Navratri – The Traditional Hindu Festival
Introduction Navratri , meaning "nine nights," is a vibrant festival celebrated across India during the onset of spring and autumn. This festival honors the nine forms or avatars of the Goddess Devi, with celebrations and traditional attire varying by region. The dates of Navratri are determined by the Hindu lunar calendar, leading to variations each year. During this period, many people fast to seek the blessings of the Devi. Some break their fast on the morning of Ashtami, the 8th day of Navratri , after the final prayers, while others do so the next day. These nine days are marked by lively festivities, with women donning traditional Indian ethnic wear . History The origins of Navratri can be traced back to the Vedic Age in India. According to mythology, following the death of King Dooshibago, various royal families vied for control of the throne, leading to a conflict. The eventual victor, King Yudhajit, placed his grandson, Prince Sudarsana, on the t...