Navratri, a festival celebrating the nine divine nights of worship to Goddess Durga, begins on 3rd October this year. It’s a time of deep devotion and spiritual reflection as people across India invoke the three primary forms of the Goddess—Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The celebrations vary by region, with Gujarat featuring vibrant Dandiya dances and Bengal hosting grand Durga Puja festivities. But amidst the joy and festivity, there are certain spiritual practices and guidelines that are observed during Navratri. Let’s explore what to do and what not to do during this auspicious time.
What to Do During Navratri
What are the essential practices to follow during Navratri?
1. Visit the temple and worship daily:
Devotees should visit the temple daily or set up a small shrine at home to worship Goddess Durga. Light a lamp, offer fresh flowers, and perform aarti to seek the Goddess's blessings. This daily routine brings a sense of peace and devotion into your life.
2. Offer water to the Goddess:
Water offerings are highly auspicious during Navratri. It is believed that offering water to Goddess Durga invites purity and positivity into your home.
3. Stay barefoot and wear clean clothes:
If you're staying indoors, it’s a common practice to stay barefoot as a sign of respect for the divine. Also, keep your footwear outside the home to maintain cleanliness and sacredness inside. Wearing clean, fresh clothes adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the festival.
4. Observe fasts for nine days:
Fasting is an integral part of Navratri, allowing the body to detox while bringing you closer to spirituality. Fasts can be observed in various forms—some choose to consume only fruits, while others eat one meal a day. The primary purpose is to purify both body and soul while seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga.
5. Decorate Goddess Durga (Shringar):
The adornment of the Goddess, known as ‘Shringar,’ is a beautiful ritual. You can decorate the idol with fresh flowers, garlands, bangles, and colorful clothes. It’s an expression of devotion and respect toward the divine feminine.
6. Perform Kanya Pujan on Ashtami:
On the eighth day, known as Ashtami, many devotees perform Kanya Pujan. This ritual involves inviting nine young girls, symbolizing the nine forms of Goddess Durga, to your home. Their feet are washed, and they are served special meals and sweets as a mark of reverence.
7. Light Akhand Jyoti:
Lighting an Akhand Jyoti (a continuous flame) is considered highly auspicious. It symbolizes the eternal light of wisdom and spirituality. The lamp, ideally lit with desi ghee, is kept burning throughout the nine days and nights, bringing prosperity and peace into the household.
8. Maintain Brahmacharya (celibacy):
Navratri is a period of purity, so it is advised to practice Brahmacharya (celibacy) during the nine days. It signifies self-discipline and spiritual dedication, helping devotees focus entirely on the Goddess.
What Not to Do During Navratri
What practices should be avoided during Navratri?
1. Avoid garlic and onion:
Navratri is a time for sattvic (pure) food, and garlic and onion are considered tamasic (impure) in nature. Therefore, these ingredients are typically avoided during the nine days of fasting and devotion.
2. Avoid shaving and cutting your hair:
To maintain purity and devotion during Navratri, it’s recommended not to cut your hair, shave, or indulge in any grooming activities. This practice reflects self-control and respect for the sacredness of the period.
3. Avoid eating meat and poultry:
Navratri is a time to abstain from non-vegetarian foods like meat, poultry, and even eggs. It is believed that consuming such food during these sacred days disrupts spiritual growth and purity.
4. Avoid consumption of alcohol:
Alcohol is strictly forbidden during Navratri as it is considered impure and disrupts the spiritual energy and positive vibrations that are vital during this period of devotion.
Conclusion
Navratri is a time for self-discipline, devotion, and purity. By adhering to these simple do's and don'ts, you can make the most of the festival spiritually. Whether it’s fasting, visiting temples, or performing Kanya Pujan, each ritual has its significance in bringing you closer to the divine energy of Goddess Durga. At the same time, refraining from certain activities like consuming alcohol or cutting your hair helps maintain the spiritual sanctity of these nine days.
May the blessings of Goddess Durga bring joy, peace, and prosperity into your life during this Navratri!
Please Enter Valid Email.
LoyaltyText1
Notifications
