Navratri Celebration

Navratri, meaning ‘nine nights’, is one of the most significant festivals in Hindu tradition. During these nine nights and ten days, the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped with great devotion and enthusiasm.

At our temple, Navratri holds special significance as we celebrate the divine feminine energy with a focus on Goddess Baglamukhi, who is worshipped as one of the Mahavidyas, an aspect of the Divine Mother.

Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, with specific rituals, offerings, and prayers. The celebrations begin with the establishment of a sacred altar or ‘kalash’ that represents the divine presence of the goddess.

Morning rituals include abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the deity, followed by elaborate pujas with offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets. The recitation of sacred texts like Durga Saptashati (Chandi Path) is an integral part of the celebrations.

Evenings are marked by vibrant cultural programs, including traditional dance performances like Garba and Dandiya, devotional music, and spiritual discourses. The temple premises are beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and rangolis (colorful floor designs).

On the eighth day (Ashtami), a special puja is performed for Goddess Baglamukhi, with yellow being the predominant color of the day. Devotees offer yellow flowers, turmeric, and special prasad to seek the blessings of the goddess.

The festival concludes on the tenth day (Vijayadashami), symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This day is considered auspicious for starting new ventures and learning.