Navratri

Navratri

Commonality is another thread that binds all religious and beliefs in India. A celebration in one part of geography is always met with another function at a remote locality. Indians are known for their traditional customs and it is the best way to keep the bond alive. The basic truth is that all paths lead to Godism and all God is one. Festival trends begin each year with the observance of piety during the month of Shravan.

After the shradh which is also where Hindus pay homage to the departed souls comes another round of festivals. This is typically the joyful month of Navratri where Goddess Durga is revered in all parts of India. The Gujaratis believe in invoking the goddesses’ presence by installing and idol and doing the puja for nine day. The Dushera that is the tenth day marks for immersion of the idol and a very auspicious day in the Hindu calendar.

Playing of the garba dance or the dandiya festival is almost a necessity to appease the Goddess. Young and old, novices and exponents partake in the dance festival. With modern acoustic inclusions this is also turning into disco dandia or contemporary garba with the traditional touch. Donning traditional ghagra choli and ornaments, the ladies partake in the nine day dance along with lot of traditional pujas.

The navratri kolu is another religious belief down south where toys or idols are placed as soldiers denoting warriors to aid Durga kill her enemies. This is also a social mingling time by inviting ladies over for adorning their foreheads with kumkum and gving them the customary betel leaf/coconut and other gifts. This time also marks the great festival of Calcutta where gigantic idols are decorated with lavish pandals and participating in the sindoor kela.

There is a clear indication that garba is open to all religions and people mingle around to participate in the frolic and reverberation.