India is a country of religions – a country where we find varieties of religious beliefs and practices. Therefore, great diversity is also found over here in festivals. Through the celebration of the festivals of every religion and community, India manifests its rich heritage and culture. There are festivals such as Diwali, Christmas, Eid-Ul-Fitr, Hemis, Lodhi, Onam, Holi, Raksha Bandhan, etc. which have been adorned this festive land for years.
Here it is presented to talk about “Chaitra Navratri”, one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals in India celebrated in the months of March-April. Among four seasonal “Navratri”, two of them i.e. Sharad Navratri and Chaitra Navaratri are celebrated all over India in different ways with different names. In this holy festival, the Goddess Durga, the supreme form of power is invoked by Her devotees for consecutive nine nights during the Hindu month of Chaitra according to the Hindu lunar calendar. To be blessed with Devi’s(Goddess) divine benediction Hindus offer prayers and devotions to nine different incarnated forms of “Shakti” during this Navratri.
A Festival of Togetherness
In this auspicious and propitious festival, people from different cultures mingle and celebrate their togetherness. Along with fun and fervor, many rituals and customs must be performed with a pure dedicated soul. A long list of Navratri puja samagri contains a majestic grandeur. Every item of that Navaratri puja samagri must be prepared for the worshipping of the Goddess.
Together with different forms of Goddess, during this ninth day festival, our Goddess has been beautifully draped in different colors of sarees. Those nine different colors signify many things. To please the Goddess, during this festival people try to wear those significant nine colors and it creates an enthusiastic festive mood. The nine colors signify the importance of the culture of the festival. It is not only for the purpose of worshipping the Goddess, but it is also a form of entertainment for the devotees.
Day 1: Among these nine days of “Chaitra Navratri”, the very first day is known as Ghastasthapana. This day is dedicated to Goddess Shilaputri. The idol of Goddess is draped in grey color saree and following the ritual people also wear grey clothes for this day. The color Grey signifies emotion and determination to pursue a divine goal in life.
Day 2: The second day of Navratri is called Dwitiya. Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on this day. Orange color is associated with this day which symbolizes happiness and energy.
Day 3: On Tritiya or the third day of Chaitra Navratri, Goddess Chandraghanta is dressed in white attire which stands peace and contentment in life.
Day 4: The fourth day is known as Chaturthi dedicated to the Goddess Kushmanda. It is said that wearing red is auspicious for this day. Red represents the anger of the Goddess towards evil power. Therefore the clour is indicating fearlessness and beauty at the same time.
Day 5: This day is known as Panchami which is devoted to worshipping Goddess Skandamata. The blue color is associated with this day which reflects good health and wealth.
Day 6: On the sixth day that is Shasthi Goddess Kaalratri is adorned with the yellow outfit which reflects brightness.
Day 7: Goddess Katyayani is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri. It is said that green is associated with this day which signifies a new beginning and growth.
Day 8: The eighth day i.e Ashtami is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri. On this day Devi is dressed in a purple outfit. So people also wear purple clothes which signifies the power of intellect.
Day 9: The ninth day of Chaitra Navratri is known as Mahanabmi. Goddess Siddhidhatri is worshipped on this day. It is said that on the day of Mahanabmi wearing peacock green clothes is auspicious. People believe on this day Goddess fulfill every desire of her devotees.