The auspicious Hindu New Year 2023 has begun with the Hindu community observing a nine-day long fasting known as Navratri. People primarily worship 9 goddesses, who have one day dedicated to each form
On the first day, people pray to Maa Shailputri, one of the navdurgas. After self-immolation as Goddess Sati, Goddess Parvati took birth as the daughter of Lord Himalaya. She rides the bull, carries a trishul and lotus flower
People have to observe a day-long fast. They take a bath, pray to the goddess, drink milk, or eat fruits, then break their fast after doing Navratri aarti in the evening
Navratri fasting has several variations. Some people only take water and fruits once a day while some eat fruits or take one proper meal a day after Navratri poojan muhurat
Some Navratri food include Kuttu ka atta, Rajgira ka atta, samai ke chawal, sabudana, kheer, vada and papads. People often avoid haldi and cook Navratri food using sendha namak and kali mirch
On the day of the Navratri fasting, many place an auspicious kalash or a pot along with a coconut with a red thread tied around it. The Navratri kalash sthapna muhurat is between 6 am and 6 pm
Navratri Akhand jyoti needs to be kept lit for 9 days. Prayers are offered to Maa Durga, Lord Ganesha, Shivji and other deities
Navratri fast is broken either on Ashtami or Navmi. People perform kanjak puja at their homes by inviting young girls and feeding them
Other goddesses worshipped during Navratri are Brahmacharini devi, Chandraghanta devi, Kushmani devi, Skandamata, Katyayini devi, Kalaratri devi, Maha Gauri devi and Siddhidhatri devi