Navratri Festival : Celebration, History & Significance

🌸 Navratri Festival – Worship of Divine Power

Introduction:
Navratri, meaning “nine nights,” is one of the most important Hindu festivals dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with devotion, fasting, music, and dance.

When it is celebrated:

• Navratri is celebrated twice a year:
  • Chaitra Navratri (March–April)
  • Sharad Navratri (September–October)
• Sharad Navratri is the most widely celebrated one, ending with Dussehra (Vijayadashami).

Why it is celebrated:

• It marks the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, symbolizing the destruction of evil.
• It is also linked to Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, which is remembered on the tenth day (Dussehra).

How it is celebrated:

1. Worship & Fasting:
   • Devotees worship the nine forms of Durga (Navadurga), each day dedicated to one form.
   • Many observe fasts and eat only sattvic food.
2. Garba & Dandiya:
   • In Gujarat and Maharashtra, people perform energetic dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas in colorful traditional attire.
3. Durga Puja:
   • In West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, grand Durga Puja pandals are set up, with beautiful idols of Goddess Durga.
4. Ramlila:
   • In North India, the Ramlila (drama of Ramayana) is performed for 9 days, ending with Dussehra.

Significance:

• Represents the power of Shakti (feminine divine energy).
• Teaches that truth and virtue always win over falsehood and evil.
• Promotes unity, devotion, and cultural traditions.

Global Celebration:
Navratri is now celebrated not only in India but also in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia by Indian communities with great enthusiasm.