| With the change in social order and the establishment
of democracy, the original significance of this festival is lost. Today, it is
celebrated more for its mythological significance and reaffirms the Hindu faith
in the triumph of good. Even today, the nine different forms of the goddess are
worshipped. Though several communities of Hindus are staunch vegetarians, Navaratri
is one exception. On the eighth day, many communities, especially Gurkhas and
other hill tribes who are believers in the Devi cult sacrifice an animal. This
blood sacrifice is a form of thanksgiving to the goddess for a wish that has been
granted. People often sacrifice a buffalo symbolic of the killing of Mahishasura
by Durga (see also Durga Puja). |
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In Bengal, this period is celebrated as Durga Puja.
In Gujarat, this is the time for the joyous Garba and Dandia dances and people
pour out at night to participate in this community festival. Women and girls in
all their fineries dance around the garb a pot, clapping their hands in rhythmic
movement. The pot is decorated with flowers, betel leaves, and has its mouth covered
with a coconut. In Tamil Nadu, the first three days of the festival are dedicated
to Lakshmi, the next three to Durga and the last three to Sarasvati. |
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