Navratri is the festival of worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga for nine days. It is celebrated twice a year:

• Chaitra Navratri (March–April)
• Sharad Navratri (September–October)

Devotees perform this puja to seek blessings of prosperity, strength, health, and happiness.

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Step-by-Step Navratri Puja Vidhi

1. Purification & Setup

• Clean the house and puja area.
• Place a wooden chowki (platform) and cover it with a red cloth.
• Install the idol/picture of Goddess Durga.

2. Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana)

• Fill a Kalash (copper/brass pot) with water.
• Place mango leaves on top and cover it with a coconut.
• Draw a Swastik on the Kalash and tie it with red thread (mouli).
• This Kalash symbolizes Goddess Durga.

3. Sankalp (Resolution)

• Take a vow (sankalp) to observe the fast and puja during Navratri.
• Invite Goddess Durga to bless your home.

4. Worship of Goddess Durga

• Offer red flowers, chunri (red cloth), kumkum, turmeric, rice, and belpatra (sacred leaves).
• Each day worship a different form of Goddess Durga (from Shailputri to Siddhidatri).

5. Akhand Jyoti (Sacred Lamp)

• Light a ghee lamp in front of the goddess.
• Devotees keep this lamp burning for all nine days.

6. Path & Bhajans

• Recite Durga Saptashati, Devi Kavach, Durga Chalisa, or other hymns.
• Sing bhajans (devotional songs) in praise of Goddess Durga.

7. Kanya Puja (On Ashtami/Navami)

• Invite nine little girls (symbolizing Nav Durga) and worship them.
• Wash their feet, apply kumkum, and offer food like puri, halwa, and chana.
• Give them gifts or dakshina.

8. Havan & Conclusion

• Perform havan (fire ritual) on the last day.
• Conclude the puja by immersing the Kalash and seeking Goddess’s blessings.

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Navratri Puja Samagri (Materials Required)

• Idol or picture of Goddess Durga
• Kalash, coconut, mango leaves
• Red cloth, chunri
• Flowers (marigold, rose), belpatra
• Kumkum, turmeric, rice
• Incense sticks, diya, camphor
• Ghee lamp (Akhand Jyoti)
• Fruits, sweets, halwa–puri–chana (as prasad)

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Significance

• Brings strength, courage, and prosperity.
• Removes negativity and obstacles.
• Fills the home with peace and positive energy.

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