Sharad Navratri

Festival of Navratri

The land of many festivals and as many traditions, India would be celebrating Sharad Navratri 2017. Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, the 9-day fasting period starts on 21st September 2017 (Pratipada) and ends on 29th November (Navami). According to Hindu belief, there are a total of four Navratris in a year, out of which only Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri are celebrated widely. Navratri is one of the most significant festivals that last for nine days.

During this period, devotees wake up early, bathe and pray to the nine forms of Goddess Durga to seek her divine blessings. Many of them also observe the ritualistic Navratri fasts to please the beloved deity. The act of devotion also has a scientific backing to it. Sharad Navratri falls around October-November, which usually marks the transition period from autumn to winter. During this time of seasonal change, our immunity tends to dip and therefore, we’re recommended to stay away from greasy, heavy or unhealthy food. Fasting around this time helps to cleanse and detoxify your body.

‘Nav’ means ‘nine’ and ‘ratri’ means ‘night’. Thus, ‘Navratri’ means ‘nine nights’. There are many legends attached to the conception of Navratri like all Indian festivals. All of them are related to Goddess Shakti (Hindu Mother Goddess) and her various forms.

It is one of the most celebrated festivals of Hindu calendar, it holds special significance for Gujratis and Bengalis and one can see it in the zeal and fervor of the people with which they indulge in the festive activities of the season.

Dandiya and Garba Rass are the highlights of the festival in Gujarat, while farmer sow seeds and thank the Goddess for her blessings and pray for better yield. In older times, Navratri was associated with the fertility of Mother Earth who feeds us as her children.

The first three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Warrior Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a lion. Her various incarnations – Kumari, Parvati, and Kali – are worshipped during these days.

They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl, and the mature woman. Next three days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity), dressed in gold and mounted on an owl and finally, last three are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan. Sweetmeats are prepared for the celebrations. Children and adults dress up in new bright-colored dresses for the night performances.

In some communities, people undergo rigorous fasts during this season that lasts for the nine days of Navratri. The festival culminates on Mahanavami.

On this day, Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped.

Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered new clothes as gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country.

With commercialization, the festival has moved on to be a social festival rather than merely a religious one. However, nothing dampens the spirit of the devout followers of Goddess Durga, as they sing devotional songs and indulge in the celebrations of Navratri, year by year.

In the South West Navratri is celebrated at community centre and temples. From Swindon across Bristol to Cardiff in South Wales, the celebration is full of color & pomp.

Bristol celebrations are organised by the Bristol Hindu Temple.

Happy Navratri from the team. Prasad (blessed food) is served at all functions.