Bhubaneswar, Oct 3: The nation is gearing up to celebrate Shardiya Navaratri 2023, a sacred festival dedicated to the worship of the nine divine forms of Goddess Shakti, also known as Durga. Following the nine days of Navratri 2023, the tenth day is celebrated as Vijaydashmi or Dussehra 2023.
During Navratri, some devotees observe fasts and engage in elaborate rituals to honor the goddess. The festivities also include lively dances such as Dandiya Raas and Garba, performed in traditional attire.
Shardiya Navratri Muhurat and Tithi:
Shardiya Navratri 2023 commences on the 15th of October 2023 and concludes on the 24th of October 2023. The auspicious time for Ghatasthapana/Kalashsthapana during Shardiya Navratri 2023 is from 11:44 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the 15th of October 2023.
History and Significance of Shardiya Navratri:
Navratri holds immense significance in the Hindu religion worldwide. It is referred to as Shardiya Navratri because it falls in the Hindu month of Ashwin. The essence of Navratri is encapsulated in its name, where "Nav" signifies nine, and "Ratri" denotes night.
According to legend, a formidable demon named Mahishasura possessed immense powers and a boon that made him invulnerable to defeat by any man. High with power, he subjugated all the gods, seeking to create a passage from hell to heaven. In response, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva combined their energies to give rise to Goddess Durga. After a fierce nine-day battle, Goddess Durga emerged victorious over Mahishasura.
Types of Navratri
There are four types of Navratri to be celebrated throughout the year:
Chaitra Navaratri 2023 (March-April): It is celebrated during the Hindu month of Chaitra which is associated with the creation of the universe and the beginning of the Hindu calendar.
Ashadha Navaratri 2023 (June-July): It is celebrated during the Hindu month of Ashadha which is associated with the Goddess Gayatri and her five faces, which represent the five elements of nature.
Sharad Navaratri 2023 (September-October): It is celebrated during the Hindu month of Ashwin which is associated with the victory of the Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
Paush Navaratri 2023 (December-January): It is celebrated during the Hindu month of Paush which is associated with the goddess Annapurna and the worship of the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.
How to Celebrate Shardiya Navratri
Shardiya Navratri is a nine-day celebration dedicated to the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga, marked by immense fervor and enthusiasm. During this festival, people exchange greetings such as "Happy Navratri" or "Jai Mata Ki."
Here are some common ways in which Navratri is celebrated:
Worshipping the Goddess: Devotees meticulously perform rituals to honor the nine forms of Goddess Durga, which include Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri.
Fasting: Many individuals observe fasts during Navratri as an expression of devotion to the goddess. Fasting also serves as a detoxification process for the body, and meditation is often recommended during these fasts to achieve internal peace and happiness.
Garba and Dandiya Raas: Traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas take center stage during Navratri. Participants don traditional attire, such as Navratri Chaniya Choli and Ghagra, and gather in large pandals or open grounds to revel in these lively dance forms and partake in other festivities.
Food and Gifts: Navratri cuisine is strictly vegetarian, with a wide variety of delectable dishes prepared. Those fasting during Navratri often use rock salt instead of regular salt in their meals. Exchanging gifts is a common tradition during this festival.
Shardiya Navratri Celebrations across India:
Navratri is celebrated with immense joy throughout the country, with people engaging in prayers, dances, feasting, and various other festivities. Some notable places in India where Shardiya Navratri is celebrated with special enthusiasm include:
Gujarat: Gujarat is renowned for its exuberant Navratri celebrations. The entire state comes alive with traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas during this festival. Prominent cities for Navratri celebrations in Gujarat include Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat.
Mumbai: In Mumbai, the city hosts numerous events such as Navratri Garba Nights and Dandiya competitions. People prepare in advance for these festivities, wearing traditional attire and singing prayers to the goddess. Events like "Navratri Utsav with Falguni Pathak" and others add to the vibrancy of the celebrations.
Kolkata: In Kolkata, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja, one of the city's major festivals. Elaborate rituals and grand celebrations take place in massive pandals, where gigantic idols of the goddess are worshipped. Popular locations for Durga Puja include Santosh Mitra Square, Bagbazar, and College Square.
Delhi: The capital city of Delhi witnesses spirited Navratri celebrations, with clubs and societies organizing grand Garba and Dandiya nights. People from diverse cultures come together, donning Navratri outfits, and Navratri decorations adorn pandals to welcome the goddess. Notable places for celebrations include Jhandewalan Temple and Kalkaji Temple.
Varanasi: In Varanasi, Navratri is celebrated with great zeal, featuring dances on the ghats and illuminated lamps floating in the river. Temples are adorned with flowers and lights, creating a captivating atmosphere during Navratri. Prominent locations include Machodari Pandal, Hathua Market Pandal, and Shivpur Pur Pandal.
These celebrations exemplify the cultural diversity and vibrant traditions associated with Shardiya Navratri across India.
