The Power and Grace of Goddess Durga: Navratri Insights

Navratri is about to begin from 15th September 2023. Read here to get more information about this Hindu festival.

Garba and Dandiya Raas are two traditional and vibrant folk dances that are an integral part of the Navratri celebrations

Overview and key aspects of Navratri:

Mythological Origins:

According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura was a powerful demon who wreaked havoc on the earth and defeated various gods. In response, the gods combined their divine energies to create the goddess Durga, who possessed incredible strength and power.

 

The Nine Forms of Durga:

These nine forms are known as Navadurga and represent different attributes and powers of the goddess. The forms are: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.

 

Historical and Cultural Significance:

The historical roots of Navratri can be traced back to ancient times, with references to the worship of the goddess Durga in Hindu scriptures and texts. Over the centuries, the festival evolved and gained cultural significance.

 

Regional Variations:

In Gujarat, it is known for the colourful and energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas dances. In West Bengal, Navratri coincides with Durga Puja, a grand and elaborate celebration of the goddess Durga.

 

Dussehra:

The culmination of Navratri is marked by the festival of Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami. It falls on the tenth day of Navratri and commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, as described in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

 

Fasting:

Many people choose to abstain from certain foods, such as grains, non-vegetarian items, and alcohol, for the entire duration of the festival or on specific days. Some may opt for a single meal a day or eat only fruits and dairy products.

 

Daily Worship:

Devotees perform daily prayers and rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga during Navratri

 

Garba and Dandiya Raas:

Participants form concentric circles or perform in pairs, dancing to the rhythmic beats of traditional folk music. These dances are a significant part of the celebration, and people often dress in vibrant and traditional attire.

 

Golu/Kolu Display:

In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Navratri is celebrated by setting up a display of dolls and figurines called "Golu" or "Kolu" in homes.

 

Visiting Temples:

Many devotees visit temples dedicated to Goddess Durga or other forms of the divine mother during Navratri.

 

Community Celebrations:

In addition to Garba and Dandiya Raas, there may be singing, storytelling, and other cultural performances. Community-based Navratri events are common in urban areas.

 

Cultural Processions:

In some regions, processions featuring idols or images of Goddess Durga are taken through the streets with great fanfare.

 

Feasting:

After the period of fasting, devotees often prepare special meals and sweets to break their fast.

 

Garba and dandiya raas:

 

Garba:

Garba is a circular dance performed by men and women in traditional attire, typically chaniya cholis (colourful, embroidered skirts and blouses for women) and kurtas (for men).

 

Music:

The music for Garba is traditionally played using instruments like the dhol (drum), the dholak (hand drum), and the jhanjhar (cymbals).

 

Steps:

Garba dance steps are intricate and involve clapping hands, swaying, and twirling in graceful patterns.

 

Significance:

The circular movement symbolizes the cycle of life and the eternal nature of the divine. Participants often use the dance as a means to connect with the goddess spiritually.

 

Dandiya Raas:

Dandiya Raas involves the use of small, decorated wooden sticks called dandiyas. Participants form pairs and engage in a rhythmic and lively dance, striking their own dandiyas as well as their partner's sticks in a synchronized manner.

 

Music:

The music for Dandiya Raas is upbeat and energetic, with the dhol and dholak providing the primary rhythm.

 

Sticks:

Each dancer holds two dandiyas, one in each hand. The coordinated clashing of sticks between partners adds to the excitement and complexity of the dance.

 

Steps:

Dandiya Raas involves a set of specific footwork and stick-hitting patterns that dancers must learn and perform in unison with their partners.

 

Significance:

Dandiya Raas is symbolic of a playful and joyful interaction between the divine masculine and feminine energies.

 

Key aspects of Dusshera:

Victory of Good over Evil:

According to the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, Ravana had kidnapped Lord Rama's wife, Sita. After a long and epic battle, Lord Rama defeated Ravana on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Dussehra.

 

Ramlila:

These performances reenact the life and deeds of Lord Rama, culminating in the dramatic representation of Ravana's defeat and the burning of his effigy.

 

Effigy Burning:

One of the most iconic and widely observed customs of Dussehra is the burning of effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghanada (Indrajit).

 

Processions:

Idols or images of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman are taken through the streets in a chariot or on elephants, accompanied by music, dance, and enthusiastic devotees.

 

Worship of Weapons:

Lord Rama, before going into battle with Ravana, sought the blessings of the goddess Durga and the god Shiva by worshiping their respective weapons, such as the bow and arrow.

 

Cultural Significance:

Dussehra is not only a religious festival but also a time for cultural and social gatherings.

 

Regional Variations:

In some parts of India, it is associated with the worship of Goddess Durga and is the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival.

 

Dussehra in Mysore:

The Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights, and a grand procession featuring the royal family and caparisoned elephants is a highlight of the festivities.