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Maha Navami Being Celebrated Across Country

Rtv News

  12 Oct 2024, 08:47
Photo: Collected

Today (Saturday, October 12) is Maha Navami. The day is being celebrated in every puja mandap across the country. The atmosphere of every mandap is filled with the farewell tune of Goddess Durga. Today is the day for the devotees to see the goddess once again.

Durga Navami or Maha Navami celebrations take place on the ninth day of Navratri and the fifth day of Durga Puja. The festival holds much significance for devotees of Maa Durga as the day marks the victory of good over evil. It is believed that on Navami, Goddess Durga defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

The celebrations on Maha Navami begin with Mahasnan, a ceremonial bathing ritual, followed by the Shodashopachar Puja, which consists of sixteen types of offerings made to the goddess. The timing of the rituals is crucial, as the performance can vary based on the lunar calendar.

Puja and Prayers
Devotees celebrate Maha Navami with elaborate ceremonies and prayers in honor of Goddess Durga. This includes beautifying the goddess’ idol or image with flowers and jewellery. The puja normally follows a set sequence that provides for mantra recitation and the offering of various things such as fruits, sweets, incense, and lamps.

Sandhi Puja
A special ceremony known as Sandhi Puja is carried out in some areas, especially in West Bengal, on the eighth day (Maha Ashtami) of Navratri, which coincides with Maha Navami this year. It is believed that at this precise moment, the goddess Durga changed into a warrior to defeat Mahishasura. Strong mantras are recited and special offerings are made to the deity during this period.

Kanya Pujan
Kanya Pujan, in which nine young girls are worshipped as the nine incarnations of the goddess, is one of the important ceremonies celebrated on Maha Navami. As a sign of respect and blessings, they are usually offered new clothes, food, and gifts.

Sacrifices
This day is traditionally marked by the offering of animals as sacrifices to the goddess in several parts of India, especially West Bengal. However, this ritual is often avoided nowadays. Instead, vegetables are sacrificed to live up to the tradition.

Significance
On Maha Navami, Goddess Durga is revered in her fierce form as Mahisasuramardini, meaning the Annihilator of the Buffalo Demon. This day is celebrated as the triumph of good over evil, marking the moment when Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of righteousness.

Additionally, Navami Homa, a sacred fire ritual, is performed on this day and holds significant meaning during Durga Puja. The best time for this ritual is at the conclusion of the Navami Puja.

In conclusion, Maha Navami is a crucial day in the Durga Puja festivities, representing the culmination of devotion and worship. With its rich traditions and rituals, it is a day when devotees express their reverence for the goddess and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

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