Navaratri: A nine-night celebration of Goddess Durga

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Navratri is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights and is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. The word "Navratri" is a combination of two Sanskrit words: "nava," which means nine, and "ratri," which means night. This festival typically falls in the months of September or October and is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India.

The festival is observed with various rituals, music, dance, and cultural events, and it holds significant religious and cultural importance. Here are some key aspects of Navratri:

Worship of Goddess Durga: Navratri primarily celebrates the goddess Durga, who represents the divine feminine and is seen as a symbol of power and protection. Devotees perform special prayers and rituals in her honor.

Nine Nights and Nine Forms: The festival lasts for nine nights and is divided into three sets of three days each. Each set of three days is dedicated to one of the three principal forms of the goddess: Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. This progression signifies the triumph of good over evil.

Fasting and Pujas: Many devotees fast during Navratri and engage in pujas (ritual worship) to seek the blessings of the goddess. Special offerings and decorations are made at temples and in households.

Garba and Dandiya Raas: In some parts of India, particularly Gujarat and parts of Maharashtra, people engage in lively folk dances called Garba and Dandiya Raas during Navratri. These dances are performed in colorful attire and involve rhythmic clapping and use of sticks (Dandiyas).

Cultural Celebrations: Navratri is not just a religious festival but also a celebration of Indian culture. It includes music and dance performances, traditional art and craft exhibitions, and food festivals.

Also read: Navratri 2023: A kaleidoscope of colours and culture

Vijayadashami: Navratri culminates with the celebration of Vijayadashami, which is also known as Dussehra. It marks the victory of good over evil, symbolized by the defeat of the demon king Ravana by Lord Rama, as told in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

Regional Variations: Navratri is celebrated differently in various regions of India. For instance, in West Bengal, it is known as Durga Puja, and elaborate idols of the goddess are immersed in water at the end of the festival. In the southern state of Karnataka, it is celebrated as the Mysore Dasara with grand processions and cultural events. "Navratri: A Nine-Night Celebration of Goddess Durga"