My visit to Vadodara (Gujarat) during Navaratri completely changed my outlook on the festival. Before my trip, my knowledge of Navaratri was limited to worshipping nine avatars of Goddess Durga, fasting, and playing Garba. But when I arrived in Vadodara, I discovered that Navaratri was so much more than that.
My friend and I dressed up in our traditional outfits and headed to the big ground where the Garba celebration was taking place. As soon as we arrived, I was struck by the sight of hundreds of people dancing to the beat of the music. The energy was electric, and everyone was having so much fun. The traditional music and the dance moves were both challenging and exciting. I could feel the devotion and love for Devi Maa in the air. The colours of the outfits, the sounds of the dhol and the clapping, and the smell of the delicious food all blended together to create a magical atmosphere.
Next morning, my friend's dadi sat us down for breakfast and told us about the festival's significance. I was amazed to learn that Navaratri comes every month! After the New Moon, the first nine nights are called Navaratri. Two Navaratris, Chaitra and Sharad, are celebrated with great enthusiasm. The nine avatars of Goddess Durga represent different aspects of the Divine Feminine, and the festival is a time to nurture our feminine energy.
This experience changed my outlook on Navaratri and made me more interested in learning about other cultural festivals. I realized that there is so much more to discover and appreciate in the world's diverse cultures. If you want to feel the energy and vibe of the festival, I highly recommend visiting Gujarat during Navaratri.