Goddess Durga Festivals
Sharad Navratri Guide: Navadurga Worship, Kanya Pujan, and Durga Saptashati
Bhakti Voice
भक्ति वॉइस
Ghatasthapana must strictly occur on Pratipada Tithi before midday.
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Navratri, the celestial nine-night festival, is celebrated twice predominantly in the Hindu calendar as Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri (Ashvin month). It is the supreme celebration of Shakti—the primordial divine feminine energy. Devotees honor the Navadurga: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Concurrently celebrated with grand grandeur in Eastern India as Durga Puja, it commemorates Goddess Durga's triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
The story
Traditions
- Ghatasthapana: Sowing 7 types of grains (Saptamrittika) and establishing Kalash
- Lighting an uninterrupted oil/ghee lamp (Akhand Jyoti) for 9 days
- Daily recitation of Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam)
- Traditional Garba and Dandiya Raas dancing in Western India
- Kanya Pujan (revering 9 young girls with Halwa, Puri, and Chana)
Puja at home
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct muhurat for Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)?
Ghatasthapana must be performed during Pratipada Tithi in the morning during Dvisvabhava Lagna or Abhijit Muhurat. Performing it during Chitra Nakshatra or Vaidhriti Yoga should be avoided.
Why are barley seeds (Jau) sown during Navratri?
Barley is considered the first creation of Lord Brahma during cosmic origin. The lush growth of green barley shoots indicates prosperity, abundance, and positive divine blessings for the year.