Navartri- The Celebration of Maa- The Eternal Energy
Navratri, the festival of the celestial nine nights, is celebrated with great fervour, not just in India but across the world. Dedicated to the worship of the Divine Feminine energy, the customs and rituals of Navratri vary across different regions but the common thread of expressing love to the Divine Mother binds all devotees. From Gujarat to West Bengal, Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, Navratri unites people in its loving embrace of devotion and celebration.
Navratri is the celebration of the Divine Feminine energy and the recognition of her power to create, nurture and transform. It presents an incredible opportunity for devotees to connect with their inner selves, to seek blessings and to invoke the qualities of strength, abundance and wisdom represented by the Goddess.
Sharad Navratri is the most widely known Navratri, which is marked with grand celebrations and joyous enthusiasm. However, Navratri occurs not once but four times throughout the year, coinciding with the shift in the seasons. Each occurrence of this sacred festival aligns with the shifting rhythms of the Earth, symbolising the ever-changing cycles of life and offering devotees an opportunity to embrace the inherent wisdom of nature. It also reflects Sanatana's Dharma eternal link with nature which has always recognised and honoured Mother Earth's rhythmic cycles.
Navratri teaches us the importance of embracing the cyclical nature of life, the inevitability of change and the need for balance and harmony. It serves as a reminder to honour and protect the environment, to cherish the Earth's resources and to live in harmony with nature.
Navaratri is just not a festival; it is a spiritual journey that unites devotees across borders, cultures and eternal divine feminine energy that resides within all beings.
Shrada Navaratri
Of the four Navratris, Sharad Navratri is the most widely known and celebrated one. It is also known as Maha Navratri. Sharad Navratri takes place in the month of Ashwin during the Autumn season, usually in the months of September or October.
The significance of Sharad Navratri is deeply rooted in the legends of Sanatana Dharma. Maa Durga fought against the demon Mahishasura for nine days and nine nights, ultimately emerging victorious on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. The festival of the sacred nine nights honours the Goddess Durga who symbolises courage, power and protection. It also stands as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil.
In states such as Gujarat and Rajasthan, Navratri is traditionally marked with grand-scale festivities. This celebratory spirit of Navratri is embodied by the energetic and vibrant Garba and Dandiya Raas dances. People dressed in colourful and traditional attire come together in large community spaces, adorned with elaborate decorations, to dance and celebrate throughout the night. The rhythmic music, synchronised dance steps, and the enthusiasm of the participants create an atmosphere of joy, unity, and devotion.
Over the years, the spirit of Garba and Dandiya Raas has spread across India and the world. Navratri celebrations have become a cultural phenomenon, with events and performances held in various cities and countries. People of all ages and backgrounds join in the revelry, embracing the rich heritage and experiencing the joy of community celebration.
Navratri culminates on the tenth day with Vijayadashami. On this auspicious day, effigies of the Ravana are burned as a symbolic representation of the victory of good over evil. This event is often accompanied by vibrant processions, cultural performances, and reenactments of the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama's victory over Ravana is celebrated.
Navratri is a time of renewal, joy, and devotion. Individuals must unite, connect with their spiritual roots, and celebrate the triumph of good over evil. The festival reinforces the significance of courage and righteousness and promotes unity, cultural exchange, and the celebration of life.