Navratri means nine nights and celebrates the Divine Mother

Namaste,

Navratri is a time of joy and celebration in which we honor the feminine nature of the Divine Mother, also known as Shakti, Devi or Goddess.

Durga (Earth), Lakshmi (Sun) and Saraswati (Moon) are seen as the three dimensions of the Divine Feminine.

The first 3 days are dedicated to Durga, which represents Force & Value.

The next 3 days for Lakshmi represents the Abundance of Wealth.

The last 3 days to Saraswati represents Divine Universal Knowledge.

The tenth day is known as Vijayadashami and is a celebration of the victory of Good over Evil.

During these nine nights, fasting with fruits, nuts, seeds and some other foods that exclude wheat, rice or grains takes precedence over all normal daily activities. On the tenth day the fast ends and the party begins.

It is a moment to light the light of our inner flame in the form of Divo (candle lit with oil) with offerings of aromas, flowers, incense, prasad (offering of blessed food).

It is said that the cultures that traditionally worshiped the Goddess, knew that there are many things in this plane of existence that cannot be understood. We can enjoy it, celebrate its beauty but never understand it.

Life is a mystery and will always remain so.

The festival of Navratri is based on this internal vision and existential mystery.

Hari Aum

(english text)

Namaste,

Navratri is a time of joy & celebration in which we honor the Feminine nature of the Divine Mother, also known as Shakti, Devi or Goddess.

Durga (Earth), Lakshmi (Sun) & Saraswati (Moon) are seen as the three dimensions of the Divine Feminine.

The first 3 days are dedicated to Durga who represents Strength & Valor.
The next 3 days to Lakshmi who represents Abundance of Wealth.
The last 3 days to Saraswati who represents Universal Knowledge.
The tenth day is known as Vijayadashami and is a celebration of the victory of Good over Evil.

During these nine nights fasting with fruits, nuts, seeds & some other foods excluding wheat, rice or grains takes precedence over all normal daily activities. On the tenth day of the fast is over and the feast begins.

It is a time to light the light of our inner flame in the form of a Divo (oil burning candle) with offerings of Scent, Flowers, Incense, Prasad.

It is said that the cultures that traditionally venerated the Goddess, knew that there is much in existence that can never be understood. We can enjoy it, celebrate its beauty but never understand it.
Life is a mystery and will always remain one. The festival of Navratri is based on this fundamental insight.

Hari Aum