Shardiya Navratri 2023: Know all about auspicious nine-day festival IN POINTS
Shardiya Navratri 2023: Sharad Navratri is one of the highly anticipated festival in India, celebrated with immense zeal and devotion.
This nine-day festival is observed in regions such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. It coincides with Durga Puja in parts of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, each having its unique rituals.
Navratri holds great significance for the devotees of Maa Durga. Navratri is also a commemoration of the victory of good over evil, as goddess Durga - created by combining the powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva - conquered the demon king Mahishasura.
Date & Timings: Sharad Navratri holds deep spiritual significance, signifying the descent of Goddess Durga to Earth. It commences on October 15, 2023, and concludes on October 24, 2023, culminating with Dashmi. The ceremonial Kalash Sthapana takes place on October 15, 2023, between 11:44 am and 12:30 pm.
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Navratri Fasting Diet : During fasting, grains, cereals, and non-vegetarian foods are avoided, but there are plenty of other options available. Devotees can consume vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and sweets. Pseudo-grains such as sabudana (tapioca pearls) and buckwheat are allowed, as well as makhana (fox nuts), known for their crunch and versatility.
9 forms of Goddess Durga: Devotees worship nine incarnations of Goddess Durga - Durga, Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri - during this auspicious nine-day festival.
Navratri Rituals: An intense version, known as 'nirjala vrat', prohibits even a drop of water throughout the day, though it's not recommended for certain individuals. Navratri is a time for joyous celebrations, with people engaging in folk dances and singing. The famous garba dance from Gujarat is a highlight, where friends and families dressed in traditional attire come together to pay homage to the goddess.
Pooja Vidhi: An Idol or picture of Maa Durga, Red Chunari, Mango leaves, Rice, Durga Saptashati book, Red Kalava, Ganga water, Sandalwood, Coconut, Camphor, Barley, earthen pot, gulal, betel nut, betel leaves, cloves, and cardamom - and decorate the area where the Maa Durga idol will be placed.
Strict No-Nos: Devotees should abstain from non-vegetarian food and alcohol during Sharad Navratri, symbolising purity and devotion. Devotees often observe ritualistic Navratri fasts (vrat), which entail a strict vegetarian diet.
Observation: Navratri is observed four times a year, in the months of Magha (winter), Chaitra (spring), Ashadha (monsoon), and Sharad (Autumn). During the auspicious festival, devotees across the country organise several religious programs.
Wishing everyone a joyful and spiritually enriching Sharad Navratri 2023!
- PTC NEWS
