Navratri is associated with the propitiation of the feminine aspects of the Almighty. The celebration, which literally translates as “nine nights,” is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. Navratri is an auspicious time to conduct poojas and for youngsters to get married right after the observance. Millions of Hindu women consider Navratri each year’s primary festival, the one they can most deeply connect to. During nine days of Navratri, Durga is the collective manifestation of Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer). As such, when people worship Durga, they are worshipping the other manifestations of God as well. Mother Goddess all the nine days, reminds us that there can be no universe without a woman. The real power of women is established by the worship of goddesses, both men and women. Women are always powerful it’s just that they have to get appropriate occasion to exhibit their power. The festival also symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, as in Hindu mythology, Durga destroyed the demon Mahishasura after a battle that lasted nine nights. The time of Navratri is meant for introspection and purification.
Vinod C. Dixit
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
