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Combining the religious and cultural activities, Navratri is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals of Northern India. With garba, daniya ras and worship of Goddess Durga this is one festival that unites everyone in one thread. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one of the nine manifestations of the Divine Goddess.Navratri lasts for nine days with three days devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga, the Goddess of Valor, Ma Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Ma Saraswati,the Goddess of Knowledge.During these nine days of the Navratri, feasting and fasting takes precedence over the normal daily activities amongst Hindus. Evenings are devoted to the religious dances with worshipping of Goddess Durga.
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First Three Navratri Days
On the first day of the Navratri, a small bed of mud is prepared in the puja room of the house and barley seeds are sown on it. The shoots that come out from these seeds are about 3 - 5 inches in length. After the puja has been conducted, these seedlings are given to devotees as a blessing from God. The first three days are devoted to Goddess Durga, and her different forms like Kumari, Parvati and Kali. These three manifestations represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the young girl and the mature woman.
Fourth to Sixth Day of Navratri
During Navratri the fourth to the sixth day is devoted to Goddess Laxmi who is the symbol of peace and prosperity. On the fifth day of the Navratri that is popularly known as the Lalita Panchami it is a custom to gather and display all literature available in the house, light a lamp or 'diya' to invoke Saraswati Maa, the Goddess of knowledge and art.
The Seventh and Eighth Day of Navratri
These are the last two days of the Navratri and belong to Goddess Saraswati who is worshipped to gain spiritual knowledge. On the eight day a yagna is performed with ghee, kheer and sesame seeds forming the holy offering to Goddess Durga.
Mahanavami the Final Day
The final day of Navratri is celebrated with Mahanavami. On this day the Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. It is a custom to wash the feet of these girls as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then offer new clothes as gifts by the devotee.
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