Navratri, which means nine nights, is a devotional and spiritual event. As the name suggests, Navratri takes place over a period of nine nights, during which various rites and rituals take place. The festival of Navratri falls four times a year, in line with the change of the seasons and certain cosmic alignments. The majority of people usually only celebrate the main Navratri, known as Sharana Navratri, which occurs in late September or early October
The primary significance of Navratri is the worship of the energy known as Shakti, which represents the power of the Divine Feminine represented by the Goddess of power and strength Durga who is worshipped on the first three days. The next three days are dedicated to the Goddess of spiritual and material wealth Lakshmi. The last three days are in honour of the Goddess of wisdom and learning, Saraswati
The primary significance of Navratri is the worship of the energy known as Shakti, which represents the power of the Divine Feminine represented by the Goddess of power and strength Durga who is worshipped on the first three days. The next three days are dedicated to the Goddess of spiritual and material wealth Lakshmi. The last three days are in honour of the Goddess of wisdom and learning, Saraswati
Garba and Raas dances are the most significant devotional element of Navratri for Gujarat and Gujaratis. These dances take place during the night amidst decoration and vibrant lights. The dances are danced by most women and a substantial number of men.
Navratri is a mainly feminine occasion as this was the one occasion during which women could partake in acts or worship, as for many years religious rituals and practices were mainly male preserves
The devotion during Navratri has several aspects. During the day there are recitations and chanting of scriptures in praise of the mother goddesses. There are also ceremonies which involve the feeding of young girls, the worship of the tools of trade and of books of learning. Many people fast before and during Navratri. There are various festivals of Navratri in different regions of India, each with their own particular elements, rituals and ceremonies
Vijayadashmi, the day of victory, is the tenth day of Navratri and is celebrated in honour of the final victory of the Goddess Durga in her battle with the demon Mahishasur. This day is also the day of Dusshera, which commemorates the triumph of Lord Ram over the demon Ravana and on this day many Indian Army regiments venerate and worship their weapons and instruments of power.
These days are an auspicious time for students to start the process of learning and books and instruments of learning are worshipped. Vijayadashami is also considered to be an auspicious day for new businesses start ups
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