Navratri
is a widely celebrated festival by Hindus across the world. This
nine-day festival is celebrated by worshipping Deity Shakti (Divine
Energy). The festival of Navrātra commences on the first day
(Pratipadā) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of
Āshwin. During this vowed religious observance, a clay pot is
installed (Ghatasthapana) in a sanctified section of one's home. A
lamp is placed in the pot and it is kept lit for nine days. The pot
symbolises the universe. The uninterrupted lit lamp is the medium
through which we worship the brilliant primordial energy, Ādi-shakti,
i.e. Shrī Durgā Dēvī. During Navratri, the principle of Shri
Durga Devi is more active in the atmosphere. When we understand the
spiritual science behind the various rites that come under the
worship of Shri Durga Devi, we become worthy of absorbing more of the
Divine Energy principle, thereby acquiring more of Her grace.
