Navratri: Why do we celebrate it?

Navratri celebrations are a joyous method of worshipping the goddess Durga. The occasion is celebrated across the world with joy and enthusiasm. In Hindu mythology, the belief is that Lord Rama initiated the custom of a celebration of Navratri right before winters. He performed Durga Puja before leaving Lanka and returned triumphantly. The meaning behind "Durga" takes away the burdens of life. The worshippers of her are filled with dedication so that Goddess Durga will remove all the sorrows from people's lives and fill them with joy, happiness, and wealth.

Meaning and Symbolism of the festival of Navratri 

"Nav" means nine, and "Ratri" is the word for night. The celebration is held for nine nights and ten days and is observed two times throughout the year. The main Navratri festival is held during October/November. In both, Navratri's devotees invoke Mother Durga, who symbolizes the energy that is the Supreme of the Universe. She is the force that drives the process that is creation and preservation, and destruction.

The three days that precede the Navratri festival are devoted to the celebration of the goddess Durga. The following three days are dedicated to the worship by Goddess Laxmi, and the last three days, the worship on Goddess Sarswati is performed by performing all rituals. Many people observe a fast every day, eating only one meal a day. Others eat just fruits and have water and do not have even a single meal.

Significance of the Navratri Festival

Navratri is celebrated when it symbolizes the change in the impact of the sun and the climatic influences. The Navratri festival is observed to commemorate the manifestation of the Goddess Durga as Shakti (energy). As one of the significant festivals in that Hindu culture, Navratri is endowed with immense significance. It represents victory over evil. The nine-day festival ends on the tenth day, which will be the time of success and achievement. The festival also signifies the symbolic transition from human to God, reminding us of our lives' true purpose.

How is the beautiful festival of Navratri Celebrated across India?

Navratri Festival is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm all over India. The festival is celebrated in a variety of ways in various parts of India.

In North India, Navratri is celebrated with great devotion through fasting during the nine days and celebrating the Goddess of Navratri in all her appearances. The temples are designed with flower arrangements and are adorned with ornaments. Moreover, prepubescent girls are worshipped in a symbolic way to represent God, and they are served tasty food items and gifts. 

In Western India, especially Gujarat and Mumbai, people celebrate the festival with the well-known Garba and Dandiya-Raas dance. "Navratri Festival Celebrations" are organized by the Government of Gujarat to mark the Navratri Festival. People from all over India and even outside are invited to join in the celebration for nine days.

Southern India put up steps and set idols upon them, also known as "Golu." Expensive Puja rituals are held, and Goddess worship is performed with complete devotion and devotion. It is believed that the Utsava Murthy is decorated, and Vedic rituals are followed by Chandi Yagna (Homa).

In the East, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja, the most important festival of the Bengalis. People observe a fast and pay homage to all nine goddesses of Durga, particularly Kaali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Puja Pandals are celebrated from seven days of Navratri on the tenth day, where giant goddesses like Goddess Durga are worshipped and placed in the temples. People dance, sing to celebrate this festival, with excitement and joy.