Religious beliefs and cultural values of India celebrate the festival of Navratri or Durga Puja with immense joy and zeal. The festival concludes the period of Pitra Paksha and draws the recommencement of a prosperous time.
She is the author of cosmos and source of Shakti of Holy Trinity. May the symbol of vigor & love, shower her blessings on one and all.
The festival of Navratri 2019 falls on Sunday, 29 September. Further, the Kalash Sthapna takes place on the same day. The festival occurs for complete 9 days and ends on Monday, 7 October.
The most auspicious time for the establishment of Kalash on Navratri 2019 starts from the morning- 6:16 am to 7:40 am and 11:36 am to 12:24 pm.
The nine manifestations of Goddess Durga controls the Nav Grah (Nine Planets).
Read here to know the 9 manifestations of Durga Maa and the planets they control.
The first day of Navratri is for Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana. The 7 days include strict fasting, Paath (reading) of Mantra and Aarti of Nav Durga.
Read here the Nine Manifestation of Goddess Durga and their origin.
Vrat or fast of Navratri holds a specific significance during the nine days of celebration. People from a different region, observe fast for diverse reasons. However, most of the devotees observe fast with a belief that this would please Goddess Durga and she will bless them and their family with fortune and wellbeing.
Those who observe fast during these nine days, with regards take special care of pattern of eating and performing Navratri Pooja, Aarti, and Prasad (offerings). According to the proper Hindu rituals, the fast takes place for nine days and night. However, a few people observe fast on the first and last of the festival.
People who observe strict fast start their day before the sunrise. The day begins with taking a bath followed by reading Paath/religious narration of the specific manifestation of Goddess Durga, presenting Bhog (offerings) of fruit and sweets to Gods.
Moreover, the fast has a connotation of following a path of generosity and compassion in life.
This nine-day celebration of Sharadiya Navratri celebrates the triumph of good over bad and good over evil. The first day of celebration occurs on the Shukla Paksha of the Ashvin month. Followed by the first day, the pandals of uncountable communities perform crafting, decorating and establishing alluring statues of Goddess Durga.
However, for the first eight days, the face of the statue is kept covered with a piece of cloth. The cloth is removed on the sixth day after performing traditional rituals and customs. Further, on the seventh, eighth, ninth day, & the tenth day, people visit temples and Pandals to seek blessings of the Goddess.
According to the Sanatan Dharma, the tenth day of celebration has recognition of Lord Rama’s win over King of Lanka, Ravana.
The country celebrates the festival of Navratri and Vijayadashmi with great enthusiasm. So, here is the list of places where Durga Puja takes place on a grand level-
The Garba of Gujarat is one of the most popular events on the nine days Navratri festival. People from all the background, region and religion, are a fan of the Gujarati Navaratri Garba.
People from the Bengali community, distinguish it with the name Durga pujo or Pujo. Also, the kali puja and Durga puja in Kolkata has world recognition.
The Chitranjan Park of Delhi is often referred as to the Mini Kolkata. Also, the Durga Puja of the street is one of the exciting events in the Navratri.
However, the Ramleela of Ramleela Maidan, Delhi has no lesser recognition. On the day of Vijayadashmi, a huge number of people audience each year.
The most beautiful part of the country arranges the most beautiful scenes on this occasion. Here, the entire population comes together to celebrate the divinity of the Goddess. On the occasion, great processions, Bhandara and celebration is held.
Be it the Bengal club or the Shivaji Park, Mumbaikars have waves of happiness and excitement in the vibe on the occasion. To be specific, the enchanting Durga Puja of Lokhandwala Garden observes a number of celebrity faces every year.
In point of facts of Hindu Mythology, Navratri fast allows eating fruits. Also, people who observe fast on Navratri, strictly evade salt and grains from their food. Alongside this, the Bhog (offerings) includes pomegranate, coconut, lemon, banana, and jackfruit, etc.
In Prasad, you may add Aloo Halwa, Aata Panjiri, Aate Ka Halwa, and Peda. Further, for something to Drink you may offer lassi, Meethi Dahi, and Chaach.
In addition, as snacks to ease the mid-day hunger- Kuttu Pakodi, Roasted Peanuts, Fried Potato, and Kuttu Aata Halwa. Also, serve delicious sabudana khichdi, samvat rice khichdi, kuttu kachauri, kuttu khichdi, and vrat aloo to the guests who observe strict fast.
Serve the mandatory sweets sooji halwa and sabudana kheer with a glass of lassi, or meethi dahi, or Chaach. Further, serve chana masala, fried potato, uttapam, and rajgira paratha. In addition, promote your plate with jeera aloo, and samvat rice pulao.
The nine-day festivity indulges people in the devotion, faith, and fondness of Maa Durga. Also, there are uncountable mesmerizing Navratri Song and Navratri Bhajan to start the day with optimum devotion and positivity.
However, here is the list of best Navratri Songs-
This year the kali puja or Durga pujo or Navratri begin on Sunday, 29 September and ends on Monday, 7 October.
The epic of Ramayana narrates the story of Dussehra or Dashahra.
According to the Vedic writings, on the tenth day of Navratri, Lord Rama defeats Ravana by worshipping the power of the sea. Thus, the celebration occurs on the next day to Navami. Alongside this, this day is popular across the globe with the name of Vijayadashmi.
However, in the nation, the festival observes several reasons, among which the day marks the victory of Lord Vishnu’s seventh incarnation and the victory of Lord Rama is the most popular reason for the festivity.
On this day, the country indulges in the activity of Ramleela and Ravana Dahan. In point of facts, the celebration involves burning huge effigies of demon king Ravana and his brother Kumbhakaran and his son Meghnad.
This year, the date for Dussehra falls on Tuesday, 8 October.
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