Five Unique Ways Navratri is Celebrated in India
Sharad (Autumn) Navratri in India holds important significance for every Indian all over the world. Navratri “which means nine auspicious nights” during these nine nights Goddess Parvati in form of nine incarnations is worshipped.
Symbolically Navratri is celebrating Feminity, Mother Nature, and her infinite power. At the end of the nine marked days, Dussehra and Vijaya Dashami are celebrated. Dussehra marks the destruction of demon king Ravana by Lord Rama and Vijaya Dashami marks the killing of demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga (one of the nine incarnations of Shakti “The feminine power”)
This year Navratri starts on 26 September 2022 and ends 5th October 2022. Navratri is grandly celebrated all over India. However, here are a few unique ways these Indian states celebrate Navratri.
The Thiruvallakkavu Festival, Cherpu, Kerala – The Thiruvallakkavu Festival in Kerala is one of the popular festivals and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. In this naturally rich and beautiful state of Kerala also known as “God’s Own Country,” people also worship Goddess Saraswati on this day. Students keep books in front of the goddess idol for two days, to seek her blessings for intellectual power. In Thiruvullakkavu, Sree Dharmasastha Temple, located in Cherpu of Thrissur district of Kerala celebrates the Thiruvallakkavu festival in the month of (September-October)
Dussehra Fair in Kota, Rajasthan – In the month of October, the Dussehra festival fair is organized in Kota, Rajasthan, India. The festival fair also known as “Mela” in India is a unique experience and an exquisite sight to see. The city of Kota which is located along the banks of river Chambal, becomes a hub of color and festivity during Navratri. Huge effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarana, and Meghnad are burnt on the last day of Navratri Dussehra day to symbolize the victory of good over evil.
The Garba Festival, Gujrat – Garba, The beautiful dance form is one of the unique elements that represent the state of Gujrat in India. Garba is a form of dance that is specifically performed in honor of the Goddess. Devotees in Gujrat, both men and women perform the dance over the whole nine nights of the Navratri festival.
Durga Puja, Kolkata, West Bengal – Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja as is considered one of the important festivals in Kolkata, West Bengal. Goddess Durga in form of feminine power is worshipped because of Durga’s victory over Mahishasur, the demon. Durga Puja in Bengal is also known as Harvest Festival, as Goddess Durga is worshipped as mother nature who is the infinite power of all creations on Earth. The tenth day of the Durga Puja festival is celebrated as “Vijaya Dashami” to mark victory of positive power over the evil.
Kullu Dussehra, Himachal Pradesh – Kullu is one of the beautiful and most visited tourist places in Himachal Pradesh, India. The Kullu Dussehra festival is also known as the International Mega Dussehra festival, held in the month of October, marks the start of Navratri Festival. Devotees across the world, visit the fair which is celebrated in the Dhalpur maidan in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh.
India is incredible with diverse colors, culture, festivals, religion, food and its people. Every Indian festival has a specific significance and meaning. Pune Expat Club by Lexagent Expat Relocation Services, Pune is your true partner for Expats networking, integration and socializing, where we take you along with us to experience the true essence and beauty of India.