Navratri 2013

Navratri 2013 Dates

When:
Chaitra Navratri: 11th – 19th April 2013 Chaitra Navratri Schedule
Sharad Navratri: 5th – 13th October 2013
Where: Gujarat, West Bengal and other parts of India

‘Navratri’ meaning ‘nine nights’ is a significant Hindu festival, which is celebrated twice a year - ‘Chaitra’ or ‘Vasant Navratri’ (March-April), and ‘Sharad Navratri’ (October-November). Both the celebrations center on the worship of Goddess Shakti.

In Gujarat, Navratri festival celebrates the worship of Goddess Jagdamba, while in West Bengal, Durga Puja is the reason to rejoice. Though, every region in India celebrates this festival in its own way, Navratri Festival is dedicated to the 3 avatars of Goddess Shakti - Durga (the warrior Goddess), Lakshmi (the Goddess of wealth), and Saraswati (the Goddess of knowledge).

The immemorial custom of goddess worship has been prevailing in India since ancient times. There are a number of beliefs and legends of Navratri festival which have been around for ages.

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Fasting in Navratri follows a practice of cleansing, and purifying one’s body and soul, which is believed to result in blessing a person with virtue.

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In a country with a myriad of religions, customs and beliefs, blended expertly in colours of democracy, there is one festival that stands out for other, perhaps in part due to the vibrancy of its celebrations, or perhaps due to the diversity of it. The Navratri is in many ways a celebration of celebrations.

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Navratri being a nine-day long festival, a range of dishes are prepared during this occasion. Special navratri cuisine is a part of the multitude of culinary delights of the country.

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