The Equinox is a significant event in the annual calendar of our planet. It marks the moment when day and night are equal in length, and it occurs twice a year - once in March and once in September. In this blog post, we will focus on the September Equinox, also known as the Autumnal Equinox, and explore its significance for India.
Autumn Equinox in September
The September Equinox falls on 22nd or 23rd September every year. During this time, the Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt away from the Sun, marking the beginning of autumn, while the Southern Hemisphere starts to tilt towards the Sun, marking the beginning of spring. In India, the September Equinox is celebrated as a time of harvest and is associated with several festivals.
One of the most significant festivals associated with the September Equinox is the Sharad Navratri, a nine-day celebration dedicated to the goddess Durga. This festival is celebrated with great fervor across India, and is a time for worship, music, dance, and festivities. The Sharad Navratri marks the beginning of the autumn season in India and is a time for renewal and celebration.
Another festival associated with the September Equinox is the Pitru Paksha, a 16-day celebration dedicated to the ancestors. During this time, people in India pay homage to their ancestors and perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor their memory.
The September Equinox is also a time for spiritual growth and renewal in India. Many people in India undertake pilgrimages to sacred sites during this time, and engage in spiritual practices such as meditation and yoga to connect with the divine.
Conclusion
The September Equinox is a significant event in India, marked by the celebration of various festivals and spiritual practices. It is a time for renewal and celebration, and is associated with the goddess Durga and the ancestors. The Equinox is a reminder of the changing seasons and the balance of day and night, and provides an opportunity for people to connect with nature and the divine.