The auspicious and devotional festival is here, “Chaitra Navratri”, also called as Vasant Navratri. Devotees are excited to kick-start the 9-day-long festive season starting from April 9 to April 17 with joy and excitement. During these nine days, nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped by Hindu devotees.
It is believed that Chaitra Navratri is celebrated as good winning over evil similar to when Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasur. In many regions, the festival falls after spring harvest, and in others, during harvest so the first day is also celebrated in Maharashtra as Gudi Padwa in the South as Ugadi or for Sindhis as Cheti Chand. It also marks the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, also known as the Hindu Lunar New Year.
Goddess Durga, Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri are the nine different Navadurgas manifesting avatars that are honoured one on each day.
Chaitra Navratri: Nine colors and their significance
Navratri Day 1- The color of the first day is Red, Where Maa Shailputri is worshipped and wearing red represents the chunri signifying passion and love.
Navratri Day 2- The color of the second day is Royal Blue, where Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped, these color outfits symbolize purity and grant inner peace.
Navratri Day 3- The color of the third day is Yellow, where Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped, this color outfit keeps the person cheerful all day.
Navratri Day 4- The color of the fourth day is Green, where Maa Kushmanda is worshipped, this color symbolizes nature and new beginnings in life.
Navratri Day 5- The color of the fifth day is Grey, where Skandmata is worshipped, this color keeps the person down to earth and balances emotions.
Navratri Day 6- The color of the sixth day is Orange, where Maa Katyayani is worshipped, orange represents the qualities such as warmth and exuberance.
Navratri Day 7- The color of the seventh day is White, where Maa Kaalratri is worshipped, wearing white is synonymous with purity and innocence.
Navratri Day 8- The color of the eighth day is Pink, where Maa MahaGauri is worshipped, pink attire adds charm to one’s personality representing kindness and affection.
Navratri Day 9- The color of the last and final day is Sky blue which symbolises the unbound and vastness of nature, it is the day of Ram Navami.
Now will have a look at the Vrat-friendly foods that are easy to digest:
Chaitra Navratri is celebrated in the sweltering summer month. As a result, consuming meals designed for fast or vrat while loading up on vital nutrients becomes even more crucial. Sabudana, kuttu ka atta, singhare ka atta, and other such items are among the most popular components for vrat meals. But these meals’ high protein and glucose content frequently make them difficult to digest.
1- Coconut Water: It helps replenish lost fluid and energy in your body and is a storehouse of antioxidants and electrolytes, which further support metabolism and digestion.
2- Chaas: Also known as buttermilk, this is arguably one of the most well-liked Indian drinks in the summer. It tastes good, is light, and instantly chills your body. Additionally, probiotics in the chaas, make it perfect for avoiding bloating and indigestion.
3- Seasonal fruits: Including seasonal food in your diet is vital. While there are several vegetable limitations during vrat, you may make up for it with a variety of fruits, including papaya, mango, watermelon, muskmelon, and more. These fruits are nutrient-dense, satisfying, and aid in promoting digestion while regulating body temperature.
4- Makhana: It includes fibre, healthful carbs, and antioxidants, and is low in energy and sodium. These elements make makhana fulfilling, handy to digest, and ideal for refuelling strength whilst fasting for the day.
It goes without saying that non-veg food, onions & garlic should not be consumed. The main goal is to live a simple life to cleanse the body, mind and spirit. If one can maintain celibacy it can make the connection with the divine stronger while purifying the mind and soul.
