Navratri is amongst the most important Hindu festivals. This auspicious festival is celebrated with great zeal and devotion throughout the country. The literal meaning of 'Navratri' is 'nine auspicious nights'. Navratri is a pious festival celebrated in the honor of nine different forms of the Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati for nine continuous days.
The Goddess of Power is worshipped during these days in order to seek her blessings and protection from any unknown fear and possible threat. The devotees ask for peace and prosperity from the Goddess. The Goddess of power has the supremacy over the creation, preservation and destruction of the universe.
Things RequiredPicture or Idol of Goddess Durga in the Pooja room
A dupatta or sari to offer to the deity
Durga Saptshati book
Ganga water or plain water in Kalash (pitcher)
Fresh and washed mango leaves
Fresh grass
Sandalwood
One coconut
Roli, red sacred powder for tilak
Moli, red sacred thread
Rice
Supari (Areca nuts)
Paan (Betel leaves)
Cloves
Cardamom
Kumkum (vermilion)
Gulal
Procedure* For performing the Navratri Pooja, you need to wake up early in the morning. Get up sharp at the sunrise. This time is considered best to perform the Navratri Pooja. Take bath and wear laundered clothes. Keep 'deep' at the left side of the deity. Try to light the 'Akhand Jyot'.
* Keep in mind that you should not leave the house vacant if you are lighting the 'Akhand Jyot'. Someone must stay back at home.
* On the right hand side of the idol, keep incense sticks etc. Keep yourself prepared to do the Puja with full devotion and concentration.
* Keep the kalash and coconut as well. Lay the mat and sit in an upright position in front of the deity. Light the 'deep'.
* Ring the bell or blow the 'Shankh'.
* Place the kalash near the idol or picture of the deity and fill it with pure water. Place mango leaves on the mouth of the kalash. Place a coconut inside the kalash. Tie moli around the neck of the kalash.
* Sprinkle 'Gangajal' all over the Puja room. Now, offer sandalwood powder and some fresh grass to the Goddess. Then, offer the sari or dupatta to the Goddess. Place some fresh flowers in front of the Goddess. Next, offer 'paan' with a clove placed on it.
* If you are married, then offer two such paans. Light 'agarbatti' or incense sticks. Perform 'havan' using this mantra- "Om aing hreeng kleeng chamundaya vichche namah". Give aahuti for 11 times. Fold your hands and pray. At last, offer prasad and do aarti of Goddess Durga. Sing the "Kshama Prarthana" of the 13th chapter of sacred Durga Saptshati and conclude the Puja. Pray with whole heart.