Chaitra Navratri : Puja dates, vidhi and celebrations
Chaitra Navratri Puja 2017 will be from 21st September till 29th September 2017. Devotees of Goddess Durga eagerly await for these auspicious days and start preparing for Ma Durga’s arrival many days in advance.
Navratri, meaning nine nights, puja starts with Kalash Sthapana. A Kalash or lota, preferably made of Brass or silver filled with water is kept in or around the place of worship in the house. Mauli, the red sacred thread is tied around the neck of the kalash. A few drops of Ganga Jal (water from the holy river Ganga), some grains of raw rice are added to the water. If available, leaves of few mango leaves can also be either tied to the neck of the kalash or kept with it. Keep a fresh coconut on the neck of this Kalash.
Every day of Navratri is dedicated to a form of Durga. These are :
Day 1 : Maa Shailputri
Day 2 : Maa Brahmacharini
Day 3 : Maa Chandraghanta
Day 4 : Maa Kushmanda
Day 5 : Maa Skandamata
Day 6 : Maa Katyayani
Day 7 : Maa Kaalaratri
Day 8 : Maa Mahagauri
Day 9 : Maa Siddhidatri
Devotees keep fast as per their strength and capability. Generally, the norm is to keep two fasts; which can be kept either together on the last two days or the 1st and last day can also be kept. Some devotees also fast on all the days. You can have fruits, curd, milk, tea, juice during the day and eat food prepared from the grains allowed in the fast. You can also eat namkeen and sweets prepared specifically as per the fast rituals.
Recommended reading : Why is Navaratri celebrated
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