Navratri, the festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu Goddess Durga, holds deep cultural significance. The term 'Navratri' comes from Sanskrit, where 'nava' means nine and 'ratri' means nights, symbolizing the 'nine nights' of festivities. Each of these days is dedicated to a different form of the Goddess, with the first day being devoted to Shailputri, the daughter of the King of Mountains. In Sanskrit, 'Shail' translates to mountain, and 'putri' means daughter. Goddess Shailputri embodies Mother Nature and is also revered as Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva and the mother of Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya.
During Navratri 2024, devotees across India will celebrate this vibrant festival with traditional attire such as the iconic Navratri chaniya choli, Ghagra choli Navratri outfits, and other Navratri dresses for women . The Navratri festival is not only a spiritual journey but also a cultural extravaganza, where fashion plays a crucial role in the celebrations.
Origin and History
According to mythology, in a previous life, Shailputri was born as Sati, the daughter of Daksh Prajapati. Sati married Lord Shiva, but when Daksh Prajapati insulted Shiva at a sacrificial ceremony, Sati immolated herself in yogic fire. She was later reborn as Goddess Parvati, the daughter of Parvatraj Himalaya, and once again married Lord Shiva. Among the nine forms of Goddess Durga, she is worshiped as Shailputri or Himavati. On the first day of Navratri, she is venerated with deep devotion and enthusiasm.
Before Navratri begins, people clean their homes, often whitewashing them in preparation. The festival starts with placing images of Goddess Durga in homes, temples, and pandals. Devotees express their devotion through bhajans, mantras, and offerings of fruits and flowers. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different incarnation of Maa Durga, so the rituals vary accordingly.
Ghatasthapana
The Navratri festival begins with the ritual of Ghatasthapana, where Goddess Shailputri is worshiped with flowers, rice, roli, and sandalwood. A Kalash is filled with seven types of soil (Saptmritika), clay, nuts, and five kinds of coins. Beneath the Kalash, seven kinds of grains and barley seeds are sown, which are harvested on the tenth day and offered to all gods and goddesses.
Bhog (Offerings)
On this day, devotees observe a fast and offer pure ghee at the feet of Goddess Shailputri. It is believed that this offering blesses devotees with a disease-free life.
Attire
Goddess Shailputri is adorned in a red saree, and red is considered an auspicious color for devotees to wear on this day.
Ideal Outfits and Accessories for This Day
Along with rituals, devotees often dress in exquisite Navratri outfits and stunning jewelry. Since red is the auspicious color for this day, here are some outfit ideas:
Sarees : Indian Sarees are a preferred attire for many Indian women, making them ideal for the first day of Navratri. Red sarees in various designs can captivate anyone. Pairing the saree with a striking contrast blouse can enhance the overall appearance.
Churidar Kameez: A red Churidar Kameez with intricate embroidery, paired with a green dupatta, creates a distinctive look for Navratri Festival. With a wide variety of options available, you can find the perfect ensemble.
Potli Bags: Potli bags are a popular accessory for traditional outfits. A potli bag in blue, green, or sea green can complement a stunning red outfit and complete the look.
Indo-western Outfits: These are suitable for both men and women of all ages. Men can opt for a matte-finished red Kurta Pajama paired with a blue Nehru Jacket for a sophisticated look. Women have plenty of choices, from floral-print Kurtis with a red backdrop to mandarin collar tunics in red, perfect for keeping up the festive spirit.
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