Navraatri
In October, before the onset of winter, Hindus celebrate the festival of Navratri-- meaning nine nights in Sanskrit -- 'nav' meaning nine and 'ratri' meaning nights. These nine days are devoted to the worship of the Goddess Durga, the Divine Mother who symbolises 'shakti' or energy.The dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar of the Hindus.
Some people observe fasts during these days by avoiding meat,alcohol,onion and garlic. A specific fasting diet is maintained by the religious people. Prayers are offered for good health and prosperity of all. During this period of fasting, it is a time for introspection and meditation, an auspicious period for starting new ventures. People consider it a good time to buy new consumer durables, a new house or even a new vehicle.
The Goddess Durga is worshipped in different ways across India with a lot of devotion.She has nine forms and each day is dedicated to one of her forms. The tenth day, Vijayadashmi is the culmination of all festivities and is celebrated as Dasara or Dussehra. It is believed that on this day, Lord Raam defeated Raavan. So it is seen as the victory of good over evil forces. Goddess Durga fought with the demon Mahishasura for 9 days in a fierce battle and on the tenth day she killed him.
It is also a time for community worship as people converge at the various temporary structures built for installing the idol of Goddess Durga. It is a time for families to meet their friends and relatives, take part in vigorous dances called 'Garba' and also 'Raas' played with little coloured wooden sticks. There are food stalls put up, competitions held for small children, you can see people enjoying the dramas, music bands, and indulging in the gastronomical delights. The atmosphere is full of joy and merriment. As it is autumn in October, with the cool winds blowing it is a pleasant time for the family to go out and enjoy to their heart's content. You can see people are out till late at night soaking in the sights,colours, delectable food, the sound of the music and the tinkling of the dandiyas wafting in the night air and some of them are engrossed in dancing in the special grounds where dances are held till late in the night.
In October, before the onset of winter, Hindus celebrate the festival of Navratri-- meaning nine nights in Sanskrit -- 'nav' meaning nine and 'ratri' meaning nights. These nine days are devoted to the worship of the Goddess Durga, the Divine Mother who symbolises 'shakti' or energy.The dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar of the Hindus.
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| Goddess Durga |
Some people observe fasts during these days by avoiding meat,alcohol,onion and garlic. A specific fasting diet is maintained by the religious people. Prayers are offered for good health and prosperity of all. During this period of fasting, it is a time for introspection and meditation, an auspicious period for starting new ventures. People consider it a good time to buy new consumer durables, a new house or even a new vehicle.
The Goddess Durga is worshipped in different ways across India with a lot of devotion.She has nine forms and each day is dedicated to one of her forms. The tenth day, Vijayadashmi is the culmination of all festivities and is celebrated as Dasara or Dussehra. It is believed that on this day, Lord Raam defeated Raavan. So it is seen as the victory of good over evil forces. Goddess Durga fought with the demon Mahishasura for 9 days in a fierce battle and on the tenth day she killed him.
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| Dandiya dance Dandiyas are small sticks held by the dancers in their hands while dancing |
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| Dandiya sticks |
It is also a time for community worship as people converge at the various temporary structures built for installing the idol of Goddess Durga. It is a time for families to meet their friends and relatives, take part in vigorous dances called 'Garba' and also 'Raas' played with little coloured wooden sticks. There are food stalls put up, competitions held for small children, you can see people enjoying the dramas, music bands, and indulging in the gastronomical delights. The atmosphere is full of joy and merriment. As it is autumn in October, with the cool winds blowing it is a pleasant time for the family to go out and enjoy to their heart's content. You can see people are out till late at night soaking in the sights,colours, delectable food, the sound of the music and the tinkling of the dandiyas wafting in the night air and some of them are engrossed in dancing in the special grounds where dances are held till late in the night.
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| Garba dance |
