Festival of the Goddess: Navratri and my memories ✨
Navratri is a very auspicious time of the year for Hindu devotees who worship Goddess Durga (incarnation of Adishakati or Parvati). It spans over nine days and the mythological story that goes with it is of Goddess Durga battling with demon Mahishasura. Each day is celebrated worshipping an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and her victory.
Essentially each day signifies defeating the demons that we fight with, and that we have within. People in India celebrate Navratri in different ways. Some with joyous celebrations, some with fasting/praying or both. The essence of it remains the same — of seeking blessings of the Goddess and being brave and righteous; of celebrations and happiness and victory of good over evil.
Navratri is a very special and divine festival personally for me and which essentially comes from my paternal Grandfather and our home. My Grandfather (ajoba) was one of the most loving, kind, gentle, creative, artistic person I have known. I loved him deeply and still do. He was a true devotee and I have grown up with special memories of how we did Pooja (worship), the little details and how every festival was full of heart and soul. Sitting by his side, observing and listening to what he would patiently teach me. He did not make any compulsions on me and gave me the freedom to adapt how I wished to. I have tried to understand faith and practice it like how it truly resides within me, in a way similar to how my ajoba did. We worship the Goddess in our beautiful ancestral home temple. And that has been the essence of it — of my Grandfather’s worship, how kind and loving and respectful he was. It also reflected majorly in how their relationship and behavior were with me as I grew up. Treating me in such special and loving ways, having celebrations was so special and the joy in the little things. In the same way worship of the feminine characteristics built strength in me. We worship every aspect of Goddess and that truly brings us closer to the feminine aspect and Shakti in our life. In the context of their love for me, my mother and father give their blessings as me being a daughter, a woman.
Even today, we have same practices back at home. To celebrate the festival with complete devotion, seek blessings of the Goddess. I am very grateful that I grew up in an environment where we worship the Goddess and how beautifully it reflected in our day-to-day lives. I have faith in this divine energy which shall take form in us and guide us forever.
