What is Navratri ? | Why We Celebrate Navratri ? | #navratri #navratri2024

Summary

This video explains the significance of Navratri, a Hindu festival celebrated twice a year, during Chaitra (March-April) and Sharad (September-October). The word 'Navratri' means nine nights, during which Hindus worship Goddess Durga through prayers, fasting, and feasting. Chaitra Navratri celebrates Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasur, while Sharad Navratri honors Lord Ram's worship of Durga before his battle with the demon king Ravan. Both festivals symbolize the triumph of good over evil, culminating in the celebration of Dussehra.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Navratri is an important Hindu festival that lasts for nine nights.
• 📜 The word 'Navratri' comes from Sanskrit and means 'nine nights.'
• 🌸 During Navratri, Hindus worship Goddess Durga and engage in fasting, feasting, and dancing.
• 🍽️ Devotees fast during the day and eat foods considered pure and nourishing.
• 🌞 Navratri is celebrated twice a year: Chaitra Navratri in March/April and Sharad Navratri in September/October.
• 🗡️ Chaitra Navratri celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasur.
• 🐃 Mahishasur, a demon blessed by Lord Shiva, was killed by Goddess Durga after he began troubling gods and humans.
• ⚔️ Sharad Navratri, also known as Ashwin Navratri, commemorates the victory of good over evil and ends with the festival of Dussehra.
• 🏹 Sharad Navratri is linked to the story of Lord Ram, who observed the festival to seek Durga's blessings before his battle with Ravan.
• 🎉 The celebration of Ashwin Navratri became popular after Lord Ram's observance before the war.

Q & A

What is the meaning of 'Navratri'?

Navratri means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, and during this festival, Hindus worship Goddess Durga.

What activities are commonly done during Navratri?

During Navratri, Hindus engage in fasting, feasting, and dancing. They offer prayers to Goddess Durga and follow specific dietary restrictions, consuming only certain pure and nourishing foods.

When is Navratri celebrated?

Navratri is celebrated twice a year. Chaitra Navratri occurs in March or April, while Sharad Navratri typically falls in September or October.

Why is Chaitra Navratri celebrated?

Chaitra Navratri is celebrated to honor the nine nights when Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasur, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Who was Mahishasur, and how is he related to Navratri?

Mahishasur was a powerful demon who received boons from Lord Shiva. His pride led him to torment both gods and humans, until Goddess Durga, formed from the powers of all gods and goddesses, defeated and killed him.

What is the significance of Sharad Navratri?

Sharad Navratri, which occurs in the month of Ashwin (September to October), commemorates the victory of good over evil and culminates in the festival of Dussehra.

How is Sri Ram connected to Sharad Navratri?

Sri Ram is believed to have observed Navratri for the first time before going to battle against Ravan, the demon king of Lanka. He sought the blessings of Goddess Durga before the war, which is why Ashwin Navratri gained prominence.

What is the connection between Navratri and the festival of Dussehra?

Sharad Navratri ends with the festival of Dussehra, which celebrates the victory of good over evil, symbolizing Lord Ram's victory over Ravan.

What is the primary purpose of Navratri?

Navratri is primarily a time to honor and worship Goddess Durga, celebrating her power and her role in defeating evil forces like Mahishasur.

Why do Hindus fast during Navratri?

Fasting during Navratri is believed to purify the body and soul, making devotees more receptive to the blessings of Goddess Durga. Only pure and nourishing foods are consumed during the fast.