Make a paragraph about My favorite festival (navratri).
of 200 words without searching from google. (Eng)
Answers
Answer:
Navratri is the mirthful Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is celebrated in October or November. According to Hindu legend, Nav means nine, and Ratri means night. The festival continues for nine nights and ten days and ends with Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi. In some parts of India, Navratri is celebrated four times a year. They are referred to as Sharada, Vasanta, Magha, and Ashada Navratri.
According to ancient folklore, a demon called Mahishasura acquired mystic powers and magic from Lord Shiva after pleasing him through Tapa (meditation). He was believed to be an ardent follower and devotee of Lord Shiva. Once he became powerful, he started exploiting his powers by torturing and dominating people if they worshipped any other God besides him. All the other Gods were terrified and requested the trinity of Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh to save them from the destruction. So, they created Goddess Durga to be their saviour.
Mahishasura was so captivated by the beauty of the Goddess that he desired to marry her and sent the proposal. Goddess accepted the proposal on a condition to win the battle against her. He was over-confident and gave in quickly. The battle lasted for nine days, and on the tenth day, the demon was killed by the Goddess. Hence the name Navratri came into existence.
The celebration begins by assembling Pandals and installing the idol of Goddess Durga. Everyday people worship Her by performing Aarti. Moreover, fasts are observed and broken on the 10th day of the festival. Little girls are worshipped by distributing gifts and sweets. Garba and Dandiya dance is organized in a grand way to celebrate the nine days. People forget their worries and gather together to enjoy the fest. Not only Hindus, but non-Hindus too participate in the celebration.
HomePhilosophy & ReligionReligious Beliefs
Navratri
Hindu festival
WRITTEN BY
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
See Article History
Alternative Titles: Navaratri, Sharad Navratri
Navratri, (Sanskrit: “nine nights”)in full Sharad Navratri; Navratri also spelled Navaratri; also called Durga Puja, in Hinduism, major festival held in honour of the divine feminine. Navratri occurs over 9 days during the month of Ashvin, or Ashvina (in the Gregorian calendar, usually September–October). It often ends with the Dussehra (also called Vijayadashami) celebration on the 10th day. In some parts of India, Dussehra is considered a focal point of the festival, making it effectively span 10 days instead of 9. Additionally, as Navratri depends on the lunar calendar, in some years it may be celebrated for 8 days, with Dussehra on the 9th. There are four similar festivals, also called Navratri, which are held at various stages of the year; however, the early autumn festival, also called Sharad Navratri, is the most significant.Navratri is celebrated differently in India’s various regions. For many people it is a time of religious reflection and fasting; for others it is a time for dancing and feasting. Among fasting customs are observing a strict vegetarian diet and abstaining from alcohol and certain spices. Dances performed include Garba, especially in Gujarat. Typically the festival’s nine nights are dedicated to different aspects of the divine feminine principle, or shakti. While the pattern varies somewhat by region, generally the first third of the festival focuses on aspects of the goddess Durga, the second third on the goddess Lakshmi, and the final third on the goddess Sarasvati. Offerings are often made to the goddesses and their various aspects, and rituals are performed in their honour. One popular ritual is Kanya Puja, which takes place on the eighth or ninth day. In this ritual nine young girls are dressed as the nine goddess aspects celebrated during Navratri and are worshiped with ritual foot washing and given offerings such as food and clothing.
Among some followers of the goddess Durga, who are particularly predominant in Bengal and Assam, the festival is known as or coincides with the Durga Puja (“Rite of Durga”). Special images of Durga commemorating her victory over the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura are worshiped daily, and on the 10th day (Dussehra) they are taken in jubilant processions to nearby rivers or reservoirs for immersion in water. In addition to family observances, the puja, or ritual, days are also celebrated with public concerts, recitations, plays, and fairs.