One of the most famous festivals in India is Navratri which is observed twice in a year. Navratri festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati. In Sanskrit; Nava means nine and Ratri meaning nights so it is called Navratri. In Hindu legends the festival is immensely celebrated around the world as the victory of good over evil as the Goddess Shakti (Maa Durga) killed buffalo - headed demon, Mahishasura after a long battle of nine days and night on the tenth day. Navratri Puja is also known as Durga Puja and it plays a important role in the life of each and every person as it gives them purity and excellence. People do Durga Puja by chanting mantras, bhajans and singing songs in the praise of the deity. Navratri 2013 will begin from 11th April to 19th April. History of Navratri - There are references in our Shastras which confirms the existence of such practices. There are several myths and legends associated with celebration of this Navratri Festival. According to one myth Lord Rama who wanted to release Sita from the clutches of powerful demon king Ravana prayed Goddess Durga in nine aspects for nine days in order to collect the strength and power to kill Ravana. Those nine nights became to be known as Navratri. According to legend when Mahishasura, the spiteful demon, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva, acquired unbeatable powers of eternity and started taking away innocent lives. In order to stop him goddess Durga entered a war with Mahishasura. This war extended for nine days and on the tenth day she beheaded him. These nine nights signify the festival of Navratri. There is one more story of lord Shiva, Uma, daughter of King Daksha. It is believed that Sati comes to stay with her parents for 9 days in every year and that time is celebrated as Navratri. Sachin Gupta has a vast experience in article writing and publishing. You can get invaluable information on Navratri Dates, Navratri Festival 2013, Navratri 2013 Dates, Navratri in India, Navratri Celebrations and Navratri 2013.
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