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How To Follow Navratri?

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Navratri, meaning "nine nights," is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Shakti and her various manifestations. It celebrates the victory of good over evil and is observed with devotion and joy across India. Below is an expanded guide to following Navratri with fasting methods, prayers, puja steps, clothing suggestions, and practical tips for modern times.

1. Preparing for Navratri

  • Spiritual Preparation: Cleanse your home and puja space before the festival. Set up a sanctified area with idols or pictures of Goddess Durga or her forms such as Kali, Saraswati, or Lakshmi.
  • Mental Preparation: Cultivate a positive mindset, avoid anger and negativity, and dedicate time for meditation and self-reflection.
  • Purity of Lifestyle: Refrain from consuming meat, alcohol, onion, and garlic during the festival.

2. Fasting Methods

Navratri fasting varies by tradition and individual preferences. Here are some common practices:

  • Types of Fasts:
    • Full Fast: Consume only water, milk, or fruit juices throughout the day.
    • Partial Fast: Eat sattvic (pure and simple) food, such as fruits, nuts, and dishes made from buckwheat flour (kuttu), water chestnut flour (singhara), or amaranth (rajgira).
    • One Meal a Day: Have a single vegetarian meal during the day.
  • Permitted Foods: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, tapioca, pumpkins, ghee, milk, and rock salt (sendha namak).
  • Avoided Foods: Rice, wheat, lentils, grains, and processed foods.

Practical Tip for Modern Times: If your schedule doesn’t allow for elaborate fasting, opt for a partial fast or incorporate at least one meal dedicated to fasting foods.

3. Daily Puja Steps

Performing a simple Navratri puja at home involves the following steps:

  1. Setting the Altar:

    • Place an idol or picture of Goddess Durga or her manifestations on a clean altar.
    • Light a diya (lamp) and offer incense, flowers, and fruits.
    • Keep a kalash (sacred pot) filled with water and place mango leaves and a coconut on top, symbolizing prosperity.

  2. Invocation (Dhyana):

    • Sit in a meditative posture, chant “Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Vichche” to invoke the goddess.

  3. Offerings (Naivedya):

    • Offer fruits, sweets, and sattvic food prepared for the day.

  4. Mantra Chanting and Prayer:

    • Chant the Durga Chalisa or recite these mantras:
      • "Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samsthita, Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namo Namah" (Meaning: "Salutations to the Goddess who resides in all beings in the form of energy").
      • “Om Dum Durgaye Namah”.
    • Recite the Argala Stotra, Kavach, or simple bhajans dedicated to Durga.

  5. Aarti:

    • Perform aarti with a lit camphor or ghee diya while singing an aarti song such as “Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali.”

  6. Conclude:

    • Seek blessings, bow down, and offer gratitude.

4. Clothes and Colors

Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific color, symbolizing a virtue or energy. Wearing these colors enhances the devotional experience:

  • Day 1 (Pratipada): Yellow for happiness and energy.
  • Day 2 (Dwitiya): Green for growth and harmony.
  • Day 3 (Tritiya): Grey for balance and neutrality.
  • Day 4 (Chaturthi): Orange for warmth and enthusiasm.
  • Day 5 (Panchami): White for purity and peace.
  • Day 6 (Shashti): Red for passion and strength.
  • Day 7 (Saptami): Royal Blue for confidence and power.
  • Day 8 (Ashtami): Pink for love and compassion.
  • Day 9 (Navami): Purple for ambition and devotion.

Practical Tip: If wearing specific colors isn’t feasible, opt for simple, clean, and modest attire to maintain the festival's sanctity.

Note - Corresponding tithi and day of the week colors change every year.

5. Ideal Deities to Worship

Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Shakti and her nine forms, collectively known as the Navadurga:

  1. Shailaputri: The daughter of the mountains, symbolizing strength.
  2. Brahmacharini: The ascetic goddess, representing penance and knowledge.
  3. Chandraghanta: The goddess of peace and bravery.
  4. Kushmanda: The creator of the universe, symbolizing vitality.
  5. Skandamata: The mother of Lord Kartikeya, embodying nurturing.
  6. Katyayani: The fierce warrior goddess.
  7. Kalaratri: The destroyer of darkness and ignorance.
  8. Mahagauri: The goddess of purity and tranquility.
  9. Siddhidatri: The giver of supernatural powers.

Practical Tip: If worshiping all nine forms feels overwhelming, focus on Durga, Lakshmi, or Saraswati based on your spiritual goals.

6. Rare Facts About Navratri

  • Symbolism of Nine Nights: The first three days represent overcoming tamas (darkness, laziness), the next three focus on rajas (activity, passion), and the last three elevate to sattva (purity, knowledge).
  • Global Observances: Navratri is celebrated with unique traditions in various parts of India, such as Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat, Durga Puja in Bengal, and Golu in Tamil Nadu.

7. Mantras and Prayers

Here are some additional mantras and stotras for Navratri:

  1. Devi Kavacham: A protective hymn invoking the goddess’s blessings for safety and strength.
  2. Mahishasura Mardini Stotram: A hymn praising Durga's triumph over the demon Mahishasura.
  3. Gayatri Mantra for Durga:
    • “Om Katyayanaya Vidmahe Kanyakumari Dheemahi Tanno Durgi Prachodayat.”

8. Practical Steps and Ideas for Modern Times

  1. Digital Participation: Join online aarti sessions or listen to recorded chants if attending a temple is not feasible.
  2. Community Engagement: Organize or join virtual Garba nights or devotional sessions with friends and family.
  3. Eco-Friendly Practices: Use biodegradable materials for decorations and opt for eco-friendly idols.
  4. Mindful Fasting: Ensure your fast is healthy by staying hydrated and consuming nutritious fasting foods.
  5. Meditation and Yoga: Combine your spiritual practice with physical wellness by practicing yoga and mindfulness meditation during Navratri.

By following these steps, you can celebrate Navratri with devotion and joy, regardless of your circumstances. The essence of the festival lies in seeking inner strength, worshiping the divine feminine, and fostering positivity in life.