India is a land of festivals, and among the most vibrant of them is Navrātri, which culminates in Dussehra. This festival, observed for nine nights and ten days, is not just a religious occasion but also a cultural celebration that unites devotion, tradition, and community life.
The Celebration of Navrātri
The word Navrātri literally means “nine nights.” It is dedicated to the worship of the Divine Mother in her various forms – Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Each set of three days honors one aspect of Shakti:
The first three days are devoted to Goddess Durga, symbolizing strength and the destruction of evil.
The next three days are for Goddess Lakshmi, the giver of prosperity, peace, and spiritual wealth.
The last three days honor Goddess Saraswati, representing wisdom, learning, and enlightenment.
Across India, the celebrations vary. In Gujarat, people perform garba and dandiya raas dances every night. In Bengal, Navrātri merges with Durga Puja, where grand idols of Durga slaying Mahishasura are worshipped with great devotion. In South India, households arrange Golu (Bommai Kolu) – artistic displays of dolls depicting gods, saints, and daily life.
The Culmination: Dussehra
On the tenth day, Dussehra (also called Vijayadashami) is celebrated. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Two major legends are associated with this day:
1. The victory of Lord Rama over Ravana – signifying the triumph of righteousness and dharma. In many parts of India, effigies of Ravana are burnt to remind people that arrogance and evil eventually fall.
2. The victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura – symbolizing the power of the feminine divine to overcome negative forces.
Why the Celebration Matter
Navrātri and Dussehra are more than mythological commemorations; they carry deep life lessons:
They remind us that evil, no matter how strong, can never withstand truth and virtue.
The worship of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati teaches that life requires a balance of strength, prosperity, and knowledge.
The community gatherings, dances, and rituals strengthen social bonds and preserve cultural traditions.
Spiritually, the nine days are also seen as a time for self-purification, discipline, and renewal, with many people fasting, meditating, or engaging in devotional practices.
Navrātri and Dussehra together form a festival that celebrates life in all its dimensions – the spiritual, the cultural, and the moral. They remind us to conquer the “Ravana” within – the evils of ego, greed, and anger – and to let the divine qualities of courage, wisdom, and compassion guide our lives. That is why this festival continues to shine across centuries, filling hearts with joy and hope.
Navaratri: The 10-Day Festival of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathy
The Structure of the Ten Days
The worship of the divine feminine during Navaratri lasts for nine nights and ten days, culminating in Vijayadashami. Each set of three days is dedicated to one goddess:
1. First three days – Durga: invoked as the destroyer of evil, granting strength and courage.
2. Middle three days – Lakshmi: worshipped for prosperity and well-being.
3. Last three days – Saraswathy: honored for knowledge, wisdom, and arts.
The tenth day, Vijayadashami, signifies victory over ignorance and evil, and is considered auspicious for beginning new ventures or initiating children into education (Vidyarambham).
Colors and Symbolism
Each day of Navaratri is associated with a particular color, and devotees, especially women, observe the practice of wearing sarees or dresses of that day’s hue. Though the colors vary slightly by tradition, the most common pattern includes:
Day 1: Yellow (joy and energy)
Day 2: Green (prosperity)
Day 3: Grey (destruction of evil)
Day 4: Orange (courage)
Day 5: White (purity)
Day 6: Red (power)
Day 7: Royal Blue (richness)
Day 8: Pink (love and compassion)
Day 9: Purple (spiritual awakening)
This observance creates a sense of unity and collective celebration, particularly among women who gather daily in households or temples.
Slokas and Chants
During Durga’s days, verses from the Durga Saptashati / Devi Mahatmyam are recited: “Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu…” invoking the goddess in her many forms.
For Lakshmi, hymns like the Sri Suktam and Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali are chanted.
For Saraswathy, devotees recite the Saraswati Stotram or chant “Saraswati Namastubhyam, Varade Kaamaroopini”.
These recitations are often done collectively by women in the evenings, creating a spiritual community atmosphere.
Ritual Methods and Household Involvement
Unlike many Vedic rituals traditionally conducted by male priests, Navaratri puja is deeply rooted in the household sphere, often led by women. Some of the key practices include:
Kalasha Sthapana (Ghata Sthapana): On the first day, a pot filled with water and adorned with mango leaves and coconut is installed as a symbol of Shakti. Women decorate it with turmeric, kumkum, and flowers.
Alankara (Decoration): Women arrange Navaratri Golu (doll displays) in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, creating steps filled with deities, mythological scenes, and everyday village life figures.
Fasting and Offerings: Women observe fasts, prepare sundal (lentil dish), payasam, and prasadam to distribute among neighbors and visitors.
Inviting Little Girls (Kanya Puja): On the eighth or ninth day, young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the goddess, offered food, gifts, and respect.
Ayudha Puja: Tools, books, and instruments are cleaned, decorated, and placed before the goddess, symbolizing gratitude for livelihood and learning.
Women’s Central Role
Navaratri stands apart because it is largely women-centered in both performance and participation. Unlike daily household poojas—where men often take the role of chanting mantras or performing homas—here women are the leaders. They:
Organize the rituals and guest gatherings.
Take charge of arranging the Golu, decorating the kalasha, and cooking offerings.
Conduct devotional singing (bhajans) and storytelling (Harikatha, Devi Mahatmya reading).
Act as transmitters of tradition, teaching younger girls the customs and songs.
Men participate too, but as supporters: helping with decoration, singing, or attending processions. The sacred feminine space of Navaratri contrasts with the male-dominated yajnas and Vedic fire rituals.
Variations Across India
Bengal & East: Men build pandals, but women dominate household pujas with alpona (rangoli), preparing bhog, and singing ululu (auspicious sounds).
South India: Women exchange gifts (kumkum, bangles, turmeric) in a practice called Vettalai Pakku, reinforcing sisterhood.
Maharashtra & Gujarat: Women wear nine different sarees during the nine nights and lead Garba and Dandiya Raas dances around the goddess.
North India: The Kanya Puja ritual gives the highest reverence to little girls, again centering women’s sacredness.
A Unique Celebration of Shakti in the Home
Thus, Navaratri is not only about rituals but about restoring balance in household spirituality, where the feminine principle is honored not only in the goddess but also in women themselves. Unlike many rituals where men take precedence, Navaratri showcases women as the keepers of devotion, culture, and creativity.
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