All you need to know Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri is a Hindu festival that means Auspicious Nine nights, it is celebrated on 13th April (2021) (in autumn)
Like every other festival which is celebrated in India, Navratri is also celebrated on Different dates every year so, in 2021 it's 13th April.
So, let's talk about the most important part of this blog:-
Why do we celebrate Navratri?
- The festival is associated with the well-known battle that took place between Durga and the demon Mahishasur and it signifies the accomplishment of Good over evil. There are nine days and are dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine Avatars (the Navadurga) Each day is related to an incarnation of the deity.
There are four seasonal Navaratri. However, it is the post-monsoon autumn festival called Sharada Navaratri that is the vastest identified in the honor of the divine Devi Durga. Each day has a special importance!
Before telling you about each day, let me tell you one thing that in order to represent each Devi, the Hindu people wear the dress of colors mentioned in each days as the color code is of the particular Devi! Also, The Devi is also dressed up with the color which represents herself.
Day 1 – Shailaputri:-
It is known as Pratipada (initial day), this day is related to Shailaputri (literal meaning,-Daughter of Mountain), she was an incarnation of Parvati. It is that the Goddess is worshiped as the spouse of Lord Shiva; she is portrayed as riding Nandi, she has Trishul in her right hand and lotus in her left hand. She also is considered to be the incarnation of Mahakali.
Color: Grey is the color of day, it shows or tells action and strength.
- Day 2 – Brahmacharini:-
The next day is known as Dwitiya, Goddess Brahmacharini, another incarnation of Parvati, is worshiped in Navratri. In this shape, Parvati became Sati, her unmarried self. Brahmacharini is worshiped for independence and endowment of peace, prosperity and unity. She is Characterized as walking bare feet and holding a japamala and a kamandala (pot) in her hands, she conveys happiness and calm.
Color: Blue is the color of the day. This color depicts calmness is sometimes used but yet the strong energy flows throughout.
- Day 3 – Chandraghanta:-
The third day is known as Tritiya, it Celebrates the worship of Chandraghanta – this name is derived from the story: after marrying lord Shiva, Parvati adorned her forehead with the Ardha Chandra (literal meaning half-moon). She is the embodiment of elegance and is also symbolic of courage.
Color: White is the color of the third day, which is an optimistic color and can light up everyone's mood.
- Day 4 – Kushmanda:-
Goddess Kushmanda is worshiped on Chaturthi (literal meaning - fourth day). It is assumed to be the efficient energy of the universe, Kushmanda associated with the endowment of greenery on earth.
Color: the color of the day is Red. She is portrays as having eight arms and sits on a Tiger.
- Day 5 – Skandamata:-
Skandamata is the goddess worshiped on Panchami (literal meaning: fifth day), she is the mother of Skanda (also known as Kartikeya). She is depicted riding a fierce lion, having four arms, and carrying her baby.
Color: The color of Royal Blue is representative of the courage of a mother when her child met face to face with threat and problem.
- Day 6 – Katyayani:-
The 6th day (Shashtami) of the Navratri, Katyayani, she is an incarnation of Devi Durga. Known as the combatant goddess, she is considered one of the most destructive forms of Devi. In this avatar, Kātyāyanī rides a lion and has four hands. She is a form of Parvati, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati.
Color: as it is shown to exhibit courage and enthusiasm, which is symbolised by the color Yellow.
- Day 7 – Kaalaratri:-
Considered one of the most ferocious form of Goddess Durga, Kalaratri is worshiped on the 7th day- Saptami. It is believed that Parvati removed her fair skin to kill the monsters Sumbha and Nisumbha.
Color: The color of the day is Green. The Goddess appears in a red-colored attire or tiger skin with a lot of rage in her fiery eyes, her skin turns black. This color portrays devotion and assures the devotees that the Goddess will defend them from damage.
- Day 8 – Mahagauri:-
Mahagauri symbolises intelligence and peace. It is believed when Kaalaratri took a bath in the Ganga river, she became incredibly fair from her darker hue. She is celebrated on Ashtami (eighth day).
Color: The color related with this day is Peacock Green which depicts positiveness.
- Day 9 – Siddhidatri:-
On the last day of the festival also known as Navami (ninth day), people pray to Siddhidhatri. Sitting on a lotus, she is believed to possess and bestows all types of Siddhis. she has four hands and she is also known as Mahalakshmi, Sidhidatri is Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. Siddhidhatri is also seen as the Ardhanarishvara form of Shiva and Shakti. It is believed that one side of Lord Shiva’s body is that of Goddess Siddhidatri. Therefore, he is also known by the name of Ardhanarishwara. According to Vedic scriptures, Lord Shiva attained all the siddhis by worshiping this Goddess.
The last day of the Navratri festivity is observed as ‘Rama Navami’ and on this day the ‘Siddhidatri Maha Puja’ performed.
color: The purple color of the day portrays an admiration towards nature's beauty.
How is Navratri celebrated?
Praying and fasting are done in Chaitra Navratri for celebrations. Before the celebrations, the house is cleaned for welcoming the Goddess in their home. The devotees performing the puja observe a fast for all nine days. While fasting only 'satvik' food like potatoes, curd and fruits are allowed.
What is the importance of Navratri:-
Chaitra Navratri is one of the most meaningful and important festivals of Hindus. During this time, devotees worship Maa Durga, the Goddess of heavenly powers, to be blessed by Her divine. It is believed that if devotees worship Goddess Durga without any intentions to be fulfilled, they will attain salvation.
Chaitra Navratri also marks the onset of the summer season and is observed when Mother Nature undergoes a crucial and major climatic change. It is a popular belief that by observing a vrat (fast) during the Chaitra Navratri the body is prepared for the happening and coming summer season.
That's all for today, comment down below and let me know if I wrote it well... thank you so much for reading my blog post.
~HAVE A NICE DAY!
-NAVISTHA
