Navaratri, a vibrant and spiritually significant festival, will be celebrated with immense enthusiasm and devotion across India in 2023. This nine-night festival, dedicated to the divine feminine energy, will be a time of purification, prayer, and cultural richness. In 2023, Navaratri will begin on the 15th of October and conclude on the 23rd of October, with Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami) celebrated on the 24th of October. Let's delve into the various aspects of Navaratri.
Significance of Navaratri
Navaratri, which means "nine nights," will be dedicated to honoring the goddess Durga and her various manifestations. It will symbolize the triumph of good over evil and the victory of the divine feminine over demonic forces. This festival will hold a special place in the hearts of millions, and the significance of each day will vary.
- Devi Staphna (Day 1): The first day will mark the establishment of the goddess's idol in homes or temples.
- Malabandhan (Day 2): Devotees will adorn themselves with traditional attire and jewelry, celebrating the goddess's presence.
- Akhand Jyoti (Day 3-7): A continuous lamp, known as Akhand Jyoti, will be kept lit for the goddess during these days.
- Kumari Puja (Day 8): Young girls will be revered as embodiments of the goddess and worshipped with devotion.
Puja Rituals and Practices
During Navaratri, the presiding deity will be worshipped according to tradition. For the goddess or deity placed at the forefront, one should not switch to another god or goddess, as it is considered inauspicious. Devotees will usually offer water, change the flowers daily, and perform a regular puja, except for the main goddess or deity.
In case of a contaminated environment or illness, observing a partial fast for only the first and last day (Ashtami and Navami) will also be acceptable. Some will choose to fast only on Ashtami and partake in Dhanyapuja (food grains and cereals) on Navami.
The Sacred Akhand Jyoti
The Akhand Jyoti, a perpetual lamp, will be an essential element of Navaratri. It will usually be lit with a red wick and Ghee (clarified butter). If the lamp goes out, it will be advisable to light it again with caution, without causing a draft.
Cleanliness and Purity
Devotees will clean their homes thoroughly and ensure that the items they offer to the goddess are clean and pure. They will use fresh flowers, Tulsi leaves, durva grass, and more in the rituals.
Offering Prepared Items
For more devout results, offer prepared items that you or the priest will sanctify with devotion. Celebrate the festival joyfully, as it will bring fruitful results.
Nine Forms of the Goddess
Navaratri will revolve around nine forms of the goddess, one for each day. These forms will include:
- Shailaputri
- Brahmacharini
- Chandraghanta
- Kushmanda
- Skandamata
- Katyayani
- Kalratri
- Mahagauri
- Siddhidatri
Kumari Puja Significance
Kumari Puja, where young girls will be worshipped, will be significant as it will symbolize the goddess's divine energy. The age of the Kumari will determine the results:
- One-year-old Kumari: Attainment of liberation (Moksha)
- Two-year-old Kumari: Acquisition of wealth (Aishwarya)
- Three-year-old Kumari: Achievement of righteousness, economic prosperity, desire, and salvation (Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha)
- Four-year-old Kumari: Attainment of a state (position) in the royal court
- Five-year-old Kumari: Acquisition of knowledge (Vidya)
- Six-year-old Kumari: Realization of Siddhis (magical powers)
- Seven-year-old Kumari: Attainment of a kingdom
- Eight-year-old Kumari: Attainment of wealth
- Nine-year-old Kumari: Ruling the Earth
- Ten-year-old Kumari: Fulfillment of all desires
Offering Nivedya on Specific Days
The day of the week will determine the offerings for the goddess:
- Sunday: Payasam (Kheer)
- Monday: Pure Cow Ghee
- Tuesday: Jaggery
- Wednesday: Lime
- Thursday: Sugar
- Friday: Sugar
- Saturday: Pure Cow Ghee
Wearing Specific Colors
While there will be no scriptural basis for wearing particular colors during Navaratri, advertisements by businesses will have popularized these customs. People will often choose to wear certain colors on specific days, which will not be a requirement but will be observed by many:
- Sunday: Saffron, White
- Monday: White
- Tuesday: Red
- Wednesday: Royal Blue
- Thursday: Yellow
- Friday: Green
- Saturday: Dark Blue, Black
Conclusion
Navaratri, a festival deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality, will be a time of devotion, self-purification, and cultural richness. It will be a celebration of the divine feminine and the victory of good over evil. As you observe Navaratri, may you find spiritual strength and inner peace in the divine energy it honors. Wishing you a blessed Navaratri!