Shardiya Navratri 2023: Learn about the date, history, significance, and festivities.

Millions of people in India fervently celebrate Navratri, a festival that has a particular place in their hearts. For Hindus, Shardiya Navratri, also known as Maha Navratri, is one of the most important and eagerly anticipated religious celebrations. In 2023, Shardiya Navratri would last nine nights, from October 15 to October 24, with a lot of excitement.

History:

Goddess Durga is worshipped on Shardiya Navratri, which falls during the lunar month of Ashwin. The holiday of Navratri, which means "nine nights" in Sanskrit, celebrates the triumph of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga fought the demon Mahishasura during this time for nine days and nine nights before finally slaying him. The holy feminine energy that defeats the powers of evil is symbolized by these nine nights.

Significance:

Shardiya Navratri is observed with great enthusiasm and dedication. It is a time for prayer, fasting, and spiritual reflection. Many Hindus think that during these nine nights, Goddess Durga's heavenly energy is at its strongest. People who follow her ask for her blessings in order to be prosperous, happy, and safe from evil. During Navratri, rituals are carried out in accordance with each day's association with a particular manifestation of the goddess. The effigies of the demon king Ravana are burned on the tenth day, which is called Vijayadashami or Dussehra and represents the triumph of good over evil.

Celebrations:

There are many different rituals and traditions that distinguish the Shardiya Navratri celebrations. Temples and homes are exquisitely decorated, and goddess idols are decked up in bright garb and jewelry. Devotees observe fasts and abstain from eating particular foods and grains. The ancient folk dances of Garba and Dandiya Raas, where participants dress in vibrant clothing and dance in a circle to the rhythm of music to celebrate the joy of life and the triumph of good over evil, provide vitality to the nights.

People frequently go to Goddess Durga's temples during Navratri to seek her blessings and take part in special prayers and aartis. Gift- and candy-exchanging with loved ones is another custom. As people gather to dance, pray, and rejoice, the event fosters a sense of community and solidarity.

The celebration has a distinctive regional flavor in different parts of India. In West Bengal, the festival of Navratri is known as Durga Puja and is commemorated by lavish processions and idols of the goddess. While Ramlila performances in the northern regions tell the legendary tale of Lord Rama, the frenetic Garba dance is all the rage in Gujarat.

Citizens from 180 countries gather in Washington, DC for the World Cultural Festival 2023 to pray for peace in Ukraine.

World Culture Festival 2023: People from 180 different nations interacted with one other, celebrating global cultures via dance, music, and food—a big celebration that really demonstrates India's power as a force that unites the world—while hundreds of flags flew together in the backdrop.

  

Hundreds of thousands participated on the first day of the 4th World Culture Festival at the National Mall, Washington DC. #WCF2023Day1 pic.twitter.com/9JfVx76J1C

— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) October 1, 2023

A unique yoga, breath, and meditation session led by international spiritual leader and Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the historic Lincoln Memorial on the second day of the World Culture Festival 2023 set the tone for an evening of soulful performances, motivational speeches, and an undeniable sense of human connection. As former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind noted, "P.S. By doing this, you (Sri Sri Ravi Shankar) have produced a miniature representation of the whole community.

I am delighted to participate in the World Culture Festival at Washington DC. I congratulate the @ArtofLiving for bringing people from across the world to one destination, for one purpose.I also compliment the Government of the District of Washington DC for their stellar support. pic.twitter.com/DydIhtX0mh

— Ram Nath Kovind (@ramnathkovind) October 1, 2023

A traditional Ukrainian song performed by renowned Ukrainian singer Olena Astasheva, who had fled her homeland because of the conflict, was one of the various artistic forms displayed. After being moved by the performance, the masses joined Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in a spontaneous prayer for peace for the people of Ukraine.

We need to rename the Art of Living to the Art of Living Proof, because you (Sri Sri Ravi Shankar) are showing that you can love, you can share, and you can have compassion, Rev Gerald L. Durley said in what can only be characterised as an exciting address.

Image Source : SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR (X)

American venture capitalist Tim Draper said, "We (Americans) used to refer to people from other nations as foreigners. It was also a derogatory word. Under Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's direction, we have managed to bring everyone together, and as a result, no longer is anyone on earth considered an alien. But if an extraterrestrial visited our planet and said, "Take me to your leader," I would recommend Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Image Source : INDIA TV

Additional notable speakers on day two were Dr. Vivek Murthy, the US Surgeon General, Prithvirajsing Roopun, the President of Mauritius, Ram Nath Kovind, the former First Lady of India and wife of the late Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, Akie Abe, and others. 

Know more about cultural activities of World Culture Festival-Day 2:

The 10,000-person Garba performance, a 200-person euphoric Bhangra performance, Irish step dance, surreal Afghan melodies, a spectacular ensemble of 1,000 Chinese American vocalists and dancers, combined with a Kung Fu performance, majestic dragons and lions brought to life through creativity and imagination, were just a few of the cultural highlights from Day 2. There were unforgettable performances from South American nations, Indonesia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Hip Hop and Breakdance superstars like Kurtis Blow, a 1200 member Gospel choir, and a spellbinding performance from the Pakistani contingent.

Image Source : INDIA TV

We need that reminder now more than ever because loneliness and isolation have become epidemics that are fostering mental health and contributing to physical illness as well, like dementia and heart disease, and now threaten the very well-being of our communities, according to Dr. Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General. "Celebrations like today (WCF) are powerful because they remind us of how essential our connections to one another are," he said.

Sourse NDTV