Navratri, a significant Hindu festival, is celebrated with great fervour across India and among Hindu communities around the world. This festival typically spans nine nights and is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. Let's delve into the various aspects of Navratri:
Mythological Story:
The legend behind Navratri varies across different regions of India. However,
the most common mythological story associated with Navratri is the victory of
Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. It is believed that the goddess, in
her various forms, battled the demon for nine nights and days and ultimately
defeated him on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami or
Dussehra.
The Goddess
Worshipped: During Navratri, the nine forms of the goddess Durga, also known as
Navadurga, are worshipped on each of the nine nights. These forms are
Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani,
Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Origin and
Significance: Navratri has ancient roots and signifies the victory of good over
evil. It is a time for devotees to seek the blessings of the divine feminine
energy. The festival is celebrated with various cultural events, dance (like
Garba and Dandiya), music, and traditional rituals.
Fasting: Fasting is
a common practice during Navratri. Many devotees observe strict fasts during
the nine days. Some fast by consuming only fruits and milk, while others
abstain from consuming grains, non-vegetarian food, and even onion and garlic.
Food Eaten: Fasting
food during Navratri includes a variety of dishes made from ingredients that
are considered 'vrat' or fasting-friendly. Some common ingredients used are:
Buckwheat (Kuttu):
Used to make dishes like Kuttu Paratha and Kuttu Ki Puri.
Water Chestnut
Flour (Singhare ka atta): Used to make Singhare Atte Ka Halwa and Singhare Ki
Poori.
Barnyard Millet
(Sama Chawal): Used in Sama Rice Pulao and Sama Chawal Ki Kheer.
Rock Salt (Sendha
Namak): Used instead of regular salt during fasting.
Potatoes: A
versatile fasting ingredient used in various recipes.
Peanuts: Often used
to make snacks like Peanut Chaat or Peanut Ladoo.
Fruits and Dairy
Products: Fruits like bananas and dairy products like yoghurt are commonly
consumed during fasting.
Preparation
Recipes: Here are two recipes for Navratri fasting:
Kuttu Paratha:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Kuttu flour
- 2 boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1-2 green chillies, finely chopped
- Sendha Namak (rock salt) to taste
- Ghee or oil for cooking
Method:
Mix Kuttu flour,
mashed potatoes, green chillies, and rock salt to form a soft dough.
Divide the dough
into small portions and roll them into parathas.
Cook them on a hot
griddle with ghee or oil until they are golden brown.
Singhare Atte Ka
Halwa:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Singhare ka atta
- 1/2 cup ghee
- 1 cup sugar or jaggery
- 1 cup water
- Chopped nuts for garnishing
Method:
Roast the singhare
ka atta in ghee until it turns golden brown.
In a separate pan,
make a syrup by dissolving sugar or jaggery in water.
Add the syrup to
the roasted atta and cook until it thickens.
Garnish with
chopped nuts and serve.
Importance of
Ashtami Poojan: Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, is considered highly
auspicious. Devotees perform special pujas and offer prayers to Goddess Durga.
This day is believed to be the day when Goddess Mahagauri, one of the
Navadurgas, is worshipped. Many also perform Kanya Pujan (worshipping young
girls) as a symbol of the goddess herself.
Area-wise
Celebrations: Navratri is celebrated with regional variations across India. In
Gujarat, it is known for the Garba and Dandiya dance, while in West Bengal, it
coincides with Durga Puja and is celebrated with grand processions. In various
other states, people observe fasts and worship the goddess in their unique
ways.
Navratri is a time
of spiritual reflection, devotion, and celebration, and it holds great
significance in Hindu culture. It brings people together to celebrate the triumph
of good over evil and to seek the blessings of the divine mother goddess.
Area-wise Celebrations:
Gujarat: Gujarat is
renowned for its vibrant Garba and Dandiya Raas dance forms during Navratri.
People dress in colourful traditional attire and gather in community circles to
dance the night away. The dance is performed to the beat of traditional
instruments, creating an electrifying atmosphere. In Ahmedabad, Surat, and
Vadodara, the Garba events are particularly famous and draw visitors from
across the country and even from abroad.
West Bengal: In
West Bengal, Navratri coincides with the grand festival of Durga Puja, also
known as Navratri in some regions. This is a ten-day celebration that
culminates in the immersion of elaborately crafted idols of Goddess Durga. The
state comes alive with artistic decorations, cultural performances, and
elaborate processions.
North India: In the
northern parts of India, especially in cities like Delhi and Jaipur, people
observe fasts and participate in Ramlila performances. Ramlila is a dramatic
retelling of the epic Ramayana, and it usually concludes on Dussehra,
symbolizing the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.
Kolkata: Kolkata's
Durga Puja is one of the most famous and elaborate celebrations of Navratri in
India. The city is adorned with beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga, and
it attracts tourists from all over the world. The festival is marked by
cultural events, traditional rituals, and grand processions.
Maharashtra: In
Maharashtra, people celebrate Navratri with devotion and enthusiasm. They
install images of Goddess Durga in their homes and perform aartis. Many people
also participate in Dandiya and Garba dances, similar to the celebrations in
Gujarat.
South India: In
South India, especially in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Navratri is marked by
the worship of Goddess Saraswati. Students often place their books and
instruments before the goddess's idol and seek her blessings for knowledge and
wisdom.
Conclusion:
Navratri is a
diverse and culturally rich festival celebrated in various ways across India.
It embodies the essence of devotion, dance, music, and spirituality. Whether
it's the energetic Garba of Gujarat, the artistic grandeur of Durga Puja in
West Bengal, or the traditional rituals observed in different parts of the
country, Navratri brings communities together and instils a sense of unity and
devotion. The festival holds immense cultural and spiritual significance and
continues to be an integral part of Indian heritage and tradition.
Posts
