Updated: October 16, 2020 11:41:18 pm
Navratri 2020: During Navratri, the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. (Source: Pixabay)
Navratri 2020 date, bidding times: One of the most popular Indian festivals, Navratri (literally meaning ‘nine nights’) is celebrated every year with much fanfare in different parts of the country, and even around the world by the Hindu community. Technically, it is observed for nine nights and ten days, during which the nine forms of the goddess Durga are worshiped. Following the culmination of the nine-day period, Dussehra is celebrated, which is also believed to be the day that Lord Rama defeated King Ravana of Lanka in a battle between the forces of good and evil.
This year, the Navratris begin on October 17 with Shailputri (one of the nine forms of the goddess) bid, and will end on October 26 with Vijay Dashami and Durga visarjan (immersion of the idol). According to Drik Panchang, Navratri begins on the first day of Ashwin lunar month with ghatasthapana. Kalash, which is installed during ghatasthapana, is immersed in a body of water on the tenth day.
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Drik Panchang also says that the Ashtami tithi for Sharad Navratri 2020 will start at 6.57am on October 23 and continue until 6.58am on October 24.
History
The nine nights celebrate and worship the nine forms of Durga. As such, it begins with Shailaputri bid, followed by Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Sidhidatri. Each of these goddesses, although an avatar of the supreme goddess Durga, has her own powers and personalities.
Also, although it is the same festival, it is celebrated differently in different parts of the country. For example, in West Bengal, the celebrations begin on the sixth day, as part of the Durga Puja festivities. In Karnataka, the ninth day of Navratri is observed as Ayudha Puja.
According to Dr. Aarti Dahiya, a relationship expert, the 10 days of the festival also refer to the 10 evils that humans pray to be rid of. These are: ‘kama‘or lust’krodh‘or anger’lobh‘or greed’medical officer‘or attachment,’ahankar‘or ego’darr‘or fear’irsha‘or jealousy’jadta‘or inertia,’nafrat‘u hate, and’paschataap‘or guilt.
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