Know Everything About This Chaitra Navratri 2021

‘Navratri’ as the name itself suggests is the festival of 9 nights. The festival that worships Goddess Durga in her Shakti form as she annihilated Mahishasur, the festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, the festival that brings peace and victory in our life.

The Arrival Vehicle of Maa Durga

The year 2021 is the year in midst of the deadly virus Covid -19 and the vaccine for its cure. We should follow all our holy rituals while keeping in mind the guidelines and norms laid down by the Government. Chaitra Navratri 2021 starts on Tuesday, April 13th and ends on Thursday, April 22nd. As per our ancient scripture, when Navtrai starts on Tuesday then Maa Durga comes riding on horse and this is indicative of natural calamities and upheaval in politics. But don’t forget that every damage and loss can be prevented with true and devoted worship.

Ghat Sthapna Thithi

 
The first day of Chaitra Navratri that starts from Chaitra Amavasya holds utmost importance for the auspicious start of life. If proper Thithi and timings are adhered to, then one will be showered with blessings and wonders of all the nine manifestations of Devi Maa. 

The best time for Ghat Sthapna is between 5:28 am and 10:14 am.

A simple Procedure to Please the Goddess

Life is busy but following certain simple procedures during this Navratri 2021 pleases the Goddess more.

•    Light an Akhand Jyoti in front of the idol of the Devi for all nine days. This Jyoti should be kept towards the left side of the idol whereas light incense stick towards the right side. Remember not to the vacant house for all 9 days i.e. at least one person should always stay in the house.

•    For Ghat sthapna, take a clean pot made of brass, fill it with fresh water or Gangajal (if available) and dip some mango leaves in water inside the pot. Now, wrap a coconut with some red cloth and tie it with Mauli and keep it on top of the brass pot. Keep this pot in front of the idol of Maa Durga. After Ghat Sthapna, offer red Chunari or Saree to the Devi along with the sandalwood powder, betel leaf and clove. Also, offer some sweets to the Goddess.

•    Ask for forgiveness for all your sins from the Devi and distribute the offered sweets.

The Navratri Fast

Maa Durga with all her power is the powerhouse for the whole universe and to cling to this ultimate source of energy you should fast for all nine days, if possible. The day-wise fasting helps you to manifest the specific energy of the particular day. But if, due to health or any other reason, it is not possible to fast for all nine days then at least try and keep Navratri Fast on day one and the day ninth. This is a very sacred procedure that was even followed by Shri Ram on the suggestion of sage Narad before he advanced to kill Ravana.

Whether you fast for two days or all nine days, do not forget the key factor of cleanliness i.e. keep your surroundings and yourself clean, bath daily, and avoid non-vegetarian food, liquor, nail or even hair cutting. Always remember that ‘Goddess Durga sees the motive and true feelings’.

Scientifically, fasting is a natural procedure to detox our body. It not only removes lethargy, dullness but also makes our immune system strong. To live a healthy and stress-free life do devotional and ritualistic worship of Maa Durga during this Chaitra Navratri 2021.