HAPPY NAVRATRI Navratri (nine nights) is one of the greatest Hindu festivals. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Navratri festival is celebrated for nine days. Navratri is also known as Durga Puja. During this period, Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshiped as three different manifestations of Shakti, or cosmic energy. The festival is dedicated to Durga, the mother goddess who also represents power. Durga annihilated the demon Mahishasura after a relentless battle lasting nine days and nights. Navratri is a festival in which God is adored as Mother. To celebrate a good harvest and to propitiate the nine planets, women also plant nine different kinds of food grain seeds in small containers during these nine days and then offer the young saplings to the goddess. During Navratri, some devotees of Durga observe a fast and prayers are offered for the protection of health and property. A period of introspection and purification, Navratri is traditionally an auspicious time for starting new ventures. Navratri is celebrated by communities getting together for dances and nightly feasts. Feasts of great variety and delicacy are offered to guests and family during the nine days. For women, Navratri is a time for shopping for new clothes and new pots. It is an auspicious time to buy gold or jewelery and the gold markets are open late each night. Women dress elaborately each day for the puja or rituals and nightly dances. Another part of the puja/rituals may involve designing puja-thalis or aartis which are decorated plates in honour of the mother goddess, Amba (Ambika). The tenth day of the festival is called Dussehra, and marks the triumph of good over evil, and also the motherhood of God. In northern parts of India, Hindus also celebrate Rama's victory over Ravana during this time. This festival is called Dussehra. The ten days represent the ten heads of Ravana, and each day is used by Hindus to get rid of bad characteristics, such as lust and jealousy. The tenth day is known as the Day of Victory. Took this shot with my cellphone on a recent visit to temple:) Wishing you all Happy Navratri:)
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