Navaratri

Someone who speaks or knows Hindi, can easily draw out the composition of the name itself. “Nava-” means ‘Nine’ and “-ratri” means ‘Night’. As simple as the composition, the occasion is stretched out into nine nights of lights, colors, new clothes, unmistakably finger licking delicious food and complete celeration. 

Durga Puja in the East and Navaratri in North, South and West, a huge celebration, devoted in the feets of one Goddess, Durga. Durga is popularly seen as a symbol of Women empowerment, a very powerful one. 

Different names and different ways of celeration. In the west, a unique way to celebrate is through these two dance forms we all are very familiar with: “Garba” and “Dandiya”.  

Very popular but equally very cliche, no? But also, equally delightful and cherished. Might feel like a very conservative practice, but we still wait for it. It’s one of the biggest hindu festivals celebrated throughout the world. Some even cherish it like nothing else, for eg. Bengalis celebrate Durga Puja (Navaratri). Let’s talk about it first.

I’ve lived in Kolkata for over five years, trust me, I thanked my father’s occupation everyday of Durga Puja for being transferable. It was a whole new experience, a whole new Aura, a new energy. Just pure Bliss. I, personally, am not even a little religious, but being there was still fun, even if it's based on a religious activity, The whole festival isn’t just about it. Of course the “Arti” and the “Pandals” are impeccable, Of course, but it’s also about the city coming alive, specially at night with all the lights and the crowds, The city fires up like someone blew a life in it.

In some other regions the nine days are devoted to nine different goddesses individually: 

Shailaputri

The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Shailaputri, the "Daughter of Mountain".

Brahmacharini

The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Brahmacharini, the "Unmarried One".

Chandraghanta

The third day of Navratri is dedicated to Chandraghanta, whose name comes from the Ardhachandra that Parvati wore on her forehead after marrying Shiva. 

Kushmanda

The fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to Kushmanda, the creator of the universe. 

Skandamata

The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Skandamata, the mother of Kartikeya. 

Katyayani

The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Katyayani, the fierce form of Durga. 

Kalaratri

The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to Kalaratri, one of the destructive forms of Durga. 

Mahagauri

The eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to Mahagauri, whose name means "who is extremely white". 

Siddhidatri

The ninth day of Navratri is dedicated to Siddhidatri, the giver of supernatural and meditative powers. 

All of these goddesses are known to be different forms of Goddess Durga (or Parvati). 

Throughout the country the occasion is celebrated as a huge carnival of happiness and joy. From setting up “Chawki” to fasting throughout the nine days. It’s a big ordeal that everyone respects and enjoys with pure ecstasy.