Navaratri Festival: Celebrating the Divine Feminine Across India
The vibrant festival widely celebrated throughout the nation that merits special recognition is Navarath, spanning nine days. During this period, three forms of the Goddess Parvathi—Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi—are revered. Inside homes, Kolu—an ornate arrangement of idols on metal or wooden steps in odd numbers—features decoratively placed effigies of gods and goddesses. The setup begins with representations of flora and fauna on the lower steps, ascending in complexity to humans and deities at the summit, symbolizing the journey to salvation through piety. In North India, it's referred to as Vasantha Navarathri, Durga Pooja in West Bengal, Kolu in Tamil Nadu, and Dusserah in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. In North India, the grand Durga Pooja festivities and Tamil Nadu’s temple decorations - particularly the extensive Kolu displays - are mesmerizing. At Srirangam, the world’s largest functioning temple complex, visitors can admire an impressive array of Kolu across 35 different stair sets. Similar traditions are observed across many other temples in Tamil Nadu and other states. The nine days are filled with concerts, spiritual talks, and recreational events that foster a spiritual ambiance. Notably, the vibrant rituals and poojas at Kolkata's Kali temple, together with the hundreds of thousands of participants dressed as various incarnations of Goddess Durga in Kulasekaranpattinam, Tamilnadu, and as Goddess Chamundeeswari in Mysuru—complete with a procession of beautifully adorned elephants—also warrant special mention. Navaratri concludes with Vijayadasami, symbolizing the triumph of virtue over vice, a timeless truth. The religious festivities significantly reinforce the link between India’s rich historical traditions and its cultural identity. What is Navaratri? Navaratri is a nine-day festival celebrated across India to honour Goddess Parvathi in her forms as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi. What is Kolu in Tamil Nadu? Kolu refers to the display of dolls and figurines arranged on stepped platforms during Navaratri, symbolizing spiritual ascent and cultural heritage. How is Navaratri celebrated in North India? In North India, particularly in West Bengal, Navaratri is celebrated as Durga Puja with grand pandal decorations and elaborate rituals. What is the significance of Vijayadasami? Vijayadasami, the tenth day of Navaratri, symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with rituals and festivities across India. Where can I experience the grandeur of Navaratri celebrations? You can experience Navaratri celebrations prominently in Kolkata's Kali Temple, Srirangam in Tamil Nadu, and Mysuru's Dussehra festivities, among other places known for their cultural richness during this auspicious period. 
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