Navaratri, meaning “nine nights,” is a Hindu festival celebrated twice a year, typically in the months of Chaitra (March-April) and Ashwin (September-October), corresponding to the spring and autumn seasons.

Nav = nine and ratri = night. As the name implies, Navratri is a festival of nine consecutive nights. A festival so important that it takes nine nights to celebrate it.

Navratri is a time of fasting, prayer, and devotion, and it is marked by the performance of puja (worship) ceremonies in temples and homes. During the puja ceremony, people offer flowers, incense, and other ritual items to the goddess, and they recite prayers and mantras to seek her blessings.

The reasons for celebrating Navaratri twice in a year are rooted in Hindu mythology, regional traditions, and cultural practices.

1. Navaratri in Chaitra (Vasanta Navaratri): This Navaratri is celebrated during the spring season, usually in the month of Chaitra (March-April), according to the Hindu lunar calendar. It marks the beginning of the new year in some Hindu calendars, such as the Vikram Samvat. This Navaratri is associated with the worship of Goddess Durga or Shakti and is observed with fasting, prayer, and rituals. It culminates with Ram Navami, the birth anniversary of Lord Ram, which falls on the ninth day of Chaitra Navaratri.
2. Navaratri in Ashwin (Sharad Navaratri): This Navaratri is the more widely celebrated of the two and occurs during the autumn season, typically in the month of Ashwin (September-October). It is also known as Sharad Navaratri. This Navaratri is dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navadurga. Each day of Sharad Navaratri is associated with the worship of a specific form of the goddess. The festival concludes with Vijayadashami or Dussehra, which commemorates the victory of Lord Ram over the demon king Ravan.

The celebration of Navaratri twice a year reflects the cyclical nature of life, the changing seasons, and the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution in Hindu cosmology. Additionally, regional variations and cultural practices contribute to the observance of Navaratri at different times of the year. Overall, Navaratri is a time of spiritual renewal, devotion, and celebration of the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Durga or Shakti.

In addition to the puja ceremony, Navratri is also marked by the recitation of the Durga Saptashati (a holy text that describes the life and deeds of the goddess) and the singing of devotional songs. People may also perform aarti (a ritual in which a lighted lamp is waved in front of the idol) as a way to show their devotion and respect for the goddess.

Navratri is also a time of austerity and self-control, and many people observe a fast on this day as a way to purify the body and the mind. The fast is typically broken in the morning with a meal that consists of simple and nourishing foods such as fruits and nuts.

Navratri honors Navdurga … Nav Durga … nine forms of Durga. They are:

1. Shailputri : The first day of Sharad Navaratri is also known as Pratipada and is dedicated to the goddess Shailputri, who is the daughter of the mountain king. This form of the goddess represents the power of nature and is worshipped for her ability to bring prosperity and abundance.
2. Brahmacharini : The second day is known as Dwitiya and is dedicated to the goddess Brahmacharini, who represents the power of self-control and austerity. This form of the goddess is worshipped for her ability to bestow peace and prosperity.
3. Chandraghanta : The third day is known as Tritiya and is dedicated to the goddess Chandraghanta, who represents the power of courage and bravery. This form of the goddess is worshipped for her ability to protect her devotees from danger and evil.
4. Kushmanda : The fourth day is known as Chaturthi and is dedicated to the goddess Kushmanda, who represents the power of creation. This form of the goddess is worshipped for her ability to bring prosperity and abundance.
5. Skandamata : The fifth day is known as Panchami and is dedicated to the goddess Skandamata, who represents the power of knowledge. This form of the goddess is worshipped for her ability to bestow wisdom and enlightenment.
6. Katyayani : The sixth day is known as Shashthi and is dedicated to the goddess Katyayani, who represents the power of determination and strength. This form of the goddess is worshipped for her ability to help her devotees overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
7. Kalratri : The seventh day is known as Saptami and is dedicated to the goddess Kalaratri, who represents the power of transformation. This form of the goddess is worshipped for her ability to destroy negativity and bring about positive change.
8. Mahagauri : The eighth day is known as Ashtami and is dedicated to the goddess Mahagauri, who represents the power of purity and innocence. This form of the goddess is worshipped for her ability to bestow peace and prosperity.
9. Siddhidatri : The ninth and final day is known as Navami and is dedicated to the goddess Siddhidatri, who represents the power of accomplishment and achievement. This form of the goddess is worshipped for her ability to grant the wishes of her devotees and help them achieve success in all endeavors.

These nine forms celebrate, honor and worship nine different incarnations, nine different colors and nine different qualities. It is, in essence, to recognize, acknowledge and celebrate feminine power. Power of endurance. Power of sustainability, power of truth and the power of conviction. All of which can be summarized in one word – Shakti – a powerful force of energy.

Celebrations

During Navratri, Hindus observe a variety of celebrations and rituals to honor the goddess Durga and to seek her blessings. Some common celebrations and rituals that take place during Navratri include:

• Puja (worship): Hindus perform puja rituals to the goddess Durga, using flowers, incense, and other offerings. They also recite prayers and mantras to honor the goddess and to seek her blessings.
• Fasting: Many Hindus observe fasts during Sharad Navratri, abstaining from certain foods and drinks for the duration of the festival. The specific foods that are avoided may vary depending on the region and personal preferences.
• Dancing: Traditional dances, such as the Garba and Dandiya, are often performed during Sharad Navratri. These dances are typically performed in a group and involve swirling and twirling around the goddess Durga’s idol or a sacred fire.
• Processions: In some regions, people also participate in processions and public gatherings to mark the occasion. These may include parades, music performances, and other cultural events.
• Gifts and offerings: Hindus may also exchange gifts and make offerings to the goddess Durga, such as flowers, fruits, and sweets.

These are just a few examples of the celebrations and rituals that take place during Navratri. The specific celebrations and rituals may vary depending on the region and cultural traditions.

Prayers
Sameedh proudly offers the Navratri playlist with following prayers –

Chandipath:

1. Chapter 1
2. Chapter 2
3. Chapter 3
4. Chapter 4  (Also referred to as Shakraday Stuti in Gujarati)
5. Chapter 5
6. Chapter 6
7. Chapter 7
8. Chapter 8
9. Chapter 9
10. Chapter 10
11. Chapter 11

Additional Stotras:

1. Devi Aparadh Kshamapan Stotra
2. Devi Mahatmya Argala
3. Devi Mahatmya Kavach
4. Devi Mahatmya Kilak
5. Vishwambhari Stuti (a very popular Gujarati Prayer)
6. Shree Suktam

Overall, Navratri is a time of devotion, devotion, and self-control, and it is an important festival in the cultural calendar of India.

In summary, while both Sharad Navaratri and Chaitra Navaratri are dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga or Shakti, they occur at different times of the year, have distinct mythological connections, and are celebrated with unique cultural observances and associated festivals.