Navratri is a vibrant festival celebrated across India, Each state adds its own unique flavor to the nine-night celebration, honoring Goddess Durga and symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

What are the basic and mandatory steps that each and every state follows to celebrate the Navratri?

1. Clean and Prepare
- Begin your day by waking up early, taking a bath, and wearing clean clothes. White is considered an auspicious color for Day 1, symbolizing purity and peace.

2. Set Up the Puja Area
- Clean your puja space thoroughly and create a serene environment. This can include decorating the area with flowers and setting up an altar.

3. Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)
- Establish a clay pot (kalash) filled with water, rice, coins, and mango leaves. Place a coconut on top of the kalash and tie a sacred thread around it. This symbolizes the presence of the goddess.

4. Invoke Lord Ganesha
- Before beginning the puja for Maa Shailputri, invoke Lord Ganesha to remove any obstacles that may hinder your prayers.

5. Worship Maa Shailputri
- Place an idol or picture of Maa Shailputri on the altar. Offer her fresh flowers, fruits, and sweets made with pure ghee. Light a diya (lamp) filled with ghee as a symbol of illumination.

6. Recite Mantras
- Chant the mantra "Om Hreem Kleem Shailputryai Namah" along with other hymns dedicated to Maa Shailputri during the puja to invoke her blessings.

7. Perform Aarti
- After completing the offerings, perform aarti at home by circling a lit lamp in front of the deity while singing devotional songs or hymns.

8. Offer Bhog (food offerings)
- Prepare and offer bhog to Maa Shailputri, which typically includes Sabudana Khichdi made with ghee, fruits, and sweets like Kalakand or Petha.

9. Maintain Fasting
- Many devotees observe fasting on this day by avoiding grains, onions, garlic, meat, and alcohol. Instead, focus on consuming fruits and light meals as per fasting rules.

10. Meditation and Reflection
- Take some time for meditation or introspection to connect spiritually with Maa Shailputri and seek her guidance for strength and purity in life.

By following these Mandatory rituals on Navratri, devotees can invite positivity, strength, and blessings into their lives while celebrating the divine feminine energy represented by Maa Shailputri. May this Navratri bring joy and prosperity to all!