The popularity of Navratri is unmatched because it is one of the major Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan. It brings a gust of fresh air into the lives of man. The Navratri, Rajasthan therefore, provides a break from monotonous routine life. Hence, people welcome this festival with a happy heart, and waits for its arrival throughout the year. Navratri comes with the blessings of Goddess Durga, the slayer of the demon called Mahisasura.
History of the Navratri:
It is said that Goddess Durga manifests herself in nine different forms during the nine days of Navratri; each day she brings a new weapon with her, while she drives her fierce lion. She does this in order to save her followers from the ominous plight of falling into the trap of Mahisasura, the great demon who posed a threat to humanity as a whole.
Mother Goddess comes with her children on the 10th Day and is celebrated as the Dussehra after she became victorious by killing the demon on the 9th day. The entire Navratri Festival culminates into a feasting enjoyed by people all round.
Description of the Navratri
There is a festive mood in the air when the festival of Navratri is celebrated. People not only clad themselves in new clothes, they also worship the different forms of the goddess. For each of these nine days, she is revered as Durga, Bhadrakali, Amba, Annapurna, Sarvamangala, Bhairavi, Chandika, Lalita and Bhavani, all of them being different forms of the Goddess Durga. Fasts are observed, prayers are told and the blessing of the Goddess is sought. Whatever is offered to the goddess is later eaten by the worshippers as Prasad. It is a time of celebration as well as a time when the followers pray and hope that they will be blesses with success, wealth and relieved from all sorts of evil.
Time for the celebration of Navratri:
Celebrated in the Hindu Month of Ashwin, Dussehra generally falls in the month of November. At Rajasthan, it is celebrated three days later after the original Dussehra Celebration.
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