What is Navratri festival? When is Navratri celebrated? Why is Navratri celebrated? How to do Kalash sthapana in Navratri? How to do Navratri puja at home?

What is Navratri festival?

Navratri in Sanskrit means nine nights and is celebrated all over India for nine nights. This festival is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and in some places, marking the victory of goddess Durga over demon Mahishasura.

Navratri is a grand affair in famous temples across India such as the Kudroli temple in Karnataka, Indrakeeladri temple in Vijayawada, Chamundeshwari temple in Mysore, Madurai Meenakshi temple in Tamilnadu and Perambur Ellaiammam temple in Kerala.

When is Navratri celebrated?

It is believed that there are four seasonal Navratris in an year, out of which the post monsoon season Navratris is popular and is called as Sharada Navratri. It is celebrated on the bright half of the Hindu Luni Calendar month Ashvin which according Gregorian Calendar falls on the September/October months.

The month of Ashvin begins on the new moon day just after the autumn equinox, the time or date at which the sun crosses the celestial equator, when day and night are of equal length (22nd September and 20th March). As per Jyotishya, Ashvin begins when Sun enters in Virgo.

Why is Navratri celebrated?

Navratri is associated with the nine incarnations of goddess Durga where each has a specific importance.

Day 1 - Shailaputri or goddess Parvati: Who symbolizes action and vigor. The color associated with goddess Parvati is Red.

Day 2 - Brahmacharini: Who symbolizes calmness. The color associated is Royal Blue.

Day 3 - Chandraghanta: Who symbolizes beauty and bravery. The color associated is Yellow.

Day 4 - Kushmunda: Who symbolizes creative power of the universe. The color associated is Green.

Day 5 - Skandmata: Who symbolizes fierceness. The color associated is Grey.

Day 6 - Katyayani: Who symbolizes courage. The color associated is Orange.

Day 7 - Kalratri: Who symbolizes ferociousness. The color associated is White.

Day 8 - Maha Gauri: Who symbolizes intelligence and peace. The color associated is Pink.

Day 9 - Sidhidatri: Who symbolizes knowledge. The color associated is Sky Blue.

People performing the Puja during the Navratri season would receive all the above qualities as blessings from goddess Durga.

How to do Kalash sthapana or Ghat sthapana in Navratri?

• Take a Kalash fill it with Gangajal or sacred water and put flowers and coins into it.
• Now place five mango leaves on the mouth or the opening of the Kalash with the leaves pointing towards the top.
• Now take a coconut and wrap it in a red cloth, tie moli and place it on the top of the kalash.
• The kalash has to be placed on the clay pot.

How to do Navratri puja at home?

• Starts with Kalash sthapana or Ghat sthapana and install the idol of goddess Durga.
• Perform panchamrit abhishekham, offer naivedya and perform aarati.
• People also observe fast for nine days and take food only in the evening.
• On the eight and ninth day, Kanya Puja is performed where little girls are invited with their feet washed and offered with food and gifts.
• End with Ghat visarjan by chanting Ma Durga mantras.