Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across India. The word “Navratri” is derived from two Sanskrit words – “Nav” meaning nine and “Ratri” meaning night. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, also known as Navdurga. Navratri is celebrated twice a year – once in the spring (Chaitra Navratri) and once in the autumn (Sharad Navratri). This article will focus on Navratri 2024, specifically the Navdurga Puja and Dandiya Raas celebrations that take place during this auspicious festival.
Navratri 2024 will begin on Thursday, 26th September and end on Friday, 4th October. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and is a time for devotees to seek the blessings of the divine mother. During Navratri, devotees observe fasts, perform puja rituals, and participate in cultural events like Dandiya Raas.
Navdurga Puja is an integral part of Navratri celebrations. The nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped on each day of the festival, with each form representing a different aspect of the divine mother. The nine forms of Navdurga are:
1. Shailaputri – the daughter of the mountains
2. Brahmacharini – the one who practices celibacy
3. Chandraghanta – the one with a half-moon on her forehead
4. Kushmanda – the creator of the universe
5. Skandamata – the mother of Skanda (Lord Kartikeya)
6. Katyayani – the daughter of Sage Katyayana
7. Kaalratri – the dark and fierce form of Durga
8. Mahagauri – the one with a fair complexion
9. Siddhidatri – the bestower of supernatural powers
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of a specific form of Navdurga, with devotees offering prayers, flowers, fruits, and other offerings to the goddess. The Navdurga Puja is performed with great devotion and reverence, with elaborate rituals and ceremonies taking place in temples and homes.
Dandiya Raas is another highlight of Navratri celebrations. It is a traditional folk dance performed in circles with sticks, known as dandiyas. The dancers move in a synchronized manner, tapping their dandiyas to the beat of the music. Dandiya Raas is a joyous and energetic dance form that brings people together to celebrate the spirit of Navratri.
During Navratri, Dandiya Raas events are organized in various cities and towns, with people of all ages coming together to dance and revel in the festive atmosphere. The colorful costumes, lively music, and infectious energy of Dandiya Raas make it a popular form of entertainment during Navratri.
In addition to the Navdurga Puja and Dandiya Raas celebrations, Navratri also involves fasting and feasting. Many devotees observe strict fasts during the nine days of the festival, abstaining from food and water until the evening when they break their fast with a special meal. Special Navratri foods like sabudana khichdi, kuttu ki puri, and samvat rice are prepared during this time.
FAQs about Navratri 2024:
Q: When is Navratri 2024?
A: Navratri 2024 will begin on Thursday, 26th September and end on Friday, 4th October.
Q: What is the significance of Navratri?
A: Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
Q: How is Navdurga Puja performed during Navratri?
A: Navdurga Puja is performed by worshipping one form of Goddess Durga each day of the festival. Devotees offer prayers, flowers, fruits, and other offerings to the goddess.
Q: What is Dandiya Raas?
A: Dandiya Raas is a traditional folk dance performed in circles with sticks, known as dandiyas. It is a popular form of entertainment during Navratri.
Q: What are some traditional Navratri foods?
A: Some traditional Navratri foods include sabudana khichdi, kuttu ki puri, and samvat rice.
In conclusion, Navratri 2024 promises to be a time of joy, devotion, and celebration as devotees come together to worship Goddess Durga and participate in cultural events like Dandiya Raas. The festival is a time to seek the blessings of the divine mother and celebrate the victory of good over evil. With Navdurga Puja and Dandiya Raas at the center of the celebrations, Navratri is a time for spiritual renewal and community bonding.
