Navaratri is celebrated to honour Durga’s victory over the defeat of Mahishasura, who was a threat to the universe. None of the Gods could overcome him. The Goddess, Durga was gifted strengths from all the Gods and she became omnipotent. Only the Cosmic mother could destroy him and she was Durga. In Navaratri, different forms of the Goddess are worshipped each day.

1. Shailputri – strength and leadership. White is worn as symbolizes purity and innocence. Ghee is offered to bring health and wellbeing.
2. Brahmacharini – devotion and discipline. Red is worn as it represents passion and vitality. Sugar is offered as it brings blessings
3. Chandraghanta – Courage and bravery. Royal blue is worn as it represents tranquillity. Kheer is offered as it grants peace and protection.
4. Kushmanda – creativity and optimism. Yellow is worn as it represents optimism. Sweet pancakes are offered for wealth and prosperity.
5. Skanda Mata – compassion and nurturing. Green is worn as it represents growth and new beginnings. Bananas are offered as they represent plenty and good fortune.
6. Katyayani – determination and balance. Grey is worn as it represents harmony and effects the speech. Honey is offered to grant blessing for vitality and to overcome obstacles.
7. Kalahari – resilience, overcoming darkness and inner negativity. Orange is worn as it represents positive energy. Jaggery is offered so that one attains spiritual purification.
8. Mahagauri – forgiveness and purity, practice kindness and maintain inner peace. Teal is worn as it is linked to individuality. Coconut is offered as it represents conquest over ego.
9. Siddhidatri – wisdom. Pink is worn as it represents universal love. Sesame seeds are offered as they symbolizing victory over enemies.

The favourite flowers offered are Hibiscus which represents Ma’s essence, Jasmine represents purity and fragrance and the Lotus represents divine grace.

Blessings and prosperity and strength

Nine days are dedicated to worship of the Goddess. It is a time for spiritual reflection, introspection, devotion and dedication to the different forms of the Goddess. One seeks her blessings and prosperity and strength. It also marks the end of the rains and the beginning of the harvest.

Navratri is celebrated with great joy and it is a community festival. Collectively the Goddess is worshipped in Pandals which are made from bamboo, cloth and other materials are large structures resembling altars or temples and these house the deity, Goddess Durga where devotees collect and connect with their cultural and spiritual identities.

Dear ones, use this time to introspect and reflect.

Aim Hrim Klim