Navratri Festival's History in Gujarat | Navratri Rituals

Navratri in Gujarat, India

Here in this post, I'm going to share with you some Interesting Facts about Navratri in Gujarat. So if you're interested, then read this article till the end.

As we all know, Navratri is the Biggest Festival of India. But in Gujarat, it's the most popular Festival. Navratri of Gujarat is world-famous and people from all over the world come to celebrate this beautiful Festival.

The cultural richness and vibrancy of Gujarat are reflected in all the festivals celebrated across the state. Navratri is a festival that portrays the original inhabitants of Gujarat in the form of excitement and celebration.

The festival continues for 'Nine nights' and facilitates a free flow of devotion and ecstasy when millions of uniquely dressed devotees gather to pay homage to Maa Amba; An expression of the Goddess Adi Shakti and the famous Raas Garba/Dandiya take part in Raas's wandering and meandering dance moves.

Navratri festivals are celebrated everywhere in our country, but the betel leaf celebrated in Gujarat is usually matured.

History of Navratri

Navratri festival in Gujarat - The history behind Navratri is associated with mythology. According to myths, the demon Mahisasura received a boon from the Agni Dev that no weapon would ever destroy him, and he actually made the demon immortal. He became very proud and powerful and started terrorizing everyone in heaven and earth.

The bewildered deity and deity then approached Lord Shiva with an appeal to save him from the disguise of Mahishasura. In collaboration with Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva created the female power, Maa Adi Shakti, which then fought with Mahishasura for 9 consecutive nights and days.

In ten days he conquered the demon and thus, the evils associated with Mahishasura came to an end.

So this was the history behind Navratri. Which everyone knows about it.

Let's talk about Different Navratri Rituals so that you can know more about this Festival. Keep scrolling and keep reading.

Navratri Rituals

Various Navratri Customs/Rituals are followed by people all over the country. Some of them are we are going to discuss below.

1. Kanjak

Kanjak is a well-known custom in many parts of India. Little girls from neighboring areas are called to temples or places of residence.

A small puja is performed as they are considered to be a form of Goddess Durga, Their feet are washed and served as prasadam with chana, halwa(Sweets), as well as some gifts to them are also given.

2. No Onion/Garlic & Non-Vegetarian Food

During Navratri, people ensure that no onion, garlic or non-vegetarian food is used in their homes. Most of the people observe fast on all days of Navratri and mostly eat fruits, milk and other fasting items.

Fruits and sweets are offered to the Goddess during worship and then distributed among the family and friends as Prasad.

3. Raas - Garba

In the western part of India, especially in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, Raas Garba dance is a major attraction during Navratri.

Local neighborhood events are held for nine consecutive days and people participate in large numbers.

4. Khetri Seeds

People plant barley seeds in an earthen pot on the very day of Navratri and place it again in the puja room with a lamp that is continuously offered (unbroken flame) during Navratri.

On the tenth day when the seeds develop into small seedlings, they are taken out of the pot and given to the devotees as a blessing. It is considered sacred. Those who cannot do it at their home follow the same practice in a nearby temple.

5. Mela and Ramayana drama

Mela/fairs are organized at many places during Sharad Navratri, in which food, sports, shopping items, and swings are made for children.

Such Mela/fairs are heavily crowded and gala time for visitors. Above all, it depicts the holy 'Ramayana' as a play by actors for nine consecutive days and ends with the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhakarna on the day of Dussehra.

6. Satsang

Satsang and bhajan programs are organized by women in the neighborhood and in temples during Navratri. The women sang hymns and danced. Jagran is also organized during Navratri.

7. Recitation of Durga Stuti/Ramayana

There is a tradition of reciting Durga Stuti (during Sharad Navratri) and the holy book Ramayana (during Chaitra Navratri). People start reading Ramayana from the first day of Chaitra Navratri and end it on the day of Ram Navami with Bhoga and Kanya Pujan.

8. Dussehra

The tenth day of Sharad Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra Different parts of India. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

So these are the Navratri Rituals in Gujarat/India.

Best Place to Visit Gujarat During Navratri

Khodiyar Mata Mandir (Bhavnagar), Chamunda Mata Mandir (Chotila), Aashapura Mata no madh (Kutch)

I hope you like this article about Navratri Festiy in Gujarat. I also covered Different rituals of Navratri. If you find any mistake then let me know. I'll definitely edit this post and provide you best content.