Navaratri, literally “nine nights,” is one of Hinduism’s most vibrant annual festivals, observed in September–October (Tamil month of Purattasi). It venerates the divine feminine as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, honoring Shakti—the primordial energy that sustains the universe. Though rituals differ across India, certain core traditions have remained unchanged for centuries. Historical references show that Navaratri was celebrated for the welfare of rulers, Zamindars and their realms. The mythology of Mahishasuramardhini (Durga slaying the buffalo demon) was first popular in the South and later spread to Bengal, where it evolved into the grand Durga Puja.
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| Navatratri Golu, indianexpress.com |
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During the Chola period the festival was state-sponsored, while the Vijayanagara kings institutionalized a simple tax to finance its public celebrations. The Nayaks of Thanjavur and Madurai popularized it in Tamil regions, and Thirumalai Nayak even permitted the Sethupathi rulers of Ramanathapuram to host Navaratri, giving the custom royal sanction. In the Mauryan era, games of skill and valor accompanied the worship, and Emperor Akbar encouraged the related Dussehra festivities.
Navaratri is steeped in sacred texts: the Devi Purana describes its benefits, while the Devi Bhagavatam narrates how Rama observed the fast to discover Sita’s whereabouts. Daily recitations such as Narayana Suktham, Purusha Suktham, Vishnu Sahasranamam, Garuda and Sudarshana mantras, or hymns like Soundarya Lahari, Lalitha Sahasranamam and Abhirami Andhadhi are believed to remove obstacles and invite prosperity.
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| Navarstari festival Huffington Post |
In Tamil Nadu, devotees often celebrate four seasonal Navaratris—Lalitha (Panguni), Raja Mathangi (Masi), Mahavarahi (Aadi) and Sharada (Purattasi)—seeking abundant blessings. Women performing Kanya Puja across the nine nights are said to secure happiness and family prosperity. Worship of Hayagriva Perumal and chanting Lalitha Sahasranamam on Saptami help students and aspirants gain confidence.
The evening hours between 7 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. are considered most auspicious for puja. Friday during the festival is reserved for Shodasa Lakshmi Puja to enhance household welfare and wealth. Charity is integral: households offer turmeric, kumkum, bangles, betel leaves, garments or meals to young girls and married women, whose blessings are thought to hasten marriages and ensure domestic harmony.
One of Navaratri’s most charming features in southern India is the Golu or doll display. Arranged on stepped tiers, it symbolizes the presence of the goddess in all beings, animate and inanimate. Golu is set up only in Purattasi and is accompanied by mango-leaf thoranams, Navagraha rangolis and sometimes a sacred tulsi plant, all meant to dispel negativity and draw auspicious energy. When dolls are displayed for all nine days and the goddess is invoked daily, the home is believed to receive her grace.
Lighting the Akanda Deepam, a lamp kept burning for the last three or all nine nights, is a widespread vow. After the festival, devotees often donate the lamps as part of the Akanda Deepa Vazhipadu tradition. Suvasini and Kanya pujas, where lamps are arranged on a sandalwood-pasted plank and lit around the image of the deity, reinforce the sanctity of the home.
Several regional customs enrich Navaratri. In the West and North, Ramlila dramatizations culminate on Dussehra with the symbolic burning of Ravana’s effigy—celebrating Rama’s triumph over evil—though scholars remind us Ravana was also a learned devotee of Shiva. In West Bengal and the East, Durga Puja venerates the fierce goddess who rescues humanity from demon Mahisha’s tyranny. Some Rajput courts once practiced animal sacrifice during the festival, a custom now discouraged.
Vijayadasami, the tenth day, carries special rites. Ayudha Puja, linked to the Mahabharata episode of the Pandavas reclaiming their weapons from beneath a tree after exile, honors the tools of one’s livelihood. Worship of Ayur Devi, Chandi Homam, and Ashta-Lakshmi Puja are also common, emphasizing knowledge, prosperity and protection. Many dedicate the fifth day to Lalitha Devi, gifting clothes to little girls. Iconic shrines, such as Dhenupureeswarar temple near Kumbakonam, house unique eight-armed Durgas, one hand tenderly holding a parrot, portraying her compassion despite her martial aspect.
Navaratri has social and psychological dimensions as well. Historically, it offered women respite from routine, letting them sing, pray and mingle with neighbors, easing stress and nurturing community bonds. Festive gatherings once helped families identify prospective brides by observing their talents and grace.
Ultimately, Navaratri unites devotion, aesthetics and ethics. Through worship, music, charity, and remembrance of dharma’s victory, devotees honor Saraswati (wisdom), Lakshmi (wealth) and Durga (valor). The festival celebrates the feminine principle of Shakti and inspires seekers to cultivate courage, prosperity, learning and inner strength in their own lives. Based on old posts September 26,2017
and September 27,2017 navrangindia.blog.spot.com
https://www.navrangindia.in/2020/10/navaratri-traditional-hindu-festival-of.html
