How does Ananya Sen connect the celebration of Navaratri to the divine vehicles and their symbolic meanings in her blog?

Navaratri is one of the most important and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India and around the world. It is a nine-day celebration of the victory of good over evil, symbolized by the worship of Durga Ma, the supreme goddess and protector of the universe. Durga Ma is also known as Adi Parashakti, the primordial energy that manifests in various forms and aspects.

Navaratri is celebrated twice a year, once in the month of Chaitra (March/April) and once in the month of Ashvin (September/October). The latter is also known as Shardiya Navaratri or Durga Puja and is more popular and grand than the former. This year, Shardiya Navaratri begins on October 15th and ends on October 24th.

One of the interesting aspects of Navaratri is that Durga Ma arrives and departs on different vehicles, each bearing distinct implications for the world for the next couple of months. The vehicle is decided depending on the date the puja begins and the date it ends. According to Hindu scriptures, there are four possible vehicles for Durga Ma’s arrival and departure: elephant, horse, palanquin, and boat.

The elephant symbolizes prosperity and good wealth, as well as wisdom and strength. The horse symbolizes speed and power, as well as courage and valor. The palanquin symbolizes comfort and luxury, as well as royalty and dignity. The boat symbolizes travel and adventure, as well as safety and protection.

This year, Durga Ma arrives on an elephant, which is a sign of good fortune and abundance for the world. It also indicates that she will bless her devotees with wisdom and strength to overcome any obstacles in their lives. However, she departs on a rooster, which is a sign of sorrow and suffering for the world. It also indicates that there will be an increase in wars, conflicts, diseases, and natural calamities in the coming months.

The arrival and departure of Durga Ma on different vehicles shows a mixed period for the world, wherein the finances will be good but not the emotions. It also reminds us that life is full of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, gains and losses. Therefore, we should always be grateful for what we have, and seek refuge in Durga Ma’s grace and protection.

Navaratri is more than just a festival; it is a way of life that connects us with our inner self and our divine mother. It is a celebration of our culture, our heritage, our faith, and our humanity. It is an opportunity to express our gratitude, our devotion, our joy, and our hope. It is a reminder that we are not alone in this world; we have Durga Ma with us always.

Happy Navaratri and Sharadiyo Subhecha