Navratri, the nine
auspicious days devoted to nine different avatars of Goddess Durga, are
celebrated with great pomp and show uniquely in various parts of our country. Let’s
embark on a Navratri trail!
Gujarat
The people of Gujarat immerse
themselves completely in the festive flavour. An earthen pot filled with water,
a silver coin and a beetle nut and covered with a coconut is set at the onset
of Navratri by the families observing fasts. The pot is decorated beautifully
and both men and women dance around it during these nine nights. Gujaratis
perform their folk dance forms garba and dandiya raas decked up in vibrant
traditional attires.
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Maharashtra
Maharashtrians perform
Ghatasthapana ritual on the morning of the first day of Navratri. This is done
by placing a holy kalash in their home, lighting akhandeep diya and hanging
fragrant flowers around the idol of the Goddess. They consider Navratri as the
best time to start a new business venture, purchase a new car or home. The
women in this part of the country follow the tradition of inviting their female
friends to their place during this period. They present them with beetle leaves,
beetle nuts and coconut and perform haldi – kumkum (dry turmeric powder and vermillion) ceremony.
West Bengal
In West Bengal, Navratri is
referred to as Durga Puja. The idols of Goddess Durga and her sons Ganesha and
Kartika, Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi find abode in lavish pandals
erected in various nooks and corners. The festivities begin on the seventh day and
continue till the tenth day. Devotees worship the idols for five days and then
immerse them in the nearby river.
Punjab and Haryana
The people of Punjab and
Haryana observe fast for seven days during the Navratri festival and serve halwa,
puri and chana to eight girls on Ashtami, the eighth day. This ritual is also
called Kanya Pujan and followed in several other parts of the country. During
these 7 days, they also organize Jagraata where in the devotees of Goddess
Durga stay awake the entire night and sing devotional songs in her praise.
Tamil Nadu
The people of Tamil Nadu
worship Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati during these nine
auspicious days by celebrating Golu. Golu is an arrangement made on a make-shift
stair case. Idols of Goddess Durga as well as other Gods and Goddesses are kept
on nine stairs along with various decorative items. Each stair represents each
day of this pious festival. Women invite their married female friends to their place
and gift them beetle nuts, beetle leaves, coconut and money. They also present
them with earrings, bangles, vermilion and other such bridal accessories.
Kerala
In Kerela, the festival is celebrated for the last three days-
Ashtami, Navami and Vijaya Dashmi. The Kerelites worship Goddess Saraswati
during these days. Books and musical instruments are placed in front of the Goddess
Saraswati on Ashtami and are worshipped for three days. These are taken back on
the tenth day. These days are considered the best for initiating new learning.
Andhra Pradesh
Popular by the name Batukamma Panduga in Andhra Pradesh, these nine days are
devoted to Goddess Durga. Women prepare beautiful Batukamma, which is a flower
stack made with seasonal flowers. They gather in the evening and perform folk
dance around the Batukammas decked up in silk sarees and gold jewellery. The
Batukammas are later floated in the nearby river or lake.
Karnataka
Known as Naada Habba in Karnataka, these nine auspicious
days are celebrated to rejoice Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon
Mahishasur. A special highlight is the Mysore Dussehra festival, which attracts
tourists from India and other parts of the globe. Mysore Palace is illuminated
with about one lakh bulbs during this festival followed by cultural events. Elephant
processions are carried out on the streets of different cities across this
state. People sing devotional songs and dance during the procession. Exhibition
of handicraft items and artifacts
are organized throughout the state.
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