Navratri, a sacred Hindu festival, is celebrated with fervor and devotion across the country. It is a time when devotees immerse themselves in various rituals to seek blessings, remove negativity, and invite prosperity into their lives. Here’s a detailed guide on some traditional practices to observe during the nine days of Navratri:
Swastik on the Main Door: One of the auspicious symbols in Hinduism, the Swastik, holds immense significance. Drawing a Swastik on the main door before the commencement of Navratri is believed to invite positive energy and ward off negative influences from entering the household.
Offering Paan & Supari to Hanumanji: During Navratri, devotees offer Paan (betel leaf) and Supari (betel nut) to Lord Hanuman. This act is considered auspicious and is believed to invoke the blessings of strength, courage, and protection from evil forces.
Lighting the Akhand Jyot: Lighting the Akhand Jyot (eternal flame) in the temple is a common practice during Navratri. If maintaining it continuously is not feasible, ensure it is lit at least twice a day. Additionally, adding four cloves to the flame is believed to enhance the sanctity and purify the surroundings.
Offering Cloves to Shivling: To mitigate the adverse effects of Rahu-Ketu during Shardiya Navratri, devotees offer a pair of cloves to the Shivling every day. This ritual is believed to appease Lord Shiva and seek protection from malefic planetary influences.
Regular Camphor Aarti: Performing camphor aarti daily throughout Navratri is a powerful ritual to dispel negativity and invite positivity into the home. The fragrant smoke from the camphor is believed to purify the environment and create a conducive atmosphere for spiritual practices.
Planting Tulsi in the House: Tulsi (holy basil) holds immense significance in Hinduism and is revered as a sacred plant. Planting Tulsi in the house during Navratri is considered auspicious as it is believed to attract positive vibrations and divine blessings into the household.
Offering Prasad of Elaichi & Mishri: Offering prasad of seven elaichi (cardamom) and mishri (rock sugar) to the deity during Navratri is a customary practice. It is believed to appease the divine forces and bring prosperity, harmony, and sweetness into the lives of devotees.
In conclusion, Navratri provides an opportune time for devotees to engage in spiritual practices and seek divine blessings. By incorporating these traditional rituals into daily observances, individuals can enhance positivity, remove negativity, and invite auspiciousness into their lives during this sacred period.