Muhurat of Navratri and Durga Puja in 2020
 |
| Durga Puja |
Navratri (Hindi: नवरात्री, Gujarati: નવરાત્રી) or Shardiya Navratri is celebrated with great zeal across Northern and Eastern India. Navratri is the symbolic celebration of nine nights of the battle of the good against the evil with the result of the victory of the good on the tenth day. During this period, Mother Durga is worshipped as the deity of power, energy and wisdom.
Navratri 2020 Starts on October 17, Saturday
Navrati ends with Saraswati Visarjan on October 23, Friday. The tenth day is Dussehra, which falls on October 25, Sunday.
Sharad Navratri 2020 or Maha Navratri is commonly celebrated during the Indian month of Ashvina that commences from the first day of the lunar fortnight. As per the English calendar, it usually falls in the months of September and October.
The Festival is celebrated for nine nights and devotees pray, take part in the Dandiya Raas and Garba and offer prasad to please Goddess Durga.
Durga Puja is celebrated from the sixth day of Navaratri. This will continue for 4 days and then end with Vijayadashmi.
Read: Dalai Lama Temple Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Spiritual Significance of Navrathri
According to mythology, there are different tales behind the inception of Navratri.
Mahishashur, the King of Demons had started a war against the Gods in heaven. To combat him, all Gods including the trinity of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu pooled in their divine powers to give birth to the mother of power and 'Shakti'. Thus Goddess Durga was created and she with her power and wisdom killed Mahishasur after nine nights of the furious battle against him. The tenth day of victory is thus celebrated as Vijaya Dashami- the day of victory of good over the evil.
Know More: The Fine Art of Mastering Dandiya Raas and Garba Dance.
Lord Rama was about to enter a war against Ravana to save Sita from his imprisonment in Lanka. Before starting the battle, Rama worshipped Goddess Durga seeking her blessings. For the puja, he required 108 lotuses. To complete the count, when Rama was about to remove one of his eyes, Goddess Durga emerged and blessed him with her divine 'shakti'. Rama won the battle on that day.
Uma, the daughter of Daksh—the king of the Himalayas is said to come home for ten days during Navratri. Uma married Lord Shiva and this festival celebrates her homecoming on earth.
 |
| Navratri Durga Puja |
Read: Why do we celebrate World Students Day
Nine Avatars of Goddess Durga
For nine nights, people observe the festival with utmost devotion and prayers. Each day is dedicated to one avatar of Durga Maa. Based on this, devotees have to wear the right colours on each day. Do you know what colour to wear on each Navratri night? Take a look!
Day 1:Shailaputri /Pratipada
On Pratipada, Goddess Shailaputri is worshipped. Shaila means mountain and Putri means daughter. Since Goddess Parvati is the daughter of the Mountain God, she is given importance on this day.
Day 2: Brahmacharini/ Dwitya
On Dwitiya, Goddess Brahmacharini is a form of Durga Devi and she is one who reduces anger. Hence, the second day is dedicated to this Goddess.
Day 3: Chandraghanta/ Tritya
On Tritiya, devotees worship Chandraghanta. It is believed that she has a third eye and fights against evil demons. During puja, jasmine flowers are offered to make her pleased.
Day 4: Kushmanda/ Chaturthi
On Chaturthi, the day is dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda. Her name means cosmic eggand she is known to spread energy and warmth to everyone.
Day 5 Skandamata/ Panchami
On Panchami, Goddess Skandamata is one who rules over Budha (the Mercury planet). She is revered as it is believed that she is fierce and loving.
Day 6 Katyayini/ Shashti
On the sixth day called Shashti, Durga is said to have taken the form of Devi Katyayani so that she could kill the King of Demons. Women offer prayers to get a peaceful married and family life.
Day 7 Kalaratri/ Saptami
On Saptami, the day is specially dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri. She is said to be fierce and has also frightened the evil spirits all over the universe. She is the most destructive avatar of Kali Devi and rules over Lord Shani (Saturn Planet)
Day 8 Mahagauri/ Ashtami
On the eighth day, people worship Mahagauri. She wears only white clothes on this special day and rides a bull. On this day, Kanya Puja takes place- a special event dedicated for young virgin girls. This day is known as Mahashtami or even Maha Durgashtami. The day is celebrated with dance, fun and prayers.
Day 9 Siddhidaatri/ Navami
On Navami, Devi Siddhidaatri is given importance. She is powerful to fulfil all your wishes and hence the ninth day is dedicated to her.
Day 10 Vijayadashami (Dussehra)
After the 9 days of prayers, the tenth day is kept aside for Vijayadashmi. A day when new things can begin in life. It is also called Vidyarambham- an event where children are introduced into the world of education. Sindhoor Khela is a very important part of the rituals on Vijayadashmi.
Rituals of Navarathri
During the nine nights of worship, Goddess Durga is worshipped as 'Shakti'—the deity of power for the first three days; the next three days she is worshipped as Lakshmi—the deity of wealth and the last three days, she is worshipped as Saraswati—the deity of knowledge and wisdom.
During this period, devotees keep fasts and usually avoid grains, onions, meat and alcohol in their meals. Special Navratri food is prepared in North India for such devotees keeping a fast.
In Eastern India, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja and is the biggest festival throughout the year. Big pandals are set up, illuminated with light and different cultural activities are held during this time.
In Gujarat and Maharashtra, the Navratri dance is known as Garba and Dandiya where local people dance wearing traditional clothes and dandiya sticks in hand.
In Goa, special zatras start during Navratri and the Saraswat Brahmin temples are decorated for the festival. Devotees worship the Dasha Maitrikas with sandalwood paste, kumkum and new cloths & ornaments.
In Kerala, on a ninth day Ayudha Puja is done to bless all the tools in the house.
Important Timings On Navratri Sunrise October 17, 2020, 6:28 AM Sunset October 17, 2020, 5:55 PM Pratipada Tithi Starts October 17, 2020, 1:01 AM Pratipada Tithi Ends October 17, 2020, 9:08 PM Abhijit Muhurat Time October 17, 11:49 AM - October 17, 12:34 PM Ghatasthapana Muhurta October 17, 6:28 AM - October 17, 10:17 AM Place: Ujjain [ India ] See More Navratri 2020: Colours of Navratri Day 1Oct 17, Saturday
The colour grey means a balance of mind and emotions. Since this is an earthy colour, it signifies humbleness and down to earth character and lifestyle. In 2020, you need to wear Grey colour on Day 1 of Navratri. The colour stands for change and transformation for the better.
Day 2Oct 18, Sunday
Orange stands to be one of the most vibrant colours among the set of colours. So, if you wear orange on Day 2 of Navratri, it surely means that you will be blessed with happiness, creativity and a lot of positive energy. It helps the person go through problems in a calm mind with no negative feelings.
Day 3Oct 19, Monday
Since the colour white symbolises peace and harmony, it holds a lot of importance in one's life. The white colour needs to Day 3 of Navratri. By wearing this colour, the devotee will be blessed with a feeling of security, happiness and purity of thought in their life.
Day 4Oct 20, Tuesday
Red is a powerful colour that signifies love, passion, and a feel of bravery. On Day 4 of Navratri, if red is worn, it helps Hindu devotees to be blessed with vitality, loyalty and beauty for the whole year.
Day 5Oct 21, Wednesday
On Day 5 of Navratri, wear royal blue kurtas, skirts, and sarees to bring in elegance and royalty into the festive time and also into your life. Royal blue signifies an unmatched charisma, and a passion to excel in whatever you aim in life.
Day 6Oct 22, Thursday
Wear Yellow shades of colour on Day 6 of Navratri to get enriched with the happiness, positivity in one’s life. Since this colour signifies warmth and joy, it will surely make the person feel calm and cheerful during the special day and also for the whole year.
Day 7Oct 23, Friday
The colour green means fertility, a positive growth, calmness and peace. So, this 2020, you need to wear Green coloured dresses on Day 7 of Navratri. It signifies new auspicious beginnings in a devotee’s life. Let the Goddess bring serenity into your lives.
Day 8Oct 24, Saturday
The colour peacock green signifies individuality and intelligence. On Day 8 of Navratri wear the peacock green colour to get the blessed with qualities of peace, uniqueness, and compassion towards fellow beings. Since this is a mixed colour of green and blue, it helps the devotee to get the benefit of both the colours.
Day 9Oct 25, Sunday
The purple colour signifies peace and nobility. On Day 9 of Navratri, wear a purple shade and get bestowed with prosperity and opulence. This is a fine colour that helps to please Durga Devi in the perfect way.
हिंदी कविता : स्वतंत्रता की खोज
nice
जवाब देंहटाएं