Navratri commences on Wednesday, October 10. It is one of the most important festivals of Hindus in which Goddess Durga and her nine avatars are worshipped. The first day is called Pratipada and is dedicated to Devi Shailaputri, the first form of Maa Durga. The meaning of Shailaputri is the daughter of the mountain. She was born as the daughter of the Himalaya. Devi Shailaputri is the consort of Lord Shiva and has two kids, Ganesha and Kartikeya.
Devotees also call Maa Shailaputri with names like Sati, Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati. According to Hindu mythology, in her previous birth, Sati’s father Daksha Prajapati was a proud king who never accepted her decision of marrying Lord Shiva. He organised a yagya and didn’t invite Lord Shankar and when Sati reached to question him, he insulted her husband. Sati couldn’t tolerate her husband’s insult and immolated herself.
She took rebirth as Parvati in Himalaya and got married to Lord Shiva, this time with blessings from her father.
The first form amongst Navadurga, Goddess Shailputri is depicted having two hands – carrying Trishul (trident) in the right and a lotus flower in the left hand. She is seen mounting Nandi, a bull.
It is said that people who are troubled due to any bad effect of the moon, should worship this goddess.
The first day starts with Ghatasthapna in which people sow seeds in kalash which is decorated with kumkum, turmeric and flowers.