Navratri is a Hindu festival held throughout India to honour the goddess Shakti, or Durga, in her nine manifestations. This nine-night event is thought to be particularly fortunate for all devotees. This year, the auspicious occasion begins on October 15 and ends on October 24. The tenth day of Navratri is known as Vijaydashmi or Dussehra.
Some individuals fast on Navratri and perform all of the rituals to honour the deity. It is also celebrated with traditional dances such as Dandiya and Garba. The entire country turns into festive mode and rejoices during this time, and the rituals and traditions vary in each part.
GUJARAT
Navratri is one of the most anticipated events in the vibrant state of Gujarat. Worshippers fast for nine days and worship Maa Shakti. In the evening, an earthen pot with holes and diyas inside is lit to perform arti. Garba dance and Dandiya Raas are famous kinds of dance done by both men and women dressed in traditional attire during the festival.
WATCH: Navratri Special: 9 Avatars Of Goddess Durga
NORTH INDIA
In North India, Navratri marks Lord Rama’s victory over the evil king Ravana. It culminates in the Ramlila or the enactments of the epic Ramayana, on Dussehra. On the tenth day, effigies of Ravana are burned to commemorate the victory of good (Rama) over evil forces. The whole ceremony is followed by an extraordinary display of fireworks.
WEST BENGAL, ODISHA, ASSAM, AND BIHAR
Durga Puja is observed over the last five days of Navratri in the eastern half of India, particularly in the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Bihar. Durga Puja is celebrated in various regions of the states with much enthusiasm. Huge pandals, where large-sized statues of Goddess Durga on her lion, Mahishasur, Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Goddess Laxmi and Saraswati are constructed and worshipped.
TAMIL NADU
In Tamil Nadu, Navratri is also celebrated as a religious festival to seek the blessings of the goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Friends, relatives, and neighbours are welcomed, and they exchange clothing, jewellery, sweets, and other gifts.
A special tradition includes the decoration of the Kolu, which is a stairway with 9 stairs, representing the nine nights. Each stair is decked exquisitely with dolls and idols of gods and goddesses. It is stated that the dolls are passed down through generations.
WATCH: 9 Colours Of Navratri And Their Significance
KARNATAKA
In Karnataka, Navratri is known as Dasara. During the nine nights of Navratri, a night-long dance in the form of epic dramas from puranas is performed and is called the Yakshagana.
KERALA
Interestingly, in Kerala, Vijaya Dashami is observed as Vidyaarambam, an auspicious day when young children are introduced to learning.
Comments
0 comment