Navratri Festival Across India

#Festivals #DiverseVoices

It is festive time across many parts of India. And a great way for our young Bookosmians to show that you could be celebrating in different ways, get to know someone else better and multiply your joy! A common thread while celebrating differently. Read below.

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Know about the Mahalaya festival

Agneesh Raj Banerjee, an 8-year-old from Kolkata tells about the importance, story and traditions associated with Mahalaya. Read to know about this beautiful festival.

Don’t kill but conquer the Ravana inside us| Blog by Aaditri

Some of us celebrate Dusshera by burning the effigy of Ravan. 10-year-old Aaditri Paul from Kolkata urges us to look within for our own Ravan, while burning the effigy outside.

“Fasting during Navratri- Can kids do it?”

Here is a fun read by 10 year old Yashwi from Mohali on the trials and tribulations of keeping fast as a kid,  during Navratri 🙂

Warrior Durga AKA The Female Alpha| Story by Vania,12, Kolkata

Here is 12 year old Vania from Kolkata keeping our spirits high in the Durga Pooja festival, with her fantastic tale!

Vadodara’s traditional Navratri Garba|Blog by Shikha, 13

Let’s head West – To Vadodara where 13 year old Shikha tells us all about Navratri – 9 days of the dancing festival called ‘Garba’ and why you don’t need to know dancing in order to enjoy it. Must read!

One festival, many traditions| Dusshera Blog by Ishaan,9, Chennai

Here is a perfect read by 9-year-old Ishaan Satheesh from Chennai, summarizing how people from different parts celebrate.

Dusshera- A time to be a better human being | Blog by Gunmay

Here is a wonderful blog by 11-year-old Gunmay Khanna on why Dusshera matters to him.

Nine days of Navrati/ Golu| Festival Blog by Sandya, 14, Chennai

14 year old Sandya  from Chennai talks of the wonderful tradition of keeping dolls or ‘golus'(Kannada: Gombe Habba , Tamil: Bomma Kolu, Telugu: Bommala Koluvu) a festive display of dolls and figurines in South India during the autumn festive season, particularly around the multiday Navaratri festival.

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FAQ – Navratri Festival Across India

Q1. What is Navratri and why is it celebrated?
Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, especially Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura.

Q2. How is Navratri celebrated differently across India?
In West Bengal and Kolkata, it is celebrated as Durga Puja with pandals and idols. In Gujarat and Vadodara, people celebrate with Garba and Dandiya dances. In South India, families display ‘Golu’ (festive doll arrangements). In North India, Dussehra is marked with the burning of Ravan’s effigies.

Q3. What is Mahalaya and why is it important?
Mahalaya marks the beginning of Durga Puja in Bengal. On this day, people listen to the story of Goddess Durga’s descent to Earth and prepare for the festival.

Q4. Can children participate in fasting during Navratri?
While traditional fasting is mainly for adults, some children may try simplified fasts. However, as Yashwi from Mohali shares, it can be challenging for kids and should be done carefully.

Q5. What message do festivals like Navratri and Dussehra give us?
They remind us to conquer our inner evils (like Ravana), celebrate unity in diversity, and spread joy while respecting different traditions across India.

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This article is published by Bookosmia, India’s #1 publisher for and by young people. Bookosmia publishes stories, books, podcasts, events, TED-Ed talks, workshops, bedtime stories and more related to kids and young adults.

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