Navratri - All About the Festival, Traditions and, Sadhana

 

Navratri is a celebration of the divine feminine that is replete with rich traditions like golu and dandia, elaborate rituals of worshipping Devi, and powerful sadhana that one can use for their spiritual growth.

What Is Navratri and When Is Navratri in 2022?

Did you realize that every month is Navratri? In Sanskrit, the word "Navratri" means "Nine nights." The lunar calendar's first nine nights after the new moon are known as Navratri, and it is regarded as having a feminine energy.

Beginning on September 26 and ending on October 4, 2022, is Navratri.

Even though Navratri occurs on the fifteenth of every month, there are four particularly significant Navratris each year: Sharada Navratri, which occurs after the autumnal equinox, Magha Navratri (also known as Vasant Panchami), which occurs after the winter solstice, Chaitra Navratri, which occurs after the spring equinox, and Ashada Navratri, which marks the time after the summer solstice.

The beginning of Dakshinayana, or the southern run of the sun, which is observed in Yogic culture, which uses the lunar calendar, coincides with the summer solstice. Numerous festivals honouring the divine feminine are observed during this time period, known as sadhanapada. The beginning of the Devi Pada, the quarter of the year when the entire northern hemisphere of the Earth is imbued with the tenderness of the divine feminine, is specifically marked by the Sharada Navratri, which begins after the auspicious day of Mahalaya Amavasya (Pitru Paksha). During these nine days of sacrifices, ceremonies, and festivals, Devi is honoured in all of her facets and splendour in the Indian culture.

Mahishasura Mardini

According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura was a demon with a buffalo's head who was granted immortality by Brahma, the God of Creation. What followed was a reign of terror during which both gods and people suffered under Mahishasura's authority. Devi thereafter assumed the appearance of Durga. She fought the demon for nine days and nights while mounted ferociously on a lion and equipped with the divine weapons of all the other gods. The goddess' victory on the tenth day of Vijayadashami is typically celebrated at the end of these nine days, which are customarily celebrated during the nine nights of Navratri.

But there are deeper spiritual dimensions to this much beloved tale of yore. 

Why Fast During Navratri?

The majority of India observes the Navratri Vrat or Navratri fast during the course of the nine days. Culturally speaking, Navratri honours the feminine as the conqueror of evil. Everything on Earth slows down at this time of year, and the body also experiences a period of lethargy brought on by the change in seasons with the arrival of winter. Fasting during this period helps the body strengthen immunity by getting rid of any toxins that may have accumulated. In terms of the spiritual life, observing a fast or consuming sattvic foods instead of heavy grains, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, gives the body energy and harmony. In southern India, a different lentil dish is prepared every evening as lentils are a rich source of protein that can boost the immunity in the system. 

 

Navratri Sadhana

To help a devotee become more sensitive to Devi's favour during this Navratri season, Sadhguru has designed a particular sadhana that can be practised. The sadhana will be a support to the system during Navratri, especially if you are fasting.

What Do the Nine Days of Navratri Represent?

Traditionally, Sharada Navratri, or the first nine nights after the new moon in the Devi Pada (the quarter after the autumnal equinox), are when Navratri is observed. Every day, a distinct manifestation of the goddess is honoured, and celebrations take on particular forms in the diverse cultures dotted around the nation.

Navratri Celebrations Across India

The celebrations of Navratri, which take on different forms in various regions of India, are just as diverse as the local traditions there. But what unites all these various celebrations is the spirit of Navratri and the knowledge of these ancient customs.

The goddess Durga, who defeated the malevolent monster Mahishasura, is honoured throughout the east and northeast. The final four days of Navratri are marked by fasting during the day and celebrations at night. The eighth day, Durgashtami, is entirely devoted to the worship of the goddess Durga. It is thought that on the ninth day, Mahanavami, the divine finally vanquished evil. The festivities end on Vijayadashami – the day after Navratri ends – honoring the goddess’ victory. 

The tenth day is observed as Dussehra in the northern region of the nation to commemorate Rama's victory over Ravana. Throughout the nine days leading up to Dussehra, several festival grounds host performances of Ramleela, an adaptation of the Ramayana. Rama's return to Ayodhya is celebrated at "Kullu Dussehra" in the Himachal Pradesh area of Kullu. On this day, idols are removed from the temples and carried through the Himachal streets in a parade.

During the first seven days of Navratri, devotees in Punjab fast and hold jaagrans. On the final two days of the fast, nine young girls and a young boy (known as "Kanjika") are worshipped as the divine representation. This ritual, which is a true example of the blending of cultures, is also carried out in Maharashtra, especially in the vicinity of Mumbai, where it is mixed with customs from other regions, such as the Gujarati traditions of Garba and Dandiya Raas.

Golu

During the first seven days of Navratri, worshipers in Punjab fast and take part in jaagrans. When the fast is broken, nine young girls and a boy (known as "Kanjika") are venerated as the heavenly embodiment throughout the final two days of the fast. This ceremony, which is a prime example of the blending of cultures, is also practised in Maharashtra, particularly in the areas close to Mumbai, where it is combined with practises from other cultures, such the Garba and Dandiya Raas traditions from Gujarat.

Navratri Celebrations at Isha Yoga Center

At the Isha Yoga Center, Navratri is a big deal. There are special poojas, classical music and dance performances, folkloric shows, and the breathtaking Linga Bhairavi procession and Maha Arati in front of Nandi.

On the Suryakund mandapam steps, a big golu with seven steps is erected in recognition of regional customs and culture. Devi, who appears as a richly decorated kalasham, is the focal point of the golu. The Saptarishis and Nayanmars are worshipped in the golu at Isha, and stories from their life are intricately depicted through artistic earthen dolls and crafts. With Isha's special artistic flair, traditional rural scenery, as well as the lives of people and animals, are colourfully displayed.

The depiction of mythological scenes is also done nicely. The presence of Adiyogi completes the picture by enhancing the vibrancy of Devi's presence. The golu at the ashram occasionally has a theme, like the Rally for Rivers theme from three years ago. and Isha Samskriti students all came together to present their artwork to Devi, bringing colour and excitement to the celebrations.