Navratri is a nine-day long, auspicious festival celebrated all over India for different reasons every year. It is culturally dedicated to Goddess Durga, an exemplar of Shakti or the cosmic energy. Among all the five Navratras (Chaitra, Aashad, Ashwin, Paush and Magh) that fall in a year, Sharad Navratri is the most essential one. Apart from that, Magh, Ashadha & Paush are known as Gupt Navratris.

Sharad Navratri is observed in the month of September/ October. The Navratri festival is widely commemorated throughout the country with full enthusiasm. During this 9 day festival of Navratri, the 9 manifestations of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Each manifestation of Goddess Durga exemplifies a distinctive virtue and is believed to accord spiritual and worldly fulfillment.

Cultural Traditions and Significance

Sharad Navratri commences on the first and ends on the tenth day of the bright half of the lunar month, Ashwin. Sharad Navratri festival is dedicated to Maa Durga and celebrated with tremendous zeal and enthusiasm, especially in Northern and Eastern India. The tenth day is oftenly referred to as ‘VIJAYADASHAMI’ or ‘DUSSEHRA’. Sharad Navratri is celebrated in the Ashwin month or the Sharad month which indicates the beginning of winters.

During the festival of Navratri, people from cities and villages come together to perform Navratri Puja in their house or in shrines epitomizing different manifestations of Goddess Durga. During this nine day festival chanting of mantras, renditions of bhajans or holy songs accompany the Navratri Puja rituals for nine consecutive days.

Mythological Significance

As per the scripted details, Lord Ram worshipped the Divine power in order to defeat Demon King Lord Raavan and kill him. He proclaimed the message of Good Triumphing Over Evil.

Have a look at the Nine Days of Sharad Navratri and Rituals to be conducted:

● Day 1 – Maa Shailputri Puja – The first form of Maa Durga, Maa Shailputri represents the planet Moon. Worshipping her can help to eliminate any bad effects or omens.
● Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini Puja – As per astrology, Maa Brahmacharini controls the planet Mars and diminishes any bad effects if worshipped with a pure heart.
● Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta Puja – Maa Chandraghata dominates the planet Venus and offers courage and fearlessness.
● Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda Puja – Maa Kushmanda represents the planet Sun and eliminates any ill-effects in the nearby future.
● Day 5 – Maa Skandamata Puja – Maa Skand Mata represents the planet Mercury and is very compassionate towards her devotee.
● Day 6 – Maa Katyayani Puja – Jupiter planet is controlled by Maa Katyayani. She provides courage and prowess to her worshippers.
● Day 7 – Maa Kaalratri Puja – Maa Kaalratri controls the Saturn planet and symbolises valour.
● Day 8 – Maa Mahagauri Puja – Maa Mahagauri is the divine controller of planet Rahu and pacify harmful effects.
● Day 9 – Maa Siddhidatri Puja – Maa Siddhidatri dominates the planet Ketu and offers wisdom and knowledge.

Importance of Colors in Navratra

Apart from this, each Navratra is related to a particular color. The Navratra Color are listed below. It is believed that using these colors during Navratra festival will fetch you good luck.

Pratipada – Yellow
Dwitiya – Green
Tritiya – Grey
Chaturthi – Orange
Panchami – White
Shashthi – Red
Saptami- Royal Blue
Ashtami – Pink
Navmi – Purple

We, at PujaBooking, wish you all a very happy and prosperous Sharad Navratra. May Goddess Durga bestow upon you peace, happiness and good health.