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How is Navratri Celebrated Across India?

What is Navratri?

(Sharad) Navratri is a 9 day festival held across Hindu spheres to celebrate Durga's victory against her 9 day long battle with a demon named Mahishasur. It's usually celebrated in October in a variety of ways based on ethnic backgrounds. Let's take a quick trip around India to discover...

Gujarat

Celebrated over the course of 9 nights
It includes fasting on either the first day, or partially fasting all 9 days
Prayers are dedicated to a clay pot called "garbo," that holds diyas inside
Traditional dances called "raas & garba" are also performed

Punjab

Celebrated with devotees fasting for the first 7 days of the festival
Near the end of the festival, 9 young girls are honored with gifts

West Bengal, Odisha, Assam & Bihar

Celebrated as "Durga Puja" and is a huge celebration
Takes places during the last 4 days of the festival
People dress in new clothes and Bengali women wear traditional white saris with red borders

Karnataka

The festival is called "Dasara" (also known as Vijayadasami, Dussehra, Navratri or Durgotsav)
It celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over the ten-headed asura king Ravana, as described in the Ramayan

Tamil Nadu

Celebrated in honor of the Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati
One especially unique aspect of the celebrations here is the decoration of a 9-step staircase called the "Kolu / Golu"
Each step is adorned with dolls which are passed down generations.

Kerala

Celebrated during the last 3 days
A very important significance is placed on knowledge and learning
For this reason, many books and musical instruments are placed around idols the Goddess Saraswati. At the end, the books are taken down for reading

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