Festivals of India in the month of October

Nav Ratra Sthapana

 

Ma Durga

Navratra is a festival dedicated to goddess Durga and is celebrated twice in a year. Once in Chaitra month (Chaitra Navratra) and other in Ashwin month (Ashwin Navratra). It symbolizes faith and belief of Hindus in goddess Durga, being worshipped since ancient times. The power of goddess Durga has been expressed in mythology in various forms. Lord Ram took the blessings of goddess Durga to get victory over Ravana. Navratra is celebrated around the country with full fervor and enthusiasm.
Navratra is a festival of nine days in which 9 manifestations of goddess Durga are worshipped in the given order: Goddess Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmandal, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhatri.  Shardiya Navratra is celebrated in the month of Ashwin and people worship the nine forms of the goddess by observing fasts and performing the rituals during this period.

 

          The Holy Pot Establishment

Durga Puja begins with the ritual of establishing a Kalash (a big water pot). In 2012, the establishment ritual will begin on 16th October, Tuesday. In the morning of the pratipada tithi of Akshin paksha, the devotee determines to fast follow by building an altar of soil himself or by the priest and planting barley over it. Then the Kalash is established on the raised platform made of mud along with an idol of the goddess placed on it. Durga saptashti is recited after the establishment ritual while performing the puja. During the puja ceremony, lamp should be lighted day and night for the entire nine days. Some people establish the idol of Lord Ram and recite Ramayana during this period.In 2012, Navaratri is celebrated from October 16^th to October 24^th.