Navratri 2024: Why Is Navratri Celebrated?

Navratri is a colorful and pleasurable festival celebrated in India. But what is Navratri? The term comes from two Sanskrit words, meaning "Nav," nine, and "Ratri," night. So, Navratri translates to "nine nights" literally. These nine nights are dedicated to the worship of goddess Durga and her different forms. It stands for the epitomes of devotion, dance, music, and full-scale revelry.  But you might be wondering, why is Navratri celebrated? Let’s explore this together!

This celebration of worship by Navratri has an interesting story, full of bravery, love, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The festival is in the name of Goddess Durga, who, according to the myth, fought and killed a mighty demon called Mahishasura. Boon that he got made him almost invincible since no man or god could kill him. On successfully doing so, the person became a very proud soul, after which he was up to creating havoc in the world. Gods alone cannot control the monster, so to the rescue comes the goddess Durga.

That powerful form fought with him nine days and nine nights before finally killing him on the tenth day. This victory is the main reason why Navratri is celebrated. It means the victory of good over evil or the triumph of the goddess. When we celebrate Navratri we too are a part of that victory, and remind ourselves to be brave, strong, and right

So what does one celebrate during Navratri? 

 It is surely not just the tale of Durga and Mahishasura. Navratri can actually be given a deeper spiritual level of interpretation. It is a time for great introspection, prayers, and cleansing of the mind and the soul. All these nine days in Navratri are of great significance and are devoted to some diverse forms of the female god. She is worshipped for blessings, protection, and guidance. In us, it instigates the very thought that despite the evil being stronger, it is always a face of triumph of faith, devotion, and strength.

Navratri in Gujarat - Unique Way of Celebration

One of the most public places where festivities take place during Navratri is Gujarat. Celebration of Navratri in Gujarat is simply incomparable. This is when the spirit of music, dance, and enjoyment moves across the whole of the state. Navratri in Gujarat is celebrated with a very colorful folk dance, Garba and Dandiya Raas. People in huge numbers come out to dance around an earthen pot with a light put on the inside, symbolic of Goddess Durga, on all the nine nights of Navratri. Performed by both males and females, the dance is energetic and full of color. Generally dressed in traditional attire, the individuals twirl and clap to the music's beats.

And that is why Navratri is pretty much a thing in Gujarat. More precisely, it does not represent simply the worship of a religious festival; instead, it represents the mega cultural celebration that binds people into one. Indeed Navratri in Gujarat has emerged with a great festival much famous in and around the world, and lots of tourists from those places do visit this state during this festival for the huge celebrations going around in here.

Why navratri is celebrated for 9 days?

You also could get curious: Why navratri is celebrated for 9 days?

 In fact, the 9 days of Navratri are the manifestation of the 9 forms of Goddess Durga, each with its own different and unique characteristics and powers. Let's have a glance over these 9 forms of goddess and why they are important:

Day 1 - Shailaputri: The first form of Durga, representing nature and purity.

Day 2 - Brahmacharini: The goddess of penance and devotion.

Day 3 - Chandraghanta: The goddess who represents bravery and strength.

Day 4 - Kushmanda: The creator of the universe.

Day 5 - Skandamata: The goddess of motherhood and nurturing.

Day 6 - Katyayani: The goddess of courage and fearlessness.

Day 7 - Kalaratri: The goddess who protects from evil.

Day 8 - Mahagauri: The symbol of peace and intelligence.

Day 9 - Siddhidatri: The goddess who grants wisdom and success.

The goddess of valor is worshipped in nine various forms daily to pen her blessings on the various virtuous things on Earth- valor, intellect, and chastity. As each day is very special to the other, Navratri takes the form of this total, nine-day long festival.

How to Celebrate Navratri - Fun Activities for Kids

Wow! Time for fun! Kids enjoy the time spent in Navaratri. But how do we celebrate Navratri in a way that's meaningful and fun? Here are a couple of ideas:

Listen to the Stories: Read or hear the stories of goddess Durga and her battles with the demon Mahishasur. Knowing the reason will give more meaning to the festival.

Join in the Dance: Do not miss joining the dance in the Garba or Dandiya nights going in the evening around you. The feel in the air is electric, and you get to follow all the traditions by wearing costumes to feel completely one with the celebrations.

Make Decorations: Get creative and make your very own decorations for Navaratri, like making paper garlands, drawing images of the goddess herself, or even making your handmade model of clay Durga.

Help with the Pooja:Assist your family in making preparations for the Navratri prayers, and you could put flowers in order or light the small lamps. While doing puja, one can relate and make sense of issues in a particular sense come up with Navratri.

Try fasting: You must have fasted for a day or more, being an adult. People believe that fasting in the Navratri period is cleaning both the body and the mind. But remember, it is not without food; rather, it is being conscious and in prayer.

The Grand Finale: Vijayadashami

The tenth festival day of Navratri is observed as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. In one part of India, it is Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, while in another part, it is Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. Massive effigies of Ravana are burnt up on this date in a symbolic victory of good over evil. Hence, this is also one reason why Navratri is performed and the ending note, which reminds of strong and healthy imprints that good always triumphs over the evil.

Navratri Celebration in Gujarat: A Cultural Extravaganza

The festival of Navratri in Gujarat gradually turns from a religious festival to a parade of cultural extravaganza. The whole world knows how famous the state is for the pomp and show celebrations where the entire community gets together to sing, dance, and pray.The Gujarat festival Navratri is famous for its Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, which are performed with great enthusiasm and energy.The people all across the globe plan their visits to Gujarat during Navratri to feel and enjoy the richness of this culture.

The lanes look dazzling with the brilliant lights and the arrangements for the fairs and the markets, where the traditional clothes and jewelry are recycled, and the tasty snacks are enjoyed. The energies in the air are charged, and the representative nature of the Navratri fervor is what can be seen at every nook and corner of the state. As a result, Navratri happens to be one of the coolest places for a celebration with many enthusiastic activities in Gujarat.

Why is a very Indian Navratri celebrated all over

So it's not that anywhere in India Navratri is not celebrated.it is celebrated throughout the country, but the manner it is celebrated is definitely region-specific. In West Bengal, this is called Durga Puja, and for days together, huge images of Goddess Durga will be worshipped. On the last day, it was immersed in water. They set on idols in the house itself called Bommai Golu in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and people are invited over to witness it. In Maharashtra, the word gets expressed through special prayer and fasting session. But wherever or by whatever mode it is celebrated, Navratri loses none of its flavor. It is a time to recollect the power of the goddess for one and all, rejoice in her victory over evil, and seek her benedictions towards a prosperous, joyful life. And maybe that's all the more reason that Navratri is celebrated so devotedly and joyously all over the country.

Conclusion: The Joy of Navratri

 Navratri is one of those collections that bring the maximum happiness to a family, a friend, or a community member. It is the time to be joyful for the victory of good over evil and the treasure of great regard towards Goddess Durga; it is the time to enjoy vibrancy in Indian culture and tradition. So, why is Navratri celebrated? It’s a reminder that no matter how difficult things may seem, with faith, courage, and devotion, we can overcome any challenge.

Whether you are dancing through the night in a Garba circle or chanting mantras at the pooja, the time of Navratri brings you close to your own sources—celebrate your being with pleasure and ask for the blessing of goddess Durga.

So the next time Navratri goes by, you better sure what in Navratri you are looking forward to!

FAQs : 

What is the main reason to celebrate Navratri?

The legend associated with Navratri speaks about the great battle between the powerful demon Mahishasura and Goddess Durga. … Each year, on each day of Navratri, an incarnation of “Goddess Durga” is worshipped to celebrate the day of her victory over Mahishasura, and the ultimate victory of 'Good over Evil.”

What is the concept of Navratri?

Navaratri is an annual Hindu festival observed in honor of the goddess Durga, an aspect of Adi Parashakti, the supreme goddess. It spans over nine nights (and ten days), first in the month of Chaitra (March/April of the Gregorian calendar), and again in the month of Ashvin (September–October).

What is the significance of 9 days of Navratri?

The nine days of Navratri depict Devi's spectacular skills in tackling the deadliest demons of that time. Navratri is hence, a significant time for devotees to fast, meditate, and pray to the Divine Mother for inner strength and skills to combat their own demons (or problems) of life.

What is the scientific reason behind Navratri?

Detoxification and Immunity: The change of seasons, especially during Sharada Navratri, is often linked with a dip in immunity and a spike in infections. Fasting and consuming a saatvik diet during Navratri act as a detox, giving the digestive system a break and enhancing the body's ability to fight diseases.

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