Pic courtesy of Matthias Rosenkranz / WikiCommons

By Sinthoo Sangaran

Navaratri is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights (and ten days) and is celebrated every year in the autumn. It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian cultural sphere.

Navaratricelebration marks the victory of Goddess Durga, who was created by Lord Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu to defeat demon. The festival is celebrated in the bright half of the Hindu calendar month Ashvin, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October.

This festival is celebrated for 9 nights which begins on October 7 and ends on October 15th. This year, Vijay Dashami will be celebrated on Friday, October 15, 2021.

History

Legend says that the Navaratri celebration marks the victory of Goddess Durga, who was created by Lord Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu to defeat demon Mahishasura. Mahishashura is a strong and powerful demon, who can’t be harmed by any men.

However, little he knew that he was destined to die at the hands of a lady. When Goddess Durga faced Mahishasuraduring the battle, he was mesmerized by her beauty and asked her hand in marriage.

Durga agreed to wed him, only if he managed to defeat her in the battle. The war went on for 10 days, and the goddess took 9 different forms over 9 days and defeated the demon on the 10th day, which is celebrated as Vijaya Dhasami.

Significance of each day

The first three days of Navaratri is celebrated goddess Durga in various forms. The next three days of Navaratri is celebrated goddess Mahalakshmi in various forms and also the last three days goddess Saraswathi is celebrated in various forms. Lastly, end the celebration with Vijaya Dhasami.

Day 1 – Maheswari / Uma Maheswari (Durga Worship)

This day is associated with Maheswari an incarnation of Durga. It is in this form that Durga is worshiped as the wife of Shiva; she is depicted as riding the bull, Nandi, with a trishula in her right hand and lotus in her left. She is the embodiment of positive thinking. The color of the day is green.

Day 2 – Sri Rajarajeswary / Goumari

Second day, Goddess Sri Rajarajeswary, another incarnation of Durga, is worshiped. In this form, Sri Rajarajeswarybeginning for war. Sri Rajarajeswary is worshiped for protection from demons and endowment of peace and prosperity. Yellow is the color code of this day.

Day 3 – Varaghi

Third day commemorates the worship of Varaghi form of goddess Durga. She is the embodiment of beauty and is also symbolic of bravery and protection. Blue is the color of the third day, which is a vivacious color and can pep up everyone’s mood.

Day 4 – Mahalakshmi (Mahalakshmi Worship)

Fourth day Goddess Mahalakshmi is worshiped. Mahalakshmi is associated with the endowment of vegetation on earth. She is the embodiment of peace and abundance. The color of the day is Dark Blue.

Day 5 – Mohini / Vaishnavi

Fifth day, Mohini the goddess worshiped as Mahalakshmi. The color of Red is symbolic of the transforming strength of a mother when her child is confronted with danger. She has a chakra and valamburi sangu.

Day 6 – Chandigadevi

Born to sage Chandigadevi, she is an incarnation of Mahalakshmi and is shown to exhibit courage which is symbolized by the color Peacock Green. Known as the warrior goddess, she is considered one of the most violent forms of Devi. Goddess Chandigadevi embodies on abolish the evil and giving peace and happiness.

Day 7 – Shambhavi (Saraswathi Worship)

Saraswathi in the form of Shambhavi is worshiped on this day. She embodies education, intelligence, creativity and logical thinking. She is also called aa (Nyanasorubini). Shesymbolizes with having Veenai on her hand. The pink color portrays prayer.

Day 8 – Narasimatharani

Narasimatharani, a form of Saraswathi is worshiped on the 8thday. Narasimatharani symbolizes by having a lion as her face. The color associated with this day is green / grey. She is celebrated on Ashtami (eighth day).

Day 9 – Parameshwary

On the last day of the festival also known as Navami (ninth day), people pray to Parameshwary. She embodies bravery, power and confidence. The brownish yellow color of the day portrays an admiration towards nature’s beauty.