9 Navaratri Rituals to Observe

Navaratri means ‘nine nights’ and it is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India. The festival celebrates the Mother Goddess or Devi who is worshipped in a different form on each night of the 9 day festival. This festival has many rites which are observed by the devotees. Some of the popular rituals are given below.

1. Worshipping  Durga’s 9 forms

           Goddess Durga has nine forms and each of them is worshipped on a particular day during the nine days of the festival. Her 9 forms are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta,                           Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayini, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.

2. Ghatsthapana

           The ritual of installing a pot in the pooja room is called Ghatsthapana.  It is filled with 7 types of grains and the top is covered with a coconut. The pot is a symbol of the universe.

3. Lighting Akhand Jyothi

            Another important ritual is Akhand Jyothi. ‘Akhand’ denotes uninterrupted’ and ‘jyothi’ means ‘light’.  The ritual involves lighting a lamp that burns continually for 9 nights. This is                        supposed to destroy negative energies. Supposedly the akhand jyothi is the medium through which one worships the Goddess.

4. Sowing Barley

           Barley seeds are sown in a pot of copper. Barley represents the first fruit and is a symbol of abundance. So it is taken care of on the 9 days and is also worshipped. Supposedly, the length of             the barley shoots signifies the level of prosperity of the devotees.

5. Offerings to the Goddess

           On each day, different things are offered to the Goddess to signify the devotee’s gratitude for her blessings. It could be fruits, clothes, food, jewels, etc.

6. Reciting Durga Sapshatti Paath

          This ritual is a very auspicious one. Devotees can recite it entirely or certain Adhyayas or chapters. Each chapter has its own meaning. The recital can bring peace and prosperity.

7. Nine colors of Navaratri

          Each day of Navaratri is associated with a certain color. So people wear the color for a particular day. the colors include, orange, white, red, royal blue, yellow, green, grey, purple and                    peacock green.

8. Music and dance

          Dandiya raas and garba dances make navaratri very lively. Singing and dancing before the divinities is believed to please them and attract their blessings.

9. Kanya Bhoj

         Girls of the age 1 – 12 are invited to homes on the 9^th day. They are worshipped as goddesses and given food and gifts.