Navratri Celebrations Across Gujarat: A Comprehensive Guide
Navratri, a nine-night puja dedicated to the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga, is a vibrant and colourful festival in the western Indian state of Gujarat. Each year, major Shakti temples like Ambaji, Pavagadh, and Bahucharaji see special Navratri celebrations, with devotees flocking to these holy sites for worship and local festivities.
During Navratri, the streets of Gujarat come alive with the aroma of festive street food. Vendors sell farali snacks like sabudana khichdi, batata vada, and farali pattice, while fafda and jalebi remain a traditional combo associated with Dussehra and are popular during Navratri. Local markets and food lanes offer a variety of Gujarati specialties for a quick snack between dances.
The nine divine forms of Maa Durga worshipped during Navratri are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayini, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Each night, the sacred pot is central to the puja, mixing devotion and dance. Dancers wear jewelry such as bangles, ankle bells, necklaces, and earrings, while music and dance are at Navratri's heart, with Garba and Dandiya Raas being the main dances.
Navratri events often include theme-based pavilions with craft bazaars and performances. Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Riverfront and Vadodara's Navlakhi Ground are notable festival grounds for Navratri celebrations. The GMDC Ground hosts Navratri celebrations with about one lakh (100,000) Garba players each night. Authentic Garba celebrations can be found in small towns across Gujarat.
Music and dance are integral to Navratri, and modern Garba music often fuses traditional lyrics to the goddess with contemporary beats to keep the tradition fresh and appealing for today's youth. Garba is a rotating mandala of life with Maa Durga at its centre and is inclusive, allowing anyone to join the circle.
While the traditional Shakti temple in Gujarat known for special efforts during Navratri celebrations is the Tulja Bhavani Temple, located in Tuljapur, Maharashtra, it is important to note that the Tulja Bhavani Temple is in Maharashtra and not Gujarat. The Tulja Bhavani Temple is famous for animal sacrifice rituals during Navratri and is situated in Tuljapur town.
Families in villages make a garbo pot at the household altar, containing water, a coconut, betel leaf, and a silver coin, to invoke Durga's presence. Navratri in Gujarat is a kaleidoscope of colour, with dancers wearing elaborate traditional dress like chaniya choli, kediyu, and bandhani prints.
Navratri is a time for temple fairs and pilgrimages, with Ambaji Mata, Pavagadh temple, Chamunda Mata temple, and Bahucharaji temple attracting devotion and local festivities. As the nights pass, the energy and excitement of Navratri in Gujarat continue to build, making it a truly unforgettable experience for all who participate.
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