New Delhi, 11 October (H.S.):

Sharadiya Navratri begins today, ushering in nine days of devotion dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine manifestations. Observed annually from Pratipada Tithi, the first day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon) in the Hindu month of Ashwin, the festival is marked by elaborate rituals and prayers in honour of the Goddess and her nine distinct forms.

On the first day of the festival, devotees will welcome the Goddess and perform Kalash Sthapana, also known as Ghatasthapana, the ritual installation of a sacred pot. The ceremony will be followed by the worship of Maa Shailputri, the first manifestation of Goddess Durga. Devotees observe fasts and recite sacred mantras, perform aarti and chant the Durga Chalisa throughout the nine-day festival. According to religious beliefs, reciting the Durga Chalisa during Navratri brings happiness, prosperity and positive energy into one's life.

Scriptural traditions prescribe invoking the Goddess and performing Ghatasthapana during the morning hours. On Saturday, Chitra Nakshatra will prevail until 10:32 p.m., while Vaidhriti Yoga will continue until 9:05 p.m.

According to Hindu scriptures, the Abhijit Muhurat is considered an auspicious period for Kalash Sthapana, subject to the prescribed astrological conditions. The initial two phases of Chitra Nakshatra are excluded when determining the favourable period for the ritual.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar