in ,

Why We Celebrate Navratri and Dussehra

Exploring the Vibrant Festivities, Mythological Significance, and Traditions of Navratri and Dussehra.

Why We Celebrate Navratri and Dussehra

In a country of countless festivals, not one but two of the most popular celebrations have arrived. Nine days of Navratri lead up to the grand tenth day of Dussehra. So, apart from garba and dandiya in glittering mirror-and-shell ghagra cholis and kedias, what does Navratri include? And while we’re at it, what does Dussehra entail? It’s time to take a break, delve into the mythological tales passed down to us from childhood, and remember what these festivals stand for. But before that, check your wardrobe to ensure you’re keeping up with the festive spirit. Confused? Read on.

Navratri Places to Visit

Navratri

Nine days of powerful women empowerment in religious sagas—what more could feminists ask for? Navratri is a festival that honours the powerful Goddess and her various forms. According to legend, these nine days symbolise the battle between Maa Durga and the demon Mahishasura. The tenth day, Vijayadashmi, celebrates her triumph over the demon, symbolising the victory of good over evil. This also ties into the celebration of Durga Puja in West Bengal, where it is believed that these are the days when Maa Durga leaves the celestial abode of her in-laws to visit her father’s house on Earth.

Also Read: Delicious Navratri Special Foods to Enjoy During Fasting

Another belief is that the nine days are divided among Goddess Durga, who destroys all impurities, negativities, and evil in our lives; Goddess Lakshmi, who bestows spiritual wealth upon us; and Goddess Saraswati, who blesses us with knowledge and wisdom. This is likely why people worship books and art forms on Ashtami, the eighth day.

A more elaborate explanation describes the forms of the Goddess worshipped on each of the nine days, along with the colours to be worn and rituals to be followed on the most significant days:

1. Ghatasthapana – (First Day)

The form of Maa Durga worshipped on the first day is known as Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. She is also a form of Goddess Shakti, the consort of Lord Shiva. This day marks the installation of the kalash, or ‘ghat’. The area where the kalash is placed is cleaned with cow dung and mud, and a pot made of gold, silver, or copper, filled with a coin and holy water, is placed. The pot is then either covered with an inverted coconut and mango leaves or a red cloth. Barley or nine types of cereal seeds are sown around the kalash, which grow over the nine days and are distributed as prasad to devotees at the end. A puja is then conducted to invoke the Goddess to bless the kalash. This ceremony is called Avaahan, followed by nine days of fasting and twice-daily worship of the kalash. Yellow is the color of the day.

2. Dwitiya – (Second Day)

This day is dedicated to Brahmacharini, the form of Durga named after ‘Brahma,’ meaning penance. Green is the color worn on this day.

3. Tritiya – (Third Day)

On this day, Goddess Chandraghanta, who symbolizes beauty and bravery, is worshipped. Grey is worn in her honor, and the Gauri Vrata and Sindhoor Tritiya Sowbhagya Teej are observed.

4. Chaturthi – (Fourth Day)

The fourth day is dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda, the creator of the universe, with devotees wearing orange in her honor. Bhoumi Chaturthi is also observed.

5. Panchami – (Fifth Day)

Skanda Mata, the fierce mother of Skanda, the chief warrior of the gods’ army, is worshipped. She is known for slaying demons. Devotees observe the Upang Lalitha Gauri Vrata and wear pure white.

6. Shashti – (Sixth Day)

The sixth day is devoted to Katyayani, the form of Durga with three eyes and four hands. Maha Shashti is celebrated on this day, and red is worn.

7. Saptami – (Seventh Day)

The seventh day, or Maha Saptami, is dedicated to Kaalratri, the form of the Mother Goddess who grants freedom from fear, evil, and unhappiness. Utsav Puja begins on this day, and blue is the color of the day.

8. Ashtami – (Eighth Day)

Durga Ashtami is the eighth day, when Maha Gauri, who symbolises calmness and wisdom, is worshipped. She cleanses her devotees of their sins and forgives them. Saraswati Mata Puja is also performed, and pink is the designated color.

9. Navami – (Ninth Day)

On the ninth day, Goddess Siddhidaatri, the form of Durga with all eight siddhis, is worshipped by Rishis and Yogis. She is known for her supernatural powers. Maha Navami Puja and Kanya Puja are performed, with purple being the color of the day.

Dussehra

Dussehra, the tenth day, is also known as Vijayadashmi, marking the triumph of good over evil. The name Dussehra comes from ‘Dasha-hara,’ meaning the slayer of the ten-headed demon. This is the day when Lord Rama killed Ravana, and to commemorate it, effigies of Ravana are burnt across the country.

It is a lot of fun to watch!

What’s your favourite festival, and what’s the story and significance behind it? Be sure to brush up on your grandparents’ treasure trove of tales and share them with us. We’re eager to hear from you!

What do you think?

Written by Puja Gokarn

A writer insanely in love with writing...who knows and has no way other than to love writing as much as she does...enjoys flavours of food, experiences, stories and words....savors life and longs for complete abandon and surrender in everything! @postcards.and.love...

Delicious Navratri Special Foods to Enjoy During Fasting

Delicious Navratri Special Foods to Enjoy During Fasting

Mul Secrets Launches New Gut Detox Drink for Enhanced Gut Health

Mul Secrets Launches New Gut Detox Drink for Enhanced Gut Health