Navratri Vrat or Navaratri Vratam
is an important fast observed by Hindus during Ashvin (September –
October). Navratri 2012 begins on October 16 and ends on October 23.
Vasant Navratri is from March 23 to April 1. It is believed that those
devotees who perform Navratri fasting will find happiness on earth and
will receive ‘moksha.’ Legend has it that, how to observe the Navarathri
Vrat was once narrated by Goddess Durga to one of her ardent devotee.
The Vratam is observed by both men and women and Navratri mantra is
repeated during the period.
Navratri Fast
The
Navratri fast is observed from the first day to the ninth day of Ashvin
month. People take bath in the morning and evening during this period
and some even drink water only after the ritual bath in the morning.
Most
devotees take only a single meal during the day. Non-vegetarian food is
totally avoided. Some people confine to milk and fruits during the nine
days.
Some devotees only observe fast during
three days i.e., first fast during any one of the first three days and
second fast during any one of the next three and last in any one of
final three days.
How to perform the rituals?
A Kalash
is prepared at home and the water is changed daily for nine days. The
kalash is placed on grains on raised platform or in the Puja room.
Goddess Durga is worshipped during the first three days, Goddess Lakshmi
for the next three days, and Goddess Saraswathi during the last three
days. (Some people make clay figures of the Goddesses during the
period).
Each day fresh flowers and fruits are offered to the Goddess. Arati is performed and bhajans are recited.
The Mantras and Bhajans to be recited
Devi
Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati) and Sri Lalita Sahasranama are recited
during the period. The important Navratri mantra is ‘Aaim hreem kleem
chamundayai vichche.’
Some devotees conduct special homas and pujas during the period.
On
the ninth day, all books, pen and whatever implements that a person
uses for his/her livelihood is worshipped and is not touched on the day.
On the tenth day, that is the Vijayadashami day in South India, especially in Kerala, young children are initiated into the world of learning.
There
are no hard and fast rules for any fasting in Hindu religion. There is
always scope for flexibility. Some people just abstain from
non-vegetarian food during the period. Some people just visit temples
all the nine days. Some people read Bhagavad Gita or other holy books
during the period.
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