Navratri is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated with fervor and devotion throughout India. The term “Navratri” is derived from two words: “nav,” which means nine, and “ratri,” which means night. This nine-night festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, who represents divine feminine energy and the triumph of good over evil.
During Navratri, people observe fasts and engage in various religious and cultural activities. Each day of the festival is devoted to the worship of one of the nine forms or manifestations of Goddess Durga, including Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Devotees adorn their homes and temples with colorful decorations and lights.
The festival is also famous for its vibrant and energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, where people come together to celebrate by dancing in a circular formation, accompanied by traditional music. Navratri symbolizes the renewal of life and the victory of good over evil, making it one of the most cherished and widely observed religious festivals in Hindu culture.
