Navratri
India is often referred to as the land of festivals and there are a huge number of festivals in the whole span of the year. From January to December, the whole year is all filled with colourful festivals that make the country one of the loved locations for many out there. There is always some reason to celebrate and rejoice every moment of the year no matter what.
The Hindu community of India celebrate this festival as a way of showing reverence to Maa Durga and her nine divine forms and the festival is celebrated for a time period of nine days. Many of us do not know that there are actually four Navaratris in the whole year but only the two of them called the Sharad Navratri and Chaitra Navratri. Chaitra Navaratri is celebrated in the month of March or April and we have entered almost that zone.
The nine days of Navaratri are dedicated to celebrating the nine gigantic and powerful forms of Durga Shakti. The customs and rituals followed during the Chaitra Navaratri are similar to that of the Shardiya Navratri that is celebrated during the month of September and October. The rituals followed during the Ghatasthapana Puja are similar for both the Chaitra Navaratri and Shardiya Navratri. While in Andhra Pradesh, Chaitra Navaratri starts with Ugadi, in Maharashtra it starts with the Gudi Padwa. Mostly this festival is celebrated by the people of North India.
Significance of Chaitra Navratri:
It is considered as one of the major festivals of the people of the Hindu belief and during this season people pay their reverence to Maa Durga who is believed to be the powerhouse of cosmic power and pomp. According to the great sayings by people of great thought, worshipping the Goddess without any desire and with heart and soul will bring salvation to everyone. Also, the Chaitra Navaratri is an indication of the start of the summer season and the major climatic changes that the Mother Earth is undergoing. It is also a belief that the observance of fast (vrat) during the Chaitra Navaratri, prepare our body for the heat of the summer season.How is Chaitra Navaratri observed and what are its benefits
People of the Hindu belief have undying faith in the results of this pious festival and that they will every possible thing to entice their beloved Goddess. It is believed that getting up early in the morning and worshipping Goddess will make her happy. During the festival, special type of Havanas and Pujas are performed in order to welcome Goddess in our homes. Fruits, delicious sweets and other items are also offered to the deity during the Puja. Both the Navaratris are celebrated during the time when there is a major climatic change taking place.
While Sharad Navaratri is celebrated in September or October when winter is about to start, Chaitra Navaratri is celebrated when the climate is taking a transition from spring to summer. The logic goes like, that during both of these festivals, due to the seasonal transformations, immune system of the human body is quite vulnerable and that we are more vulnerable to catching up a host of climatic diseases. And, eating heavy food that has more of oil and spices can make us more prone to falling sick. So, by fasting you can eat clean and light and that will help your body to get detoxified.Food for Navaratri (for those who are fasting)
A variety of yummy food can be prepared for those who are fasting during Navaratri! From kuttu ki puri to Singhade Ka Halwa to Sabudana Khichdi and Singhare Ke Pakore will make your fast an awesome experience. People can also have milk and fruits in order to keep themselves fit and energetic.
References
www.utsav.gov.in
www.ziladiary.com
www.say2u.in
