Navaratri

Navratri meaning nine nights,

Are celebrated each year in the autumn.

It begins in ashvin shukla prathama

And ends in ashvin shukla navami.

In eastern and northeastern states,

Navratri is celebrated as Durga puja.

And in northern and western states,

Navratri is celebrated as Rama Leela.

In southern states, the victory of Rama or Saraswati is celebrated.

Overall it signifies the victory of good over evil!

This festival is associated with the battle between Maa Durga and demon Mahishasura.

Each day is associated with nine avatars -the Navadurga of Maa Durga.

Pratipada or day 1 is associated with Maa Shailaputri,

She is considered as the incarnation of Mahakali.

Dwitiya or day 2 is associated with Goddess Brahmacharini,

She gives moksha and peace.

Tritiya or day 3 is associated with Maa Chandraghanta,

She is the embodiment of beauty and bravery.

Chaturthi or day 4 is associated with goddess Kushmanda,

She is the creative power of the universe.

Panchami or day 5 is associated with goddess Skandamata,

She is the mother of Skanda (Kartikeya).

Maa Katyayani is worshipped on day 6,

Also known as the warrior goddess, she is one of the most violent forms of Devi.

Maa Kalaratri is worshipped on day 7 or Saptami,

She protects her devotees from harm and is the most ferocious form of Maa Durga.

Maa Mahagauri is worshipped on day 8,

She symbolizes peace and intelligence.

On Navami or day 9, Maa Sidhidatri is worshipped,

She bestows all types of Siddhis on her devotees.

The Chaitra Navami culminates in Rama Navami on the ninth day,

Whereas the Sharada Navaratri culminates in Durga Puja and Dussehra.

The Rama Navami remembers the birth of Rama,

Preceded by nine days of Ramayana recital especially amongst the Vaishnava temples.

In some parts, goddess Saraswati is worshipped

Who is the goddess of knowledge, learning, music and arts.

In Nepal, Navaratri is called Dasain,

Family members gather at home and 

Tika puja is performed.

Maa, give your blessings to us,

So that we can get bliss divine,

This Navaratri we pray to you,

To destroy this coronavirus and 

Save the humanity and mankind.