Navratri

Navratri as per meaning signifies Nine nights which are dedicated to the Divine Mother or Shakti. This festival is celebrated in the month of Ashvin Sud from 1 to 9 (September- October). Navratri is the longest celebrated Indian festival.
Navratri History
The practice of goddess worship was prevalent in India since the time immemorial even before the advent of Aryans. Our ancestors have always placed Devi or Stree (as she was referred to) into the highest pedestal of the prevalent social system at that time and they worshipped her as Shakti. There are references in our Shastras which confirms the existence of such practices. There are several myths and legends associated with celebration of this Navratri Festival.

• As per one legend Mahishasura the mighty demon worshipped Lord Shiva and obtained the power of eternity. So he started to kill and harass innocent people and set out to win seven lokas. Intimated by his power all the gods from swargaloka appealed to Lord Shiva to tame the demon. Then Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar (Shiva) united their supreme powers and created a divine being called Shakti or Durga the Warrior Goddess. Mahishasura who happened to see this divine beauty Durga got mesmerized by her beauty and approached her with the intention of marriage. Goddess Durga agreed to marry him but in one condition that Mahishasura should win over her in duel. Mahishasura who was proudy of his power agreed for the duel. The duel went on for 9 nights and the end of 9th night Goddess Durga beheaded Mahishasura. So the nine nights for which the war was fought is called Navrathri. The tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashmi.
• According to other legend King Daksha of Himalayas had a beautiful and Virtuos daughter Uma who had a wish to marry Lord Shiva. As a result she worshipped Lord Shiva and pleased him. Lord Shiva married Uma. Once Uma visited her parents to participate in a Yagna conducted over there, during that time King Daksha insulted Lord Shiva unable to bear the insults meted on her husband Uma decided to end her life by jumping into the agnikund where she was united with the eternity. Henceforth she was also known as Sati. Sati was reborn again and peace was restored between her and parents. In that birth also she married Lord Shiva and lived happily thereafter. It is believed that Sati comes to stay with her parents for 9 days in every year and that time is celebrated as Navarathri.
• One hypothesis states that in ancient times Kshatriyas debarred themselves from participating any warlike activities during monsoon season. Once monsoons got over they found the time to start afresh with their war activities. So before the start of their war journey these Kshatriyas worshipped different aspects of Devi for 9 days which is today celebrated as the Navratri.
• According to one legend Lord Rama who wanted to release Sita from the clutches of mighty demon king Ravana prayed Goddess Durga in nine aspects for nine days in order to gather the strength and power to kill Ravana. Those nine nights became to be known as Navrathri and on the tenth day Rama killed Ravana that day is called Vijayadashmi or Dashera

Hindus across the world celebrate Navratri. The holiday honors nine different forms of the mother goddess and is marked by special rituals, ceremonies, fasts and LOTS OF MUSIC and DANCING!!

Garba is a one such dance form which originated in Gujarat. It is usually performed in a circle around a big lamp or the statue of Goddess Shakti. This dance form is often confused with Dandiya, which is another dance form of Gujarat performed during Navratri, but originated in Vrindavan. The major difference between the two dance forms is that the dance is performed in circular movements with hands and feet, while Dandiya is played with colorful sticks.

1.    THE ATTIRE

You get to dress up in the traditional Gujarati dresses which are Kediyu or Kurta on the top and Dhoti or Chorno at the bottom for men.  Sarees or Chaniya Choli for women.  You can always accessorize with some traditional jewelry for that extra oomph!

2. THE MUSIC

The music is awesome! Features live bands, dhol player (the standing musician who hammers out a beat on a two-sided classical Indian drum) and then there are old Bollywood favorites like “Sabse Bada Tera Naam!! The songs start out slowly and then the musicians push the dancers faster and faster.

3. THE DANCE ITSELF

This dance form consists of mostly repetitive steps, which you can easily get a hang of with a little practice and then you can dance like a Bollywood Star! I mean who doesn’t want to right!

4. THE SPIRIT

Last but not the least the spirit of this holiday is so contagious and magical. Will surely bag you some memorable and special experiences.

So, what are you waiting for? Learn a few basic and easy steps and even if you don’t, you just need to ask someone dancing and they would be happy to help you. Setting you to flaunt your grace this Navratri season. 

Significance of Garba and Dandiya

Navratri time, Dandiya Ras, Garba, Men and Women in colorful attire and music playing with live Orchestra. The launching of festivities begins with Navrathri, which goes on for 9 days which culminates into the 10th day as Dussehra.” Navratri not only symbolises the victory of good over evil (Goddess Durga's victory
 over Mahishasur) but also celebrates the spirit of Indian culture in its togetherness.

Garba or Dandiya

These are the dance forms which were earlier only performed in Gujarat, but have now become very popular across the country. The lively and colourful dance forms' popularity is such that Garba festivals are organised in almost every corner of the country today to grace the occasion of Navratri. Garba and dandiyas are believed to be the dramatisation of the fight between the Goddess and Mahishasur– the mighty demon king. The sticks of the Dandiya dance represent the sword of Goddess Durga.