As we all know , the festive season, Navratri, is going on in India , and it is the best time to gain some more knowledge about this auspicious festival. Navratri, a vibrant and joyous Hindu festival celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm, spans nine nights of devotion, dance, and cultural celebrations. Rooted in ancient mythology, Navratri holds immense significance and serves as a captivating showcase of India's rich traditions, cold diversity.
The term "Navratri" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Nav" meaning nine and "Ratri" meaning night. Thus, Navratri literally translates to "nine nights," symbolizing the festival's duration.
Navratri is primarily dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine energy, symbolized by the goddess Durga. She represents strength, power, and the triumph of good over evil. During these nine nights, devotees pay homage to various manifestations of the goddess, collectively referred to as the Navadurga.
The Victory of Good Over Evil
The festival's origins can be traced back to the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama invoked the goddess Durga to seek her blessings before embarking on a mission to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. The nine nights of Navratri represent the period of Rama's preparations, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
The Navratri Calendar: Different Types of Navratris
Navratri is celebrated multiple times during the year, but the most widely recognized and celebrated version is Sharad Navratri, which typically occurs in September or October. Other Navratris include:
Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and falls in March or April. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in North India.
Magha Navratri
Magha Navratri is observed in January or February. It is less widely celebrated but holds significance in some regions, such as parts of Gujarat.
Ashada Navratri
Ashada Navratri takes place in June or July and is dedicated to the goddess Jagdamba. It is observed with religious fervor in some states.
Sharad Navratri
Sharad Navratri is the most prominent and widely celebrated of all Navratris. It falls in the lunar month of Ashwin, usually in September or October, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India.
The Colors and Attire of Navratri
The vibrant and colorful aspect of Navratri is a visual delight, and it is primarily showcased through attire and decorations. Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific color, and wearing these colors is a customary practice:
Day 1 - Yellow: The first day is dedicated to Shailaputri, an embodiment of the Himalayas. The color of the day is yellow, which depicts action and vigor. She is also considered to be a reincarnation of Sati (Shiva's first wife, who then reincarnates as Parvati) and is also known as Hemavati.
Day 2 - Orange: The color orange, representing the brightness and power of the goddess, is worn on the second day for Brahmacharini.
Day 3 - Grey: Grey is the colour of the third day, which is a vivacious colour and can cheer up everyone's mood. Tritiya (third day) commemorates the worship of Chandraghanta.
Day 4 - Red: Red is the color of action and vigor, and it is worn on the fourth day to honor Kushmanda, who symbolizes creativity and courage.
Day 5 - White: Skandamata, the goddess worshipped on Panchami (fifth day), is the mother of Skanda (or Kartikeya). The white colour is symbolic of the transforming strength of a mother when her child is confronted with danger. She is depicted riding a ferocious lion, having four arms, and holding her baby.
Day 6 - Yellow: Yellow, the color of brightness and optimism, is worn on the sixth day, dedicated to Katyayani.
Day 7 - Royal Blue: Considered the most ferocious form of Goddess Durga, Kalaratri is revered on Saptami. It is believed that Parvati removed her pale skin to kill the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha. The colour of the day is royal blue.
Day 8 -Pink: Maha gauri symbolizes intelligence and peace. It is believed when Kaalaratri took a bath in the Ganga river, she gained a warmer complexion. The colour associated with this day is pink which depicts optimism. She is celebrated on Ashtami (eighth day). In eastern India, Maha Astami is observed on this day and starting with pushpanjali, kumari puja etc.
Day 9 - Purple: On the last day of the festival also known as Navami (ninth day), people pray to Siddhidhatri. Sitting on a lotus, she is believed to possess and bestows all types of Siddhis. Here she has four hands. Also known as Mahalakshmi, The purple colour of the day portrays an admiration towards nature's beauty. Siddhidatri is Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva.
The Rituals and Traditions of Navratri
Navratri is steeped in traditions and rituals, and its observance varies across regions and communities. Some common rituals include:
Kolu or Golu
In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, the tradition of arranging figurines and idols in a tiered display called "Kolu" or "Golu" is a significant part of Navratri celebrations. This exhibit often includes dolls representing various deities and cultural themes.
Garba and Dandiya Raas
Gujarat is renowned for its energetic folk dances, Garba and Dandiya Raas. These dances are performed in large gatherings, often accompanied by live music, and involve intricate footwork and colorful attire. People come together to dance the night away in celebration of the goddess.
Fasting
Fasting during Navratri is a common practice. Devotees abstain from certain foods, including grains and meat, to purify the body and mind. Special fasting recipes, known as "vrat ka khana," are prepared to sustain the fasting individuals.
Arti and Pujas
Daily prayers, arati (ceremonial worship with lamps), and pujas (rituals) are conducted in homes and temples to seek the blessings of the goddess. These rituals are performed with great devotion and are integral to Navratri celebrations.
Navratri Around the World
In recent years, Navratri has transcended its cultural boundaries and gained recognition on a global scale. Indian diaspora communities around the world enthusiastically celebrate the festival, bringing the essence of Navratri to various corners of the globe.
United Kingdom
The UK hosts some of the largest Navratri celebrations outside India, attracting thousands of participants and enthusiasts. Festivities include garba and dandiya dances, live music, and colorful attire.
United States
Navratri celebrations have also become a vibrant part of the Indian-American community's cultural calendar. Various cities in the U.S., such as Houston, New Jersey, and Chicago, host grand Navratri events.
Canada
Cities like Toronto and Vancouver have their own unique Navratri celebrations, bringing the community together through dance, music, and devotion.
Australia
In Australia, Navratri is celebrated with great fervor, particularly in cities like Melbourne and Sydney, where it has become a significant cultural event for the Indian diaspora.
Conclusion
In a world where cultural diversity is celebrated and cherished, Navratri stands as a shining example of a festival that transcends boundaries and resonates with people from all walks of life. The festival's combination of devotion, dance, and the vibrant spirit of celebration has firmly placed Navratri on the global stage, making it a festival to be admired and embraced by people of all backgrounds. As we celebrate the nine nights of Navratri, let us immerse ourselves in the colorful tapestry of Indian culture and spirituality, and rejoice in the collective energy of dance and devotion.
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