Sharad Navratri marks the change in the weather. The mercury drops and the days shorten. Coolness grips the air. So, calling it the festival of delight is absolutely correct.
When does it fall?
Every year witnesses this auspicious occasion twice. It falls in the spring and autumn seasons respectively. The one that is known as Vasanta Navratri is celebrated during the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra. It marks the beginning of the New Year as per Hindu Mythology.
Sharad Navratri is also known as Maha Navratri. It falls on the first of the lunar month’s bright fortnight in the month of Ashvin (i.e. September-October). It is the very time when the Shraadhs end.
Nine Faces of ‘Devi Durga’
It’s the most popular spiritual occasion when nine faces of the goddess ‘Shakti’ are worshipped. This is why it is also known as Navadurga. ‘Nava’ implies nine. Pairing it with ‘Durga’ determines its significance exactly.
In plain words, it means the nine Durga. Scriptures have these nine names as Shailputri, Chandrakanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Since it last for 10-day, each night is dedicated to different face of the goddess.
Devotees dedicate 10-day in devotion. They keep fasting religiously as per their desire to appease Goddess Durga.
Why Navratri of 2016 is so auspicious?
These pious nights will begin from 1st October, 2016. Such kind of planetary arrangement is coinciding after 16 years this time. The ‘Dwitiya’ or 2nd pious night will be observed till two consecutive days. Hence, people will celebrate it for 10 days. All these days will bestow prosperity, health & wealth.
Astrological significance:
This festival will begin in the Shukla Paksha of Ashvin month. Jupiter and moon will together house the virgo (Kanya Rashi) house at ascendant. This arrangement will form Gajkeshari coincidence.
As per astrological predictions, the Goddess will come on horse and depart on buffalo. This is why, it is presumed as the most auspicious occasion.
In Devi Bhaagwat (holy book), the following wagons are mentioned for the goddess to visit:
Arrival:
- Sunday & Monday- She arrives on the elephant.
- Saturday & Tuesday: She comes in on horse.
- Thursday & Friday: Her wagon would be Palanquin.
- Wednesday: She would sail on the boat.
Departure:
- Sunday & Monday: She departs on buffalo.
- Saturday & Tuesday: She walks away on the lion.
- Wednesday & Friday: She goes away on the elephant.
- Thursday: She prefers to exit on male wagon.
How to observe this festival?
Since this festival will begin on Saturday, devotees should place the earthen pots in the Hast planetary arrangement. It’s purely their wish whether to keep fast or not. Devoting time to worship and chanting her name with revered heart would be enough to appease the deity.
Offer flowers, betel nuts, incense, betel leaves, cloves, ghee, rice, turmeric and vermillion. Light earthen lamp and keep it lit for 10 days consecutively. It is known as Akhand Jyot.
Some people grow wheat crop in their house and dedicate it on the 9th Navratri at the temple. The 10th day is observed as Dussehra. In West Bengal and adjoining regions, devotees immerse idol of goddess Durga in the sea as the last holy ritual of the fest. All these days are celebrated with pomp and show.