Chaitra Navratri observed

This year, Hindus in Guyana and around the globe will be observing the Chaitra Navratri period from March 25 to April 5. It is also known as Vasanta Navratri or Rama Navratri as the ninth day of the Navratri festivities is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Rama (Ram Navami).
Chaitra Navratri is solely dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms. Navratri – literally means ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit, ‘nava’ meaning nine and ‘ratri’ meaning nights. Chaitra is the first month of the Hindu calendar and hence the name, which also starts the New Year and also the new season.
Praying and fasting are pivotal during this period. Before the start of the celebrations, the house is cleaned to welcome the Goddess in. The devotees perform the puja by observing a fast for all nine days, they attend mandirs, abstain from non-vegetarian foods, spend their days worshipping the Goddess and chanting mantras to the Devi. The fast is broken on the ninth day after the ‘havan’ and the Prasad, after offerings to the Goddess is eaten along with other members of the family and friends.
The first three days of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to Maa Durga, the Goddess of Energy; during the next three days, Maa Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, is worshipped and the last three days are devoted to Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge.
Today, March 30 is the third day of the Goddess being worshipped in her form as Chandraghanta.
One story states that after Lord Shiva gave Parvati his word that he would not marry any woman, her sufferings overwhelmed him so much that he gave up, followed by a tearful reunion and then agreed to marry her. Soon the joyous moment of Parvati’s life comes. Shiva brings a procession of gods, mortals, ghosts, ghouls, goblins, sages, ascetics, Aghoris and Shivaganas to the gates of King Himavan’s palace to take away his bride, on the occasion of his remarriage. Shiva arrives at King Himavan’s palace in a terrorising form and Parvati’s mother, Maina Devi faints in terror. Parvati appears to Shiva and sees his fearsome form, so to save her parents and other family members, she transforms herself into beautiful Goddess Chandraghanta.
Chandraghanta persuaded Shiva to re-appear in a charming form. On listening to the Goddess, Shiva appears as a prince decorated with countless jewels. Parvati revived her mother, father and friends, then Shiva and Parvati got married and made promises to one another.
Chandraghanta is believed to govern the Shukra (Venus) planet and according to legends, she drives away the negativity affecting her devotees with the sound of the moon-bell present on her forehead.  With elegant garb and weapons in her hands, she gives the appearance of a strong female with composed countenance who establishes justice and gives her devotees the courage and strength to fight challenges.
Even though Chaitra Navratri is a nine-day festival, for some the celebrations come to an end on the day of ‘dashami’ (10th day). This day is known as Navratri Parana and devotees bid farewell to the Goddess Durga, and pray for her return soon, next year.
The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh of Guyana (Hindus for Selfless Service) calls on all Guyanese, especially the Hindu community, to take this period to observe, enact positive changes and instil oneself with the courage to fight challenges facing us, either individually or collectively.
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita? Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah?I join hands in front of the supreme Goddess and adore the goddess with a bell shaped mark whom I praise over and over.