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How to do Navratri Puja and fast
Navratri is a traditional festival that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. According to legend, Maa Durga fought a fierce battle for nine days and nights to defeat Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
How Navratri is Celebrated
Navratri is observed with great enthusiasm across India. Many devotees fast for the entire nine days, while others choose to fast on just two specific days of the festival. Whether fasting or not, there are specific guidelines and practices to follow during this auspicious period.
Dos and Don'ts of Navratri Fasting
1. Starting Your Day
- Each day of Navratri is dedicated to worshipping a different avatar of Goddess Durga, including Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri.
- Begin the day with a bath, clean the puja space, chant Durga mantras, perform aarti, and offer satvik food like sweets to the goddess.
2. Puja Rituals
- The festival begins with Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana, a ritual performed on the first day during the Pratipada. Want to learn about more about Kalash Sthapana then follow this link Kalash sthapana vidhi for navratri | Step by Step
- Each day of Navratri focuses on a different avatar of Maa Durga. It is recommended to wear red clothes and offer red flowers during the puja.
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3. Fasting Guidelines
- During Navratri, there are restrictions on what foods, spices, and grains can be consumed.
- Devotees eat satvik foods such as buckwheat (kuttu), sago (sabudana), water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta), pumpkin, potatoes, and certain spices like rock salt and cumin.
- Dry fruits, nuts, and specific grains like samak rice are also part of the fasting diet.
4. Dairy Products
- Milk, paneer, yogurt, buttermilk, and other dairy products are allowed during Navratri fasting.
- These foods are considered satvik, providing essential nutrients and sustained energy throughout the day.
5. Foods to Avoid
- Certain foods are considered rajasic or tamasic and should be avoided during Navratri.
- These include onion, garlic, wheat, rice, non-vegetarian items, processed foods, and table salt.
- It is important to focus on pure, natural foods during the fast.
6. Cultivating Pure Thoughts
- Navratri is not only about fasting or dietary restrictions but also about spiritual reflection.
- Devotees are encouraged to avoid negative thoughts, jealousy, and ill feelings toward others.
- This period is a time for gratitude, devotion, and self-purification.
Conclusion
Navratri is a time for both spiritual and physical discipline. By following the guidelines of fasting, engaging in rituals, and cultivating positive thoughts, devotees honor Goddess Durga and seek her blessings for a prosperous and fulfilling life.
