Chaitra Navratri 2023: How Navratri is been Celebrated in Indian States

What is the Significance of Chaitra Navratri ?

The starting of the Hindu New Year, as determined by the lunar calendar, is what gives Chaitra Navratri. During these days the heavenly power of the goddess is said to be at its height during these nine days, and those who worship her with dedication and trust will readily win her blessings.

Traveling by Train is the best option to observe Navratri in Nine Different ways:

In every Indian city, there is a distinct way to celebrate Navratri devotion to the gods. During the festival, traveling to various locations is a wonderful experience. The Railways queue for Navratri travel this year is outpacing last year's totals by more than 580 inquiries. Additionally, during the important festival of Navratri, IRCTC has made it even easier for passengers to travel to locations from Gujarat to Kolkata and from Andhra Pradesh to Himachal Pradesh.

Indian railways have started providing Satvik meals or Vrat Thali for persons who are fasting for Navratri while traveling. According to recent news more trains will be added to service. Any of these places must be the starting point for travelers who want to visit other states and cities over these nine days of Navratri.

Jammu and Kashmir, Katra

As part of their preparations for the holiday, locals decorate the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple with beautiful flowers and colorful lights. As early as 3 AM, devotees begin their ascent of the temple's path, which they continue until beyond midnight. All routes to J&K this year are already completely booked due to this festival.

Mysore

In Mysore, Navratri is observed during the Naadahabba festival. Not only the tourists from India visit this location, but also tourists from other countries express excitement in going to the city's 10-day festival. The location has been carrying out the customs employed by King Raja Wodeyar I during Navratri in 1610. On Maha Navami, people worship the imperial sword, and on Dashmi, an elephant with a gilded saddle is used to transport Goddess Chamundeshwari's image across the city.

Kullu Manali

On the tenth day, or Dashmi, when the festival concludes in other states, the Navratri celebration begins in Kullu Manali. It's because residents remember when Shri Ram returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of being away. Bright lights are used to illuminate the streets and the surrounding valley. On this day, the mood is still positive. Devotees carry idols of goddesses and deities to the main ground. Locals get ready for cultural programmes, such as folk music and dance performances. At the festival's centerpiece there is a performance of a Lankadahan act on the Beas river's shore.

Kolkata

A well-known Navratri celebration in Kolkata is Durga Puja. People take the idol of the lovely Goddess to their homes and pandals. They dress the idol in brand-new clothes, red vermilion, flowers, and jewelry, and they pray every day at a set time. People must reserve their tickets for the huge Navratri events in Kolkata at least two months in advance.

Ahmedabad

The Aarti of each of the nine forms of the Goddess is performed first, followed by the Garba folk dance. Men, women, and children can all take part in the Garba Raas, which revolves around the Shakti idol. The group Garba dance goes on during the night. To express their devotion to Devi's nine forms, they also keep 9-days fast. They also offer prayers to a garbo, a pot made of dirt that is lit by diyas or candles that represent the goddess shakti.

Bastar

The Chhattisgarh Bastar district hosts the longest Navratri celebrations. The highlight of the ceremony is the tradition of transporting deities on a sizable wooden chariot from neighboring towns to the Danteshwari temple. The chariot draped in gold merry flowers will be pulled by a large group of volunteers from place to place. 

Vijayawada

Bathukamma Panduga is the name residents of Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) refer to Navratri in their own tongue. They honor Devi Maha Gauri, the Goddess of women, for nine days. Women construct traditional stacks in Kanaka Durga temple using a variety of flowers for the ritual, which takes place there and at the Krishna River. On the ninth day, the flower stakes are prepared to float on rivers or lakes.

Varanasi

A memorable event that shouldn't be missed is attending Shardiya Navratri in Varanasi. At this time, the entire city transforms into a stage for live theater performances. The act of Ramcharitmanas is performed by talented artists using the narrative medium.

The celebrations last for almost a month, and for two centuries, the act known as "Ramnagar ki Ramlila," has been performed which is a well-known worldwide act.

Mumbai

Mumbai residents view Navratri as the most sacred season of the year to start fresh in their financial lives. While firms sign new transactions, the majority of investors invest in real estate. Married women organize a gathering to carry out some traditions throughout these 9 days. The women exchange gifts while applying kumkum and haldi to their foreheads. In Mumbai, Navratri celebrations also include the dandiya and garba rituals.

Hence we can say that celebrations of Navratri highlight distinct cultural characteristics of various places that are firmly established in centuries-old traditions. Therefore, benefit from the reliable Indian Railways services and create a memorable experience.

Also Read: Vani Saptashrungi Devi Temple- A Complete Guide & A Must Visit Temple