12 October 2024
All States Regional holiday | Saturday |
Navratri is one of the most auspicious periods in the Hindu calendar for new beginnings and purchases too. Thus, the last day of the nine-day period or Navami is also of special significance. Not only is Maha Navami the last day of the Navratra period, but it is also the third and final day of the Durga Puja. On the day of Maha Navami, devotees wake up early to fast and pray to Goddess Durga. Kanjak Puja or Kanya Puja is also done on this day in some households, while others prefer the Ashtami day to do the same. The traditional bhog or prasad served to young girls as part of the puja includes kale chane (black gram), poori, and halwa. Apart from this, a few prepare meethe chawal as well.
Maha Navami (Mahanavami) or Durga Navami is celebrated as the victory of good over evil. It is the last day of battle between goddess Durga and demon Mahishasura. Maha Navami begins with Mahasnan (holy bath), followed by prayers to goddess Durga or Maa Durga. It is believed that on Maha Navami goddess Durga is worshipped as Mahisasuramardhini - which literally means the slayer of the buffalo demon or mahishasura. On Maha Navami, Durga Maa made her final assault on demon Mahishasura, and the following morning, on Vijayadashami, triumphed over him. In fact, Vijayadashami gets derives its name from the Sanskrit and Hindi words Vijaya meaning victorious or triumphant, and Dashami, meaning tenth day. Vijayadashami is also celebrated as Dussehra, which too derives its name from the Sanskrit words Dush meaning bad or evil, and Hara which means defeating or destroying - thereby signifying the victory of good over evil.