Durga Navami 2022: Why is it celebrated, and what is its significance

The 9th day of Navratri is Durga Navami. It is a day before Vijaya Dashami and is one of the most extraordinary occasions celebrated and honoured with much excitement. According to Hindu folklore, it was on this day when Goddess Durga slew the demon King Mahishasura.

On this holy day, people give their prayers to Goddess Durga all across the country. However, in a few places, she is also called Mahisasuramardini or the annihilator of Mahishasura. This year, Chaitra Navratri Durga Navami 2023 will be on October 23, Monday. Due to its prominence, this year’s celebration will be blissful and energetic.

Maha Navami Date and Time:

This year, Maha Navmi is on Monday, 23rd October 2023. Navami starts on 22nd October 2023 at 07:58 PM and ends at 05:44 PM on October 23rd.

Puja Vidhi

The Maha Navami puja will obey the sacred scriptures that start with Mahasnan and Shodashopachara puja. On this day, followers of Maa Durga wake up early, and a few also keep fasts for the Goddess.

During prayers, devotees offer pink flowers and wear pink clothes, as pink is the colour for Maha Navami. Along with puja, people also plate the traditional poori, Kala chana, and halwa to young girls chiefly worshipped on this occasion. It is the Kumari Puja or Kanya Pujan.

Children, especially young girls, are gathered at the puja pandals or houses. People clean their feet with great care, and special puja takes place. As per belief, this Kanya Puja represents the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

Significance

In Hinduism, Mahanavami has major significance for the occult among the Saktheyas. Followers of Lord Vishnu, the Vaishnavas, perform special pujas and rituals on this day. On this day in Tirumala, the Brahma Utsav honours lord Balaji.

India is a diverse country, and Maha Navami is in many ways across the nation. In the northern part of India, we observe Kanya Puja on this day. In Gujarat, the celebration of Maha Navami is with Garba and dandiya raas as the other eight days of Navratri. While in the east, Navami is of great significance in Bengal as it is the last day of Durga Puja.