Mahayajna being performed on Mahanavami

Mahanavami, the ninth day from the new moon. Mahanavami is an important part of Durga Puja celebrations, as it is considered to be the last day of Durga Puja. Mahanavami is also important because it marks the last day of Maa Durga in her paternal home on earth, before she departs to her husband’s house in the Kailasa on Dashami. Hence, Mahanavami celebrations include elaborate rituals, including a Mahayajna and a Maha Aarati.

Mahanavami rituals begin right after the completion of Sandhi Puja. The main rituals, however, start early in the morning on Navami. Mantras are chanted, along with a recitation of Chandipath. Then Nabapatrika is worshipped, followed by the worship of Devi Durga with flowers and Noibiddo. Flowers are offered to the Goddess by devotees in Pushpanjali. Pushpanjali is followed by Mahanavami Aarati. After the Aarati, a yajna is performed before the Goddess. The daytime rituals end with Navami Bhog being offered to the Goddess, which is later distributed among the devotees as Prasad.

On the evening of Navami, a grand Maha Aarati is performed to worship the Goddess. Thousands of people flock to the pandals to participate in the Maha Aarati and seek the blessings of Maa Durga.

Mahanavami Yajna

Celebrations Galore

Mahanavami means the last day of pandal-hopping for Kolkatans, as the idols of Maa Durga and her children are immersed on Dashami. So, they make the most of this last day, and freak out and enjoy every moment of Navami. The crowd on the streets on Navami brings traffic to a standstill, and the long queues can be seen on roads, with people waiting to enter the pandals to seek the final blessings of Maa Durga.

Here’s wishing a “Subho Mahanavami” to all from Headlines India!