Navratri - Honouring the symbolic vision of divinity

According to its definition, Navratri refers to nine nights devoted to the Divine Mother, or Shakti. The month of Ashvin is when this holiday is observed. The longest-lasting Indian holiday is Navratri. Typically, the Navratri festival occurs in October, particularly the Sharad Navratri that precedes the festival of Dussehra. India celebrates Devi Navratri in a variety of distinctive ways. Some of them are well-known, such as Gujarat's Dandiya Raas and Bengal's Durga Puja. Fasting in the Northern regions of the nation is another holiday that is well recognised across the region. Golu in Tamil Nadu and Bathukamma festival in Telangana, for example, are still only well-known in the respective local areas where they are held.

Even though Navratri happens every month, there are four particularly significance of Navratri each year: Sharad Navratri, which occurs after the autumnal equinox; Magha Navratri (also known as Vasant Panchami), which occurs after the winter solstice; Chaitra Navratri, which occurs after the spring equinox, and Ashada Navratri, which marks the time after the summer solstice.

The summer solstice heralds the start of Dakshinayana, or the southern run of the sun, which is based on the lunar calendar. Dasara festival honours the divine feminine, which is observed throughout this period. The beginning of the Dussehra, the quarter of the year when the whole northern hemisphere of the Earth is ingrained with the tenderness of the divine feminine, is specifically marked by the Sharad Navratri, which begins after the auspicious day of Mahalaya Amavasya (Pitru Paksha). During these nine days of Navratri puja, ceremonies, and festivals, Durga puja is done to honour Navadurga in all of her facets and splendour in Indian culture.

When Is Navratri 2022

Hindus celebrate Navratri time, 9 days of Navratri holiday honouring 9 avatars of Durga: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidhatri. India celebrates four Navratri annually, with Chaitra and Sharad Navratri receiving the most significant engagement. The other two Navratri are observed in the months of Magha and Asadha. The month of Magha, January through February is when the Magha Navaratri occurs. Vasant Panchami or Saraswati Puja is held on the fifth day of this Navratri. Asadha Navratri, also known as Gupta Navratri, occurs in June and July.

Sharad Navratri or Shardiya Navratri is what we will celebrate from Monday, 26 September 2022, to Tuesday, 4th October 2022, and the last day, known as Vijayadashami, comes on the 10th day or Dashmi Tithi.   

The above are the 9 forms of DurgaDevi whom we worship according to Tithi, and we have also mentioned the dates for you to carry out Durga puja for the Dasara or Dussehra festival. We will also mention below each Navratri colours in respect to the Tithi of Navratri dates. 

Story of Mahishasura Mardini

According to one myth, the mighty demon Mahishasura worshipped Lord Shiva and attained eternal strength. He then began to murder and threaten innocent bystanders to capture seven Lokas. All the gods in Swargaloka, intimidated by the demon's power, begged Lord Shiva to subdue him. Then Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar (Shiva) combined their mighty forces to form Shakti, also known as Durga, the Warrior Goddess. When Mahishasura saw this divinely beautiful Durga, he was enchanted by her beauty and approached, intending to get married. In exchange for one condition—that Mahishasura defeats her in a duel—Goddess DurgaDevi agreed to wed him. Mahishasura, who was arrogant about his might, consented to the fight. DurgaMata decapitated Mahishasura at the end of the ninth night of the nine-night battle. Thus, Navrathri refers to the nine nights during which there was war between Goddess Durga & Mahishasura. Vijayadashami celebrations mark the tenth day.

Maa Shailaputri Devi

The ancient rite of Ghatasthapana, which is also said to summon Goddess Durga, ushers in the celebration of Navratri. Today represents the triumph of virtue over evil. Maa Shailputri is Maa Durga's original manifestation. Shaila means mountain, and Putri means daughter in Sanskrit. Therefore, Mother Nature, Goddess Shailaputri, is also called the daughter of the Mountains in her purest form.

Navratri Colour for Day 1(Sept 26, Monday): White  

Maa Brahmacharini Devi 

One of Maa Durga's most potent manifestations, Goddess Bramhacharini, is revered as a representation of tranquillity and harmony. On the second day of Navratri, adoration is offered to Goddess Bramhacharini. She represents tapa (penance) in this incarnation and is renowned for bestowing bliss and eternal learning upon her followers. Maa Bramhacharini is the epitome of devotion, love, and selflessness. She wears white clothing and is frequently seen with a rosary and a Kamandala, an object used to contain holy water. She imparts to her followers the ability to maintain resolve and concentration under pressure. Maa Bramhacharini bestows her follower's wisdom, tranquillity, power, and wealth.

Navratri Colour for Day 2(Sept 27, Tuesday): Red  

Maa Chandraghanta devi

The third day of Navratri is associated with purity, tranquillity, and harmony. It is devoted to Maa Chandraghanta, who is considered Lord Shiva's Shakti. The "married" avatar of Durga Mata is also referred to as Maa Chandraghanta. She has a half-moon that resembles a temple bell sitting on her Forehead and is renowned for shielding her followers from all forms of evil spirits.

Navratri Colour for Day 3(Sept 28, Wednesday): Blue 

Maa Kushmanda Devi

The fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda Devi, often known as the "Smiling Goddess." This day denotes passion, rage, and good fortune. Maa Kushmanda is a joyful representation of Maa Durga, who is also credited with creating the Universe. Her name likewise reflects this. Her name begins with the word "Ku," which signifies small. Ushma, the following word, denotes warmth or vitality, while anda, the third word, denotes an egg. Her name, therefore, implies that she is the one who laid the "tiny cosmic egg" that we refer to as the Universe.

Navratri Colour for Day 4(Sept 29, Thursday): Yellow  

Maa Skandamata Devi

Lord Kartikeya, the first child of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, was also referred to as "Skanda." As a result, Maa Parvati is frequently referred to as Skandmata, another name for Kartikeya or Skanda's mother. Maa Skandmata, a different manifestation of Maa Durga, is revered for her ability to shield her followers from danger, much like a mother protects her child. She is a strong goddess who gave Lord Kartikeya the support he needed to overthrow Tarakasura.

Navratri Colour for Day 5(Sept 30, Friday): Green  

Maa Katyayani Devi

The sixth day of Navratri, which represents gladness and joy, is devoted to the devotion of Maa Katyayani. She is regarded as a warrior goddess who was able to restore peace to the Earth and is said to be the destroyer of all evil. One of the strongest incarnations of Goddess Durga is Maa Katyayani. Due to her success in slaying the wicked demon, Mahishasura is also known as Mahishasurmardini (Killer of Mahishasura).

Navratri Colour for Day 6(Oct 1, Saturday): Grey 

MaaKaalratri Devi

One of the dreadful incarnations of Goddess Durga is known as Maa Kaali and is also known as Maa Kaalratri. The words Kaal and Ratri typically mean night and time, respectively. She is sometimes referred to as the Goddess who endures darkness. Ghosts, evil spirits, and demonic beings are said to be vanquished during Maa Kaalratri. She is also known as Shubhankari since it is said that she brings good tidings. The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to the devotion of Maa Kaalratri. 

Navratri Colour for Day 7(Oct 2, Sunday): Orange   

Maa Mahagauri Devi

Maa Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri. Mahagauri derives from the words Maha, which means Great, and Gauri, which means brilliant or lovely. She is famed for granting all of her followers' most significant wants and is kind and kind. Maa Mahagauri is also thought to provide comfort from all forms of pain and sorrow. 

Navratri Colour for Day 8(Oct 3, Monday): Peacock Green  

Maa Siddhidatri Devi

Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri. Siddhi denotes a supernatural ability, while Dhatri designates the conferrer. As a result, it is thought that Maa Siddhidatri satisfies all heavenly desires. It is well known that Maa Siddhidatri bestows excellence. She bestows spiritual knowledge and blessings on her followers. Demons and all Gods adore Maa Siddhidatri, who they also revere.

Navratri Colour for Day 9(Oct 4, Tuesday): Pink  

Navratri Across India

Traditionally, Sharad Navratri, or the first nine nights after the new moon in the Devi Pada (the quarter after the autumnal equinox), are when Navratri is observed. Every day, a distinct manifestation of the Goddess is honoured, and celebrations take on particular forms in the diverse cultures dotted around the nation. 

The celebrations of Navratri, which take on different forms in various regions of India, are just as diverse as the local traditions there. But what unites all these various events is the spirit of Navratri and the knowledge of these ancient customs, which will offer you blessings. 

In the southern part of India, Navratri takes on several shapes. During these dashara pujas in Telangana, the Goddess Parvati is worshipped as part of the "Bathukamma Panduga" festival. Every day, flowers are arranged to resemble the idol "Bathukamma." On the eighth day, Ashtami, all the ladies in the community get concurrently with their Bathukamma to perform folk dances and songs in front of them. The Bathukamma, which is sometimes also fashioned of clay & flowers on this day, is then offered to a body of water, and prasadam is given forth. I hope this blog about Dussehra will help make your divine and spiritual path more meaningful and blissful.