Sharada Navaratri, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is a 9-day festival celebrated in the autumn (Sharad Ritu). It honors the nine forms of the goddess, symbolizing the victory over ego and ignorance. As one of the most prominent festivals in India, it is observed with great devotion and a variety of unique customs across the country.
From the vibrant Durga Puja in Eastern India to the energetic folk dances in the West, the festival takes on diverse forms. In the Southern states, Golu doll displays are intricately arranged to honor the goddess, while in the North, the Ramlila performances reenact the epic tale of Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. Each region adds its own flavor to the celebration, following different rituals and practices, all united by the common theme of invoking divine feminine energy for protection and spiritual growth.
Durga Puja in Eastern India
Navaratri is known as Durga Puja in Eastern India, and it is a celebration that Bengalis, Assamese, Biharis, Tripuris, Maithils, Nepalese, and Odia Hindus, as well as various tribal Hindus, cherish. Durga Puja is famous for its beautiful pandals and beautifully sculpted clay idols of the goddess. The iconography of Durga is distinctive as she is depicted as killing Mahisasura yet she has a beautiful motherly face. She is shown with Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Karttikeya as their children, depicting her as the primeval mother goddess.
In some regions, Durga idols are represented in stylized forms or depicted with the Navadurgas or other groups of deities. While West Bengal is famous for its themed pandals and grand idol displays, the festival is celebrated with the same joy in the neighbouring states as well. In Bihar, for example, the goddess is worshipped in various forms, such as Kali or the patriotic figure of Bharat Mata, with some pandals featuring idols of other goddesses like the Mahavidyas and Matrikas. In Odisha, the Durga Puja festival in Cuttack is distinguished by the use of silver filigree, known as Tarakasi, which adds a unique touch of artistry to the celebration.
Gosani Yatra of Puri, Odisha
Gosani Jatra is the indigenous and distinctive form of Durga Puja celebrated in Puri, Odisha. Goddess is addressed as Gosani, which means aristocratic lady. Gosanis idols represent various local forms of Mahisamardini worshipped during Durga Puja.
Following Dussehra, a grand procession takes place, where the Gosani idols from different streets of Puri are brought to the Jagannath Temple.
Ramlila of North India
In northern states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya PradeshNavaratri is celebrated with numerous Ramlila performances, where scenes from the epic tale of Rama and Ravana are reenacted by artists in rural and urban areas, often inside temples or on temporary stages.
Folk Dance of Gujarat
Navaratri in Gujarat is one of the state's major festivals, celebrated by Gujarati Hindus and neighboring communities. The festival showcases folk dances throughout all nine days, with the vibrant group folk known as Garba as its highlight. These performances are accompanied by live seasonal ragas and devotional songs, often incorporating Dandiyas. Garba has also gained popularity in other states across India.
Golu Decoration of Southern India
Golu dolls are a significant tradition during Navaratri in Tamil Nadu, also celebrated in neighboring states. These dolls depict miniature representations of gods, goddesses, animals, birds, and rural life. Families create their own display, and invite friends and relatives while exchanging gifts and sweets.
Mysuru Dasara of Mysore
Mysuru Dasara is a grand celebration of Navaratri in Mysore, with its highlights occurring on the ninth day, known as Mahanavami. On this day, the royal sword is honored in a special puja that also pays tribute to Goddess Saraswati. Military personnel take part by maintaining their weapons, while families care for their tools of livelihood, all offering prayers to the goddess.
The festivities reach their peak the next day with Vijayadashami, which features a magnificent procession. An idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed on a golden saddle (hauda) and paraded atop a beautifully decorated elephant. This spectacular event showcases the cultural richness of Mysuru, including vibrant tableaux, and a procession of adorned elephants, horses, and camels.
Devi Pandals of Mumbai
During Navaratri in Mumbai, the Devi idol is often made using an amalgamation of traditional and contemporary artistic methods. The idols are frequently represented in a variety of forms, each representing a distinct element of the Goddess, such as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The Devi is dressed in unique traditional garb and magnificent jewels on each day of Navaratri.
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