Navratri, the nine days of festivities!

Navratri, the nine days of festivities!

Navratri, meaning 'nine nights', is one of the most popular and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in many parts of India. The festival is celebrated with fervour and festivity to mark the victory of Goddesses Durga, who fought against the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura. While Navratri's specific customs and traditions vary from region to region, a common practice observed by all is fasting and engaging in the lively dance form known as garba. &TV artists enthusiastically share plans for Navratri celebrations. These includes Aayudh Bhanushali (Krishna, Doosri Maa), Himani Shivpuri (Katori Amma, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Aayudh Bhanushali, aka Krishna from Doosri Maa, shares, “Amongst Gujaratis, the anticipation for Navratri each year is unparalleled, not just for me but for my entire family. The preparations start much ahead in advance. While everyone in our home observes a nine-day fast, children are not allowed to do that. However, taking part in the evening aarti and then playing garba in front of the beautifully adorned matki in our house is a tradition we all cherish. We adorn ourselves in vibrant garba attire and dance together, which I thoroughly enjoy and eagerly look forward to every year. We also head to the nearby grounds to join our friends for Garba and dance all night. It is undoubtedly one of my favourite festivals I celebrate with unwavering devotion and enthusiasm.”

Himani Shivpuri, Katori Amma from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “During Navratri, many people fast in North and Western India. My mother and grandmother used to fast continuously for nine days because it’s a time to make progress in your spiritual practice and invoke the energy of the Mother Goddess or purify your body-mind. It used to be nine days of avoiding salt, lentils, onion, and garlic. Everything my mother cooked was Sattvic. I now adhere to the traditions and customs of Navratri that were passed down to me. Over the years, I have realised that fasting is an effective therapy to cleanse our bodies. When the body is cleansed, the mind becomes calmer and more peaceful because of the deep connection between the body and mind. Also, one diya or lamp is lighted throughout the nine days, and I take utmost care that there is enough ghee or oil in the diya all the time. I wish everyone a happy Navratri.” Shubhangi Atre, Angoori Bhabi from Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “I simply love the festivities. I was in Indore to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi recently, and now I am already gearing up to celebrate Navratri. I visit the temple at least once during the nine days of Navratri and consume sattvic food. It's believed that each day of Navratri is associated with a specific colour, symbolising something unique, and I try to coordinate my attire with the designated colour for each day. This year, I also plan to take some time to enjoy the festive dandiya and garba nights in my society. I extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone for a joyful and prosperous Navratri.”

Watch Doosri Maa at 8:00 pm, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!