The Hindu festival of Navratri is celebrated twice a year. The first Navratri of the year is known as Chaitra Navratra, as it falls in March-April. The second Navratri is held in October-November, which coincides Durga Puja. The nights of Navratri are devoted to the reverence of Goddess Durga, who is worshipped in many forms. Prayers are offered to Goddess Durga, as she is considered the manifestation of the absolute energy that pervades the Universe. All through the nine days, the devotees would chant mantras, sing songs and bhajans in the praise of the deity. Fasting on Navratri is considered auspicious. To celebrate the festival, a number of pujas are conducted all through the nine days. Go through the following lines to get the vidhi (procedure) of Navratri pooja.
Important things for Navratri puja
- Picture/image of Maa Durga
- Durga Saptshati book
- Kalash with fresh water or Ganga water, coconut, Fresh and washed mango leaves and flowers
- Fruits
- Asan to sit
- Dhoop
- Cloves, sindoor,gulal, cardamom
- Roli, paan, moli, rice, beetlenut(supari), panchpatra
- Flowers
- A dupatta or sari to offer to the deity
Navratri puja Vidhi 2017
For performing the Navratri Pooja, you need to wake up early in the morning. Get up sharp at the sunrise. This time is considered best to perform the Navratri Pooja. Take bath and wear laundered clothes. Keep 'deep' at the left side of the deity. Try to light the 'Akhand Jyot'. Keep in mind that you should not leave the house vacant if you are lighting the 'Akhand Jyot'. Someone must stay back at home. On the right hand side of the idol, keep incense sticks etc. Keep yourself prepared to do the Puja with full devotion and concentration. Keep the kalash and coconut as well. Lay the mat and sit in an upright position in front of the deity. Light the 'deep'. Ring the bell or blow the 'Shankh'.