Four Directions

Navratri celebrations in the west

Gujarat
The festival of Navratri is celebrated with great zeal in the western and northern part of India. Gujarat, in particular, is well known for its grand Celebrations and dances during this festive occasion. The most popular and well known among these folk dances are the Rasa and the Garba. The Rasa is said to have its origin in the legends of Lord Krishna. These are enactments of stories in dance form from tales of Krishna. These colourful yet elegant dances are performed as part of the Navratra celebrations. People gather from all over to enjoy and be a part of these festivities. These are also known to be associated with the agricultural rites that are performed. The designs made on the dance floor remind one of the vibrant paintings made on the walls of huts. The Dandiya Rasa performed by men is at par with the Garba of the women folk. The dancers gather around with sticks on their hands all geared up to entertained. The sticks have tiny bells attached at their end that enhances the sound which is created when the sticks are struck.

Rajasthan
Jaipur is the hub of enjoyment and garba is probably one of the most entertaining dance forms performed here. Women dressed in beautiful costumes bearing pots on their heads go from one home to the other and perform the Garba. There is always a leader who begins the song and the others repeat in unison which forms the chorus. The dance is rhythmic and the singing, a reminder of how rich and colourful India really is. Getting all tied up with Navratri celebrations will not come as a surprise, especially if you happen to be in Rajasthan.

Navratri celebrations in the north

Kashmir
In Kashmir, there are many devotees of Sherawali Ma Durga and Lord Shiva. The Kashmiri pundits, especially celebrate navratras with much enthusiasm. Each hindu house-hold performs the pooja at home. The adult members of the household fast and they only consume water followed by fruit in the evening. Also, they grow barley in the earthen pots to attain prosperity. Most of these kashmiri pundits visit the temple of goddess Kheer Bhawani on all nine days; this is one of the important rituals in Kashmir.

Punjab
Punjabi people perform navratri puja in their farming fields for a good cultivation. They devotionally celebrate Navratri. They only drink milk for seven days before breaking the fast on Ashtami or Navami. They worship Durga Ma, Lakshmi and offer prayers at home. Some of them have fruit or a complete meal once a day. Alcohol and meat are strictly avoided during this time.

Navratri celebrations in the south

Navratri celebrations in the southern part of India are celebrated in a manner much different from the rest of India. There’s nothing in common except for the devotion and enthusiasm with which the people in this region celebrate this occasion. Read on till the end to find out all about what makes Navratri special in the South.

Bommai Kolu
During the nine nights of the Navratri festival, women in the south, especially Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh decorate their houses with traditional wooden dolls. These wooden dolls, popularly known asKolu Bommai by locals in this region are a symbol of pride for those who display it for others to see. These handcrafted idols are beautiful and reminds one of how rich India is, in terms of tradition and culture. Mostly, scenes from the village or Gods are depicted through these dolls.

Rangolis
This is yet another traditional art South India is well known for. Patterns are made on the floor and women gather to design these rangolis using various coloured powder and flowers. This is a tradition mostly followed by the women in the house. Rangoli is referred to as Rangavallie in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Sundal
Sundal is what instantly comes to mind when one mentions the Navratri festival in South India. This delicious sweet dish with its mouthwatering taste is an instant hit with the locals. It is also available in different varieties and forms. Lentil and brown sugar are used in the preparation of this special sweet dish. Navratri celebrations in the South are not complete without preparing Sundal in the evening.
Traditional gifts exchanged between family and friends during this festive occasion include coconuts, clothes and sweets.

Celebrations in the east

West Bengal, a state with a vast Bengali and Hindu population is well known for its emphatic Durga Puja celebrations. This is that time of the year when everybody is geared up to show their devotion to Goddess Durga and pray for the fulfillment of their wishes. The streets are crowded with thousands gathered to offer their prayers. Sweet dishes, new clothes and gifts for everyone; these are some common things associated with this important festival in Bengal.

Further East, one can experience the well lit streets, attractive pandals and the traditional ceremonies in Assam. People in this state have a great time every year during the Durga Puja as it is time to go shopping! Shops are stocked with the best clothes one could possibly want. The prices go up but it is surely worth it! Competitions are also held between craftsman to decide who has the best pandal. This may be one of the reasons why year after year vibrant pandals adorn every corner of this beautiful state. Worshippers offer their prayers throughout these four important days.

Other eastern states which are well known for their Durga Puja celebrations include Orissa and Tripura. The celebrations may not be as grand, but it is the devotion of these people that makes this auspicious festival truly special.