Navratri

The festival of Navratri (Nine Nights) is observed in the honor of goddess Durga. This is one of the biggest festivals which spans over nine nights. For many people, it is a time of religious reflection and fasting, while for others it is a time for dancing and feasting. Dances performed include Garba, especially in Gujarat. Typically, the festival’s nine nights are dedicated to different aspects of the divine feminine principle or Shakti. The festival is known as Durga Puja In the eastern part of India (Bengal and Assam) Special images of Durga commemorating her victory over the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura are worshipped daily, and on the 10th day (Dussera) they are taken in jubilant processions to nearby rivers for immersion in water. In northern India, the Ram Lila (Play of Rama the king) is the highlight of the festival. On successive nights different episodes of the epic poem the Ramayana are dramatized by young actors elaborately costumed and masked; the pageant is always climaxed by the burning of huge effigies of the demon on the tenth day, Dassera.My illustration shows the Dandiya Raas (dance with stick) is a socio-religious folk dance originating from the Indian state of Gujarat and popularly performed in the festival of Navaratri all over the world. Just like Holi (the festival of colours) people from all religions and countries enjoy Dandia Raas. Men and women wear colourful dance attires, use bamboo sticks painted in bright colors, and dance all night. #navratri#navratrispecial #indianfestivals