On this occasion devotees organize devotional songs and tunes to bid farewell to Mother Durga.

More info about Navratri

In the modern era, the methods of organizing and celebrating Navratri have also changed. People now organize Navratri pujas using the internet and social media, and special aartis, mantras and bhajans are made available on websites and mobile apps. Apart from this, people can also watch the worship of Mata Durga from a distance through live streaming. Art and literature have become an important part of Navratri celebrations. Drama, dance and music programs are organized during Navratri, in which the story of events from the life of Mother Durga is presented. Compositions of poetry, songs and writings are also presented during Navratri by the devotees. There has also been a change in the interest and mindset towards special food during Navratri. With the modern lifestyle, people's preference towards healthy and nutritious food has increased. In such a situation, people observing fast during Navratri eat vegetarian and fasting-compatible food such as sago, jackfruit, banana, water chestnut etc. Special Navratri menus and Vrat food options are organized.

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