Jai Maa Durga, the embodiment of love, strength and mercy.

Before you get involved in Navratri preparations, here's everything you need to know about the 9-day-long celebration of grace, beauty, and strength!

Why is it so important?

Navratri, which roughly translates to ‘nine nights’, takes place on 15th October till 23rd October 2023. The idol of Maa Durga will be immersed on Vijayadashami on 24th October.

Each day is dedicated to celebrating a different form of Goddess Durga. Chaitra Navratri celebrates the beginning of the Hindu New Year and marks the start of?Vasant Ritu?(Spring season).

It is also said that Mother Durga defeated the?Asura?(demon) Mahishasura during this period. In Northernmost regions, it is meant to celebrate Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, representing the triumph of good over evil, regardless of reason or lore.

During the sacred nine days Maa Durga bestows great powers to maintain physical and mental balance upon her devotees. The festivities take place at night because one’s concentration is affected during the day.

After all, it’s at night when the energy levels tend to be high, increasing productivity and focus.

Rules for the nine-day fast

During Navratri, Hindus fast for nine days. But the pattern varies from region to region and depends on the person’s choices. Here are some rules to follow when fasting for the occasion:

Do’s

• Consume plenty of fruits during this period.
• Include dairy products like milk and curd in your diet to stay hydrated
• Replace normal salt with rock salt.

Don'ts

• Rice and Wheat flour is not allowed. Substitute them with Khichdi, Kheer and Sabudana.
• No fast foods or packed snacks allowed.
• ?Avoid?‘Tamsik’ food -like onion, garlic and eggs-to keep the mind clear.
• ?Do not cut your hair and nails during this time, as it removes good luck.

Benefits

The human mind and psyche are vulnerable to the the ten evils humanity is familiar with:?

1. Kama (Lust): Unhealthy amount of sexual appetite that leads to an obsession with the physical.
2. Krodh (Anger): An explosive temper that could blind the person to the finer details.
3. Lobh (Greed): Excess love for material possessions.
4. Moh (Attachment): Unhealthy amount of care for worldly things.?
5. Ahankar (Pride): Too much arrogance when it comes to one’s self-worth.?
6. Darr (Fear): The lack of courage to face life’s challenges.
7. Irsha (Jealousy): The want to be like others due to feeling insufficient.
8. Jadta (Inertia): The inability to change and therefore overcome life’s challenges.?
9. Nafrat (hate): Hostility towards those who don’t match one’s ideals.?
10. Paschatap (guilt): The tendency to mull over past mistakes.

The chanting of mantras, along with engaging in the festivities at night (when the body is far more receptive), cleanses the body of these vices. If you wish to let go of any troubling emotional and mental load, Navratri is your time!?

Perform Navratri Puja Online with Shubhpuja

No matter where you're in the world, perform the intricate 9-day-long Navratri Puja online guided by our esteemed Indian Brahmins and Pandits. With our virtual assistance, our Pandits help you with Puja's mahurat, the specific rituals involved, and the required puja samagri (ritual items).?

During the online Puja, you'll be guided by our experienced Indian Pandits. Follow their instructions carefully, including lighting lamps, offering flowers and prasad (offerings), and reciting mantras and aarti online. We help you with authentic Vedic services so you can embrace the divine blessings from anywhere in the world.?

Our Offerings:

• Full Navratri Chandi Paath Puja
• Full Navratri Puja Paath
• Maa Brahmacharini Navratri Puja
• Maa Chandraghanta Navratri Puja
• Maa Kalaratri Navratri Puja
• Maa Katyani Navratri Puja, and more.?

Shubhpuja Navratri Puja will be starting from October 15 till October 23, 2023. For a full list of our Navratri Puja,?click here.

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