Shakambhari Navratri 2024 Date, Rituals & Significance: When Is Banada Ashtami? Everything You Need to Know about the celebration of Sustenance & Nourishment

Shakambhari Navratri is a sacred festival celebrated in reverence of Goddess Shakambhari, an embodiment of the divine feminine energy and the provider of sustenance. Observed during the lunar month of Paush, which typically falls in December or January, this unique Navratri spans eight days and is dedicated to the worship of the goddess who nourishes all life forms.

Shakambhari Navratri 2024 Date & Significance

Shakambhari Navratri holds a special place in Hindu traditions as it pays homage to Goddess Shakambhari, the deity believed to be the creator and sustainer of the universe. The word 'Shakambhari' is derived from two Sanskrit words: 'Shaka', meaning vegetables or vegetation, and 'Ambari', meaning one who wears or adorns. Thus, the goddess is hailed as the provider of nourishment and sustenance, especially through the abundance of fruits and vegetables.

• Shakamhari Navratri 2024 Start Date 18 January 2024, Thursday
• Shakambhari Navratri 2024 End Date 25 January 2024, Thursday

Banada Ashtami: Significance and Celebration

Banada Ashtami holds great significance in the worship of Goddess Shakambhari. It is observed on the eighth day of the festival, marking the culmination of this divine celebration. This day is dedicated to offering prayers and seeking the blessings of the goddess for a bountiful harvest and prosperity.

Shakambhari Navratri Rituals

During Shakambhari Navratri, devotees engage in various rituals and ceremonies to seek the goddess's blessings. Special pujas and aartis are performed, and a variety of fruits and vegetables are offered to the deity as a symbol of gratitude for the abundance provided by the earth. Fasting is a common practice during this period, with many devotees opting for a diet comprising only fruits and vegetables to align with the goddess's benevolent nature.

Shakambhari Navratri symbolises the importance of agriculture, fertility, and the symbiotic relationship between nature and human life. The festival reinforces the understanding of the Earth as a mother who provides sustenance to all living beings. It emphasizes the need for environmental conservation and responsible use of resources to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Shakambhari Navratri, with its culmination on Banada Ashtami, serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between humanity and nature. It encourages gratitude for the Earth's bounty and advocates for a harmonious coexistence with the environment. As devotees celebrate the divine feminine energy during this auspicious period, the festival becomes a spiritual journey, fostering a deep appreciation for the gifts of Mother Nature.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 22, 2024 11:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).