The Hindu festival of "Navratri", a Sanskrit word for "nine nights", is about worshiping the nine divine incarnations of the goddess Durga. The occasion signifies the power of womanhood.
The festival is celebrated twice a year during the months of Chaitra (March-April) and Sharada (October-November), as per the Hindu almanac. It precedes the “Vijaydashmi” or “Dussehra” festival that marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana.
On each day of the festival, devotees worship one incarnation of the goddess.
These forms include the goddess Shailaputri, goddess Brahmacharini, goddess Chandraghanta, goddess Kushmanda, goddess Skandamata, goddess Katyayani, goddess Kaalaratri, goddess Mahagauri, and goddess Siddhidatri.
When do We Celebrate Navratri in 2023?
In 2023, Navratri commences on 15 October and will continue until the Dussehra festival on 24 October.
According to the Hindu almanac, the shubh mahurat (auspicious time) to begin Navratri Puja (worship) is at 11:44 am, and ends at 12:30 pm (IST).
How is Navratri Celebrated?
Navratri is one of the most important festivals, and is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm by Hindus across India.
Hindu devotees around the world mark the beginning of the Navratri festival by worshiping the goddess Durga at their homes, or visiting temples decked up in the festive spirit.
Special Durga Puja pandals (tents) are constructed to worship idols of the goddess Durga, which are a major public attraction on the occasion.
Devotees wear traditional Indian garb like a nine-yard saree, kurta pajama, or dhoti kurta, and opt for nine Navratri colors for each day that are said to be the favourite of the goddess in her different forms.
Brimming with devotion, people flock to temples to offer prayers to the goddess and offer flowers, sweets, and fruits.
Devotees visit Durga Puja pandals hopping and performing the traditional "dhunuchi dance" and folk dances "garba" and "dandiya".
Why do People Fast During Navratri?
Fasting during Navratri is considered to be auspicious as it is said to be significant for internal physical transformation as it detoxes one's body.
Some people observe fasts, called 'Vrat' in Hindi, only on the first and last day of Navratri.
However, many faithfully continue fasting throughout the entire festival, abstaining from consuming grains, liquor, and non-vegetarian food.
During the fasting period, devotees consume fruits, milk, yogurt, and Navratra special vegetarian delicacies made with rock salt.
Some famous Navratri recipes include potatoes, arbi (taro), sabudana (sago) dessert, bread made of kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) or singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour).