Navaratri and Dussehra

About this book

Celebrate the season of the Divine Mother at home, with understanding and devotion.Navaratri is the great festival of the Goddess: nine sacred nights of worship, followed by the victory of Vijayadashami. Yet many families today, especially those living far from home or juggling busy work lives, aren't sure how to observe it properly, or what each ritual means.Navaratri and Dussehra: A Complete Home Guide brings the whole season to your home in clear, simple steps, so you can celebrate with confidence, whatever your region or tradition.Inside this beautifully illustrated guide: The nine forms of Durga (Navadurga): the story, meaning and mantra of each Goddess, with an illustration for every night. Step-by-step home puja: Ghatasthapana, daily worship, Sandhi Puja, Kanya Puja, Ayudha Puja, Saraswati Puja and Vijayadashami. Sacred mantras and hymns: in Devanagari with transliteration and meaning, including the Navarna mantra, Sarva Mangala Mangalye, Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu and the Durga Saptashloki. Vrata guidance: gentle fasting options for every age and health condition. A nine-day plan for busy families: about 15 minutes in the morning and 15 in the evening. Navaratri with children: stories, shlokas, Golu and simple activities that pass on traditions joyfully. Celebrations across India: Durga Puja in Bengal, Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat, Mysuru Dasara, Golu and Bombe Habba, and more. Sharad Purnima and Karwa Chauth: stories, rituals and mantras. The festival kitchen: simple recipes for fasting days, Kanya Puja, Golu evenings and moonlight kheer. How to find the festival dates every year, a weekday colour guide, samagri lists and a glossary. Whether you're celebrating for the first time or deepening a lifelong tradition, this book helps you welcome the Mother into your home with meaning, devotion and joy.Part of the Hindu Festival Home Guides series by Channabyrappa Prakash M, author of the Sri Vishnu, Sree Lalitha and Sri Ganesha Sahasranamam editions.