PTC PUNJABI WISHES ALL A VERY HAPPY NAVRATRI, STAY BLESSED

"Navratri" marks the beginning of the nine-day festival devoted to Goddess "Durga". "Navratri" literally means nine nights. It is a multi-day Hindu Festival celebrated in the season of every year. "Navratri" represents a lot more than just prayers and abstinence from food. It is mostly celebrated with fervour and festivity all over the North India and every Hindu community the World over. These nine days are dedicated to "Maa Durga" and her nine Avatars.

"Navratri" is celebrated to mark the happiness of the battle that took place between Goddess Durga and the Demon "Mahishasura", who represents egotism. This festival is dedicated to each distinct avatar of the Goddess; and each of the days has a significant colour attached to it, which devotes usually wear while they take part in the festivities. The nine avatars of Maa Durga are: "SHAILPUTRI", "BRAHMCHARNI", "CHANDRAGHANTA", "KUSHMANDA", "SKAND MATA", "KATYAYANI", "KALRATRI", "MAHA GAURI" and "SIDDHIDATRI".

"Navratri" is celebrated twice a year. The first "Navratri" falls in the month of March or April. And the second part falls in September or October.

This year "Navratri" is falling in the month of September. The dates for the Navratri are 21 September to 29 September.  It is a major festival in the Indian transcripts, Navratri is the beginning of a host of festivals like Dussehra and Diwali. Goddess Durga is the symbol of power, prosperity, wealth, and health and hence, nine forms of Durga are celebrated during this time. There is some scientific relevancy with this festival falling twice a year. Our body has weak immunity due to the seasonal changes. If we keep our meals light and healthy, that will keep us away from the various flu and viruses that are active during these times.

PTC Punjabi wishes all a Happy Navratri. Go forth and have a fabulous Navratri this season.