NAVRATRI SPECIAL 2009

Navratri begins on the first day of the bright half of Ashvini (September-October). Navratri ends on the ninth day of Ashvini. The tenth day is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami. This year, the first Navratra will start from 19 September 2009.

Hindus have great regard for this festival which is celebrated in honour of the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. Navratri denotes nine nights. Navratri is celebrated as a symbol of victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura,the demon.

During Navratri festival, she is worshipped under nine different names through out nine days of Navratri. From the first day the worship of following Goddesses starts in the order given below:

1. Ma Shailputri
2. Ma Brahmacharini
3. Ma Chandraghanta
4. Ma Kushmanda
5. Ma Skandamata
6. Ma Katyayani
7. Ma Kalaratri
8. Ma MahaGouri
9. Ma Siddhidatri

All the above Goddesses are worshipped in the form of SHAKTI. The first one Shailputri, daughter of Himalayas is other half of Lord Shiva and the last one who is worshipped as Siddhidatri, has a seat of lotus. All the saints, rishis and yogis and devotees worship the ninth manifestation of Goddess Durga to attain siddhis. People also observe fast on all the nine days to be blessed with knowledge, wealth, prosperity and all the comforts of life.

Fast is observed and only pure and vegetarian meal, fruits and milk is taken only once during the day. Some people choose only two days and some three days to observe the fast according to their capacity.One should chant Durga Mantras or Durga Sapshati during this period. The following mantra can also be chanted:

‘Aaim hreem kleem chamundayai vichche’

The places worth visiting in India during Navratri are West Bengal and Gujarat where special arrangements are made to celebrate this great festival by raising big pandals, jhankis etc. Dances are performed specially Garba in Gujarat and foreigners specially wait to visit these states during Navrati to witness the enthusiasm of Hindus.

BEST WISHES FOR NAVRATRI 2009 TO ALL MY READERS