Navratri Festival (2023)
The Sanskrit word "Navratri" means "nine nights" and represents the nine nights of adoration.
Meaning: Since Navratri remembers Goddess (Maa) Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura, it celebrates the victory of good over evil.
Nine Goddess Forms: Each day of Navratri is devoted to one of the nine Navadurga forms of the Goddess (Maa) Durga. These shapes stand for many aspects of the divine feminine force.
Fasting: During Navratri, many individuals practise fasts, eating only particular foods like fruits, nuts, and select grains. Some people even avoid eating onions and garlic.
Decorations: Vibrant rangoli (patterns formed with coloured powder), flowers, and lights are used to adorn homes and temples.
Dussehra: On the tenth day of Navratri, on Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, effigies of the demon king Ravana are burned to represent Lord Rama's victory.
Music and Dance: The traditional dances Dandiya Raas and Garba are performed during Navratri. To songs of devotion, people dance in circles, frequently using sticks (Dandiya).
Why celebrate Navratri ?
There was a war between Maan Durga and Mahishaasur which lasted for 9 days and on the 10th day Goddess (Maa) Durga killed Mahishaasur. During the war, all the goddesses worshiped Goddess ( Maa) Durga and performed archana, since then the festival of Navratri is celebrated.
When is Navratri ?
15 October, Sunday 2023 to 23 October, Monday 2023
Depending on the lunar calendar, the Hindu celebration of Navratri, which lasts for nine nights, usually takes advantage of September or October.This year 2023 Navratri will start on 15 October, Sunday and Dashahara will be celebrated on 24 October.
Which places in Maharashtra are famous for Nauratri?
Hindus all over India, including Bengal and Maharashtra, celebrate Navratri. However, how it is observed may differ between locales and communities. During Navratri, traditional Garba and Dandiya dance performances are frequent throughout Maharashtra. The important festival of Durga Puja, which is widely observed in West Bengal, frequently falls during Navratri. As a result, during this period, both regions celebrate their particular cultures.
Pune: Pune is renowned for hosting extravagant and colourful Navratri celebrations. During this holiday, there are a lot of cultural activities, traditional dances like the Garba and the Dandiya, and social gatherings.
Mumbai: Navratri is widely celebrated in Mumbai, especially in districts with noticeable Gujarati and Maharashtrian populations.
Nashik: The colourful Navratri celebrations in Nashik are also highlighted by musical, dance, and cultural acts.
What can you eat during Navratri fasting?
People often eat things that are allowed during the vrat (fast) during the Navratri fast. Fruits, dairy products (except from onions and garlic), nuts, particular grains like buckwheat and amaranth, and some vegetables are included in this. Sabudana khichdi and singhara puri are two popular options for special fasting recipes.
Individual fasting recommendations must be followed because regional cultures can differ.
Fruits: During the Navratri fast, most fruits are permitted. Commonly eaten fruits include pomegranates, bananas, apples, and bananas.
Root vegetables:Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yam are common ingredients in recipes during fasting.
Water Chestnut (Singhara): Puris and other snacks are made with Singhara flour.
Samak rice: also known as barnyard millet, is frequently used in place of ordinary rice when fasting.
Nuts and Seeds: Recipes for fasting frequently call for almonds, peanuts, and sesame seeds.
Herbs and Spices: Common spices for flavouring include cumin, coriander, and rock salt (sendha namak).
Dairy Products:Yoghurt, milk, and paneer (an Indian cottage cheese) are typically permitted dairy products. But some people could decide to stay away from them.
how are colours of navratri decided?
Traditionally, Hindu mythology and symbolism are used to choose the Navratri colours. A certain deity is connected to each day of the festival, and that deity is symbolised by a particular colour. The colour order might vary depending on area and tradition, but often goes like this
Day 1: Yellow (for Goddess Maa Shailputri)
Day 2: Green (for Goddess Brahmacharini)
Day 3: Grey (for Goddess Chandraghanta)
Day 4: Orange (for Goddess Kushmanda)
Day 5: White (for Goddess Skandamata)
Day 6: Red (for Goddess Katyayani)
Day 7: Royal Blue (for Goddess Kalaratri)
Day 8: Pink (for Goddess Mahagauri)
Day 9: Purple (for Goddess Siddhidatri)
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