Navratri is an important festival celebrated in the honor of goddess Durga, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. This festival typically happens in September or October. People all around the world, like in the USA, UK, and Canada, have their own unique ways of celebrating this nine-day festival.
In this blog, we will explore history, tradition, culture, and spirituality.
The Story of Maa Amba:
In a village in Gujarat, there was a devoted woman named Amba who prayed to goddess Durga during the severe drought. The Goddess showed up in a vision to Amba and told the villagers to do Garba, a dance, around a sacred lamp. The villagers gathered together, following the goddess’s instructions, and started to dance and sing hymns joyfully.
Miraculously it started raining, and just like that, the village was saved from famine. This event led to the tradition of dancing Garba during Navratri, representing the strength of devotion and faith.
What is the importance of Navratri?
People get together to celebrate this festival two times a year. We celebrate Chaitra Navratri in the spring and Sharad Navratri in autumn. Out of all of them, Sharad Navratri is definitely the most cherished. There are also two Gupt Navratris; one starts from Shukla Paksha Pratipada of Magh month, Magh Gupt Navratri, and the other begins from Shukla Paksha Pratipada of Ashadha month.
Navratri means ‘nine nights’, and it is a time of worship of Shakti, or goddess. During this time, people fast and worship the goddess. Navratri wraps up on Dussehra, celebrating the triumph of goddess Durga over Mahishasura.
In India, different regions have their own unique ways of celebrating the festival, highlighting their local customs and festivities.
The Legend of Mahishasura:
Navratri has its origins deeply tied to mythology. One of the most well-known myths is about the demon Mahishasura. It celebrates the fierce battle between goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura, who was granted a boon that made him unbeatable by any male gods. The gods, finding themselves unable to defeat him, came together and created Durga from their combined powers.
After an intense nine-day and night battle, goddess Durga triumphed over Mahishasura, marking the win of good over evil. So, every year, folks celebrate Navratri to show how good triumphs over evil.
So, how did Garba get started?
The word ‘garbha’ in Sanskrit, which represents life and fertility, is where the term ‘Garba’ comes from. Historically, women danced around an earthen pot or lantern called the Garbha Deep, which symbolizes the soul’s presence in the human body.
This practice really embraces the divine feminine and celebrates what it means to be a woman, particularly when it comes to fertility and motherhood. Dancers usually gather in concentric circles around the image of Durga or Garbha Deep, highlighting the sense of connection and continuity in the community.
There are some stories that connect the beginnings of Garba to the time of Lord Krishna way back in ancient history. At first, women would do Garba during religious festivals in rural areas.
As time went on, it turned into something everyone could enjoy, including men, and it gained popularity among the Indian community in different parts of India and across the globe.
The Tale of Kalaratri
So, when it comes to Kalaratri, there’s this really interesting legend about how goddess Parvati created her to take on the super strong demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha. These guys had actually beaten the gods and taken over the heavens! So, Parvati, hearing the gods’ prayers for help, decided to create Kalaratri to lend a hand in the war.
In the heat of their intense fight, she encountered Raktabeej, a demon who had this wild ability to make clones from his own spilled blood. Kaalratri took a bold step by drinking the demon’s blood, making sure it couldn’t reach the ground, and that was what led to the demon’s defeat. This action really highlights her fierceness and represents the triumph of good over evil.
What are some unique traditions and customs that people celebrate?
In South India, Ayudha Puja is often referred to as Astra Puja. On the ninth day of Navratri, people celebrate by honoring tools, equipment, and vehicles. Soldiers have a deep respect for their weapons, artisans cherish their tools, and farmers hold their ploughs in high regard. This ritual is all about showing appreciation for the tools that make our daily lives and work a bit easier.
In Bengal and other areas of eastern India, people come together to celebrate Sandhi Puja. This special ritual happens in the last 24 minutes of Ashtami, which is the eighth day. During Sandhi Puja, folks light up 108 lamps to honor Goddess Chamunda and celebrate her triumph over Mahishasura. It really highlights how important this moment is in the festival.
Sowing barley during Navratri is seen as a good omen in Punjab and Haryana. People say that when barley sprouts grow, it’s a sign of good things to come in the year ahead. The length of the shoots can give us a clue about how much wealth and abundance there is.
In Tamil Nadu, families have a wonderful time celebrating Navratri with Golu, where they set up dolls that represent deities like Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati on a lovely stepped platform. This tradition is all about storytelling through performances, and it brings families together for visits at each other’s homes.
In places like Maharashtra and Gujarat, every day of Navratri is linked to a particular color. People dress in these colors, which really brings the festivities to life and helps everyone feel connected.
The Story of Daksh and Sati:
In eastern India, there’s this fascinating legend about Sati, who was the daughter of King Daksha. So, after Sati married Lord Shiva, even though her dad wasn’t on board, Daksha decided to throw a big yagya and totally humiliated her since he didn’t invite Shiva to the event.
Unable to bear her father’s insult, she committed suicide in the fire. Later on, she came back as Parvati and eventually got back together with Shiva. During Navratri, folks come together to celebrate this cycle of birth and rebirth, as Parvati, along with her kids and friends, heads back to her parents’ place.
The story of Daksha and Sati really adds to the spiritual vibe of Navratri. It’s a time to think about how women are empowered through devotion, sacrifice, and worship of the divine.
What are the different ways Navratri is celebrated in various regions?
In places like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi, Navratri is all about celebrating how Lord Rama triumphed over Ravana, and it all wraps up with Dussehra.
People who follow this tradition fast for nine days, usually skipping grains and enjoying fruits and milk instead. The highlight of the celebration is when they burn the effigy of Ravana on the tenth day, representing the triumph of good over evil.
In West Bengal and some other eastern states, Navratri happens at the same time as Durga Puja. This festival celebrates how goddess Durga triumphed over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. At this festival, folks create stunning pandals and join in on traditional rituals like Maha Aarti, all while enjoying the beat of drums. People love to celebrate festivals, engage in delicious food, and take part in cultural performances.
In Gujarat and Maharashtra, Navratri is all about the lively vibes of Garba and Dandiya, or Raas dance. People are dressed in traditional outfits and are dancing. Lots of folks join in on the nightly fun, which is filled with music, dancing, and community celebrations, all while observing fasts.
In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, families set up Kolu displays, showcasing dolls that narrate mythological tales. Every state has its own special name for this practice, like Gombe Habba in Karnataka.
Himachal Pradesh has some really unique customs and traditions for Navratri, and it all wraps up in the big celebration called Kullu Dussehra.
The different customs and traditions from each region really add to the lively celebration of Navratri, highlighting how India embraces its diversity while paying tribute to the divine feminine.
The legend of Rama and Ravana:
There’s this interesting myth about Lord Rama. Before he faced off against the demon king Ravana, who had taken his wife Sita, he went to seek blessings from goddess Durga. Rama spent nine nights worshiping the goddess, showing his devotion and looking for her strength. Navratri celebrates his victory over Ravana on the tenth day, reflecting the festival’s connection with the themes of righteousness and bravery.
The story of Rama’s victory over Ravana captures the essence of Navratri: it’s a celebration of good triumphing over evil. This theme really connects with Hindu culture, boosting moral values and bringing people together during this special time.
What do the nine forms of Maa Durga represent?
During Navratri, people really focus on worshiping the nine forms of Maa Durga, which are called Navadurga. Here are the forms:
Shailputri is like the little version of Goddess Parvati, symbolizing a newborn girl. She is believed to be the daughter of Himalaya, the king of the mountains.
The Brahmacharini form represents the time of celibacy. It’s a symbol of knowledge and achieving education.
The crescent moon here adds a nice touch to Chandraghanta, who’s riding a tiger and holding different weapons, representing courage and bravery. A half moon tilak is put on her forehead.
Kushmanda is shown with eight hands, holding weapons and a pitcher, which represent the creation of the universe.
Skandamata, cradling her son Karthikeya, really embodies the essence of motherhood and nurturing.
Katyayani, famous for her fierce vibe, rides a lion and carries weapons, symbolizing strength and triumph over evil. The goddess took this form and defeated Mahishasura.
Kaalratri, with her wild hair and fierce presence, really represents triumph over tough times. She’s a powerful figure that embodies strength in the face of challenges.
She’s depicted as Mahagauri, calm and lovely, linked to peace and kindness, often seen riding a white elephant or bull. It shows off the beauty, maturity, and stability that a woman has.
Siddhidatri, the ninth and final form of the goddess, is shown sitting on a lotus, surrounded by different symbols of power. She represents the fulfillment of desires and spiritual achievements.
So, Navratri is this lively festival that mixes mythology, spirituality, and a whole lot of cultural diversity. It really shows how the victory of good over evil lasts through time and brings different communities together.
What’s your way of celebrating Navratri? You may drop your thoughts in the comments!
