Navaratri is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights and is celebrated every year in the autumn. It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian cultural sphere.

What is Navaratri?

What is Navaratri? According to Hindu mythology, this nine-day long festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of the Natyasaara or the nine stages of life of Lord Shiva. On the first day of this nine-day-long festival, Lord Shiva takes the form of a snake and is known as Dushman. Lord Shiva's appearance as Dushmana is known as Navratri for the legend.

On the ninth day, Lord Shiva is known as Sati and is worshipped in the form of Rakshasi, the sister of Parvati, as she was slain by her brother. This day is known as Navratri and is observed as a nine-day festival to honor Lord Shiva.

What is Navratri Vrat? When is the time to observe Navratri?

Navratri is observed on the ninth day (Nayaka Chaturthi) of the Hindu month of Ashwin.

The History of Navaratri

The first nine days of the annual Hindu festival Navratri are called Ashvin Nakshatra which stands for the worship of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the sacred time is offered to the Hindu god for health, wealth, success, wellbeing, and prosperity. It is also believed that the nine days are equivalent to the nine nakshatras of Lord Shiva.

Many believe that Navratri also marks the birth of Lord Krishna. There are different legends about the origins of this festival, but some believe that the first one is linked to Shiva and Mahishasuramardini (his former wife) who fought a battle for nine days. Mahishasuramardini lost the battle and Lord Shiva was able to kill Mahishasuramardini, who became one of the nine nakshatras of Lord Shiva.

What Am I Supposed To Do During Navratri?

Hindu festivals are always observed according to the Hindu calendar, so people are very particular about the way they celebrate these festivals. Most Hindu festivals last for three days in total and it is the third day, 'Navratri', that is celebrated with a lot of vigor and happiness.

People are divided into four 'trikots' and the third day is known as the most auspicious day in each of the four trikots. The first and the third day are considered to be the most auspicious ones and the second and the last are considered to be the 'raksha' days.

On the second day, people are believed to go into 'Samachar’ (a trance-like state) and once you become drowsy, you are free to enter into a magical world.

Fast as per the day as per the Tulsi Vrata

Navaratri rituals vary according to the beliefs of each religion and community.

The celebration of the festival starts with the start of the 12-day Vrata which falls on the bright moon day of the second moon period (sathi Shukla paksha) of the dark fortnight of the month of Ashwin.

On this day, devotees observe fast on two consecutive days and pray to Lord Ganesha (Lord Indra and Vishnu) with a small plate of fruits and a banana leaf.

This day is also called Sada Bihu in Assam and the day of Bhogali Bihu in Tripura is called Chhath Puja in Bihar.

It is believed that by observing the fast in this manner, they are giving a lot of thanks to the Lord for bestowing them with health, wealth, and prosperity.

Offer prayers to the Goddess and the Gods

It is an occasion when devotees worship their favorite gods. People fast and offer prayers to their favorite deities, and seek blessings from them. Devotees make special offerings during Navratri such as sweets, fruits, and clothes. Devotees also sing and dance during the festival.

Make auspicious choices for the New Year

During Navratri, devotees make certain choices, which they hope will bring them luck in the upcoming year. This includes shopping or eating certain kinds of food.

Chant mantras and have pujas

Pujas are also an important part of the festivities during Navratri. People prepare special pujas and offer prayers in front of the deity of the temple on the ninth night. People also take part in puja to their favorite deities.

The Nine Divya Desams

All the nine names of Goddess Durga are associated with nine nights in Navratri. These are Akshaya, Bheeshmashree, Kalashmashree, Ashtami, Ashtami, Vaishakha, Chitthi, Shashthi, Tritthami, and Tripura. As the name itself suggests, these nights are associated with nine auspicious events that revolve around the Devi.

Navaratri is also known as Devki Putrajan. It is also believed that during each nine-night period, Goddess Durga incarnates on earth and plays an important role in the house during Navratri.

Mahalaya

The day when the gates of the temple are closed and devotees believe that Goddess Durga has returned to the Devi Bhoomi in her entirety.