Maha Navami Celebrations on October 23. Check details here.Â
Maha Navami Celebrations on October 23. Check details here - Pune Pulse
PUNE: The ninth day of Shardiya Navratri, known as Maha Navami, is a highly significant Hindu festival celebrated with fervent worship, rituals, and festivities to honor the victory of Goddess Durga over evil.
It occurs on the ninth day of Ashwin’s Shukla paksha. Maha Navami, also called Navami, marks the conclusion of the nine-day fast of Navratri. This day is dedicated to the worship of Maa Siddhidatri.
It is believed that on the ninth day of the festival, Durga Maa launched her final attack on the demon Mahishaura and defeated him the following morning, on Vijayadashmi. Here is all you need to know about this auspicious occasion, including its date, history, and significance. Maha Navami is celebrated on the ninth day, known as Navam, of Shukla paksha in the Indian month of Ashwina. This year, Shardiya Navratri is observed from October 15 to October 24, with the last day, Sharad Navratri, being revered as Maha Navami or Durga Navami. Therefore, Navami will be celebrated on Monday, October 23.
According to Drik Pachang, the Navami tithi begins at 7:58 pm on October 22 and ends at 5:44 pm on October 23, 2023. Maha Navami, the ninth day of Sharad Navratri, holds historical and mythological significance as it commemorates the penultimate day of Goddess Durga’s battle with the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It is believed that on this day, the Goddess defeated the demon in her fierce form, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. In honor of this, Goddess Durga is worshipped during Maha Navami celebrations as Mahishasuramardhini, meaning ‘She Who Killed Mahishasura.’ Maha Navami, the ninth day of Sharad Navratri, is a significant occasion that represents the culmination of the goddess’s divine energy and the victory of righteousness over wickedness.
Devotees express their deep devotion by worshiping Goddess Durga, as they believe her blessings on this day bring strength, protection, and prosperity. It is a time for introspection, cultural festivities, and the conclusion of the nine-day festival, preparing the way for the celebration of righteousness on Vijayadashami or Dussehra. Maha Navami encompasses a wide range of celebrations and rituals. In certain regions, Goddess Durga is worshipped in her Saraswati form, symbolizing wisdom and education. In South India, Ayudh Puja takes center stage, where the worship of Goddess Saraswati is accompanied by musical instruments, books, and religious scriptures.
North and East India observe Kanya Puja, a ceremony that honors young girls representing various forms of Durga through rituals and gifts. Different areas also observe Homa rituals and the Batthukamna festival, while West Bengal celebrates Maha Navami with special pujas and Durga Puja festivities, including traditional rituals, sindoor khela, and the exchange of sweets and gifts.
Madhupriya Dhanwate
