Essay on "Navratri" for students
1. As we all know, Navratri occurs twice a year. One is Chaitra Navratri and the other is Sharadiya Navratri. Chaitra Navratri is celebrated in March/April, while Sharadiya Navratri is celebrated in September/October.
2. Navratri is one of the most important festivals in India. People worship their beloved goddesses in their homes for nine days. They decorate their homes, hold vigils, and play devotional music.
3. Nava means nine, and ratri means nine nights during which Goddess Durga is devotedly worshipped.
4. Nine goddesses are worshipped during Navratri. In short, it is a festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm throughout India.
5. It is celebrated to worship Goddess Durga, who killed the demon king Mahishasura and other demons in a fierce battle.
6. Nine goddesses are worshipped during Navratri. The first is Shailputri, the second is Brahmacharini, the third is Chandraghanta, the fourth is Kushmanda, the fifth is Skanda Mata, the sixth is Katyayani, the seventh is Kalaratri, the eighth is Mahagauri, and the ninth is Siddhidatri Devi.
7. The most special feature of Navratri is that many people observe fasts for Goddess Durga during the nine days of Navratri and also feed nine girls on the eighth and ninth days, which is considered very auspicious in our Hindu religion.
8. In Gujarat, India, many large pandals are erected during Navratri. Goddess Maa is worshipped with great enthusiasm and devotion. During this time, the popular Gujarati Garba dance based on Gujarati folk songs is also performed.
9. In Western India, where Durga Puja is celebrated during Navratri, people also perform the popular Dhunuchi dance.
10. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga is a form of Shakti herself, and devotees worship her and observe fasts during Navratri to attain spiritual strength, happiness, and prosperity. The king who initiated Navratri also prayed to Goddess Durga for spiritual strength and victory. The Valmiki Ramayana mentions that Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga on Mount Rishyamuka near Kishkindha before invading Lanka. Brahma advised him to worship Goddess Chandi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. Following Brahma's advice, Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Chandi and recited her verses from the first day (Pratipada) to the ninth day of the lunar month.