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The festival of Navaratri - nine (nava), nights(ratri)
- is observed twice a year once at the start of summer (in the Hindu month
of Chaitra) and the second near the start of the winter in the Hindu
month of Asho), although the latter is celebrated with more rigour and
is universally the most popular.
The main aim of the celebrations is to offer prayers to Divine Mother
for well being, spiritual wealth and wisdom. Many devotees also fast
during these festivities.
Navaratri is celebrated in various parts of India in different styles.
But common to all celebrations is the worship of Divine Mother or Shakti
the Goddess in Her aspect as Power, to receive her love and blessings.
Navaratri commences on the first and ends on the tenth day. It is held
in commemoration of the victory of Durga over Mahishasura, the demon.
motionless, absolutely changeless. He is not affected by the cosmic play.
It is Durga who does everything.
The tenth day is Dassera with which
the festival ends. But Dassera is really aprt from the nine days of navaratri
for it marks the triumph of Rama over Ravana, in effect triumph of good
over evil.
The festivities were celebrated at Patchway Community College, and the Bristol Hindu Temple.
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