New Delhi:– auspicious nine-day long Navratri festival will begin from Thursday, 25th September, 2014.As per the Hindu mythology Navratri is celebrated to worship nine different forms of Goddess Durga – Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri.During this festival, devotees observe fast in the name of the deity and sing bhajans while offering prayers to the nine avatars of the goddess of power.
• Maa Shailputri is worshipped on the first day.
• Maa Brahmacharini or Uma or Parvati is worshipped on the second day.
• Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on third day.
• The creator of universe, Maa Kushmanda is worshiped on the fourth day.
• The mother of fighter Skanda, Maa Skanda is worshipped on the fifth day.
• The sixth day is devoted for Maa Katyayani.
• The symbol of peace and wisdom, Maa Gauri is worshipped on the eighth day.
• Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth day.
The word Navaratri means ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights.festival of Navratri is observed twice in a year. Once in Chaitra and another in Ashwina.The first three days are especially dedicated to Goddess Durga and her various forms – Kumari, Parvati, Kali. This festival itself grants female topmost respect. Devotees start preparing various cuisines and celebrate the festival by wearing colourful dresses.
