NAVARATRI : Facts, Importance, Colour Codes, Puja Vidhi, all you want to know

Significance of Navaratri :

Navaratri derived from Sanskirt language ( Nava means Nine Ratri means Night ) is the biggest festival in the Hindu religion is also called "Durga Puja" in West Bengal, "Makharotsav" in Goa also known as "Nauratri", "Navratam", "Nauratam".

During this time Goddess Durga battled the Demon Mahishasura, the battle fought for 9 nights and on the 10th day, Durga killed the Demon that is why the 10th day is called "Dussehra" or "Vijayadashami" victory of good over evil.

These days are also related to the Ramayana it signifies the day Lord "Rama" killed Ravana, because of this effigy of Ravana is burnt every year on the 10th day of Navratri that is Dussehra or Vijayadashami.

During Navaratri, we invoke the Power aspect of Goddess in the form of Durga, it is a thought that during these times, Goddess provides energy to Earth and make it able to move around the Sun. 

It is Festival of worshipping Goddess Durga / Amba celebrated all over the country, the festival is celebrated for 9 nights and 10 days. According to Hindu tradition Navratri depends on the lunar calendar therefore in some years it may be celebrated for 8 nights and 9 days ( 9th day Dussehra ) this  festival is celebrated 5 times in a year but the main is in October and November.

Names and months in which 5 times Navaratri falls :

1) Vasanta Navaratri falls in the month of  "Chaitra" according to the Hindu calendar, in March according to the English calendar.

2) Gupta Navaratri falls in the month of "Aashada" according to the Hindu calendar, in June / July according to the English calendar.

3) Sharad Navaratri falls in the month of "Ashwini" according to the Hindu calendar, and in October / November according to the English calendar.

4) Pausha Navaratri falls in the month of "Pausha" according to the Hindu calendar, and in December / January according to the English calendar.

5) Magha Navaratri falls in the month of "Maagha" according to the Hindu calendar, and in January / February according to the English calendar.

How the worship is divided into different Goddess and how to observe Fast :

In this festival first 3 days are related to the worship of Goddess Durga, The second 3 days are related to worship of Goddess Laxmi, The last 3 days are related to the worship of goddess Saraswati, 10th  day is called as a Dussehra, Dussehra or Vijayadashami.

Some people are observing fast and eating food only once in a day for 9 days all things that you can eat in fasting during the Navaratri period are boiled or fried potatoes sabudana (sago ) kheer, Banana/Potato chips, curd, lassi. Some people are also eating only fruits avoiding eating grains for 9 days. People and dancing in the night before Goddess called Dandiya or Garba.

Nine Goddess and their colour for Navaratri :

Each of the nine days of Navaratri is dedicated to the nine avatars of Goddess Durga - the Goddess of Shakti or power. Each of the nine colors of Navratri symbolizes the quality of the Devi. Every year, while the colors remain the same, the order varies depending on the day Navratri falls. These are the Navratri colors 2019:

Yellow : 1st day of Navaratri is the first incarnation of Devi "Shailaputri". Yellow is the color of brightness, happiness, and cheer.

Green : 2nd day of Navaratri is the second incarnation of Devi Durga is "Brahmacharani". Green color symbolizes growth, nature, and energy.

Grey : 3rd day of Navaratri is an incarnation of Devi is "Chandraghanta". She wears a gray-colored half-moon on her forehead. The gray also symbolizes her mood, ever ready to fight to destroy the foes of her devotees.

Orange : 4th day incarnation of Goddess Durga is "Kushmanda". The luminosity and brightness of this Devi, Hence, the color orange symbolizes her happiness and energy.

White : 5th day incarnation of Devi is "Skandamata" – mother of Kartikeya, the war-god. It also symbolizes the peace, purity, Hence, the color white.

Red : 6th day incarnation of Devi is "Katyayani". She is a fierce form of Goddess Durga therefore, the color red is associated with her. Red also symbolizes action and vigor.

Royal Blue : 7th day incarnation of Devi is "Kaalratri". She is a destructive form of the Goddess and is also called Kali. Hence the colour royal blue.

Pink : 8th day incarnation of Devi is "Mahagauri". She is the fulfiller of all desires. The color pink symbolizes hope and freshness.

Purple : 9th day  incarnation of Devi is "Siddhidatri". She is the giver of knowledge and aspirations. Hence, the color purple represents ambition and power

Navaratri Puja Vidhi :

Items to be required :

Picture or Idol of Goddess Durga in the Pooja room

dupatta or sari to offer to the deity

Durga Saptshati book

Ganga water or plain water in Kalash (a pitcher)

Fresh and washed mango leaves

fresh grass

one coconut

Roli, red sacred powder for tilak

Moli, red sacred thread

Rice

Supari (Areca nuts)

Paan (Betel leaves)

Cloves

Cardamom

Kumkum (vermilion)

Gulal

Incense Stick

For performing the Navaratri Puja, you need to wake up early in the morning. This time is considered best to perform the Navaratri Pooja. Keep 'deep' Diya on the left side of the deity. Try to light the 'Akhand Jyot'. Be aware that you should not leave the house vacant if you are lighting the 'Akhand Jyot'. On the right-hand side of the idol, keep incense sticks, etc. Keep the Kalash and coconut as well. Light the 'deep'. Ring the bell or blow the 'Shankh'.

For 'Kalash Sthapna' :

Place the Kalash near the idol or picture of the deity and fill it with pure water. Place mango leaves on the mouth of the Kalash. Place a coconut inside the Kalash. Tie moli ( red thread ) around the neck of the Kalash. Sprinkle 'Gangajal' or plain water all over the Puja room. Then, offer the sari or dupatta to the Goddess. Place some fresh flowers in front of the Goddess. Next, offer 'paan' with a clove placed on it. If you are married, then offer two such paans. Fold your hands and pray. At last, offer prasad and do aarti of Goddess Durga. The Durga Saptashati book should be kept carefully and respectfully.

Navaratri is a festival of Sentiments, positive thought, Peace, Prosperity, people refrain from wrong deeds and indulge in pure devotion wish you HAPPY NAVARATRI.