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Introduction
Navaratri is one of the longest Hindu festivals. This festival is celebrated for about nine consecutive nights all over the country in the name of goddess Durga. Navaratri signifies the worship of three divine goddesses that is Durga (Goddess of courage and strength), Saraswati (Goddess of speech and learning) and Lakshmi (Goddess of prosperity and wealth).
Origin
The festival of Navaratri is also reckoned as a battle that was fought between the demon Mahishaasura and the goddess Chaamundeshwari. It lasted for nine days and nine nights and on the tenth day, goddess Chaamundeshwari killed the Asura, Mahishaasura. The tenth day of victory is called as Vijayadasami. However, this festival is observed by the beginning of summer as well as winters every year.
Forms of Durga
Nine forms of divine goddesses are worshiped under most popular forms, during the time of Navaratri or nine days. Each goddess has special relevance and history & works attached to it. The nine different Devis are:
- Durga Shailputri- The Daughter of Mountains.
- Brahmacharini
- Chandraghanta
- Kushmanda
- Skanda Mata
- Katyayni
- Kalratri
- Maha Gauri
- Siddhidatri
Celebrations
The festive celebrations of Navaratri could be best seen in the states of Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Karnataka and even in Bengal. In Gujarat, each night is celebrated with folk dances and songs like Garba and Dandiya Raas. Women dress themselves in festive attire and dance in pairs using wooden and Dandiya sticks. In addition to this, it is celebrated by worshiping wonderfully decorated images and idols of goddess Durga.
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