The Sanskrit word Navaratri is composed by joining
two words Nava (Nine) and Ratri (Nights), Sanskrit language is very powerful we
can join two or more words to make another word. Navaratri is feast celebrated
in a stretch for nine nights. Navaratri is the time we adore the nine
incarnations of Goddess Durga and is celebrated five times in a year. At the
start of spring just after the end of winter season we have Vasantha Navaratri
in the month of Vasantha. At the start of monsoon just after summer we have
Ashadha Navaratri in the month of Ashadha. We have Sharada Navaratri in of the
month of Ashvija which is the start of mild winter season just after monsoon.
Magha Navaratri is when the mild winter gives way to harsh winter in the month
of Magha.
Our festival though celebrated with much of zeal and
enthusiasm for rejoicing and to enjoy, there will always be a reason and
significance behind the festivals. The Divine power is acting on this universe
providing energy for the Earth to rotate on its own axis and go on orbiting the
Sun. This orbit around the Sun by the Earth brings in various seasons which in
turn cause change in nature. This change in nature is necessary for maintaining
the perfect balance in the universe. These changes in the nature not only
impact the balance of the universe but also on our physical body.
The change in nature is felt as the season changes. It is observed that in the months starting from spring where the solar
influence is on the rise the energy level in our too body is on the rise. It is
in this period of time our agricultural activates gets started. This positivity
is due to the Sattva Guna predominance as the result of it, we become
energetic, enthusiastic, innovative and creative. When monsoon creeps in our
energy level slides down Tamo Guna is seen predominant and we tend to be a bit
lethargic. This is mostly in the month of Ashadha and continues till Shravana.
In the month of Shravana to cheer up our energy
level the festive season starts with Naga Panchami followed by Varamahalakshmi
and Ganesha Chaturthi. Then we have Paksha Maasa to revere our ancestors.
Recalling those beautiful memories of our grandparents we accrue more
positivity to welcome Navaratri which starts from the Pratipada of Ashvija
Maasa.
The Nine Nights followed by the 10th day called
Vijaya Dasami we seek Goddess Durga, the source of energy to bestow vigour to
overcome the inner enemies which are Arishadvargas. The nine nights are equally
divided among the three aspects of Shakthi. The first three nights is to adore
Maha Kaali, a nemesis of the darkness. The next three days are dedicated to
Maha Lakshmi, the giver of potent material and spiritual wealth and the
remaining three is to worship Maha Saraswati, the magnanimous benefactor of
infinite knowledge and wisdom.
We need the blessings of all three aspects of Goddess
Durga; hence, the worship for nine nights. Navaratri is celebrated in different
ways in West Bengal, Assam and Bihar it is Durga Puja where pandals are erected
to display Goddess Durga victory over the demon Mahishasura. In Gujarat it is Garba and Dandiya, the traditional dance performed both by men and women. In
Karnataka it is Naada Habba (State Festival) and is celebrated in the same way
as it was way back in 1610 celebrated by the great Vijayanagara dynasty. The famous
Mysore Dasara procession is the highlight on Vijayadashami. And there is Gombe Habba (Festival of Dolls)...more on it tomorrow.
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