Patna: Hindus across India observed the seventh day of Sharad Navratri on Monday, dedicated to the worship of Maa Kalratri, one of the fiercest forms of Goddess Durga.
According to the lunar calendar, the seventh day of the festival fell on September 29 this year. Devotees believe that worshipping Maa Kalratri brings prosperity and dispels the fear of untimely death.
Maa Kalratri is depicted with four arms and three eyes, her dark form adorned with dishevelled hair and a garland said to shine like lightning. Fire is believed to emanate from her breath. She holds a sword and a weapon in two hands, while the others are raised in gestures of reassurance and blessing.
Special puja rituals are prescribed for the day, with several auspicious time slots identified, including Brahma Muhurta (4.37am to 5.25am), Abhijit Muhurta (11.47am to 12.35pm), and Vijay Muhurta (2.11pm to 2.58pm). Evening and late-night worship, such as during Ghoduli Muhurta (6.09pm to 6.33pm) and Amrit Kaal (11.15pm to 1.01am), are also considered favourable.
Devotees traditionally offer jaggery-based sweets such as kheer to the goddess, as jaggery is regarded as her favourite. Red, considered auspicious for the occasion, is worn during the rituals, and red flowers such as hibiscus and roses are offered.
Puja practices typically include bathing early, cleaning the home shrine, offering holy Ganga water, rice grains, sandalwood, vermilion and cloth, as well as lighting incense and ghee lamps. Devotees recite scriptures such as the Durga Saptashati and Durga Chalisa, followed by aarti with camphor and cloves, before concluding with prayers for forgiveness.
Chants dedicated to the goddess, including the mantra Om Aim Hrim Klim Chamundaye Vichchai Om Kalratri Devyai Namah, are recited during the day.
Navratri, a nine-day festival celebrating different forms of Goddess Durga, continues until Maha Navami and Vijayadashami.
