The festival of Navratri is celebrated with grand Homas, pujas, prayers and cultural performances. This is a rare opportunity to make use of the forces of nature for well-being of all. During this time nature also transforms, sheds the old and gets rejuvenated. This is a period for self-referral and getting back to the Source. Gurudev explains, "As we take nine months in our mother's womb, before we are born, we take these nine days to go back to our source. These nine days are to be spent in meditation, satsangs, silence and knowledge."

Every year thousands of people from all over the world come to Bangalore Ashram to experience the heights of grandeur of the Vaidic pujas in the presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Navaratri celebrations are marked by a series of pujas, Yagnas and Homas, which have a special significance in removing all the miseries, sorrows and pains; bestowing peace, prosperity and joy.

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“Celebrating the Shiva Tattva in oneself is called Shivratri. ‘Ratri’ means night, the time for rest, when everything becomes quiet and peaceful. Shivratri is not only for the rest for body, but for mind and ‘Ego’” – Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Shivratri means ‘The Night of Shiva’ and is observed in honour of Lord Shiva. Shiva pervades the entire Universe. This day brings deep rest to the mind and the spirit. It is regarded as a new year for a sadhak (seeker). It is considered as an auspicious day for spiritual growth and material attainment. When mind and bodies are in Shiva tattva, wishes get fulfilled effortlessly.

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Guru Purnima is the day of reflection, a day to be grateful for all that we have received in the past year, and a day to resolve for the coming year; a day to express gratitude to all the masters of the tradition who have preserved this knowledge from ages, and have passed the treasure to us. It reminds us that we are part of an ancient tradition. On Guru Poornima we reflect and remind ourselves of this prudent truth. Mere remembrance of this fact fills us with gratefulness. On this day we bless the entire creation because we realise just receiving is not enough, only the intention to give and serve can fulfil the ultimate purpose of our life.

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Shravan Maas (month) is considered to be the most auspicious month in the Vaidic calendar. It usually corresponds with the months of July and August. This month of the year, Cosmos is believed to be highly charged with Shiva element and thus the small effort yields amplified effect in purifying body, mind and senses.  During Shravan Maas, Rudra pujas are performed all over India and is considered to be a very favorable time to dive deep within one’s Self.

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Karthik Maas is the 8th month in the Hindu Lunar calendar. It usually falls in the month of October/November of English calendar. In this Month Lord Shiva and Maha Vishnu are worshipped. Devotees during this month observe strict rituals, fast, visit temples and perform pujas. According to puranas by engaging in the religious activities during this month not only ensures freedom from suffering and pain and bestows prosperity and health but also liberates one from the cycle of birth and death.

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Chaitra Navratri is celebrated in the month of Chaitra as per Hindu Calender, commencing from the first day of Shukla Paksh and culminating on the ninth day, on Ram Navami. It falls at the cusp of spring and summer. Lord Rama was born on the ninth day in the month of Chaitra so this Navratri is also celebrated as Ram Navratri. These nine days are considered to be very beneficent by the devotees of the mother divine and they perform homas and pujas to appease nine forms of Shakti (Devi). These pertinent practices awaken the dormant energy and foster peace and happiness.

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