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| Happy Navratri, 2025 wishbygift.com |
Navaratri, one of Hinduism’s most vibrant celebrations, literally means “nine nights.” Observed each year in the lunar months of Ashwin or Sharad (September–October), it honours the Divine Feminine in her many forms, chiefly Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The festival culminates on the tenth day with Vijayadashami or Dussehra, signifying the triumph of good over evil.
The origins of Navaratri are rooted in mythology and regional folklore. A popular South Indian legend recounts the tyranny of two powerful asuras, Kamban and Nekamban, who through austerities won boons that made them invulnerable to men. Their arrogance grew, and they tormented sages and devotees performing sacred rites. In response, the gods—Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva—invested their powers in Adi Parashakti, the primordial goddess, who descended as a radiant warrior. Equipped with weapons from the gods, she battled the demons for nine days and nights, finally destroying them on the tenth. Tradition links the custom of displaying dolls (Golu or Bommai Kolu) in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to this episode: the gods, having transferred their strength to the Devi, stood motionless, represented as figurines.
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| Goddess Druga slaying demon prabhujisgifts.com |
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| Navaratri Gollu, Tamil Nadu. Padhuskitchen |
Another widely followed account is described in the Devi Mahatmyam. It narrates how Mahishasura, a buffalo-headed demon, oppressed heaven and earth after obtaining invincibility from Brahma. To end his reign, the gods combined their energies to create Goddess Durga, who fought him for nine days before slaying him on the tenth. This victory is celebrated as Durga Puja, especially in West Bengal, Assam and Odisha, where exquisitely crafted images of the goddess are worshipped before immersion in water.
In northern and western India Navaratri is linked to the epic Ramayana. The festival coincides with the period when Lord Rama prepared for his battle with Ravana, the demon-king of Lanka who abducted Sita. The first nine nights are devoted to staging Ramlila—dramatic recitals of Rama’s story—culminating on Dussehra, when effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran are set aflame, symbolising the destruction of vice.
The 10th day being Vijayadasami day or Dussehra, the day Ambika established Dharma by felling the evil forces in the form of demons is celebrated with devotion. Mysuru Dussehra, an annual event in Mysore in which the Mysore royal members actively participate, is a famous one.
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| Durga Devi fighting demon MashishanYouTube |
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| stunning indiatourmoments.wordpress. |
Above image: Ramlila - lighting the effigies of demon Ravana by shooting arrows with light. It marks the victory of good over the evil. Rama is embodiment of good and Ravana represents evil.........
In northern and western India Navaratri is linked to the epic Ramayana. The festival coincides with the period when Lord Rama prepared for his battle with Ravana, the demon-king of Lanka who abducted Sita. The first nine nights are devoted to staging Ramlila—dramatic recitals of Rama’s story—culminating on Dussehra, when effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran are set aflame, symbolising the destruction of vice.
Beyond its legends, Navaratri holds deep philosophical meaning. The goddess represents Shakti—the cosmic energy that sustains creation. Her victory each year reiterates dharma’s supremacy over adharma and inspires moral renewal. The festival also honours the feminine principle, emphasising courage, wisdom and prosperity through the worship of Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi in successive phases.
Practices vary across regions but share an atmosphere of devotion and joy. In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka families arrange Golu steps with figurines of deities, saints, animals and scenes from mythology. The 10th day being Vijayadasami day or Dussehra, the day Ambika established Dharma by felling evil forces in the form of demons is celebrated with devotion. Mysuru Dussehra, an annual event in Mysore in which the Mysore royal members actively participate, is a famous one Gujarat and Maharashtra glow with the rhythmic whirl of Garba and Dandiya Raas, communal dances performed around a lamp symbolizing the goddess. In Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu, Vijayadashami includes Vidyarambham, when children are initiated into learning by writing their first letters. Countless couples take their children to temples or schools for Vidhyarambam - initiation in reading and writing alphabet. Many observe fasts, recite scriptures such as the Durga Saptashati, and visit temples for special pujas.
Navaratri thus weaves together myth, art, and social fellowship. It invites devotees to discipline the mind, cultivate goodness, and rejoice in the ever-renewing power of Shakti—the force that conquers darkness and upholds righteousness.
https://latest.sundayguardianlive.com/sacred-texts/navaratri-nine-auspicious-days
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navaratri
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navaratri
