India is a country that celebrates its diversity together in the most vibrant way possible. No matter what it is; the food, the places, Or the culture, it's for everyone and by everyone. The same goes for the festivals of the nation. One such beautiful celebration in India is Navratri, also known as Durga Pooja, the nine-day-long honoring of the divine feminine.
Word origin
The word Navratri is a Sanskrit term, which means 'nine nights.' As the name suggests, it is celebrated over nine nights and those nights signifies spirituality, pure devotion, and boundless happiness. It usually occurs in the month of Ashvin, in the Gregorian calendar, over September and October. It ends with the Dussehra Or Vijayadashami celebration on the 10th day.
The days of Navratri worship the divine goddess Goddess Durga, which is why it is known as Durga puja. This festival is a celebration of happiness, spirituality, and wealth. And the 10th day, "Vijayadashami" celebrates the victory of good over evil.
History of Navaratri
According to Hindu legends, Navratri is the celebration of the victory of goddess Durga over the evil king mahishasura. Mahishasura was the king of asura's and was a big devotee of Brahma. After years of Tapasya, Brahma was pleased by his devotion and decided to reward Mahishasura with powers. After becoming powerful, Mahishasura turned evil and started destroying everything. He started harassing people and called himself "GOD." As the situation became worse, God Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva decided to stop him and created Goddess Durga to defeat Mahishasura, who then kills the evil king in a battle. The war between Durga and mahishasura lasted for nine days and in remembrance of the victory of good over evil, the nine days Navratri was celebrated by devotees with an enthusiastic spirit of devotion and joy.
It is believed that worshipping Goddess Durga in the nine days of Navratri and Vijayadashami destroys the evil in you and spreads goodness. It is said that the festival helps devotees to overcome the ten evils of life, which are lust (Kama), Anger (Krodh), Greed (Lobh), Attachment (Moh), Ego(Ahankar), Fear (Darr), Jealousy (Irsha), Inertia (Jada), Hate (Nafrat) and Guilty(Paschatap).
How is Navratri celebrated?
Navratri is celebrated all over India, irrespective of differences in caste. But the way it is celebrated differs according to the regions and beliefs. For many people, it is all about spirituality and fasting. But for some, it is all about feasting, dancing, and celebrating. Fasting is important in the Navratri festival. During the fast, people observe a strict vegetarian diet and abstain from alcohol.
Usually, the first third part of the festival focuses on features of the goddess Durga, the second third on the goddess Lakshmi, and the final part, on the goddess Sarasvati. People celebrate the various aspects of Shakti by making offerings and by performing rituals.
On the eighth or ninth day, One popular ritual named Kanya Puja is exercised. In this ritual, nine young girls dress up as the nine goddesses, symbolizing the nine aspects celebrated during Navratri. And they are worshipped with rituals like foot washing and are given offerings such as food and clothing. Durga Puja is also a big part of Navratri, worshipping the goddess Durga.
Among all the places observing Navratri, Gujarat is known for its grand celebrations. decorated stages will be built, where various performances like songs, recitation of Navratri stories, special pujas, and more will take place. Also, families and locals will come together where they perform dances like dandiya and Garba!
On the final day of the celebration, either the idol of Goddess Durga will be carried towards rivers and will be immersed in the river, or effigies of the Demon Lord Ravana will be burnt with crackers, signifying the victory of good over evil.
Special dishes for Navratri
Navratri is also known for the 9-day long fasting ng exercised during these days.
Since Navratri is worshipping the nine distinct divine forms of Mother Durga, each day has its significance. People who are observing fasting wears a specific color that signifies each day. Besides, cuisines like aloo ka halwa, laddu, khichdi, halwa, barfi, kheer, malpua, lassi, sabzi, puri, and chana are prepared.
Navratri is an emotion for the people in India, not only because of its religious importance but also the happiness and joy it brings to people's lives. Family gatherings, socializing, new dresses and accessories, and lots of tasty food make Navratri different and everyone's favorite. Decorating the idol of goddess Durga, following a vegetarian diet for nine days, participating in Pooja's and reciting hymns and hearing the stories of Navratri, and most of all, preparing and participating in Dandiya and Garba dances purifies the inner self, strengthens the bonds between people and spreads happiness. That's why Navratri is more than a religious festival.
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