Happy Navaratri 2024: Thursday, 3 October, 2024 – Friday, 11 October, 2024
Navratri, meaning nine nights in complete Sharad Navratri. Navratri that is also spelled as Navaratri; and also called Durga Puja, in Hindu culture, is a major festival contained in honor of the sacred feminine. Navratri occurs for over 9 days throughout the month of Ashvin, or Ashvina according to the Gregorian calendar, which is usually the month of September–October. It usually ends with the Dussehra which is also known as the Vijayadashami ceremony on the 10th day of the festival. In a few parts of India, Dussehra is deemed as the main day of the festival, presenting it completely traverse for 10 days instead of 9. Also, as Navratri depends on the lunar calendar, in a few years it may be glorified for 8 days, with Dussehra on the 9th day. There are four related celebrations, additionally called Navratri, which are kept at different steps of the year; nevertheless, the first fall celebration, also called Sharad Navratri, is the most vital. People bring home god idols and worship them for 9 days.
Navratri is observed uniquely in India’s several districts. For many people it is a season of spiritual image and fasting; for others, it is an opportunity for dancing and feast. Among fasting, rules are following a strict vegetarian intake and refraining from liquor and specific flavorings. Dancings displayed include Garba, particularly in the state of Gujarat. Typically the festivities of 9 nights are devoted to various characteristics of the holy female principle or shakti. While the decoration alters slightly by section, usually the opening third of the celebration concentrates on features of the demigoddess Durga, the second third on the demigoddess Lakshmi, and the last third on the demigoddess Sarasvati. Presents are often made to the demi goddesses and their several features, and ceremonies are conducted in their honor. One famous ceremony is Kanya Puja, which practices on the 8th or 9th day. In this ritual, 9 young girls are treated as the 9 demi goddesses featured are honored during Navratri and are admired with the ritual of foot wash and are presented navratri gifts such as meals and apparel.
Amongst a few participants of the goddess Durga, who are expressly prevalent in Bengal and Assam, the celebration is recognized as or corresponds with the Durga Puja (“Rite of Durga”). Unique pictures of Maa Durga celebrating her triumph over the buffalo-headed devil Mahishasur are sanctified every day, and on the 10th day of the festival that is Dussehra, they are practiced in triumphant cavalcades to nearby rivers for immersion in the river. In addition to family practices, the puja, and the ritual, these 9 days are also observed with public sing-alongs, performances, musicals, and exhibitions.
9 Days of Navratri
Each day of Navratri has a promising significance and with that comes different colors, which is particular to that day.
Day 1: On the first day of Navratri, believers praise Maa Shailputri. On this day, one should dress in bright and vibrant Orange, which implies strength and joy.
Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini is magnified on the second day of Navratri. It is said that one should dress in white-colored clothes on this day, as it is a token of calmness and pureness.
Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta is revered on the third day of this festival. Red is the color for the day as it purports grace and fearlessness.
Day 4: The fourth day of Navratri is qualified to worship Maa Kushmanda. It is stated that one should dress in royal blue on this fourth day of Navratri, as it is deemed good for wellness and prosperity.
Day 5: As Goddess Skandamata, mom of Lord Kartikeya, is celebrated on the fifth day, one should dress in yellow. The color stands for optimism and illumination.
Day 6: On the sixth day of Navratri, adherents celebrate Maa Kaalratri. This is also the day when Durga Puja commences. The color of the day is green, which implies new starts and germination.
Day 7: The seventh day of Navratri is for the honor of Maa Katyayani. On this day, one should dress in grey color, as it stands for the power of molding.
Day 8: Maa Mahagauri is magnified on the eighth day of Navratri. It is said that one should dress in purple on this eighth day of Navratri, as it is a figure of power of intelligence and unity.
Day 9: The ninth and final avatar of Maa Durga, Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri. Peacock Green is the color for the day as it is believed to satisfy the wishes of the enthusiasts.
Gifts for Navratri
A list of gifts that can be given on the festival of Navratri:
- Handicraft items: One can gift handicraft items to each other. Buy Indian handicrafts online and get a variety of options to choose from.
- Photo frames: Photo frames are an ideal gift option as it can be gifted to anyone or everyone and it would contain the memories alive forever.
- Idols and figurines: Ganesha idols, Buddha idols marks as a Goodluck gift always and would be a great navratri gift option for your sister as well as your brother too. Buy god idols online from many options to choose from and gift.
- Pen holder: Everyone needs desk accessories that include a pen holder too. At eCraftIndia, find a pen holder of different types that even come with a business card holder and a table clock.
- Table Clocks: Table clocks are the most useful as everyone needs them. They can be kept on the side table in the bedroom or on the study desk to keep track of the time.
- Good luck gifts: Good luck gifts are the best gift options for your loved ones and close ones. Goodluck gifts consist of Om symbol, dreamcatcher, God idols, and many more.