Dear reader, as you explore the significance of Navaratri, may Maa Durga bless you with prosperity, wisdom, and strength. This Navaratri, let your devotion inspire you to act in charity, support differently-abled girls’ operations, and fill your home with joy and benevolence.
Why Navaratri is Celebrated – Victory of Good over Evil
The most popular and devotional festival in India, Navaratri, is filled with unity, dance, and blessings. It is the nine-day festival of devotion and paying homage to Goddess Durga. During these nine days, devotees bow to nine forms of Maa Durga, each representing feminine energy, strength, courage, beauty, and wisdom.
In 2025, Navratri is celebrated from 22nd September to 1st October. Across India, millions of people rejoice with devotion, dance, and the traditional garba. In West Bengal, the festival is known as Durga Puja. The last day is followed by Dussehra, symbolizing Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana — a reminder that good always triumphs over evil.
The Significance of Navaratri 2025
Navratri 2025: Navratri means “nine nights” — in Sanskrit, nava means nine and ratri means nights. This period is considered deeply devotional and spiritual. Goddess Durga is worshipped because she fought and defeated the demon Mahishasura, when no other deity could end his tyranny. Her triumph restored goodness and righteousness, making Navratri a celebration of divine power and protection.
Rituals and Practices
During these nine days and nights, devotees worship Maa Durga with aarti, bhog, and fasting. They eat sattvic food, offer prayers, and in the evenings, participate in garba and devotional bhajans. These rituals purify the aura, bring peace of mind, and remove ego and greed from the heart.
Seva & Shakti – Importance of Donation in Navratri
Navaratri is one of the most auspicious times to perform seva (charity). In Hindu tradition, seva is considered a sacred duty. Offering food, clothing, education, and support to the underprivileged is an expression of gratitude and devotion. Navratri reminds us that true worship goes beyond rituals and extends into helping those in need.
Forms of Donations
- Food Donation: Offering food to the needy is a pure and divine act of seva.
- Clothing & Essentials: Providing clothes and daily essentials brings comfort and dignity to the underprivileged.
- Kanya Pujan: On the eighth and ninth days, nine young girls are worshipped as embodiments of Maa Durga, honored with food, gifts, and blessings.
- Support for Differently Abled: Donations towards corrective surgeries, education, and empowerment transform lives.
Donation for Differently Abled Girls
This Navaratri, Narayan Seva Sansthan has launched a special initiative to support corrective surgeries for 501 differently-abled girls. With your help, these girls can receive medical treatment, artificial limbs, and education to lead independent and dignified lives.
A donation of ₹5,000 can sponsor one corrective surgery, giving a differently-abled girl the chance to live her dreams. This seva not only brings blessings from Maa Durga but also fosters compassion, dignity, and hope.
Chanting Maa Durga’s Mantra
As we immerse ourselves in Navratri celebrations and seva, let’s chant this mantra to invite Maa Durga’s divine strength and blessings:
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Meaning: We bow to you, O Narayani, the most auspicious of all, wife of Lord Shiva, the fulfiller of all purposes, the giver of shelter, the three-eyed one, Gauri Devi.