As Navratri celebrations begin, devotees prepare to worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The festival, which spans over nine days, is celebrated with great zeal and spirit across India. Each day is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, and on day 4, devotees worship Goddess Kushmanda.In the state of Gujarat, and many other states, It is a common practice for devotees to perform the Aarti pooja of the Goddess in the form of a pot. In addition, they also perform garba-Rass, a folk dance of Gujarat, while wearing traditional attire such as chaniya choli for ladies and kurtas for gents. Goddess Kushmanda is believed to have created the universe with her smile and is also known as the goddess of wealth and abundance, Eight Armed and Riding Lion.
Devotees offer red flowers, fruits, sweets, and other items to her on this day. The color red is associated with
ऊं कुष्माण्डायै नम: ध्यान मंत्र: वन्दे वांछित कामर्थे चन्द्रार्घकृत शेखराम्। सिंहरूढ़ा अष्टभुजा कूष्माण्डा यशस्वनीम्॥
Kushmanda as it represents energy and vitality.
What devotees do in this 9 days of festival:
1. Wake up early and take a bath.
2. Wear brightly colored clothes.
3. place an image of the Goddess on it.
4. Offer red flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess.
5. Chant mantras and hymns in Goddess praise.
6. Meditate on the goddess and ask for her blessings.
7. Read stories and legends about the Goddess
8. Spend time with family and friends.
Navratri is a time to celebrate the feminine divine the nine forms of maa durga. By worshiping Goddess Kushmanda on Navratri Day 4, we can invoke her blessings and receive her guidance.
