There are many reasons to celebrate in India, a country that is known for its festivals. Navratri stands out among the numerous cultural and religious celebrations. Navratri, a nine-day festival that is essentially devoted to the goddess Durga, is interestingly observed as the seasons change.
Four times a year, each named after a season, ardent worshipers of the Mother Goddess participate in Navratri celebrations. For instance, Magh Navratri (winter- January), Chaitra or Vasanta (spring March-April), Ashadha (monsoons -July/August), and Sharadiya (autumn).
The most well-known festival is Sharadiya Navratri, which falls between the Gregorian months of September and October and coincides with the Hindu month of Ashwin. The first day of Navratri festivities this year is September 26. The start and finish dates for Shardiya Navratri in 2022 can be found here. Continue reading to learn more about the importance of this festival.
Festival of Goddess Durga
The mother of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya, as well as the consort of Lord Shiva, is the Mother Goddess.
Interestingly, this expression of feminine power is supposed to possess the combined abilities of Gods and Goddesses. She was created in order to destroy the monster Mahishasura. Hence the name Mahishasuramardini. She is also seen using a trident to punish Mahishasura in the painting.
Goddess Durga, who has ten hands, is shown riding a lion and holding a variety of weapons. She also has a third eye on her forehead, just like Lord Shiva.
Why is Navratri Celebrated for 9 days?
According to folklore, Goddess Durga engaged in a nine-day conflict with Mahishasura. On the tenth day, she succeeded. Hence, devotees celebrate Navratri for nine days and on the tenth day, the Vijaya Dashami festivities begin as a mark of gratitude to the Goddess for eliminating the demon and restoring peace.
Significance of Navratri
The nine primary forms of the Mother Goddess are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri, and in addition to honoring her victory, devotees also worship them.
It's interesting to note that there are some other incarnations, including Bhadrakali, Jagadamba, Annapurna, Sarvamangala, Bhairavi, Chandika, Lalita, Bhavani, and Mookambika.
Also known as the Maha Vidyas, the Mother Goddess has several other incarnations. However, during Magh and Ashadha Navratri, also known as Gupt Navratri, particular groups worship these Goddesses. Kali, Tara Devi, Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshwari, Chhinnamasta, Tripura Bhairavi Mata, Dhumavati Mata, Bagalamukhi Mata, Matangi, and Kamalatmika are among the Maha Vidyas.
As a result, during Navratri, devotees pay tribute to Goddess Durga and celebrate the victory of good over evil.
