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A Joyous Journey to Celebrate Navratri 2023

Navratri, which means “nine nights” in Sanskrit is a very important Hindu festival.  It is full of colorful customs and cultural meaning.

The legend of Navratri narrates the epic battle between Goddess  Durga and the demon Mahishasura. Her victory symbolizes the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil forces. 

This year the Navratri will begin on October 15, 2023 and ending on October 24, 2023.

Navdurga – the divine feminine

Navdurga or the nine forms of  goddess Durga, is honored during Navaratri. The names of these  forms are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri.

Each is a different  aspect of goddess that gives you strength to deal with life’s problems and difficulties.

Nine days of devotion that are at the heart of Navaratri

Every day is different, and they all honor the divine  feminine spirit in all it’s forms.

Over the course of these nine days, followers fast, which means they do not  eat and clean up their thoughts and actions.

There are chants, aartis and the smell of incense all  around making the space feel holy.

Looking for Blessings on the 7th Day of Navratri 2023

Mata Kaalratri is honored on the seventh day of Navaratri. She is  known as the seventh Navaratri Mata. Kaalratri Mata is also known  as Maa Kaali or Maha Kaali and is renowned  for her terrifying form.

Worship Maa Kaalratri to put a stop to the evil and  the darkness. With the utmost dedication, recite the 7th day of Navaratri or the Maa Kalratri Aarti.

On  the seventh day of Navaratri, it is said that those  who perform Kaalratri Mata’s aarti and listen to the Navaratri Vrat Katha are cured of all fears, spirits and sorrows.

Read about Navratri 2023: Know the Nine Forms of Goddess Durga

On the 8th day of Navratri, we honour Maha Gauri

The eighth day of  the Navaratri puja is often referred to as the Maha Pooja. Goddess Mahagauri, the eighth Avatar of the nine  goddesses, is honored on the eighth day of Navaratri, also  known as “Ashtami”.

She is Lord Shiva’s wife. She is referred to as Mahagauri because of the  meanings of her name, which are “Maha” (extreme or great) and “Gauri” (white complexion). She  has a skin tone that is as stark white as the moon or snow.

On the 9th day of Navratri, we accept the grace of Siddhidatri

The 9th and last day of Navaratri is a  celebration of Siddhidatri, the goddess in her  ninth form.

People who worship Siddhidatri think that it can give them spiritual and material gifts which are  called siddhis. 

The nine days of devotion come to an end on this day which stands for the  fulfilment of wishes and the ultimate union  with God. 

When you worship Mata Siddhidatri it is believed that the only way to reach your goals  and dreams is to keep going until you reach them.

Dance your way to devotion with Gujarati Garba

The uplifting Gujarati Garba dance is  one of the most loved parts of Navaratri.

This  graceful and rhythmic dance style is a way to show love to the divine goddess Durga. It represents the  goddess’s caring energy.

When you spin to the lively beats  of the dhol you merge within dance and honor the divine feminine  energy. The claps and footwork show that life has a rhythm that is in sync with the world.

The garba is a dance of devotion and unity

When people talk about Navaratri, they can not help but  think of the dance Garba which is deeply connected to  Navratri.

There is a strong link between Garba and Navaratri which represents the spiritual  and cultural heart of the festival.

There is divine feminine energy all around us, and the Garba dance is a celebration of it. Navaratri is a time  to honor the different forms of the goddess Navdurga.

Each step, clap and spin is a tribute to all her forms.

Have a joyful and respectful Navratri in 2023

As we approach Navratri 2023 let us remember that it  is about more than simply customs, rituals and colorful festivities. It is time to connect with something more  spiritual and universal.

Engage yourself in  a journey of self-discovery during these nine days, seeking the goddess’s blessings while accepting your personal growth. 

It  is a celebration that crosses cultural boundaries bringing people from all walks of life together in togetherness, whether you  are dancing to the beat of  the dhol or observing the holy aarti with devotion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is Navratri?

• A Hindu festival celebrating the nine forms of the Goddess Durga.

Q2: When is Navratri celebrated in 2023?

• October 15, 2023 to  October 24, 2023.

Q3: What are the nine forms of the goddess Durga worshipped during Navratri?

• Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri.

Q4: How is Navratri celebrated?

• Fasting, abstaining from meat, onions, and garlic, participating in special prayers and rituals, dancing Dandiya Raas and Garba.

Q5: What are some of the things to keep in mind while celebrating Navratri?

• Avoid meat, onions, garlic, alcohol, smoking, cutting your hair or nails, dress modestly, respect religious sentiments of others.

Q6: What are some of the benefits of celebrating Navratri?

• Increased spiritual awareness, inner peace and harmony, stronger connection to the divine feminine, sense of community and belonging, boost in overall well-being.