9 Breathtaking avataars of Navratri in India

Navratri, also known as Nauratri, is a Hindu festival celebrated across India and has great significance. In the term Navratri, ‘Nav’ stands for nine, and ‘Ratri’ stands for the night, together meaning the festival of nine nights, followed by the tenth day known as Dussehra. This festival is celebrated during the autumn of every year.

If you are not familiar with this festival and wonder why Navratri is celebrated, let me tell you a little about it. During this time of Navratri, Hindus pray to the Goddess of strength - Durga in her nine forms, seeking blessings for good health, wealth, and prosperity. Although people in different parts of the country celebrate this same festival differently, the devotion and the story attached to it is the same.

It is believed that the Devi Durga fought against the Rakshasa Mahishasur for nine nights to protect the tri lokas - heaven, earth, and hell. She took nine forms to defeat the Demon. On the tenth day, i.e. the Dussehra, the victory of good over evil is celebrated. Navratri is a symbol for celebrating the strength and power of a woman in India.

However, Navratri is also one of the most favourite festivals among Indians because of the Garba and dandiya nights. On all nine nights, people play Garba and dandiya - a Gujarati dance form. People dress up and dance to the beats while having fun!

9 Breathtaking avatars of Navratri in India

Durga Puja in West Bengal

Durga Puja or pooja is a 10-day festival that starts with Mahalaya, i.e. the day Maa Durga defeats Asura. For Bengalis, the festival is primarily outdoors. Idols of Goddess Durga, as well as her family, are placed and prayed in the pandals. Visiting pandals is one of the biggest attractions of this Puja. The 10th day is Visarjan, i.e. the idols are immersed in water to bid them farewell.

Navratri in Gujarat

It’s one of the biggest festivals of Gujarat too. People fast for nine days by remembering the nine aspects of Goddess Shakti. Garbo is the clay pot to which all the devotees pray. This clay pot is believed to represent the atman, i.e. soul of the Devi. These nine nights are usually celebrated by performing their famous folk dance Garba - a dance form where the young and old dance in circles.

Bihar

Sitamarhi (in Bihar) is the birthplace of Sita. There are two types of Navaratri in Bihar, one during spring and the other one during autumn. Goddess Durga is prayed during the first, and Ramanavami fair is the central point of the latter. This fair brings with it cattle trading, handicrafts, pottery, etc. The major attraction during this time is for the Dashami, where the Ravan Dahan is done.

Navratri in North India

In North India, Navratri focuses on Lord Rama and the devil Raavana. Their story is enacted on small stages that are created outdoors. At the end of Navaratri is Dussehra, where effigies of Ravana are burnt to mark the end (destruction) of evil. These effigies are not merely 5ft but almost as mighty as a 5-storeyed building.

Goa

In Goa, devotional songs are presented to Devi during the nine nights. During the celebration, swings are decorated, and an image of a Goddess is placed in them. These swings are swung according to the tune of the devotional songs. Maha Arti happens on the last day of Goa Navratri Festivals. This arti is an aid to attract everyone.

Dasara in Karnataka

Navaratri in Karnataka is known as Dasara. All the Hindu temples and cultural sites are lit up for celebrations. All the Dasara events are works of King Raja Wodeyar I. On the 9th day of Maha Navami, the royal sword is worshipped and taken on processions of elephants and horses. Meanwhile, on the 10th day, celebrations go on the streets.

Telangana

In the newly formed state of Telangana, women make a Bathukamma. This is a nicely decorated piece, almost 20ft high, made up of flowers for worshipping the Navaratri goddess. Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati are worshipped in order during this time. Tradesman and farmers usually worship their weapons during this festival.

Navratri in Tamil Nadu

Navaratri in Tamil Nadu is quite different from the rest of India. They not only focus on Goddess Durga but also on Lakshmi and Saraswati. The festival is celebrated by performing their folk dance (e.g. Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam, etc.). This festival also marks the dwelling of Devi in the various temples across the state.

Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, the festivals begin with installing a pot (Ghatasthapana). The pot is made of copper or brass and is filled with water and placed on a heap of rice. This pot is surrounded by agriculture. The 10th day is Visarjan, i.e. the pot are immersed in water to bid them farewell.

We hope we covered the significant states where this festivity is celebrated. Let us know if we missed anything in the comments below; also, tell us how you celebrate Navratri and what makes this festival the most anticipated festival for you.

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