Navratri is a 9-day festival during which people venerate the goddess Durga, who people regard as the embodiment of strength and purity. Navratri is an age-old Indian festival that many celebrate across various states like West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
There are many good Kumaoni Garhwali North Indian Pandit in Bangalore who can help you perform the Navratri Puja properly. Apart from India, people also celebrate Navratri in other countries like the United Kingdom, Trinidad, and several Southeast Asian countries.
It is worth noting that the festival doesn’t confine to the Hindu community alone, as Jains and Sikhs also join in the festivities.
What is the Significance of the Navratri festival?
Navratri is a nine-day festival that people celebrate throughout India to commemorate significant victories of Hindu deities. The term “Navratri” derives from Sanskrit, meaning “nine nights.” One of the most famous stories associated with Navratri is Lord Rama’s triumph over the demon Ravana.
In some regions, Navratri also celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Navratri is a grand event that people celebrate in various famous temples across India.
The Kudroli temple in Karnataka, Indrakeeladri temple in Vijayawada, Chamundeshwari temple in Mysore, and Perambur Ellaiammam temple in Kerala are some of the temples where people celebrate Navratri with great fervor. During Navratri, people observe fasts, perform puja, and participate in various cultural events.
When Do People Celebrate Navratri?
According to Hindu belief, there are four seasonal Navratris in a year, with the post-monsoon season Navratri being the most popular, known as Sharada Navratri. This festival occurs during the bright half of the Hindu lunar calendar month Ashvin, which typically falls in September or October according to the Gregorian calendar.
The month of Ashvin commences on the new moon day, immediately after the autumn equinox. During this equinox, the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in day and night being of equal length. The autumnal equinox usually occurs on September 22 or March 20.
Overall, Sharada Navratri is a significant festival in India, that people celebrate during the autumn season, and is an auspicious time for performing puja and other religious rituals.
Why Do People Celebrate Navratri?
There are various reasons for the celebration of Navratri. The most commonly held belief is that the festival signifies the triumph of good over evil. According to mythology, the goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura after a fierce battle that lasted nine days and nights. Therefore, people celebrate Navratri to pay homage to the goddess and her victory over evil.
Another popular belief is that Lord Rama, one of the most revered gods in Hinduism, worshipped goddess Durga before his battle with the demon Ravana in the epic Ramayana. According to stories, Lord Rama sought the goddess’s blessings and guidance before his victory over the demon king.
In certain regions of India, Navratri also signifies the transition from monsoon to autumn. Some think that during this period, goddess Durga descends to the earth to bless her followers and grant their desires. During this festival, people fast, perform puja, and offer prayers to the goddess Durga. Furthermore, Navratri is an occasion for cultural events, including music, dance, and other traditional activities.
What is the Proper Way to Perform Kalash sthapana in Navratri?
To create a sacred Kalash, start by filling it with pure Gangajal or other holy water, and add fresh flowers and coins as offerings. Then, place five mango leaves on the opening of the Kalash with the tips pointing upwards.
Next, take a fresh coconut and wrap it in red cloth. Tie a sacred thread, known as moli, around the coconut and place it on top of the Kalash. This coconut symbolizes the head of Lord Ganesha, who is believed to be the remover of all obstacles.
Finally, place the Kalash on a clay pot to complete the sacred setup. This Kalash is considered a symbol of prosperity, purity, and auspiciousness, and is often used in various Hindu rituals and ceremonies.
Proper Way to Perform Navratri Puja at Home
To perform the Kalash sthapana, start by filling a Kalash with pure Gangajal or other sacred water. Then, add fresh flowers and coins as offerings inside the Kalash.
Next, take five mango leaves and place them on the opening of the Kalash with the tips pointing upwards. These leaves represent the five elements of nature.
Now, take a fresh coconut and wrap it in a red cloth. Tie a sacred thread known as moli around the coconut and place it on top of the Kalash. This coconut symbolizes the head of Lord Ganesha, who is believed to be the remover of all obstacles.
Finally, place the Kalash on a clay pot to complete the setup. This Kalash is considered a symbol of purity, prosperity, and auspiciousness and is often used in various Hindu rituals and ceremonies.
Final Words
Navratri is a significant festival that unites people from diverse communities and backgrounds to honor and adore the goddess Durga. And like many other Hindu Pujas, Navratri is also complex. But you can benefit from the service of good Bihari Pandit in Bangalore for the purpose. People fast, and perform various rituals and pujas during this period to honor the goddess.