The festive season in India has kicked off and will last until Makarsankranti in January 2024. Navratri, which started on October 15, 2023, is an important Hindu festival, lasting for nine days. It’s a celebration dedicated to Goddess Durga, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The word “Navratri” comes from Sanskrit, with “Nava” meaning nine and “Ratri” meaning night.
During Navratri, devotees honor Goddess Durga in her different forms, such as Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri, over nine consecutive nights. Each form represents divine feminine power and qualities.
The first three nights honor Goddess Durga in her gentle forms, while the next three nights celebrate her fierce aspects, focusing on her ability to conquer evil. The final three nights are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, arts, and learning.
People observe Navratri through various customs. Many fast during these days, limiting their diet to specific foods and avoiding alcohol and non-vegetarian meals. Devotees engage in prayer sessions, hymn recitations, and traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Garba, a circular dance, is popular in Gujarat, while Dandiya involves energetic dancing with sticks, usually performed in the later nights of Navratri.
Navratri is not only a religious festival but also a social and cultural event that unites communities. Families and friends come together to celebrate, share meals, and enjoy colorful performances, strengthening unity and cultural bonds.
On the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, effigies of the demon king Ravana and his kin are burnt, symbolizing the victory of good (represented by Lord Rama) over evil. It’s a celebration of righteousness, truth, and dharma.
In summary, Navratri is a festival of devotion, dance, music, and spirituality, fostering unity, joy, and spiritual growth. It is celebrated in the northern and western parts of India, while Durga Puja takes center stage in West Bengal and other eastern states. Both festivals honor Goddess Durga but have distinct styles of celebration.
Navratri starts with worshiping Shailputri, the first avatar of Goddess Durga, and ends with burning Raavan effigies on Dussehra, symbolizing Lord Ram’s victory over Ravana. On the other hand, Durga Puja begins with Mahalaya, commemorating the battle between Durga and Mahishasura, and ends with Sindoor Khela before the immersion of idols, celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
