Know what you have celebrated these 9 days!

The Celebration of Good over Evil

Navaratri is the opportunity for removal of vanity and evil influences and learning to achieve the ultimate truth and meaning of life through spiritual means.

Navaratri (Nava-nine; Ratri-nights) is usually celebrated, as its name suggests, within a span of 9 nights and 10 days. It falls on the Ashvin month according to the Hindu calendar. It celebrates the victory of good over evil; the defeat of negative energies by the righteous or morally upright. The rituals performed during Navaratri is dedicated to Devi Ma, the divine feminine. Each night is dedicated to the worship of nine personalities (Navadurga) and express gratitude to the Mother Divine. Devi is considered as the omnipresent cosmic energy. Devotees often fast, meditate, pray and perform certain rituals.

The rituals are followed by external festivities such as cultural functions and fairs. Cultural functions include Garba/ Dandiya nights and other social functions whereas rituals include Ghatasthapana and other spiritual activities. Women gather up in various societies and perform their rituals together.

But things have changed amidst this Pandemic. People are avoiding social gatherings. They are visiting temples with their masks on and abiding by the guidelines of the Government by following the social distancing norms. Most of the relatives are greeting each other via online platforms and celebrating this auspicious occasion by face-timing each other.

According to sources, many cities (like Indore, Raipur, etc.) have cancelled Garba nights, thus, leaving the hearts of many youngsters broken. Each State Government has taken precautions not to let more than 100 people assemble anywhere.

Jagaran reports that Prayagraj is celebrating Shardiya Navaratra in a unique manner. Famous singers across the city are preparing for devotional songs and performing them via online platforms so that people can get access to the divine celebration by staying at home as well.

Navaratri’s focus is to show reverence to the creation which is a gift of Devi Ma and it is rightly done if we start respecting our Mother Earth in the right terms.