The festival of Navratris, derived from the Sanskrit term meaning ‘nine nights’, is a vibrant and joyous celebration that takes place in the autumn month of Ashwin. With its roots deeply embedded in Hindu mythology, these nine auspicious nights are dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, who is considered a manifestation of Goddess Parvati and her various avatars.
In the states of Assam and Bengal, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja, a grand event that showcases the artistic and creative talents of the local communities. Elaborate pandals, temporary structures built to house the idols of Goddess Durga, are erected in every nook and corner of the state. The significance of Navratri is not limited to the worship of the Goddess alone. It also commemorates the victory of good over evil. Legend has it that the demon king Mahishasura had been granted a boon of immortality by Lord Brahma, but with a twist. He could only be defeated by a woman. Thus, Goddess Durga, with her immense power and strength, emerged to vanquish the evil forces and restore harmony in the world.
The 9th day is dedicated to Kanjak puja, where young girls are revered as the embodiment of Goddess Durga herself and are worshipped and offered food and clothes as a symbol of gratitude and respect. The festival culminates on the 10th day, with the celebration of Dusshera, marking the victory of Lord Ram over the demon king Ravan, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness and the ultimate defeat of evil. To bring the festivities to a close, the idols of the Goddess are immersed in the sacred waters of rivers and lakes on the 10th day. This act, known as visarjan, signifies the departure of the divine mother and her return to her heavenly abode.
Navratris offer a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the fascinating world of mythology. There is a wide range of captivating books available for different age groups that delve into the enchanting tales of Goddess Durga and the significance of Navratris.
Children love colors, and what better way to indulge their creativity than by encouraging them to create beautiful Rangolis? Whether using child-friendly colors or the delicate petals of flowers, the possibilities are endless for them to explore their imagination and artistic skills.
Garba, a renowned traditional dance form of Gujarat, holds immense significance during the Navratris. Encourage your little ones to unleash their creativity by engaging them in the process of making their own vibrant Dandiya sticks, and taking them to a nearby Garba event.
The diverse forms of the Goddess and the tale of Mahishasura open up a world of possibilities for artistic and crafty endeavors. From crafting intricate cardboard cutouts depicting the Goddess in her myriad forms to fashioning delightful flower and paper garlands, to adorning diyas with vibrant hues, there is an abundance of activities that children of all ages can immerse themselves in.
The Navratris offer culinary delights filled with delectable treats. Why not engage your children in the joy of cooking by involving them in the creation of mouthwatering sweets like sabudana kheer?
There are also a number of Navratri events organized across the city. These involve story-telling, art and craft, and dancing. You can check out some of these events here.