Navratri Significance and Celebration

As the worlds largest democracy rushes head long into the upcoming India is still known for its rich culture rooted in its past. For every Indian, celebrating festivals is not merely pursuance rituals but marks prosperity. With changing seasons, festivals of India depict this commute. Navratri, a hindu festival whos name itself has change (ratri). Nav means nine and Rartri means night this festival is celebrated worshiping, nine forms of Goddess Durga for nine nights. Beginning on the first day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month Ashwin, roughly agree to dates in the Gregorian calendar in September/October.This also usually coincides with the end of the rainy season. It is celebrated two generation a year and like every hindu festival Navratri also derives its significance form myths corresponding to its origin. It is said that Sati (also known as Uma) married Lord Shiva against the wishes of her father, King Daksha Prajapati. In revenge, Daksha organized a huge yagna a nd invited all the gods and deities except his new son-in-law. Sati decided to attend the yagna despite Lord Shivas attempt to twine her not to. The King ignored his daughters presence and publically abused Lord Shiva.Unable to bear her fathers insults, Sati committed suicide by jumping into the yagna fire. However, she was reborn and again won Lord Shiva as her groom and peace was restored. It is believed that since then Uma comes every year with her four children Ganesh, Kartik, Saraswati and Laxmi and two of her best friends or sakhis called Jaya and Bijaya, to visit her parents home during Navratri. Another well known myth is that, demon Mahishasur, after being devoted a boon by the fire god Agni that he wouldnt be killed by weapons bearing manlike names, caused grave destruction and terror.The gods sought the help of Lord Shiva, who advised the invocation of the goddess Shakti. With the gods prayers, a divine twinkling sprang from the heart of Lord Shiva and the bodies of a ll the gods and formed the goddess Adhya Shakti. The gods gave her ornaments, arms and a lion as a vehicle. She fought with the evil Mahishasur for nine long days and nights, and at last, resulted in the beheading of Mahisa on the tenth. The nine nights came to be known as Navratri, while the tenth day was called Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day that brought the mirth of good oer the evil.These legends and story are part of the history that surrounds the festival of Navratri and are going to be around as long as the festival continues. First three days of navratri Goddess Durga are worshiped Kumari the girl child, Parvati the young charwoman and Kali, the mature woman signifying the power of the woman which is worthy of respect. To overcome ego, lust, anger the animal instincts acquired out of gaiety we need spiritual wealth. For the purpose a person approaches goddess Laxmi.The fourth, fifth and sixth day of Navratri are apply to the worship of Laxmi the goddess of prosperity and peace. Gathering wealth man doesnt attain true knowledge. Seeking the persuade to learn the seventh day is dedicated to worshipping Saraswati, the goddess of art and knowledge. A yagna is performed on the eight day. This comprises of a pass honoring goddess Durga as well as bids her farewell. The sacrifice or offering is made out of nice butter (ghee), rice pudding known as kheer and sesame seeds. On the ninth day Kanya pujan or girl child worship is performed.These Nine girls symbolize nine forms of the goddess and are offered with new cloths and delicacies as obedience to the mother Durga. After the nine nights the tenth is celebration of Vijaya Dashmi when Durga killed the demon Mahishasur. This day coincides with another hindu festival Dushhera when lord Ram killed Ravana and made peace in the land of Lanka. Both occasions mark the triumph of good over evil. Singing and dancing people celebrate each one with spirit of botherhood. The modify land of India continues to unfol d a new definition of celebration crossing every state.Garba and Dandiya from the west, crackers and fireworks in the north to traditional dances of the northeast It is these festivals that celebrate civilizations. The idea may be subjective but it sincerely yours is. Their ethinic nature links us to our roots religion we belong. A child here grows up in a potential superpower and yet knows what it is to belong to an ancient civilization. Festivals not only bring prosperity and joy but have preserved our rich culture and heritage for the generations to come. -Nitin Ghuliani