Navratri: A celebration of the divine feminine

Navratri, a Sanskrit word that literally means “nine nights”, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the nine forms of the goddess Durga, the embodiment of feminine power and divinity. It is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India, and is also observed by Hindus around the world.

Navratri is celebrated twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. The fall Navratri is the more popular and elaborate of the two, and is typically celebrated in the month of September or October.

During Navratri, devotees worship the nine forms of Durga, each of which represents a different aspect of her power. The nine forms of Durga are:

1. Shailputri
2. Brahmacharini
3. Chandraghanta
4. Kushmanda
5. Skandamata
6. Katyayani
7. Kaalratri
8. Mahagauri
9. Siddhidatri

Devotees offer prayers, flowers, and other offerings to Durga, and also chant mantras and hymns in her praise. Some devotees also observe a fast during Navratri, eating only vegetarian food and abstaining from alcohol and certain spices.

Navratri is also a time for celebration and festivity. In many parts of India, people gather to dance and sing traditional Navratri songs. Popular Navratri dances include garba and dandiya raas.

Navratri culminates with the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of good over evil, and is symbolized by the story of Rama’s victory over Ravana.

Significance of Navratri

Navratri is a time for spiritual reflection and renewal. It is a time to celebrate the divine feminine and to invoke the power of Durga into our lives. Navratri is also a time to let go of negative thoughts and emotions, and to start fresh with a new perspective.

Here are some of the ways to celebrate Navratri:

• Worship the nine forms of Durga. You can do this at home or at a temple. If you are worshipping at home, you can set up a small altar with pictures or statues of the nine forms of Durga. You can also offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings.
• Chant mantras and hymns in praise of Durga. There are many different mantras and hymns that are sung during Navratri. You can find these online or in books on Hinduism.
• Observe a fast. If you are able to, you can observe a fast during Navratri. This means eating only vegetarian food and abstaining from alcohol and certain spices.
• Attend Navratri celebrations. In many parts of India, people gather to dance and sing traditional Navratri songs. Popular Navratri dances include garba and dandiya raas.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Navratri, it is a time to connect with your inner divinity and to celebrate the power of the divine feminine.