Navratri – Nava = Nine and Ratri = nights. This is a Hindu festival of India dedicated to goddess Durga and celebrated across in India.
During this festival of nine nights, nine forms of goddess Durga are worshipped and on 10th day the festival of Dussehra is celebrated. These nine forms are
- Shailaputri
- Brahmcharini
- Chandraghanta
- Kushmanda
- Skanda Mata
- Katyayani
- Kaal Ratri
- Maha Gauri
- Siddhidatri
This festival is most popular in North and Western regions of India where Navratri is celebrated with great fanfare which is high on music and dance. Based on the geographic location Navratri is known by various names like Vijaydashami, Durga Pooja, Ayudha Pooja etc
During Navratri devotees observe fast and prayers are offered for the protection of health and prosperity. Consumption of meat, alcoholic drinks, grains, wheat and onion is a strict no. Navratri is traditionally an auspicious period for starting new ventures. During this period a pot is kept at a sanctified place at home and a lamp is kept lit in it for nine days. The pot symbolizes the universe. The uninterrupted lit lamp is the medium through which we worship goddess. The goddess is celebrated and worshipped as Kali – The destroyer, Lakshmi – Goddess of Wealth and Saraswati – Goddess of wisdom
