Ranjith (director): Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Indian film director, screen writer, producer and actor}}
{{about||the 1964 film|Navarathri (1964 film)|the 1966 film|Navaratri (1966 film)}}
{{Distinguish|Pa. Ranjith}}
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{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2015}}  
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2013}}
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{{Infobox person
{{short description|Annual Hindu festival}}
| name              = Ranjith
{{Infobox holiday
| image             = Ranjith2.jpg
|holiday_name  = Sharada Navaratri
| caption           =  
|type          = Hindu
| birth_name        =  
|longtype      =  
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1964|9|5}}
|image         = Navratri Navaratri festival preparations and performance arts collage.jpg
| nationality        = Indian
|caption       = Navaratri celebrates
| birth_place        = [[Balussery]], [[Kozhikode]], [[Kerala]]
good over evil by goddess Durga
| occupation        = Film director, screenwriter, producer, actor
|nickname      = Navratri, Nauratri, Navarathri, Navaratra, Navratan, or Nauratan
| yearsactive        = 1987–present
|observedby    = [[Hindus]]
| parents            =  
|begins        = [[Ashvin]] Shukla [[Prathama (day)|Prathama]]
| spouse            = Sreeja Ranjith
|ends          = Ashvin Shukla [[Navami]]
| children          = Agnivesh Ranjith<br>Aswaghosh Ranjith
|frequency    = Annual
|celebrations  = 10 days (9 nights)
|observances  = stage setting, prayers, plays, dramas, fasting, [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]], murti immersion, and bonfires prayers are offered to goddess Durga and parvati
|relatedto    = [[Vijayadashami]], [[Dashain]]
|alt=|official_name=|litcolor=|significance=|date=|weekday=|month=|scheduling=|duration=10 days|firsttime=|startedby=
|date2020=17 Oct (Sat) – 25 Oct (Sun)<ref>{{cite web |author=Drik Panchag| title=Navratri 2020 detailed calendar|url=http://www.drikpanchang.com/navratri/ashwin-shardiya-navratri-dates.html?year=2020 }}</ref>
|date2021=7 Oct (Thu) – 15 Oct (Fri)
|date2022=26 Sep (Mon) – 5 Oct (Wed)
|date2023=15 Oct (Sun) – 24 Oct (Tue)
|image_size=
}}
}}
{{Saktism}}
{{Hinduism}}


'''Ranjith Balakrishnan''' (born 5 September 1964) is a veteran Indian film director, screenwriter, producer, and actor who works in [[Malayalam cinema]]. Ranjith made his directorial debut in 2001 with ''[[Ravanaprabhu]]'', a sequel to ''[[Devasuram|Devaasuram]]''. His films ''[[Thirakkatha]]'' and ''[[Indian Rupee (film)|Indian Rupee]]'' won the [[National Film Awards|National Film Award]] for [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam|Best Feature Film in Malayalam]] in 2008 and 2011 respectively.<ref name="56th National Film Awards">[http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2010/jan/r2010012302.pdf "56th National Film Awards"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201311/http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2010/jan/r2010012302.pdf |date=3 March 2016 }}. Public Information Bureau. Retrieved 2 March 2011.</ref>
'''Navaratri'''{{efn|Also spelled ''Navratri'', ''Nauratri'', ''Navarathri'', ''Navaratra'', ''Navratam'', or ''Nauratam''}} is a [[Hindu festival]] that spans nine nights (and ten days) and is celebrated every year in the autumn. It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the [[Indian cultural sphere]].{{sfn | Encyclopedia Britannica | 2015}}<ref name="Fuller2004p108">{{cite book|author=Christopher John Fuller|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC&pg=PA108|title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India|publisher=Princeton University Press|year=2004|isbn=978-0-69112-04-85|pages=108–109|author-link=Chris Fuller (academic)}}</ref> Theoretically, there are four seasonal ''Navaratri''. However, in practice, it is the post-monsoon autumn festival called Sharada Navaratri that is the most observed in the honor of the divine feminine [[Devi]] ([[Durga]]). The festival is celebrated in the bright half of the Hindu calendar month ''Ashvin'', which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October.{{sfn | Encyclopedia Britannica | 2015}}{{sfn|James G. Lochtefeld|2002|pp=468–469}}


==Early life==
==Etymology and nomenclature==
Ranjith was born in [[Balussery]] in [[Kozhikode]], Kerala. He graduated from the [[School of Drama and Fine Arts]], [[Thrissur]], in 1985.
The word ''Navaratri'' means 'nine nights' in [[Sanskrit]], ''nava'' meaning nine and ''ratri'' meaning nights.{{sfn|James G. Lochtefeld|2002|pp=468-469}}


==Career==
==Dates and celebrations==
===Early career===
In the eastern and northeastern states of [[India]], the [[Durga Puja]] is synonymous with ''Navaratri'', wherein goddess Durga battles and emerges victorious over the buffalo demon [[Mahishasura|Mahishasur]] to help restore [[dharma]].<ref name="Fuller2004p108" /> In southern states, the victory of Durga or [[Kali]] is celebrated. In all cases, the common theme is the battle and victory of good over evil based on a regionally famous epic or legend such as the ''[[Devi Mahatmya]]''.{{sfn|Encyclopedia Britannica|2015}}{{sfn|James G. Lochtefeld|2002|pp=468–469}}
During the late 1980s, Ranjith tried his hand at skits and television serials for [[Doordarshan]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}}. Ranjith's entry into Mollywood was accidental, he was inspired by his friend, the late film producer and director Alex I. Kadavil, in whose residence he had stayed for his debut in the film industry. In 1987, he made his debut as a writer in ''[[Oru Maymasa Pulariyil]]'', produced by Alex I. Kadavil and directed by V. R. Gopinath.<ref name="Early career">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/02/20/stories/2010022060570300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629035512/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/02/20/stories/2010022060570300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2011|title=Germinating story ideas|date=20 February 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2 March 2011}}</ref> In 1988, Ranjith made his formal entry into the film world by writing the story for ''[[Orkkapurathu]]'', an adventure film directed by [[Kamal (director)|Kamal]], with [[Mohanlal]] in the lead role. The immediate success of ''[[Orkkapurathu]]'' brought Ranjith several opportunities to work in films. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ranjith wrote scripts for several small budget films, mainly for Kamal, including ''[[Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal]]'' (1989), ''Pradeshika Varthakal'' (1989) and ''[[Pookkalam Varavayi]]'' (1991).


Another director with whom Ranjith worked during this period was [[Viji Thampi]]. This team released ''[[Witness (1988 film)|Witness]]'' (1988), ''Nanma Niranjavan Sreenivasan'' (1990), ''[[Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam]]'' (1989) and ''Kaalalpada'' (1990), all with [[Jayaram]] in the lead role. In 1992, he wrote ''[[Neelagiri (film)|Neelagiri]]'' for [[I. V. Sasi]], which underperformed at the box office. This was followed by ''[[Johnnie Walker (film)|Johnnie Walker]]'', directed by [[Jayaraj]], which was noted for its different filmmaking style but average at the boxoffice .<ref>[https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2017/past-to-present-mammootty-s-johnnie-walker/articlecontent-pf215961-266944.html "Past To Present: Mammootty's Johnnie Walker!"]. Filmibeat.com. August 4, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Lakshmi Vijayan (September 12, 2016). [http://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/exclusives/jayaraj-about-johnny-walker-movie-mammooty.html "ജോണി വാക്കര്‍ അന്നും ഇന്നും ഒരു നൊമ്പരം: ജയരാജ്"]. ''[[Malayala Manorama]]''. Retrieved August 15, 2017.</ref>
===Celebrations===
Celebrations include worshipping nine goddesses in nine days, stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of [[Hinduism]]. The nine days are also a major crop season cultural event, such as competitive design and staging of ''[[pandal]]s'', a family visit to these ''pandals,'' and the public celebration of [[Dance in India|classical and folk dances]] of Hindu culture.<ref name="rinehart147">{{cite book|author=Robin Rinehart|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hMPYnfS_R90C&pg=PA147|title=Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2004|isbn=978-1-57607-905-8|pages=147–148}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Sue Penney|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ETUlVS-xs_YC&pg=PA30|title=Hinduism|publisher=Heinemann|year=2008|isbn=978-1-4329-0314-5|pages=30–31}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Ellen Koskoff|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=73MO0eiQD_EC|title=The Concise Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: The Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia|publisher=Routledge|year=2008|isbn=978-0-415-99404-0|pages=992, 1015–1016}}</ref> Hindu devotees often celebrate Navaratri by fasting. On the final day, called [[Vijayadashami]], the statues are either immersed in a water body such as a river or ocean, or the statue symbolizing the evil is burnt with fireworks, marking the destruction of evil. The festival also starts the preparation for [[Diwali]], the festival of lights, which is celebrated twenty days after [[Vijayadashami]].<ref>{{cite book|author1=Susan B. Gall|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sEYUAQAAIAAJ|title=The Asian-American Almanac|author2=Irene Natividad|publisher=Gale Research|year=1995|isbn=978-0-8103-9193-2|page=24}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Rina Singh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iSGTDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA17|title=Diwali|publisher=Orca|year=2016|isbn=978-1-4598-1008-2|pages=17–18}}</ref><ref name="Fuller2004p108" />


===1993 to 2000===
=== Dates ===
1993 was a huge turning point in Ranjith's career: ''[[Devasuram]]'', his film based on the life of his father-figure, Mullassery Rajagopal,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/08/stories/2007090850960200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201103638/http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/08/stories/2007090850960200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 December 2007|title=An award in the name of a music lover|date=8 September 2007|access-date=2 March 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|quote=Ranjith had told me that he was planning to make a film on Raju (Devasuram)}}</ref> turned out to be a huge box office hit. With [[Mohanlal]] in the lead and directed by [[I. V. Sasi|I.V. Sasi]], ''Devasuram'' was both critically and commercially acclaimed; [[Mohanlal]]'s performance was lauded and it opened a new genre of feudal stories in Malayalam cinema. Within two months of the release of ''[[Devasuram]]'', Ranjith's next movie, ''[[Maya Mayuram]]'' (directed by [[Sibi Malayil]] and again starring [[Mohanlal]]) was released, but was not as successful. According to Ranjith, ''Maya Mayuram'' is one of his best films and its failure affected him greatly. Ranjith mentioned in an interview that several directors passed on the opportunity to make ''Maya Mayuram'', and it was [[Mohanlal]] who convinced [[Sibi Malayil]] to get involved.
According to some [[Hindu texts]] such as the Shakta and Vaishnava Puranas, Navaratri theoretically falls twice or four times a year. Of these, the Sharada Navaratri near autumn equinox (September–October) is the most celebrated and the Vasanta Navaratri near spring equinox (March–April) is the next most significant to the culture of the Indian subcontinent. In all cases, Navaratri falls in the bright half of the Hindu lunisolar months. The celebrations vary by region, leaving much to the creativity and preferences of the Hindu.{{sfn|James G. Lochtefeld|2002|pp=468–469}}<ref name="Fuller2004p108f">{{cite book|author=Christopher John Fuller|title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC&pg=PA108 |year=2004|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=978-0-69112-04-85|pages=108–127}}</ref><ref name="Sivapriyananda1995p21">{{cite book|author=S Sivapriyananda|title=Mysore Royal Dasara|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DVkyFvZL_qMC&pg=PA21|year=1995|publisher=Abhinav Publications|pages=21–22}}</ref>  


After writing ''Yadavam'' (directed by Jomon and starring [[Suresh Gopi]]), Ranjith worked with [[Shaji Kailas]] for ''[[Rudraksham]]'', again starring [[Suresh Gopi]], who was at the peak of his career. This film generated significant hype in the market as [[Shaji Kailas]]-[[Suresh Gopi]] was a hot selling team at the time, but the loose script and clichéd humorless dialogues led to ''[[Rudraksham]]'' becoming a flop. His next piece of work, ''Rajaputhran'', directed by Shajun Karyal, again with [[Suresh Gopi]] in the lead, became a superhit.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/11/stories/2006081100560300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825055157/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/11/stories/2006081100560300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 August 2007|title=Destiny's child|date=11 August 2006|access-date=2 March 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|quote=This is not Shajoon's first hit. Thachiledathu Chundan, released in 1999, with Mammootty in the lead role, was his first hit.}}</ref>
====Sharada Navaratri====
Sharada Navaratri is the most celebrated of the four Navaratri, named after ''Sharada'' which means autumn. It commences on the first day (''pratipada'') of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of [[Ashvini]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-09|title=Sharad Navratri 2020: History, significance, shubh muhurat and all you need to know about nine avatars of Goddess Durga|url=https://english.jagran.com/lifestyle/navratri-2020-check-history-significance-schedule-and-shubh-muhurat-of-the-nineday-festival-10017950|access-date=2020-10-25|website=Jagran English}}</ref> The festival is celebrated for nine nights once every year during this month, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October. The exact dates of the festival are determined according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, and sometimes the festival may be held for a day more or a day less depending on the adjustments for sun and moon movements and the leap year.{{sfn|Encyclopedia Britannica|2015}}<ref name="Fuller2004p108f" /><ref name="rinehart147" /> In many regions, the festival falls after the autumn harvest, and in others, during harvest.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Navratri 2018: Date, Day-Wise Significance Of Sharad Navratri And Special Fasting Foods|url=https://www.ndtv.com/food/navratri-2018-10-october-day-wise-significance-of-sharad-navratri-and-special-fasting-foods-1919567|access-date=2020-10-09|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>  


In 1997, Ranjith teamed up again with [[Shaji Kailas]] for ''Asuravamsham'', starring [[Manoj K Jayan]] and [[Biju Menon]]; the film yielded an average commercial response. Towards the end of 1997, Ranjith penned ''[[Aaraam Thampuran]]'', which went to become one of the biggest hits of his career. Directed by [[Shaji Kailas]], the film broke several box office collection records and received praise from critics. This film was also a turning point in the career of [[Mohanlal]], and with it Ranjith gained a reputation as a commercially viable scriptwriter. Then came ''Kaikudanna Nilavu'', in 1998, directed by [[Kamaluddin Mohammed|Kamal]], starring [[Jayaram]], yet another average grosser. In 1998 Ranjith scripted ''[[Summer in Bethlehem]]'', directed by [[Sibi Malayil]], starring [[Suresh Gopi]] and [[Jayaram]], a super hit.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2003062600640200.htm&date=2003/06/26/&prd=thlf&|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125062755/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2003062600640200.htm&date=2003/06/26/&prd=thlf&|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2013|title=Focusing on social issues|date=26 June 2003|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=3 February 2011}}</ref> In 1999, Ranjith and [[Shaji Kailas]] produced the film ''[[Ustaad (1999 film)|Ustaad]]'', directed by [[Sibi Malayil]], starring [[Mohanlal]]. This film, written by Ranjith, was a super hit at the box office.
The festivities extend beyond goddess Durga and various other goddesses such as Saraswati and Lakshmi. Gods such as [[Ganesha]], [[Kartikeya]], [[Shiva]], and [[Parvati]] are regionally revered. For example, a notable pan-Hindu tradition during Navaratri is the adoration of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, music, and arts, through [[Ayudha Puja]].<ref name="nilima111" /> On this day, which typically falls on the ninth day of Navaratri, peace and knowledge is celebrated. Warriors thank, decorate, and worship their weapons, offering prayers to Saraswati.<ref>{{cite book|author=Nicholas B. Dirks|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cegr6zH9PFEC&pg=PA39|title=The Hollow Crown: Ethnohistory of an Indian Kingdom|publisher=University of Michigan Press|year=1993|isbn=0-472-08187-X|pages=39–40}}</ref> Musicians upkeep, play, and pray their musical instruments. Farmers, carpenters, smiths, pottery makers, shopkeepers, and all sorts of tradespeople similarly decorate and worship their equipment, machinery, and tools of trade. Students visit their teachers, express respect, and seek their blessings.<ref name="nilima111" /><ref name="Jagannathan2005p115">{{cite book|author=Maithily Jagannathan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xcIrkKUJH9QC&pg=PA115|title=South Indian Hindu Festivals and Traditions|publisher=Abhinav Publications|year=2005|isbn=978-81-7017-415-8|pages=115–117}}</ref> This tradition is particularly strong in South India, but is observed elsewhere too.<ref name="Jagannathan2005p115" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Navratri 2020: Date, Day-Wise Celebrate Navratri Story|url=https://www.motivationlifechangingstories.in/2020/10/celebrate-happy-navratri-story-in-hindi-full-short-story-of-maa-durga-in-hindi-Navratri-2020.html|access-date=2020-11-04|website=motivationlifechangingstories.in/}}</ref>


The year 2000 began with the release of ''[[Narasimham (film)|Narasimham]]'', directed by [[Shaji Kailas]]. With [[Mohanlal]] playing the lead role, this film became one of the biggest hits ever in the history of Malayalam cinema at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl1715/17151210.htm|title=Greasepaint, and beyond |author=R. Krishnakumar|publisher=[[The Hindu]]|work=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]|date=22 July 2000|access-date=2 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/jan/24mallu.htm|title=Narasimham – Malayalam's biggest ever grosser|publisher=[[Rediff]]|date=26 January 2000|access-date=2 March 2011}}</ref> Yet again in 2000, together with [[Shaji Kailas| Director Shaji]], Ranjith repeated history: his [[Onam]] release ''[[Valliettan]]'' starring [[Mammooty]] was a commercial success. This was his last script for Shaji Kailas<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2005111800690100.htm&date=2005/11/18/&prd=fr&|title=Portrayal of tones of grey|newspaper=The Hindu|date=18 November 2005|access-date=3 February 2011|quote=Valyettan, which went on to become a big hit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503171152/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2005111800690100.htm&date=2005%2F11%2F18%2F&prd=fr&|archive-date=3 May 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> and with this film Ranjith became the most successful scriptwriter of the time.
====Chaitra Navaratri====
{{see|Indian New Year's days|Mesha Sankranti}}
Chaitra Navaratri is the second most celebrated Navaratri, named after ''vasanta'' which means spring. It is observed during the lunar month of [[Chaitra]] (March–April). In many regions, the festival falls after spring harvest, and in others, during harvest. It also marks the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, also known as the Hindu Lunar New Year, according to the [[Vikram Samvat]] calendar.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[The Hindustan Times]] | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/more-lifestyle/chaitra-navratri-2020-significance-history-behind-the-nine-day-festival-and-how-will-it-be-different-this-year/story-QhzJsRqlahKGlp9gAbWe8M.html|title=Chaitra Navratri 2020: Significance, history behind the nine-day festival and how will it be different this year |date=2020-03-30 |access-date=2021-02-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Desk|first=India TV News|date=2015-03-21|title=Difference between Vasanta and Sharad Navaratri - India TV|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/lifestyle/news/navaratri-vasanta-sharad-difference-4812.html|access-date=2020-10-11|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en}}</ref>


=== 2001 to 2009 ===
====Magha Navaratri====
In 2001, Ranjith made his directorial debut with ''[[Ravanaprabhu]]'', the sequel to ''[[Devasuram]]''.<ref>[http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/07/18/stories/0418211o.htm "Painting a portrait of love – Section: The Shooting of Ravana Prabhu"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224164037/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/07/18/stories/0418211o.htm |date=24 February 2008 }}. ''The Hindu''. 18 July 2001. Retrieved 2011-02-03.</ref> With [[Mohanlal]] appearing in dual roles as father and son, this film turned out to be another blockbuster.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2008/07/19/stories/2008071953340700.htm|title=Journey of music|newspaper=The Hindu|date=19 July 2008|access-date=3 February 2011|quote=Ravana Prabhu is one of the biggest hits of Malayalam cinema|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603080439/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2008/07/19/stories/2008071953340700.htm|archive-date=3 June 2009|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2002 Ranjith came back with another blockbuster, ''[[Nandanam (film)|Nandanam]]'', starring [[Navya Nair]] and a new face, [[Prithviraj Sukumaran]].<ref>[https://archive.today/20130125065619/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/lf/2003/01/04/stories/2003010400930200.htm "Youngsters leave a mark"]. ''The Hindu''. 4 January 2003. Retrieved 2011-03-02.</ref> Ranjith produced this film along with his friend, actor [[Siddique (actor)|Siddique]]. ''Nandanam'', revolving around an innocent girl, her love for Lord Sri Krishna and her beau, was an entirely different and unexpected theme from Ranjith at the time. Despite the film not having a big star cast, fights, or punchy dialogues{{nbsp}}{{ndash}} and being shelved after some pre-production activities{{nbsp}}{{ndash}} it became a hit.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/01/09/stories/2010010953950800.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629034949/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/01/09/stories/2010010953950800.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2011|title=Sitting Pretty|author=Prema Manmadhan|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=9 January 2010}}</ref>
Magha Navaratri is observed during the lunar month of [[Magha (month)|Magha]] (January–February). The fifth day of this festival is often independently observed as ''[[Vasant Panchami]]'' or ''Basant Panchami'', the official start of spring in the Hindu tradition, wherein goddess [[Saraswati]] is revered through arts, music, writing, and kite flying. In some regions, the Hindu god of love, ''[[Kama]]'' is revered.{{sfn|James G. Lochtefeld|2002|pp=741–742}}<ref>{{cite book|author=R. Manohar Lall|title=Among the Hindus: A Study of Hindu Festivals|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YlqH4Q_gqCQC&pg=PA27|year=1933|publisher=Asian Educational Services|isbn=978-81-206-1822-0|pages=27–33}}</ref> ''Magha Navaratri'' is observed regionally or by individuals.<ref name=":0">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DaiaY75n24sC|title=The Illustrated Weekly of India, Volume 96|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Company|year=1975|page=37}}</ref>


In 2003 Ranjith directed ''[[Mizhi Randilum]]'', starring Dileep and Kavya Madhavan, another family drama, which failed to impress the masses, but was critically acclaimed. In the same year Ranjith scripted ''Ammakilikood'', directed by Padmakumar with [[Prithviraj Sukumaran|Prithviraj]] in the lead role, which also got the cold shoulder from the public. In 2004 Ranjith teamed up with [[Mammooty]] for ''[[Black (2004 film)|Black]]'', which was a complete commercial entertainer targeting the fans of [[Mammootty]].<ref>[http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2004/12/31/stories/2004123101620100.htm "Year 2004 — a flashback"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826122941/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2004/12/31/stories/2004123101620100.htm |date=26 August 2010 }}. ''The Hindu''. 31 December 2004. Retrieved 2011-03-02.</ref><ref>[http://www.sify.com/movies/malayalam-cinema-analysis-2004-news-malayalam-kkfvAKceaea.html "Malayalam cinema- Analysis 2004!"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209103948/http://www.sify.com/movies/malayalam-cinema-analysis-2004-news-malayalam-kkfvAKceaea.html |date=9 December 2015 }}. [[Sify]]. 1 January 2005. Retrieved 2011-03-02.</ref> ''[[Chandrolsavam]]'', starring [[Mohanlal]], followed in 2005.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2005/12/30/stories/2005123001380100.htm|title=Boom year for mollywood|date=30 December 2005|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=3 February 2011|quote=Chandrolsavam flopped owning to lack of content|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926132835/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2005/12/30/stories/2005123001380100.htm|archive-date=26 September 2008|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Ranjith believes that it was not a bad film. He said, "Mohanlal fans expected too much. I don't think it was a bad film. Many who watched it on DVD called to say they were surprised it did not do well. Fans come in with pre-conceived notions on how the actor will be in the movie and the kind of story it will be, hence they could not grasp the poetic element in the film."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/06/23/stories/2006062300980300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629035529/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/06/23/stories/2006062300980300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2011|title=Daring to be different|date=23 June 2006|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2 March 2011}}</ref>
====Ashada Navaratri====
Ashada Navaratri is observed during the lunar month of [[Ashadha]] (June–July), during the start of the monsoon season.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jun 23|first=Venu Lanka / TNN /|last2=2020|last3=Ist|first3=04:32|title=Ashada Navaratri begins at Kanaka Durga temple {{!}} Vijayawada News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/ashada-navaratri-begins-at-kanaka-durga-temple/articleshow/76516681.cms|access-date=2020-10-20|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> ''Ashada Navaratri'' is observed regionally or by individuals.<ref name=":0" />


In 2006, he scripted and directed ''[[Prajapathi]]'', starring [[Mammootty]], was also blasted by critics,<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/11/stories/2006071103600200.htm "Done in by a poor story"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060458/http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/11/stories/2006071103600200.htm |date=21 September 2013 }}. ''The Hindu''. 11 July 2006. Retrieved 2011-02-03.</ref> and was another disastrous movie.<ref>[http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/ful...hp?id=14235940 "Prajapathi bombs"]{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} . [[Sify]]. 26 June 2006. Retrieved 2011-02-03.</ref> His next venture was an offbeat film ''[[Kaiyoppu]]''. Though a flop at the box office, ''Kaiyoppu'' brought critical appreciation from far corners and that compelled Ranjith to work with plots and themes without any commercial ingredients. Notably, its lead actor Mammootty received no payment to act in the film as the script impressed him so much.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/12/16/stories/2006121602400403.htm "Offbeat Films"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108223057/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/12/16/stories/2006121602400403.htm |date=8 November 2012 }}. ''The Hindu''. 16 December 2006. Retrieved 2011-02-03.</ref>
==Significance of each day==
[[File:Navadurga.jpg|thumb|[[Navadurga]] - The nine goddesses worshipped in Navaratri.]]
The festival is associated to the prominent battle that took place between Durga and demon the [[Mahishasura]] and celebrates the victory of good over evil.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/events/navratri-2017-why-navratri-is-celebrated-for-9-days/articleshow/60856537.cms|title=Navratri 2017: Why Navratri is celebrated for 9 days – Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-01-06}}</ref> These nine days are solely dedicated to Durga and her eight avatars – the [[Navadurga]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/food/navratri-2017-significance-of-sharad-navratri-date-pooja-prasad-and-celebrations-1749811|title=Navratri 2017: Significance of Sharad Navratri, Date, Puja, Prasad and Celebrations|work=NDTV.com|access-date=2018-01-06}}</ref> Each day is associated to an incarnation of the goddess:<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/religion/navadurga-the-nine-avatars-of-goddess-durga-worshipped-on-nine-days-of-navratri-4849996/|title=Navratri 2017: 9 avatars of Goddess Durga worshipped on the 9 days|date=2017-09-22|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-01-06|language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/what-is-navratri-festivities-hinduism-hindu-festival-maa-durga-puja-indian-goddess/1/1052623.html|title=What is Navratri? What do these nine days of festivities mean?|access-date=2018-01-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsonair.nic.in/Navratri-Festival.asp|title=Navratri Festival,Navratri Festival India,Navaratri Celebrations In India,Durga Navratri,Goddess Durga Festival|website=www.newsonair.nic.in|access-date=2018-01-06}}</ref>


In 2007, Ranjith teamed up with [[Joshiy]] for the big budget film ''[[Nasrani (film)|Nasrani]]'' starring Mammootty.<ref>[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/34093.html Bumper initials for Nasrani] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401064928/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/34093.html |date=1 April 2016 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.movies-malayalam.com/2012/01/nazrani.html#!/2012/01/nazrani.html malayalam movies: Nazrani<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401102428/http://www.movies-malayalam.com/2012/01/nazrani.html#!/2012/01/nazrani.html |date=1 April 2016 }}</ref><ref>[http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/movies/nasrani.html Nasrani - Malayalam Movie Reviews, Trailers, Wallpapers, Photos, Cast & Crew, Story & Synopsis - Filmibeat<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204001835/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/movies/nasrani.html |date=4 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/30/stories/2007103050700200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071101043710/http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/30/stories/2007103050700200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 November 2007|title=Treat in store for film buffs|date=30 October 2007|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2 March 2011}}</ref> His next directorial feature was the musical-comedy ''[[Rock & Roll (film)|Rock & Roll]]'', starring Mohanlal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/reviews/2008/rock-n-roll-review-250108.html|title=Rock N Roll Review|publisher=[[Oneindia.in]]|date=25 January 2008|access-date=3 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/mohan-lal-malaysia-271107.html |title=Mohanlal in Malaysia |publisher=[[Oneindia.in]] |date=27 November 2007 |access-date=3 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708205215/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/mohan-lal-malaysia-271107.html |archive-date=8 July 2012 }}</ref> In 2008 Ranjith directed ''[[Thirakkatha]]'', based on actress [[Srividya]]'s life,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/09/19/stories/2008091950680100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922145701/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/09/19/stories/2008091950680100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 September 2008|title=Dream makers |date=19 September 2008|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=3 February 2011}}</ref> which won the National Award for the Best Malayalam Feature Film. Starring [[Anoop Menon]] and [[Priyamani]], the movie featured [[Prithviraj Sukumaran|Prithviraj]] and [[Samvrutha Sunil]] in important supporting roles. The movie was able to bring out the best in the actors.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/18/stories/2008091850910200.htm "Attempting a different kind of cinema"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108225042/http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/18/stories/2008091850910200.htm |date=8 November 2012 }}. ''The Hindu''. 18 September 2008. Retrieved 2011-02-03.</ref><ref>[http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/34681/Thirakkatha-doing-at-box-office.html "Thirakkatha doing well at box office"] {{dead link|date=March 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. [[Yahoo]]. 25 September 2008. Retrieved 2011-02-03.</ref> In 2009 Ranjith directed and wrote the script for ''Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathira Kolapathakathinte Katha'', which was critically acclaimed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article59427.ece|title=Unveiling a mystery|date=3 December 2009|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=3 February 2011}}</ref> Ranjith also introduced about thirty Malayalam stage artists through this film.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/12/18/stories/2009121851060200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629035135/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/12/18/stories/2009121851060200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2011|title=The gems of Paleri Manikyam|author=P. K. Ajith Kumar|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=18 December 2009|location=Chennai, India|date=3 February 2011}}</ref> In the same year he came up with another unique creation, ''[[Kerala Cafe]]'' — a fusion of ten different short films by ten directors. The different segments in the movie were conceived and connected based on the concept of ''[[Yatra]]'', or journey.<ref>[http://www.keralacafe.in/index.html "Kerala Cafe – official"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323104400/http://www.keralacafe.in/index.html |date=23 March 2016 }}. Retrieved 3 February 2011.</ref>
;Day 1 – Shailaputri
Known as Pratipada (first day), this day is associated with [[Shailaputri]] ("Daughter of Mountain"), an incarnation of [[Parvati]]. It is in this form that Durga is worshiped as the wife of Shiva; she is depicted as riding the bull, [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]], with a [[trishula]] in her right hand and [[Lotus flower|lotus]] in her left. Shailaputri is considered to be the direct incarnation of [[Mahakali]]. The color of the day is [[grey]], which depicts action and vigor.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-10-01|title=9 days, 9 avatars: How Goddess Shailaputri teaches us patience and strength|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/the-photo-blog/9-days-9-avatars-how-goddess-shailaputri-teaches-us-patience-and-strength/|access-date=2020-10-20|website=Times of India Blog|language=en-US}}</ref>


===2010 onwards===
;Day 2 – Brahmacharini
In 2010 Ranjith wrote the story for the film ''[[Penpattanam]]'', directed by [[V. M. Vinu]]. He then scripted and directed, ''[[Pranchiyettan and the Saint]]'', starring [[Mammootty]], which was also widely accepted by movie fans and the people of Kerala. It became the most popular film of the year and was also a commercial success. During this time, Ranjith also received a highly coveted appointment as the School Director for Cochin Media School.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cochinmediaschool.com/about.html |title=Cochin Media School: About |publisher=Cochin Media School|access-date=10 March 2011}}</ref> He also appeared as judge in "Mammootty the Best Actor Award – II", an acting talent-hunt reality show aired on the television channel [[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]].<ref>{{cite news |title=The 'reality factor' in acting |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2011/feb/25/the-reality-factor-in-acting-230659.html |access-date=18 May 2020 |publisher=NewIndianExpress}}</ref> In 2011, Ranjith scripted and directed a critically acclaimed satirical film [[Indian Rupee]] starring [[Prithviraj Sukumaran|Prithviraj]], which was well received by the critics and also a commercial success. His next film, ''[[Spirit (2012 film)|Spirit]]'', primarily focused on the increasing habits of alcoholism in Kerala. Starring [[Mohanlal]] in the lead role, the film was critically acclaimed and a box office success. He then produced and scripted for [[G. S. Vijayan]]'s [[Mammootty]]-starring ''[[Bavuttiyude Namathil]]'' in 2012, which was a flop at the box office. His next film with Mammootty, ''[[Kadal Kadannoru Mathukkutty]]'', underperformed at the box office.
On Dwitiya (second day), Goddess [[Brahmacharini]], another incarnation of Parvati, is worshiped. In this form, Parvati became Yogini, her unmarried self. Brahmacharini is worshiped for emancipation or moksha and endowment of peace and prosperity. Depicted as walking bare feet and holding a ''japamala'' (rosary) and a ''kamandala'' (pot) in her hands, she symbolizes bliss and calm. Blue is the color code of this day. The orange color which depicts tranquility is sometimes used yet strong energy flows everywhere.


''[[Njaan]]'', based on the novel ''K T N Kottoor: Ezhuthum Jeevithavum'' by T P Rajeevan and featuring [[Dulquer Salmaan]] in the lead role, was released on 19 September 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/njan-unleashes-dulquer-s-serious-face-news-malayalam-ojtk2Begbdeie.html |title='Njan' unleashes Dulquer's 'serious' face |date=19 September 2014 |work=[[Sify]]}}</ref> In 2015 he directed ''[[Loham]]'', starring [[Mohanlal]], which received mixed reactions from critics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/mammootty-vs-mohanlal-how-well-did-malayalam-superstars-perform-year-2015-660130 |title=Mammootty vs Mohanlal: How well did the Malayalam superstars perform in the year 2015 |date=24 December 2015 |work=[[International Business Times]]}}</ref>
;Day 3 – Chandraghanta


==Filmography==
Tritiya (third day) commemorates the worship of [[Chandraghanta]] – the name derived from the fact that after marrying Shiva, Parvati adorned her forehead with the ''ardhachandra'' (lit. half-moon). She is the embodiment of beauty and is also symbolic of bravery. White is the color of the third day, which is a vivacious color and can pep up everyone's mood.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! rowspan="2" style="width:33px;"|Year
! rowspan="2"|Film
! colspan="6"|Credited as
|-
! width=65 |Director
! width=65 |Producer
! width=65 |Screenwriter
! width=65 |Story
! width=65 |Actor
! width=65 |Role
|- align="centre"
| rowspan="5"|2021
| style="text-align:left;" |''TWENTY ONE gms''
|
|
|
|
|{{yes}}
|
|-
| ''[[Bheeshma Parvam]]''
|
|
|
|
|{{yes}}
|Khadim Rowther
|- align="centre"
| style="text-align:left;" |''[[Kothth]]''


|
;Day 4 – Kushmanda
Goddess [[Kushmanda]] is worshiped on Chaturthi (fourth day). Believed to be the creative power of the universe, Kushmanda is associated with the endowment of vegetation on earth, and hence, the color of the day is Red. She is depicted as having eight arms and sits on a Tiger.


|{{yes}}
;Day 5 – Skandamata
[[Skandamata]], the goddess worshiped on Panchami (fifth day), is the mother of Skanda (or [[Kartikeya]]). The color of Royal Blue is symbolic of the transforming strength of a mother when her child is confronted with danger. She is depicted riding a ferocious [[lion]], having four arms, and holding her baby.


|
;Day 6 – Katyayani
Born to sage Katyayana, she is an incarnation of Durga and is shown to exhibit courage which is symbolized by the color Yellow. Known as the warrior goddess, she is considered one of the most violent forms of Devi. In this avatar, [[Katyayani]] rides a lion and has four hands. She is a form of [[Parvati]], [[Mahalakshmi]], [[Mahasaraswati]]. She is celebrated on Shashtami (sixth day).


|
;Day 7 – Kaalaratri
Considered the most ferocious form of Goddess Durga, [[Kalaratri]] is revered on Saptami. It is believed that Parvati removed her fair skin to kill the demons [[Sumbha and Nisumbha]]. The color of the day is Green. The Goddess appears in a red coloured attire or tiger skin with a lot of rage in her fiery eyes, her skin turns black. The red color portrays prayer and ensures the devotees that the Goddess will protect them from harm. She is celebrated on Saptami (seventh day)


|
;Day 8 – Mahagauri
|
[[Mahagauri]] symbolizes intelligence and peace. It is believed when Kaalaratri took a bath in the [[Ganga]] river, she became extremely fair from her darker complexion. The color associated with this day is Peacock Green which depicts optimism. She is celebrated on Ashtami (eighth day).
|-


| style="text-align:left;" |''[[One (2021 film)|One]]''
;Day 9 – Siddhidatri
|
On the last day of the festival also known as Navami (ninth day), people pray to [[Siddhidhatri]]. Sitting on a lotus, she is believed to possess and bestows all types of Siddhis. Here she has four hands. Also known as Mahalakshmi, The purple color of the day portrays an admiration towards nature's beauty. Siddhidatri is [[Parvati]], the wife of Lord [[Shiva]]. Siddhidhatri is also seen as the [[Ardhanarishvara]] form of Shiva and Shakti. It is believed that one side of Lord Shiva’s body is that of Goddess Siddhidatri. Therefore, he is also known by the name of [[Ardhanarishwara]]. According to Vedic scriptures, Lord Shiva attained all the siddhis by worshiping this Goddess.
|
|
|
|{{yes}}
|
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |''[[Nayattu (2021 film)|Nayattu]]''
|
|{{yes}}


|
==Regional practices==
Navaratri is celebrated in different ways throughout India.<ref name="Roy2005p304">{{cite book|author=Christian Roy|title=Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IKqOUfqt4cIC&pg=PA304 |year=2005|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-57607-089-5|pages=304–310}}</ref> Certain people revere different aspects of Durga and some people fast while others feast.<ref name="Fuller2004p108f"/> The Chaitra Navaratri culminates in [[Rama Navami|Ram Navami]]<ref name="Roy2005p310">{{cite book|author=Christian Roy|title=Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IKqOUfqt4cIC&pg=PA304 |year=2005|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-57607-089-5|page=310}}</ref> and the Sharada Navaratri culminates in [[Durga Puja]] and [[Vijayadashami]].<ref name="Fuller2004p108f"/>


|
In the past, Shakta Hindus used to recite Durga's legends during the Chaitra Navaratri, but this practice around the spring equinox has been declining. For most contemporary Hindus, it is the Navaratri around the autumn equinox that is the major festival and the one observed. To Bengali Hindus and to Shakta Hindus outside of eastern and northeastern states of India, the term Navaratri implies [[Durga Puja]] in the warrior goddess aspect of Devi. In other traditions of Hinduism, the term Navaratri implies the celebration of Durga but in her more peaceful forms, such as Saraswati – the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, music, and other arts.<ref name="Fuller2004p108f"/><ref name="Roy2005p304"/> In Nepal, Navaratri is called [[Dasain|Dashain]], and is a major annual homecoming and family event that celebrates the bonds between elders and youngsters with ''Tika Puja'', as well as across family and community members.<ref name="Roy2005p310"/>
|
|
|- align="centre"
| rowspan="2" |2020
| style="text-align:left;" |  ''King Fish''
|
|
|
|
|{{yes}}
|
|-
|''[[Ayyappanum Koshiyum]]''
|
|{{yes}}
|
|||{{yes}}
|
|- align="centre"
| align="centre" | 2019
| style="text-align:left;" |''[[Unda (film)|Unda]]''
|
|
|
|
|{{yes}}
|
|-align="centre"
| align="centre" rowspan=2| 2018
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Drama (2018 film)|Drama]]''<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Alan|title=Mohanlal meets Margaret Preedy|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/mohanlal-meets-margaret-preedy-183744/|publisher=Kent Online|access-date=29 May 2018|date=29 May 2018}}</ref>
|{{yes}}
|
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|
|
|- align="centre"
| style="text-align:left;"|  ''[[Koode]]''
|
|
|
|
|{{yes}}
|
|- align="centre"


| align="centre"| 2017
===Eastern India, West Bengal and Nepal===
| style="text-align:left;"|  ''[[Puthan Panam]]''
{{main|Durga Puja|Dashain}}
|{{yes}}
{{multiple image
|{{yes}}
| direction = vertical
|{{yes}}
| footer = Two Durga Puja ''pandals'' in Kolkata during Navaratri
|{{yes}}
| image1 = 2010 Durga Puja Barisha Pandal.jpg
|
| image2 = 2011 Durga Puja Pandal.jpg
|
}}
|- align="centre"
 
| align="centre"| 2016
Navaratri is celebrated as the Durga Puja festival in West Bengal. It is the most important annual festival to Bengali Hindus and a major social and public event in eastern and northeastern states of India, where it dominates the religious life.{{sfn|Rachel Fell McDermott|2001|pp=172–174}}{{sfn|Malcolm McLean|1998|p=137}} The occasion is celebrated with thousands<ref>{{cite book|author=Christian Roy|title=Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IKqOUfqt4cIC&pg=PA306|year=2005|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-57607-089-5|pages=306–307}}</ref> of ''[[pandal]]s'' (temporary stages) that are built in community squares, roadside shrines, and large Durga temples in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, eastern Nepal, Assam, Tripura, and nearby regions. It is also observed by some Shakta Hindus as a private, home-based festival.{{sfn|Malcolm McLean|1998|p=137}}{{sfn|David Kinsley|1988|pp=106–108}}{{sfn|Lynn Foulston|Stuart Abbott|2009|pp=162–169}} Durga Puja festival marks the victory of the goddess Durga in the battle against the shape-shifting, deceptive, and powerful buffalo demon [[Mahishasura]].{{sfn|Alain Daniélou|1991|p=288}}{{sfn|June McDaniel|2004|pp=215–219}}
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The festival begins with ''Mahalaya'', a day where Shakta Hindus remember the loved ones who have died, as well the advent of the warrior goddess Durga.{{sfn|Cynthia Bradley|2012|p=214}}{{sfn| Amazzone|2012|pp=57–59, 63, 66}} The next significant day of Durga Puja is called Shashthi, on which the local community welcomes the goddess Durga and festive celebrations are inaugurated. On the seventh (Saptami), eighth (Ashtami), and ninth (Navami) day, Durga, along with Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, are revered. These days mark the main [[Puja (Hinduism)|Puja]] (worship) which is performed by the recitation of scriptures, legends of Durga in the ''Devi Mahatmya,'' and social visits by families to temples and ''pandals''.{{sfn| David R. Kinsley | 1989|pp=19–25}}{{sfn|David Kinsley|1988|pp=106–115}}<ref name=ghosa40>{{cite book|author=Pratapacandra Ghosa|title=Durga Puja: with notes and illustrations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OGZYAAAAcAAJ&pg=PP40| year= 1871|publisher= Calcutta: Hindoo Patriot Press|pages=40–55}}</ref> On the tenth day, also known as [[Vijayadashami]], a great procession is held where clay statues of Durga are ceremoniously walked to a river or ocean coast for a solemn goodbye. Many mark their faces with vermilion (''sindooram'') or dress in red clothes. It is an emotional day for some devotees, and the congregation sings emotional goodbye songs.{{sfn|Hillary Rodrigues|2003|pp=244–245}}{{sfn|June McDaniel|2004|pp=168–169}} After the procession, Hindus distribute sweets, gifts, and visit their friends and family members.{{sfn|Hillary Rodrigues|2003|pp=66–67, 236–241, 246–247}}
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===North India===
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[[File:Ram Leela Mela As Performed before at Ram Nugur before the Raja of Benares by James Prinsep 1834.jpg|thumb|An 1834 sketch by James Prinsep showing Rama Leela Mela during Navaratri in Benares.]]
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In North India, Navaratri is marked by the numerous [[Ramlila]] events, where episodes from the story of [[Rama]] and [[Ravana]] are enacted by teams of artists in rural and urban centers, inside temples, or in temporarily constructed stages. This Hindu tradition of festive performance arts was inscribed by [[UNESCO]] as one of the "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" in 2008.<ref name=unescodussehra>[http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/RL/ramlila-the-traditional-performance-of-the-ramayana-00110 Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana], UNESCO</ref> The festivities, states UNESCO, include songs, narration, recital and dialogue based on the Hindu text ''[[Ramcharitmanas]]'' by [[Tulsidas]]. It is particularly notable in the historically important Hindu cities of [[Ayodhya]], [[Varanasi]], [[Vrindavan]], [[Almora]], [[Satna]] and [[Madhubani district|Madhubani]] – cities in [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Uttarakhand]], [[Bihar]], and [[Madhya Pradesh]].<ref name=unescodussehra/>
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|rowspan="2"| 2014
| style="text-align:left;"|  ''[[Njan]]''
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|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="text-align:left;"|  ''[[Munnariyippu]]''
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|rowspan="2"| 2013
| style="text-align:left;"|  ''[[Kadal Kadannoru Mathukkutty]]''
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| style="text-align:left;"|  ''[[Annayum Rasoolum]]''
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| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Bavuttiyude Namathil]]''
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The festival and dramatic enactment of the story is organized by communities in hundreds of small villages and towns, attracting a mix of audiences from different social, gender. and economic backgrounds. In many parts, the audience and villagers join in and participate spontaneously, some helping the artists, others helping with stage set up, create make-up, effigies, and lights.<ref name=unescodussehra/>
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| style="text-align:left;"|  ''[[Indian Rupee (film)|Indian Rupee]]''


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Navaratri has historically been a prominent ritual festival for kings and military of a kingdom.<ref name="Fuller2004p108" /> At the end of the Navaratri, comes ''Dussehra'', where the effigies of Ravana, [[Kumbhakarna]], and [[Indrajit]] are burnt to celebrate the victory of good ([[Rama]]) over evil forces.{{sfn|Constance Jones|James D. Ryan|2006|pp=308–309}}
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| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Bhakthajanangalude Sradhakku]]''


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[[File:Indian - Food.jpg|thumb|left|Navaratri is also a festival for feasting with friends and family.]]
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Elsewhere, during this religious observance, goddess Durga's war against deception and evil is remembered. A pot is installed (ghatasthapana) at a sanctified place at home. A lamp is kept lit in the pot for nine days. The pot symbolizes the universe and the uninterrupted lit lamp symbolizes Durga.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Rodrigues|first1=Hillary|title=Ritual Worship of the Great Goddess: The Liturgy of the Durga Puja with interpretation|date=2003|publisher=State University of New York Press|location=Albany, New York, USA|isbn=07914-5399-5|page=83|url=https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=onyaEhwhJBUC |access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref>
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| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Pranchiyettan and The Saint]]''


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===Bihar===
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In parts of Bihar, Durga is revered during the autumn of Navaratri. In other parts like [[Sitamarhi]] and close to the Nepal border, the spring Navaratri attracts a large [[Rama Navami]] fair, which marks the birth of Lord Rama. It is the largest cattle trading fair and attracts a large handicraft market in pottery, kitchen, and houseware, as well as traditional clothing. Festive performance arts and celebrations are held at the local Hindu temple dedicated to Sita, Hanuman, Durga, and Ganesha.<ref>{{cite book|author=Anand A. Yang|title=Bazaar India: Markets, Society, and the Colonial State in Bihar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D5lQutvzAp4C&pg=PA123|year=1999|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-91996-9|pages=123–126}}</ref><ref>[https://www.britannica.com/place/Sitamarhi Sitamarhi], Encyclopedia Britannica (2014)</ref>
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|- style="text-align:center;"
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===Gujarat===
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Navaratri in Gujarat is one of the state's main festivals. The traditional celebrations include fasting for a day, or partially fasting each of the nine days by not eating grains or just taking liquid foods, in remembrance of one of nine aspects of Shakti goddess. The prayers are dedicated to a symbolic clay pot called ''garbo'', as a remembrance of the womb of the family and universe. The clay pot is lit, and this is believed to represent the one [[Atman (Hinduism)|Atman]] (soul, self).<ref name="Williams2015p37">{{cite book|author=Sean Williams|title=The Ethnomusicologists' Cookbook, Volume II|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=bhU-CgAAQBAJ&pg=PA37 |year=2015| publisher=Routledge| isbn=978-1-135-04008-6|pages=37–38}}</ref><ref name="NettlPorter1998p624"/>
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| style="text-align:left;"|''[[Penpattanam]]''


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[[File:Dancing garba by the sea.jpg|thumb|Garba dancing is a Navaratri tradition in Gujarat.]]
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In Gujarat and nearby Hindu communities such as in Malwa, the ''garbo'' significance is celebrated through performance arts on all nine days.<ref name="Williams2015p37"/><ref name="NettlPorter1998p624"/> The most visible is group dances called [[Garba (dance)|Garba]] accompanied by live orchestra, seasonal [[raga]], or devotional songs. It is a folk dance where people of different background and skills join and form concentric circles. The circles can grow or shrink, reaching sizes of hundreds or thousands of people, dancing and clapping in circular moves in their traditional costumes. The ''garba'' dance sometimes deploys ''dandiyas'' (sticks), coordinated movements and the striking of sticks between the dancers, and teasing between the genders.<ref>{{cite book|author1=L. Dankworth|author2=A. David|title=Dance Ethnography and Global Perspectives: Identity, Embodiment and Culture|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=1yjFAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT24|year= 2014|publisher= Springer|isbn=978-1-137-00944-9|pages=22–25}}</ref> Post dancing, the group and the audience socializes and feasts together.<ref name="Williams2015p37"/><ref name="NettlPorter1998p624">{{cite book|author1=Bruno Nettl|author2=James Porter|author3=Timothy Rice|title=The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: South Asia : the Indian subcontinent |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZOlNv8MAXIEC&pg=PA624 |year= 1998|publisher= Taylor & Francis|isbn= 978-0-8240-4946-1|pages= 624–628, 980}}</ref> Regionally, the same thematic celebration of community songs, music, and dances on Navaratri is called ''garbi''.<ref name="NettlPorter1998p624"/>
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| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha (film)|Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha]]''


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===Goa===
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[[File:Krishna, The Beautiful Blue God - Navarathri Golu Dolls (15278867139).jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|Some regions produce and sell special Navaratri miniature ''golu'' dolls, such as of Krishna above.]]
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In the temples of [[Goa]], on the first day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, a copper pitcher, surrounded by clay, is installed inside the sanctum sanctorum of Devi and Krishna temples, in which nine varieties of food grains are placed. The nine nights are celebrated through devotional songs and religious discourses. Artists arrive to perform folk musical instruments. Celebrations include placing Durga's image in a specially-decorated colorful silver swing, known as ''Makhar,'' and for each of the nine nights, swinging Her to the tune of temple music (called as ''ranavadya''). This is locally called ''Makharotsav''.<ref name="makhar">{{cite web|title=Marcel displays colourful and vivid tradition of Makharotsav|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Marcel-displays-colourful-and-vivid-tradition-of-Makharotsav/articleshow/43454200.cms|website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com/|publisher=Times of India|access-date=26 September 2016}}</ref><ref name=goa>{{cite web|last=Kerkar|first=Rajendra P.|title=In Goa, Navaratri marks worship of earth mother goddess|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-17/goa/34524565_1_durga-goddess-worship|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131001032640/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-17/goa/34524565_1_durga-goddess-worship|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 October 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 October 2013}}</ref>
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The last night of the Goa Navaratri festival is a major celebration called the ''makhar arti''.<ref>{{cite book|author=Kamla Mankekar|author-link=Kamla Mankekar|title=Temples of Goa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PHrXAAAAMAAJ|year=2004|publisher=Ministry of I & B, Government of India|isbn=978-81-230-1161-5|pages=55–56}}</ref>
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| style="text-align:left;"| ''Gulmohar''


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===Karnataka===
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[[File:Dasara Navaratri decorations Kudroli Temple Mangalore Karnataka.jpg|thumb|Navaratri decorations at [[Kudroli]] [[Hindu temple]], Karnataka]]
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In [[Karnataka]], Navaratri is observed at home and by lighting up Hindu temples, cultural sites, and many regal processions. It is locally called ''Dasara'' and it is the state festival (''Nadahabba'') of Karnataka. Of the many celebrations, the [[Mysore Dasara|Mysuru Dasara]] is a major one and is popular for its festivities.<ref name=mysurudasara>[http://www.mysoredasara.gov.in Mysuru Dasara], Government of India (2016)</ref>
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| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Thirakkatha]]''


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The contemporary ''Dasara'' festivities at [[Mysore]] are credited to the efforts of King Raja Wodeyar I in 1610. On the ninth day of ''Dasara'', called ''Mahanavami'',<ref>Shirgaonkar, Varsha. "Madhyayugin Mahanavami aani Dasara". Chaturanga, Loksatta (1996).</ref> the royal sword is worshipped and is taken on a procession of decorated elephants and horses. Also, [[Ayudha Puja]] is dedicated to [[Saraswati]], in which military personnel upkeep their weapons and families upkeep their tools of livelihood, both offering a prayer to Saraswati, as well as Parvati and Lakshmi.<ref name="nilima111" /><ref>{{cite book|author1=Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EXsOAAAAQAAJ|title=Genealogy of the South-Indian Gods|author2=Wilhelm Germann|author3=G. J. Metzger|publisher=Higgenbotham and Company|year=1869|pages=100, 106–107}}</ref> The day after Navaratri, on ''Vijayadashami'', the traditional ''Dasara'' procession is held on the streets of Mysore. An image of the Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed on a golden saddle (''hauda'') on the back of a decorated elephant and taken on a procession, accompanied by tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses, and camels.<ref name=mysurudasara2>[http://www.mysoredasara.gov.in/pastdasara.php Mysuru Dasara History], and [http://www.mysoredasara.gov.in/presentdasara.php Present Dasara], Government of India (2016)</ref>
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|- style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan="3"| 2007
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Rock & Roll (film)|Rock & Roll]]''


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Another Navaratri tradition in Karnataka has been decorating a part of one's home with art dolls called ''Gombe'' or ''Bombe'', similar to [https://www.navarathrigoludolls.com/ Golu dolls] of Tamil Nadu. An art-themed ''[[Gaarudi Gombe]]'', featuring folk dances which incorporate these dolls, is also a part of the celebration.<ref>[http://www.deccanherald.com/content/194556/a-ball-dolls.html A ball with the dolls: Navratri] and [http://www.deccanherald.com/content/362179/039gombe-habba039-all-its-splendour.html Gombe Habba in all its splendor], Deccan Herald, India</ref>
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|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Nasrani (film)|Nasrani]]''
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|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Kaiyoppu]]''


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===Kerala===
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[[File:Navarathri day.jpg|thumb|A family preparing for Saraswati puja on Navaratri.]]
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In [[Kerala]], three days (Ashtami, Navami, and [[Vijaya Dashami|Vijayadashami]]) of Sharada Navaratri are celebrated as Sarasvati Puja in which books are worshipped. The books are placed for Puja on  Ashtami in their own houses, traditional nursery schools, or in temples. On ''Vijayadashami'', the books are ceremoniously taken out for reading and writing after worshipping Sarasvati. ''Vijayadashami'' is considered auspicious for initiating the children into writing and reading, which is called [[Vidyāraṃbhaṃ|Vidyarambham]].<ref>{{cite book|author=A. Sreedhara Menon|title= Social and cultural history of Kerala|url= https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/000124058|year= 1979|publisher=Sterling|pages=166–167}}</ref>
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|| 2006
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Prajapathi]]''


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The Vidyarambham day tradition starts with the baby or child sitting on the lap of an elderly person such as the grandfather, near images of Saraswati and Ganesha. The elder writes a letter and the child writes the same with his or her index finger.
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| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Chandrolsavam]]''


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===Maharashtra===
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|| 2004
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Black (2004 film)|Black]]''


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Navaratri celebrations vary across [[Maharashtra]] and the specific rites differ between regions, even if they are called the same and dedicated to the same deity. The most common celebration begins on the first day of Navaratri with [[Ghatasthapana]], which literally means "mounting of a jar". On this day, rural households mount a copper or brass jar, filled with water, upon a small heap of rice kept on a wooden stool (''pat'').<ref>{{cite book|author1=Manu Belur Bhagavan|author2=Eleanor Zelliot|author3=Anne Feldhaus|title=Speaking Truth to Power|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j3zXAAAAMAAJ |year=2008|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-569305-8|pages=99–105}}</ref> The jar is typically placed other agriculture symbols such as a [[turmeric]] root, leaves of a [[mango tree]], coconut, and major staple [[grains]] (usually eight varieties). A lamp is lighted symbolizing knowledge and household prosperity, and kept alight through the nine nights of Navaratri.<ref>{{cite book|author=India. Office of the Registrar General|title=Census of India, 1961: Maharashtra|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=If4cAQAAMAAJ|year=1966|publisher=Government of India|page=132}}</ref>
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| rowspan="2"| 2003
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Ammakilikkoodu]]''


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The family worships the pot for nine days by offering rituals and a garland of flowers, leaves, fruits, dry-fruits, etc. with a ''[[naivedya]]'', and water is offered in order to get the seeds sprouted. Some families also celebrate ''[[Kali]] puja'' on days 1 and 2, ''[[Laxmi]] puja'' on days 3, 4, 5 and [[Saraswati]] puja on days 6, 7, 8, 9 along with Ghatasthapana. On the eighth day, a "Yajna" or "Hom" is performed in the name of Goddess Durga. On the ninth day, the Ghat puja is performed and the Ghat is dismantled after taking off the sprouted leaves of the grains.{{Citation needed|date=July 2021}}
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|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Mizhi Randilum]] ''


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The Goddess Lalita is worshipped on the fifth day of the festival.<ref>{{cite book|author=Roshen Dalal|title=The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pNmfdAKFpkQC&pg=PA98 |year=2010|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=978-0-14-341517-6|page=98}}</ref> On the ninth day of the festival, men participate in worshipping all kinds of tools, weapons, vehicles, and productive instruments.<ref>{{cite book|author=Brahm Dev|title=The Illustrated Weekly of India, Volume 94, Issue 4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cVo6AQAAIAAJ|date=October 1973|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Company |page=25}}</ref>
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[[File:Avatars of Amman Navarathiri.jpg|thumb|Girls dressed up for music and dance performance during Amman Navaratri]]
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| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Nandanam (film)|Nandanam]]''
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|| 2001
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Ravanaprabhu]]''
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|- style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan="2"| 2000
| style="text-align:left;"| '' [[Narasimham (film)|Narasimham]]''
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| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Valyettan]]''
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|| 1999
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Ustaad (1999 film)|Ustaad]]''
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| rowspan="3"| 1997
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Aaraam Thampuran]]''
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| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Rajaputhran]]''
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| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Rudraksham]]''
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| rowspan="3"| 1993
| style="text-align:left;"| ''Yadavam''
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| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Devasuram]]''
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|| 1992
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Johnnie Walker (film)|Johnnie Walker]]''
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|- style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan="3"| 1991
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Neelagiri (film)|Neelagiri]]''
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| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Pookkalam Varavayi]]''
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| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Georgootty C/O Georgootty]]''
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|- style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan="5"| 1990
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam]]''
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|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Marupuram]]''
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|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="text-align:left;"| ''Nanma Niranjavan Srinivasan''
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|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="text-align:left;"| ''Pavakkoothu''
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|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Shubhayathra]]''
|
|
| {{yes}}
|
|
|
|- style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan="3"| 1989
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal]]''
|
|
| {{yes}}
|
|
|
|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="text-align:left;"| ''Pradeshika Vaarthakal''
|
|
| {{yes}}
|
|
|
|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Kaalal Pada]]''
|
|
|
|
| {{yes}}
|
|- style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan="2"| 1988
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Orkkappurathu]]''
|
|
|
| {{yes}}
|
|
|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Witness (1988 film)|Witness]]''
|
|
| {{yes}}
|
|{{yes}}
|
|- style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan="2"| 1987
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Oru Maymasa Pulariyil]]''
|
|
|
|{{yes}}
|
|
|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="text-align:left;"| ''[[Ezhuthappurangal]]''
|
|
|
|
|{{yes}}
|
|}


==Awards==
===Tamil Nadu===
'''[[National Film Awards]]:'''
Navaratri has been a historic tradition within Tamil Nadu, with Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga goddesses as the focus.<ref name="Claus2003p443"/> Like the rest of India, the festival has been an occasion for performance arts, particularly Hindu temple dances such as [[Bharatanatyam]] and [[Mohiniyattam]]. Major palaces, community centers, and historic temples have embedded dance halls. For example, the [[Padmanabhapuram Palace]] built about 1600 CE has had a large dance hall with intricately carved pillars, a structure entirely made of stone. This dance hall has traditionally been known as ''Navaratri Mantapa''.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Bharati Shivaji|author2=Avinash Pasricha|title=ks?id=jpxbZZVGNxUC&pg=PA23|year=1986|publisher=Lancer Publishers|isbn=978-81-7062-003-7|page=23}}</ref> The festivities begin with [[Veda|Vedic chants]] inaugurating the dances and other ceremonies. Other Tamil Hindu temples, such as those associated with [[Sri Vaishnavism]], also celebrate the Navaratri festivities.<ref>{{cite book|author=Sarojini Jagannathan|title=Impact of Śrī Rāmānujāçārya on Temple Worship|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r47XAAAAMAAJ|year=1994|publisher=Nag Publishers|isbn=978-81-7081-288-3|pages=184–192}}</ref>
* [[60th National Film Awards|2012]]: [[National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues|Best Film on Social Issues]] – ''[[Spirit (2012 film)|Spirit]]''
* [[59th National Film Awards|2011]]: [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam|Best Feature Film in Malayalam]] – ''[[Indian Rupee (film)|Indian Rupee]]''
* [[56th National Film Awards|2008]]: [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam|Best Feature Film in Malayalam]] – ''[[Thirakkatha]]''<ref name="56th National Film Awards"/>


'''[[Kerala State Film Awards]]:'''
[[File:Navarathri Mandapam.jpg|thumb|left|A large sculpted dance hall inside Padmanabhapuram Palace near [[Kanyakumari]] called ''Navaratri Mandapam''. It features goddess Saraswati and large dance hall.]]
* 2014: [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Screenplay]](Adapted) – ''[[Njaan]]''
* 2011: [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Film]] – ''[[Indian Rupee (film)|Indian Rupee]]''
* 2010: [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Film]] - [[Pranchiyettan and The Saint]]
* 2009: [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Film]] – [[Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha (film)|Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.keralafilm.com/pdf/2010/sfa_09_award_declaration.pdf |title=Kerala State Film Awards 2009 Declaration |publisher=[[Kerala State Chalachitra Academy|Keralafilm.com]] |access-date=2 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713144225/http://www.keralafilm.com/pdf/2010/sfa_09_award_declaration.pdf |archive-date=13 July 2011 }}</ref>
* 2001: [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Popular Film|Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value]] – ''[[Ravanaprabhu]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.keralafilm.com/sfa01.htm |title=Kerala State Film Awards 2001 |publisher=[[Kerala State Chalachitra Academy|Keralafilm.com]] |access-date=2 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713144220/http://www.keralafilm.com/sfa01.htm |archive-date=13 July 2011 }}</ref>


'''[[Kerala Film Critics Awards]]'''
Another notable Tamil tradition is a celebration of the festival with ''Golu'' dolls (also spelled as ''Gollu''). These include gods, goddesses, animals, birds and rural life all in a miniature design. People set up their own creative themes in their homes, called ''Kolu'', friends and families invite each other to visit their homes to view Kolu displays, then exchange gifts and sweets.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Aditi Ranjan|author2=M. P. Ranjan|title=Handmade in India: A Geographic Encyclopedia of Indian Handicrafts|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ixhJAQAAIAAJ|year=2009|publisher=Abbeville Press|isbn=978-0-7892-1047-0|pages=317–318}}</ref> This tradition is also found in other parts of South India such as Andhra Pradesh where it called ''Bommala Koluvu'', and Karnataka where it is called ''Gombe Habba'' or ''Gombe totti''.<ref name="Claus2003p443">{{cite book|author1=Peter J. Claus|author2=Sarah Diamond|author3=Margaret Ann Mills|title=South Asian Folklore: An Encyclopedia|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ienxrTPHzzwC&pg=PA443|year= 2003|publisher= Taylor & Francis|isbn= 978-0-415-93919-5|pages=443–444}}</ref><ref>[http://www.deccanherald.com/content/362179/039gombe-habba039-all-its-splendour.html 'Gombe habba' in all its splendour]
* 2010: Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Film – ''[[Pranchiyettan and the Saint]]''<ref name="2011 critics awards">{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/critics-award-gaddama-adjudged-best-film/755271/|title=Critics award: 'Gaddama' adjudged best film|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=26 February 2011|access-date=2 March 2011}}</ref>
Deccan Herald (9 October 2013)</ref> Evidence of ''Gombe totti'' tradition as a Hindu celebration of the artisan arts goes back to at least the 14th-century [[Vijayanagara Empire]].<ref>{{cite book|author=S Sivapriyananda|title=Mysore Royal Dasara|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DVkyFvZL_qMC |year=1995|publisher=Abhinav Publications|pages=155–156}}</ref> In the evening of ''Vijayadashami'', any one doll from the "Kolu" is symbolically put to sleep and the Kalasa is moved a bit towards the North to mark the end of that year's Navaratri Kolu. The family offers a prayer of thanks, and wraps up the display.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}
* 2010: Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Director – ''[[Pranchiyettan and the Saint]]''<ref name="2011 critics awards"/>
* 2010: Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Script – ''[[Pranchiyettan and the Saint]]''<ref name="2011 critics awards"/>
* 2009: Kerala Film Critics Award for Second Best Film – ''Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha''<ref>[http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail.html?news_id=78278 "Atlas Film Critics' Award 2009 announced"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718133910/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail.html?news_id=78278 |date=18 July 2011 }}. [[Yahoo]]. 1 February 2009. Retrieved 2011-03-02.</ref>
* 2008: Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Film – ''[[Thirakkatha]]''<ref name="2009 critics awards">[http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/2009/mohanlal-sukumari-atlas-film-critics-020209.html "Atlas Film awards for Lal and Sukumari"] {{webarchive |url=https://archive.today/20130218003238/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/2009/mohanlal-sukumari-atlas-film-critics-020209.html |date=18 February 2013 }}. [[Oneindia.in]]. 2 February 2009. Retrieved 2011-03-02.</ref>
* 2008: Kerala Film Critics Award for Second Best Actor – ''Gulmohar''<ref name="2009 critics awards"/>
* 2007: Kerala Film Critics Award for Second Best Film – ''[[Kaiyoppu]]''<ref>[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/28833.html "Film Critics’ Award for Mammootty, Padmapriya"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706065941/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/28833.html |date=6 July 2015 }}. Indiaglitz. 30 January 2007. Retrieved 2011-03-02.</ref>
* 2003: Kerala Film Critics Award for Second Best Film – ''[[Mizhi Randilum]]''<ref>[http://www.hinduonnet.com/2004/02/01/stories/2004020105530400.htm "Film critics' awards announced"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820054715/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2004/02/01/stories/2004020105530400.htm |date=20 August 2010 }}. ''The Hindu''. 1 February 2004. Retrieved 2011-03-02.</ref>
* 2002: Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Director – ''[[Nandanam (film)|Nandanam]]''<ref name="2003 awards">[https://archive.today/20130125093121/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2003012901820200.htm&date=2003/01/29/&prd=thlf& "Film Awards"]. ''The Hindu''. 29 January 2003. Retrieved 2011-03-02.</ref>
* 2002: Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Film – ''[[Nandanam (film)|Nandanam]]''<ref name="2003 awards"/>


'''[[Asianet Film Awards]]'''
[[File:Navratri Golu.jpg|thumb | right | Golu dolls arrangement in [[Coimbatore]], [[Tamil Nadu]].]]
* 2012: [[Asianet Film Awards#Best Director|Asianet Film Award for Best Director]] – ''[[Spirit (2012 film)|Spirit]]''<ref>[http://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies/malayalam/243038/ "നക്ഷത്രങ്ങള്‍ മണ്ണിലിറങ്ങി; ഉത്സവമായി ഏഷ്യാനെറ്റ് അവാര്‍ഡ് നിശ"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109022802/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies/malayalam/243038/ |date=9 January 2012 }}. (in Malayalam). ''Mathrubhumi''. 24 January 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.</ref>
* 2011: [[Asianet Film Awards#Best Director|Asianet Film Award for Best Director]] – ''[[Indian Rupee (film)|Indian Rupee]]''<ref>[http://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies/malayalam/243038/ "നക്ഷത്രങ്ങള്‍ മണ്ണിലിറങ്ങി; ഉത്സവമായി ഏഷ്യാനെറ്റ് അവാര്‍ഡ് നിശ"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109022802/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies/malayalam/243038/ |date=9 January 2012 }}. (in Malayalam). ''Mathrubhumi''. 8 January 2012. Retrieved 8 January 2012.</ref>
* 2010: [[Asianet Film Awards#Best Film|Asianet Film Award for Best Film]] – ''[[Pranchiyettan and the Saint]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20110165150&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=regional&nid=76304 |title=Mammootty, Mohanlal bag Asianet film awards yet again |publisher=[[NDTV]] |work=[[Indo-Asian News Service]] |date=1 January 2011 |access-date=2 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714161640/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20110165150&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=regional&nid=76304 |archive-date=14 July 2011 }}</ref>
* 2009: [[Asianet Film Awards#Best Director|Asianet Film Award for Best Director]] – ''Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/04/stories/2010010450860200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106052709/http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/04/stories/2010010450860200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 January 2010|title=Pazhassi Raja selected as best film |date=4 January 2010|location=[[Thiruvananthapuram]]|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2 March 2011}}</ref>
* 2003: [[Asianet Film Awards#Best Script Writer|Asianet Film Award for Best Script Writer]] – ''[[Mizhi Randilum]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/03/08/stories/2004030808370400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040703104945/http://www.hindu.com/2004/03/08/stories/2004030808370400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 July 2004|title=Star-studded show marks award nite|date=8 March 2004|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2 March 2011}}</ref>
* 2002: [[Asianet Film Awards#Best Film|Asianet Film Award for Best Film]] – ''[[Nandanam (film)|Nandanam]]''


'''[[Filmfare Awards South]]'''
In temples of Tamil Nadu, Navaratri is celebrated for Durga's dwelling in each temple. The temples are decorated, ceremonial lamps are lit, and Vedic chantings are performed. Priests and visitors of some of these temples wear a special yellow colored 'promise of protection' thread on their wrists, called ''[[kappu]]'' (Tamil) or ''raksha bandhana'' (Sanskrit). It is believed to symbolize a vow to the goddess and protection from the goddess against evil.<ref>[[Burton Stein]] (1977), Temples in Tamil Country, 1300–1750 A.D, The Indian Economic & Social History Review, SAGE Publications, Volume 14, Issue 1, pages 11–45;<br>Carol Breckenridge (1977), From Protector to Litigant, The Indian Economic & Social History Review, SAGE Publications, Volume 14, Issue 1, pages 78–83, 86–93</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Aya Ikegame|title=Princely India Re-imagined: A Historical Anthropology of Mysore from 1799 to the present|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bV5ElF17ezwC |year=2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-23909-0|pages=146–148 }}</ref>
* 2014: [[Filmfare Award for Best Film - Malayalam|Best Film]] – ''[[Munnariyippu]]''<ref name="62th Filmfare"/>
* 2010: [[Filmfare Award for Best Director - Malayalam|Best Director]] – ''[[Pranchiyettan & the Saint]]''<ref name="58th Filmfare">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-03/chennai/29732898_1_lifetime-achievement-award-telugu-film-director-award|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105194656/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-03/chennai/29732898_1_lifetime-achievement-award-telugu-film-director-award|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 November 2012|title=The glitter, the gloss, the razzmatazz|date=3 July 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=3 July 2011}}</ref>
* 2010: [[Filmfare Award for Best Film - Malayalam|Best Film]] – ''[[Pranchiyettan & the Saint]]''<ref name="58th Filmfare"/>
* 2008: [[Filmfare Award for Best Director - Malayalam|Best Director]] – ''[[Thirakkatha]]''
* 2008: [[Filmfare Award for Best Film - Malayalam|Best Film]] – ''[[Thirakkatha]]''<ref name="56th Filmfare"/>


'''Other Awards:'''
===Telangana===
* 2011: Vayalar Ramavarma Chalachitra Television Award and The Kochi Times Film Award<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-23/news-and-interviews/32369964_1_video-mohanlal-kavya-madhavan| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004233019/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-23/news-and-interviews/32369964_1_video-mohanlal-kavya-madhavan| url-status=dead| archive-date=4 October 2013| work=[[The Times of India]]| title=The Kochi Times Film Awards 2011| date=23 June 2012}}</ref> for Best Film – ''[[Indian Rupee (film)|Indian Rupee]]''<ref name="Vayalar Ramavarma Chalachitra Television Award 2011">{{cite web|title=Vayalar Ramavarma Chalachitra Television Award 2011|url=http://www.yentha.com/news/view/1/14136|publisher=Yentha.com|access-date=8 January 2011}}</ref>
{{See also|Kanya Puja}}
* 2010: Nana Film Awards for the Best Film – ''[[Pranchiyettan & the Saint]]''
[[File:Bathukamma.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|A lamp above a ''Bathukamma'' flower arrangement, a Telugu Navaratri tradition.]]
* 2010: Nana Film Awards for the Best Director – ''[[Pranchiyettan & the Saint]]''
In [[Telangana]], Navaratri is celebrated as in the rest of India and it ends with Dasara. During the Navaratri nights, a notable Telangana tradition involves Telugu Hindu women who produce [[Bathukamma]] for Navaratri goddesses. It is an artistic flower decorations driven event, particularly using [[Tagetes|marigolds]], which revere three different aspects Devi, called ''[[Tridevi]]''. In 2016, 9,292 women simultaneously participated to create a 20 feet high flower arrangements, one of the world's largest festive flower arrangement.<ref>[http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2016/oct/09/bathukamma-sets-guinness-world-record-1526476.html Bathukamma sets Guinness World Record] The New Indian Express (9 October 2016)</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/Thousands-of-women-turn-up-for-Maha-Bathukamma/article15476999.ece Thousands of women turn up for Maha Bathukamma], The Hindu (9 October 2016)</ref>
* 2010: Vanitha Film Awards for the Best Film – ''[[Pranchiyettan & the Saint]]''
 
* 2010: Vanitha Film Awards for the Best Director – ''[[Pranchiyettan & the Saint]]''
[[Bathukamma]] celebrations will be started with the Mahalaya Amavasya (Pitru Amavasya), a day before Navaratri starts. The main deity of worship is goddess Gowri, a form of goddess [[Durga]], who is symbolised with a idol made from turmeric powder and is placed on a floral arrangement called [[bathukamma]]. The festival will go for nine nights with women whirling around the bathukamma clapping their hands or sticks along with the recitation of the [[Ramayana]], stories of [[Shiva]], Gowri, [[Ganga]], and common day-to-day life of women in the form of rhythmic songs. Every night, bathukamma is immersed in nearby water resources and a new bathukamma is made next day. This nine nights festival ends with [[Durgashtami]], when Durga is believed to be worshipped in the form of Maha Gowri.{{Citation needed|date=July 2021}}
* 2010: Vanitha Film Awards for the Best Script – ''[[Pranchiyettan & the Saint]]''
 
* 2010: Kairali film Awards for the Best Film – ''[[Pranchiyettan & the Saint]]''
Like elsewhere in India, ''Ayudha Puja'' is observed by Telangana Hindus where weapons are maintained, decorated, and worshipped. Tradesmen and farmers similarly clean up, decorate, and worship their own equipment of the trade. On the 10th day, [[Dussehra]] ([[Vijayadashami]]), grand feasts are arranged with family members and friends.<ref name=nilima111>{{cite book|author=Nilima Chitgopekar|title=Book Of Durga|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xb64hva4qWYC&pg=PA111|year=2009|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=978-0-14-306767-2|pages=111–114}}</ref>
* 2010: Kairali film Awards for the Best Director – ''[[Pranchiyettan & the Saint]]''
 
* 2010: Vanitha Film Awards for Best Director – ''Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha''<ref>[http://www.keralatv.in/2010/02/vanitha-film-awards-2009-announced/ "Vanitha Film Awards announced"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314185108/http://www.keralatv.in/2010/02/vanitha-film-awards-2009-announced/ |date=14 March 2016 }}. Keraltv.in. Retrieved 3 February 2011.</ref>
==Animal sacrifice==
* 2010: Mathrubhumi – Amrita TV Film Awards for Best Director – ''Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/01/16/stories/2010011655001100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629035553/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/01/16/stories/2010011655001100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2011|title=Award ceremony|date=16 January 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2 March 2011}}</ref>
Animal sacrifice is a part of some [[Durga Puja|Durga puja]] celebrations during Navaratri in the eastern states of India. The goddess is offered a sacrificial animal in this ritual in the belief that it stimulates her violent vengeance against the buffalo demon.<ref name=fuller83>{{cite book|author=Christopher John Fuller|author-link=Chris Fuller (academic)|title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC |year=2004|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=0-691-12048-X|pages=46, 83–85}}</ref> According to [[Chris Fuller (academic)|Christopher Fuller]], the animal sacrifice practice is rare among Hindus during Navaratri, or at other times, outside the [[Shaktism]] tradition found in the eastern Indian states of [[West Bengal]], [[Odisha]], and [[Assam]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Hardenberg|first1=Roland|date=2000|title=Visnu's Sleep, Mahisa's Attack, Durga's Victory: Concepts of Royalty in a Sacrificial Drama|url=http://www.krepublishers.com/02-Journals/JSS/JSS-04-0-000-000-2000-Web/JSS-04-04-227-2000-Abst-PDF/JSS-04-04-261-276-2000.pdf|journal=Journal of Social Science|volume=4|issue=4|page=267|access-date=29 September 2015}}</ref>  Even in these states, the festival season is one where significant animal sacrifices are observed.<ref name=fuller83/> In some Shakta Hindu communities, the slaying of the buffalo demon and the victory of Durga are observed with a symbolic sacrifice instead of animal sacrifice.{{efn|In these cases, Shaktism devotees consider animal sacrifice distasteful, practice alternate means of expressing devotion while respecting the views of others in their tradition.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Ira Katznelson|author2=Gareth Stedman Jones|title=Religion and the Political Imagination|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pWYXdLW00UsC |year=2010|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-139-49317-8|page=343}}</ref> A statue of ''[[asura]]'' demon made of flour, or equivalent, is immolated and smeared with vermilion to remember the blood that had necessarily been spilled during the war.{{sfn|Hillary Rodrigues|2003|pp=277-278}}{{sfn|June McDaniel|2004|pp=204–205}} Other substitutes include a vegetal or sweet dish considered equivalent to the animal.<ref>{{cite book|author=Rachel Fell McDermott|title=Revelry, Rivalry, and Longing for the Goddesses of Bengal: The Fortunes of Hindu Festivals|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ggBeH_lmUu8C |year=2011|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0-231-12919-0|pages=204–205}}</ref>}}{{sfn|Hillary Rodrigues|2003|pp=277-278}}{{sfn|June McDaniel|2004|pp=204-205}}
* 2008: Mathrubhumi – Amrita TV Film Awards for Best Film – ''[[Thirakkatha]]''<ref name="2008 Mathrubhumi"/>
 
* 2008: Mathrubhumi – Amrita TV Film Awards for Best Director – ''[[Thirakkatha]]''<ref name="2008 Mathrubhumi">{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/2009/amrita-film-awards-2009-200209.html |title=Amrita Film Awards 2009 |date=20 February 2009 |publisher=[[Oneindia.in]] |access-date=2 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709160217/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/2009/amrita-film-awards-2009-200209.html |archive-date=9 July 2012 }}</ref>
The [[Rajput]] of [[Rajasthan]] worship their weapons and horses on Navaratri, and formerly offered a sacrificial goat to a goddess revered as ''Kuldevi'' – a practice that continues in some places.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Harlan|first1=Lindsey|title=The goddesses' henchmen gender in Indian hero worship|date=2003|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford [u.a.]|isbn=978-0195154269|pages=45 with footnote 55, 58–59| url=https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=7HLrPYOe38gC |access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="Goat sacrifice to Shilamata">{{cite book|last1=Hiltebeitel|first1=Alf|author-link1=Alf Hiltebeitel|last2=Erndl|first2=Kathleen M.|title=Is the Goddess a Feminist?: the Politics of South Asian Goddesses,|date=2000|publisher=Sheffield Academic Press|location=Sheffield, England|isbn=9780814736197|page=77|url=https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=sQJzTr4c-g4C}}</ref> The ritual requires the slaying of the animal with a single stroke. In the past, this ritual was considered a rite of passage into manhood and readiness as a warrior.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Harlan|first1=Lindsey|title=Religion and Rajput Women|year=1992|publisher=University of California Press|location=Berkeley, California|isbn=0-520-07339-8|pages=61, 88|url=https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=7HLrPYOe38gC  }}</ref> The ''Kuldevi,'' among these Rajput communities, is a warrior-pativrata guardian goddess, with local legends tracing reverence for her during Rajput-Muslim wars.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Harlan|first1=Lindsey|title=Religion and Rajput Women|year=1992|publisher=University of California Press|location=Berkeley, California|isbn=0-520-07339-8|pages=107–108|url=https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=7HLrPYOe38gC }}</ref>
* 2008: [[Padmarajan]] Award – ''[[Thirakkatha]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2009/05/14/stories/2009051455530400.htm|title=Padmarajan awards for Ranjith, Meera|date=14 May 2009|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2 March 2011}}{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
 
* 2005: [[Bharathan]] Memorial Award<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2005/03/05/stories/2005030508840400.htm|title=Briefly: Award for Ranjith|date=5 March 2005|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710234908/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2005/03/05/stories/2005030508840400.htm|archive-date=10 July 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The tradition of animal sacrifice is being substituted with vegetarian offerings to the Goddess in temples and households around [[Banaras]] in Northern India.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Rodrigues|first1=Hillary|title=Ritual Worship of the Great Goddess: The Liturgy of the Durga Puja with interpretation|date=2003|publisher=State University of New York Press|location=Albany, New York, USA|isbn=07914-5399-5|page=215|url=https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=onyaEhwhJBUC |access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref>
* 2002: [[Ramu Kariat]] Award – ''[[Nandanam (film)|Nandanam]]''
 
==Outside India==
The Hindu diaspora that migrated as [[indentured servants]] during colonial era to various plantations and mines around the world, as well as those who migrated on their own, continued to mark their Navaratri traditions. Tamil Hindus in [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]] and [[Thailand]], for example, built Hindu temples in southeast [[Asia]] in the 19th century, and Navaratri has been one of their major traditional festivals.<ref>{{cite book|author1=K Kesavapany|author2=A Mani|author3=P Ramasamy|title=Rising India and Indian Communities in East Asia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=39lJz_L4MdUC&pg=PA675 |year=2008|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|isbn=978-981-230-799-6|pages=675–677}}</ref> In [[Trinidad and Tobago]], [[Guyana]], [[Suriname]], [[Fiji]], [[Mauritius]], [[Canada]], the [[United States]], and the [[United Kingdom]], Navaratri and Diwali have been one of the most visible celebrations of the local Hindu communities from about mid 20th-century.<ref>{{cite book|author=Peter van der Veer|title=Nation and Migration: The Politics of Space in the South Asian Diaspora|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bvTHlLRZL8UC |year=1995|publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press|isbn=0-8122-1537-0|pages=144–145}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Peter Childs|author2=Michael Storry|title=Encyclopedia of Contemporary British Culture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tlsKXeRt0wgC |year=2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=1-134-75555-4|pages=271 }}</ref>
 
[[File:Simple Golu in New Jersey.jpg|thumb | right | Simple Golu in [[New Jersey]]]]
 
==Other religions==
Navaratri and goddess worship is mentioned in the historic [[Sikhism]] literature, particularly in the ''[[Dasam Granth]]'' traditionally attributed to [[Guru Gobind Singh]]. According to Louis Fenech, the Sikhs have historically mirrored the reverence for ''Devi'' [[Shakthi]] and the worship of weapons in a manner similar to those by Shakta Hindus.<ref>{{cite book|author=Louis E. Fenech|title= The Sikh Zafar-namah of Guru Gobind Singh: A Discursive Blade in the Heart of the Mughal Empire |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=aUUfAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA112 |year=2013|publisher= Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-993145-3|pages=112, 255 with note 54}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Nidar Singh Nihang|author2=Parmjit Singh|title=In the master's presence: the Sikh's of Hazoor Sahib. History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qkcKAQAAMAAJ|year=2008|publisher=Kashi|isbn=978-0956016829|pages=122 and Glossary}}</ref> The second Guru of Sikhism, [[Guru Angad]], was an ardent devotee of goddess Durga.<ref>{{cite book|author=Arvind-Pal Singh Mandair|title=Sikhism: A Guide for the Perplexed |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BEP0Ty-GuVEC |year=2013|publisher=Bloomsbury Academic|isbn=978-1-4411-1708-3|page=26}}</ref>
 
The Jains have observed the social and cultural celebrations of Navaratri with Hindus, such as the folk dances. The ''stavan'' poetry of Jainism, states M. Whitney Kelting, "draw much of their imagery from the ''garba'' poems" of Hinduism.<ref>{{cite book|author=M. Whitney Kelting|title=Singing to the Jinas: Jain Laywomen, Mandal Singing, and the Negotiations of Jain Devotion|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=elcn1IEJ3CEC |year=2001|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-803211-3|pages=87–88}}</ref>
 
==See also==
* [[Navratra Akhand Jyoti]]
*[[Durga Puja]]
* [[Garba (dance)|Garba]]
* [[Jhandewalan Temple]]
* [[Jwaladevi Temple]]
* [[Jyoti Kalash]]
* [[Mysore Dasara]]
* [[Nine Emperor Gods Festival]]
* [[Vijayadashami]]
* [[Dashain]]
 
==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|35em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}
 
===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PM_TNDu8NHUC|title=Goddess Durga and Sacred Female Power|first=Laura|last=Amazzone|year= 2012|publisher=University Press of America|access-date=5 February 2017}}
*{{cite book|last= Coburn|first= Thomas B.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c7vIzNrC-coC |title= Encountering the Goddess: A translation of the Devi-Mahatmya and a Study of Its Interpretation| publisher= State University of New York Press | year= 1991 | isbn = 0791404463 }}
* {{cite book|author= Cynthia Bradley|editor1=Denise Cush|editor2=Catherine Robinson|editor3=Michael York|title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=kzPgCgAAQBAJ |year =2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-18979-2}}
* {{cite book|author=Alain Daniélou|title=The Myths and Gods of India: The Classic Work on Hindu Polytheism from the Princeton Bollingen Series |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1HMXN9h6WX0C |year=1991|publisher=Inner Traditions / Bear & Co|isbn=978-0-89281-354-4}}
* {{cite book|author1=Lynn Foulston|author2=Stuart Abbott|title=Hindu Goddesses: Beliefs and Practices|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XgwVgPx5G5UC |year=2009|publisher=Sussex Academic Press|isbn=978-1-902210-43-8}}
*{{cite book|author1=Constance Jones|author2=James D. Ryan|title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OgMmceadQ3gC |year=2006|publisher=Infobase Publishing|isbn=978-0-8160-7564-5}}
*{{cite book| author=David Kinsley| title=Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HzldwMHeS6IC| year=1988| publisher=University of California Press| isbn=978-0-520-90883-3}}
* {{cite book|author=David R. Kinsley|title=The Goddesses' Mirror: Visions of the Divine from East and West |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b0jmXOPBXkwC |year=1989|publisher=State University of New York Press|isbn=978-0-88706-835-5}}
*{{cite book|author=James G. Lochtefeld|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5kl0DYIjUPgC |year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=0-8239-2287-1}}
* {{cite book|author=Malcolm McLean|title=Devoted to the Goddess: The Life and Work of Ramprasad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kXY4uQ9TwI8C |year=1998|publisher=State University of New York Press|isbn=978-0-7914-3689-9}}
* {{cite book|author= June McDaniel|title= Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls: Popular Goddess Worship in West Bengal |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=caeJpIj9SdkC |year= 2004|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-534713-5}}
*{{cite book|author=Rachel Fell McDermott|title=Mother of My Heart, Daughter of My Dreams: Kali and Uma in the Devotional Poetry of Bengal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2PrChFaXgf0C |year=2001|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-803071-3}}
*{{Cite book|first=Ludo |last=Rocher| year= 1986| author-link= Ludo Rocher| title= The Puranas| publisher= Otto Harrassowitz Verlag| isbn= 978-3447025225 }}
*{{cite book|author=Hillary Rodrigues|title=Ritual Worship of the Great Goddess: The Liturgy of the Durga Puja with Interpretations|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=onyaEhwhJBUC|year=2003|publisher=SUNY Press|isbn=978-0-7914-8844-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Sarkar |first=Bihani |year=2020 |chapter=Toward a History of the Navarātra, the Autumnal Festival of the Goddess |editor1-last=Goodall |editor1-first=Dominic |editor2-last=Hatley |editor2-first=Shaman |editor3-last=Isaacson |editor3-first=Harunaga |editor4-last=Raman |editor4-first=Srilata |title=Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions: Essays in Honour of Alexis G.J.S. Sanderson |location=[[Leiden]] |publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] |series=Gonda Indological Studies |volume=22 |pages=321–345 |doi=10.1163/9789004432802_015 |doi-access=free |isbn=978-90-04-43266-6}}
* {{cite web | title=Navratri – Hindu festival | website=Encyclopedia Britannica | date=2017-02-21 | url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Navratri | ref={{sfnref | Encyclopedia Britannica | 2015}} | access-date=2017-02-21}}
 
{{refend}}
{{Commons category|Navaratri}}
{{Sindhi festivals}}
{{HinduFestivals}}
{{Hindudharma}}
 
[[Category:Hindu festivals]]
[[Category:Festivals in India]]
[[Category:Festivals in Nepal]]
[[Category:Gujarati culture]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals in India]]
[[Category:September observances]]
[[Category:October observances]]
[[Category:Autumn events in Nepal]]
{{about||the 1964 film|Navarathri (1964 film)|the 1966 film|Navaratri (1966 film)}}
{{Copy edit|date=June 2021}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{short description|Annual Hindu festival}}
{{Infobox holiday
|holiday_name  = Sharada Navaratri
|type          = Hindu
|longtype      =
|image        = Navratri Navaratri festival preparations and performance arts collage.jpg
|caption      = Navaratri celebrates
good over evil by goddess Durga
|nickname      = Navratri, Nauratri, Navarathri, Navaratra, Navratan, or Nauratan
|observedby    = [[Hindus]]
|begins        = [[Ashvin]] Shukla [[Prathama (day)|Prathama]]
|ends          = Ashvin Shukla [[Navami]]
|frequency    = Annual
|celebrations  = 10 days (9 nights)
|observances  = stage setting, prayers, plays, dramas, fasting, [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]], murti immersion, and bonfires prayers are offered to goddess Durga and parvati
|relatedto    = [[Vijayadashami]], [[Dashain]]
|alt=|official_name=|litcolor=|significance=|date=|weekday=|month=|scheduling=|duration=10 days|firsttime=|startedby=
|date2020=17 Oct (Sat) – 25 Oct (Sun)<ref>{{cite web |author=Drik Panchag| title=Navratri 2020 detailed calendar|url=http://www.drikpanchang.com/navratri/ashwin-shardiya-navratri-dates.html?year=2020 }}</ref>
|date2021=7 Oct (Thu) – 15 Oct (Fri)
|date2022=26 Sep (Mon) – 5 Oct (Wed)
|date2023=15 Oct (Sun) – 24 Oct (Tue)
|image_size=
}}
{{Saktism}}
{{Hinduism}}
 
'''Navaratri'''{{efn|Also spelled ''Navratri'', ''Nauratri'', ''Navarathri'', ''Navaratra'', ''Navratam'', or ''Nauratam''}} is a [[Hindu festival]] that spans nine nights (and ten days) and is celebrated every year in the autumn. It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the [[Indian cultural sphere]].{{sfn | Encyclopedia Britannica | 2015}}<ref name="Fuller2004p108">{{cite book|author=Christopher John Fuller|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC&pg=PA108|title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India|publisher=Princeton University Press|year=2004|isbn=978-0-69112-04-85|pages=108–109|author-link=Chris Fuller (academic)}}</ref> Theoretically, there are four seasonal ''Navaratri''. However, in practice, it is the post-monsoon autumn festival called Sharada Navaratri that is the most observed in the honor of the divine feminine [[Devi]] ([[Durga]]). The festival is celebrated in the bright half of the Hindu calendar month ''Ashvin'', which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October.{{sfn | Encyclopedia Britannica | 2015}}{{sfn|James G. Lochtefeld|2002|pp=468–469}}
 
==Etymology and nomenclature==
The word ''Navaratri'' means 'nine nights' in [[Sanskrit]], ''nava'' meaning nine and ''ratri'' meaning nights.{{sfn|James G. Lochtefeld|2002|pp=468-469}}
 
==Dates and celebrations==
In the eastern and northeastern states of [[India]], the [[Durga Puja]] is synonymous with ''Navaratri'', wherein goddess Durga battles and emerges victorious over the buffalo demon [[Mahishasura|Mahishasur]] to help restore [[dharma]].<ref name="Fuller2004p108" /> In southern states, the victory of Durga or [[Kali]] is celebrated. In all cases, the common theme is the battle and victory of good over evil based on a regionally famous epic or legend such as the ''[[Devi Mahatmya]]''.{{sfn|Encyclopedia Britannica|2015}}{{sfn|James G. Lochtefeld|2002|pp=468–469}}
 
===Celebrations===
Celebrations include worshipping nine goddesses in nine days, stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of [[Hinduism]]. The nine days are also a major crop season cultural event, such as competitive design and staging of ''[[pandal]]s'', a family visit to these ''pandals,'' and the public celebration of [[Dance in India|classical and folk dances]] of Hindu culture.<ref name="rinehart147">{{cite book|author=Robin Rinehart|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hMPYnfS_R90C&pg=PA147|title=Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2004|isbn=978-1-57607-905-8|pages=147–148}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Sue Penney|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ETUlVS-xs_YC&pg=PA30|title=Hinduism|publisher=Heinemann|year=2008|isbn=978-1-4329-0314-5|pages=30–31}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Ellen Koskoff|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=73MO0eiQD_EC|title=The Concise Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: The Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia|publisher=Routledge|year=2008|isbn=978-0-415-99404-0|pages=992, 1015–1016}}</ref> Hindu devotees often celebrate Navaratri by fasting. On the final day, called [[Vijayadashami]], the statues are either immersed in a water body such as a river or ocean, or the statue symbolizing the evil is burnt with fireworks, marking the destruction of evil. The festival also starts the preparation for [[Diwali]], the festival of lights, which is celebrated twenty days after [[Vijayadashami]].<ref>{{cite book|author1=Susan B. Gall|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sEYUAQAAIAAJ|title=The Asian-American Almanac|author2=Irene Natividad|publisher=Gale Research|year=1995|isbn=978-0-8103-9193-2|page=24}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Rina Singh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iSGTDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA17|title=Diwali|publisher=Orca|year=2016|isbn=978-1-4598-1008-2|pages=17–18}}</ref><ref name="Fuller2004p108" />
 
=== Dates ===
According to some [[Hindu texts]] such as the Shakta and Vaishnava Puranas, Navaratri theoretically falls twice or four times a year. Of these, the Sharada Navaratri near autumn equinox (September–October) is the most celebrated and the Vasanta Navaratri near spring equinox (March–April) is the next most significant to the culture of the Indian subcontinent. In all cases, Navaratri falls in the bright half of the Hindu lunisolar months. The celebrations vary by region, leaving much to the creativity and preferences of the Hindu.{{sfn|James G. Lochtefeld|2002|pp=468–469}}<ref name="Fuller2004p108f">{{cite book|author=Christopher John Fuller|title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC&pg=PA108 |year=2004|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=978-0-69112-04-85|pages=108–127}}</ref><ref name="Sivapriyananda1995p21">{{cite book|author=S Sivapriyananda|title=Mysore Royal Dasara|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DVkyFvZL_qMC&pg=PA21|year=1995|publisher=Abhinav Publications|pages=21–22}}</ref>
 
====Sharada Navaratri====
Sharada Navaratri is the most celebrated of the four Navaratri, named after ''Sharada'' which means autumn. It commences on the first day (''pratipada'') of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of [[Ashvini]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-09|title=Sharad Navratri 2020: History, significance, shubh muhurat and all you need to know about nine avatars of Goddess Durga|url=https://english.jagran.com/lifestyle/navratri-2020-check-history-significance-schedule-and-shubh-muhurat-of-the-nineday-festival-10017950|access-date=2020-10-25|website=Jagran English}}</ref> The festival is celebrated for nine nights once every year during this month, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October. The exact dates of the festival are determined according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, and sometimes the festival may be held for a day more or a day less depending on the adjustments for sun and moon movements and the leap year.{{sfn|Encyclopedia Britannica|2015}}<ref name="Fuller2004p108f" /><ref name="rinehart147" /> In many regions, the festival falls after the autumn harvest, and in others, during harvest.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Navratri 2018: Date, Day-Wise Significance Of Sharad Navratri And Special Fasting Foods|url=https://www.ndtv.com/food/navratri-2018-10-october-day-wise-significance-of-sharad-navratri-and-special-fasting-foods-1919567|access-date=2020-10-09|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>
 
The festivities extend beyond goddess Durga and various other goddesses such as Saraswati and Lakshmi. Gods such as [[Ganesha]], [[Kartikeya]], [[Shiva]], and [[Parvati]] are regionally revered. For example, a notable pan-Hindu tradition during Navaratri is the adoration of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, music, and arts, through [[Ayudha Puja]].<ref name="nilima111" /> On this day, which typically falls on the ninth day of Navaratri, peace and knowledge is celebrated. Warriors thank, decorate, and worship their weapons, offering prayers to Saraswati.<ref>{{cite book|author=Nicholas B. Dirks|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cegr6zH9PFEC&pg=PA39|title=The Hollow Crown: Ethnohistory of an Indian Kingdom|publisher=University of Michigan Press|year=1993|isbn=0-472-08187-X|pages=39–40}}</ref> Musicians upkeep, play, and pray their musical instruments. Farmers, carpenters, smiths, pottery makers, shopkeepers, and all sorts of tradespeople similarly decorate and worship their equipment, machinery, and tools of trade. Students visit their teachers, express respect, and seek their blessings.<ref name="nilima111" /><ref name="Jagannathan2005p115">{{cite book|author=Maithily Jagannathan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xcIrkKUJH9QC&pg=PA115|title=South Indian Hindu Festivals and Traditions|publisher=Abhinav Publications|year=2005|isbn=978-81-7017-415-8|pages=115–117}}</ref> This tradition is particularly strong in South India, but is observed elsewhere too.<ref name="Jagannathan2005p115" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Navratri 2020: Date, Day-Wise Celebrate Navratri Story|url=https://www.motivationlifechangingstories.in/2020/10/celebrate-happy-navratri-story-in-hindi-full-short-story-of-maa-durga-in-hindi-Navratri-2020.html|access-date=2020-11-04|website=motivationlifechangingstories.in/}}</ref>
 
====Chaitra Navaratri====
{{see|Indian New Year's days|Mesha Sankranti}}
Chaitra Navaratri is the second most celebrated Navaratri, named after ''vasanta'' which means spring. It is observed during the lunar month of [[Chaitra]] (March–April). In many regions, the festival falls after spring harvest, and in others, during harvest. It also marks the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, also known as the Hindu Lunar New Year, according to the [[Vikram Samvat]] calendar.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[The Hindustan Times]] | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/more-lifestyle/chaitra-navratri-2020-significance-history-behind-the-nine-day-festival-and-how-will-it-be-different-this-year/story-QhzJsRqlahKGlp9gAbWe8M.html|title=Chaitra Navratri 2020: Significance, history behind the nine-day festival and how will it be different this year |date=2020-03-30 |access-date=2021-02-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Desk|first=India TV News|date=2015-03-21|title=Difference between Vasanta and Sharad Navaratri - India TV|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/lifestyle/news/navaratri-vasanta-sharad-difference-4812.html|access-date=2020-10-11|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en}}</ref>
 
====Magha Navaratri====
Magha Navaratri is observed during the lunar month of [[Magha (month)|Magha]] (January–February). The fifth day of this festival is often independently observed as ''[[Vasant Panchami]]'' or ''Basant Panchami'', the official start of spring in the Hindu tradition, wherein goddess [[Saraswati]] is revered through arts, music, writing, and kite flying. In some regions, the Hindu god of love, ''[[Kama]]'' is revered.{{sfn|James G. Lochtefeld|2002|pp=741–742}}<ref>{{cite book|author=R. Manohar Lall|title=Among the Hindus: A Study of Hindu Festivals|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YlqH4Q_gqCQC&pg=PA27|year=1933|publisher=Asian Educational Services|isbn=978-81-206-1822-0|pages=27–33}}</ref> ''Magha Navaratri'' is observed regionally or by individuals.<ref name=":0">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DaiaY75n24sC|title=The Illustrated Weekly of India, Volume 96|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Company|year=1975|page=37}}</ref>
 
====Ashada Navaratri====
Ashada Navaratri is observed during the lunar month of [[Ashadha]] (June–July), during the start of the monsoon season.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jun 23|first=Venu Lanka / TNN /|last2=2020|last3=Ist|first3=04:32|title=Ashada Navaratri begins at Kanaka Durga temple {{!}} Vijayawada News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/ashada-navaratri-begins-at-kanaka-durga-temple/articleshow/76516681.cms|access-date=2020-10-20|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> ''Ashada Navaratri'' is observed regionally or by individuals.<ref name=":0" />
 
==Significance of each day==
[[File:Navadurga.jpg|thumb|[[Navadurga]] - The nine goddesses worshipped in Navaratri.]]
The festival is associated to the prominent battle that took place between Durga and demon the [[Mahishasura]] and celebrates the victory of good over evil.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/events/navratri-2017-why-navratri-is-celebrated-for-9-days/articleshow/60856537.cms|title=Navratri 2017: Why Navratri is celebrated for 9 days – Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-01-06}}</ref> These nine days are solely dedicated to Durga and her eight avatars – the [[Navadurga]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/food/navratri-2017-significance-of-sharad-navratri-date-pooja-prasad-and-celebrations-1749811|title=Navratri 2017: Significance of Sharad Navratri, Date, Puja, Prasad and Celebrations|work=NDTV.com|access-date=2018-01-06}}</ref> Each day is associated to an incarnation of the goddess:<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/religion/navadurga-the-nine-avatars-of-goddess-durga-worshipped-on-nine-days-of-navratri-4849996/|title=Navratri 2017: 9 avatars of Goddess Durga worshipped on the 9 days|date=2017-09-22|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-01-06|language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/what-is-navratri-festivities-hinduism-hindu-festival-maa-durga-puja-indian-goddess/1/1052623.html|title=What is Navratri? What do these nine days of festivities mean?|access-date=2018-01-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsonair.nic.in/Navratri-Festival.asp|title=Navratri Festival,Navratri Festival India,Navaratri Celebrations In India,Durga Navratri,Goddess Durga Festival|website=www.newsonair.nic.in|access-date=2018-01-06}}</ref>
 
;Day 1 – Shailaputri
Known as Pratipada (first day), this day is associated with [[Shailaputri]] ("Daughter of Mountain"), an incarnation of [[Parvati]]. It is in this form that Durga is worshiped as the wife of Shiva; she is depicted as riding the bull, [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]], with a [[trishula]] in her right hand and [[Lotus flower|lotus]] in her left. Shailaputri is considered to be the direct incarnation of [[Mahakali]]. The color of the day is [[grey]], which depicts action and vigor.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-10-01|title=9 days, 9 avatars: How Goddess Shailaputri teaches us patience and strength|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/the-photo-blog/9-days-9-avatars-how-goddess-shailaputri-teaches-us-patience-and-strength/|access-date=2020-10-20|website=Times of India Blog|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
;Day 2 – Brahmacharini
On Dwitiya (second day), Goddess [[Brahmacharini]], another incarnation of Parvati, is worshiped. In this form, Parvati became Yogini, her unmarried self. Brahmacharini is worshiped for emancipation or moksha and endowment of peace and prosperity. Depicted as walking bare feet and holding a ''japamala'' (rosary) and a ''kamandala'' (pot) in her hands, she symbolizes bliss and calm. Blue is the color code of this day. The orange color which depicts tranquility is sometimes used yet strong energy flows everywhere.
 
;Day 3 – Chandraghanta
 
Tritiya (third day) commemorates the worship of [[Chandraghanta]] – the name derived from the fact that after marrying Shiva, Parvati adorned her forehead with the ''ardhachandra'' (lit. half-moon). She is the embodiment of beauty and is also symbolic of bravery. White is the color of the third day, which is a vivacious color and can pep up everyone's mood.
 
;Day 4 – Kushmanda
Goddess [[Kushmanda]] is worshiped on Chaturthi (fourth day). Believed to be the creative power of the universe, Kushmanda is associated with the endowment of vegetation on earth, and hence, the color of the day is Red. She is depicted as having eight arms and sits on a Tiger.
 
;Day 5 – Skandamata
[[Skandamata]], the goddess worshiped on Panchami (fifth day), is the mother of Skanda (or [[Kartikeya]]). The color of Royal Blue is symbolic of the transforming strength of a mother when her child is confronted with danger. She is depicted riding a ferocious [[lion]], having four arms, and holding her baby.
 
;Day 6 – Katyayani
Born to sage Katyayana, she is an incarnation of Durga and is shown to exhibit courage which is symbolized by the color Yellow. Known as the warrior goddess, she is considered one of the most violent forms of Devi. In this avatar, [[Katyayani]] rides a lion and has four hands. She is a form of [[Parvati]], [[Mahalakshmi]], [[Mahasaraswati]]. She is celebrated on Shashtami (sixth day).
 
;Day 7 – Kaalaratri
Considered the most ferocious form of Goddess Durga, [[Kalaratri]] is revered on Saptami. It is believed that Parvati removed her fair skin to kill the demons [[Sumbha and Nisumbha]]. The color of the day is Green. The Goddess appears in a red coloured attire or tiger skin with a lot of rage in her fiery eyes, her skin turns black. The red color portrays prayer and ensures the devotees that the Goddess will protect them from harm. She is celebrated on Saptami (seventh day)
 
;Day 8 – Mahagauri
[[Mahagauri]] symbolizes intelligence and peace. It is believed when Kaalaratri took a bath in the [[Ganga]] river, she became extremely fair from her darker complexion. The color associated with this day is Peacock Green which depicts optimism. She is celebrated on Ashtami (eighth day).
 
;Day 9 – Siddhidatri
On the last day of the festival also known as Navami (ninth day), people pray to [[Siddhidhatri]]. Sitting on a lotus, she is believed to possess and bestows all types of Siddhis. Here she has four hands. Also known as Mahalakshmi, The purple color of the day portrays an admiration towards nature's beauty. Siddhidatri is [[Parvati]], the wife of Lord [[Shiva]]. Siddhidhatri is also seen as the [[Ardhanarishvara]] form of Shiva and Shakti. It is believed that one side of Lord Shiva’s body is that of Goddess Siddhidatri. Therefore, he is also known by the name of [[Ardhanarishwara]]. According to Vedic scriptures, Lord Shiva attained all the siddhis by worshiping this Goddess.
 
==Regional practices==
Navaratri is celebrated in different ways throughout India.<ref name="Roy2005p304">{{cite book|author=Christian Roy|title=Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IKqOUfqt4cIC&pg=PA304 |year=2005|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-57607-089-5|pages=304–310}}</ref> Certain people revere different aspects of Durga and some people fast while others feast.<ref name="Fuller2004p108f"/> The Chaitra Navaratri culminates in [[Rama Navami|Ram Navami]]<ref name="Roy2005p310">{{cite book|author=Christian Roy|title=Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IKqOUfqt4cIC&pg=PA304 |year=2005|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-57607-089-5|page=310}}</ref> and the Sharada Navaratri culminates in [[Durga Puja]] and [[Vijayadashami]].<ref name="Fuller2004p108f"/>
 
In the past, Shakta Hindus used to recite Durga's legends during the Chaitra Navaratri, but this practice around the spring equinox has been declining. For most contemporary Hindus, it is the Navaratri around the autumn equinox that is the major festival and the one observed. To Bengali Hindus and to Shakta Hindus outside of eastern and northeastern states of India, the term Navaratri implies [[Durga Puja]] in the warrior goddess aspect of Devi. In other traditions of Hinduism, the term Navaratri implies the celebration of Durga but in her more peaceful forms, such as Saraswati – the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, music, and other arts.<ref name="Fuller2004p108f"/><ref name="Roy2005p304"/> In Nepal, Navaratri is called [[Dasain|Dashain]], and is a major annual homecoming and family event that celebrates the bonds between elders and youngsters with ''Tika Puja'', as well as across family and community members.<ref name="Roy2005p310"/>
 
===Eastern India, West Bengal and Nepal===
{{main|Durga Puja|Dashain}}
{{multiple image
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| footer = Two Durga Puja ''pandals'' in Kolkata during Navaratri
| image1 = 2010 Durga Puja Barisha Pandal.jpg
| image2 = 2011 Durga Puja Pandal.jpg
}}
 
Navaratri is celebrated as the Durga Puja festival in West Bengal. It is the most important annual festival to Bengali Hindus and a major social and public event in eastern and northeastern states of India, where it dominates the religious life.{{sfn|Rachel Fell McDermott|2001|pp=172–174}}{{sfn|Malcolm McLean|1998|p=137}} The occasion is celebrated with thousands<ref>{{cite book|author=Christian Roy|title=Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IKqOUfqt4cIC&pg=PA306|year=2005|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-57607-089-5|pages=306–307}}</ref> of ''[[pandal]]s'' (temporary stages) that are built in community squares, roadside shrines, and large Durga temples in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, eastern Nepal, Assam, Tripura, and nearby regions. It is also observed by some Shakta Hindus as a private, home-based festival.{{sfn|Malcolm McLean|1998|p=137}}{{sfn|David Kinsley|1988|pp=106–108}}{{sfn|Lynn Foulston|Stuart Abbott|2009|pp=162–169}} Durga Puja festival marks the victory of the goddess Durga in the battle against the shape-shifting, deceptive, and powerful buffalo demon [[Mahishasura]].{{sfn|Alain Daniélou|1991|p=288}}{{sfn|June McDaniel|2004|pp=215–219}}


==External links==
The festival begins with ''Mahalaya'', a day where Shakta Hindus remember the loved ones who have died, as well the advent of the warrior goddess Durga.{{sfn|Cynthia Bradley|2012|p=214}}{{sfn| Amazzone|2012|pp=57–59, 63, 66}} The next significant day of Durga Puja is called Shashthi, on which the local community welcomes the goddess Durga and festive celebrations are inaugurated. On the seventh (Saptami), eighth (Ashtami), and ninth (Navami) day, Durga, along with Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, are revered. These days mark the main [[Puja (Hinduism)|Puja]] (worship) which is performed by the recitation of scriptures, legends of Durga in the ''Devi Mahatmya,'' and social visits by families to temples and ''pandals''.{{sfn| David R. Kinsley | 1989|pp=19–25}}{{sfn|David Kinsley|1988|pp=106–115}}<ref name=ghosa40>{{cite book|author=Pratapacandra Ghosa|title=Durga Puja: with notes and illustrations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OGZYAAAAcAAJ&pg=PP40| year= 1871|publisher= Calcutta: Hindoo Patriot Press|pages=40–55}}</ref> On the tenth day, also known as [[Vijayadashami]], a great procession is held where clay statues of Durga are ceremoniously walked to a river or ocean coast for a solemn goodbye. Many mark their faces with vermilion (''sindooram'') or dress in red clothes. It is an emotional day for some devotees, and the congregation sings emotional goodbye songs.{{sfn|Hillary Rodrigues|2003|pp=244–245}}{{sfn|June McDaniel|2004|pp=168–169}} After the procession, Hindus distribute sweets, gifts, and visit their friends and family members.{{sfn|Hillary Rodrigues|2003|pp=66–67, 236–241, 246–247}}
* {{IMDb name|id=1066396|name=Ranjith}}
 
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091116171925/http://www.cinemaofmalayalam.net/ranjith.html 'Cinema of Malayalam' profile]
===North India===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120604102045/http://www.wlcimedia.in/ School of Media]
[[File:Ram Leela Mela As Performed before at Ram Nugur before the Raja of Benares by James Prinsep 1834.jpg|thumb|An 1834 sketch by James Prinsep showing Rama Leela Mela during Navaratri in Benares.]]
In North India, Navaratri is marked by the numerous [[Ramlila]] events, where episodes from the story of [[Rama]] and [[Ravana]] are enacted by teams of artists in rural and urban centers, inside temples, or in temporarily constructed stages. This Hindu tradition of festive performance arts was inscribed by [[UNESCO]] as one of the "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" in 2008.<ref name=unescodussehra>[http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/RL/ramlila-the-traditional-performance-of-the-ramayana-00110 Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana], UNESCO</ref> The festivities, states UNESCO, include songs, narration, recital and dialogue based on the Hindu text ''[[Ramcharitmanas]]'' by [[Tulsidas]]. It is particularly notable in the historically important Hindu cities of [[Ayodhya]], [[Varanasi]], [[Vrindavan]], [[Almora]], [[Satna]] and [[Madhubani district|Madhubani]] – cities in [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Uttarakhand]], [[Bihar]], and [[Madhya Pradesh]].<ref name=unescodussehra/>
 
The festival and dramatic enactment of the story is organized by communities in hundreds of small villages and towns, attracting a mix of audiences from different social, gender. and economic backgrounds. In many parts, the audience and villagers join in and participate spontaneously, some helping the artists, others helping with stage set up, create make-up, effigies, and lights.<ref name=unescodussehra/>
 
Navaratri has historically been a prominent ritual festival for kings and military of a kingdom.<ref name="Fuller2004p108" /> At the end of the Navaratri, comes ''Dussehra'', where the effigies of Ravana, [[Kumbhakarna]], and [[Indrajit]] are burnt to celebrate the victory of good ([[Rama]]) over evil forces.{{sfn|Constance Jones|James D. Ryan|2006|pp=308–309}}
 
[[File:Indian - Food.jpg|thumb|left|Navaratri is also a festival for feasting with friends and family.]]
Elsewhere, during this religious observance, goddess Durga's war against deception and evil is remembered. A pot is installed (ghatasthapana) at a sanctified place at home. A lamp is kept lit in the pot for nine days. The pot symbolizes the universe and the uninterrupted lit lamp symbolizes Durga.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Rodrigues|first1=Hillary|title=Ritual Worship of the Great Goddess: The Liturgy of the Durga Puja with interpretation|date=2003|publisher=State University of New York Press|location=Albany, New York, USA|isbn=07914-5399-5|page=83|url=https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=onyaEhwhJBUC |access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref>
 
===Bihar===
In parts of Bihar, Durga is revered during the autumn of Navaratri. In other parts like [[Sitamarhi]] and close to the Nepal border, the spring Navaratri attracts a large [[Rama Navami]] fair, which marks the birth of Lord Rama. It is the largest cattle trading fair and attracts a large handicraft market in pottery, kitchen, and houseware, as well as traditional clothing. Festive performance arts and celebrations are held at the local Hindu temple dedicated to Sita, Hanuman, Durga, and Ganesha.<ref>{{cite book|author=Anand A. Yang|title=Bazaar India: Markets, Society, and the Colonial State in Bihar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D5lQutvzAp4C&pg=PA123|year=1999|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-91996-9|pages=123–126}}</ref><ref>[https://www.britannica.com/place/Sitamarhi Sitamarhi], Encyclopedia Britannica (2014)</ref>
 
===Gujarat===
Navaratri in Gujarat is one of the state's main festivals. The traditional celebrations include fasting for a day, or partially fasting each of the nine days by not eating grains or just taking liquid foods, in remembrance of one of nine aspects of Shakti goddess. The prayers are dedicated to a symbolic clay pot called ''garbo'', as a remembrance of the womb of the family and universe. The clay pot is lit, and this is believed to represent the one [[Atman (Hinduism)|Atman]] (soul, self).<ref name="Williams2015p37">{{cite book|author=Sean Williams|title=The Ethnomusicologists' Cookbook, Volume II|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=bhU-CgAAQBAJ&pg=PA37 |year=2015| publisher=Routledge| isbn=978-1-135-04008-6|pages=37–38}}</ref><ref name="NettlPorter1998p624"/>
 
[[File:Dancing garba by the sea.jpg|thumb|Garba dancing is a Navaratri tradition in Gujarat.]]
In Gujarat and nearby Hindu communities such as in Malwa, the ''garbo'' significance is celebrated through performance arts on all nine days.<ref name="Williams2015p37"/><ref name="NettlPorter1998p624"/> The most visible is group dances called [[Garba (dance)|Garba]] accompanied by live orchestra, seasonal [[raga]], or devotional songs. It is a folk dance where people of different background and skills join and form concentric circles. The circles can grow or shrink, reaching sizes of hundreds or thousands of people, dancing and clapping in circular moves in their traditional costumes. The ''garba'' dance sometimes deploys ''dandiyas'' (sticks), coordinated movements and the striking of sticks between the dancers, and teasing between the genders.<ref>{{cite book|author1=L. Dankworth|author2=A. David|title=Dance Ethnography and Global Perspectives: Identity, Embodiment and Culture|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=1yjFAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT24|year= 2014|publisher= Springer|isbn=978-1-137-00944-9|pages=22–25}}</ref> Post dancing, the group and the audience socializes and feasts together.<ref name="Williams2015p37"/><ref name="NettlPorter1998p624">{{cite book|author1=Bruno Nettl|author2=James Porter|author3=Timothy Rice|title=The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: South Asia : the Indian subcontinent |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZOlNv8MAXIEC&pg=PA624 |year= 1998|publisher= Taylor & Francis|isbn= 978-0-8240-4946-1|pages= 624–628, 980}}</ref> Regionally, the same thematic celebration of community songs, music, and dances on Navaratri is called ''garbi''.<ref name="NettlPorter1998p624"/>
 
===Goa===
[[File:Krishna, The Beautiful Blue God - Navarathri Golu Dolls (15278867139).jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|Some regions produce and sell special Navaratri miniature ''golu'' dolls, such as of Krishna above.]]
In the temples of [[Goa]], on the first day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, a copper pitcher, surrounded by clay, is installed inside the sanctum sanctorum of Devi and Krishna temples, in which nine varieties of food grains are placed. The nine nights are celebrated through devotional songs and religious discourses. Artists arrive to perform folk musical instruments. Celebrations include placing Durga's image in a specially-decorated colorful silver swing, known as ''Makhar,'' and for each of the nine nights, swinging Her to the tune of temple music (called as ''ranavadya''). This is locally called ''Makharotsav''.<ref name="makhar">{{cite web|title=Marcel displays colourful and vivid tradition of Makharotsav|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Marcel-displays-colourful-and-vivid-tradition-of-Makharotsav/articleshow/43454200.cms|website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com/|publisher=Times of India|access-date=26 September 2016}}</ref><ref name=goa>{{cite web|last=Kerkar|first=Rajendra P.|title=In Goa, Navaratri marks worship of earth mother goddess|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-17/goa/34524565_1_durga-goddess-worship|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131001032640/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-17/goa/34524565_1_durga-goddess-worship|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 October 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 October 2013}}</ref>
 
The last night of the Goa Navaratri festival is a major celebration called the ''makhar arti''.<ref>{{cite book|author=Kamla Mankekar|author-link=Kamla Mankekar|title=Temples of Goa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PHrXAAAAMAAJ|year=2004|publisher=Ministry of I & B, Government of India|isbn=978-81-230-1161-5|pages=55–56}}</ref>
 
===Karnataka===
[[File:Dasara Navaratri decorations Kudroli Temple Mangalore Karnataka.jpg|thumb|Navaratri decorations at [[Kudroli]] [[Hindu temple]], Karnataka]]
In [[Karnataka]], Navaratri is observed at home and by lighting up Hindu temples, cultural sites, and many regal processions. It is locally called ''Dasara'' and it is the state festival (''Nadahabba'') of Karnataka. Of the many celebrations, the [[Mysore Dasara|Mysuru Dasara]] is a major one and is popular for its festivities.<ref name=mysurudasara>[http://www.mysoredasara.gov.in Mysuru Dasara], Government of India (2016)</ref>
 
The contemporary ''Dasara'' festivities at [[Mysore]] are credited to the efforts of King Raja Wodeyar I in 1610. On the ninth day of ''Dasara'', called ''Mahanavami'',<ref>Shirgaonkar, Varsha. "Madhyayugin Mahanavami aani Dasara". Chaturanga, Loksatta (1996).</ref> the royal sword is worshipped and is taken on a procession of decorated elephants and horses. Also, [[Ayudha Puja]] is dedicated to [[Saraswati]], in which military personnel upkeep their weapons and families upkeep their tools of livelihood, both offering a prayer to Saraswati, as well as Parvati and Lakshmi.<ref name="nilima111" /><ref>{{cite book|author1=Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EXsOAAAAQAAJ|title=Genealogy of the South-Indian Gods|author2=Wilhelm Germann|author3=G. J. Metzger|publisher=Higgenbotham and Company|year=1869|pages=100, 106–107}}</ref> The day after Navaratri, on ''Vijayadashami'', the traditional ''Dasara'' procession is held on the streets of Mysore. An image of the Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed on a golden saddle (''hauda'') on the back of a decorated elephant and taken on a procession, accompanied by tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses, and camels.<ref name=mysurudasara2>[http://www.mysoredasara.gov.in/pastdasara.php Mysuru Dasara History], and [http://www.mysoredasara.gov.in/presentdasara.php Present Dasara], Government of India (2016)</ref>
 
Another Navaratri tradition in Karnataka has been decorating a part of one's home with art dolls called ''Gombe'' or ''Bombe'', similar to [https://www.navarathrigoludolls.com/ Golu dolls] of Tamil Nadu. An art-themed ''[[Gaarudi Gombe]]'', featuring folk dances which incorporate these dolls, is also a part of the celebration.<ref>[http://www.deccanherald.com/content/194556/a-ball-dolls.html A ball with the dolls: Navratri] and [http://www.deccanherald.com/content/362179/039gombe-habba039-all-its-splendour.html Gombe Habba in all its splendor], Deccan Herald, India</ref>
 
===Kerala===
[[File:Navarathri day.jpg|thumb|A family preparing for Saraswati puja on Navaratri.]]
In [[Kerala]], three days (Ashtami, Navami, and [[Vijaya Dashami|Vijayadashami]]) of Sharada Navaratri are celebrated as Sarasvati Puja in which books are worshipped. The books are placed for Puja on  Ashtami in their own houses, traditional nursery schools, or in temples. On ''Vijayadashami'', the books are ceremoniously taken out for reading and writing after worshipping Sarasvati. ''Vijayadashami'' is considered auspicious for initiating the children into writing and reading, which is called [[Vidyāraṃbhaṃ|Vidyarambham]].<ref>{{cite book|author=A. Sreedhara Menon|title= Social and cultural history of Kerala|url= https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/000124058|year= 1979|publisher=Sterling|pages=166–167}}</ref>
 
The Vidyarambham day tradition starts with the baby or child sitting on the lap of an elderly person such as the grandfather, near images of Saraswati and Ganesha. The elder writes a letter and the child writes the same with his or her index finger.
 
===Maharashtra===
 
Navaratri celebrations vary across [[Maharashtra]] and the specific rites differ between regions, even if they are called the same and dedicated to the same deity. The most common celebration begins on the first day of Navaratri with [[Ghatasthapana]], which literally means "mounting of a jar". On this day, rural households mount a copper or brass jar, filled with water, upon a small heap of rice kept on a wooden stool (''pat'').<ref>{{cite book|author1=Manu Belur Bhagavan|author2=Eleanor Zelliot|author3=Anne Feldhaus|title=Speaking Truth to Power|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j3zXAAAAMAAJ |year=2008|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-569305-8|pages=99–105}}</ref> The jar is typically placed other agriculture symbols such as a [[turmeric]] root, leaves of a [[mango tree]], coconut, and major staple [[grains]] (usually eight varieties). A lamp is lighted symbolizing knowledge and household prosperity, and kept alight through the nine nights of Navaratri.<ref>{{cite book|author=India. Office of the Registrar General|title=Census of India, 1961: Maharashtra|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=If4cAQAAMAAJ|year=1966|publisher=Government of India|page=132}}</ref>
 
The family worships the pot for nine days by offering rituals and a garland of flowers, leaves, fruits, dry-fruits, etc. with a ''[[naivedya]]'', and water is offered in order to get the seeds sprouted. Some families also celebrate ''[[Kali]] puja'' on days 1 and 2, ''[[Laxmi]] puja'' on days 3, 4, 5 and [[Saraswati]] puja on days 6, 7, 8, 9 along with Ghatasthapana. On the eighth day, a "Yajna" or "Hom" is performed in the name of Goddess Durga. On the ninth day, the Ghat puja is performed and the Ghat is dismantled after taking off the sprouted leaves of the grains.{{Citation needed|date=July 2021}}
 
The Goddess Lalita is worshipped on the fifth day of the festival.<ref>{{cite book|author=Roshen Dalal|title=The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pNmfdAKFpkQC&pg=PA98 |year=2010|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=978-0-14-341517-6|page=98}}</ref> On the ninth day of the festival, men participate in worshipping all kinds of tools, weapons, vehicles, and productive instruments.<ref>{{cite book|author=Brahm Dev|title=The Illustrated Weekly of India, Volume 94, Issue 4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cVo6AQAAIAAJ|date=October 1973|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Company |page=25}}</ref>
[[File:Avatars of Amman Navarathiri.jpg|thumb|Girls dressed up for music and dance performance during Amman Navaratri]]
 
===Tamil Nadu===
Navaratri has been a historic tradition within Tamil Nadu, with Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga goddesses as the focus.<ref name="Claus2003p443"/> Like the rest of India, the festival has been an occasion for performance arts, particularly Hindu temple dances such as [[Bharatanatyam]] and [[Mohiniyattam]]. Major palaces, community centers, and historic temples have embedded dance halls. For example, the [[Padmanabhapuram Palace]] built about 1600 CE has had a large dance hall with intricately carved pillars, a structure entirely made of stone. This dance hall has traditionally been known as ''Navaratri Mantapa''.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Bharati Shivaji|author2=Avinash Pasricha|title=ks?id=jpxbZZVGNxUC&pg=PA23|year=1986|publisher=Lancer Publishers|isbn=978-81-7062-003-7|page=23}}</ref> The festivities begin with [[Veda|Vedic chants]] inaugurating the dances and other ceremonies. Other Tamil Hindu temples, such as those associated with [[Sri Vaishnavism]], also celebrate the Navaratri festivities.<ref>{{cite book|author=Sarojini Jagannathan|title=Impact of Śrī Rāmānujāçārya on Temple Worship|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r47XAAAAMAAJ|year=1994|publisher=Nag Publishers|isbn=978-81-7081-288-3|pages=184–192}}</ref>
 
[[File:Navarathri Mandapam.jpg|thumb|left|A large sculpted dance hall inside Padmanabhapuram Palace near [[Kanyakumari]] called ''Navaratri Mandapam''. It features goddess Saraswati and large dance hall.]]
 
Another notable Tamil tradition is a celebration of the festival with ''Golu'' dolls (also spelled as ''Gollu''). These include gods, goddesses, animals, birds and rural life all in a miniature design. People set up their own creative themes in their homes, called ''Kolu'', friends and families invite each other to visit their homes to view Kolu displays, then exchange gifts and sweets.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Aditi Ranjan|author2=M. P. Ranjan|title=Handmade in India: A Geographic Encyclopedia of Indian Handicrafts|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ixhJAQAAIAAJ|year=2009|publisher=Abbeville Press|isbn=978-0-7892-1047-0|pages=317–318}}</ref> This tradition is also found in other parts of South India such as Andhra Pradesh where it called ''Bommala Koluvu'', and Karnataka where it is called ''Gombe Habba'' or ''Gombe totti''.<ref name="Claus2003p443">{{cite book|author1=Peter J. Claus|author2=Sarah Diamond|author3=Margaret Ann Mills|title=South Asian Folklore: An Encyclopedia|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ienxrTPHzzwC&pg=PA443|year= 2003|publisher= Taylor & Francis|isbn= 978-0-415-93919-5|pages=443–444}}</ref><ref>[http://www.deccanherald.com/content/362179/039gombe-habba039-all-its-splendour.html 'Gombe habba' in all its splendour]
Deccan Herald (9 October 2013)</ref> Evidence of ''Gombe totti'' tradition as a Hindu celebration of the artisan arts goes back to at least the 14th-century [[Vijayanagara Empire]].<ref>{{cite book|author=S Sivapriyananda|title=Mysore Royal Dasara|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DVkyFvZL_qMC |year=1995|publisher=Abhinav Publications|pages=155–156}}</ref> In the evening of ''Vijayadashami'', any one doll from the "Kolu" is symbolically put to sleep and the Kalasa is moved a bit towards the North to mark the end of that year's Navaratri Kolu. The family offers a prayer of thanks, and wraps up the display.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}
 
[[File:Navratri Golu.jpg|thumb | right | Golu dolls arrangement in [[Coimbatore]], [[Tamil Nadu]].]]
 
In temples of Tamil Nadu, Navaratri is celebrated for Durga's dwelling in each temple. The temples are decorated, ceremonial lamps are lit, and Vedic chantings are performed. Priests and visitors of some of these temples wear a special yellow colored 'promise of protection' thread on their wrists, called ''[[kappu]]'' (Tamil) or ''raksha bandhana'' (Sanskrit). It is believed to symbolize a vow to the goddess and protection from the goddess against evil.<ref>[[Burton Stein]] (1977), Temples in Tamil Country, 1300–1750 A.D, The Indian Economic & Social History Review, SAGE Publications, Volume 14, Issue 1, pages 11–45;<br>Carol Breckenridge (1977), From Protector to Litigant, The Indian Economic & Social History Review, SAGE Publications, Volume 14, Issue 1, pages 78–83, 86–93</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Aya Ikegame|title=Princely India Re-imagined: A Historical Anthropology of Mysore from 1799 to the present|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bV5ElF17ezwC |year=2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-23909-0|pages=146–148 }}</ref>
 
===Telangana===
{{See also|Kanya Puja}}
[[File:Bathukamma.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|A lamp above a ''Bathukamma'' flower arrangement, a Telugu Navaratri tradition.]]
In [[Telangana]], Navaratri is celebrated as in the rest of India and it ends with Dasara. During the Navaratri nights, a notable Telangana tradition involves Telugu Hindu women who produce [[Bathukamma]] for Navaratri goddesses. It is an artistic flower decorations driven event, particularly using [[Tagetes|marigolds]], which revere three different aspects Devi, called ''[[Tridevi]]''. In 2016, 9,292 women simultaneously participated to create a 20 feet high flower arrangements, one of the world's largest festive flower arrangement.<ref>[http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2016/oct/09/bathukamma-sets-guinness-world-record-1526476.html Bathukamma sets Guinness World Record] The New Indian Express (9 October 2016)</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/Thousands-of-women-turn-up-for-Maha-Bathukamma/article15476999.ece Thousands of women turn up for Maha Bathukamma], The Hindu (9 October 2016)</ref>
 
[[Bathukamma]] celebrations will be started with the Mahalaya Amavasya (Pitru Amavasya), a day before Navaratri starts. The main deity of worship is goddess Gowri, a form of goddess [[Durga]], who is symbolised with a idol made from turmeric powder and is placed on a floral arrangement called [[bathukamma]]. The festival will go for nine nights with women whirling around the bathukamma clapping their hands or sticks along with the recitation of the [[Ramayana]], stories of [[Shiva]], Gowri, [[Ganga]], and common day-to-day life of women in the form of rhythmic songs. Every night, bathukamma is immersed in nearby water resources and a new bathukamma is made next day. This nine nights festival ends with [[Durgashtami]], when Durga is believed to be worshipped in the form of Maha Gowri.{{Citation needed|date=July 2021}}
 
Like elsewhere in India, ''Ayudha Puja'' is observed by Telangana Hindus where weapons are maintained, decorated, and worshipped. Tradesmen and farmers similarly clean up, decorate, and worship their own equipment of the trade. On the 10th day, [[Dussehra]] ([[Vijayadashami]]), grand feasts are arranged with family members and friends.<ref name=nilima111>{{cite book|author=Nilima Chitgopekar|title=Book Of Durga|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xb64hva4qWYC&pg=PA111|year=2009|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=978-0-14-306767-2|pages=111–114}}</ref>
 
==Animal sacrifice==
Animal sacrifice is a part of some [[Durga Puja|Durga puja]] celebrations during Navaratri in the eastern states of India. The goddess is offered a sacrificial animal in this ritual in the belief that it stimulates her violent vengeance against the buffalo demon.<ref name=fuller83>{{cite book|author=Christopher John Fuller|author-link=Chris Fuller (academic)|title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC |year=2004|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=0-691-12048-X|pages=46, 83–85}}</ref> According to [[Chris Fuller (academic)|Christopher Fuller]], the animal sacrifice practice is rare among Hindus during Navaratri, or at other times, outside the [[Shaktism]] tradition found in the eastern Indian states of [[West Bengal]], [[Odisha]], and [[Assam]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Hardenberg|first1=Roland|date=2000|title=Visnu's Sleep, Mahisa's Attack, Durga's Victory: Concepts of Royalty in a Sacrificial Drama|url=http://www.krepublishers.com/02-Journals/JSS/JSS-04-0-000-000-2000-Web/JSS-04-04-227-2000-Abst-PDF/JSS-04-04-261-276-2000.pdf|journal=Journal of Social Science|volume=4|issue=4|page=267|access-date=29 September 2015}}</ref>  Even in these states, the festival season is one where significant animal sacrifices are observed.<ref name=fuller83/> In some Shakta Hindu communities, the slaying of the buffalo demon and the victory of Durga are observed with a symbolic sacrifice instead of animal sacrifice.{{efn|In these cases, Shaktism devotees consider animal sacrifice distasteful, practice alternate means of expressing devotion while respecting the views of others in their tradition.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Ira Katznelson|author2=Gareth Stedman Jones|title=Religion and the Political Imagination|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pWYXdLW00UsC |year=2010|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-139-49317-8|page=343}}</ref> A statue of ''[[asura]]'' demon made of flour, or equivalent, is immolated and smeared with vermilion to remember the blood that had necessarily been spilled during the war.{{sfn|Hillary Rodrigues|2003|pp=277-278}}{{sfn|June McDaniel|2004|pp=204–205}} Other substitutes include a vegetal or sweet dish considered equivalent to the animal.<ref>{{cite book|author=Rachel Fell McDermott|title=Revelry, Rivalry, and Longing for the Goddesses of Bengal: The Fortunes of Hindu Festivals|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ggBeH_lmUu8C |year=2011|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0-231-12919-0|pages=204–205}}</ref>}}{{sfn|Hillary Rodrigues|2003|pp=277-278}}{{sfn|June McDaniel|2004|pp=204-205}}
 
The [[Rajput]] of [[Rajasthan]] worship their weapons and horses on Navaratri, and formerly offered a sacrificial goat to a goddess revered as ''Kuldevi'' – a practice that continues in some places.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Harlan|first1=Lindsey|title=The goddesses' henchmen gender in Indian hero worship|date=2003|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford [u.a.]|isbn=978-0195154269|pages=45 with footnote 55, 58–59| url=https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=7HLrPYOe38gC |access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="Goat sacrifice to Shilamata">{{cite book|last1=Hiltebeitel|first1=Alf|author-link1=Alf Hiltebeitel|last2=Erndl|first2=Kathleen M.|title=Is the Goddess a Feminist?: the Politics of South Asian Goddesses,|date=2000|publisher=Sheffield Academic Press|location=Sheffield, England|isbn=9780814736197|page=77|url=https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=sQJzTr4c-g4C}}</ref> The ritual requires the slaying of the animal with a single stroke. In the past, this ritual was considered a rite of passage into manhood and readiness as a warrior.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Harlan|first1=Lindsey|title=Religion and Rajput Women|year=1992|publisher=University of California Press|location=Berkeley, California|isbn=0-520-07339-8|pages=61, 88|url=https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=7HLrPYOe38gC  }}</ref> The ''Kuldevi,'' among these Rajput communities, is a warrior-pativrata guardian goddess, with local legends tracing reverence for her during Rajput-Muslim wars.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Harlan|first1=Lindsey|title=Religion and Rajput Women|year=1992|publisher=University of California Press|location=Berkeley, California|isbn=0-520-07339-8|pages=107–108|url=https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=7HLrPYOe38gC }}</ref>
 
The tradition of animal sacrifice is being substituted with vegetarian offerings to the Goddess in temples and households around [[Banaras]] in Northern India.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Rodrigues|first1=Hillary|title=Ritual Worship of the Great Goddess: The Liturgy of the Durga Puja with interpretation|date=2003|publisher=State University of New York Press|location=Albany, New York, USA|isbn=07914-5399-5|page=215|url=https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=onyaEhwhJBUC |access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref>
 
==Outside India==
The Hindu diaspora that migrated as [[indentured servants]] during colonial era to various plantations and mines around the world, as well as those who migrated on their own, continued to mark their Navaratri traditions. Tamil Hindus in [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]] and [[Thailand]], for example, built Hindu temples in southeast [[Asia]] in the 19th century, and Navaratri has been one of their major traditional festivals.<ref>{{cite book|author1=K Kesavapany|author2=A Mani|author3=P Ramasamy|title=Rising India and Indian Communities in East Asia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=39lJz_L4MdUC&pg=PA675 |year=2008|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|isbn=978-981-230-799-6|pages=675–677}}</ref> In [[Trinidad and Tobago]], [[Guyana]], [[Suriname]], [[Fiji]], [[Mauritius]], [[Canada]], the [[United States]], and the [[United Kingdom]], Navaratri and Diwali have been one of the most visible celebrations of the local Hindu communities from about mid 20th-century.<ref>{{cite book|author=Peter van der Veer|title=Nation and Migration: The Politics of Space in the South Asian Diaspora|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bvTHlLRZL8UC |year=1995|publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press|isbn=0-8122-1537-0|pages=144–145}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Peter Childs|author2=Michael Storry|title=Encyclopedia of Contemporary British Culture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tlsKXeRt0wgC |year=2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=1-134-75555-4|pages=271 }}</ref>
 
[[File:Simple Golu in New Jersey.jpg|thumb | right | Simple Golu in [[New Jersey]]]]
 
==Other religions==
Navaratri and goddess worship is mentioned in the historic [[Sikhism]] literature, particularly in the ''[[Dasam Granth]]'' traditionally attributed to [[Guru Gobind Singh]]. According to Louis Fenech, the Sikhs have historically mirrored the reverence for ''Devi'' [[Shakthi]] and the worship of weapons in a manner similar to those by Shakta Hindus.<ref>{{cite book|author=Louis E. Fenech|title= The Sikh Zafar-namah of Guru Gobind Singh: A Discursive Blade in the Heart of the Mughal Empire |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=aUUfAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA112 |year=2013|publisher= Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-993145-3|pages=112, 255 with note 54}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Nidar Singh Nihang|author2=Parmjit Singh|title=In the master's presence: the Sikh's of Hazoor Sahib. History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qkcKAQAAMAAJ|year=2008|publisher=Kashi|isbn=978-0956016829|pages=122 and Glossary}}</ref> The second Guru of Sikhism, [[Guru Angad]], was an ardent devotee of goddess Durga.<ref>{{cite book|author=Arvind-Pal Singh Mandair|title=Sikhism: A Guide for the Perplexed |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BEP0Ty-GuVEC |year=2013|publisher=Bloomsbury Academic|isbn=978-1-4411-1708-3|page=26}}</ref>
 
The Jains have observed the social and cultural celebrations of Navaratri with Hindus, such as the folk dances. The ''stavan'' poetry of Jainism, states M. Whitney Kelting, "draw much of their imagery from the ''garba'' poems" of Hinduism.<ref>{{cite book|author=M. Whitney Kelting|title=Singing to the Jinas: Jain Laywomen, Mandal Singing, and the Negotiations of Jain Devotion|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=elcn1IEJ3CEC |year=2001|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-803211-3|pages=87–88}}</ref>
 
==See also==
* [[Navratra Akhand Jyoti]]
*[[Durga Puja]]
* [[Garba (dance)|Garba]]
* [[Jhandewalan Temple]]
* [[Jwaladevi Temple]]
* [[Jyoti Kalash]]
* [[Mysore Dasara]]
* [[Nine Emperor Gods Festival]]
* [[Vijayadashami]]
* [[Dashain]]
 
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
 
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}


{{Filmfare Award Best Malayalam Director}}
===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PM_TNDu8NHUC|title=Goddess Durga and Sacred Female Power|first=Laura|last=Amazzone|year= 2012|publisher=University Press of America|access-date=5 February 2017}}
*{{cite book|last= Coburn|first= Thomas B.| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c7vIzNrC-coC |title= Encountering the Goddess: A translation of the Devi-Mahatmya and a Study of Its Interpretation| publisher= State University of New York Press | year= 1991 | isbn = 0791404463 }}
* {{cite book|author= Cynthia Bradley|editor1=Denise Cush|editor2=Catherine Robinson|editor3=Michael York|title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=kzPgCgAAQBAJ |year =2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-18979-2}}
* {{cite book|author=Alain Daniélou|title=The Myths and Gods of India: The Classic Work on Hindu Polytheism from the Princeton Bollingen Series |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1HMXN9h6WX0C |year=1991|publisher=Inner Traditions / Bear & Co|isbn=978-0-89281-354-4}}
* {{cite book|author1=Lynn Foulston|author2=Stuart Abbott|title=Hindu Goddesses: Beliefs and Practices|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XgwVgPx5G5UC |year=2009|publisher=Sussex Academic Press|isbn=978-1-902210-43-8}}
*{{cite book|author1=Constance Jones|author2=James D. Ryan|title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OgMmceadQ3gC |year=2006|publisher=Infobase Publishing|isbn=978-0-8160-7564-5}}
*{{cite book| author=David Kinsley| title=Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HzldwMHeS6IC| year=1988| publisher=University of California Press| isbn=978-0-520-90883-3}}
* {{cite book|author=David R. Kinsley|title=The Goddesses' Mirror: Visions of the Divine from East and West |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b0jmXOPBXkwC |year=1989|publisher=State University of New York Press|isbn=978-0-88706-835-5}}
*{{cite book|author=James G. Lochtefeld|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5kl0DYIjUPgC |year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=0-8239-2287-1}}
* {{cite book|author=Malcolm McLean|title=Devoted to the Goddess: The Life and Work of Ramprasad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kXY4uQ9TwI8C |year=1998|publisher=State University of New York Press|isbn=978-0-7914-3689-9}}
* {{cite book|author= June McDaniel|title= Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls: Popular Goddess Worship in West Bengal |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=caeJpIj9SdkC |year= 2004|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-534713-5}}
*{{cite book|author=Rachel Fell McDermott|title=Mother of My Heart, Daughter of My Dreams: Kali and Uma in the Devotional Poetry of Bengal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2PrChFaXgf0C |year=2001|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-803071-3}}
*{{Cite book|first=Ludo |last=Rocher| year= 1986| author-link= Ludo Rocher| title= The Puranas| publisher= Otto Harrassowitz Verlag| isbn= 978-3447025225 }}
*{{cite book|author=Hillary Rodrigues|title=Ritual Worship of the Great Goddess: The Liturgy of the Durga Puja with Interpretations|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=onyaEhwhJBUC|year=2003|publisher=SUNY Press|isbn=978-0-7914-8844-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Sarkar |first=Bihani |year=2020 |chapter=Toward a History of the Navarātra, the Autumnal Festival of the Goddess |editor1-last=Goodall |editor1-first=Dominic |editor2-last=Hatley |editor2-first=Shaman |editor3-last=Isaacson |editor3-first=Harunaga |editor4-last=Raman |editor4-first=Srilata |title=Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions: Essays in Honour of Alexis G.J.S. Sanderson |location=[[Leiden]] |publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] |series=Gonda Indological Studies |volume=22 |pages=321–345 |doi=10.1163/9789004432802_015 |doi-access=free |isbn=978-90-04-43266-6}}
* {{cite web | title=Navratri – Hindu festival | website=Encyclopedia Britannica | date=2017-02-21 | url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Navratri | ref={{sfnref | Encyclopedia Britannica | 2015}} | access-date=2017-02-21}}


{{Authority control}}
{{refend}}
{{Commons category|Navaratri}}
{{Sindhi festivals}}
{{HinduFestivals}}
{{Hindudharma}}


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Revision as of 20:24, 11 August 2021

For the 1964 film, see Navarathri (1964 film). For the 1966 film, see Navaratri (1966 film).

Sharada Navaratri
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Navaratri celebrates good over evil by goddess Durga
Also calledNavratri, Nauratri, Navarathri, Navaratra, Navratan, or Nauratan
Observed byHindus
Celebrations10 days (9 nights)
Observancesstage setting, prayers, plays, dramas, fasting, puja, murti immersion, and bonfires prayers are offered to goddess Durga and parvati
BeginsAshvin Shukla Prathama
EndsAshvin Shukla Navami
FrequencyAnnual
Related toVijayadashami, Dashain

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Navaratri[lower-alpha 1] is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights (and ten days) and is celebrated every year in the autumn. It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian cultural sphere.[2][3] Theoretically, there are four seasonal Navaratri. However, in practice, it is the post-monsoon autumn festival called Sharada Navaratri that is the most observed in the honor of the divine feminine Devi (Durga). The festival is celebrated in the bright half of the Hindu calendar month Ashvin, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October.[2][4]

Etymology and nomenclature

The word Navaratri means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights.[5]

Dates and celebrations

In the eastern and northeastern states of India, the Durga Puja is synonymous with Navaratri, wherein goddess Durga battles and emerges victorious over the buffalo demon Mahishasur to help restore dharma.[3] In southern states, the victory of Durga or Kali is celebrated. In all cases, the common theme is the battle and victory of good over evil based on a regionally famous epic or legend such as the Devi Mahatmya.[2][4]

Celebrations

Celebrations include worshipping nine goddesses in nine days, stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism. The nine days are also a major crop season cultural event, such as competitive design and staging of pandals, a family visit to these pandals, and the public celebration of classical and folk dances of Hindu culture.[6][7][8] Hindu devotees often celebrate Navaratri by fasting. On the final day, called Vijayadashami, the statues are either immersed in a water body such as a river or ocean, or the statue symbolizing the evil is burnt with fireworks, marking the destruction of evil. The festival also starts the preparation for Diwali, the festival of lights, which is celebrated twenty days after Vijayadashami.[9][10][3]

Dates

According to some Hindu texts such as the Shakta and Vaishnava Puranas, Navaratri theoretically falls twice or four times a year. Of these, the Sharada Navaratri near autumn equinox (September–October) is the most celebrated and the Vasanta Navaratri near spring equinox (March–April) is the next most significant to the culture of the Indian subcontinent. In all cases, Navaratri falls in the bright half of the Hindu lunisolar months. The celebrations vary by region, leaving much to the creativity and preferences of the Hindu.[4][11][12]

Sharada Navaratri

Sharada Navaratri is the most celebrated of the four Navaratri, named after Sharada which means autumn. It commences on the first day (pratipada) of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashvini.[13] The festival is celebrated for nine nights once every year during this month, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October. The exact dates of the festival are determined according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, and sometimes the festival may be held for a day more or a day less depending on the adjustments for sun and moon movements and the leap year.[2][11][6] In many regions, the festival falls after the autumn harvest, and in others, during harvest.[14]

The festivities extend beyond goddess Durga and various other goddesses such as Saraswati and Lakshmi. Gods such as Ganesha, Kartikeya, Shiva, and Parvati are regionally revered. For example, a notable pan-Hindu tradition during Navaratri is the adoration of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, music, and arts, through Ayudha Puja.[15] On this day, which typically falls on the ninth day of Navaratri, peace and knowledge is celebrated. Warriors thank, decorate, and worship their weapons, offering prayers to Saraswati.[16] Musicians upkeep, play, and pray their musical instruments. Farmers, carpenters, smiths, pottery makers, shopkeepers, and all sorts of tradespeople similarly decorate and worship their equipment, machinery, and tools of trade. Students visit their teachers, express respect, and seek their blessings.[15][17] This tradition is particularly strong in South India, but is observed elsewhere too.[17][18]

Chaitra Navaratri

Further information: Indian New Year's days and Mesha Sankranti

Chaitra Navaratri is the second most celebrated Navaratri, named after vasanta which means spring. It is observed during the lunar month of Chaitra (March–April). In many regions, the festival falls after spring harvest, and in others, during harvest. It also marks the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, also known as the Hindu Lunar New Year, according to the Vikram Samvat calendar.[19][20]

Magha Navaratri

Magha Navaratri is observed during the lunar month of Magha (January–February). The fifth day of this festival is often independently observed as Vasant Panchami or Basant Panchami, the official start of spring in the Hindu tradition, wherein goddess Saraswati is revered through arts, music, writing, and kite flying. In some regions, the Hindu god of love, Kama is revered.[21][22] Magha Navaratri is observed regionally or by individuals.[23]

Ashada Navaratri

Ashada Navaratri is observed during the lunar month of Ashadha (June–July), during the start of the monsoon season.[24] Ashada Navaratri is observed regionally or by individuals.[23]

Significance of each day

Navadurga - The nine goddesses worshipped in Navaratri.

The festival is associated to the prominent battle that took place between Durga and demon the Mahishasura and celebrates the victory of good over evil.[25] These nine days are solely dedicated to Durga and her eight avatars – the Navadurga.[26] Each day is associated to an incarnation of the goddess:[27][25][28][29]

Day 1 – Shailaputri

Known as Pratipada (first day), this day is associated with Shailaputri ("Daughter of Mountain"), an incarnation of Parvati. It is in this form that Durga is worshiped as the wife of Shiva; she is depicted as riding the bull, Nandi, with a trishula in her right hand and lotus in her left. Shailaputri is considered to be the direct incarnation of Mahakali. The color of the day is grey, which depicts action and vigor.[30]

Day 2 – Brahmacharini

On Dwitiya (second day), Goddess Brahmacharini, another incarnation of Parvati, is worshiped. In this form, Parvati became Yogini, her unmarried self. Brahmacharini is worshiped for emancipation or moksha and endowment of peace and prosperity. Depicted as walking bare feet and holding a japamala (rosary) and a kamandala (pot) in her hands, she symbolizes bliss and calm. Blue is the color code of this day. The orange color which depicts tranquility is sometimes used yet strong energy flows everywhere.

Day 3 – Chandraghanta

Tritiya (third day) commemorates the worship of Chandraghanta – the name derived from the fact that after marrying Shiva, Parvati adorned her forehead with the ardhachandra (lit. half-moon). She is the embodiment of beauty and is also symbolic of bravery. White is the color of the third day, which is a vivacious color and can pep up everyone's mood.

Day 4 – Kushmanda

Goddess Kushmanda is worshiped on Chaturthi (fourth day). Believed to be the creative power of the universe, Kushmanda is associated with the endowment of vegetation on earth, and hence, the color of the day is Red. She is depicted as having eight arms and sits on a Tiger.

Day 5 – Skandamata

Skandamata, the goddess worshiped on Panchami (fifth day), is the mother of Skanda (or Kartikeya). The color of Royal Blue is symbolic of the transforming strength of a mother when her child is confronted with danger. She is depicted riding a ferocious lion, having four arms, and holding her baby.

Day 6 – Katyayani

Born to sage Katyayana, she is an incarnation of Durga and is shown to exhibit courage which is symbolized by the color Yellow. Known as the warrior goddess, she is considered one of the most violent forms of Devi. In this avatar, Katyayani rides a lion and has four hands. She is a form of Parvati, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati. She is celebrated on Shashtami (sixth day).

Day 7 – Kaalaratri

Considered the most ferocious form of Goddess Durga, Kalaratri is revered on Saptami. It is believed that Parvati removed her fair skin to kill the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha. The color of the day is Green. The Goddess appears in a red coloured attire or tiger skin with a lot of rage in her fiery eyes, her skin turns black. The red color portrays prayer and ensures the devotees that the Goddess will protect them from harm. She is celebrated on Saptami (seventh day)

Day 8 – Mahagauri

Mahagauri symbolizes intelligence and peace. It is believed when Kaalaratri took a bath in the Ganga river, she became extremely fair from her darker complexion. The color associated with this day is Peacock Green which depicts optimism. She is celebrated on Ashtami (eighth day).

Day 9 – Siddhidatri

On the last day of the festival also known as Navami (ninth day), people pray to Siddhidhatri. Sitting on a lotus, she is believed to possess and bestows all types of Siddhis. Here she has four hands. Also known as Mahalakshmi, The purple color of the day portrays an admiration towards nature's beauty. Siddhidatri is Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. Siddhidhatri is also seen as the Ardhanarishvara form of Shiva and Shakti. It is believed that one side of Lord Shiva’s body is that of Goddess Siddhidatri. Therefore, he is also known by the name of Ardhanarishwara. According to Vedic scriptures, Lord Shiva attained all the siddhis by worshiping this Goddess.

Regional practices

Navaratri is celebrated in different ways throughout India.[31] Certain people revere different aspects of Durga and some people fast while others feast.[11] The Chaitra Navaratri culminates in Ram Navami[32] and the Sharada Navaratri culminates in Durga Puja and Vijayadashami.[11]

In the past, Shakta Hindus used to recite Durga's legends during the Chaitra Navaratri, but this practice around the spring equinox has been declining. For most contemporary Hindus, it is the Navaratri around the autumn equinox that is the major festival and the one observed. To Bengali Hindus and to Shakta Hindus outside of eastern and northeastern states of India, the term Navaratri implies Durga Puja in the warrior goddess aspect of Devi. In other traditions of Hinduism, the term Navaratri implies the celebration of Durga but in her more peaceful forms, such as Saraswati – the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, music, and other arts.[11][31] In Nepal, Navaratri is called Dashain, and is a major annual homecoming and family event that celebrates the bonds between elders and youngsters with Tika Puja, as well as across family and community members.[32]

Eastern India, West Bengal and Nepal

Main articles: Durga Puja and Dashain
Two Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata during Navaratri

Navaratri is celebrated as the Durga Puja festival in West Bengal. It is the most important annual festival to Bengali Hindus and a major social and public event in eastern and northeastern states of India, where it dominates the religious life.[33][34] The occasion is celebrated with thousands[35] of pandals (temporary stages) that are built in community squares, roadside shrines, and large Durga temples in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, eastern Nepal, Assam, Tripura, and nearby regions. It is also observed by some Shakta Hindus as a private, home-based festival.[34][36][37] Durga Puja festival marks the victory of the goddess Durga in the battle against the shape-shifting, deceptive, and powerful buffalo demon Mahishasura.[38][39]

The festival begins with Mahalaya, a day where Shakta Hindus remember the loved ones who have died, as well the advent of the warrior goddess Durga.[40][41] The next significant day of Durga Puja is called Shashthi, on which the local community welcomes the goddess Durga and festive celebrations are inaugurated. On the seventh (Saptami), eighth (Ashtami), and ninth (Navami) day, Durga, along with Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, are revered. These days mark the main Puja (worship) which is performed by the recitation of scriptures, legends of Durga in the Devi Mahatmya, and social visits by families to temples and pandals.[42][43][44] On the tenth day, also known as Vijayadashami, a great procession is held where clay statues of Durga are ceremoniously walked to a river or ocean coast for a solemn goodbye. Many mark their faces with vermilion (sindooram) or dress in red clothes. It is an emotional day for some devotees, and the congregation sings emotional goodbye songs.[45][46] After the procession, Hindus distribute sweets, gifts, and visit their friends and family members.[47]

North India

An 1834 sketch by James Prinsep showing Rama Leela Mela during Navaratri in Benares.

In North India, Navaratri is marked by the numerous Ramlila events, where episodes from the story of Rama and Ravana are enacted by teams of artists in rural and urban centers, inside temples, or in temporarily constructed stages. This Hindu tradition of festive performance arts was inscribed by UNESCO as one of the "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" in 2008.[48] The festivities, states UNESCO, include songs, narration, recital and dialogue based on the Hindu text Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas. It is particularly notable in the historically important Hindu cities of Ayodhya, Varanasi, Vrindavan, Almora, Satna and Madhubani – cities in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.[48]

The festival and dramatic enactment of the story is organized by communities in hundreds of small villages and towns, attracting a mix of audiences from different social, gender. and economic backgrounds. In many parts, the audience and villagers join in and participate spontaneously, some helping the artists, others helping with stage set up, create make-up, effigies, and lights.[48]

Navaratri has historically been a prominent ritual festival for kings and military of a kingdom.[3] At the end of the Navaratri, comes Dussehra, where the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Indrajit are burnt to celebrate the victory of good (Rama) over evil forces.[49]

Navaratri is also a festival for feasting with friends and family.

Elsewhere, during this religious observance, goddess Durga's war against deception and evil is remembered. A pot is installed (ghatasthapana) at a sanctified place at home. A lamp is kept lit in the pot for nine days. The pot symbolizes the universe and the uninterrupted lit lamp symbolizes Durga.[50]

Bihar

In parts of Bihar, Durga is revered during the autumn of Navaratri. In other parts like Sitamarhi and close to the Nepal border, the spring Navaratri attracts a large Rama Navami fair, which marks the birth of Lord Rama. It is the largest cattle trading fair and attracts a large handicraft market in pottery, kitchen, and houseware, as well as traditional clothing. Festive performance arts and celebrations are held at the local Hindu temple dedicated to Sita, Hanuman, Durga, and Ganesha.[51][52]

Gujarat

Navaratri in Gujarat is one of the state's main festivals. The traditional celebrations include fasting for a day, or partially fasting each of the nine days by not eating grains or just taking liquid foods, in remembrance of one of nine aspects of Shakti goddess. The prayers are dedicated to a symbolic clay pot called garbo, as a remembrance of the womb of the family and universe. The clay pot is lit, and this is believed to represent the one Atman (soul, self).[53][54]

Garba dancing is a Navaratri tradition in Gujarat.

In Gujarat and nearby Hindu communities such as in Malwa, the garbo significance is celebrated through performance arts on all nine days.[53][54] The most visible is group dances called Garba accompanied by live orchestra, seasonal raga, or devotional songs. It is a folk dance where people of different background and skills join and form concentric circles. The circles can grow or shrink, reaching sizes of hundreds or thousands of people, dancing and clapping in circular moves in their traditional costumes. The garba dance sometimes deploys dandiyas (sticks), coordinated movements and the striking of sticks between the dancers, and teasing between the genders.[55] Post dancing, the group and the audience socializes and feasts together.[53][54] Regionally, the same thematic celebration of community songs, music, and dances on Navaratri is called garbi.[54]

Goa

Some regions produce and sell special Navaratri miniature golu dolls, such as of Krishna above.

In the temples of Goa, on the first day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, a copper pitcher, surrounded by clay, is installed inside the sanctum sanctorum of Devi and Krishna temples, in which nine varieties of food grains are placed. The nine nights are celebrated through devotional songs and religious discourses. Artists arrive to perform folk musical instruments. Celebrations include placing Durga's image in a specially-decorated colorful silver swing, known as Makhar, and for each of the nine nights, swinging Her to the tune of temple music (called as ranavadya). This is locally called Makharotsav.[56][57]

The last night of the Goa Navaratri festival is a major celebration called the makhar arti.[58]

Karnataka

Navaratri decorations at Kudroli Hindu temple, Karnataka

In Karnataka, Navaratri is observed at home and by lighting up Hindu temples, cultural sites, and many regal processions. It is locally called Dasara and it is the state festival (Nadahabba) of Karnataka. Of the many celebrations, the Mysuru Dasara is a major one and is popular for its festivities.[59]

The contemporary Dasara festivities at Mysore are credited to the efforts of King Raja Wodeyar I in 1610. On the ninth day of Dasara, called Mahanavami,[60] the royal sword is worshipped and is taken on a procession of decorated elephants and horses. Also, Ayudha Puja is dedicated to Saraswati, in which military personnel upkeep their weapons and families upkeep their tools of livelihood, both offering a prayer to Saraswati, as well as Parvati and Lakshmi.[15][61] The day after Navaratri, on Vijayadashami, the traditional Dasara procession is held on the streets of Mysore. An image of the Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed on a golden saddle (hauda) on the back of a decorated elephant and taken on a procession, accompanied by tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses, and camels.[62]

Another Navaratri tradition in Karnataka has been decorating a part of one's home with art dolls called Gombe or Bombe, similar to Golu dolls of Tamil Nadu. An art-themed Gaarudi Gombe, featuring folk dances which incorporate these dolls, is also a part of the celebration.[63]

Kerala

A family preparing for Saraswati puja on Navaratri.

In Kerala, three days (Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami) of Sharada Navaratri are celebrated as Sarasvati Puja in which books are worshipped. The books are placed for Puja on Ashtami in their own houses, traditional nursery schools, or in temples. On Vijayadashami, the books are ceremoniously taken out for reading and writing after worshipping Sarasvati. Vijayadashami is considered auspicious for initiating the children into writing and reading, which is called Vidyarambham.[64]

The Vidyarambham day tradition starts with the baby or child sitting on the lap of an elderly person such as the grandfather, near images of Saraswati and Ganesha. The elder writes a letter and the child writes the same with his or her index finger.

Maharashtra

Navaratri celebrations vary across Maharashtra and the specific rites differ between regions, even if they are called the same and dedicated to the same deity. The most common celebration begins on the first day of Navaratri with Ghatasthapana, which literally means "mounting of a jar". On this day, rural households mount a copper or brass jar, filled with water, upon a small heap of rice kept on a wooden stool (pat).[65] The jar is typically placed other agriculture symbols such as a turmeric root, leaves of a mango tree, coconut, and major staple grains (usually eight varieties). A lamp is lighted symbolizing knowledge and household prosperity, and kept alight through the nine nights of Navaratri.[66]

The family worships the pot for nine days by offering rituals and a garland of flowers, leaves, fruits, dry-fruits, etc. with a naivedya, and water is offered in order to get the seeds sprouted. Some families also celebrate Kali puja on days 1 and 2, Laxmi puja on days 3, 4, 5 and Saraswati puja on days 6, 7, 8, 9 along with Ghatasthapana. On the eighth day, a "Yajna" or "Hom" is performed in the name of Goddess Durga. On the ninth day, the Ghat puja is performed and the Ghat is dismantled after taking off the sprouted leaves of the grains.[citation needed]

The Goddess Lalita is worshipped on the fifth day of the festival.[67] On the ninth day of the festival, men participate in worshipping all kinds of tools, weapons, vehicles, and productive instruments.[68]

Girls dressed up for music and dance performance during Amman Navaratri

Tamil Nadu

Navaratri has been a historic tradition within Tamil Nadu, with Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga goddesses as the focus.[69] Like the rest of India, the festival has been an occasion for performance arts, particularly Hindu temple dances such as Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam. Major palaces, community centers, and historic temples have embedded dance halls. For example, the Padmanabhapuram Palace built about 1600 CE has had a large dance hall with intricately carved pillars, a structure entirely made of stone. This dance hall has traditionally been known as Navaratri Mantapa.[70] The festivities begin with Vedic chants inaugurating the dances and other ceremonies. Other Tamil Hindu temples, such as those associated with Sri Vaishnavism, also celebrate the Navaratri festivities.[71]

A large sculpted dance hall inside Padmanabhapuram Palace near Kanyakumari called Navaratri Mandapam. It features goddess Saraswati and large dance hall.

Another notable Tamil tradition is a celebration of the festival with Golu dolls (also spelled as Gollu). These include gods, goddesses, animals, birds and rural life all in a miniature design. People set up their own creative themes in their homes, called Kolu, friends and families invite each other to visit their homes to view Kolu displays, then exchange gifts and sweets.[72] This tradition is also found in other parts of South India such as Andhra Pradesh where it called Bommala Koluvu, and Karnataka where it is called Gombe Habba or Gombe totti.[69][73] Evidence of Gombe totti tradition as a Hindu celebration of the artisan arts goes back to at least the 14th-century Vijayanagara Empire.[74] In the evening of Vijayadashami, any one doll from the "Kolu" is symbolically put to sleep and the Kalasa is moved a bit towards the North to mark the end of that year's Navaratri Kolu. The family offers a prayer of thanks, and wraps up the display.[citation needed]

Golu dolls arrangement in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

In temples of Tamil Nadu, Navaratri is celebrated for Durga's dwelling in each temple. The temples are decorated, ceremonial lamps are lit, and Vedic chantings are performed. Priests and visitors of some of these temples wear a special yellow colored 'promise of protection' thread on their wrists, called kappu (Tamil) or raksha bandhana (Sanskrit). It is believed to symbolize a vow to the goddess and protection from the goddess against evil.[75][76]

Telangana

See also: Kanya Puja
A lamp above a Bathukamma flower arrangement, a Telugu Navaratri tradition.

In Telangana, Navaratri is celebrated as in the rest of India and it ends with Dasara. During the Navaratri nights, a notable Telangana tradition involves Telugu Hindu women who produce Bathukamma for Navaratri goddesses. It is an artistic flower decorations driven event, particularly using marigolds, which revere three different aspects Devi, called Tridevi. In 2016, 9,292 women simultaneously participated to create a 20 feet high flower arrangements, one of the world's largest festive flower arrangement.[77][78]

Bathukamma celebrations will be started with the Mahalaya Amavasya (Pitru Amavasya), a day before Navaratri starts. The main deity of worship is goddess Gowri, a form of goddess Durga, who is symbolised with a idol made from turmeric powder and is placed on a floral arrangement called bathukamma. The festival will go for nine nights with women whirling around the bathukamma clapping their hands or sticks along with the recitation of the Ramayana, stories of Shiva, Gowri, Ganga, and common day-to-day life of women in the form of rhythmic songs. Every night, bathukamma is immersed in nearby water resources and a new bathukamma is made next day. This nine nights festival ends with Durgashtami, when Durga is believed to be worshipped in the form of Maha Gowri.[citation needed]

Like elsewhere in India, Ayudha Puja is observed by Telangana Hindus where weapons are maintained, decorated, and worshipped. Tradesmen and farmers similarly clean up, decorate, and worship their own equipment of the trade. On the 10th day, Dussehra (Vijayadashami), grand feasts are arranged with family members and friends.[15]

Animal sacrifice

Animal sacrifice is a part of some Durga puja celebrations during Navaratri in the eastern states of India. The goddess is offered a sacrificial animal in this ritual in the belief that it stimulates her violent vengeance against the buffalo demon.[79] According to Christopher Fuller, the animal sacrifice practice is rare among Hindus during Navaratri, or at other times, outside the Shaktism tradition found in the eastern Indian states of West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam.[80] Even in these states, the festival season is one where significant animal sacrifices are observed.[79] In some Shakta Hindu communities, the slaying of the buffalo demon and the victory of Durga are observed with a symbolic sacrifice instead of animal sacrifice.[lower-alpha 2][82][85]

The Rajput of Rajasthan worship their weapons and horses on Navaratri, and formerly offered a sacrificial goat to a goddess revered as Kuldevi – a practice that continues in some places.[86][87] The ritual requires the slaying of the animal with a single stroke. In the past, this ritual was considered a rite of passage into manhood and readiness as a warrior.[88] The Kuldevi, among these Rajput communities, is a warrior-pativrata guardian goddess, with local legends tracing reverence for her during Rajput-Muslim wars.[89]

The tradition of animal sacrifice is being substituted with vegetarian offerings to the Goddess in temples and households around Banaras in Northern India.[90]

Outside India

The Hindu diaspora that migrated as indentured servants during colonial era to various plantations and mines around the world, as well as those who migrated on their own, continued to mark their Navaratri traditions. Tamil Hindus in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, for example, built Hindu temples in southeast Asia in the 19th century, and Navaratri has been one of their major traditional festivals.[91] In Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Fiji, Mauritius, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, Navaratri and Diwali have been one of the most visible celebrations of the local Hindu communities from about mid 20th-century.[92][93]

Simple Golu in New Jersey

Other religions

Navaratri and goddess worship is mentioned in the historic Sikhism literature, particularly in the Dasam Granth traditionally attributed to Guru Gobind Singh. According to Louis Fenech, the Sikhs have historically mirrored the reverence for Devi Shakthi and the worship of weapons in a manner similar to those by Shakta Hindus.[94][95] The second Guru of Sikhism, Guru Angad, was an ardent devotee of goddess Durga.[96]

The Jains have observed the social and cultural celebrations of Navaratri with Hindus, such as the folk dances. The stavan poetry of Jainism, states M. Whitney Kelting, "draw much of their imagery from the garba poems" of Hinduism.[97]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Also spelled Navratri, Nauratri, Navarathri, Navaratra, Navratam, or Nauratam
  2. ↑ In these cases, Shaktism devotees consider animal sacrifice distasteful, practice alternate means of expressing devotion while respecting the views of others in their tradition.[81] A statue of asura demon made of flour, or equivalent, is immolated and smeared with vermilion to remember the blood that had necessarily been spilled during the war.[82][83] Other substitutes include a vegetal or sweet dish considered equivalent to the animal.[84]

References

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  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Encyclopedia Britannica 2015.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Christopher John Fuller (2004). The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India. Princeton University Press. pp. 108–109. ISBN 978-0-69112-04-85.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 James G. Lochtefeld 2002, pp. 468–469.
  5. ↑ James G. Lochtefeld 2002, pp. 468-469.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Robin Rinehart (2004). Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice. ABC-CLIO. pp. 147–148. ISBN 978-1-57607-905-8.
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  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Malcolm McLean 1998, p. 137.
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  37. ↑ Lynn Foulston & Stuart Abbott 2009, pp. 162–169.
  38. ↑ Alain Daniélou 1991, p. 288.
  39. ↑ June McDaniel 2004, pp. 215–219.
  40. ↑ Cynthia Bradley 2012, p. 214.
  41. ↑ Amazzone 2012, pp. 57–59, 63, 66.
  42. ↑ David R. Kinsley 1989, pp. 19–25.
  43. ↑ David Kinsley 1988, pp. 106–115.
  44. ↑ Pratapacandra Ghosa (1871). Durga Puja: with notes and illustrations. Calcutta: Hindoo Patriot Press. pp. 40–55.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link)
  45. ↑ Hillary Rodrigues 2003, pp. 244–245.
  46. ↑ June McDaniel 2004, pp. 168–169.
  47. ↑ Hillary Rodrigues 2003, pp. 66–67, 236–241, 246–247.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana, UNESCO
  49. ↑ Constance Jones & James D. Ryan 2006, pp. 308–309.
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  51. ↑ Anand A. Yang (1999). Bazaar India: Markets, Society, and the Colonial State in Bihar. University of California Press. pp. 123–126. ISBN 978-0-520-91996-9.
  52. ↑ Sitamarhi, Encyclopedia Britannica (2014)
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 Sean Williams (2015). The Ethnomusicologists' Cookbook, Volume II. Routledge. pp. 37–38. ISBN 978-1-135-04008-6.
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 54.2 54.3 Bruno Nettl; James Porter; Timothy Rice (1998). The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: South Asia : the Indian subcontinent. Taylor & Francis. pp. 624–628, 980. ISBN 978-0-8240-4946-1.
  55. ↑ L. Dankworth; A. David (2014). Dance Ethnography and Global Perspectives: Identity, Embodiment and Culture. Springer. pp. 22–25. ISBN 978-1-137-00944-9.
  56. ↑ "Marcel displays colourful and vivid tradition of Makharotsav". timesofindia.indiatimes.com/. Times of India. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  57. ↑ Kerkar, Rajendra P. "In Goa, Navaratri marks worship of earth mother goddess". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 October 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  58. ↑ Kamla Mankekar (2004). Temples of Goa. Ministry of I & B, Government of India. pp. 55–56. ISBN 978-81-230-1161-5.
  59. ↑ Mysuru Dasara, Government of India (2016)
  60. ↑ Shirgaonkar, Varsha. "Madhyayugin Mahanavami aani Dasara". Chaturanga, Loksatta (1996).
  61. ↑ Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg; Wilhelm Germann; G. J. Metzger (1869). Genealogy of the South-Indian Gods. Higgenbotham and Company. pp. 100, 106–107.
  62. ↑ Mysuru Dasara History, and Present Dasara, Government of India (2016)
  63. ↑ A ball with the dolls: Navratri and Gombe Habba in all its splendor, Deccan Herald, India
  64. ↑ A. Sreedhara Menon (1979). Social and cultural history of Kerala. Sterling. pp. 166–167.
  65. ↑ Manu Belur Bhagavan; Eleanor Zelliot; Anne Feldhaus (2008). Speaking Truth to Power. Oxford University Press. pp. 99–105. ISBN 978-0-19-569305-8.
  66. ↑ India. Office of the Registrar General (1966). Census of India, 1961: Maharashtra. Government of India. p. 132.
  67. ↑ Roshen Dalal (2010). The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths. Penguin Books. p. 98. ISBN 978-0-14-341517-6.
  68. ↑ Brahm Dev (October 1973). The Illustrated Weekly of India, Volume 94, Issue 4. Bennett, Coleman & Company. p. 25.
  69. ↑ 69.0 69.1 Peter J. Claus; Sarah Diamond; Margaret Ann Mills (2003). South Asian Folklore: An Encyclopedia. Taylor & Francis. pp. 443–444. ISBN 978-0-415-93919-5.
  70. ↑ Bharati Shivaji; Avinash Pasricha (1986). ks?id=jpxbZZVGNxUC&pg=PA23. Lancer Publishers. p. 23. ISBN 978-81-7062-003-7.
  71. ↑ Sarojini Jagannathan (1994). Impact of Śrī Rāmānujāçārya on Temple Worship. Nag Publishers. pp. 184–192. ISBN 978-81-7081-288-3.
  72. ↑ Aditi Ranjan; M. P. Ranjan (2009). Handmade in India: A Geographic Encyclopedia of Indian Handicrafts. Abbeville Press. pp. 317–318. ISBN 978-0-7892-1047-0.
  73. ↑ 'Gombe habba' in all its splendour Deccan Herald (9 October 2013)
  74. ↑ S Sivapriyananda (1995). Mysore Royal Dasara. Abhinav Publications. pp. 155–156.
  75. ↑ Burton Stein (1977), Temples in Tamil Country, 1300–1750 A.D, The Indian Economic & Social History Review, SAGE Publications, Volume 14, Issue 1, pages 11–45;
    Carol Breckenridge (1977), From Protector to Litigant, The Indian Economic & Social History Review, SAGE Publications, Volume 14, Issue 1, pages 78–83, 86–93
  76. ↑ Aya Ikegame (2013). Princely India Re-imagined: A Historical Anthropology of Mysore from 1799 to the present. Routledge. pp. 146–148. ISBN 978-1-136-23909-0.
  77. ↑ Bathukamma sets Guinness World Record The New Indian Express (9 October 2016)
  78. ↑ Thousands of women turn up for Maha Bathukamma, The Hindu (9 October 2016)
  79. ↑ 79.0 79.1 Christopher John Fuller (2004). The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India. Princeton University Press. pp. 46, 83–85. ISBN 0-691-12048-X.
  80. ↑ Hardenberg, Roland (2000). "Visnu's Sleep, Mahisa's Attack, Durga's Victory: Concepts of Royalty in a Sacrificial Drama" (PDF). Journal of Social Science. 4 (4): 267. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  81. ↑ Ira Katznelson; Gareth Stedman Jones (2010). Religion and the Political Imagination. Cambridge University Press. p. 343. ISBN 978-1-139-49317-8.
  82. ↑ 82.0 82.1 Hillary Rodrigues 2003, pp. 277-278.
  83. ↑ June McDaniel 2004, pp. 204–205.
  84. ↑ Rachel Fell McDermott (2011). Revelry, Rivalry, and Longing for the Goddesses of Bengal: The Fortunes of Hindu Festivals. Columbia University Press. pp. 204–205. ISBN 978-0-231-12919-0.
  85. ↑ June McDaniel 2004, pp. 204-205.
  86. ↑ Harlan, Lindsey (2003). The goddesses' henchmen gender in Indian hero worship. Oxford [u.a.]: Oxford University Press. pp. 45 with footnote 55, 58–59. ISBN 978-0195154269. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  87. ↑ Hiltebeitel, Alf; Erndl, Kathleen M. (2000). Is the Goddess a Feminist?: the Politics of South Asian Goddesses,. Sheffield, England: Sheffield Academic Press. p. 77. ISBN 9780814736197.
  88. ↑ Harlan, Lindsey (1992). Religion and Rajput Women. Berkeley, California: University of California Press. pp. 61, 88. ISBN 0-520-07339-8.
  89. ↑ Harlan, Lindsey (1992). Religion and Rajput Women. Berkeley, California: University of California Press. pp. 107–108. ISBN 0-520-07339-8.
  90. ↑ Rodrigues, Hillary (2003). Ritual Worship of the Great Goddess: The Liturgy of the Durga Puja with interpretation. Albany, New York, USA: State University of New York Press. p. 215. ISBN 07914-5399-5. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  91. ↑ K Kesavapany; A Mani; P Ramasamy (2008). Rising India and Indian Communities in East Asia. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. pp. 675–677. ISBN 978-981-230-799-6.
  92. ↑ Peter van der Veer (1995). Nation and Migration: The Politics of Space in the South Asian Diaspora. University of Pennsylvania Press. pp. 144–145. ISBN 0-8122-1537-0.
  93. ↑ Peter Childs; Michael Storry (2013). Encyclopedia of Contemporary British Culture. Routledge. p. 271. ISBN 1-134-75555-4.
  94. ↑ Louis E. Fenech (2013). The Sikh Zafar-namah of Guru Gobind Singh: A Discursive Blade in the Heart of the Mughal Empire. Oxford University Press. pp. 112, 255 with note 54. ISBN 978-0-19-993145-3.
  95. ↑ Nidar Singh Nihang; Parmjit Singh (2008). In the master's presence: the Sikh's of Hazoor Sahib. History. Kashi. pp. 122 and Glossary. ISBN 978-0956016829.
  96. ↑ Arvind-Pal Singh Mandair (2013). Sikhism: A Guide for the Perplexed. Bloomsbury Academic. p. 26. ISBN 978-1-4411-1708-3.
  97. ↑ M. Whitney Kelting (2001). Singing to the Jinas: Jain Laywomen, Mandal Singing, and the Negotiations of Jain Devotion. Oxford University Press. pp. 87–88. ISBN 978-0-19-803211-3.

Bibliography

Template:Sindhi festivals

For the 1964 film, see Navarathri (1964 film). For the 1966 film, see Navaratri (1966 film).

Sharada Navaratri
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Navaratri celebrates good over evil by goddess Durga
Also calledNavratri, Nauratri, Navarathri, Navaratra, Navratan, or Nauratan
Observed byHindus
Celebrations10 days (9 nights)
Observancesstage setting, prayers, plays, dramas, fasting, puja, murti immersion, and bonfires prayers are offered to goddess Durga and parvati
BeginsAshvin Shukla Prathama
EndsAshvin Shukla Navami
FrequencyAnnual
Related toVijayadashami, Dashain

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Navaratri[lower-alpha 1] is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights (and ten days) and is celebrated every year in the autumn. It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian cultural sphere.[2][3] Theoretically, there are four seasonal Navaratri. However, in practice, it is the post-monsoon autumn festival called Sharada Navaratri that is the most observed in the honor of the divine feminine Devi (Durga). The festival is celebrated in the bright half of the Hindu calendar month Ashvin, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October.[2][4]

Etymology and nomenclature

The word Navaratri means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights.[5]

Dates and celebrations

In the eastern and northeastern states of India, the Durga Puja is synonymous with Navaratri, wherein goddess Durga battles and emerges victorious over the buffalo demon Mahishasur to help restore dharma.[3] In southern states, the victory of Durga or Kali is celebrated. In all cases, the common theme is the battle and victory of good over evil based on a regionally famous epic or legend such as the Devi Mahatmya.[2][4]

Celebrations

Celebrations include worshipping nine goddesses in nine days, stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism. The nine days are also a major crop season cultural event, such as competitive design and staging of pandals, a family visit to these pandals, and the public celebration of classical and folk dances of Hindu culture.[6][7][8] Hindu devotees often celebrate Navaratri by fasting. On the final day, called Vijayadashami, the statues are either immersed in a water body such as a river or ocean, or the statue symbolizing the evil is burnt with fireworks, marking the destruction of evil. The festival also starts the preparation for Diwali, the festival of lights, which is celebrated twenty days after Vijayadashami.[9][10][3]

Dates

According to some Hindu texts such as the Shakta and Vaishnava Puranas, Navaratri theoretically falls twice or four times a year. Of these, the Sharada Navaratri near autumn equinox (September–October) is the most celebrated and the Vasanta Navaratri near spring equinox (March–April) is the next most significant to the culture of the Indian subcontinent. In all cases, Navaratri falls in the bright half of the Hindu lunisolar months. The celebrations vary by region, leaving much to the creativity and preferences of the Hindu.[4][11][12]

Sharada Navaratri

Sharada Navaratri is the most celebrated of the four Navaratri, named after Sharada which means autumn. It commences on the first day (pratipada) of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashvini.[13] The festival is celebrated for nine nights once every year during this month, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October. The exact dates of the festival are determined according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, and sometimes the festival may be held for a day more or a day less depending on the adjustments for sun and moon movements and the leap year.[2][11][6] In many regions, the festival falls after the autumn harvest, and in others, during harvest.[14]

The festivities extend beyond goddess Durga and various other goddesses such as Saraswati and Lakshmi. Gods such as Ganesha, Kartikeya, Shiva, and Parvati are regionally revered. For example, a notable pan-Hindu tradition during Navaratri is the adoration of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, music, and arts, through Ayudha Puja.[15] On this day, which typically falls on the ninth day of Navaratri, peace and knowledge is celebrated. Warriors thank, decorate, and worship their weapons, offering prayers to Saraswati.[16] Musicians upkeep, play, and pray their musical instruments. Farmers, carpenters, smiths, pottery makers, shopkeepers, and all sorts of tradespeople similarly decorate and worship their equipment, machinery, and tools of trade. Students visit their teachers, express respect, and seek their blessings.[15][17] This tradition is particularly strong in South India, but is observed elsewhere too.[17][18]

Chaitra Navaratri

Further information: Indian New Year's days and Mesha Sankranti

Chaitra Navaratri is the second most celebrated Navaratri, named after vasanta which means spring. It is observed during the lunar month of Chaitra (March–April). In many regions, the festival falls after spring harvest, and in others, during harvest. It also marks the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, also known as the Hindu Lunar New Year, according to the Vikram Samvat calendar.[19][20]

Magha Navaratri

Magha Navaratri is observed during the lunar month of Magha (January–February). The fifth day of this festival is often independently observed as Vasant Panchami or Basant Panchami, the official start of spring in the Hindu tradition, wherein goddess Saraswati is revered through arts, music, writing, and kite flying. In some regions, the Hindu god of love, Kama is revered.[21][22] Magha Navaratri is observed regionally or by individuals.[23]

Ashada Navaratri

Ashada Navaratri is observed during the lunar month of Ashadha (June–July), during the start of the monsoon season.[24] Ashada Navaratri is observed regionally or by individuals.[23]

Significance of each day

Navadurga - The nine goddesses worshipped in Navaratri.

The festival is associated to the prominent battle that took place between Durga and demon the Mahishasura and celebrates the victory of good over evil.[25] These nine days are solely dedicated to Durga and her eight avatars – the Navadurga.[26] Each day is associated to an incarnation of the goddess:[27][25][28][29]

Day 1 – Shailaputri

Known as Pratipada (first day), this day is associated with Shailaputri ("Daughter of Mountain"), an incarnation of Parvati. It is in this form that Durga is worshiped as the wife of Shiva; she is depicted as riding the bull, Nandi, with a trishula in her right hand and lotus in her left. Shailaputri is considered to be the direct incarnation of Mahakali. The color of the day is grey, which depicts action and vigor.[30]

Day 2 – Brahmacharini

On Dwitiya (second day), Goddess Brahmacharini, another incarnation of Parvati, is worshiped. In this form, Parvati became Yogini, her unmarried self. Brahmacharini is worshiped for emancipation or moksha and endowment of peace and prosperity. Depicted as walking bare feet and holding a japamala (rosary) and a kamandala (pot) in her hands, she symbolizes bliss and calm. Blue is the color code of this day. The orange color which depicts tranquility is sometimes used yet strong energy flows everywhere.

Day 3 – Chandraghanta

Tritiya (third day) commemorates the worship of Chandraghanta – the name derived from the fact that after marrying Shiva, Parvati adorned her forehead with the ardhachandra (lit. half-moon). She is the embodiment of beauty and is also symbolic of bravery. White is the color of the third day, which is a vivacious color and can pep up everyone's mood.

Day 4 – Kushmanda

Goddess Kushmanda is worshiped on Chaturthi (fourth day). Believed to be the creative power of the universe, Kushmanda is associated with the endowment of vegetation on earth, and hence, the color of the day is Red. She is depicted as having eight arms and sits on a Tiger.

Day 5 – Skandamata

Skandamata, the goddess worshiped on Panchami (fifth day), is the mother of Skanda (or Kartikeya). The color of Royal Blue is symbolic of the transforming strength of a mother when her child is confronted with danger. She is depicted riding a ferocious lion, having four arms, and holding her baby.

Day 6 – Katyayani

Born to sage Katyayana, she is an incarnation of Durga and is shown to exhibit courage which is symbolized by the color Yellow. Known as the warrior goddess, she is considered one of the most violent forms of Devi. In this avatar, Katyayani rides a lion and has four hands. She is a form of Parvati, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati. She is celebrated on Shashtami (sixth day).

Day 7 – Kaalaratri

Considered the most ferocious form of Goddess Durga, Kalaratri is revered on Saptami. It is believed that Parvati removed her fair skin to kill the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha. The color of the day is Green. The Goddess appears in a red coloured attire or tiger skin with a lot of rage in her fiery eyes, her skin turns black. The red color portrays prayer and ensures the devotees that the Goddess will protect them from harm. She is celebrated on Saptami (seventh day)

Day 8 – Mahagauri

Mahagauri symbolizes intelligence and peace. It is believed when Kaalaratri took a bath in the Ganga river, she became extremely fair from her darker complexion. The color associated with this day is Peacock Green which depicts optimism. She is celebrated on Ashtami (eighth day).

Day 9 – Siddhidatri

On the last day of the festival also known as Navami (ninth day), people pray to Siddhidhatri. Sitting on a lotus, she is believed to possess and bestows all types of Siddhis. Here she has four hands. Also known as Mahalakshmi, The purple color of the day portrays an admiration towards nature's beauty. Siddhidatri is Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. Siddhidhatri is also seen as the Ardhanarishvara form of Shiva and Shakti. It is believed that one side of Lord Shiva’s body is that of Goddess Siddhidatri. Therefore, he is also known by the name of Ardhanarishwara. According to Vedic scriptures, Lord Shiva attained all the siddhis by worshiping this Goddess.

Regional practices

Navaratri is celebrated in different ways throughout India.[31] Certain people revere different aspects of Durga and some people fast while others feast.[11] The Chaitra Navaratri culminates in Ram Navami[32] and the Sharada Navaratri culminates in Durga Puja and Vijayadashami.[11]

In the past, Shakta Hindus used to recite Durga's legends during the Chaitra Navaratri, but this practice around the spring equinox has been declining. For most contemporary Hindus, it is the Navaratri around the autumn equinox that is the major festival and the one observed. To Bengali Hindus and to Shakta Hindus outside of eastern and northeastern states of India, the term Navaratri implies Durga Puja in the warrior goddess aspect of Devi. In other traditions of Hinduism, the term Navaratri implies the celebration of Durga but in her more peaceful forms, such as Saraswati – the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, music, and other arts.[11][31] In Nepal, Navaratri is called Dashain, and is a major annual homecoming and family event that celebrates the bonds between elders and youngsters with Tika Puja, as well as across family and community members.[32]

Eastern India, West Bengal and Nepal

Main articles: Durga Puja and Dashain
Two Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata during Navaratri

Navaratri is celebrated as the Durga Puja festival in West Bengal. It is the most important annual festival to Bengali Hindus and a major social and public event in eastern and northeastern states of India, where it dominates the religious life.[33][34] The occasion is celebrated with thousands[35] of pandals (temporary stages) that are built in community squares, roadside shrines, and large Durga temples in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, eastern Nepal, Assam, Tripura, and nearby regions. It is also observed by some Shakta Hindus as a private, home-based festival.[34][36][37] Durga Puja festival marks the victory of the goddess Durga in the battle against the shape-shifting, deceptive, and powerful buffalo demon Mahishasura.[38][39]

The festival begins with Mahalaya, a day where Shakta Hindus remember the loved ones who have died, as well the advent of the warrior goddess Durga.[40][41] The next significant day of Durga Puja is called Shashthi, on which the local community welcomes the goddess Durga and festive celebrations are inaugurated. On the seventh (Saptami), eighth (Ashtami), and ninth (Navami) day, Durga, along with Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, are revered. These days mark the main Puja (worship) which is performed by the recitation of scriptures, legends of Durga in the Devi Mahatmya, and social visits by families to temples and pandals.[42][43][44] On the tenth day, also known as Vijayadashami, a great procession is held where clay statues of Durga are ceremoniously walked to a river or ocean coast for a solemn goodbye. Many mark their faces with vermilion (sindooram) or dress in red clothes. It is an emotional day for some devotees, and the congregation sings emotional goodbye songs.[45][46] After the procession, Hindus distribute sweets, gifts, and visit their friends and family members.[47]

North India

An 1834 sketch by James Prinsep showing Rama Leela Mela during Navaratri in Benares.

In North India, Navaratri is marked by the numerous Ramlila events, where episodes from the story of Rama and Ravana are enacted by teams of artists in rural and urban centers, inside temples, or in temporarily constructed stages. This Hindu tradition of festive performance arts was inscribed by UNESCO as one of the "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" in 2008.[48] The festivities, states UNESCO, include songs, narration, recital and dialogue based on the Hindu text Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas. It is particularly notable in the historically important Hindu cities of Ayodhya, Varanasi, Vrindavan, Almora, Satna and Madhubani – cities in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.[48]

The festival and dramatic enactment of the story is organized by communities in hundreds of small villages and towns, attracting a mix of audiences from different social, gender. and economic backgrounds. In many parts, the audience and villagers join in and participate spontaneously, some helping the artists, others helping with stage set up, create make-up, effigies, and lights.[48]

Navaratri has historically been a prominent ritual festival for kings and military of a kingdom.[3] At the end of the Navaratri, comes Dussehra, where the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Indrajit are burnt to celebrate the victory of good (Rama) over evil forces.[49]

Navaratri is also a festival for feasting with friends and family.

Elsewhere, during this religious observance, goddess Durga's war against deception and evil is remembered. A pot is installed (ghatasthapana) at a sanctified place at home. A lamp is kept lit in the pot for nine days. The pot symbolizes the universe and the uninterrupted lit lamp symbolizes Durga.[50]

Bihar

In parts of Bihar, Durga is revered during the autumn of Navaratri. In other parts like Sitamarhi and close to the Nepal border, the spring Navaratri attracts a large Rama Navami fair, which marks the birth of Lord Rama. It is the largest cattle trading fair and attracts a large handicraft market in pottery, kitchen, and houseware, as well as traditional clothing. Festive performance arts and celebrations are held at the local Hindu temple dedicated to Sita, Hanuman, Durga, and Ganesha.[51][52]

Gujarat

Navaratri in Gujarat is one of the state's main festivals. The traditional celebrations include fasting for a day, or partially fasting each of the nine days by not eating grains or just taking liquid foods, in remembrance of one of nine aspects of Shakti goddess. The prayers are dedicated to a symbolic clay pot called garbo, as a remembrance of the womb of the family and universe. The clay pot is lit, and this is believed to represent the one Atman (soul, self).[53][54]

Garba dancing is a Navaratri tradition in Gujarat.

In Gujarat and nearby Hindu communities such as in Malwa, the garbo significance is celebrated through performance arts on all nine days.[53][54] The most visible is group dances called Garba accompanied by live orchestra, seasonal raga, or devotional songs. It is a folk dance where people of different background and skills join and form concentric circles. The circles can grow or shrink, reaching sizes of hundreds or thousands of people, dancing and clapping in circular moves in their traditional costumes. The garba dance sometimes deploys dandiyas (sticks), coordinated movements and the striking of sticks between the dancers, and teasing between the genders.[55] Post dancing, the group and the audience socializes and feasts together.[53][54] Regionally, the same thematic celebration of community songs, music, and dances on Navaratri is called garbi.[54]

Goa

Some regions produce and sell special Navaratri miniature golu dolls, such as of Krishna above.

In the temples of Goa, on the first day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, a copper pitcher, surrounded by clay, is installed inside the sanctum sanctorum of Devi and Krishna temples, in which nine varieties of food grains are placed. The nine nights are celebrated through devotional songs and religious discourses. Artists arrive to perform folk musical instruments. Celebrations include placing Durga's image in a specially-decorated colorful silver swing, known as Makhar, and for each of the nine nights, swinging Her to the tune of temple music (called as ranavadya). This is locally called Makharotsav.[56][57]

The last night of the Goa Navaratri festival is a major celebration called the makhar arti.[58]

Karnataka

Navaratri decorations at Kudroli Hindu temple, Karnataka

In Karnataka, Navaratri is observed at home and by lighting up Hindu temples, cultural sites, and many regal processions. It is locally called Dasara and it is the state festival (Nadahabba) of Karnataka. Of the many celebrations, the Mysuru Dasara is a major one and is popular for its festivities.[59]

The contemporary Dasara festivities at Mysore are credited to the efforts of King Raja Wodeyar I in 1610. On the ninth day of Dasara, called Mahanavami,[60] the royal sword is worshipped and is taken on a procession of decorated elephants and horses. Also, Ayudha Puja is dedicated to Saraswati, in which military personnel upkeep their weapons and families upkeep their tools of livelihood, both offering a prayer to Saraswati, as well as Parvati and Lakshmi.[15][61] The day after Navaratri, on Vijayadashami, the traditional Dasara procession is held on the streets of Mysore. An image of the Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed on a golden saddle (hauda) on the back of a decorated elephant and taken on a procession, accompanied by tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses, and camels.[62]

Another Navaratri tradition in Karnataka has been decorating a part of one's home with art dolls called Gombe or Bombe, similar to Golu dolls of Tamil Nadu. An art-themed Gaarudi Gombe, featuring folk dances which incorporate these dolls, is also a part of the celebration.[63]

Kerala

A family preparing for Saraswati puja on Navaratri.

In Kerala, three days (Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami) of Sharada Navaratri are celebrated as Sarasvati Puja in which books are worshipped. The books are placed for Puja on Ashtami in their own houses, traditional nursery schools, or in temples. On Vijayadashami, the books are ceremoniously taken out for reading and writing after worshipping Sarasvati. Vijayadashami is considered auspicious for initiating the children into writing and reading, which is called Vidyarambham.[64]

The Vidyarambham day tradition starts with the baby or child sitting on the lap of an elderly person such as the grandfather, near images of Saraswati and Ganesha. The elder writes a letter and the child writes the same with his or her index finger.

Maharashtra

Navaratri celebrations vary across Maharashtra and the specific rites differ between regions, even if they are called the same and dedicated to the same deity. The most common celebration begins on the first day of Navaratri with Ghatasthapana, which literally means "mounting of a jar". On this day, rural households mount a copper or brass jar, filled with water, upon a small heap of rice kept on a wooden stool (pat).[65] The jar is typically placed other agriculture symbols such as a turmeric root, leaves of a mango tree, coconut, and major staple grains (usually eight varieties). A lamp is lighted symbolizing knowledge and household prosperity, and kept alight through the nine nights of Navaratri.[66]

The family worships the pot for nine days by offering rituals and a garland of flowers, leaves, fruits, dry-fruits, etc. with a naivedya, and water is offered in order to get the seeds sprouted. Some families also celebrate Kali puja on days 1 and 2, Laxmi puja on days 3, 4, 5 and Saraswati puja on days 6, 7, 8, 9 along with Ghatasthapana. On the eighth day, a "Yajna" or "Hom" is performed in the name of Goddess Durga. On the ninth day, the Ghat puja is performed and the Ghat is dismantled after taking off the sprouted leaves of the grains.[citation needed]

The Goddess Lalita is worshipped on the fifth day of the festival.[67] On the ninth day of the festival, men participate in worshipping all kinds of tools, weapons, vehicles, and productive instruments.[68]

Girls dressed up for music and dance performance during Amman Navaratri

Tamil Nadu

Navaratri has been a historic tradition within Tamil Nadu, with Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga goddesses as the focus.[69] Like the rest of India, the festival has been an occasion for performance arts, particularly Hindu temple dances such as Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam. Major palaces, community centers, and historic temples have embedded dance halls. For example, the Padmanabhapuram Palace built about 1600 CE has had a large dance hall with intricately carved pillars, a structure entirely made of stone. This dance hall has traditionally been known as Navaratri Mantapa.[70] The festivities begin with Vedic chants inaugurating the dances and other ceremonies. Other Tamil Hindu temples, such as those associated with Sri Vaishnavism, also celebrate the Navaratri festivities.[71]

A large sculpted dance hall inside Padmanabhapuram Palace near Kanyakumari called Navaratri Mandapam. It features goddess Saraswati and large dance hall.

Another notable Tamil tradition is a celebration of the festival with Golu dolls (also spelled as Gollu). These include gods, goddesses, animals, birds and rural life all in a miniature design. People set up their own creative themes in their homes, called Kolu, friends and families invite each other to visit their homes to view Kolu displays, then exchange gifts and sweets.[72] This tradition is also found in other parts of South India such as Andhra Pradesh where it called Bommala Koluvu, and Karnataka where it is called Gombe Habba or Gombe totti.[69][73] Evidence of Gombe totti tradition as a Hindu celebration of the artisan arts goes back to at least the 14th-century Vijayanagara Empire.[74] In the evening of Vijayadashami, any one doll from the "Kolu" is symbolically put to sleep and the Kalasa is moved a bit towards the North to mark the end of that year's Navaratri Kolu. The family offers a prayer of thanks, and wraps up the display.[citation needed]

Golu dolls arrangement in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

In temples of Tamil Nadu, Navaratri is celebrated for Durga's dwelling in each temple. The temples are decorated, ceremonial lamps are lit, and Vedic chantings are performed. Priests and visitors of some of these temples wear a special yellow colored 'promise of protection' thread on their wrists, called kappu (Tamil) or raksha bandhana (Sanskrit). It is believed to symbolize a vow to the goddess and protection from the goddess against evil.[75][76]

Telangana

See also: Kanya Puja
A lamp above a Bathukamma flower arrangement, a Telugu Navaratri tradition.

In Telangana, Navaratri is celebrated as in the rest of India and it ends with Dasara. During the Navaratri nights, a notable Telangana tradition involves Telugu Hindu women who produce Bathukamma for Navaratri goddesses. It is an artistic flower decorations driven event, particularly using marigolds, which revere three different aspects Devi, called Tridevi. In 2016, 9,292 women simultaneously participated to create a 20 feet high flower arrangements, one of the world's largest festive flower arrangement.[77][78]

Bathukamma celebrations will be started with the Mahalaya Amavasya (Pitru Amavasya), a day before Navaratri starts. The main deity of worship is goddess Gowri, a form of goddess Durga, who is symbolised with a idol made from turmeric powder and is placed on a floral arrangement called bathukamma. The festival will go for nine nights with women whirling around the bathukamma clapping their hands or sticks along with the recitation of the Ramayana, stories of Shiva, Gowri, Ganga, and common day-to-day life of women in the form of rhythmic songs. Every night, bathukamma is immersed in nearby water resources and a new bathukamma is made next day. This nine nights festival ends with Durgashtami, when Durga is believed to be worshipped in the form of Maha Gowri.[citation needed]

Like elsewhere in India, Ayudha Puja is observed by Telangana Hindus where weapons are maintained, decorated, and worshipped. Tradesmen and farmers similarly clean up, decorate, and worship their own equipment of the trade. On the 10th day, Dussehra (Vijayadashami), grand feasts are arranged with family members and friends.[15]

Animal sacrifice

Animal sacrifice is a part of some Durga puja celebrations during Navaratri in the eastern states of India. The goddess is offered a sacrificial animal in this ritual in the belief that it stimulates her violent vengeance against the buffalo demon.[79] According to Christopher Fuller, the animal sacrifice practice is rare among Hindus during Navaratri, or at other times, outside the Shaktism tradition found in the eastern Indian states of West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam.[80] Even in these states, the festival season is one where significant animal sacrifices are observed.[79] In some Shakta Hindu communities, the slaying of the buffalo demon and the victory of Durga are observed with a symbolic sacrifice instead of animal sacrifice.[lower-alpha 2][82][85]

The Rajput of Rajasthan worship their weapons and horses on Navaratri, and formerly offered a sacrificial goat to a goddess revered as Kuldevi – a practice that continues in some places.[86][87] The ritual requires the slaying of the animal with a single stroke. In the past, this ritual was considered a rite of passage into manhood and readiness as a warrior.[88] The Kuldevi, among these Rajput communities, is a warrior-pativrata guardian goddess, with local legends tracing reverence for her during Rajput-Muslim wars.[89]

The tradition of animal sacrifice is being substituted with vegetarian offerings to the Goddess in temples and households around Banaras in Northern India.[90]

Outside India

The Hindu diaspora that migrated as indentured servants during colonial era to various plantations and mines around the world, as well as those who migrated on their own, continued to mark their Navaratri traditions. Tamil Hindus in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, for example, built Hindu temples in southeast Asia in the 19th century, and Navaratri has been one of their major traditional festivals.[91] In Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Fiji, Mauritius, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, Navaratri and Diwali have been one of the most visible celebrations of the local Hindu communities from about mid 20th-century.[92][93]

Simple Golu in New Jersey

Other religions

Navaratri and goddess worship is mentioned in the historic Sikhism literature, particularly in the Dasam Granth traditionally attributed to Guru Gobind Singh. According to Louis Fenech, the Sikhs have historically mirrored the reverence for Devi Shakthi and the worship of weapons in a manner similar to those by Shakta Hindus.[94][95] The second Guru of Sikhism, Guru Angad, was an ardent devotee of goddess Durga.[96]

The Jains have observed the social and cultural celebrations of Navaratri with Hindus, such as the folk dances. The stavan poetry of Jainism, states M. Whitney Kelting, "draw much of their imagery from the garba poems" of Hinduism.[97]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Also spelled Navratri, Nauratri, Navarathri, Navaratra, Navratam, or Nauratam
  2. ↑ In these cases, Shaktism devotees consider animal sacrifice distasteful, practice alternate means of expressing devotion while respecting the views of others in their tradition.[81] A statue of asura demon made of flour, or equivalent, is immolated and smeared with vermilion to remember the blood that had necessarily been spilled during the war.[82][83] Other substitutes include a vegetal or sweet dish considered equivalent to the animal.[84]

References

  1. ↑ Drik Panchag. "Navratri 2020 detailed calendar".
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Encyclopedia Britannica 2015.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Christopher John Fuller (2004). The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India. Princeton University Press. pp. 108–109. ISBN 978-0-69112-04-85.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 James G. Lochtefeld 2002, pp. 468–469.
  5. ↑ James G. Lochtefeld 2002, pp. 468-469.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Robin Rinehart (2004). Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice. ABC-CLIO. pp. 147–148. ISBN 978-1-57607-905-8.
  7. ↑ Sue Penney (2008). Hinduism. Heinemann. pp. 30–31. ISBN 978-1-4329-0314-5.
  8. ↑ Ellen Koskoff (2008). The Concise Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: The Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia. Routledge. pp. 992, 1015–1016. ISBN 978-0-415-99404-0.
  9. ↑ Susan B. Gall; Irene Natividad (1995). The Asian-American Almanac. Gale Research. p. 24. ISBN 978-0-8103-9193-2.
  10. ↑ Rina Singh (2016). Diwali. Orca. pp. 17–18. ISBN 978-1-4598-1008-2.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Christopher John Fuller (2004). The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India. Princeton University Press. pp. 108–127. ISBN 978-0-69112-04-85.
  12. ↑ S Sivapriyananda (1995). Mysore Royal Dasara. Abhinav Publications. pp. 21–22.
  13. ↑ "Sharad Navratri 2020: History, significance, shubh muhurat and all you need to know about nine avatars of Goddess Durga". Jagran English. 9 October 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  14. ↑ "Navratri 2018: Date, Day-Wise Significance Of Sharad Navratri And Special Fasting Foods". NDTV.com. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Nilima Chitgopekar (2009). Book Of Durga. Penguin Books. pp. 111–114. ISBN 978-0-14-306767-2.
  16. ↑ Nicholas B. Dirks (1993). The Hollow Crown: Ethnohistory of an Indian Kingdom. University of Michigan Press. pp. 39–40. ISBN 0-472-08187-X.
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  20. ↑ Desk, India TV News (21 March 2015). "Difference between Vasanta and Sharad Navaratri - India TV". www.indiatvnews.com. Retrieved 11 October 2020. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
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  29. ↑ "Navratri Festival,Navratri Festival India,Navaratri Celebrations In India,Durga Navratri,Goddess Durga Festival". www.newsonair.nic.in. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
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  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Christian Roy (2005). Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. p. 310. ISBN 978-1-57607-089-5.
  33. ↑ Rachel Fell McDermott 2001, pp. 172–174.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Malcolm McLean 1998, p. 137.
  35. ↑ Christian Roy (2005). Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. pp. 306–307. ISBN 978-1-57607-089-5.
  36. ↑ David Kinsley 1988, pp. 106–108.
  37. ↑ Lynn Foulston & Stuart Abbott 2009, pp. 162–169.
  38. ↑ Alain Daniélou 1991, p. 288.
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  40. ↑ Cynthia Bradley 2012, p. 214.
  41. ↑ Amazzone 2012, pp. 57–59, 63, 66.
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  44. ↑ Pratapacandra Ghosa (1871). Durga Puja: with notes and illustrations. Calcutta: Hindoo Patriot Press. pp. 40–55.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link)
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  47. ↑ Hillary Rodrigues 2003, pp. 66–67, 236–241, 246–247.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana, UNESCO
  49. ↑ Constance Jones & James D. Ryan 2006, pp. 308–309.
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  75. ↑ Burton Stein (1977), Temples in Tamil Country, 1300–1750 A.D, The Indian Economic & Social History Review, SAGE Publications, Volume 14, Issue 1, pages 11–45;
    Carol Breckenridge (1977), From Protector to Litigant, The Indian Economic & Social History Review, SAGE Publications, Volume 14, Issue 1, pages 78–83, 86–93
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  77. ↑ Bathukamma sets Guinness World Record The New Indian Express (9 October 2016)
  78. ↑ Thousands of women turn up for Maha Bathukamma, The Hindu (9 October 2016)
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  80. ↑ Hardenberg, Roland (2000). "Visnu's Sleep, Mahisa's Attack, Durga's Victory: Concepts of Royalty in a Sacrificial Drama" (PDF). Journal of Social Science. 4 (4): 267. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
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  86. ↑ Harlan, Lindsey (2003). The goddesses' henchmen gender in Indian hero worship. Oxford [u.a.]: Oxford University Press. pp. 45 with footnote 55, 58–59. ISBN 978-0195154269. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
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  88. ↑ Harlan, Lindsey (1992). Religion and Rajput Women. Berkeley, California: University of California Press. pp. 61, 88. ISBN 0-520-07339-8.
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  90. ↑ Rodrigues, Hillary (2003). Ritual Worship of the Great Goddess: The Liturgy of the Durga Puja with interpretation. Albany, New York, USA: State University of New York Press. p. 215. ISBN 07914-5399-5. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
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  92. ↑ Peter van der Veer (1995). Nation and Migration: The Politics of Space in the South Asian Diaspora. University of Pennsylvania Press. pp. 144–145. ISBN 0-8122-1537-0.
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  94. ↑ Louis E. Fenech (2013). The Sikh Zafar-namah of Guru Gobind Singh: A Discursive Blade in the Heart of the Mughal Empire. Oxford University Press. pp. 112, 255 with note 54. ISBN 978-0-19-993145-3.
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  97. ↑ M. Whitney Kelting (2001). Singing to the Jinas: Jain Laywomen, Mandal Singing, and the Negotiations of Jain Devotion. Oxford University Press. pp. 87–88. ISBN 978-0-19-803211-3.

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