Indians in the USA leave no room for compromise when it comes to celebrations. With Navaratri 2018 around the corner, the excitement among the Indian contingent has reached dizzying heights, and understandably so. Top Dandiya Raas Garba artists like Falguni Pathak, Atul Purohit, and more will be touring various parts of the US this year during the festival days, which is only going to make the celebrations bigger. But, Navaratri isn’t just about outdoor celebrations. From wearing different colored clothing during the entire festival period to observing fasts, there are many other things to focus as well. So, without further delay, here we bring forward an extensive list of do’s and don’ts of Navaratri.
Things to do during Navaratri
Different day, different colors
This is something that’s part of the tradition and needs no introduction. But still, you ought to know what color to wear on the first day, as it changes every year. It is usually determined based on what day of the week the festival starts. And yes! A fixed cycle is followed for the other eight days.
Here are the Navaratri 2018 colors (Panchang based)
Follow Brahmacharya (celibacy)
This is also one of the sentiments associated with the festivals. Couples are generally advised not to indulge in physical intercourses during the nine days.
Observe fasts
Although it is not obligatory to observe fasts during Navaratri, most of the people, do observe fasts. Considering the positive impact controlled fasting could have on your body, it is not a bad idea after all.
Kanya Puja
On Ashtami (eighth day), nine minor girls are invited into the house, and their feet are washed. Then, a read thread (moli) is tied around their wrists. Finally, various delicacies are offered. The nine girls are worshipped as the personification of Katyayani, Siddhidatri, Andraghanta, Sailaputri, Mahagauri, Brahmacharini, Kalarati, Kusamanda, and Skandamata (nine divine forms of Durga). So basically, Kanya Puja is performed by the devotees to express their gratitude towards Ma Durga.
Cleanliness
• Try taking your bath before 8.00 am on each day. And wear only fresh clothes. Black-coloured cloths should be avoided.
• A sattvic diet should be followed.
• Trim or cut down your nails before the start of the festival.
Light an Akhand Jyot
Lighting an Akhand Jyot symbolizes the desire of a devotee for the blessing of Goddess Durga. As per the scriptures, the “Akhand Jyot” should glow incessantly all through the nine days. Pure/desi ghee is used commonly for this purpose. And most importantly, if a family maintains the Akhand Jyot setup during the Navaratri days, at least one person must be present inside the house.
Things you should not do during Navaratri
• Cutting nails or shaving hairs over the nine days period is considered as a disrespectful act.
• Strictly stay away from alcohol consumption.
• Say no to non-vegetarian foods. Also, keep away from onion and garlic.
• Don’t use footwear inside your home.