Ashwin Navratri Special 2024

Navratri is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga, who is an incarnation of the supreme goddess Adi Parashakti. It occurs twice in a year – one, during the months of Ashwin (September – October) and the other one during Chaitra month (March – April), with the longest durations of nine nights and ten days. Depending on the location, there are differences in how Hindu Indian culture observes Navratri. According to ancient texts, there are four seasonal Navratri. Two further Gupta Navratris are also there which are referred to as Secret Navratris.

Nine Nights of Navratri: A Journey of Faith and Festivity

This year 2024 according to hindu calendar Navratri will begin on October 3 and end on October 12. Take a look at every day of Navratri in detail below–

• The first day of Navratri - Maa Shailputri, The color for this day is yellow. Ghee is offered to Goddess Shailputri to ensure a life filled with good health and happiness.
Maa Shailputri Mantra
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः ।।
Oṃ Devī Śailaputryai Namaḥ.

• Second Day of Navratri - Maa Brahmacharini, The color for this day is white.Sugar or sweets are offered to Goddess Brahmacharini for longevity and fulfillment.
Maa Brahmacharini Mantra
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नम:
Oṃ Devī Brahmacāriṇyai Namaḥ

• Third Day of Navratri - Maa Chandraghanta, The color for this day is sky blue.Kheer (rice pudding) is offered to Goddess Chandraghanta for peace and tranquility.

Maa Chandraghanta Mantra
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नम:
Oṃ Devī Candraghaṇṭāyai Namaḥ

• Fourth Day of Navratri - Maa Kushmanda , The color for this day is orange, Malpua is offered to Goddess Kushmanda to improve intellect and decision-making.

Maa Kushmanda Mantra
ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नम:
Oṃ Devī Kūṣmāṇḍāyai Namaḥ

• Fifth Day of Navratri - Maa Skandamata, The color for this day is green. Banana is offered to Goddess Skandamata to nurture strength and vitality.
Maa Skandamata Mantra
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नम:
Oṃ Devī Skandamātāyai Namaḥ

• Sixth Day of Navratri - Maa Katyayani, The color for this day is maroon. Honey is offered to Goddess Katyayani for a harmonious and sweet life.
Maa Katyayani Mantra
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नम:
Oṃ Devī Kātyāyanyai Namaḥ

• Seventh Day of Navratri - Maa Kalratri, The color for this day is navy blue. Jaggery is offered to Goddess Kalaratri for removing negativity and bringing positivity.
Maa Kalratri mantra
ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नम:
Oṃ Devī Kālarātryai Namaḥ

• The Eighth day of Navratri - Mahagauri , The color for this day is Pink. Coconut is offered to Goddess Mahagauri for the fulfillment of desires.

Maa Mahagauri mantra
ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नम
Oṃ Devi Mahagauryai Namah.

• Ninth Day of Navratri - Maa Siddhidatri, the color for this day is purple,Sesame seeds are offered to Goddess Siddhidatri for protection and freedom from fears.

Maa Siddhidatri mantra
ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नम
Oṃ Devi Siddhidatryai Namah.

Fasting

Devotees of Maa Durga fast on all nine days or on any two days to offer their prayers. Fasting during Navratri is an opportunity to reset the body and focus on spiritual growth. It's a time to embrace the simplicity of meals and the richness of devotion.Only fruits, milk, curd, potatoes, and other forms of food are consumed.It's crucial to maintain a balanced diet that sustains energy levels without contradicting the spirit of the festival. Here are some tips to help you balance fasting and feasting:

Opt for low-carb dishes that are nutritious and keep you full longer.
Include plenty of fruits, dairy products, and fluids to stay hydrated and nourished.
Avoid fried foods and excessive snacking, which can lead to health issues like raised blood sugar levels.

It's important to listen to your body and adjust your diet accordingly, especially for those with health conditions such as diabetes. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a healthy and spiritually fulfilling Navratri.

Kanya Pujan

Little girls are assumed to be the younger version of Maa Durga and therefore are worshipped either on Ashtami or Navmi of Navratri. Special foods like puri, Halwa, and black gram are made on Ashtami in every house and are offered to Kanyas invited.
Regional Variations in Celebration

Navratri activities in india -

While Navratri is celebrated throughout India and in Hindu communities worldwide, the form of celebration can vary significantly by region:

North India: Known for its vibrant Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
East India: Celebrated as Durga Puja, with elaborate pandals (temporary structures) housing beautiful idols of the goddess.
South India: Focuses on the arrangement of dolls and figurines in a display called Golu or Kolu.
West India: Features both religious observances and folk dances.

Some remedies in navratri -

On the first day of the Navratras ,take 11 kauri [crow-shells] and 3 Gomti chakras and tie them in a red cloth and apply a mark on the bundle with turmeric paste ; keep this bundle in the place of worship /temple at home.
On the last day , after completing the havan and feeding the girl-children ,tie this bundle at a height on the ceiling of the kitchen; this will ensure the benevolence of Goddess Lakshmi on that house for times to come.
On a Saturday of the Navratras period ,before sunrise , take 11 leaves of the Peepal tree and write RAM on them and make a garland put this garland around the idol of Lord Ram all obstacles in business shall be removed ; this entire ritual should be done in secrecy.
During the Navratras one should donate charity with an open heart according to his affordability and capacity. Donations made during this period earn a person unlimited blessings and rewards for the charitable donations made.
Tie two strands of a broom in the reverse position and tie them up with a blue thread and keep this in the south-west corner of the house this enhances love and affection between the husband and the wife.
Take 38 grains of Urad Daal [Black lentils] and 40 grains of rice mix them together and drop them in a pit squeeze a lemon on top of the pit, taking the name of your enemy; he shall be subdued and will no further be a trouble to you. This ritual if done on the seventh or the ninth day of the Navratras has faster and more effective results.
On a Friday during the Navratras, take a fresh, absolutely new red colored, cotton cloth and wrap it around a jute covered coconut; remembering the Mother Goddess, repeat your desire seven times to the wrapped coconut and then immerse it in flowing water the devotee shall gain the benevolence of the Mother Goddess;

Navratri festival pooja, mantra jaap and remedies