Local shops filled with sweets, bangles, beautiful gift packages, and toys, children walking hand in hand with their mothers and staring amusing through the shops, young girls out for a walk in the evening, an uncle walking his two labradors which I wish were brown instead of black, and young boys racing their cycles is what I see these days while returning home in the evening. The scene isn’t unusual but the air does feel a lot warmer and inherently joyous. And that’s when you know, Navratri is here.
One of the most important festivals of Hindus in India, Navratri is also known as Durga Puja or Dusshera and is celebrated in the bright half of the month of Ashvin, as a post-monsoon autumn festival. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil with each state in India celebrating in their own special way. The eastern and northeastern states celebrate Durga Puja in honor of Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasur, the northern and western states celebrate Dusshera and Rama Lila honoring Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, and the southern states celebrate the victory of Lord Rama or Goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati.
The celebrations aren’t mutually exclusive; Durga Puja or Dusshera, Navaratri is a festival full of joy, family gatherings, and love. The pleasant weather, the light sun, and the advent of autumn make the festival so much more than a ritual. As social creatures, we thrive in bonding with other people and Navratri presents the perfect condition for that. Meeting with friends and relatives, exchanging gifts, decorating the houses, outings, and most importantly celebrating well over evil. Isn’t Navratri the coolest festival ever?
While you’re up at your Navratri shopping, do check out the offers and deals on your favorite stores here. Wish you all a very Happy Navratri 2018.