Navratri, literally meaning nine nights, is widely associated with the worship of Shakti. (DC)

Navratri, literally meaning nine nights, is widely associated with the worship of Shakti. The story of Navratri is more about how different communities make the festival their own.

Divine Dolls of South

In Tamil Nadu and neighbouring regions, families arrange Golu or Bommai Kolu. “We keep the dolls in a steps-like arrangement called Golu Padi,” says Sanjhana Ravindran, a medical student from Chennai. According to the tradition, the number of steps is always odd numbers (3, 5, 7, 9 etc). The top steps hold divine idols of gods and goddesses, while the middle and lower steps usually display mythological scenes.

Worshiping Tools

Many people engage in Ayudha Puja on Navmi (the ninth day) that honours everyday tools, vehicles and household appliances. Students resume studies, begin music and dance lessons and offer guru dakshina to teachers, seeking their blessings for the year ahead.

Northern Chronicles

In North India, Navratri is marked by fasting, temple visits, devotional singing and prayers. “On Ashtami or Navami, we perform Kanya Puja in our house, by calling young girls and treating them as manifestations of Maa Durga,” says Dhanna Mishra, a homemaker from Lucknow.

In parts of UP and Bihar, Ramlila performances bring the Ramayana to life through musicals and theatre! “The celebrations culminate in Dussehra (the tenth day), when effigies of Ravana are burnt,” says Ashok Mishra, a realtor.

The North has its own regional variations. “Back in our town in Himachal Pradesh, we celebrate Kullu Dussehra,” says Varun Tripathi, adding, “We worship local deities which differs from the usual ritual of Ravana effigy-burning,” he adds.

West’s Celebration

In Gujarat, Navratri is almost synonymous with Garba. Men and women dance around a central lamp or an image of the Goddess. Dandiya Raas, adds another layer of energy to the festivities. “The Prasad or Thal is offered in the morning/noon to Kul Devi Maa, followed by Aarti morning/noon and evening,” says Het Solanki, a professional.

“In garba, the circular movement is often interpreted as a reminder of the cycle of life and the divine presence at its centre” says Parul Shah, a home-maker from Mumbai.

In Maharashtra, the festival often begins with Ghatasthapana. In rural areas, women sing and dance in a Bhondla circle.

East’s Epic Durga Pujo

In West Bengal, elaborate pandals transform neighbourhoods into temporary works of art.

According to Madhobi Lodh, a costume stylist, Pujo is a celebration mainly of five days. Bodhon is the first puja to awaken the Goddess takes place on shoshthi. There is Nabapatrika (the worship of the 9 planets) & Sandhi Puja, that occurs on Ashtami (the eighth day of Navratri).

“There is also a beautiful ritual of married ladies offering 108 lotus flowers to Maa Durga along with another ritual of 108 Diya’s being lit and offered,” says Lodh. While the ritual of Sindoor Khela, traditionally observed by married women marks an emotional farewell to the Goddess before her immersion.

In Odisha, Cuttack is known for its elaborate silver filigree decorations, while Durga Puja is celebrated in communities across Assam. Bihar and Jharkhand too.

One season, many traditions

Perhaps the most interesting thing about Navratri is that these differences coexist within a shared festive season. There is no single way to celebrate the nine nights — and that, in itself, is part of the story.

There is a beautiful ritual of married ladies offering 108 lotus flowers

to Maa Durga.”

— Madhobi Lodh, costume stylist

In my childhood all of us used to get dressed up and go around the neighbourhood to

see all the Golus.”

— Sanjhana Ravindran, Chennai

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