Navratri Puja Vidhi

Navratri is one of the most important festivals of Hinduism, celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga, a form of the supreme goddess Adi Shakti. It lasts for nine nights (and ten days), first in the month of Chaitra (March/April) and then in the month of Ashvin (September-October). The most important of the 2 Navratris is Sharadiya Navratri which is often called Maha Navratri. It falls in the lunar month of Ashvin during autumn. In this article, we have listed the basic Navratri Puja Vidhi you should perform during Navratri.

This year, Maha Navratri will be from Thu, 3 Oct 2024 to Sat, 12 Oct 2024. Also, this festival is a major festival in India. The festival of Navratri is honored every year to welcome Goddess Durga, which lasts for nine days. Moreover, there are 4 Navratris in a year for Hindus – Shardiya Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Ashada Navratri, and Pausha Navratri.

Navratri also called Nauratha, Nauratri, Navarathri, Navaratra, Naraate, Navratan, Naurata, Nauraat, Durga Puja, and Sharad Utsav.

Navratri Puja Vidhi

To perform Durga Puja with Navratri Puja Vidhi, you have to wake up early in the morning. In addition, it is said in the Puranas that sunrise time is considered the best time for Navratri Puja. Take a bath wear washed clothes and place a lamp on the left side of the idol of Goddess Durga. On the right side of the idol of Goddess Durga, place incense sticks, etc. 

Moreover, prepare yourself to perform the puja with full devotion and concentration. Furthermore, you should keep a Kalash, a coconut, and other things mentioned below. Also, sit on the mat right in front of the Goddess light a lamp, and blow a conch while invoking the Goddess.

Endeavor to light an Akhand Jyoti. If you light an Akhand Jyoti, it is always advisable to have someone at home. It is pointed out in the scriptures to have at least one person at home.

Ghatasthapana

Ghatasthapana is also called Kalash Sthapana or Kalashsthapana. It is performed on the first day of the nine-day celebration of Chaitra Navratri. Moreover, this ritual is considered to be one of the most auspicious moments of the festival. Kalash Sthapanais a common ritual observed during Chaitra Navratri as well as Sharadiya Navratri celebrations.

Materials or samagri required for Ghatasthapana

• Saffron
• Incense
• Barley
• Honeycombs
• Turmeric bales
• Flowers
• Sugar
• Panchmeva
• Mace,
• Coconut
• Sand
• Clay
• Betel leaves
• Cloves
• Bel Patra
• Amrapatra, the picture of Mata Durga
• Turmeric
• Kalash
• Milk
• Fruits
• Sweets
• Mustard
• Perfume
• Red Cloth to warp coconut
• 5 leaves of Ashoka or Mango tree
• Akshat

Preparation of Kalash for Ghatasthapana

1. First of all, a wide clay pot (which is used to keep Kalash) is taken to sow the grains.
   1. The first coating of soil is spread in the pot and then the grain seeds are spread. 
   2. Now the second coating of soil and grains is spread. 
   3. In the second coating, the grains should be spread near the perimeter of the pot. 
   4. Now the third and final layer of soil is spread in the pot.
2. Now a sacred thread is tied around the neck of the Kalash and holy water (Ganga Jal) is filled in it. Now add betel nut, fragrance, durva grass, akshat, and coins to the water. Place 5 Ashoka leaves on the edge of the Kalash and cover it with a lid.3
3. Now unpeeled coconut is taken and bound in red cloth. Coconut and red cloth are tied with sacred thread.
4. Now a coconut is placed on top of the prepared Kalash.

At the end of these steps, we organize the Kalash to invoke Goddess Durga.

Panchopchara Puja:

Panchopchara puja is a type of worship in Hinduism in which 5 offerings are made to the deity. it traditions are performed at special events such as festivals.  

• Gandha(Sandalwood)
• Pushpa(flowers)
• Dhupa(incense stick)
• Dipa(Lamp)
• Naivedhya (food and water).

Navratri Celebrations:

Navratri celebrations during the nine days include worship of the nine goddesses, stage decorations, recitation of mythological tales, storytelling on stage, reading of Hindu religious texts, and Garba. Major cultural events of the harvest season are also celebrated during these nine days, such as the competitive design and staging of pandals, visiting these pandals with families, and public celebration of classical and folk dances of Hindu culture.