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Sharad Navratri

Durga Maa

  • Puja vidhi
  • 6 Wishes to send
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Sharad Navratri

Why it is celebrated

Sharad Navratri runs from Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Navami, and Dussehra follows on the tenth day. It celebrates Maa Durga's victory over Mahishasur. Durga Puja in Bengal, garba and dandiya in Gujarat, Golu in the South and Ramlila in North India all happen in these days.

The story

There was an asura named Mahishasur, who could also take the form of a buffalo. Popular tellings say he won a boon through tapasya that no god and no man could defeat him. Full of pride, he drove the devtas out of heaven.

The unhappy devtas went to Brahma ji, Vishnu ji and Shiv ji. Hearing them, a brilliant light came forth from the three gods and from all the devtas, and it joined together into a divine goddess: Maa Durga. Shiv ji gave her a trishul, Vishnu ji his chakra, Indra his vajra, and Himalaya a lion to ride.

The battle between Maa and Mahishasur went on for many days. Mahishasur kept changing his form as he fought: now a buffalo, now a lion, now an elephant. In the end Maa defeated him and came to be called Mahishasurmardini. The devtas sang her praises.

In Bengal it is believed that in these days Maa Durga comes to her parents' home with her children, Ganesh, Kartikeya, Lakshmi and Saraswati, and on Dashami people bid her goodbye with tearful eyes.

Puja vidhi

  1. On Pratipada, set up the kalash at the auspicious time, sow barley and light a lamp or an akhand jyot.
  2. Worship the nine forms of Maa in order over the nine days, and do the aarti morning and evening.
  3. Read the Durga Saptashati, the Durga Chalisa or Devi mantras.
  4. Fast as your health and faith allow, and eat sattvic food.
  5. On Ashtami or Navami, do kanya pujan and a havan.
  6. In the evenings, join garba, bhajan-kirtan or a pandal visit with your family.
  7. On Dashami, immerse the sprouted barley and the idol, and celebrate Vijayadashami.

Food

Kuttu, singhara, sabudana and fruit during the fast; halwa-puri-chana for kanya pujan, and bhog khichuri in Bengal.

Wishes to send

  • Warm wishes on Sharad Navratri! May Maa Durga fill your home with strength, peace and happiness.

  • Jai Mata Di! The beat of garba, the sound of the dhak and Maa's blessings: may your Navratri be blessed.

  • May Maa Mahishasurmardini give you the courage to face every difficulty. Happy Navratri!

  • Maa has come home to her parents, with Ganesh, Kartikeya, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Lots of good wishes for Durga Puja.

  • Nine nights, nine forms and countless blessings. May Maa Ambe's love always be on your family.

  • May this festival of good over evil light a new lamp in your heart too. Jai Maa Durga!

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