18/10/2018
Navratri or the nine sacred days mark the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar and are celebrated across the country with much fervour and festivity. Also known as Maha Navratri, this festival falls in the lunar month of Ashwin during Sharad Ritu. Although, the festival typically falls four times in a year, the Sharada Navaratri during autumn (September-October) is the most celebrated, and the Vasanta Navaratri during spring (March-April) is the next most significant Navratri.
The festival is celebrated to commemorate Maa Durga's win over the demon Mahishasura and represents the victory of peace and dharma over ego and evil.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NINE DAYS:
Day 1 of the Navratri celebrates goddess Shailputri. This avatar of goddess Durga is the embodiment of the collective power of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The goddess in this avatar is worshipped as the consort of Shiva.
Day 2 of the festival celebrates goddess Brahmcharini, the second avatar of Maa Durga. She is blissful and endows happiness, peace, prosperity and grace. Filled with bliss and happiness, she is the way to emancipation or moksha.
Day 3 of the nine-day festival of Navratri celebrates goddess Chandraghanta. She represents beauty and grace and is worshipped on the third day for peace, tranquility and prosperity in life. She is the symbol of bravery.
Day 4 of the festival celebrates goddess Kushmunda. This avatar of the goddess is considered the creator of the universe. It is believed that she created the universe through laughter.
Day 5 of Navratri 2018 celebrates goddess Skand Mata. She is the mother of Skanda, or Karthikeya, who was chosen by the gods as their commander-in-chief in the war against the demons. The goddess represents the vulnerability of a mother who can fight anyone when the need arises to protect her child.
Day 6 of the Navratri celebrates goddess Katyayani. The goddess was born to the great sage, Kata, as an avatar of Durga. Dressed in orange, she exhibits immense courage.
Day 7 of the festival celebrates goddess Kalratri. This avatar of the goddess has dark complexion, disheveled hair and a fearless posture. She is the most fierce form of goddess Durga, and she is dressed in white, a colour that represents peace and prayer.
Day 8 of the festival celebrates goddess Maha Gauri. The eighth avatar of Maa Durga represents intelligence, peace, prosperity and calm.
Day 9 of the festival of Navratri celebrates goddess Siddhidatri. The goddess is known for having supernatural healing powers. The goddess represents blissful state of mind, just like the sky on a clear day.
