Twice in A Year

The festival of Navratri occurs twice every year. One is called Ashwina Navratri falling in the month of Ashwina (September – October) and the other is named as Chaitra Navratri observed in the month of Chaitra (March – April). The former is the most common one popularly celebrated by the Hindus, while the latter is not known to many.

Several Names of Durga

The common aspect behind both these Navratris is that it is celebrated in honor of Mother Durga, who is differently called as Parvati, Shakti, Uma, Gowri, Katyayani and several other names. The feminine energy of the Supreme Godhead is said to manifest in three forms namely Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, the embodiments of power, wealth and wisdom. The Navratri herals, praises and worships all these three forms in myriad ways.

Mahishasura

The legend behind Navratri goes thus. Long ago, there was a demon called Mahishasura who had a buffalo’s head. He had done rigorous penance and received several boons from Lord Shiva himself. When his pride and arrogance grew, he started troubling the gods and humans. Hen he could not be subdued by anyone, Mother Durga manifested from the powers of all gods and goddesses and ended the demon’s evil ways by killing him and liberating him.

Victory of God

Navrati celebrates the victory of god over evil. Anything that is started on the final day of Vijayadasami is said to move towards success. People celebrate this festival with great devotion, religious fervour and artistic involvement. This event turns out to be a highly colourful one participated by young and the old alike. The Navrati festival has different colours throughout India.

Seasonal Changes

Talking of why we have two Navratris, note that both these schedules occur during the juncture of seasonal changes before the onset of winter and summer. During these times, the nature assumes a major change shifting from one set of colours to another. This is what is heralded by the Navratri celebration by worshipping Mother Durga who embodies the nature itself.

Same Days

During both these Navratris, the length of the day time is roughly equal to the length of the night time. During both the Navratris, the weather is ideal to rejoice and involve in festivities. The ideal kind of climate the nature presents during these times makes a perfect setting for an involved celebration enabling concentration of mind.

With inputs from The Speaking Tree