Vasant Navaratri 2023

Introduction to Vasanth Navratri

Vasanth or Spring Navratri is a Hindu festival that is celebrated during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in the Tamil month of Chaitra (March- April) for nine days. This festival is dedicated to the worship of the three forms of Goddess as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi to commemorate the triumph over evil. As Lord Ram was born on the ninth day of Navratri, this day it is also called Ram Navami.

Significance of Vasanth Navratri

People worship the goddess to seek her blessings as it marks the advent of the Hindu new year. Vasanth Navratri also marks the beginning of springtime and the blossoming of flowers and fruits, which is symbolic of new beginnings and possibilities. Hence the goddess is worshipped with praying, fasting, dancing, and much enjoyment, welcoming the onset of the new season.

The mythology of Vasanth Navratri

The word Navratri is derived from the Sanskrit word: Navratra, meaning nine days. During these nine days, Goddess Durga is worshipped in all her nine forms. The worship is divided into three parts to worship three different aspects of the three forms of the goddess.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva allowed his wife, Goddess Durga, to visit her mother only for nine days, as is the custom during this time frame. At this time, the goddess Durga killed the demon, Mahishasura. Hence the goddess is worshipped for inner-strength and courage to overcome obstacles.

Rituals during Vasanth Navratri

This is a festival purification of the mind, body, and spirit, and hence even before the celebration starts, people clean their houses and purchase new clothes to welcome the festival. Fasting and praying are the two main aspects of celebrating this Navratri. Most of the devotees observe fast for the entire nine days. However, others have saatvik (pure, clean and organic) food during these days and avoid non-vegetarian food completely. The fast is broken on the ninth day.

Benefits of Observing Vasanth Navratri

• It is a time of introspection and cleansing
• Invokes the blessings of the goddess for courage, health, and vitality
• The period of Navratri always falls on the time of season change, and this is the time when our body has low immunity and is most susceptible to illness. Hence, fasting will keep away the negative energies and helps us focus our thoughts and devotions towards positive goals.