Navaratri

Navaratri (meaning nine nights) is a Hindu festival dedicated to the mother goddess and protector of the universe, Durga. There are 4 Navaratri’s per year, one for each season with the autumn (Sharad Navaratri) being the most important. Navratri celebrates God Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, signifying the triumph of good over evil.

Who celebrates?

Hindus around the world.

How do people celebrate?

• Navaratri is celebrated differently in different regions of India
• In some regions, Hindus choose to reflect on religion and fast. For those fasting, some may abstain from alcohol, some spices and are vegetarian
• In other regions they choose to feast and dance. In Gujarat, dance performances include Garba which intends to honour and worship the feminine form.

What should I know?

• The festival is also known as Durga Puja
• Goddess Durga is a combination of the powers of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva
• The 10th day is a final celebration called Dussehra
• Navratri is according to the lunar calendar so some years it is shorted to 8 days with Dussehra on the 9th day
• In the 2011 census 1.5% of the UK identified as Hindu.

How can I support others?

• Ask people if they or their families will be celebrating
• Do not assume that if someone’s family is Hindu that they will be celebrating
• Encourage celebrations internally and externally
• Talk to your team about the religious representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and if it’s representative of your area.

BBC: A guide to Navaratri: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4Nh9mRbpKQ2xm7mftt20dS9/navratri-a-guide-to-the-festival-and-how-people-are-celebrating-at-home-in-2020

BBC video: Navaratri celebrations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkwCyz2yZWs

Navaratri recipes: https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/navratri-recipes-navratri-fasting-recipes/