India is a country of festivals and traditional customs. ‘Navratri’ (nine nights) is an important Indian festival celebrated with fun, fervor and gaiety in the month of September- October every year. While prayers are offered to the gods and goddesses, women dress themselves in beautiful traditional clothes and unleash their creativity through music, dance and handicraft during these days of festivity. It is celebrated in a variety of ways in the different parts of the country, it brings out the cultural vibrancy of India at its best.
Navratri in the North of India
In the north of India, artists present the episodes from the life of Lord Ram, the Indian god, for nine nights on stage. Lord Ram, the King of Ayodhya, was sent on exile for 14 years. During the last years of his exile he confronted the evil King, Ravan and defeated him in a war. On the day of Vijayadashami (tenth day of victory), north Indians bring an end to the festival by burning large effigies of Ravan, his brother and son.
Prayers to Goddess Durga in the East of India
In the east of India, devotees of Durga, the mother goddess who killed the demon Mahishasur, bring home her idol or install it in public places to offer prayers to her. On Vijayadashami, they immerse the image of the goddess in the river.
Dance and Music in the West of India
In the west of India, devotees of Amba Mata (incarnation of Durga) offer prayers to her and dance ‘garba’ dandiya ras, the traditional folk dance, in front of her image for nine nights. Women and men, young and old, dress in colorful attire and dance beautifully to the fast beat of music.
Doll Decoration in South India
In the south of India, devotees of Lord Ram celebrate his victory over evil Ravan by decorating clay or wooden dolls of gods, humans and animals, on steps. They also invite ladies from the neighborhood to view the dolls and take home vermilion, turmeric, beetle leaf and coconut. On the tenth day or ‘Vijayadashami’ they send their children to learn new arts and usher in a new beginning of hope.
In whatever way the Indians celebrate ‘Navratri,’ they do so to mark the victory of good over evil. Just like the gods vanquished evil forces and ushered in the good, their devotees on earth celebrate the festival to drive away bad thoughts and deeds and bring in good days of cheer and hope.
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