First Night of Holy Durga Puja – Puja of Goddess Shailputri
The Navratri commences with the 1st night devoted to the puja of Maa “Shailputri”. “Shail” means mountains; “Parvati”, the daughter of king of Mountains Himavan, is known as “Shailputri”. Her 2 hands, display a trident and a lotus. She is mounted upon a bull. It is believed that worshiping Goddess Shailputri, the first manifestations of Maa Durga, increases decision-making capacity, wealth, governance, ornaments etc. It reduces diseases like blood, uterus, eye, alimentary canal, stomach, phlegm and epilepsy.
Devotees and worshipers take the resolution to the worship Maa Shailputri after establishing the Kalash. Offer Sindoor, flowers, akshat (rice), incense, myrrh etc to Goddess Durga. During this, one can recite Durga Chalisa. It is believed that Aarti of Mata Shailputri should be done only by lighting a lamp with camphor or cow’s ghee.
It is believed that the first day of Navratri should begin with the ‘Halwa-puri bhog’. Devotees also offer batashe, pan and kaale chane to Goddess Shailputri. On this day, a few people also make churma and mewa laddoo for bhog.