Navratri is celebrated with much gusto by different states in their own ‘unique’ ways. For instance, the western part of the country celebrates Navratri with dandiya or Garba while in the southern region, Navratri is celebrated with Golu or Bommai Kolu, which involves the festive display of dolls. North India observes Navratri by fasting for nine days while in West Bengal, Navratri is associated with pandals (marquees) and humongous, expertly crafted idols of Goddess Durga.
By honoring the unfathomable power of Goddess Durga in defeating a buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura, Navratri celebrates the feminine nature of the divine. Navratri is a Sanskrit term where ‘Nav’ translates to ‘nine’ and ‘Ratri’ to ‘night’.
Also known as Durga Puja, this festival comes five times a year: Chaitra Navratri, Gupta Navratri, Sharada Navratri or Maha Navratri, Paush Navratri, Magha Navratri. Among these, Chaitra Navratri and Sharada Navratri are most popular. This 9-night, 10-day festival bears high religious, spiritual, and cultural significance.
What do 9 nights of Navratri stand for?
As per the Kalpas (Puranas), there are three dimensions of Shakti (the feminine energy): Mahakali (strength or power), Mahalakshmi (wealth, passion and material well-being), and Mahasaraswati (knowledge, dissolution, transcendence of the limitations of the mortal body). They are believed to represent the cosmos as the Earth, the Sun and the Moon.
Facts that we should know about Navratri:
- The word Navratri is a combination of two Sanskrit words – Nav, which means the number 9, and Ratra, which means night. Since this festival is celebrated over a period of nine nights across the country, it is called Navratri – the festival of 9 nights.
- Goddess Durga and her many incarnations are worshipped during the nine days of Navratri. It is widely believed that each of these nine Goddesses has immense power and when combined, they all form Goddess Durga. The nine Goddesses include – Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
- Navratri occurs five times a year. Yes… The name of the months when Navratri can be held are March/April, June/July, September/October, December/January, and January/February. However, the Navratri called Sharad Navratri that is held during the months of September and October is the most popular and widely followed one.
- Many believe that Navratri is celebrated to remember the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Goddess Durga was created by the Gods to end the terrible atrocities of the demons. Mahishasura and Goddess Durga fought for nine days and nine nights and finally, on the tenth day, Goddess Durga emerged victorious by killing the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura.
- Now that you have read about the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura who was buffalo-headed, another interesting fact emerges. In many parts of India, the animal is sacrificed to commemorate the victory.
- On the ninth day of Navratri, people all over worship their livelihood and instruments of work. On this day, known popularly as Ayudha Puja in South India, one can see computers and software books being worshipped along with vehicles and machinery.
- The dates on which Navratri falls each year are set as per the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival traditionally commences on Pratipada, which is the first day of the lunar month of Ashwin that falls in September or October. When Navratri ends, the festival of Dussehra follows almost immediately.
- In many parts of North and West India, Navratri is celebrated with the popular event of Ram Lila (dramatic folk enactment of Lord Rama’s life) and it culminates in Dussehra when huge effigies of Ravana are burnt. This symbolizes the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana.
- According to legend, the Gods granted Goddess Durga a period of nine days to visit her mother once a year. This festival is said to celebrate the happiness of the mother and daughter meeting each other.
Navratri is not just celebrating a festival. It is an occasion to learn about the rich culture, customs, and traditions of our wonderful country. The nine days of Navratri give ample opportunity for parents and kids to bond, rest, rejuvenate and celebrate.
