Navaratri
Navratri - Celebration of Good over Evil
The celebration of colours everywhere and the essence of festive mode has spread across states and continents. Yes. This is the time of the year when we celebrate the glory of goodness and divinity. Navratri or Dussehra celebrations in India symbolises the win of good over evil. Due to its varied culture and heritage, different parts of India celebrate Navratri for reasons specific to their geography. This nine-day Hindu festival is dedicated to the goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. They are synonymous with three dimensions of femininity. In the state of West Bengal, this festival is exclusively named Durga Pooja. The nine forms of goddess Durga namely are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. We celebrate the greatness of each of them for nine days starting from 7th October 2021 to 15th October 2021.
Navratri in India
The entire 10-day celebration in India is known as Navratri or Dussehra. Dussehra is a time to celebrate the triumphs of good over evil, such as Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, the victory of the god Rama over the demon-king Ravana. Some celebrate by towering bonfires and burning effigies of Ravana, which are accompanied by fireworks. In northern India, the Ram Lila -Play of Rama is the highlight of the festival. In many regions, Vijayadashami is considered an auspicious day to begin educational or artistic pursuits, especially for kids.
Navratri in South India - Dasara Golu- Festival of Dolls
Golu is the display of dolls depicting miniature representations of everyday scenarios. Every home makes such Dasara Golu arrangements in a series of steps and worship the glory of the goddess during the nine divine nights of Navratri. The bhajans that are specific to the goddess are performed. During such auspicious occasions special offerings also known as ‘Neivedhyams’, are offered as a part of the prayer. Naivedyams include sweets, snacks, sundals, curd rice, Pongal, bananas, coconut, betel leaves and betel nuts. Golu is the time when people used to invite friends and neighbour women and girls over to see the display. This is usually a wonderful chance for the kids to socialise, women to have a nice get together, they are offered with the prasadam like delicious sundal, Poha upma, Pongal and with small gifts.
Navratri - Nine Day festival celebrated globally
The main highlight of this nine-day festival is that it unites people across various boundaries to celebrate goodness through colours and lights. Not only people living in India but also people who are away from home, living in different time zones also celebrate Navratri with the same enthusiasm. The significance of these nine-night Golu and the positivity on the final day of Dasara is celebrated as Vijayadasami in South Indian states. This festival is specifically celebrated as Saraswati pooja and Ayutha Pooja in Tamil Nadu. These poojas reiterate the importance of education and a fresh start to all businesses.
Navratri Prasadam - 9 days Special offerings to the Goddess
The nine nights of the Navratri are said to be very auspicious and there are distinct prasads that we offer to each of the goddesses on their day of worship.
| Day | Goddess | Prasadam |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shailaputri - the daughter of the Lord Himalayas | Ghee |
| 2 | Brahmacharini - symbolises perseverance | Sugar |
| 3 | Chandraghanta - the signifier of courage | Kheer prasad |
| 4 | Kushmanda - grants us good wealth and health | Malpua |
| 5 | Skanda Mata - the giver of prosperity and power | Bananas |
| 6 | Katyayani - productively harnesses ferocity | Honey |
| 7 | Kalaratri - helps us imbibe powerful energy | Jaggery |
| 8 | Mahagauri - helps us get rid of sins and win the world | Coconut |
| 9 | Siddhidatri - helps us achieve all siddhis | Sesame Seeds |