New Delhi: Observed over a period of nine nights, the Navratri festival is famous throughout India for its religious and social importance. It is devoted to the worship of Maa Durga in various forms .It is celebrated twice in a year.First is Chaitra Navaratri- in the beginning of summer (from April 11 this year), and then, Ashwina Navaratri, in the beginning of winter.Both the Navratris are celebrated when mother nature undergoes important climate changes because durations of a day and a night in India are almost equal during March to April and September to October. At these two junctures nature maintains equilibrium between climatic change and solar influence.Being moderate seasons, neither scorching heat nor chill cold; these are perfectly suitable for worshipping balanced energy form of eternity. Both seasons are crucial for our mental and physical health. Ancient sages linked this period of worship to thank the divine powers properly that provides energy for the Earth to move around the Sun, causing changes in the outer nature and maintaining the accurate balance of the Universe.Devotion and prayer keeps us mentally healthy whereas fast and other penance energize us to fight with diseases and keeps us healthy physically. So why not fast on Navratri?
