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subir-astrologer · 1 month ago

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NAVRATRI / MAA DURGA PUJA

Navratri and Durga Puja are two major Hindu festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, though their significance and style of celebration vary across regions.

Navratri, meaning "Nine Nights," is a festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms. It typically spans nine days and nights and occurs twice a year – Chaitra Navratri (spring) and Sharad Navratri (autumn). The autumn Navratri is more widely celebrated and culminates in Dussehra or Vijayadashami, marking the victory of good over evil.

The chief deity adorned on these days is the feminine principle of the divinity. Therefore, all the forms of Mother Goddesses are heralded, worshiped and adorned on these days. Called as Shakti, the female energy represents the universe, while Shiva represents the consciousness or soul.

Maa Durga is the ultimate source of power who takes care of the entire universe and feeds it. The Navratri festival glorifies the eternal power of Durga and seeks her blessing and protection. As per the legend, there was a demon called Mahishasura who was a terror to all the three worlds.

As per the boons he had received, he could not be killed by any gods, humans or demons except the feminine energy, which he underestimated to be insufficient to vanquish him. To save all the worlds from his captivity, Mother Durga, assumed a terrific form and waged a war against him for nine days and killed him on the tenth day. The word Durga also means the power which destroys misery and sufferings.

A Sanskrit verse heralds Mother Durga as “Durga Dhurgati Nashini”, the one who destroys afflictions. Worshipping Mother Durga on these nine days is said to confer joy, prosperity, wealth, hope, wisdom, success and lasting happiness.

The Navratri festival is a sort of refreshing and recharging one. Homes, educational institutions, businesses and organizations clean their premises and conduct pujas and worship on these nine days.

Some of the key Aspects:

Goddess Worship: Each of the nine days is dedicated to a different avatar of Durga (Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, etc.).

Fasting and Rituals: Devotees observe fasts and perform daily pujas (prayers) with offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets.

Garba and Dandiya Raas: In Gujarat and Maharashtra, it is celebrated with dance forms like Garba and Dandiya Raas, which are performed in groups, with people wearing colorful traditional attire.

Kanya Pujan: On the eighth or ninth day, young girls are honored as embodiments of the goddess and offered food and gifts.

Dussehra: The tenth day symbolizes the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana or Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.

Durga Puja celebration :

Durga Puja, particularly prominent in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Bihar, celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It typically spans five days (Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami) but preparation and celebrations can last longer.

Some of the key Aspects:

Idol Worship: Elaborate pandals (temporary structures) house stunning idols of Durga, along with her children (Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya). Devotees visit these pandals to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Cultural Festivities: Durga Puja is not just a religious event but also a cultural extravaganza. Traditional dances, plays, music performances, and art exhibitions form an integral part of the celebration.

Anjali and Sindoor Khela: Devotees offer Pushpanjali (flower offerings) on Ashtami, and on Dashami, married women apply sindoor (vermillion) on each other as part of Sindoor Khela, symbolizing the goddess's departure to her heavenly abode.

Immersion (Visarjan): The idols are immersed in water bodies, symbolizing Durga's return to Mount Kailash.

While both festivals celebrate the feminine divine and the triumph of good over evil, Navratri tends to have a more pan-Indian presence, while Durga Puja is particularly grand in Eastern India, especially Kolkata. Both festivals bring communities together and inspire a spirit of devotion and joy.

#durga puja festival #festival of india #indian festival #hindu festival #navratri festival #maa durga puja #garba dance #festival of lights

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thenationaltv243 · 1 year ago

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Maha Ashtami Celebrating the Divine Feminine Power

India is a land of diverse cultures and religions, each with its own set of festivals and traditions. Among the plethora of celebrations, one of the most significant and widely observed festivals is Maha Ashtami, also known as Durga Ashtami. This auspicious day falls on the eighth day of the Navaratri festival, which is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, the embodiment of divine feminine power. Maha Ashtami is not just a religious observance; it is a cultural and spiritual phenomenon that unites people from all walks of life in reverence of the supreme female deity.

Origin and Signifi

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haruwrites21 · 1 year ago

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Understanding Durga Ashtami: Ritualistic Insights on the 8th Day of Navratri

Durga Ashtami, or Maha Ashtami, the 8th day of Navratri, holds a prominent role in this nine-day-long festival, ascending to its peak. As the day unfolds, a variety of special rites take place, each associated with its unique significance and story. Let's delve deeper into these rituals, appreciating the wisdom and meaning they encompass.

The Majestic Aarti On Maha Ashtami, a special Aarti (a Hindu religious ritual of worship) is performed to honor Goddess Durga. This ritual, involving circulating an 'Aarti plate' or lamp around the deity, symbolizes the removal of darkness, igniting the divine light within our lives.

Ritual of Kumari Puja This day honors the purity and innocence of young girls through Kumari Puja or Kanya Puja. Girls, embodying the divine feminine energy, are worshipped as incarnations of Goddess Durga. The ritual emphasizes recognizing the divine in everyone around us and serves to inculcate respect and reverence for the feminine.

Sandhi Puja: The Intersection of Time The Sandhi Puja occupies a significant place on this day. It marks the juncture between the 8th and 9th day of Navratri, capturing the pivotal and transformative moment of Goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. This ritual emphasizes the power of time and change.

The Sacred Fasting Many devotees observe a day-long fast on Durga Ashtami. Fasting, or abstinence from food, fosters mental discipline and signifies surrender to the divine power. It's a conscious practice enhancing spiritual strength and devotion.

Harmonious Celebration with Dandiya and Garba Dandiya and Garba, traditional folk dances performed during Navratri, bring the community together, creating an environment filled with joy, harmony, and unity. These vibrant dances beautifully illustrate how collective celebration can foster human connection and communal strength.

Immersing in the Color of Pink Pink is the chosen color for Durga Ashtami. Symbolizing optimism, love, and compassion, wearing or using this color on Ashtami is like affirming positivity and warmth in our lives.

#wishes #navratri

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achidiyaa · 4 years ago

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Festive Sarees-The weaves of Celebration

With the festive season approaching us, the hunt to create that sparkling wardrobe has already begun. These festivities have esteemed significance in our Indian culture, making people celebrate it by wearing traditional ethnic clothing, and for it, shopping is a must. Indians often choose to go for fresh and new clothes to enjoy these auspicious festivals, while Indian women often tend to wear beautiful festive sarees for different celebrations and occasions. Indian festive sarees are bright, beautiful, and elegant. Usually worn on propitious events, these festive sarees are designed to be fancy yet traditional. The motifs, prints, and colors used in these festive sarees are often picked to reflect the joy and happiness of the festive season. In the next few coming months, India celebrates some of it's biggest festivals.

Below we have listed down a few of our favorite designs for festive sarees to be worn on different occasions and festivals.

1- Durga Puja- Embrace your inner goddess

Durga Puja, a festival of celebration, praying, and feasting. This is the time when people dress in the finest manner and go out for pandal hopping. In Durga Puja, four days of celebration are most important and significant. They are Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami. These four days of Dussehra, Durgotsav, or Durga Puja rejoice with great joy, grandeur, and show. When it comes to fashion choices most Indian women opt for traditional festive sarees during these four days. Though it is not at all necessary to go for the white-taant or garad saree with a red border as your Durga Puja staple. There are many multiple designer choices and vibrant colors available for festive sarees. It is the perfect time to bring out the embellished sarees, silk sarees, woven sarees, or embroidered sarees. In Chidiyaa, you'll find some of the best festive sarees to opt to dress up for this Durga Puja. Scroll down below to have a look.

2- Navratri- The 9 Festive Days

Sharad Navratri, the nine splendorous and joyful nights are one of the most awaited Indian festivals. With Garba and Dandiya nights being enjoyed all over the country. Making Sharad Navratri often referred to as the blend of dance, joy, festivities,and religious devotions, a perfect Indian festival. People often dressed in colorful and vibrant clothing to resemble the spirit of this festivity. Though, Indian women often decked up at their traditional best in ethnic outfits for the day-pooja and some indie-fashion for the colorful Navratri nights. And to look their best they usually land on the most elegant and graceful of all, Indian festive saree. For Navratri, Indian Women often pick colorful and vibrant designs or heavy embroidery and embellished festive sarees. Below are a few of our most cheerful designs in festive sarees to accompany your Navratri style.

3-Diwali- The Festival of Lights

With cleaning up and beautifying our house to resembling our wardrobe again, Diwali is the festival to add sparkle and brighten up our houses. It is a time when families and friends come together to meet and greet each other, share sweets, food, happiness, and laughter. The 5 glorious days of Diwali are DhanTeras, Choti Diwali (Kali Chaudas), Diwali evening, Bestu Baras (New Year), and Bhai Dooj are fabulous in terms of celebrations. Diwali is one of the festivals that break all the boundaries of religion and culture and is celebrated in every part of India. Making the week of Diwali to be dressed up in traditional elegant Indian outfits. With friends and family coming for small dinings and meet-ups, dressing up in ethnic is the best way to keep up the Diwali vibe. To accompany the brightest day of the year, many Indian women opt to dress up in gorgeous festive sarees. Some of them pick the most sparkling hues with intricate design while others go with minimalistic festive sarees to define their styles. In Chidiyaa, you'll find a wide range of both these options to adore your look this festive season,

Festive sarees are one of the best ways to dress up in the most traditional and ethnic way. It is one of the outfits which never goes out of style. You can pick the finest silk, contemporary motifs, or some indie twist when it comes to picking festive sarees. Below, we've aligned the most elegant and beautiful festive collections from Chidiyaa, with festive sarees submerged in the opulent texture of chanderi silk or amidst in the comfort of cotton. With different prints and designs inspired by the beauty of Indian culture, heritage, and art. Most of them feature easy-silhouettes and nature-inspired handprints, making it a perfect style for an elegant sartorial look.

You can also choose and pick among the wide range of saree blouses to style it with them. We've blouses in mashru, silk, and cotton design with minimalistic motifs and serene silhouettes to give that last touch to your overall ethnic look.

#sarees #sareesonline #courtansarees #durgapuja #spacel

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neelamkhemanibhopal · 3 years ago

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When is Chaitra Navratri? History, Significance, Rituals - Neelam Khemani Bhopal

After April 2, 2022, Chaitra Navratri will last until April 11, 2022. Check out this guide for details on the significance, history, rituals, and puja timings of the nine-day long festival. There are nine days dedicated to the worship of the nine avatars of Maa Durga during this occasion. On these days, which start on the first day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar and fall in the month of March or April, devotees observe fasts and worship the goddess Durga. According to the Hindu calendar, Chaitra is the first month of the year. On the last day of the celebrations, Ram Navami is observed to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama. In addition, many of the rituals observed during Shardiya Navratri, which occurs in the months of September and October, are also observed during Chaitra Navratri.

Date And Timings Of Chaitra Navratri 2022:

As per Drik Panchang, the nine-day-long festival of Chaitra Navratri will begin on April 2, 2022, and will last until April 11, 2022. Ashtami, which falls on April 9, will be one of the most important days of the festival. Furthermore, Ghatasthapana is also one of the most important rituals during Navratri. A nine-day festival begins with it.

Day 1: April 2 Pratipada

Day 2: April 3 Dwitiya

Day 3: April 4 Tritiya

Day 4: April 5 Chaturthi

Day 5: April 6 Panchami

Day 6: April 7 Shasthi

Day 7: April 8 Saptami

Day 8: April 9 Annapurna Ashtami -Sandhi Puja

Day 9: April 10 Rama Navami

Mahurat Time (Kalash Sthapna) - April 2, 6:22 am to 8:29 am.

Ghatasthapana Muhurat - 6:10 am to 08:31 am

Pratipada Tithi Begins - 11:53 am on April 1, 2022

Pratipada Tithi Ends - 11:58 am on April 2, 2022

While Ram Navami muhurat begins at 1:32 am on April 10 and ends at 3:15 am on April 11, there is no muhurat scheduled yet.

History And Significance Of Chaitra Navratri 2022:

Chaitra Navratri is a festival dedicated to honoring Goddess Durga in her nine different incarnations. There are nine avatars of Maa Durga associated with each of the nine days of the festival. They are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.

In addition to the birth of Ram, the seventh avatar of Hindu god Vishnu and the son of Krishna and Kausalya of Ayodhya, many people also celebrate this festival to commemorate its origins. It is a day when people go to worship Lord Ram, and places associated with his birth and life are decorated.

Celebrations of Chaitra Navratri 2022:

When Hindus celebrate Chaitra Navratri, they decorate temples and religious places as a sign of auspiciousness. In addition, people refrain from drinking alcohol and eating non-vegetarian meals, as well as eating onion and garlic during the nine days. Hindu astrology is also practiced by many people through rituals and pujas.

#neelamkhemanibhopal neelamkhemani neelambhopal neelamkhemaninews nilamkhemanibhopal nilamkhemani nilambhopal nilamkhemaninews motivation fit

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jaysontaylor7619 · 4 years ago

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Navratri 2020: Significance and History of Navratri

An auspicious festival celebrated with great religious fervour, Navratri is intrinsically associated with religious reflection, fasting, dance and celebration.

Significance and History

Translating to nine nights in Sanskrit, Navratri is a festival celebrated across India. It is observed twice every year, once during spring called Chaitra Navratri and once during autumn called Sharad Navratri. The latter is more popular and falls during the months of September or October and culminates on the 10th day as Dussehra or Vijayadashami. Sharad Navratri falls this year on 17th Oct and goes on till the 25th of the month. The festival is an ode to the power of Goddess Durga who is worshipped in all her 9 avatars.

Legend has it that Goddess Durga fought hard for nine days to destroy the evil demon Mahishasura and emerged victorious on the 10th day which gave rise to this festival and celebration. The Goddess is considered to be the embodiment of Shakti and all supremacy and people worship the deity for Her blessings to overcome all obstacles in their lives. It is associated with the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana in North India and hence burning effigies of the latter is common during the festival.

Navratri is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India and this includes the display of dolls called Gollu in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, as Ramaleela in the North and installation of life size idols of Lord Durga in West Bengal.

Diverse rituals and customs

It is interesting to note that each day in Navaratri is associated with a different colour and a different form or avatar of Goddess Durga. All nine days are considered highly auspicious and sacred and is a celebration of Maa Durga as she is called. Devotees also dress up in the colours associated with each day during this period. The celebrations are kicked off on the first day with the installation of the holy “Kalash” which is symbolic of the beginning of the festival. Grey is the colour associated with the first day and Maa Durga is worshipped as “Shailputri”. The second day (Dwitiya) she is worshipped as “Brahmacharini” and orange which is the colour of tranquillity and knowledge is the related colour. The third day (aka Thritiya), the goddess is worshipped in the form of Chandraghanta and white which is symbolic of peace and serenity is the colour associated with the third day.

Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Kushmanda and is decked up in Red on Chaturthi. On Panchami, Maa Durga is worshipped as Skanda Mata and the colour of the day is Royal blue. Yellow which represents joy and cheerfulness is the colour of Shasti or the 6th day and the Goddess is worshipped as Katyayani. On the 7th day the deity is worshipped in the form of Kalaratri and green which is the colour of nature is the colour of Saptami. Ashtami sees Maa Durga as Gowri and is decked up in resplendent peacock green. On the final day i.e. Navami or the ninth day Durga takes the form of Siddhidhatri and purple which represents ambition and energy is the colour of the day.

Typically, the festival is an ode to the supremacy of the divine feminine power. In the south and some other parts of India, the first three days are dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the next three for Goddess Saraswathi and the last 3 for Goddess Durga. While Kanya puja or the worship of young girls is done in some parts, Saraswathi pooja is an important part of the rituals in South India. The initiation of school education or “Aksharabhyasa” is done for many small children on Saptami which is Saraswathi pooja day.

Food and festivities

In many parts of the country, Navratri is a period of fasting and people follow a strict diet which includes consumption of foraged foods like sabudana, millets, buckwheat flour, singhare ka atta and pink salt. The use of non-vegetarian food, onions and garlic is strictly prohibited. Hence sabudana khichdi, singhare atte ka halwa, lauki ka halwa, kuttu puris, kheer etc are some of the delicacies that are prepared.

In states like Gujarat Garba performances and Dandiya Raas are held in honour of Goddess Durga. Kulu in Himachal Pradesh is a town known for its elaborate Dussehra celebrations. The culmination of Navratri is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami on the 10th day which is considered as one of the most auspicious days of the year. It is a perfect occasion to start any new ventures. Original content is published on https://lafleur.in/navratri-2020-significance-and-history-of-navratri/

#Navratri 2020 #History of Navratri #Significance of Navratri

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wonderparenting-blog · 5 years ago

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Why Navratri is celebrated? Significance of all nine days of Navratri Celebration

The colorful festivals of India are an integral part of the life of its people. They are symbols of the rich cultural heritage of the diverse land of India. Each unique festival is a celebration of great significance, where India comes alive in its fascinating best. Let’s read why Navratri is celebrated?

Importance of Navratri

Navratri is the festival of nine nights, during which the Divine Mother, the goddess of ‘shakti’, Durga, is worshipped in her nine forms and manifestations.

Navratri festival is observed twice a year, once in the month of Chaitra which coincides with the months of March – April and then again in Ashwin (Sharad), which is the equivalents of September – October.

During these nine days of Navratri, people take part in special ceremonies, rituals, fasting, and festivities. Gujaratis wear colorful costumes and perform ‘Garba Rass’, a special type of dance that is performed vigorously around an earthen lamp or circling the images of the Divine Mother.

The fast is broken on either Ashtami – the eighth day, or Navami – the ninth day, by serving food and praying before little girls who are seen as a form of the Goddess.

Sharad Navratri is also known by the name of Ashwin Navratri. Sharad Navratri 2019 in India will start on 29th September, Sunday and will end on 7th October, Monday.

Goddess Durga has nine structures, and all are loved amid Navratri by devoting every day to one ‘symbol’ or incarnation. Every Goddess is illustrative of a specific ideal.

Before reading the significance of all nine days, let’s read tips for Navratri fasting.

People look for Navratri fast recipes but these 9 tips are more important for consumption of food for Navratri fasting.

9 Tips for 9 Days of Fasting – Food for Navratri Fasting

Instead of eating once a day during fast, take at least 4 – 5 falahari small meals so as to maintain your energy level and glucose level.

Fruits make up the largest arc of your food rainbow. Eat plenty of fresh fruits of the season. Fruits will not only provide you energy but also fiber and vitamins. Remember more fibre gives you better digestion.

Most of the Navratri recipes for nine days of fasting are deep fried with lots of oil and fats. So instead of frying, you can try baked or roasted recipes.

Along with food items rich in carbohydrates, try to include fibrous vegetables such as cabbage, capsicum, etc. Remember to drink water regularly.

Read:

Is fasting healthy?

Chaulai (Amaranth) is a good source of protein and you can include it in your fasting menu. You can prepare its pudding (kheer) by cooking it in milk or you can also make puris or paranthas with it.

Include kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) in your diet. It contains 70 % to 75 % of carbohydrates and 20 % to 25 % of protein. It maintains cholesterol levels and also manages diabetes as it is low in glucose.

If you are health conscious, try to avoid fasting snacks available in the market. It will be advisable to include roasted makhana (Foxnuts), which is high in fiber and low in calories or roasted peanuts or dry fruits in your snacks menu.

Samak Chawal (fasting rice) is a very good option for fasting food. It is not a cereal but a fruit. It is easily digested. You can cook rice as a pulao or you can also make its kheer with milk.

If you are a sweets lover, save room for dessert. You can eat fruits, sweet curd, dates, apple pudding or Samak rice kheer as a dessert. Dessert is probably the most important stage of the meal you will remember during your fasting day.

Now you want to know Why Navratri is Celebrated?

Significance of all nine days of Navratri:

First three days are related to the worship of Goddess Durga.

Next three days, Goddess Laxmi is worshipped.

Last three days worship of Goddess Saraswati is done with all rituals.

1. Shailputri Puja on First Day of Navratri:

Shailputri is the name of the form of Goddess Durga when she incarnated as the daughter of King of Mountains – Himachal.

She is worshiped on the first day of Navratri.

Meaning of Shail is a mountain and Putri is a daughter.

Her sheen is equal to crores of moons.

She rides on Nandi bull.

Her head is embellished with a half-moon.

She has a Trishul (trident) in her right hand and var mudra on the other hand.

Brahmcharini Puja on Second Day of Navratri:

Maa Durga was incarnated as the daughter of King Daksh and this form of her is known by the name of Brahmcharini Devi.

In this incarnation, her name was Sati. This was her un-married form which is worshipped as Brahmcharini Devi.

She has Jap mala (Rosary) in her right hand and Kamandalu in her left hand. She walks bare feet.

To get Lord Shiva as her husband, she was on a diet of flowers and fruits only for 1000 years, followed by green leafy vegetables for another 100 years. She used to sleep on the floor for her Tapasya.

She did severe Tapasya for all seasons and remained on Bilva leaves for 3000 years for Lord Shiva.

Her favorite flower is Jasmine and her favorite color is orange.

Chandraghanta Puja on Third Day of Navratri:

Goddess Chandraghanta is the married form of Goddess Mahagauri, after getting married to Lord Shiva, when she started adorning her forehead with half-moon or Chandra. Thus, she is named as Goddess Chandraghanta.

She is worshiped on the third Navratri.

Chandraghanta governs the planet Shukra.

She mounts on the tigress and wears half-moon or Chandra on her forehead. The Chandra (half-moon) on her head looks like Ghanta (bell) and so she is called by the name of Chandra-Ghanta.

She depicts ten hands. In her four left hands, she holds Gada, Trishul, Kamandalu, and Sword. Her fifth hand remains in Varadra Mudra. In her four right hands, she holds Lotus Flower, Rosary (Jap Mala), Arrow and Bow (Dhanush). Her fifth right-hand remains in Abhaya Mudra.

Her favorite flower is Jasmine.

Chandraghanta Goddess is a Goddess of peace and welfare for her devotees.

With all her weapons in her hands, she is ready for the war.

With the sound of moon-bell (Chandra-Ghanta) on her forehead, all the devil spirits, obstacles remain away from her devotees.

Kushmanda Puja on Fourth Day of Navratri:

Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth Navratri.

Goddess Parvati, after taking Sidhhidatri form, started living inside the Sun so as to liberate energy to the whole universe. After that, she is known by the name of Kushmanda Devi.

She has the capability and power to live inside the Sun. Her body has radiance and glows as same as the Sun is luminous. She governs the Sun and provides energy and direction to the Sun.

Goddess Kushmanda mounts on the lioness.

Due to her eight hands, she is also called as Ashtbhuja Devi. In her four right hands, she holds Kamandalu, Bada, Dhanush and Lotus flower. In her four left hands, she holds Chakra, Jap Mala, Amrit Kalash, and Gada. Her favorite color is red and so red-colored flowers.

In her Jap Mala, she has enormous power to bestow Nidhhis and Siddhis.

She is the creator of Brahmand that is the whole universe and she likes white pumpkin’s (Kushmanda) Bali. Due to this association of Kushmanda and Brahmand, she is called by the name of Kushmanda Devi.

Skandmata Puja on Fifth day of Navratri:

Goddess Durga took the incarnation of Goddess Parvati and she gave birth to Lord Skanda.

Goddess Parvati in the form of the mother of Lord Skanda, ( who is also known by the name of Lord Kartikeya ) is known as Goddess Skandmata.

She is worshiped on the fifth Navratri.

Goddess Skandmata governs the Budha planet.

She rides on the ferocious lion along with six-faced baby Murugan in her lap.

Lord Murugan is the brother of Lord Ganesh, also known by the name of Lord Kartikeya.

She has four hands. In both her upper two hands, she holds Lotus Flower. In one of her right hand, she carries Lord Murugan and her other right-hand remains in Abhaya Mudra.

Goddess Skandmata is also known as Goddess Padmasana as she sits on Lotus Flower.

Her complexion is Shubhra that also describes her white complexion.

Her favorite flowers are red-colored flowers.

Katyayani Devi Puja on Sixth Day of Navratri:

Goddess Parvati in the most violent form is known by the name of Goddess Katyayani. Goddess Parvati took incarnation in the form of Katyayani Devi to destroy Mahishasura demon.

She is famous as the Warrior Goddess.

Goddess Katyayani governs the planet Brihaspati.

It is believed as per the religious books that Goddess Parvati took birth at the home of Rishi (sage) Katya. So, this form of Goddess Parvati is called by the name of Goddess Katyayani.

Goddess Katyayani is Mahasaraswati as per Durga Saptshati texts.

Goddess Katyayani mounts on the magnificent lion and has four hands. She keeps her right hands in Varada Mudra and Abhaya Mudra. In her left hands, she holds Lotus Flower and sword. Her favorite flowers are red-colored flowers. She loves red roses.

Kalaratri Puja on Seventh Day of Navratri:

The time when the Goddess Parvati evacuated her external golden skin to slaughter evil presences named Shumbha and Nishumbha, she was known by the name of Goddess Kalaratri.

Kalaratri is the fiercest and the most savage form of Goddess Parvati.

Goddess Kalaratri is worshiped on the seventh day of Navratri.

She governs the planet, Shani.

Goddess Kalaratri appearance is dim dark.

She is portrayed with four hands. She keeps her right hands in Abhaya and Varada Mudra and in her left hands, she holds a sword and the savage iron snare.

Kalaratri remains naked and rides on the ass. She has long lips and radiant body. She is wearing decorations in legs like lightning and has open hair, enormous eyes, and ears.

Her favorite flowers are night-blooming jasmine.

Goddess Kalaratri is the most fierce form of Goddess Parvati.

She favors her devotees with Abhaya and Varada Mudras. As a result of her Shubh or favorable force inside her form of Goddess Kalaratri, she is otherwise called Goddess Shubhankari (शुभंकरी). People also spell her name as Kalratri and Kaalratri.

She is extremely ferocious looking.

Worshiping over Goddess Kalratri evacuates all hindrances and also expels every enchanted impact made by others.

Mahagauri Puja on Eighth Day of Navratri:

When Goddess Shailputri was sixteen years old, she was very beautiful and had brilliant white complexion as white as the moon. Due to her fair complexion, she was called Mahagauri.

Goddess Mahagauri governs the planet Rahu.

Goddess Mahagauri and Goddess Shailputri, both rides on a bull, therefore she is also famous as Vrisharudha.

Her favorite flowers are night-blooming jasmine.

She has four hands. In her one right hand, she carries Trishul (trident) and her other right-hand remains in Abhaya Mudra. In her one left hand, she holds Damru and her other left-hand remains in Varada Mudra.

She is compared with the white flower Kunda and white moon.

Mahagauri wears only pure white clothes. All these aspects portray her name – Goddess Mahagauri and Shwetambardhara.

Siddhidatri Puja on Ninth Day of Navratri:

Goddess Siddhidatri possesses eight Siddhis and nine Nidhis.

Goddess Siddhidatri was incarnated when Adi-Parashakti entered in the left half body of Lord Shiva.

When the universe was beginning, Lord Rudra adorned Adi-Parashakti for creation, who had no form. After that, Adi-Parashakti took the form of Goddess Siddhidatri. Since then, Lord Shiva was also known by the name of Ardha-Narishwar.

She is worshiped on the ninth day of Navratri.

She governs the planet Ketu and gives direction and energy to it.

Siddhidatri mounts on the lion and sits on Kamal (Lotus Flower).

She has four hands. In her one left hand, she holds Lotus Flower and in another left hand, she holds Shankh (Conch). In her one right hand, she holds Gada and in another right hand, she holds Chakra.

Lord Shiva got all the Siddhis from Goddess Siddhidatri. Along with humans, she is worshiped by all the Siddha, Aksha, Asura, Gandharva and Deva.

She bestows all her Siddhis on her devotees. Devotees who worship Goddess Siddhidatri on the ninth day of Navratri receive the results of all the nine days worship.

Read: What can we learn from Lord Ganesha?

Kanya Puja or Kumari Puja on Eigth/Ninth Day of Navratri:

Kanya Puja or Kumari Puja is considered an important ritual during Navratri Puja and Durga Puja.

This Puja is known by different names such as Kumari Puja, Kumarika Puja, Kanchaka, Kanya Laangur.

As per Hindu religious texts, Kanya puja is suggested to be done on all the nine days of Navratri Celebration.

To start with, one single girl is worshiped on the very first day of Navratri and one girl is added on each following day.

Many people follow the practice of Kanya puja only on the single day either on Ashtami Day Puja or Navami Day Puja.

The day of Kanya Puja is decided and followed as per family traditions of respective Kul. Kanya Puja is performed on Ashtami Tithi in Belur Math.

Kanya Puja Vidhi:

According to Hindu religious texts, two to ten years’ old girls are suitable for Kanya puja (Brahmin girls to fulfill all sorts of wishes, Kshatriya girls for the fame and glory, Vaishya girls for the prosperity and wealth and Shudra girls to get a son). These girls portray various forms of Goddess Durga and named as follows:

Kumarika

Trimurti

Kalyani

Rohini Kali

Chandika

Shanbhavi

Durga

Subhadra or Bhadra

All the nine girls (Kanya) and one boy (langur) are welcomed by washing their feet with religious water and red powdered kumkum.

Then they are seated respectively on a mat laid on the floor (preferably in the temple zone of your home) and the religious red thread is tied on their wrists by chanting the dedicated mantra.

A tilak is applied on their forehead and a red chunni of Devi maa is given to them.

The youngest girl can be asked to pick up Jau from the mud pot which is now fully grown and kept in our temple as a sign of growth and wealth.

Halwa, Puri, Chana, Coconut are prepared for Prasad Bhog to Goddess.

People sing Navratri special bhajan.

All the girls are served delicious food (Prasad) after offering Bhog to Goddess Durga.

Dakshina (money) and gifts are given to all the girls by touching their feet and taking their blessings, who are seen as a form of the Goddess.

Durga Puja

Durga Puja marks Goddess Durga’s visit to her parents’ home, along with her children, Ganesh, Kartik, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The festival takes place in the month of Ashwin or Kartik, that is, in the months of September or October, also known by the name of Durgotsava.

Goddess Durga arrives on Horse on the Earth on the first day of Devi Paksha and departs on Charanayudha on Durga Visarjan Day. The five days during Durgotsava are Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijayadashmi.

Durga Puja Days Calendar in 2019: 4

October, Friday to 8

October, Tuesday

It is the biggest festival of the year for Bengalis – they worship Goddess Durga, who, holding ten weapons in her ten hands, finally triumphs over the demon, Mahishasura, thereby signifying the victory of good over evil.

The festival lasts for five days – people get up early, bathe and fast so that they can offer flowers or ‘Pushpanjali’ in the mornings on all days, ‘Aarti’ is performed daily before the deity, to the rhythmic beat of the ‘dhak’, a type of drum played by skilled drummers. Huge decorative temporary structures called ‘pandals’ are constructed housing the most beautiful idols, followed by community lunches and cultural functions.

On the last day of the festival, streets leading to the water bodies are crowded with onlookers who watch the numerous idols being taken for immersion. After this, in a tradition called ’Bijaya’ greetings are exchanged and sweets are offered to one another.

Navratri date Dussehra 2019 is 8th October.

Read Qualities of Lord Krishna we can teach our kids

17 Facts you must know about Dussehra – Vijayadashmi:

The festival of Dussehra also known as Vijayadashmi is one of the most fascinating national festivals of India.

According to the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana, Lord Rama prayed to Goddess Durga, seeking her blessings for the killing of Ravana, the ten-headed demon king who had kidnapped his wife, Sita.

It is also the victory of Durga Maa over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

Durga Maa told Rama the secret of how he could put an end to the great Ravana’s life. Hence, the day the demon was slain by Lord Rama is celebrated as the festival of Dussehra, as it signifies the victory of good over evil.

Revelers re-enact the legendary tale of Ramayana, after sunset, by putting up a performance called the ‘Ramlila’, wherein actors dressed as Rama and Lakshmana are shown shooting flaming arrows at huge effigies, stuffed with firecrackers, which represent the evil demons, Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad.

Dussehra day is considered an extremely auspicious and holy day.

It is known by different names, Dussehra, Dasara, Dashain.

The rituals done on the day of Dussehra such as Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja, and Seema Avalanghan are done during Aparahna time.

Dashami Tithi Begins ~~ 12:38 pm on 7th October 2019

Dashami Tithi Ends ~~02:50 pm on 8th October 2019

Vijayadashmi Puja Time:

Vijaya Muhurat – 02:06 pm to 02:52 pm ( Duration – 0 hours 47 minutes )

Aparahna Muhurat – 01:19 pm – 03:39 pm ( Duration – 2 hours 20 minutes )

Hindus believe that any work started on this day is bound to meet with success.

In some communities, traders open new books of accounts and worship their tools and weapons.

In some communities, Ravana is worshiped with flowers, Roli, Chawal, Mauli, Jal, Batasha, Kanda, Singhada, Mooli, Haldi and Jau by drawing his figure on paper with flour.

All the sisters apply tilak on their brothers’ forehead and put Jau tied in Mauli on their ears, which they keep the whole day as a symbol of growth and success.

Homes are cleaned and decorated for the festival with flowers and puja is performed worshiping Goddess Durga.

People dress up in new clothes, eat delicious food, and sweets of various types are prepared and served to each other on this day.

Hope you now know why Navratri is celebrated!

Shubh Navratri! Jai Mata Di!

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