Many of us are observing Chaitra Navratri. Ashtami is on 18th April followed by Ram Navmi on 19th April. We all have our own customs and traditions during Navratri. In our family too we observe Navratri with all the customs. Times have changed and my MIL also has shortened lengthy procedures and traditions. *During Navratri, we fast by having only one meal (without onion and garlic). Certain ingredients like brinjal, lauki etc are not eaten. *We also do not break a coconut at home. *We do not stitch. One should not cut nails or go for a haircut during Navratri. *After fasting for seven days, on the eight day ie, Ashtami, we call eight young girls. We wash their feet and adorn them with bindi, hair-oil,etc. (basically all suhagan items). We serve them sweet rice porridge and only after they have eaten, we break the fast. Friends, so share your customs and traditions here. It feels so divine and blessed to hear about everybody's way of reaching out to Goddess Durga. Wishing you all a blessed navratri and may the Goddess bless one and all with good health, wealth and prosperity.
Thanks for sharing Chaitra Navratri RKG dear. In my dh's family only we make vella payasam on Ram Navami day , usually they make panagam. This year had the opportunity to go for Harikatha 13th April till 19th April .On 14th April they had Laksharchana. on 19th they had Vilakku Pooja in the morning. On 20th night they had Divyanama Bhajan and on 21st Sita Kalyanam in the mornng and in the night Hanuman Jayanthi.
India is such a vast country with so many communities and customs. No matter what the difference in traditions may be, the faith is still the same...strong as ever. Thanks for sharing your celebration on these blessed days Viji Maam
Dear Tulasi08 happy Navratri to you dear. Every family has their nown customs and traditions, so am sure some elderly person can guide you. If you still have any doubts, just check with your local temple priest and he will be able to tell you the basics. These nine days of Navratri are meant to be absorbed by singing the glory of Mata Durga and our salutations to her. All prayers are answered and everyone is blessed by her.
Sister Ruby85, :welcome to IL family In case during Navarathri you get your menstrual cycle you have to skip those three days, get yourself refreshed and clean and continue from 04th day. If there is some one else to light lamps, please have them lighted through them and place some fruits/sugarcandy as Neivedyam. May Goddess and Guru Sayee guide you and bless you always, SAIRAM