Today is the 9th day of Navratri festival. Navratri is one of the most popular festival around India. It is celebrated to honor the divine Feminine (Shakti), celebrate the cosmic triumph of good over evil, and engage in spiritual renewal over nine nights and ten days. I think this is one of the festival that is celebrated differently in different states of India. In northern and western regions, the festival honors Lord Rama's victory over the ten headed demon king Ravana before rescuing Sita. While in eastern states like West Bengal, the festival coincides with Durga Puja, celebrating the annual visit of Goddess Durga to her earthly maternal home. Each of the nine nights is dedicated to a distinct avatar of Goddess Durga, representing qualities like strength, wisdom, purity, and courage as outlined by the the Art of Living. Our 9 days worshipping of the diety too concluded too today.
The festival begin by placing, placing the Kalash and sowing Jau (barley). It was placed in front of the diety. The ritual is known as Kalash Sthapana. The Kalash acts as a sacred physical vessel or home to invite Goddess Durga and divine Shakti to reside in the puja space for the duration of the festival. Barley is traditionally viewed as the first grain/plant sown at the dawn of creation, symbolizing agriculture, sustenance, and life's continuity. The rapid sprouting and growth of the barley shoots over the nine days act as an omen. During the entire 9 day, we worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga) through daily rituals, prayers, and specific offerings.
Many people organize a Bhandara (free community meal) on Navami (the ninth day of Navratri) because it marks the auspicious conclusion of sacred ritual worship, offering a way to gain spiritual merit and feed the community. Devotees complete their fasting, prayers, and Kanjak Pujan (worship of young girls) on this day and express gratitude by serving food. It is not an easy job because managing the crowds often create chaos. But still never ever heard any mishappening during bhandara. Devotees often comes up with different food item to serve. They looks delicious and tempting. Who does not want to have feee meal. During the 8th and 9th days one can find many community meals offering available at dofferent location especially near any temple or residential complex. The variety include rice to puri to kheer to different curries.
I should confess that even though these foods were prepaired in large quantity they always taste better. These food tastes uniquely delicious because of a mix of large batch cooking physics, simple yet bold ingredient ratios, and the deep cultural spirit behind it. I beleive the food is made with a joyful, collective energy rather than commercial pressure which makes it more delicious. The colorful indian festival will conclude tomorrow I.e on the 10th day. The 10th day, marks the triumph of good over evil, commemorating both Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura and Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. There are different ways to marks this day. Hope I will bring more insight on this tomorrow. But the mood and vibes around this festival always remain joyful and happy.
In good faith - Peace!!
