Navaratri

Significance and History

This culture is deeply rooted in an understanding of the human system’s connection to the Earth, the Moon, the Sun, and various aspects of the Divine. This connection is also reflected in the timing and manner of our festival celebrations.

Navratri, meaning ‘nine nights‘, begins the day after the new moon (Amavasya). The first nine days of the lunar cycle are considered feminine, representing Devi, the feminine aspect of the Divine. The ninth day, known as Navami, marks the end of this phase. The one-and-a-half days around the full moon are neutral, while the remaining eighteen days are masculine in nature. Traditionally, all worship up to Navami is dedicated to Devi during this feminine phase.

There are twelve such nine-day periods each year, each focusing on a different aspect of the feminine Divine, or Devi. The Navratri that occurs in October is the most significant, as it is dedicated to Sharada, the goddess of learning. This tradition places the highest value on learning, a unique ability that distinguishes humans from other creatures. While other beings may be faster or stronger, they cannot learn as humans do. The true pride of being human lies in the capacity to learn anything, provided one is willing to do so.

Why do People Celebrate Navaratri? :

• Victory of Good Over Evil – The festival marks the defeat of Mahishasura by Goddess Durga, representing the power of righteousness.
• Worship of Shakti (Divine Feminine Energy) – It acknowledges and celebrates the divine feminine energy in the universe.
• Seasonal Significance – It aligns with seasonal transitions, marking a time of purification and new beginnings.
• Different Cultural Celebrations – Various regions in India celebrate it in unique ways, like Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat, Durga Puja in Bengal, and Ramleela in North India.
• Fasting and Spiritual Growth – Many devotees observe fasting to detoxify the body and focus on prayers and meditation.

• Celebration at Krushna Dham Delaware
  At Krushna Dham Delaware,

• • For nine nights, people celebrate Navratri with deep devotion and prayers. Each day is dedicated to one avatar of Goddess Durga, and devotees wear specific colours corresponding to each day.

    Day 1: Shailaputri or Pratipada

    • Significance: Goddess Shailaputri is worshipped. ‘Shaila’ means mountain, and ‘putri’ means daughter. As the daughter of the Mountain God, Goddess Parvati is honoured on this day.

    Day 2: Brahmacharini or Dwitiya

    • Significance: Goddess Brahmacharini, a form of Durga who symbolises the reduction of anger, is worshipped.

    Day 3: Chandraghanta or Tritiya

    • Significance: Devotees worship Goddess Chandraghanta, who is believed to have a third eye and fight against evil demons. Jasmine flowers are offered during puja to please her.

    Day 4: Kushmanda or Chaturthi

    • Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda, whose name means ‘cosmic egg’. She is known for spreading energy and warmth to all.

    Day 5: Skandamata or Panchami

    • Significance: Devoted to Goddess Skandamata, who rules over Budha (the Mercury planet). She is revered for her fierce yet loving nature.

    Day 6: Katyayini or Shashti

    • Significance: On Shashti, Goddess Durga takes the form of Devi Katyayani to defeat the King of Demons. Women offer prayers for a peaceful married and family life.

    Day 7: Kalaratri or Saptami

    • Significance: This day is dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri, known for her fierce nature and her ability to terrify evil spirits throughout the universe. She is the most destructive avatar of Kali Devi and rules over Lord Shani (Saturn).

    Day 8: Mahagauri or Ashtami

    • Significance: On this day, people worship Mahagauri, who is depicted wearing white clothes and riding a bull. Kanya Puja, a special event dedicated to young virgin girls, is celebrated. This day is also known as Mahashtami or Maha Durgashtami and is marked with dance, fun, and prayers.

    Day 9: Siddhidaatri or Navami

    • Significance: Devoted to Devi Siddhidaatri, who is believed to have the power to fulfil all wishes. The ninth day is dedicated to her.

    Day 10: Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra)

    • Significance: After nine days of prayers, the tenth day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashmi, a time to begin new endeavours. It is also called Vidyarambham, marking the introduction of children to the world of education. Sindhoor Khela is an important part of the rituals on this day.

Join us at Krushna Dham Delaware this Navaratri to seek blessings for an abundant and prosperous year ahead, through divine grace and community spirit.