Navratri is a 9 day celebration for Hindus that focuses on the Goddess Durga in her 9 different forms.There are some similarities between the celebrations of the holiday in India and around the world.Navratri can be participated in no matter where you are.
Step 1: Time should be set aside for longer meditation sessions.
Navratri is a time for religious and spiritual reflection.If you don't currently meditate, try to set aside at least 15 minutes every day during the 9 days to focus on your spirit.If you already practice daily meditation, try to devote more time to it each day.If it's difficult for you to find time to meditate, do it when you wake up in the morning or just before bed, since you'll be winding down and in a more introspective mood during these times.
Step 2: In front of Goddess Durga's statue, light an Akhand Jyot.
The Jyot is a lamp that burns for a long time.During the 9 nights of celebration, illuminate the lamp in front of the picture or statue of Durga to honor her.You can use an electric candle if you don't feel comfortable leaving the lamp lit while you're away.
Step 3: Three times a day, purify the Gayatri Mantra.
One of the most important spiritual traditions of Navratri is said in the morning, afternoon, and evening.If you want to focus your spirit on creation, unity, and life, you should recite the mantra during your prayers or meditation.The chant for the mantra is "Om buhr, bhuva, swaha, Om tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasya dheemahi, dhiyo yonaha Prachodayat" which means "Let us meditate on that excellent glory ofIt's up to you to decide how you would like to worship.
Step 4: There is a statue of Goddess Durga.
Aarti is a way to show respect to Durga.The lamps should be soaked in butter and light.You can wave the wicks in front of the statue or image to show your love and respect.Some people bow while praying in order to show their devotion.It's up to you to make a decision.
Step 5: If you're comfortable doing it, it's fast.
There are many ways to fast.The first includes only eating fruit and drinking milk.On the first, fourth, and seventh days of the celebration, abstaining from food is a way to fast.Some people choose to fast by eating only one vegetarian meal per day.If you feel like you can't fast during Navratri, it's okay to stop eating and start again.
Step 6: Young girls will appreciate gifts like sweets and traditional food.
It's common for young girls to wash their feet and give them treats during the celebration of Durga, as she is said to be exemplified by them.Since many people fast during the day, the gifts are given at night to break the fast.It is a tradition to treat married women with respect and share food and treats with them to honor their strength.
Step 7: Take part in charity work that helps the needy.
People are encouraged to give back to their community with the gift of food during Navratri.Most of the time, this means cooking meals for the needy or feeding the homeless to encourage growth and positivity in the community.You can observe this aspect of Navratri by volunteering at a local food bank or soup kitchen during the 9 days of celebration.It is possible to deliver meals on your own to elderly people or needy people in your area.You can make larger batches with the intent of giving some to the hungry, or you can share meals that you've already prepared.
Step 8: The sun sets.
Dancing and having fun during the night is part of the Navratri celebration.On each of the 9 nights there will be a dance party with friends and family.Huge groups of people get together in stadiums for big dance parties in some areas of India.Have a mini disco in your house with your friends.For a more modern take, play a dancing game using a gaming console and make it into a competition to see who can get the best scores.
Step 9: You should keep your mind and thoughts pure.
Negative feelings like hatred, jealousy, anger, and violence are cleansed by Navratri.Try to stay positive and avoid negative thoughts about other people.Just like your mind, shower each day to make your body pure and clean.If you begin to have negative or impure thoughts, center yourself by participating in a short meditation session.Refocus your thoughts on positive things when you're celebrating Navratri.
Step 10: Every day, you should bathe in the morning.
Keeping yourself clean is a part of the celebration.It's a good idea to wash your hair and body every morning.In order to appear presentable throughout the day, it's best to bathe in the morning.
Step 11: Don't cut your hair, shave, or trim your nails.
Women should not trim their hair or nails during Navratri.Don't feel bad if you have to cut your hair during this time.It's possible to make up for it by meditating or praying.
Step 12: Don't wear black clothes and wear bright colored clothing.
During Navratri, both men and women refrain from wearing black clothing.It's a good time to step out of your comfort zone and wear colors that you wouldn't wear on a normal day.This can mean any color other than black for men.There are many colors of red, blue, orange, yellow, green, pink, and purple.There are different colors on your top and bottom.For women, focus on yellows and reds because Goddess Durga likes roses of those colors.
Step 13: It's a good idea to keep your house clean.
During the 9 nights of celebration, it's important to have the whole house looking clean.Minor clean ups are done each day throughout the celebration.If your home needs repairs before Navratri, it will be in better shape for Durga's visit.