The Navratri Vrat or Navaratri Vratam is an important fast observed by Hindus
during Aashvin (September – October). It is believed that those devotees
who perform Navratri fasting will find happiness on earth and will receive
‘moksha.’ Legend has it that, how to observe the Navarathri Vrat
was once narrated by Goddess Durga to one of her ardent devotee. The Vratam
is observed by both men and women and Navratri mantra is repeated during the
period.
Navratri Fast
This fast of Navratri is observed from the first day to the
ninth day of Ashvin month. People take bath in the morning and evening during
this period and some even drink water only after the ritual bath in the morning.
Most devotees take only a single meal during the day. Non-vegetarian
food is totally avoided. Some people confine to milk and fruits during the nine
days.
Some devotees only observe fast during three days i.e., first
fast during any one of the first three days and second fast during any one of
the next three and last in any one of final three days.
How to perform the rituals
A Kalash is prepared at home and the water is changed daily
for nine days. The kalash is placed on grains on raised platform or in the Puja
room. Goddess Durga is worshipped during the first three days, Goddess Lakshmi
for the next three days, and Goddess Saraswathi during the last three days.
(Some people make clay figures of the Goddesses during the period).
Each day fresh flowers and fruits are offered to the Goddess.
Arati is performed and bhajans are recited.
The Mantras and Bhajans to
be recited
Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati) and Sri Lalita Sahasranama
are recited during the period. The important Navratri mantra is ‘Aaim
hreem kleem chamundayai vichche.’
Some devotees conduct special homas and pujas during the period.
On the ninth day, all books, pen and whatever implements that
a person uses for his/her livelihood is worshipped and is not touched on the
day.
On the tenth day, that is the Vijayadashami day in South India,
especially in Kerala, young children are initiated into the world of learning.
There are no hard and fast rules for any fasting in Hindu religion.
There is always scope for flexibility. Some people just abstain from non-vegetarian
food during the period. Some people just visit temples all the nine days. Some
people read Bhagavad Gita or other holy books during the period.
