9 ENTRANCING CUSTOMS AND RITUALS FOLLOWED DURING NAVRATRI

   

Dussehra or Navratri typically falls in October and begins the preparation for Diwali 20 days later. You can partake in the Dussehra festivities at home by decorating with dolls and vibrant designs, spending time with friends and family, and honoring the religious aspects of the holiday.

The celebration of festivals involves specific ceremonies, use of special crafts such as clay-work/drawing of ritual motifs/ symbols, ceremonial preparation of particular food items. Thus public rituals are an essential part of festivals

In scientific terms, a “tradition” refers to the passing down of customs and beliefs from one generation to the next. A “ritual”, on the other hand, is a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order, and which is often embedded in a larger symbolic system, such as religion or philosophy.

.Rituals and festive events often take place at special times and places and remind a community of aspects of its worldview and history.

 Navratri is a 9-day celebration, here is a list of customs and rituals followed in different parts of India, which are also interestingly nine.

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated with many customs and rituals, including: 

Burning effigies:

A common ritual is to burn the effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnath. These effigies are often filled with firecrackers and set on fire in open fields at night. This symbolizes the destruction of evil forces. 

Ramlila:

In North India, a theatrical enactment of Rama's life story is performed during the nine days of Navratri. The enactment culminates with the killing of Ravana on the tenth day. 

Shastra Puja:

It is a sacred ritual where weapons are worshipped to signify the importance of courage and strength in defeating evil. 

Submerging the goddess Durga idol:

In Bengal, the idol of the goddess Durga is submerged in water bodies to bid her farewell. 

Vijayadashami celebrations include processions to a river or ocean front that involve carrying clay statues of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, accompanied by music and chants, after which the images are immersed in the water for dissolution and farewell.

 Golu:

In South India, a display of dolls representing Hindu gods is prepared. 

Wearing red and saffron :

People often wear red and saffron clothing to symbolize the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. 

Harvesting crops:

Farmers begin harvesting Kharif crops like rice, cotton, soybean, and maize on Dussehra. 

Touching the feet of elders :

In North Maharashtra, people touch the feet of elderly people and deities of the village temple. 

Exchanging sweets:

Observers visit each other and exchange sweets. 

These Cultural traditions are an important part of our lives, allowing us to connect with our history, values, and beliefs. They provide us with a sense of identity, community, and belonging. Cultural traditions can also be a source of comfort and strength in times of difficulty.