The Five important days of Navaratri

Navaratri:

Navaratri is one of India’s biggest festivals, and Hindus all over the world celebrate this festival. During Navaratri, the devotees pray to goddess Durga; in some states, Goddesses Saraswathi and Lakshmi too are worshipped along with Goddess Durga.

Though Navaratri is observed across India, in West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Odisha, it is celebrated with extra pomp and enthusiasm. In these states, five days are considered more significant out of the nine days of Navaratri, and special ceremonies are performed on these days.

The five important days of Navaratri

This section will elaborate on the five important days of Navaratri and its legends and ceremonies. The devotees in West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Odisha give prominence to these five days and follow unique traditions to honor the Goddess. The following are the five important days of the nine-day Navaratri festival.

1. Maha Sashti: As per the belief, it is on Maha Shashti when Goddess Durga lands from heaven to earth with her four children, Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Laxmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya. In West Bengal, statues of goddess Durga are installed at homes and in common pandars. On the eve of Maha Shashti, the face of the idol of Goddess Durga is unveiled. Devotees perform the ceremonies, ‘Amontron, ‘Bodhon’ and ‘Adhibash’ to please the Goddess. To signify and celebrate the arrival of the Goddess, the devotees bang a special type of drum known as ‘Dhaak.’
2. Maha Saptami: the seventh day of the Navaratri festival is known as ‘Maha Saptami.’ On Maha Saptami, a special puja known as Maha puja is performed to the Goddess. Just before the sun rises for the day, a banana tree is submerged in holy water, and then it is wrapped with a new sari to resemble a newlywed woman. This ceremony is known as ‘Kola Bou or ‘Nabapatrika.’ The banana tree is placed along with the idol of Goddess Durga, and special worships are conducted. Along with the banana tree, nine plants are kept for worship; these nine plants represent the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
3. Maha Ashtami: according to the Bengali mythology sources, it is believed that goddess Durga killed the demon Mahisasura on the eight-day of Navaratri, known as Maha Ashtami. Mahisasura had a buffalo head symbolizing ignorance and arrogance, and the Goddess, denoting supreme power and knowledge, defeated him. During this day, devotees chant Sanskrit hymns like Chandipath and offer their prayers to the Goddess. These special prayers are called ‘Anjali.’ Another unique custom associated with this day is ‘Kumari Puja,’ dressing young girls less than nine years as goddess Durga and offering worship to them. After the Kumari Puja is over, the ‘Sandhi puja’ is performed.
4. Maha Navami: Maha Navami is the ninth day of the Navaratri festival; it starts immediately after the ‘Sandhi puja’ ends. During this day, the ‘Maha arati’ is performed to the Goddess Durga. After Maha Arati, recreational events are organized, and then the ‘bhog’ (prasad) is served to everyone.
5. Maha Dasami: Maha Dashami or Vijayadasami is the last day of Navaratri; on this day, the idol of Goddess Durga, which was kept at the devotees’ homes, pandars are immersed in the holy river the Ganges. This custom is a farewell to the Goddess who stayed with the devotees for ten days. Before the immersion, devotees carry out processions accompanied by drums, singing, and dancing. During this procession, married women apply and throw vermillion on each other. In the evening, people visit the houses of their relatives, friends, and neighbors and wish them ‘Vijayadasami.’ Special food items are also cooked, and feasts are arranged on this day.