Significance of Navratri 2017

In Hindu religion, Navratri has a great significance. It is known to be the most auspicious days to worship the nine forms of Shakti and to get the wishes fulfilled. Navratras are of five types - Sharad Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Ashadha Gupta Navratri, Magha Gupta Navratri and Paush Gupta Navratri. Among these five, Sharad Navratri is meant to be the most important one. In 2017, it will be started on September 21 and will end on September 30. This festival is celebrated in every region of our country. During these days, onion, garlic, non vegetarian foods, etc are avoided. Read on to know more about this festival…

The First Three Days of Navratri

The first three days of Sharad Navratri are dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Durga. This is the period, when her energy and power are worshipped. Each day is dedicated to a different appearance of Durga. . Kumari, which signifies the girl child, is worshipped on the first day of the festival. Parvati, who is the embodiment of a young woman, is worshipped on the second day. The destructive aspects of Goddess Durga symbolize the commitment to acquire triumph over all the evil tendencies. Hence, on the third day of Navratri, Goddess Kali is worshipped, who represents the woman who has reached the stage of maturity.

Fourth to Sixth Days of Navratri

When a person acquires triumph over evil tendencies of ego, anger, lust and other animal instincts, he/she experiences a void. This void is filled with spiritual wealth. For the purpose, the person approaches Goddess Lakshmi, to acquire all the materialistic, spiritual wealth and prosperity. This is the reason why the fourth, fifth and sixth day of Navratri are dedicated to the worship of Maa Lakshmi - the Goddess of prosperity and peace.

Although the individual has acquired victory over evil tendencies and wealth, he is still deprived of true knowledge. Knowledge is required to live the life of a humane, even though he/she is prospered with power and wealth. Therefore, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. All the books and other literature materials are gathered in one place and a 'diya' (earthen lamp) is lit in front of the deity, to invoke the Goddess and seek her blessings. Till the time, books are kept in the puja room, students would not study.

Seventh and Eighth Day of Navratri

The seventh day is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of art and knowledge. Prayers are offered with an aim to seek spiritual knowledge. A 'yagna' is performed on the eighth day. This comprises of a sacrifice honoring Goddess Durga as well as bids her farewell. The sacrifice or offering is made out of clarified butter (ghee), rice pudding known as kheer and sesame seeds.

Ninth Day of Navratri

The ninth day is the final day of Navratri celebrations. It is also known as 'Maha Navami'. On this day, Kanya puja is performed to worship nine young girls, who have not yet reached the stage of puberty. These nine girls symbolize one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The feet of girls are washed to welcome the Goddess and show respect to her. The girls are offered a set of new clothes as a gift from the devotees at the end of the puja.

The passion of people toward the Goddess is very appreciable. They dedicate all their time in the service of Maa Durga and seek her blessings by worshipping her. They prepare different offerings and also perform dandiya to please the Divine power.