If you're looking to embark on a dazzling adventure through the diverse tapestry of India, there's no better time than during Navratri. This nine-night festival is a riot of colours, music, dance, and devotion, celebrated with unique flair in every corner of this incredible country.
Buckle up, because we're about to take you on a whirlwind tour of how Navratri is celebrated in different Indian states, each with its own special name and twist!
Gujarat - Dandiya Raas and Garba Galore:
Our Navratri journey begins in vibrant Gujarat, where the air is electrified with celebration. Here, Navratri means energetic Dandiya Raas and graceful Garba dance forms. Men and women, adorned in traditional attire, twirl and create rhythmic music with clacking sticks. Gujarat comes alive with infectious enthusiasm, making it the epicentre of Navratri celebrations in India.
But Gujarat's Navaratri is more than dance and attire; it's a spiritual journey. Devotees fast for nine days to honour Goddess Durga and her nine incarnations. Each evening, fasting women offer prayers to an earthen pot lit with diyas, symbolizing the source of life and divine power. The famous "garba raas," a traditional dance, brings men and women together to circle around the garbo or an idol of Durga.
West Bengal - Durga Puja Extravaganza:
Hopping over to the eastern part of India, in West Bengal, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja. This grand festival honours Goddess Durga's triumph over the demon Mahishasura and is marked by elaborately crafted idols, pandal hopping, and scrumptious street food that adds a gastronomic dimension to this spectacle. It's not just a festival; it's a mega-artistic showdown as each neighbourhood competes for the most captivating pandal (temporary temple) and idol. The festival turns into a cultural extravaganza known as "Saptami," "Ashtami," and "Navami." Each day is dedicated to a unique style of traditional dance and music. The streets are filled with processions, folk dances, and religious rituals, creating an unparalleled atmosphere of joy and spirituality.
Maharashtra - Nine Nights of Dazzling Garba:
In Maharashtra, Navratri takes a distinct turn with the celebration known as "Navratri Utsav." What sets this celebration apart is the tradition of wearing different colours of clothing each day to honour each form of Goddess Durga. From the classic Garba dances that fill the nights to the aromatic wafts of regional dishes like Sabudana Khichdi, Maharashtra's Navratri is a splendid nine-night extravaganza that dazzles the senses. The devotion, music, and dance are interwoven with a tapestry of vivid colours, making each day a visual spectacle.
Punjab - The Dance of the Dhol:
In the northern state of Punjab, Navratri takes on a unique rhythm known as the "Dance of the Dhol." The Punjabis put on their vibrant turbans and dance the night away to the electrifying beats of the dhol, a traditional drum. The rhythmic foot-tapping and spirited performances set the stage for a visual treat, with men and women showcasing their vibrant attire and exuberant dance moves. The joyous celebrations resonate with the infectious energy of Bhangra, making Punjab's Navratri a cultural spectacle that combines devotion and revelry in equal measure.
Kerala - Saraswati Puja and Vidyarambham:
Down south in Kerala, Navratri embraces a unique blend of spirituality and education through Saraswati Puja and Vidyarambham. Families and students gather to worship Goddess Saraswati, the divine embodiment of wisdom and learning. What sets Kerala's Navratri apart is the ritual of placing books and instruments before the goddess's idol, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge. This fusion of spirituality and education creates a soulful experience, highlighting Kerala's deep-rooted values and reverence for learning. As the state decorates 108 Durga temples on the final day, Navratri in Kerala becomes a harmonious blend of culture and intellect, enriching both the mind and the soul.
Assam - Durga Puja with a Bihu Twist:
In Assam, Navratri is a fusion of cultural flavours, combining the colourful festivities of Bihu and the grandeur of Durga Puja. The celebrations commence with the vibrant Bihu dances, accompanied by traditional Assamese rituals. As the festival progresses, the focus gracefully shifts to the magnificence of Durga Puja. This harmonious blend of two distinct cultural celebrations results in a unique and vibrant fusion, showcasing the rich diversity that defines India.
Rajasthan - Marwar Festival:
In the royal state of Rajasthan, Navratri is celebrated as the Marwar Festival, showcasing the rich Rajasthani heritage. It's a time for folk musicians and dancers to shine. The resounding beats of the dholak and the twirl of the ghoomar dance under the moonlit sky create a magical atmosphere that's unique to this desert land. In the land of majestic Rajasthan, Navratri unfolds as a joyous spectacle known for its fun-filled meals, with the famous Dussehra Mela taking centre stage. The highlight of this grand occasion is the awe-inspiring 72-foot effigy of Ravana, proudly standing as the tallest in all of India. Rajasthan's Navratri celebrations extend for a full 20 days, as melas spring up in different cities across the state. This vibrant spree of fairs and festivities continues until Dhanteras, heralding the onset of Diwali, yet another beloved religious festival in India.
Tamil Nadu - Golu and Kolu in the South:
Down in Tamil Nadu, Navratri takes on the form of Golu or Kolu, an artful display of dolls and figurines that narrate mythological stories.
Navaratri pays homage not only to Durga but also to other Hindu goddesses like Laxmi and Saraswati. Legends say that the three goddesses are venerated on three separate days during which friends and family gather to celebrate and exchange gifts, such as clothes, sweets, and coconuts. The celebrations also include classical dance performances like Bharatanatyam.
Ayudha Puja is also conducted in many parts of Tamil Nadu on the Mahanavami (Ninth) day with much fanfare. Agricultural implements, tools, books, musical instruments, machinery, and automobiles are decorated and worshipped on this day along with Goddess Saraswati.
Himachal Pradesh - Kullu Dussehra:
In the picturesque valleys of Himachal Pradesh, Navratri is celebrated as Kullu Dussehra. This unique celebration marks Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya and is a vibrant extravaganza. The entire valley comes alive with vibrant decorations, and the highlight is a magnificent procession featuring idols of gods and goddesses, offering a unique glimpse into the local culture. The climax is the awe-inspiring Lankadahan, symbolizing the burning of Lanka, set against the backdrop of the serene Beas River. Recognized as an International Festival by the state government, Kullu Dussehra attracts visitors from around the world.
Bihar and Uttar Pradesh - Ramleela Extravaganza:
In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Navaratri is celebrated with the Ramleela - a dramatic enactment of the life of Lord Ram from the Hindu epic Ramayana – performed in theatres, temples, and temporary stages. The festival centres around the worship of Goddess Durga, with devotees visiting beautifully decorated temples and makeshift pandals dedicated to the goddess. People engage in traditional folk dances like Dandiya and Garba, dressed in colourful traditional attire, creating a joyous and social atmosphere. Many observe fasts during this period, consuming only specific vegetarian foods, while others indulge in a variety of traditional sweets and dishes. After nine days, the effigies of Ram’s enemy, demon Ravana, and his brothers Kumbhakarna and Meghanada are burnt to symbolize the end of all evil. The whole ceremony is followed by an extraordinary display of fireworks.
Andhra Pradesh - Bathukamma Festival:
During the Navratri festival in Andhra Pradesh, it is time for women to invoke Mother Gauri, the benign goddess, to bless them with conjugal bliss. Unmarried girls join the communal worship to seek a spouse of their choice. The festival is called Bathukamma Panduga in the Telugu language, which means Mother Goddess, Come Alive! Women create flower stacks in a time-honoured style using local flowers for the worship of Mother Divine. These stunning floral arrangements, often resembling vibrant, colorful mounds, are meticulously crafted and symbolize the worship of Mother Divine. On the final day of the festival, these flower stacks are immersed in lakes or rivers, a symbolic gesture of giving back to nature what was borrowed, thus completing the cycle of life and renewal.
Karnataka - Mesmerizing Mysore Dasara:
Mysore Dasara is the Nadahabba or the state festival of Karnataka, it follows age-old traditions dating back to the reign of King Raja Wodeyar I in 1610 celebrated with utmost spectacle and joy in the city of Mysore.
The highlight of Mysore Dasara is the majestic procession that takes place on mahanavami, the ninth day of the festival. The royal sword, symbolizing the power of the Wodeyar dynasty, is adorned with flowers and set on a throne, where it is worshipped with great reverence. This sacred sword is then taken on a grand procession, accompanied by a regal display of elephants and horses, through the city streets, captivating the hearts of onlookers.
On the tenth day, known as Dashami, another grand procession ensues, with dancers and musicians escorting an image of Goddess Chamundeshwari, a form of Durga, mounted on a golden saddle atop an elephant. The entire city is enveloped in a festive fervour as the procession winds its way through the streets, celebrating the triumph of good over evil.
Navratri unfolds in a kaleidoscope of traditions and festivities across India, with each state adding its own unique flavour to this nine-night carnival of devotion and culture. So, pick your favourite state, immerse yourself in the local traditions, and experience Navratri like never before.
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