A Guide to Gujarat’s Festive Gala – Navratri!

Get ready for the most awaited cultural extravaganza of the year – Navratri 2023! This guide is your gateway to understanding and immersing yourself in the magic of Navratri. As the beats of Garba and the clatter of Dandiya sticks fill the air, Navratri transforms into a grand festival of dance, devotion, and dazzling colours. Whether you're a Navratri enthusiast or planning to partake in this cultural phenomenon for the first time, this guide will provide you with insights, tips, and a deeper understanding of Navratri celebrations.

Navratri Colours 2023: Significance and Symbolism

During the auspicious festival of Navratri, which spans nine days, each day is associated with a specific colour that holds deep significance. These symbolize various aspects of the festival, and devotees often dress in the designated colour of the day to pay homage to the Goddess and seek her blessings. The nine colours of Navratri represent different qualities and energies.

Here's a brief overview of the nine colours of Navratri 2023:

Also Read: How Is Navratri Celebrated in Different Parts of India?

Opening up the history book

Did you know, mythology is interlaced with Navratri’s origins? Yes, there are many fascinating tales to share!

The first one has to do with the battle fought between Goddess Durga and Demon Mahishasura. It is believed that Lord Shiva, upon the plea of the other Gods, called upon Goddess Durga for aid. She took on 9 different avatars – the Nava Durga –

Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri. . For a period of 9 days and nights, she duelled with the demon, until finally, good triumphed over evil. Thus, each day is associated with an incarnation of the Goddess.

The second one has to do with Goddess Sati, who married Lord Shiva against the wishes of her father, King Daksha Prajapati. In an act of vengeance, King Daksha organised a huge Yagna (ritual) and invited all the Gods, except his new son-in-law. Sati decided to attend the Yagna, despite Lord Shiva's attempt to persuade her otherwise. Daksha ignored his daughter's presence and publicly degraded Lord Shiva. Unable to bear her father’s insults, she committed suicide by jumping into the fire. However, she was reborn again, won Lord Shiva as her groom, and peace was eventually restored into the kingdom. Deities believe that she visits her parents’ home every year during Navratri.

Grooving to the beats of Navratri

Navratri, translating to ‘nine nights’, is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in the country.

Gujarat, however, erupts into a nine-night dance festival, deemed to be the longest and the grandest in the world!

Each night, towns and cities celebrate with hearts full of joy. Friends and family gather in large, open spaces to pay tribute to feminine divinity, referred to as ‘Shakti’.

How do they do so? Through Garba, of course!

Garba is performed with great fervour and enthusiasm across Gujarat. And the focal point of every Garba circle is a small shrine erected in the centre to mark the beginning of the festival. The shrine includes a Garbha Deep, i.e., clay lantern in which a betel nut, coconut, and silver coin are placed.

Interesting fact - the circle of dancers revolve around the pot. This is inspired by the cycle of time, which revolves from birth to life to death to rebirth. The only thing that remains constant through it all, is the Goddess.

Also Read:Durga Temples in India You Must Visit This Durga Pooja

Exploring customs and rituals

What’s an Indian festival without sacred, symbolistic rituals to go with it? Some of the most interesting Navratri practices include the following:

• On the very first day, barley or 'jowar' seeds are sown into a decorated clay pot. By the tenth day, the tender shoots are distributed among the devotees.
• Since all the nine days are dedicated to different incarnations of Maa Durga, it is customary to wear colours that symbolise the qualities of the deity.
• 'Kalash Sthapna' is a ritual that involves the use of a metal pot, holy water, coconut and mango leaves. The mango leaves represent Kama, the God of love, while the coconut represents prosperity and power.
• 'Kanya Puja' on 'Ashtami' is the act of worshipping nine young girls who are in their pre-puberty stage. The ritual pays homage to the nine forms of goddess Durga.

On the eighth day, a Yagna (puja) is performed with offerings of clarified butter and sesame seeds. It is supposed to help with mental and spiritual cleansing.

Flipping through the festive calendar

Navratri is celebrated for a total of nine nights. The festival begins on the first day of the fortnight of the Hindu month Ashwin, which roughly corresponds to the dates in the Gregorian calendar in September and October. Dussehra or Vijayadashami occurs during the tenth day of Ashwin. According to certain Hindu texts like the Shakta and Vaishnava Puranas, Navaratri actually falls twice or four times a year. Of these, the Sharada Navaratri during autumn is the most celebrated, while the Vasanta Navaratri during spring is the next most significant.

Also Read: Durga Pujo in Kolkata- Important Days, Worships, and the Rituals

Experience Navratri Away from Home with Club Mahindra Resorts in Gujarat!

If you're looking to celebrate Navratri away from your hometown or experience this vibrant festival for the first time, look no further than Club Mahindra Resorts in Gujarat.

Their resorts in Gujarat, including Club Mahindra Gir, Club Mahindra Dwarka, Club Mahindra Netrang, and Club Mahindra Kensville Golf Resort Ahmedabad, provide warm and inviting atmospheres that are perfect for festive gatherings. Their friendly staff and fun-filled activities ensure that you'll have a memorable Navratri experience. Moreover, Club Mahindra Resorts in Gujarat are known for their special Navratri celebrations, including lively Garba and Dandiya Raas activities that allow you to immerse in the festive spirit.

So, put on your festive finest, grab your dandiya sticks, and get ready to groove to the Garba beats!

Celebrating with Club Mahindra

If you’re looking to experience Navratri for the first time or simply wish to mark this festival away from home, consider traveling to one of our delightful resorts in Gujarat. Club Mahindra Gir, Club Mahindra Dwarka, Club Mahindra Netrang, Kensville Golf Resort Ahmedabad, and Boulevard 9 Nadiad, are all equally wonderful options for families. Warm, inviting, friendly, fun – what’s not to love? Put on your festive finest and get ready to Garba with your favorite resort chain!