Muzamal Hsiao (GRAIN DRIER OPERATOR)

Most TV serials in India include Navratri special tracks where characters perform Garba or do Durga puja together. Some daily soaps even have big dramatic twists during Navratri episodes to attract viewers. Bollywood channels on TV broadcast special Garba nights, music shows, and Navratri-themed movies. It creates a festive mood among fans who enjoy seeing their favorite stars in traditional outfits.

Kids should not be forced for strict fasting. Instead, give them fruit salads, makhana roasted with ghee, milkshakes, sabudana kheer, and sweet potatoes. These are filling and nutritious. Also, involve them in puja rituals and Garba to make the festival enjoyable.

Saraswati Avahan is done on Maha Saptami or Ashtami. In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, people keep books, musical instruments, and tools near the Goddess and worship them. This ritual is called Ayudha Puja. On Vijayadashami, these books are taken back as it is considered the best day to start learning something new.

Navratri is about worshipping the feminine divine energy in different forms. The first three days are dedicated to Goddess Parvati (as Durga), symbolizing strength and courage. The next three days go to Lakshmi, who gives prosperity and happiness. The last three days are for Saraswati, who blesses with wisdom and knowledge.

You can make idols using clay, cow dung, or paper mache. Avoid plastic or chemical paints. For decoration, use fresh flowers, banana leaves, turmeric, and rangoli colors made from natural powders. These are safe for the environment and also look beautiful.

There are four Navratris in a year:1. Chaitra Navratri (March–April) – Also called Vasant Navratri. 2. Ashadha Navratri (June–July) – Gupt Navratri. 3. Sharad Navratri (September–October) – The most important and widely celebrated. 4. Magha Navratri (January–February) – Also Gupt Navratri. In 2025, both Chaitra Navratri (March) and Sharad Navratri (September) will be celebrated grandly across India.

Some of the recommended scriptures are:- Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmya) – The most important text describing Maa Durga’s victory. - Devi Bhagavata Purana – Explains the glory of Shakti. - Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita – For spiritual guidance. - Durga Chalisa and Lalita Sahasranama – For daily chanting. Reading or listening to these scriptures during Navratri is said to purify the mind and increase devotion.

I suggest wearing cotton or light-weight fabric dresses, because Garba nights can get very crowded and hot. Women look beautiful in bandhani or mirror-work lehengas, and men in kurta with embroidered jackets. Don’t forget comfortable footwear because you will be dancing for hours!

A simple Satvik thali for Navratri may include:- Sabudana Khichdi or Samak Rice Pulao - Kuttu ki Puri or Singhare ke Pakore - Aloo Sabzi cooked in rock salt - Cucumber Raita with curd - Fruits Salad - Makhana Kheer for dessert All dishes are cooked without onion, garlic, or regular salt. This thali provides balanced nutrition while following traditional vrat rules.

During Navratri fasting, the following fruits and dry fruits are recommended:- Fruits: Apple, banana, papaya, grapes, pomegranate, and watermelon. - Dry fruits: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, raisins, and dates. - Others: Coconut, makhana (fox nuts). These provide energy, vitamins, and minerals to sustain the body during the vrat.

The most auspicious flowers for Goddess Durga are:- Red Hibiscus – symbol of power and strength. - Lotus – purity and divine grace. - Marigold – represents positivity and energy. - Rose – devotion and love. Offering these flowers while chanting mantras is believed to please Maa Durga quickly. Red-colored flowers are generally preferred as they represent Shakti.

Fasting during Navratri requires both devotion and discipline. Here are some guidelines:- Begin with Ghatasthapana on the first day with kalash and sacred soil. - Only satvik food should be eaten – fruits, milk, sabudana, kuttu flour, samak rice. - Onion, garlic, wheat, and non-veg foods are strictly avoided. - Pray to the specific goddess of the day. Light a diya every morning and evening. - Drink enough water and include coconut water or lemon water to stay hydrated. - The fast may be strict (nirjala, only water) or moderate (fruits and milk). - Some devotees eat once a day in the evening. On the 8th or 9th day, perform Kanya Pujan, offer food to young girls, and break the fast with blessings. This way, you can complete nine days of vrat without breaking tradition.

I have been fasting during Navratri since childhood, and in 2025, the main rule will remain the same: follow a sattvik lifestyle. You can eat light snacks like roasted makhana, fruit chaat, and sabudana khichdi. Salt used is generally sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular salt. Many devotees observe strict fasts by consuming only water or fruits for nine days. The purpose is not only physical cleansing but also spiritual discipline. The last day is significant as devotees break their fast after performing kanya puja. This tradition symbolizes respect to feminine power (Shakti).