Durga Puja, gifts, good food, plans for get together sessions with friends and family are the essence of the festive season of Chaitra Navratri (16th to 24th March 2010).
How Many Navratris in an Year?
The dates of the Navratri festival are decided as per the Lunar calender. Apart from the most popular Navratri in September – October, there are three other Navratris in a year. The most important among the three is the Chaitra Navratri in March-April. This is also known as Vasant Navratri or Ram Navratri.
The other two Navratris are Magh Navratri (January – February) and Ashad Navratri (June – July). These two Navratris are also known as Gupt Navratri and are observed only in certain regions of north India.
Basis of the Navratri Festival
The word “nava” means nine and “ratri” means nights in Sanskrit language. Hindus believe in the various avatars or appearances of one god or goddess. Goddess Shakti manifests herself in three different dimensions as Goddess Laxmi, Saraswati and Durga. On Navratri, goddess Durga is worshiped in the form of Shakti.
Celebration of Navratris
This festival is celebration with dedication and a sense of devotion in India. People visit temples and offer prayers to Maa Durga. Community prayer gatherings are also held in artistically decorated puja pandals. People fast (keep vrats) for eight days before Mahanavmi (the final prayer day). On this day Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped.
Send Pooja Thali, Pooja Accessories, God Idols and Sweets/Mithais to your loved ones this Chaitra Navratri.
Really informative post..
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