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navratri

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navratri

 

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. However the majority of people usually only celebrate the main Navratri, known as Sharana Navratri, which occurs in late September or early October. 

 

 

The nine nights signify the gestation period of a pregnancy over nine months. The symbolism of the garba pot as a womb is thus further highlighted.

 

 

ramleela2-oct1.jpg
RAAM LEELA COUPLE.jpg
raas-garba-18645.jpg
KRSNA FLUTE RED.jpg
KRSNA BLUE OIL.jpeg

rituals

 

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

devotion

 

 

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 

 

Traditionally, people dance in a circle around a central lit lamp or an image of the Mother Goddess. The lamp is called Garba Deep, which means a small earthenware lit lamp. People dance around the circle  accompanied by folk musical instruments, swinging and sweeping their arms, bending sideways at each step, and clapping in rhythm and beat.

 

 

 

 

This gathering and devotion in dance for the Divine Feminine is one of the most magnificent sights in existence. A ravishingly radiant wonder of our world.

SHAKTI

 

The primary significance of Navratri is the worship of the energy known as Shakti, which represents the power of the Divine Feminine.  Shakti takes numerous forms, the three primary forms being Durga, Saraswasti and Lakshmi. These three Goddesses or Divine Mothers, also have various forms and manifestations which are known by several names and signify differing powers and energies.

 

 

 

Durga is the goddess of power and strength. 

Lakshmi  is the goddess of wealth.

Saraswasti is the  goddess of the arts, wisdom and knowledge.

 

 

 

 

nine nights

 

Navratri is  divided into three periods of three days and nights each.

 

 

The first period of three days and nights are dedicated to Durga who is the goddess of power and strength, She has several manifestations such as Kumari , Parvati and Kali. These three aspects represent the stages of womankind, from a child, to a mother and wife and lastly as a accomplished and powerful woman. 

 

 

The second period of three days and nights are in praise and worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. 

 

The last period of three days and nights, are dedicated to Saraswasti the goddess of arts, wisdom and learning. Books and items of knowledge and learning are gathered and worshipped, to invoke the blessings of Saraswasti .

 

 

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