Shakta Tantra
What are some common festivals celebrated in Shakta Tantra?
Shakta Tantra is a branch of Hinduism that focuses on the worship and devotion of the Divine Mother, known as Shakti. This tradition places great emphasis on rituals and festivals as a means of connecting with the Divine Mother and seeking her blessings. Some of the common festivals celebrated in Shakta Tantra are Navratri, Durga Puja, and Kali Puja.
Navratri, meaning "nine nights," is a major festival in Shakta Tantra that is celebrated twice a year - in the months of Chaitra (March-April) and Ashwin (September-October). It is a nine-day long celebration that honors the nine forms of the Divine Mother, also known as Navadurga. Each day is dedicated to a different form of the Goddess, and devotees perform special rituals, prayers, and offerings to seek her blessings.
Durga Puja is another significant festival in Shakta Tantra that is celebrated during the month of Ashwin (September-October). It is a ten-day long celebration that commemorates the victory of the Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The festival is marked by grand processions, elaborate rituals, and the worship of elaborately decorated idols of the Goddess.
Kali Puja, also known as Diwali in some parts of India, is another important festival in Shakta Tantra that is celebrated during the month of Kartik (October-November). It is a celebration of the Goddess Kali, who is considered to be the most fierce and powerful form of the Divine Mother. The festival is marked by the lighting of lamps, fireworks, and the worship of the Goddess with offerings of sweets and fruits.
Apart from these major festivals, there are also many other smaller festivals that are celebrated in Shakta Tantra, such as Basanti Puja, which celebrates the arrival of spring and the rejuvenation of nature, and Durga Ashtami, which is dedicated to the worship of the Goddess on the eighth day of Navratri.
These festivals hold great significance in Shakta Tantra as they provide devotees with an opportunity to connect with the Divine Mother and seek her blessings. They also serve as a reminder of the power and strength of the Goddess, and the importance of devotion and rituals in this tradition. Through these festivals, devotees are able to deepen their relationship with the Divine Mother and experience her divine grace.