Navaratri is a holy period of nine days dedicated to Mother Durga that is very significant in Indian Subcontinental culture. It is also known as Navaratra, Nauratr, Navarathri, Nauraat, Navratan etc. Navaratri is a Sanskrit name that is made of two words ‘Nav’ and ‘Ratri’ [Navaratri = Nav + Ratri]. Nav means nine and Ratri means nights. Hence, Navaratri means a period of nine nights (also days). It has a very sacred place in Hinduism.
CONTENTS AVAILABLE AT THIS PAGE
- 1 Where is celebrated the Navaratri Festival?
- 2 Why is celebrated the Navaratri Festival?
- 3 Who was Mahishasura?
- 4 When is celebrated the Navaratri Festival?
- 5 How is the Navaratri Festival Celebrated?
- 6 What is the Celebration Period of the Sharadiya Navaratri, 2022?
- 6.1 Details of Sharadiya Navratri And Vijay Dashami 2022 are as follows:
- 6.2 26th September [Pratipada tithi] :
- 6.3 27th of September (Dwitiya):
- 6.4 28th September [Tritiya]:
- 6.5 29th September [Chaturthi]:
- 6.6 30th September [Panchami]:
- 6.7 1st October [Shashthi]:
- 6.8 2nd October [Saptami]:
- 6.9 3rd October [Ashtami]:
- 6.10 4th October [Navami]:
- 6.11 5th October [Dashami]:
- 7 Major Events of Sharadiya Navaratri, 2022
- 8 What is the importance of Ghat-sthapana?
- 9 Why Barley is sown in Ghatsthapana?
- 10 How many and which goddesses are worshiped in Navratri?
- 11 What are the Rules for Navaratri Festival?
- 12 What is the Navaratri Paran?
Navaratri is celebrated widely in Greater India or you can say in the Indian cultural sphere. Countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Srilanka, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, etc. come in its compass
The Indian cultural sphere (Greater India) is a range composed of many countries and regions in South and Southeast Asia that were historically influenced by Indian culture. This culture is formed from the various distinct indigenous cultures of these regions.
The story behind the celebration of the Navaratri Festival is the legend of the goddess Durga. According to Indian mythology, the goddess Durga slew the monster Mahishasura [a buffalo demon] using the united forces of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva at this festival, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
To commemorate Goddess Durga’s nine incarnations (arrivals), celebrations are held for nine days. In other words, different forms of goddess Durga are worshipped on these nine days.
It is very significant in Hinduism. During Navratri, Maa Durga is supposed to descend from Heaven to Earth and remove all of Her followers’ problems.
In this article, we will address the celebration Period, dates of Navaratri and Dusshera, significant events like Ghat Sthapana (Establishment of Holy pot), Ashtami Puja, Navami Puja, the Ghat Sthapana Procedure, Maa Durga’s arrival, and departure, and certain Navratri norms.
Who was Mahishasura?
According to legends, Mahishasura was an asura (demon). He was the grandson of Brahma-sage Kashyap and Danu. He was the son of Rambha and brother of Mahishi. He was a worshiper of Lord Brahma.
Mahishasura pleased Brahma after years of penance. Brahma asked him to ask for a boon. Mahishasura asked for the boon of immortality. He wished that no “man or animal” on earth could kill him. Brahma granted him this boon, and then told him that a woman would kill him.
Mahishasura believed that there is no woman in the world who could kill him. Enraged over the power of “immortality”, Mahishasura attacked Triloka (earth, heaven and hell) with his huge army. He also tried to capture Indralok.
The gods decided to fight with Mahishasura but no one could defeat him due to the boon of Lord Brahma.
After this, the gods prayed to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu considered the situation and decided to take a female form to defeat Mahishasura.
Since Lord Shiva is the god of death, he consulted him. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva combined their respective powers to give birth to Durga. Hence Durga is the power that runs the universe. She is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the daughter of the mountain king Himavan.
Goddess Durga fought with Mahishasura for fifteen days. In this war he kept changing his shape to become different animal and kept misleading Goddess Durga. When he finally turned into the shape of a buffalo, Goddess Durga killed him with her trident.
Goddess Parvati killed Mahishasura, after which she received the title of ‘Mahishasur-mardini’ which means – the one who slay Mahishasura.
According to some Hindu texts such as the Shakta and Vaishnava Puranas, Navaratri falls twice a year, in the Hindu months of Ashwin and Chaitra.
Of these, the Sharadiya Navaratri (Navaratri of winter) is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin, after Sarvapitri Amavasya, when Pitru Paksha ends. This time is near the autumn equinox (September–October).
Simply, the Pratipada of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin marks the beginning of Sharadiya Navratri.This is the most significant to the Indian subcontinental culture.
Since the Navaratri of the Ashwin month happens in the winter, so, it is also known as Sharadiya Navaratri or the Navaratri of the winter season.
Another is the Vasanta Navaratri that is observed in the Hindu month of Chaitra near the spring equinox (March–April). This is the next most significant to the culture of the Indian subcontinent.
According to some Hindu Traditions and scholars, there are two more periods of Navaratri. These are called Gupt Navaratri (Secret Navaratri). Hence, they consider Navaratri four times a year.
In all of the above cases, Navaratri falls in the bright half of the Hindu lunisolar months.
During the Navaratri, nine goddesses are worshipped. It consists of stage decorations, enacting of the story, recital of the legend, and chanting of the holy scriptures of Hinduism.
These days, the public celebration of classical and folk dances of Hindu culture, competitive design, and staging of pandals are organized. Families of devotees visit these pandals.
Hindu devotees often remain on fast and celebrate Navaratri. On the Vijayadashami, the statues of the goddess are either immersed in a water body like a pool, river, ocean, etc., or the evil symbolizing effigy is burnt with fireworks, marking it as the destruction of evil.
Hence, the celebrations vary by region, leaving much to the creativity and preferences of the Hindu devotees.
The sacred days of Navratri will take place from September 26 to October 5 this year i.e. in 2022. Nine different manifestations of the Mother Durga or Shakti will be worshipped during these nine days of Navratri.
| Date | Tithi of Ashwin Shukla Paksha | Navaratri | Events |
| 26th September | Prathma | First | Maa Shailaputri Puja & Ghatasthapana [Kalash Puja] |
| 27th September | Dvitiya | Second | Maa Brahmacharini Puja |
| 28th September | Tritiya | Third | Maa Chandraghanta Puja |
| 29th September | Chaturthi | Fourth | Maa Kushmanda Puja |
| 30th September | Panchami | Fourth | Maa Skanda Mata |
| 1st October | Shashthi | Fifth | Maa Katyayani Puja |
| 2nd October | Saptami | Seventh | Maa Kalaratri Puja |
| 3rd October | Ashtami | Eighth | Maa Mahagauri Puja |
| 4th October | Navami | Nineth | Maa Siddhidatri Puja |
| 5th October | Dashami | ——— | Ravan Dahan
Burning of Ravan’s effigy |
26th September [Pratipada tithi] :
On this day, Shailputri puja is performed by devotees as well as Ghatasthapana or Kalash Pujan is executed. Goddess Shailputri, who holds a lotus and a Trishul in her hands, is the earliest manifestation of Goddess Durga. People present Goddess Shailputri, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, with pure ghee (deshi ghee).
27th of September (Dwitiya):
On the 27th of September (Dwitiya), devotees worship the second manifestation of Goddess Durga, Brahmacharini. After a protracted period of meditation, it is said that Goddess Parvati married Lord Shiva; hence, the name Brahmacharini. This Durga avatar is a representation of honour and contrition. She receives a fruit and sugar prasad.
28th September [Tritiya]:
Chandraghanta Puja is performed on Tritiya. Goddess Chandraghanta is the third avatar of Goddess Durga having 10 arms and is fierce with anger. She is served milk-made kheer and sweets.
29th September [Chaturthi]:
Kushmanda Puja is performed on Chaturthi. Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on this day. Maa Kushmanda is the fourth form of Maa Durga who is offered Malpua as bhog.
30th September [Panchami]:
People perform Skandamata puja on this day, which is also referred to as Lalita Panchami. It is well known that Goddess Lalita is a manifestation of Maa Durga. On Lalita Panchami, fasting gives happiness, wisdom, and wealth. Goddess Skandamata, the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga, is a serene and tranquil deity. Bananas are offered to the Goddess as prasad as a symbol of health by devotees.
1st October [Shashthi]:
Katyayani puja is done on this day. On the sixth day of Navratri, honey is offered to Goddess Durga as a representation of sweetness. It is thought that Goddess Katyayani grants her followers a sweet life and represents sincere devotion.
2nd October [Saptami]:
Kalaratri puja is done on Saptami tithi. The seventh incarnation of Goddess Durga is Kalaratri. On Saptami, devotees offer Maa Durga jaggery as bhog in the belief that she will shield her true followers from evil spirits and strong forces.
3rd October [Ashtami]:
MahaGauri puja will be held on this day. In order to honour Goddess Durga, devotees will present her a coconut as bhog. On a bull, the goddess Magagauri rides. She is revered as a representation of tenacity and repentance. Durgashtami is another name for this tithi.
On the tithi of Navami, Maa Siddhidhatri is worshipped. This day is observed as ‘Mahanavami’, the Great Navami. The ninth form of Maa Durga is considered a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. Goddess Durga is served with sesame seeds as bhog.
5th October [Dashami]:
On Dashami tithi, devotees of Mother Durga accomplish Navratri Parana. It is also acknowledged as Durga Visarjan. Vijayadashmi marks the end of Navratri. On this day, idols of the goddess are carried out in processions and immersed in a water body.
Followings are the major events of Sharadiya Navaratri, 2022:
Ghatsthapana Muhurat (Auspicious beginning of establishing the holy pot):
The timing of the first day of Sharadiya Navaratri, Pratipada of Shukla fortnight of Ashwin Month, is as follows:
| Event | Date | Tithi | Time |
| Beginning | 26th September | Pratipada of Ashwin | 03:23 AM |
| Wind-up | 27th September | Pratipada of Ashwin | 03:08 AM |
Timing of Ghatsthapana Muhurat in the Morning is as follows:
| Date | Tithi | Time | Duration |
| 26th September | Pratipada | 06.17AM – 07.55 AM | 01 Hour and 38 Minute |
Timing of Ghatsthapana Abhijeet Muhurat is as follows:
| Date | Tithi | Time | Duration |
| 26th September | Pratipada | 11.54AM –12:42 AM | 48 Minute |
What is the importance of Ghat-sthapana?
According to Hindu perception, the Kalash (holy pot) is believed to be the abode of deities, planets, and constellations.
That is why, on the festivals like Diwali, Navaratri, Teej, etc. Ghatasthapana (Kalash installation) has special significance in Hinduism.
Kalash is considered a symbol of happiness and prosperity and auspicious work. Ghat means to activate it by invoking the powers in the Kalash. Even in Navratri, all the powers are invoked by setting up the Kalash. This destroys the negative energy present in the house.
Why Barley is sown in Ghatsthapana?
According to religious beliefs, barley is considered a symbol of Brahma ji and Annapurna Devi. It is said that barley is considered to be the first crop of creation.
That is why, at the time of Ghatasthapana, barley is sown and then they are worshiped first.
Another reason is that Barley (food) is considered to be the form of Brahma, so it should be respected first.
What is the Procedure of Ghatsthapana?
In Ghatsthapana Muhurat on the first day of Navratri, Ghatasthapana should be done only at an auspicious time. To perform Ghatsthapana follow the following steps:
- Take an earthen pot.
- Put a layer of clean soil in this earthen pot.
- Now, sow seven types of grains in it.
- After it, in the northeast, spread a piece of red cloth on the puja post.
- Establish the photo of Goddess Durga on this post.
- Then, put Gangajal, Durva, Akshat, betel nut, and coin in a copper or earthen pot, Kalash.
- Now Tie Mauli (a sacred thread) on the Kalash.
- Put 5 leaves of mango or Ashoka in it.
- Now place a coconut tied with a red chunari on top of the Kalash. Coconut is considered a symbol of Ganesha, as well as the Tridev (Three Gods), resides in it.
- Make a swastika with roli (Red powder) on the Kalash.
- Now place the barley pot and Kalash in front of the photo of Maa Durga.
During the holy period of Navratri, a nine days long span, devotees worship nine incarnations of Mother Durga as Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
On the eighth day [Ashtami] and the ninth day [Navami], devotees of Mother Durga invite little girls for Devi Prasad and Kanya Pujan. Additionally, nine little girls dressed as the nine embodiments of the deity are worshipped. Hindus believe that little girls represent the manifestation of the inherent force of creation.
Next, enclose a Shriphal [coconut] in a scarlet fabric and tie a nauli/kalawa around it. Maintain it atop the Kalash. Show the Kalash the dhoop or diya. You could also present treats, flowers, fruit, and so on. It is now prepared to request help from Goddess Durga. Pray to Goddess Durga and ask her to accept it so she can stay in the Kalash for the nine days of Navratri. Now chant the Durga Pujan mantras and do Maa Durga Aarti. You can also recite the Durga Chalisa.
In honour of the goddess Durga, people keep fasts during Navaratri. Fasting is also beneficial for your health. It cleanses the body and the spirit.
However, before keeping a fast, you must be aware of the laws that fast-takers are prohibited from breaking. The holy scriptures ask that certain laws be observed. These regulations must be followed.
Even if they do not observe the fast, those who follow Sanatan Dharma should refrain from consuming non-vegetarian foods, eggs, garlic, onions, and alcohol during the nine-day festival.
Never leave the house empty where the Navratri eternal light is ablaze. It must be inhabited by at least one person.
Do not dress in black when worshipping the Goddess. People who are fasting during Navaratri must practise chastity.
Do not trim your hair, or nails, or shave your bread if you are on a Navratri fast. Once you have completed Parana, you can perform it.
On the last day of the Navaratri festival, Navami, devotees immerse the goddess Durga’s idol in a water body like pools, rivers, ocean, etc. The name of this procedure is Navaratri Paran.
May Mother Durga bring happiness, success, and health to you and your family!
!! Jai Mata Di !!
Note: The facts have been taken from various Sanskrit Texts and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharadiya_navaratri .*
