Navratri, a period of awakening and self-consciousness – President Ali

Hindus in Guyana and throughout the world are currently observing the sacred period of Navratri, paying obeisance to Goddess Durga for nine days.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, in his greetings to the Hindu community, has said the festival of Navratri is one of awakening and self-consciousness.

“It is my hope that this festival will help dispel ignorance and adversity from within our midst, and instill wisdom and fortune in our lives. Navratri ignites a glow in our hearts and the opportunity for renewed confidence and the spreading of goodwill towards others. The sacred period reminds us that, with divine blessings, we all can possess the courage and strength to overcome life’s formidable challenges,” the President said in his message.
He added that he is hopeful that the special blessings of this period radiate from hearts to homes and our communities.
Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. One of the prominent Hindu festivals celebrated in a different region with different names, Navratri holds great significance for the devotees. The word ‘Navratri’ in Sanskrit means ‘nine nights.’ For the nine days ‘Nine Forms of Maa Durga’ is worshipped.
Navratri generally falls four times a year, but only two: Chaitra Navratri (March-April) and Sharad Navratri (September-October) are celebrated widely with grandeur. The Shardiya Navratri celebrated during Autumn is one of the most awaited ones.
This year, Navratri commenced on October 06, and will end on October 14 with Durga Navmi. On October 15, the Hindu community will observe Vijai Dashmi (the victory celebration).
Navratri, or Maha Navratri, symbolises the victory of good over evil. For nine long days, Goddess Durga fought the battle with demon king ‘Mahishasura’, and killed him, marking the victory of good over evil. Navratri also marks the beginning of the festival season, which is followed by Dussehra, Diwali and Bhai Dooj.
On the occasion of the Navratri, the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped, which are collectively known as Navdurga. Each day of the Navratri is dedicated to an incarnation of Ma Durga. The first day is for Mata Shailputri, then Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri on the ninth day. Each form of Maa Durga is also associated with a specific colour, and has a special meaning. Wearing these colours on the specific days of the Navratri is considered auspicious.