Navratri is here! Nine days of devotion, celebration, and
togetherness, followed by Vijayadashami, or Dasami, the day that marks the
triumph of good over evil.
For many of us, Navratri brings back wonderful memories and
familiar traditions. Wearing new dresses, observing fasts, preparing delicious food, and finally feasting with family are all part of the celebration.
Visiting temples, meeting neighbours, catching up with family and friends, and
admiring the beautiful Golu — the traditional arrangement of dolls — make these
nine days even more special.
The air is filled with the chanting of slokas in praise of Matha
Rani, Durga Devi, and the many forms of the Divine Mother. There is devotion,
music, colour, laughter, and excitement everywhere. But amid all these
festivities, have we ever paused to ask ourselves a simple question? Can we
make these nine days a journey of change within ourselves, too?
As devotees of Devi, we pray for strength, wisdom, prosperity,
courage, and good health. What if we also take a small step every day to
cultivate these qualities within ourselves? Instead of asking only for
blessings, why not make a conscious effort to become better versions of
ourselves?
Let us dedicate each of the nine days to one meaningful change.
Nothing complicated, nothing that requires a complete lifestyle overhaul. Just
one small, practical step each day.
Nine days, nine changes: A Navratri resolution
Day 1: Read to Grow
Begin with the habit of reading. Pick up a book, read a newspaper
article, or explore a reliable source of information. Read something that
teaches you a new skill, introduces you to a different culture, or makes you
think.
Your move: Read for at least 15 minutes today. Let knowledge
become a part of your daily routine.
Day 2: Move Towards Better Health
Our bodies need care just as much as our minds do. A short walk, a
few gentle stretches, or some simple exercises can be a good beginning. Eat
mindfully, drink enough water, and get adequate rest.
Your move: Set aside 15–20 minutes for movement, according to your
ability. Remember, fasting should never come at the cost of your health.
Day 3: Choose a Greener Habit
The Divine Mother is often associated with nature, life, and
creation. Let us honour that connection by caring for our surroundings. Carry a
reusable bag, avoid unnecessary plastic, save water, or nurture a plant.
Your move: Choose one environmentally friendly habit and practise
it consistently.
Day 4: Make Time for People
We meet many people during Navratri — at temples, while visiting
Golu displays, and during family gatherings. But meaningful relationships need
attention beyond festival days.
Your move: Call someone you have not spoken to in a while. Listen
without interrupting. Spend some undistracted time with a family member. A
little attention can make someone feel valued.
Day 5: Practise Gratitude and Self-Reflection
We often count what we lack and overlook what we already have.
This day, look at your own journey — the lessons learned, the challenges
overcome, and the people who stood by you.
Your move: Write down three things you are grateful for and one
quality you would like to improve. Be honest with yourself, but be kind, too.
Day 6: Learn Something New
Learning should never stop with a degree or a job. Explore a
language, learn a few digital skills, understand a new technology, discover a
traditional art, or learn more about a subject that interests you.
Your move: Spend 20 minutes learning something new from a reliable
source. Curiosity keeps us informed, confident, and engaged with the world.
Day 7: Find Your Voice and Courage
Goddess Durga represents strength and courage. We can honour that
spirit by learning to stand up for ourselves and others. Speak respectfully
when something is wrong, set healthy boundaries, and do not be afraid to ask
questions or seek help.
Your move: Take one small step you have been postponing because of
fear or hesitation. Courage often begins with a single action.
Day 8: Share Kindness and Strengthen Community
Festivals remind us that we belong to families and communities. We
can extend that spirit beyond our homes by helping someone, supporting a local
business, sharing a useful book, or encouraging a child to read.
Your move: Do one thoughtful act without expecting anything in
return. Small gestures can have a lasting impact.
Day 9: Create Space for Peace
Our days are often filled with responsibilities, notifications,
and endless thoughts. Devotion can offer us a moment to pause, breathe, and
reconnect with ourselves.
Your move: Spend ten quiet minutes in prayer, meditation, or
silent reflection. Notice what is helping you grow and what you are ready to
let go of.
Dasami: Celebrate the person you are becoming
Nine days have passed. You have celebrated, prayed, met loved
ones, admired Golu arrangements, and perhaps tried a few new things along the
way.
Now comes Vijayadashami — a day associated with victory, new
beginnings, and the triumph of good over evil. What if, on this day, you look
back at the nine changes you chose to make?
Perhaps you have read a few more pages, walked a little more,
spoken to someone you had been missing, or finally begun learning something
new. Perhaps you have discovered that you are more courageous than you thought.
Or perhaps you have realised that some changes need more time.
You do not have to become a completely different person by Dasami.
You only have to begin becoming the person you wish to be. The purpose is not
to finish nine tasks and forget them the next day. It is to carry at least one
or two of these habits forward into everyday life. Small actions, repeated
regularly, can gradually become meaningful changes. And if you miss a day, do
not give up. Start again. There is no competition, no comparison, and no need
to be perfect.
A thought for every devotee of Devi
As we chant the names of the Divine Mother, let us also remember
the qualities we admire in her — courage, wisdom, compassion, determination,
and strength. Let us seek these qualities not only through prayer but also
through our actions.
Let the books we read make us wiser. Let the food we share bring
people closer. Let the words we speak spread kindness. Let the choices we make
protect our health and the environment. And let our devotion inspire us to
become more thoughtful, informed, empowered, and happier human beings. This
Navratri, let us celebrate the Goddess and also nurture the goodness within
ourselves.
Nine days. Nine small changes. One meaningful new beginning. May
this Navratri bring joy to our homes, peace to our minds, strength to our hearts,
and positive change to our lives.
Jai Mata Di! Subhamastu!
No comments:
Post a Comment