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The festival of Navratri is upon us, and people all over the country are looking forward with great zeal and enthusiasm to celebrate the festival and worship the different goddesses.

It is going to be a nine-night celebration of prayer, God’s blessings and fun starting with Navratri day 1.

Navratri began on October 15, and will  end with Vijayadashmi (Dussehra) on October 24, a festival that signifies the triumph of good over evil.

This festival and time gives people the reason to lit up there homes with bright lights.

But before we go in too deep, let’s understand the importance of 1 st day. And begin with the importance of Mata Shailputri, the incarnation of Maa Durga who is celebrated on the first  day.

Shailputri Mata is Known to Many as The “Divine Mother”

She is both beautiful and strong, and we honor her on the first day of Navratri.

“Daughter of the Mountains” is her name because “Shail” means “mountains” and “putri” means “daughter.”

Her picture, which is both calm and strong, shows that she is the source of all energy and a motherly protector. While holding a lotus flower in one hand and the trident(trishul) in other.

Read about Day 2 Of Navratri: Worshipping Maa Brahmacharini

Ghatasthapana (or Kalash Mounting)

There is more to Maa Shailputri than what is shown about her. Astrologers believe that the Moon, which she is linked to, can help in keeping the mind calm.

You can find peace and safety in your life by worshiping her.

It is thought that calling on her during Navratri will clear our minds and hearts. And allow us to feel the holy energies that flow during this joyful times. A turmeric knot is placed on top.

Along with the mounting of the Kalash, an Akhand Jyoti is also lit. This is followed by worship of Maa Shailputri.

Giving 56 Delights (Chappan Bhog)

People who worship Goddess Shailputri give her Chappan Bhog, which is 56 different kinds of food.

This fancy spread has lots of sweets, savory foods, and fruits, which represent the Goddess’s abundance.

What’s Important About Maa Shailputri

There is more to Maa Shailputri than what is shown about her.

Astrologers believe that the Moon, which she is linked to, can help in keeping the mind calm.

You can find peace and safety in your life by worshiping her.

It is thought that calling on her during Navratri will clear our minds and hearts and allow us to feel the holy energies that flow during this joyful time.

Read about The Nine Forms Of Goddess Durga

We Honor Maa Shailputri on Navratri Day 1.

On this day, people who worship Shailputri Mata get up early, put on clean, traditional clothes, and pray to her.

They don’t eat or drink anything until the evening puja, which means they fast which is a sign of devotion to Mata Shailputri and though it is not necessary to fast, but people do.

But not everyone has to. People break their fast when the moon starts to rise, and they eat tasty food called prasad.If you go to a temple, the Aarti in the evening is very beautiful.

It is a religious service where people pray with all their hearts along with the priest. The environment is absolutely pious and serene.

Enjoy Dancing

People dance in lively styles like garba and dandiya on the last night of Navratri.

When the dhol plays and the dandiya sticks clink, the place gets lively, and people of all ages come to enjoy.

It is not just grooving to the beats but a way of showing the devotion, love and the trust you have in God.

Start the shopping for traditional attires and head out to one of these events.

The Spirit of Community and Getting Together

Navratri is not just about dancing and different delicacies and cuisines but also about getting to know each other better.

There is a very energetic and pure environment and it truly feels like you are in the presence of God.

Sweets and Treats for Navratri Day 1: a Journey in The Kitchen

Now, that we have covered the outdoor events. Lets move on to the thing people most look forward to which are the lip-smacking dishes prepared in Navratri like Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Ki Puri and Singhare Ke Atte Ki Roti which are considered the most important traditional foods to eat during this Navratri holiday.

These are not just tongue pleasing delicacies but are prepared in a way that does not go against the cultures and traditions.

Essence of Navratri Day 1

Navratri holiday is not just a party but a divine and spiritual journey that helps us connect with who we are in the presence of almighty God.

We should always reflect on the divine feminine energy that lives in and around us every day of this holiday.

On Navratri day 1, Maa Shailputri gives us the courage to be as strong as a mountain and also, as pure as a lotus.

Navratri is more than just dancing, and tasty food We can connect with our spiritual selves and ask God to help us.

The event’s tone is set on day 1, which is all about Shailputri Mata.

Finally, get ready to dance and enjoy the tasty Navratri foods. May the joy of Navratri 2023 fill your heart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the 1st day of Navratri called ?

• Navratri day 1 is called Ghatasthapana (Mounting of Kalash).
  
  This day marks the beginning of the nine-day holiday and also to worship the goddess Maa Shailputri.

Q2: Who is the goddess of Navratri Day 1 ?

• The goddess of Navratri day 1 is Mata Shailputri who devotees worship on the first day of the Navratri holiday.
  
  Pictures of Mata Shailputri shows her riding a Nandi Bull and carrying a trishul in her right and a lotus flower in her left hand.
  
  Her other names are Parvati or Hemavati and she is considered to be the unparalleled source of divine energy and power.

Q3: What is the Prasad of Shailputri?

• Devotees offer milk and honey to Goddess Shailputri with devotion to reap the benefits of her blessings as she is considered the goddess who brings pleasure and joy in her devotees lives.
  
  Also, as a sign of prosperity and success, worshippers also pour ghee which is believed to be holy food in Hinduism and is often offered to the gods and goddesses.

Q4: Which flower is given to Shailputri Mata ?

• Devotees often offer Hibiscus flower to Mata Shailputri which is considered and first among the Navratri Pooja flowers.

Q5: How were Mata Shailputri and Lord Shiva related ?

• Shailputri was born as the daughter of King Himalaya and his wife Queen Mena. She is also known as Sati Bhavani or Parvati.
  
  As Sati, the daughter of King Daksha, Shailputri was born in a past life. She was married to Lord Shiva, but her father didn’t want them to be together.
  
  All the gods and goddesses except Lord Shiva were invited to a big yagna that Daksha put together one day.
  
  Sati, who loved her husband very much, couldn’t take this insult any longer and died while sitting in the fire of the yagna.
  
  Sati came back to life as Shailputri, King Himalaya’s daughter, after she died.
  
  She met Lord Shiva one day and fell in love with him. Shiva also liked Shailputri, and in the end, the two got married.