The Hindu community is observing a nine-day long fasting known as Navratri as they welcome the Hindu New Year 2023. This fasting is dedicated to worshipping 9 goddesses, with each day being dedicated to a specific form. People follow different fasting practices such as only water and fruits, one proper meal a day, or eating specific Navratri foods. They also perform rituals like placing an auspicious kalash and keeping the Navratri Akhand jyoti lit for 9 days. The fast is broken on either Ashtami or Navmi, with many people performing kanjak puja by inviting young girls and feeding them.
Hindu Nav Varsh: Celebrating the Hindu New Year with Navratri
Navratri, a nine-day fasting period, signifies the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Observed by the Hindu community worldwide, this festival is dedicated to worshipping nine goddesses, each representing a different aspect of the divine feminine.
Background:
Navratri is celebrated twice a year, once during the spring season (Chaitra Navratri) and again during the autumn (Sharad Navratri). The Sharad Navratri, which falls in September or October, is the more widely celebrated of the two.
The festival commemorates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a specific form of Durga:
Observances:
During Navratri, devotees observe a range of fasting practices. Some abstain from all food and water, while others consume only water and fruits. Others follow a vegetarian diet or eat specific Navratri foods.
Devotees also perform rituals such as:
The fast is traditionally broken on either Ashtami (eighth day) or Navmi (ninth day). On these days, many people perform kanjak puja, where they invite young girls and feed them as a symbol of honoring the divine feminine.
Top 5 FAQs:
Q1: When is Navratri observed in 2023? A1: Sharad Navratri 2023 begins on September 26 and ends on October 4.
Q2: What is the significance of the nine goddesses worshipped during Navratri? A2: Each goddess represents a different aspect of the divine feminine, including power, wisdom, courage, and compassion.
Q3: What are the different fasting practices observed during Navratri? A3: Fasts range from complete abstinence to consuming only water and fruits, one proper meal a day, or eating specific Navratri foods.
Q4: What is the importance of the kalash during Navratri? A4: The kalash symbolizes the life-giving force and is believed to bring prosperity and abundance.
Q5: Why are young girls worshipped during Navratri? A5: Young girls represent the divine feminine and are honored as manifestations of the goddesses worshipped during the festival.
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