Navratri 2021, starts today on April 13, and will last till April 22. The nine-day long festival begins on the first day of the Hindu Luni Solar calendar.
The festival is celebrated twice a year and the first Navratri is called Chaitra Navratri. It is also called Vasant Navratri as it is celebrated in the spring season, months of March-April. The Navratri that falls in the autumn season is called Sharad Navratri.
Navratri is celebrated all over the country in several ways and has multiple stories associated with it. As the name of the festival suggests, it is observed for nine days, worshiping
nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. The devotees of Goddess Durga fast for these nine days praying for health, forgiveness, and prosperity. The auspicious festival also marks the birth anniversary of Lord Rama which usually
falls on the last day of Navratri, also called Rama Navratri.
However, amid prevailing Corona 2.0, the festival will be observed in a low-key manner once again. On Navratri 2021, we all must maintain social distancing, avoid public gatherings and enjoy with the ones we love most.
The state governments have issued guidelines and standard operating procedures in each region for the celebrations of Navratri in 2021.
The story behind the propitious festival
The festival honors Goddess Durga and celebrates her victory over demon Mahishasur. Lord Brahma had granted immortality to Mahishasur on the condition that he could only be defeated
by a woman. Consequently, Mahishasur started wreaking havoc in three realms Earth, Heaven, and Hell. To prevent this, Goddess Durga was created by combining the powers of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.
Goddess Durga fought in the battle for 15 days with Mahishasur. During the battle, the demon kept changing his forms to confuse the goddess. In the end, Goddess Durga slew Mahishasur with her Trishul.
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The nine days of Navratri
First day-Devotees worship Goddess Shailputri, the daughter of the king of mountains. Also known as Sati, Bhavani, or Parvati, the goddess is also worshipped as the wife of Lord Shiva.
Second day-Goddess Brahmcharini who is the second avatar of Goddess Durga is worshipped.
Third day-Goddess Chandraghanta is worshiped for peace and prosperity.
Fourth day- We worship goddess Kushmanda, considered as the originator of the universe.
Fifth day-Goddess Skandmata is worshipped, who represents the vulnerability of a mother who can find anyone when trouble crosses the road,
Sixth Day-It is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani who symbolizes courage.
Seventh day-Goddess Kal Ratri, the fiercest form of Goddess Durga is worshiped.
Eighth day-The devotees worship Goddess Maha Gauri who signifies intelligence, peace, success, and calm.
Ninth day-Goddess Siddhidarti known for having divine healing powers is worshipped.