Durga Puja is also referred to as Durgotsava in Bengali, which marks the victory of Durga over the buffalo demon- Mahishasura. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Vijayadashami. Navratri depicts winning positivity over negativity and signifies nine nights that is nav – nine and ratri-nights. During these nine nights and 10 days of extreme fervor and bliss the goddesses, Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are invoked. The religious days of Navratri marks piousness and blooms many works that has been initiated during these days. These nine days are an opportunity to be completely in sadhana, seva, satsang and of course, the grace of the Master is already with us.
It is that time of the year when there is euphoria and magic that sizzles in the atmosphere and all you can hear is pujas or prayers offered to Ma Durga. While Bengalis has a different tangent to celebrate Navratri where the early morning air reverberates with the familiar and auspicious conch-shell. For Bengalis, these 10 days oozes with extreme fervor and celebrations where mantras are chanted and welcomes Ma Durga which is called Mahalaya. The significance is the arrival of goddess of super power Ma Durga.
While the cultural preferences are quite slipping away from our hands and we are more diverted towards westernization, these festivals mark the beautiful and colorful culture of India as a land of Deities.
Navrati celebrations are filled with immense energy from west to east where garba is the reckoning sound and played with extreme enthusiasm and joy. On the other hand, it is Bengal which is smashed with the colors of Durga Puja and heart touching sound of conch-shell. The entire aura in India marks a festive beginning which mesmerizes every Indian who is living away from the country.
Fasting is also an important node of Navratri where people fast and mark these nine days with simplicity and chanting all the religious mantras. The benefits of fasting are not only seen on the physical level but have a positive effect on the mind and emotions as well. For a spiritual seeker, Navratri is quite a significant time of the year.
The arrival of Navratri initiates the practice session of people for garba. Garba is a dance form that originated in Gujarat, but now is played all over the world where Indian has marked their presence. Even the Indians who are settled in other other countries, it is organized by various communities to mark the celebration. People from all ages take up garba classes to polish their dance form and the nine days show a vibrant picture where the entire city and places looks gleaming with the “dandiya raas”.
The best time for which every Hindu awaits is Navratri which is quite an affair that celebrates for all 9 days and end by Vijayadashmi or Dusshera.
Navratri is not a festival; it is a harbinger of hope and positivity that scatters in the entire atmosphere.
