A Guide to Gujarat’s Festive Gala – Navratri!

Get ready for the most awaited cultural extravaganza of the year – Navratri 2024! This guide is your gateway to understanding and immersing yourself in the magic of this Gujarat Festival-Navratri. As the beats of Garba and the clatter of Dandiya sticks fill the air, Navratri transforms into a grand Gujarat festival of dance, devotion, and dazzling colours. Whether you're a Navratri enthusiast or planning to partake in this cultural phenomenon for the first time, this guide will provide you with insights, tips, and a deeper understanding of festivities of Gujarat during Navratri .

Navratri Colours 2024: Significance and Symbolism

During the auspicious Navratri the Gujarat festival spans nine days, each day is associated with a specific colour that holds deep significance. These symbolize various aspects of the festival, and devotees often dress in the designated colour of the day to pay homage to the Goddess and seek her blessings. The nine colours of Navratri represent different qualities and energies.

Here's a brief overview of the nine colours of Navratri 2024:

During the auspicious festival of Navratri, which spans nine days, each day is associated with a specific colour that holds deep significance. These symbolize various aspects of the festival, and devotees often dress in the designated colour of the day to pay homage to the Goddess and seek her blessings. The nine colours of Navratri represent different qualities and energies.

Here's a brief overview of the nine colours of Navratri 2023:

Also Read: How Is Navratri Celebrated in Different Parts of India?

Opening up the history book

Did you know that the mythology behind Navratri is deeply intertwined with the festival's origins, especially in the context of Gujarat festivities?

The first one has to do with the battle fought between Goddess Durga and Demon Mahishasura. It is believed that Lord Shiva, upon the plea of the other Gods, called upon Goddess Durga for aid. She took on 9 different avatars – the Nava Durga –Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri. For a period of 9 days and nights, she duelled with the demon, until finally, good triumphed over evil. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one of these incarnations, making it a significant festival in Gujarat.

Another story linked to this vibrant festival of Gujarat involves Goddess Sati, who married Lord Shiva against the wishes of her father, King Daksha Prajapati. In an act of vengeance, King Daksha organised a huge Yagna (ritual) and invited all the Gods, except his new son-in-law. Sati decided to attend the Yagna, despite Lord Shiva's attempt to persuade her otherwise. Daksha ignored his daughter's presence and publicly degraded Lord Shiva. Unable to bear her father’s insults, she committed suicide by jumping into the fire. However, she was reborn again, won Lord Shiva as her groom, and peace was eventually restored into the kingdom. Deities believe that she visits her parents’ home every year during Navratri making it a cherished part of the Gujarat festival.

The Colorful Celebration of Garba and Dandiya Raas in Gujarat Festivities During Navratri

As the sun sets and the stars begin to twinkle, Gujarat transforms into a mesmerizing canvas of lights, colours, and rhythmic beats. 

Welcome to Navratri, the nine-night festival that celebrates the divine feminine energy through dance, devotion, and sheer joy. At the heart of the festivities in Gujarat are Garba and Dandiya Raas, traditional dances that captivate hearts and create memories that last a lifetime. Join us as we dive into the exuberant world of Garba and Dandiya Raas, where every step and twirl tells a story of culture, tradition, and community spirit.

The Essence of Garba: Garba, a highlight of Gujarat festivities, is more than just a dance; it's a spiritual journey representing the cyclical nature of life. The term "Garba," derived from the Sanskrit word for womb, symbolizes the cycle from birth to death to rebirth. Performed around a central idol or lamp called Garbha Deep, representing goddess Durga, dancers in vibrant traditional attire move in concentric circles, clapping and singing folk songs. The music blends traditional folk with contemporary beats, featuring dhol drumming, harmonium tunes, and soulful singing, narrating mythological stories and praising the goddess, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

The Magic of Dandiya Raas: Following the soulful Garba, the night transitions into the energetic and playful Dandiya Raas. This dance, a staple in Gujarat festival traditions, involves the use of decorated wooden sticks called dandiyas. Dancers pair up and strike their dandiyas together in a rhythmic, synchronized manner, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. 

Dandiya Raas is characterized by its energetic steps and vibrant movements, where dancers form a circle and pairs move in and out, striking their dandiyas in intricate patterns. The dance is a delightful combination of coordination, rhythm, and enthusiasm, often building up in pace as the night progresses.

The Attire: In Gujarat festivities, traditional attire plays a significant role. For women, the Chaniya Choli—a three-piece outfit consisting of a flared skirt (chaniya), a blouse (choli), and a dupatta—is adorned with intricate mirror work, embroidery, and bright colors that reflect the spirit of Navratri. 

Men typically wear Kediyu (a short, flared kurta) paired with dhoti or pyjama, also embellished with embroidery and mirrors, enhancing the overall festive vibe.

Also Read:Durga Temples in India You Must Visit This Durga Pooja

 Fasting Delicacies

Many devotees observe fasts, during this festival in Gujarat, consuming only specific foods that are permissible during this period. Some popular fasting foods include:

Sabudana Khichdi: A dish made from sago pearls, peanuts, and potatoes, seasoned with mild spices.

Rajgira Rotis: Flatbreads made from amaranth flour, often paired with yogurt or vegetables.

Singhara Halwa: A sweet dish made from water chestnut flour, ghee, and sugar, garnished with nuts.

Mouth-Watering Feasts in Gujarat Festivities

The non-fasting meals during Navratri in Gujarat festivities are a culinary celebration, showcasing an array of traditional Gujarati dishes. Some of the most popular ones include:

Dhokla: A steamed cake made from fermented rice and chickpea batter, garnished with mustard seeds and green chilies.

Khandvi: Thin, rolled pieces of gram flour cooked with yogurt and tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves.

Mohanthal: A rich, gram flour fudge flavoured with cardamom and saffron, often garnished with almonds and pistachios.

Thali: Traditional Gujarati thali with dishes like kadhi, undhiyu (mixed vegetable dish), thepla (spiced flatbread), and dal dhokli (lentil stew with wheat flour noodles).

Also Read: Durga Pujo in Kolkata- Important Days, Worships, and the Rituals

Exploring customs and rituals of this Gujarat Festival

Navratri, one of the most celebrated festivals in Gujarat, is a vibrant blend of devotion, dance, and traditions. Each day of this nine-day festival in Gujarat festivities is marked by unique customs, rituals, and daily pujas (prayers) dedicated to the goddess Durga and her nine avatars. Here's a detailed look at the customs, rituals, and daily pujas that define Navratri in Gujarat:

• Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapna)

This marks the beginning of Navratri. A kalash (sacred pot) is filled with holy water and placed on a bed of soil, in which barley seeds are sown. The kalash is then adorned with a coconut and mango leaves, symbolizing the goddess.

This ritual invokes the presence of the goddess Durga in the home and is a call for her blessings and protection throughout the Gujarat festival.

• Daily Puja and Altar Decoration

Morning and Evening Prayers: As part of Gujarat festivities, devotees perform daily prayers during Navratri, offering flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity. The puja includes the chanting of Durga Saptashati or other hymns dedicated to the goddess Durga. The ritual of aarti (waving of lamps) is conducted with great devotion, accompanied by traditional songs praising the goddess.

Altar Decoration: A clean and beautifully decorated altar is set up in homes and temples during these Gujarat festival celebrations. The idol or image of the goddess is placed on the altar, adorned with flowers, jewellery, and colourful garments. 

Special Rituals for Each Day:

• Kanya Puja (Kanjak Puja)

On Day 8 or 9, young girls (pre-puberty) are worshipped as incarnations of the goddess. Their feet are washed, they are adorned with flowers, and given gifts and prasad (blessed food).

This ritual during the Gujarat festival of Navaratri honours the divine feminine and seeks the blessings of the goddess through the purity and innocence of young girls.

Flipping through the Gujarat’s festive calendar

Navratri, a key celebration in Gujarat festivities, spans nine nights and begins on the first day of the fortnight in the Hindu month of Ashwin, typically in September or October. The festival concludes with Dussehra or Vijayadashami on the tenth day. According to texts like the Shakta and Vaishnava Puranas, Navratri can occur two or four times a year, with Sharada Navratri in autumn being the most widely celebrated, followed by Vasanta Navratri in spring.

Experience Navratri Away from Home with Club Mahindra Resorts in Gujarat!

If you're looking to celebrate the Gujarat festival of Navratri away from your hometown or experience this vibrant festival for the first time, look no further than Club Mahindra Resorts in Gujarat.

The resorts in Gujarat, including Club Mahindra Gir, Club Mahindra Dwarka, Club Mahindra Netrang, and Club Mahindra Kensville Golf Resort Ahmedabad, provide warm and inviting atmospheres that are perfect for festive gatherings. Their friendly staff and fun-filled activities ensure that you'll have a memorable Navratri experience. Moreover, Club Mahindra Resorts in Gujarat is known for its special Navratri celebrations, including lively Garba and Dandiya Raas activities that allow you to immerse in the festive spirit. To get access to all these resorts, along with 140 + resorts in the country and abroad, get yourself a Club Mahindra membership. Talk to our team to know more about the membership plans and choose the plan that fits your needs. 

So, put on your Gujarati festive finest, grab your dandiya sticks, and get ready to groove to the Garba beats!