Navratri Celebrations Begin in India
The first day of Shardiya Navratri saw many devotees gather at the Jhandewalan Mata Temple in New Delhi. This marks the start of the nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. Celebrated with devotion across India, the festival includes rituals and prayers honoring the goddess in her various forms.
Leaders Extend Greetings
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami sent his greetings, highlighting Navratri’s importance in worshipping the divine feminine. He stated, “Navratri holds special significance as we worship the various forms of Maa Durga. This festival symbolizes the power of women and is a reflection of our culture and traditions.”
In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the Durga Puja celebrations at Jodhpur Park. She emphasized unity and inclusivity, wishing for everyone’s well-being during the festivities. “I hope Maa Durga keeps everyone healthy. We respect all religions, castes, and languages,” she said.
Navratri Across India
In the eastern and northeastern regions, Durga Puja celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing good over evil. In southern states, the festival honors the victories of Durga or Kali, while in Gujarat, it is marked by aarti and traditional garba dances.
Throughout India, Navratri involves worshipping nine forms of the goddess over nine days, with rituals like stage decorations, recitals, and scripture chanting. It is also a cultural event tied to the harvest season, featuring pandal competitions and public performances of classical and folk dances.
Vijayadashami and Beyond
The final day, Vijayadashami, marks the victory of good over evil. Statues of Goddess Durga are immersed in water bodies, or effigies of demons are burnt with fireworks, symbolizing the destruction of evil. This festival also sets the stage for Diwali, which follows 20 days after Vijayadashami.
Doubts Revealed
Navratri -: Navratri is a Hindu festival that lasts for nine days and is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga. It is celebrated with prayers, fasting, and cultural events.
Jhandewalan Mata Temple -: Jhandewalan Mata Temple is a famous Hindu temple in Delhi, India, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Many devotees visit this temple during Navratri to offer prayers.
Shardiya Navratri -: Shardiya Navratri is the most celebrated Navratri, occurring in the autumn season. It is one of the four seasonal Navratris and is considered very auspicious.
Uttarakhand -: Uttarakhand is a state in northern India known for its Hindu pilgrimage sites and natural beauty. It is often referred to as the ‘Land of the Gods’.
Pushkar Singh Dhami -: Pushkar Singh Dhami is the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, a state in India. He is a political leader who represents the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Mamata Banerjee -: Mamata Banerjee is the Chief Minister of West Bengal, a state in India. She is a political leader and the founder of the All India Trinamool Congress party.
Vijayadashami -: Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is the tenth and final day of Navratri. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, symbolized by Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana.
Diwali -: Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival celebrated across India. It marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and involves lighting lamps, fireworks, and sharing sweets.
