Navratri

Meaning & Significance Navratri literally translates to nine (“nav”) nights (“ratri”) It is celebrated to mark the beginning of autumn on the lunar calendar (Sharad Navratri) Worship the Devis (Durgamaa, Laxmimaa, Sarawatimaa) The 10th day celebrated as Dusshera, or Vijaydashami, the victory of good over evil

Rituals of Navratri First Three Days Second Three Days Last Three Days The goddess is separated as a spiritual force called Durga also known as Kali in order to destroy all our impurities. Second Three Days The Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees inexhaustible wealth, as she is the goddess of wealth. Last Three Days The final set of three days is spent in worshipping the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order to have all-round success in life, believers seek the blessings of all three aspects of the divine femininity, hence the nine nights of worship.

How it’s Celebrated North Indian Traditions Garba-Raas: Folk dance, began in Gujurat Vrat (fasting) is kept all nine days to worship the Mother Goddess in her different forms The culmination of Navratri is also celebrated as Dussehra, Dus (10) hara(lost), meaning the day that Ravan, the 10-headed demon, was vanquished by Ram South Indian Traditions In South India, people set up steps and place idols on them. This is known as golu. In Kerala, three days: Ashtami, Navami, and Vijaya Dashami of Sharad Navaratri are celebrated as Sarasvati Puja in which books are worshipped. The books are placed for Puja on the Ashtami day in own houses, traditional nursery schools, or in temples.

Traditional Foods

Discussion How does your family celebrate Navratri? What is your favorite part of the holiday- Garba? Saraswati Puja? Food? What does Navratri mean to you?