9 Days of Navratri

Chaitra Navratri or Vasant Navratri was April 4, 2011 to April 12, 2011

Mid-March to Mid-April is the festival of Navarati, celebrated in devotion to goddesses Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The first three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Warrior Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a lion. Her various incarnations - Kumari, Parvati and Kali - are worshipped during these days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl and the mature woman. Next three days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity), dressed in gold and mounted on an owl and finally, last three are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess Of Knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan. Sweetmeats are prepared for the celebrations. Children and adults dress up in new bright-colored dresses for the night performances. 

The first is to goddess of action and energy, Parvati, relinquishing attachments to material things for 3 days then the next is to abundance and the opening of the heart chakra, backbends and inversions for the final three to Saraswati. Focusing on the head, the crown chakra and giving life to artistic pursuits. I will be in NYC for part of this fast so finding classes at the Jivamukti Studio in Manhattan should be a good way to go.

I just learned of it, so will begin celebrating on the 14th to end on Easter Sunday. Fast will exclude meat and coffee and highlight smoothies, veggies and quinoa. Mantras will be to each goddess respectively and each day will learn a new story and post. Learning, living and being.