Happy Navratri to everyone!

Navratri is an auspicious Hindu festival specifically dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. This annual festival is celebrated not just in India but all around the globe. The word ‘Nav’ means nine and ‘Ratri’ means night in Sanskrit, hence ‘Navratri’ means nine nights of celebration, during which nine forms of goddesses are worshipped. They are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Maha Gowri and Siddhdhatri.

Before the festival, devotees start purchasing new traditional clothes , especially for the Garba and Dandiya Raas. In fact, the best part about this festival is the traditional dance forms performed for nine nights. The entire Navratri festival is about praying, fasting , dancing and enjoying for the nine days. On Ashatami - second last day of navratri , Kanya Puja is performed in households and temples, wherein 10 children, nine females representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga and one male in the form of Bhairav nath, devotee of Maa Durga are worshipped . There is a ritual attached to it that involves washing the girls’ feet , applying Tikka (red color) on their forehead, serving favourite dishes in the form of Prasad along with gifts to show respect. On 9thth day Havan is performed and Navratri ends on 10th day known as Dussehra, a festival that is celebrated to denote the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Thus, Navratri itself symbolises victory over evil. May Goddess Durga, showers her blessings and love on everyone.

Jai Mata Di !!!