2019 Spring (Chaitra) Navratri Festival
Nawan Nagar, April 2019
The spring Navratri festival (Chaitra Navratri), dedicated to Goddess Durga, was again celebrated at the Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra Nawan Nagar ashram in India, from April 6 to 13. Each day of the festival is associated with one form of Goddess Durga. A sacred text—the Devi Mahatmya (The Glory of the Goddess)—explains the extraordinary virtues and greatness of each form and is read as a reminder about them. In addition, many villages and temples hold folk dances in traditional dress to celebrate the Navratri in honor of the Divine Mother, Durga.
At the Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra Nawan Nagar ashram, three big tents were set up to host the program honoring Goddess Durga and her nine forms. Every night, professional singers performed devotional songs in praise of the Divine Mother as the audience clapped and sang along in the presence of Sant Baljit Singh Ji. On numerous occasions through out the program, Sant Baljit Singh Ji spoke and explained the importance of devotional practices.
The ashram was completely full every night. The big tents overflowed with people, and more sat outside on mats, all enjoying the program in the presence of Sant Baljit Singh Ji. The people were especially overjoyed when he walked among them while they were enjoying the devotional songs.
Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra organized a large free medical camp during the festival, and a team of doctors and paramedical staff worked day and night to provide free consultancy and medicines. Thousands of patients were benefited by these medical services. The patients and their attendants were also given free food and accommodation.