Why Are Weddings Forbidden During Navaratri When All Other Auspicious Work Begins At The Same Time?

The nine-day-long festival of Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is celebrated in India with much zeal and fervour. On this divine occasion of Navrati, meaning nine nights, the ‘Nine Forms of Maa Durga' are worshipped. There are two main Navratis celebrated with grandeur- Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri in Indian traditions. Sharad Navratri falls between September 26 and October 5 which will be celebrated with pomp and show. 

Navratri is an auspicious festival in which people observe fasting and pray to the goddess for nine days. The festival holds great significance in Indian culture, so those who offer prayer to the goddess tend to follow some strict rules during these nine days for prosperity and wealth.

According to religious beliefs, the nine days of Navratri are considered very auspicious, in which all kinds of auspicious works are started. People organize Griha Pravesh, Bhoomi Pujan, Mundan, and all other special worship establishments during Navratri. Although all kinds of holy affairs are done in Navratri, people always take a back seat to organising weddings during this time. One can even start a new work but cannot get married during Navratri.

Navratri focuses on the internal and external purity of the human body. That is one reason why people love to fast during Navratri, as it detoxifies our body and makes it healthy once again. There is also a religious belief that one should avoid getting a haircut or eating garlic or onion, during Navratri as it signifies wrath. 

While the acts that mark new beginnings are considered auspicious during Navratri, it is not advisable to get married during this period. This is because Navratri demands more time for meditation and worship.  Devoting time to worship needs concentration and meditation, which also suggests avoiding other thoughts during this time. And so marriage is considered undesired during these divine days. Science says that observing fast, apart from being a healthy practice, also decreases the energy level of your body, during this period. Whereas wedding celebrations need more zeal. Marriages carry forward the lineage of a family, but, according to traditional beliefs, one should not cohabit during Navratri. Also, Navratri marks the change in weather. The season has higher chances of infections and to protect ourselves from the spread of such infections, it is better to avoid gatherings and celebrations. 

Apart from weddings, there are some other practices that are prohibited during this sacred occasion. As fasting is observed during these nine days, intoxicants like alcohol, tobacco, etc. should not be consumed during Navratri. People prefer only sattvic food, which includes fruits and avoid meat and liquor. 

Although weddings are strictly prohibited during Navratri, the end of this nine-day festival marks the beginning of the wedding season. Start finding the right wedding date for your nuptials and choose your colourful outfits. Get ready for your dream wedding this fabulous wedding season.

(The author is CEO and Founder at Theme Weavers Designs)