- By James Kuanal
- Sun, 29 Sep 2019 09:25 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
New Delhi | Jagran Lifestyle Desk: Navaratri or Durga Puja is a ten-day festival that is celebrated to worship goddess Durga and her several avatars. It is celebrated during the Hindu festival of Ashvin, Sharada and falls in the month of September or October as per Gregorian calendar. This year the auspicious festival starts on September 29 (Ekadashi) and will last till October 8 (Vijyadashmi/idol immersion).
History, Importance and Significance
Navratri is made up of two words-- Nav (nine) and ratri (night). The festival marks the victory of goddess Durga over evil (Mahisasura). According to ancient history, Mahisasura was blessed with invincible power by Lord Brahma under a condition that he could only be defeated by a woman. He used his power in wrong ways and attacked Trilok, i.e., earth, heaven and hell.
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Since only a woman could defeat her, powerful gods (Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh) infused their power to Durga. She was blessed with ten hands, armoury and rode on a lion. The goddess killed Mahisasura in a fierce battle that lasted for 15 long days. The evil kept changing his forms to confuse Goddess Durga. He was eventually killed after taking the form of Buffalo, marking an end to the Ashuras.
The nine avatars of Durga are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidhatri.
Durga Puja signifies the victory of good or evil. It is quite popular in northern India in states such as West Bengal, Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, among others. Devotees also observe fast during this festival.
