BAVINA SOOKDEO
Navratri will be celebrated from October 15-23. A vibrant Hindu festival, Navratri is a time when devotees come together to celebrate the divine feminine energy embodied by Mother Durga. The word "Navratri" translates to "nine nights," corresponding to the lunar calendar’s nine auspicious nights when devotees fervently worship and honour the goddess.
According to pundit Navin Omadath Maharaj, spiritual leader of the Munroe Road Shiv Mandir, “During this spiritually charged period, the changing seasons render individuals vulnerable to various ailments. Fasting and prayer, integral aspects of Navratri, are believed to purify the body, mind, and spirit, fortifying devotees to confront life's challenges with renewed strength and clarity.”
The pundit further explained that central to Navratri is the veneration of Mother Durga, regarded as the protective mother of the universe. “She is the guardian against malevolent forces, bestowing eternal peace and contentment upon her devotees. Navratri holds a special place in the hearts of worshippers as it marks the celebration of her first manifestation. According to Hindu mythology, Mother Durga emerged as the divine creation of Lords Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, with the sole purpose of safeguarding the universe from the clutches of Mahishasur, an evil and arrogant demon who mistakenly believed that no 'mere woman' could challenge him.”
The victory of Mother Durga over this malevolent demon is celebrated fervently throughout Navratri. Devotees engage in spiritual discourses (
Pravachan), sing devotional songs, and participate in the lively
garba dance, symbolising the epic nine-day battle between the goddess and the demon.
Maharaj said, “During this sacred celebration, offerings are made to honour Mother Durga, including arahu flowers, sindoor (vermillion), neem leaves (signifying the goddess’ preference), lapsi, sohari (a special sweet dish made in her honour), and the sacred Durga
dhar offering.
[caption id="attachment_1040101" align="alignnone" width="1024"] During Navratri devotees participate in the lively garba dance, symbolising the epic nine-day battle between the goddess and the demon.Photo courtesy Paramjyoti School of Dance -[/caption]
“As per the Devi Mahatyam (Hindu philosophical text), it is recommended that devotees observing worship during this period prepare this sacred blend of nine ingredients every morning and offer it in a
lota (vessel) with water, arahu flowers, and neem leaves. This ritual is accompanied by the lighting of camphor, with devotees wholeheartedly focusing on Mother Durga in prayer, fortified by unwavering faith.”
In situations where one cannot fast and pray for the entire Navratri period, worship is done on the eighth lunar day, known as Durga Ashtami, This day grants devotees all the merits and blessings of the entire festival. Furthermore, a special form of worship is observed on this day, during which nine young girls aged two-ten years are invited and honoured, symbolising the nine distinct forms of the g
