Navratri

Experience the vibrancy of Navratri! Nine nights of dance, devotion, and culture - welcoming prosperity and celebrating the defeat of evil.

When it is?

October 3

History of Navratri

Navratri Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>4th Century BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Earliest Mentions of Navratri</div><div class='timeline-text'>Ancient Hindu scriptures called the 'Puranas', dating back to as early as the 4th Century BCE, describe the celebration of a festival very similar to Navratri.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>6th Century AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition by Prominent Dynasties</div><div class='timeline-text'>Navratri gained prominence during the reign of the Gupta Empire in Northern India, often considered as the 'Golden Age of Hinduism'.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Navratri Rituals Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>By this period, practices like fasting, idol immersion, and cultural performances had become an integral part of Navratri celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Geographical Expansions</div><div class='timeline-text'>Navratri began spreading to other parts of India due to increased mobility and cultural exchange between different regions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Navratri in Modern India</div><div class='timeline-text'>From roadside pandals to stadium-sized venues, Navratri celebrations transformed drastically, reflecting India's booming economy and global influence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Navratri Worldwide</div><div class='timeline-text'>With the Indian diaspora spreading across the globe, Navratri is now celebrated by millions of Hindus and India-enthusiasts worldwide.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Navratri

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a virtual Dandiya Raas party</h3><p class='facts-text'>As we adapt to the new way of doing things, consider keeping the spirit alive by hosting your group's traditional dandiya night virtually this year. From the safety and comfort of your homes, get everyone together on a video call and let the sticks clack!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Commit to a nine-day spiritual cleanse</h3><p class='facts-text'>Make this Navratri spiritually rejuvenating. Each day of Navratri is devoted to a form of the goddess Durga. Focus each day on learning or reflecting upon the values each form represents.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize an online fashion show</h3><p class='facts-text'>One of the delights of Navratri is seeing everyone in their vibrant, traditional attire. Host an online fashion show where participants can show off their colorful lehenga choli or traditional kurta.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Enact Goddess Durga's tales through a skit</h3><p class='facts-text'>Navratri is the perfect time to delve deep and understand the tales of the powerful deity Durga. Encourage your friends or family members to enact small skits based on the stories or virtues of each avatar of Durga.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a fast-friendly cook-off</h3><p class='facts-text'>Invite your friends for an online cook-off where everyone prepares their own version of 'vrat ka khana'—delicious fasting-food that is a huge part of Navratri traditions. This can be a fun way to share recipes and have communal meals virtually.</p></div></div>

Why Navratri is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a Spiritual and Cultural Celebration</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Navratri is not only a religious observance, but it also serves as a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Hindu culture. The nine nights are filled with sacred rituals, retelling of ancient tales, and festive traditions such as wearing colorful attire. Moreover, each night is devoted to a different form of the Goddess Durga, encouraging reflection and spiritual growth.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Fosters Connection and Community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Despite being celebrated virtually nowadays, Navratri still manages to foster a sense of community. From virtual Dandiya Raas parties to online fashion shows, the festival helps foster togetherness and camaraderie in unique, engaging ways. It's an opportunity for people to connect, share traditions, and maintain the communal spirit of the festival, even while apart.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages Creativity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Navratri is not only about devotion, it’s also a festival that invites creativity and personal expression. Whether it's through hosting fast-friendly cook-offs, organizing online fashion shows with vibrant traditional attire, or enacting skits based on the tales of Durga, the festival encourages participants to explore their artistic side and add their personal touch to the festivities. </p></div></div>