New Delhi: Navratri is the most popular and auspicious festival observed across India, and is celebrated in various sections of the country.
Throughout the celebrations, nine distinct avatars of Maa Durga are worshipped. Fasting during this time is auspicious, bringing pleasure, money, and health. It provides the strength to conquer challenges in life and defeat opponents.
Here are some of the do's and don'ts for Navratri that all devotees should observe. While the Do's are most vital when worshipping Goddess Durga, the Don'ts are even more crucial to contemplate.
Do's during Navratri:
- First and foremost, one must get up early in the morning and take a bath. After that, some water must be sprayed outside the main door of their home, since this pleases Goddess Durga. This is also the treatment to appease Goddess Laxmi, who values cleanliness.
- Akhand Jyot is lighted in front of Goddess Durga during the entire occasion.
- Only Satvic food is to be eaten and it should not include onion, garlic etc. Also, food is to be eaten only once in a day.
- Some bhog is to be given to Goddess every day; if that is not possible then milk, fruits, dry fruits should be offered.
- Temples are to be visited or Puja has to be performed daily in the morning and evening by lighting lamp and reading Durga Chalisa.
- Gifts are offered to girls, preferably below 10 years of age as younger girls are considered as Avatar’s of Goddess.
- Neat and clean clothes are to be worn and on the days of Navratras, devotees ought to be more particular about cleanliness.
- All mantras as well as slokas of Maa Durga are to be chanted, and one must pray to cleanse Past Karmas.
Dont's during Navratri:
- Do not clip your nails, attend a beauty shop, or trim your hair these days.
- Avoid being lured by fashion and materialistic demands, and live a simple life.
- During the Navratras, do not stitch or knit anything.
- Do not lie or use angry words toward others since it is not acceptable and may have negative consequences.
- Do not pollute your home, particularly your Puja Room/Place and your Kitchen. It must be maintained clean and filled with pleasant energy.
- Wear slippers around the house for the entire 9 days, especially in the puja area.