Navratri, a festival honoring the Hindu goddess Durga, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across India. The festival lasts for nine nights and features lively celebrations, religious rituals and cultural programmes. Navratri is a time of joy, devotion and inner transformation. If you are looking for ways to have a happy Navratri in 2023, here are five ideas to make your celebration truly memorable.
Decorate your home in traditional Navratri theme
The best way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Navratri is to decorate your home in the traditional Navratri theme. Start by decorating the entrance of your home with beautiful and colorful rangoli designs. Rangoli is a traditional art in India, where vibrant patterns and designs are created using colored powder, flowers or rice.
Hang brightly colored banners, streamers and garlands inside your home. Use vibrant fabrics like silk or cotton for decorations on furniture or walls. You can also place traditional diyas (oil lamps) around your home to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Don’t forget to place an idol or picture of Goddess Durga at a prominent place in your home as a symbol of blessings and protection.
Prepare delicious Navratri special dishes
Navratri is a time of fasting and feasting. During these nine days, many people follow a strict vegetarian diet and abstain from consuming alcohol. However, Navratri menu can be just as delicious as any other time of the year. There are a variety of Navratri special recipes that you can try at home to savor the traditional flavours.
One of the most popular dishes during Navratri is Sabudana Khichdi, made with tapioca pearls, peanuts and spices. Kuttu ka dosa made from buckwheat flour and Singhare atte ka halwa made from water chestnut flour are other favourites. Don’t forget to enjoy some crunchy and salty snacks like Aloo Tikki and Makhana Chaat. The main thing is to explore the wide range of ingredients allowed during Navratri and experiment with different flavours.
Participate in Garba and Raas dance
No Navratri celebration is complete without participating in the vibrant and energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas dance styles. These dances are an integral part of Navratri celebrations and are performed by both men and women. Garba is a circular dance performed with graceful movements and clapping of hands, while Dandiya Raas involves dancing with sticks.
Many cities and communities organize Garba and Dandiya Raas programs during Navratri. Learn about local events happening in your area and join in the festivities. Dress in traditional attire, such as chaniya choli for women and kurta pajama for men, and get ready to immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats of the music. Dancing with friends and family creates a sense of community and happiness which enhances the overall celebration of Navratri.
Engage in spiritual activities and prayers
Navratri is a time to connect with the divine and seek blessings from Goddess Durga. Engage in spiritual activities and prayers to increase the sanctity of the festival. Start your day by lighting a lamp and worshiping the Goddess. You can recite Durga Chalisa or other hymns dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Visit local temples that are beautifully decorated for Navratri and participate in the special aarti and bhajan (devotional songs) held during this time. Take blessings from the priests and perform aarti (ritual involving lighting lamps and incense) in front of the deity. Additionally, you can organize a community prayer meeting at your home or participate in devotional programs organized by spiritual organizations.
Organize a Navratri theme party with friends and family
Spread the joy and happiness of Navratri by hosting a Navratri theme party for your friends and family. Decorate your home with vibrant colors, lights and traditional elements. Play lively Garba and Dandiya Raas music to get everyone in the festive mood. Encourage your guests to wear traditional attire and provide them with accessories like dandiya sticks and garlands.
To make the party even more fun, hold a competition for the best dressed, best dancer, or even the best Navratri theme decoration. Prepare a variety of Navratri special dishes and snacks to give your guests a delicious feast. End the night with a group dance session, where everyone can join in and celebrate the spirit of Navratri together.
In conclusion, Navratri is a time of joy, devotion and celebration. By decorating your house, preparing delicious Navratri special dishes, participating in Garba and Dandiya Raas, indulging in spiritual activities and organizing a celebration. Navratri Theme party, you can experience the real essence of this festival. Make this Navratri a time of happiness, togetherness and spiritual growth as you celebrate the victory of good over evil.