Navratri, the nine-day long festival celebrated by Hindus all around the world, holds great significance in the Hindu culture. The first day of Navratri is celebrated as the Hindu New Year and is considered to be one of the most auspicious days of the year. This day marks the beginning of a new era and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal by Hindus all over the world.
Upasya Ayurveda, located in Ranchi, Jharkhand, is one such place where the first day of Navratri and Hindu New Year is celebrated with great devotion and fervor. Dr. Vartika Kumari, the founder of Upasya Ayurveda, believes that celebrating this day is important to bring positivity and prosperity into our lives.
The day begins with a special puja ceremony, where Dr. Kumari leads the prayers and offerings to Goddess Durga, the manifestation of divine feminine power. The puja is followed by a traditional havan, where holy herbs and other offerings are made to the sacred fire. This is believed to purify the surroundings and bring in positive energy.
Shailaputri: The first day of Navratri is dedicated to this form of Goddess Durga, who is depicted as a young girl riding a bull and carrying a trident and lotus flower.
Brahmacharini: On the second day, the Goddess is worshipped in the form of Brahmacharini, who is depicted as a goddess holding a rosary in one hand and a kamandalu (water pot) in the other.
Chandraghanta: The third day of Navratri is dedicated to this form of Durga, who is depicted with a half-moon on her forehead and riding a tiger.
Kushmanda: The fourth day is dedicated to Kushmanda, who is depicted as a goddess with eight arms, holding weapons and a pot of nectar.
Skandamata: On the fifth day, Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya, is worshipped. She is depicted holding her son on her lap.
Katyayani: The sixth day is dedicated to Katyayani, who is depicted as a fierce goddess with four arms, riding a lion.
Kalaratri: On the seventh day, Kalaratri, the dark and fierce form of Durga, is worshipped. She is depicted with wild hair, three eyes, and four arms, carrying a sword and a noose.
Mahagauri: The eighth day is dedicated to Mahagauri, who is depicted as a beautiful goddess with four arms, riding a white bull.
Siddhidatri: The final day of Navratri is dedicated to Siddhidatri, who is depicted as a goddess sitting on a lotus flower and holding a mace and a conch shell.
These nine forms of Goddess Durga represent different aspects of feminine power and are worshipped during Navratri with great devotion and reverence.
After the puja and havan, a special vegetarian feast is prepared, which is shared among the guests and staff. The feast includes a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which are carefully prepared according to Ayurvedic principles.
Dr. Kumari emphasizes the importance of Ayurvedic principles in celebrating festivals and special occasions. According to Ayurveda, our physical, mental, and spiritual health is interconnected, and it is essential to maintain a balance between these three aspects of our lives. Celebrating festivals and special occasions in a healthy and mindful way can help us maintain this balance and lead a happier, healthier life.
Apart from the puja, havan, and feast, Upasya Ayurveda also offers special Ayurvedic treatments and therapies during the Navratri period. These treatments are designed to detoxify the body, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being. Dr. Kumari believes that these treatments can help us prepare ourselves for the upcoming year and face any challenges that come our way with renewed vigor and strength.
In conclusion, the first day of Navratri and the Hindu New Year hold great significance in the Hindu culture. Celebrating this day in a mindful and healthy way can help us bring positivity and prosperity into our lives. Upasya Ayurveda, under the guidance of Dr. Vartika Kumari, offers a unique and holistic way of celebrating this day, which is in line with the principles of Ayurveda. By combining traditional rituals with Ayurvedic treatments and therapies, Upasya Ayurveda offers a complete and wholesome experience for its guests.