Navratri Ends
- What
- Navratri Ends
- When
- 10/15/2021
- Where
- Hinduism
Navratri is a 9 day festival that begins October 7th this year and is meant to celebrate the 9 forms of the Goddess Durga.
The Goddess Durga is the consort of Lord Shiva, and mother of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. The festival coincides with the celebration of the Goddess Durga for her victory over the Buffalo Demon Mahishasur who caused widespread destruction and chaos. Durga defeated the demon with combined powers of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer).
The Goddess Durga is the epitome of feminine power of the Shakti (the female principle of divine energy, especially when personified as the supreme deity), and Navratri is used as a time to worship her and her nine forms. The festivities begin with the Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana (a sacred pot). Devotees observe a fast during the nine days, read the Devi Mahatmyaham and chant holy mantras dedicated to the Mother Goddess. The Devi Mahatmya or Devi Mahatmyam is a Hindu religious text describing the Goddess as the supreme power and creator of the universe.