India has never failed to amaze me with its vibrance, happiness, and unity. Every corner of the vast country has different kinds of people who celebrate different things, have different thoughts, and speak different languages, but their hearts feel the same. The best thing about the country is that we all come together to celebrate each other's festivals and happy moments. From the exuberant revelry of Diwali, the vibrancy of Holi, to the solemnity of Eid, India's festivals encapsulate the essence of its unity amidst diversity. Navratri is one such festival that the entire country comes together to celebrate with great vigour.
"Navratri" combines "Nava" (nine) and "Ratri" (nights). Spanning nine nights and ten days, this festival is a homage to the Hindu goddess Durga in her various avatars. Falling in the Hindu month of Ashvin (around September or October), its celebration varies across regions, but the underlying theme remains; the triumph of good over evil. This period culminates in Dussehra, commemorating Lord Rama's victory over demon king Ravana.
Navratri celebrates the divine feminine energy, revered as Goddess Durga's manifestation. The days are marked with prayer, fasting, and cultural events:
1. Durga Puja: In many parts of India, elaborate and grand ceremonies are organised to worship Goddess Durga during Navratri.
2. Fasting: Many people observe fasts during Navratri as a mark of devotion. Fasting customs can vary regionally, with some people observing strict fasting throughout the nine days, while others may fast on certain days or have specific dietary restrictions.
3. Rituals and Pujas: Special rituals and pujas are performed during Navratri, including the recitation of religious texts, offering prayers, and conducting ‘Aarti’. These rituals are carried out to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga and invoke her divine energy.
4. Garba and Dandiya Raas: Garba and Dandiya Raas are traditional and vibrant folk dance forms that are an integral part of the Navratri celebrations, especially in the western Indian state of Gujarat and other parts of the country.
Both Garba and Dandiya Raas are characterised by their infectious energy, vibrant music, and lively dance steps, fostering a sense of unity and joy among the participants. These dance forms have transcended their cultural boundaries and are now celebrated and enjoyed by people across different communities and regions during the festive season of Navratri.
This is my favourite part of the festival since I attend and dance at the Garba fests every year. Garba is a very tricky dance form, but every single person at those events manages to coordinate with each other, creating a scene that looks almost rehearsed!
The symbolism of Navratri, the festival of good prevailing over evil, providing empowerment to women through the medium of the Devi, the vibrant colours, happiness, unity, and unspoken togetherness that comes with the festival render it as one of the festivals that is very close to my heart. Its uniqueness is unparalleled.
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