A Hindu Perspective by Balliram Chadee. M.Hin.

 www.thehanumanmission.com. bally@thehanumanmission.com

or Bally 416-992-2487.

Nav Raatri : The Importance and Significance of Nav Raatri to Hindus.

The period of Nav Raatri literally means “Nine Nights” and it is celebrated or observed twice yearly by Hindus the world over. During these two periods, the offering of “thanks” and dedication of one’s self to the Feminine aspect of Godhead is done. Many Hindus generally observe strict fast and sacrifice for the full nine days or nights with restrictive diet. Nav Raatri is commonly referred to in the West Indies especially, as the period for performing Durga Puja. During this period, most people focus entirely on doing Durga, Lakshmi or Saraswatee puja, although other pujas are performed as required. Nav Raat puja is done to the three manifestations of the Mother of the Universe. The first three days of Nav Raatri is dedicated to Mother Durga or Durga Maata in the form of Shakti or Energy and Power for the destruction of evil. The next three days/nights or 2 nd three days/nights are dedicated to Lakshmee Maata in the form of Wealth and Success. The third or last three days/nights are dedicated to Saraswatee Maa in the form of Education, Knowledge and Wisdom.

Therefore it is easy to comprehend that according to the symbolic significance of Nav Raatri celebrated in Hinduism, the three aspects of Shakti or Energy, Wealth or Success and Education, Knowledge or Wisdom are all given equal importance. This is essential so that the three main areas of man’s desires and expectations are satisfied in a symbolic systematic and prioritized manner. Nav Raatri is the only celebration or observance in Hinduism which has two periods assigned in one calendar year. Nav Raatri is celebrated first in the months of March/April timeframe called Chaitra and secondly in September/October timeframe called Ashvin which are the names of the months according to Hindu terminology and may move up or down in the calendar through the years. All other religious events and observations such as Maha Shiva Raatri, Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Naumi etc. are only observed once a year. This shows the importance of womanhood in the lives of a Hindu and the attention which the feminine aspect (our females) commands from us.

During these days and nights of observances and celebrations, Hindus engage in many aspects of religious penance, rigorous fasting, eliminating many vices and some people completely change their lifestyles during this period after the fasting and penance is over. It is a period of cleansing, focus, challenge, sacrifice, surrender, appreciation, gratitude and most of all, respect to the Universal Mother for the kindness bestowed on us and the protection given during the year . Nav Raat or Nav Raatri is also associated with a period known for certain unique religious, traditional and social practices. Special emphasis is placed on the preparation and items used for puja. which seem to hold deep significance to Hindus, especially in the Caribbean Region. Among the most common activity, the act to “offer a coconut” after it is “charhaaway” or offered to the Universal Mother in prayer is a must, which is then wrapped in red or yellow cotton cloth and set in the Havan to burn, signifying the destruction of evil, negative qualities and bad omens. It is also a request for a clean slate and a successful future after the puja is over with a solemn promise to do good, be good and see good.

Great emphasis is placed on the “Arahul” or double petal red hibiscus flower in which the Aarti (waving of light) with camphor is done to ward of evil negative vibrations. The “parsad”, “prashad” or “prashadam”, (the sacrificial offering of sweets) to the Divine Mother is called “Lapsee” a sweet mix of flour, cooked with milk and other ingredients and sandwiched between two “sohaaree”; a small type of puri or roti, which is also made with flour and deep fried in ghee or clarified butter. Neem leaves provide a very spiritual atmosphere and is a must in the performance of all Durga Puja, especially during Nav Raatri period. Most devotees plant or hoist a flag or “Jhanda” as a final mark of identification for being a Hindu and also as a mark of success for their Puja and worship; completed in accordance with the doctrines of the divine mother. This Jhanda or Jhandi is either yellow or red for Durga Maa, Pink for Lakshmee Maa and White for Saraswatee Maa. During Nav Raat, everyday is “Devi Puja day”, as compared to rest of times when Durga Puja is done normally on Fridays. Many people also offer gifts and money as well as perform “Kanya Puja” to nine very young girls representing the nine Devi’s of Durga Shakti. This Nav Raatri period starts on March March 19 th 2007, also the start of the Hindu New Year. We at The Hanuman Mission and Hotshots Newspaper, wish each and everyone a Happy, Holy and Auspicious Nav Raatri period and pray that the Shakti (strength) and Shanti (Peace) of Nav Durga Devi be with you and yours always.