Navratri Festival - India

NAVRATRI - INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

This article is more helpful to do worship (Puja) in short time for people who are religious and having tight schedule.

Introduction:-

The most important Navratri in a year is the Sharadiya Navratri which begins on the first day of the bright half of Ashvin or Ashwayuja (September-October) as per Hindu calendar. The most important is the Chaitra Navratri or the Navaratri in March-April. This is also known as Vasant Navratri or Ram Navaratri.

The other two Navratris are Magh Navratri (January – February) and Ashad Navratri (June – July). These two Navratris are known as Gupt Navratris and are mainly observed only in certain regions of North India.

Thus there are four important Navratris in a year in a Hindu lunar calendar.

Story of Navratri / Durga Pooja 

Durga Saptsati is a book in which Devimahatmya is recited during the Navaratri and Durga Pooja. It symbolized the victory of good over evil. 

Devi-Mahatyma extols the greatness of Durga in 700 hymns grouped into 537 sections and therefore it is also known as Durga Sapta Sati. It details the exploits of the goddess in her three major forms: Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati, representing the three fold energy: strength, wealth and wisdom. The most famous episode is Durga killing Mahishasur.

Birth of Mahishasur

Legend has it that two sons of Danu called Rambha and Karambha performed penances to gain more powers. Rambha performed the austerities by standing amidst five ritual fires called Panchagni and Karambha by standing in neck-deep in water.

Indra, the lord of the gods, felt threatened by such intense austerities and took the form of a crocodile and killed Karambha. Rambha, who came to know about his brother’s death, increased the intensity of his austerities and won several boons from gods like great brilliance, beauty, invincibility in war. Most importantly, the boon that he will not be killed by humans or Gods or Asuras (demons).

After receiving the boon, he was roaming in the garden of Yaksha and there he fell in love with a female-buffalo. To express his love Rambha took the form of a male-buffalo and copulated with the she-buffalo. But soon a real male buffalo discovered Rambha in the garden and killed him.

Rambha’s inflated ego made him not to ask the boon of invincibility from animals. And an animal happened to be the reason for his death.

The female-buffalo, who was pregnant, decided to kill herself in the funeral pyre of Rambha. She jumped into the pyre and from the pyre sprang up a mighty asura (demon) with the head of a buffalo and human body. This was Mahishasur.

Mahishasur Defeats Gods

Mahishasur defeated the gods and the demons. He attacked the heaven and captured it and made ‘devas’ his slaves. He proclaimed that he is now Indra – the lord of the gods. The gods led by Brahma approached Vishnu and Shiva and appraised them of the situation.

Birth of Goddess Durga

The actions of Mahishasur caused intense anger in the Trimurtis. The anger emerging out of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva combined to the take the shape of a terrible form and this was Durga (Goddess).

It is said that the flames of fire that gushed out of the eyes of the Trimurtis – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva – formed a mountain, brilliant like a million suns. Out of this mountain, Durga took shape as the Goddess, more powerful than all the gods.

Goddess Durga kills Mahishasur

When the goddess was seen by Mahishasur, he fell in love with her and sought to marry her. The goddess promised to marry him, if he defeated her in the battle. A terrible combat ensued and continued for nine days. Finally, Durga assumed the terrifying form of Chandika and pinned Mahishasur down with her foot and pierced his neck with her spear and she cut his head off with her sword.

The legend about the killing of Mahishasur is found in many Puranas and therefore there are slight variations in the story. The story is also found in Vamana Purana, Varaha Purana, Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, Devi Bhagavatam and Kalika Purana.

Navratri Puja Vidhi (Procedure) -
Prerequisites to the Navratri Pooja -

The devotees must procure the following list of products before the Navratri Starts.

-An idol or a picture of goddess (the one which depicts all the 9 devis is recommended if possible).

- A decorative dupatta or saree, which are mostly red or green in colour for the goddess’s idol or photograph.

- A brass, copper or earthen Kalash (pitcher) filled with pure and clean water. Ganga water is also recommended.

- The Durga Saptshati book for reciting in front of the chowky before or after the aarti.

- A bundle of sacred thread Kalawa aka Moli.

- A small bottle of Perfume (new)

- A handful of Areca nuts (Supari). (Optional)

- 5-7 Beetel Leaves. (Optional)

- Incense Sticks, Dhoop Sticks, Matches and cotton balls (Batti) for the diyas.

- Ghee or oil to enlighten diya (one small bottle).

- The traditional powders viz. turmeric (haldi), Gulal, red sindoor, sandal wood (chandan powder) and Vermillion (Roli).

- Some Flowers or floral garlands to offer Goddess and to beautify the chowky (wooden/metal table).

- 5 Different types of fruits and Sweets to be served as Prasad.

- A sitting mat if possible.

- One medium sized metal pot (which is used for Havan)

- A small bundle of wood (which is kept in metal pot to enlighten fire for Havan)

Navratri Pooja is offered to request the almighty Goddess for peace, prosperity and sustenance of the same. It is very important to perform pooja after taking bath and to wear new or washed clothes and to follow the right method of pooja.

- First to ensure very clean and tidy surroundings for the Navratri Puja. As it is a very well-known fact that, “Cleanliness is Godliness.” Below are the navratri puja procedure rituals, which one need to follow..

Sthapana

First clean water should be filled in the pitcher/ Kalash. Now keep the neem tree leaves/mango tree leaves at the opening in a coverall formation and lidding the same by placing a coconut amidst the leaves. This pitcher is placed in front of the idol or photograph at the praying location. The best time for the Sthapana is considered to be in the early hours of the morning.

Akhand Jyot – 

If people opt to instil an Akhand Jyot (never ending lamp) for the 9 days,   At least one person should be there to stay in the house throughout the duration of the Navratri and ensure that Akhand Jyot continues to remain enlighten throughout the nine d. Akhand Jyot is lit at the time of Sthapana.

Pooja Routine for 9 Days –

 1.  After the Sthapana, devotee should put one round circle ( Teeka ) on the forehead of the Goddess idol/picture after dipping index finger in roli ,sindoor , sandal wood powder and turmeric successively (after mixing them in water).Now devotees offer flowers/garland, red new cloth piece, Prasad. Keep areca nuts on beetle leaves in a washed plate in front of Goddess picture/idol. Take sacred thread /moli/kalava in hand and touch it to the Goddess. Now devotees can tie up a piece of thread on their right hand wrist and apply one circle of wet turmeric/roli/sindoor/chandan (sandal wood) powder on their forehead too. (This is an acupressure point in the center of the forehead between two eyebrows. When it is pressed by finger while putting circle known as “teeka”, can cure many diseases e.g. migraine, increase vision and concentration etc.).

2. Enlighten agarbatti in front of Goddess and spray perfume around picture/idol of Goddess Durga.

3. Keep cotton ball dipped in ghee/oil in diya (a small pot) and enlighten it after saying “Jai Mata” or Goddess Durga mantra.

4. Devotees should follow a strict routine for praying two times i.e. morning and evening. In the morning, the verses from the Durga Saptashati are to be recited after singing the hymn (Aarti) along with ringing bells/any musical instruments .Nowadays everybody is busy so devotees can do Durga chalisa and Aarti once or twice in a day with pure heart.  The links of Durga Chalisa (a thin book with few pages) and Aarti are given below:-

Aarti link:-

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BynrQO1_z4ZSNDlCdjBwUnFpdEE             

Chalisa link:-

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BynrQO1_z4ZSelpzSUhYSXo3TFk

DURGA CHALISA

Namo Namo Durge Sukh Karani, Namo Namo Ambe Dukh Harani
Nirankaar Hai Jyoti Tumhari, Tihoun Lok Phaili Ujiyaari

Shashi Lalaat Mukh Maha Vishala, Netra Laal Bhrikoutee Vikaraala
Roop Maatu Ko Adhik Suhaave, Darash Karat Jan Ati Sukh Paavey

Tum Sansaar Shakti Lay Keena, Palan Hetu Anna Dhan Deena
Annapoorna Hui Tu Jag Paala, Tum hi Aadi Sundari Baala

Pralayakaal Sab Naashan Haari, Tum Gouri Shiv Shankar Pyari
Shiv Yogi Tumhre Gun Gaavein, Brahma Vishnu Tumhein Nit Dhyavein

Roop Saraswati Ko Tum Dhara, De Subuddhi Rishi Munin Ubaara
Dharyo Roop Narsimha Ko Amba, Pargat Bhayi Phaadh Kar Khambha

Raksha Kari Prahlad Bachaayo, Hiranyaykush Ko Swarg Pathaayo
Lakshmi Roop Dharo Jag Maahin, Shree Naarayan Ang Samahin

Ksheer Sindhu Mein Karat Vilaasa, Daya Sindhu Deejey Man Aasa
Hinglaaj Mein Tumhi Bhavani, Mahima Amit Na Jaat Bakhaani

Matangi Aru Dhoomawati Mata, Bhuvaneshwari Bagala Sukhdaata
Shree Bhairav Taara Jag Taarini, Chhinna Bhaal Bhava Dukh Nivaarini

Kehari Vahan Soh Bhavaani, Laangur Veer Chalata Agavaani
Kar Mein Khappar Khadag Viraajey, Jaako Dekh Kaal Dar Bhaajey

Sohe Astra Aur Tirshoola, Jaate Uthat Shatru Hiya Shoola
Nagarkot Mein Tumhi Viraajat, Tihoun Lok Mein Danka Baajat

Shumbh Nishumbh Danuj Tum Maare, Rakt Beej Shankhan Sanghaare
Mahishasur Nrup Ati Abhimaani, Jehi Agh Bhaar Mahi Akulaani

Roop Karaal Kaalika Dhaara, Sen Sahit Tum Tihi Sanghaara

Pari Gaargh Santan Par Jab Jab, Bhayi Sahaay Maatu Tum Tab Tab
Amarpuri Aru baasav Lokaa, Tab Mahima Sab rahey Ashokaa

Jwaala Mein Hai Jyoti Tumhari, Tumhein Sadaa Poojey Nar Naari
Prem Bhakti Se Jo Yash Gaavein, Dukh Daridra Nikat Nahin Aavein

Dhyaave Tumhein Jo Nar Man Laayi, Janam Maran Taako Chhuti Jaayi
Yogi Sur Muni Kahat Pukaari, Yog Na Ho Bin Shakti Tumhaari

Shankar Achaaraj Tap Keenho, Kaam Krodh Jeet Sab Leenho
Nishdin Dhyan Dharo Shankar Ko, Kaahu Kaal Nahin Sumiro Tumko

Shakti Roop Ko Maram Na Paayo, Shakti Gayi Tab Man Pachitaayo
Sharnagat Huyi Kirti Bakhaani, Jai Jai Jai Jagadamb Bhavaani

Bhayi Prasanna Aadi Jagadamba, Dayi Shakti Nahin Keen Vilambaa
Moko Maatu Kashta Ati Ghero, Tum Bin Kaun Harey Dukh Mero

Asha Trishna Nipat Satavein, Moh madadik sab binshaavein
Shatru Naash Kijey Maharani, Sumiroun Ikchit Tumhein Bhavaani

Karo Kripa Hey Maatu Dayala, Riddhi Siddhi De Karahoun Nihaala
Jab Lagi Jiyoun Daya Phal Paoun, Tumhro Yash Main Sadaa Sounaoun

Durga Chalisa Jo Nar Gaavey, Sab Sukh Bhog Parampad Paavey
Devidaas Sharan Nij Jaani, Karahoun Kripa Jagadamb Bhavaani

AARATI :-

Jai ambe gauri maiyaa jai shyamaa gauri
Tumako nish din dhyaawat hari bramha shivaji || Jai..||

Maang sindoor viraajat teeko mrigamad ko
Ujjwal se dou naina chandrabadan neeko || Jai..

Kanak samaan kalevar raktambar raje
Rakt pushp gal mala kanthan par saaje || Jai..

Kehari waahan raajat khadag khappar dhari
Sur-nar-munijan sewat tinake dukhahari || Jai..

Kaanan kundal shobhit nasagre moti
Kotik chandr diwaakar rajat sam jyoti || Jai..

Shumbh-nishumbh bidaare mahishasur ghati
Dhumr vilochan naina nish din madamati || Jai..

Chand-mund sanghaare shordit beej hare
Madhu-kaitabh dou maare sur bhayaheen kare || Jai..

Bramhaani rudraani tum kamala raani
Aagam nigam bakhaani tum shiv pataraani || Jai..

Chaunsath yogini gaawat, nritya karat bhairu
Baajat taal mridang, aru baajat damaru || Jai..

Tum hi jag ki mata, tum hi ho bharata
Bhaktan ki dukh harata, sukh sampati karta || Jai..

Bhuja chaar ati shobhit, varamudra dhaari
Manwanchhit fal paawat, sewat nar naari || Jai..

Kanchan thaal virajat, agar kapur baati
Shrimalaketu mein raajat, koti ratan jyoti || Jai..

Shri ambe ji ki arati, jo koi nar gaavey
Kahat shivanand swami, sukh-sampati paavey || Jai..

5.  Many people fast during the 9 days wherein they eat proper food only one time in the day and are allowed to eat on Falhaari Aahar (Fasting food  e.g fruits, milk ) during the other times. Some people fast first day and last day of Navratri also.

6. On the last day, devotees do Havan (putting drops of ghee into fire) with Mantra of Goddess Durga  as given below :-

[Mantras to the goddess Durga are famous in Hinduism and are very effective for creating positive change in your life.]

Devotees invite 9 girls (below 10 years) and wash their feet one by one and make them sit with respect. They are symbolic of 9 forms of Goddess. Devotees put round circle of roli on their forehead and offer them nice pure vegetarian food in 9 plates for each of them . In the last devotees give them gifts (money or anything). After finishing Pooja devotees break coconut which was kept on Kalash and distribute it among people. This festival teaches us how to love and respect human beings also. 

Traditional dresses in Navratri:-

Who doesn’t love Navratri? Nine nights of endless fun, dancing, music, sweets, mouth watering food, and colorful traditional garments, make this festival an all-time favorite for everyone. Women and girls eagerly wait all year for this occasion to flaunt their feminine charm and  different gorgeous looks every night. Chaniya Choli is the traditional costume of Navratri festival, and it’s still the most preferred outfit by women for Garba Nights( Dance of people in front of Goddess idol for 9 days in the night during Navratri ).

Gujarati Mens Traditional Dresses ... Exciting garba dress for navratri nights. Yes! ...  kediya dhoti in  navratri.

Men wear Kurta ,Pajama also :-

Plan your 9 days dress / saree/Kurta-Pajama colors:-

Navratri’s Fasting Food:-

The Navratri Fasting

Sacrificing personal interests is also considered as a part of praying to the Almighty. Thus, many men and women observe navratri fast during the span of the festival. The process of fasting during the Navratri is believed to be explained by the divine Goddess herself to an ardent devotee of hers. It is believed that proper fasting during the Navratri brings success and prosperity to individuals and their families. People who exercise fasting are known to have better metabolism in their routine lives and make healthier as well.

Fasting in navratri is one of the best rituals of navratri festival, which is performed by the devotees till nine auspicious days. Some devotees keep fasting only on the first day of navratri and on the eighth/ninth day of navratri (Ashtami/Navami ) while some devotees  keep fast continuously until nine days of navratri and break the fast after the final day of Navratri after “Havan”. 

People who keep fasts during the Navratri days are expected to refrain from consumption of many food items like :-

Onion

Lentils

Asafoetida, Mustard Oil, Fenugreek Seeds

Non-veg Foods, Eggs

Ice Creams purchased from the market but you use homemade Ice Cream.

Coffee

Alcohol 

Smoking

Cutting of Hairs and Nails

Do not shave beard during navratri fasting days ( if possible )

Common Salt is not used, you can use Rock Salt (Sendha Namak)

Delicious, Healthy Fasting foods :-

1. Sabudana Khichadi

Sabudana is full of starch or carbohydrates which gives enough energy while fasting. Sabudana Khichdi is made with sabudana, peanuts and mild spices.

Soaking Time:  3 hours.

Preparation Time: 12 mins
Cooking Time: 5 mins
Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

1 cup - sago (sabudana) , washed and drained
2 tbsp - oil
1 tsp - cumin seeds (jeera)
3/4 cup  -boiled and peeled potato cubes
salt / rock salt to taste
1/2 cup- roasted coarsely powdered peanuts
2 tbsp- finely chopped coriander (dhania)
2 tsp finely - chopped green chillies
5 to 6 -  curry leaves (kadi patta)
2 tsp -  lemon juice
2 tsp -  sugar

Method

1.    Combine the sago(sabudana) and ¾ cup of water in a deep bowl, mix well and keep aside to soak for 2 hours. Keep aside.

2.    Heat the oil in a deep non-stick pan and add the cumin seeds.

3.    When the seeds crackle, add the potatoes, sago, salt, peanuts, coriander, green chillies, curry leaves, lemon juice and sugar, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 minutes.

4.    Serve hot.

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2.  Kuttu Pancake ( Diabetic Snacks)

Soaking Time:  2 hours.   Preparation Time: 8 mins   Cooking Time: 25 mins    Makes 8 pancakes

                                                                                                          

Ingredients

1 cup -buckwheat (kuttu or kutti no daro) , washed and drained
1/4 cup -sour low fat curds (khatta dahi)
1 tsp -ginger-green chilli paste
2 tbsp -  finely chopped coriander (dhania)
a pinch of- turmeric powder (haldi)
1/2 cup- grated bottle gourd (doodhi / lauki)
salt to taste
2 tsp oil for greasing and cooking

For Serving mint and coriander chutney(sauce).

Method 

1.    Combine the Buckwheat and curd with 2 tbsp of water in a deep bowl and mix well. Cover with a lid and keep aside to soak for 1 hour.

2.    Blend the buckwheat-curds mixture to a coarse mixture without using any water.

3.    Transfer the coarse mixture into a deep bowl, add the ginger-green chilli paste, coriander, turmeric powder,  bottle gourd, salt and 1 tbsp of water and mix well. Keep aside.

4.    Heat a non-stick pan (griddle) and grease it using few drops of oil.

5.    Pour one tb. spoon of the batter on it and spread in a circular motion to make 4” diameter thick circle.

6.    Cook, using 1/8 tsp of oil, till it turns light brown in colour from both the sides.

7.    Serve hot with mint and coriander chutney.

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3. Singhare ke Atte ka ( water chestnut flour ) Samosa 

Feast while fasting! it is tea time snack made with fasting ingredients like water chestnut flour, sendha namak and charoli.

For dough:-

1 cup- water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta)

1/4 cup-arrawroot

1/4 cup- ghee

1 tea spoon - sendha namak (white rock salt)

ghee for frying

For Filling:-

1 cup- Chironji/chiroli (soaked in water for 2-3 hours)

1 tea spoon- chilli powder

1 tb.spoon-jeera(cumin) powder

2 tea spoon- coriander powder (dhania)

2 tea spoon - sendha namak (white rock salt)

1/2 tea spoon- cardamom powder

2 tb.spoon- ghee

For the samosa filling:- 

Remove the husk of the chironji and grind coarsely.

Heat the 2 tbsp ghee, in a pan and add the zeera. When it splutters, add chironji and rest of the filling ingredients.

Saute over low heat till mixture is well fried. Leave to cool.

For the samosa dough:-

Place the water, ghee and 1 tsp salt in a pan and bring to a boil.

As soon as it comes to a boil, put in the singhare ka atta and arrowroot and mix well, over low heat, till it collects together in the center.

Take the dough off the heat and leave to cool.

METHOD

-Roll dough (using dry flour or arrowroot if it sticks) into 1/8" thick rounds, 3" diameter, and cut into halves.

-Take one half, wet the edges. Fold the straight edge at the center and join overlapping the other edge to form into a cone.

-Press the overlapping portion, and fill the cone with the filling, and press the edges together to seal the Samosa. Repeat, with the rest of the pieces.

-Heat the ghee and over high heat, add as many samosas as come in without touching.

-Lower the heat to medium and fry to a golden brown on either side.

-Serve hot. 

4.  Makhana (Lotus Fruits) kheer

Ingredients:-

·         Milk - 1 liter

·         Makhane (Lotus fruit) -  (Cut each lotus fruit in four pieces) (1 cup)

·         Cashew Nuts - 20-25 (cut each cashew in 5 to 6 pieces)

·         Dried Raisins - 4 tbsp (Remove the stems and clean with cotton)

·         Almond - 20-25 (Cut them lengthwise in 7 to 8 pieces)

·         Chironji (charoli) – 1 tbsp

·         Sugar - ½ cup (100 grams)

·         Cardamom - 5-6 (Peeled and grinded)

How to make makhane with Dry fruits Kheer

Take any utensil with heavy bottom and add milk. Keep it on flame for boiling.

After the milk has boiled, put all the dry fruits in the milk and stir with the stirring spoon and mix. Cook the kheer on low flame for half an hour, and keep stirring after every 2 to 3 minutes. You will see that the kheer has become thick. Dry fruits and milk should fall together.It means kheer is ready to eat.

Now add sugar to the kheer and let it cook for another 5 minutes. The kheer is ready now. Turn off the burner.

Mix grinded cardamom in the kheer .

Take out the kheer in a bowl and eat, either hot or cold as you like.

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