The New Year, according to the Hindu calendar, starts from the same day. Navratri is one of the major festivals of India. Navratri takes place twice a year. Sharad Navratri takes place during the months of September and October. All the nine auspicious days of navratri are devoted to the worship of the nine different forms of goddess Durga.

The fasting and feasting is part of the rituals of these nine days. ‘Jaagrans’, Bhajan gatherings, temple visits are some of the devotees’ activities during navratri. ‘Dandiya’ nights are the recent trend, where couples dance and play dandiya the whole night.

Now, Dandiya is not only limited to temple premises. It has reached five star hotels, resorts and dance clubs. Dandiya and Garba, which are dance forms of Gujarat, are played all over the country with a high level of zest and enthusiasm.

Many followers organize ‘bhandara’ (meal for all) on their own expenses for the poor people. Many people prefer to buy new goods on these days as these nine days are considered special in comparison to other normal days.

On the very first day, puja is organized in every household and devotees set up a ‘kalash’ (earthen pot) and seeds are sowed in it. It is kept at the worshiping place till the last day of navratri, known as navmi (ninth day.)

Many Hindus keep fast on these days to get their wishes fulfilled by goddess Durga. A few self styled neo-devotees keep fast on the first and last day of the navratri to show their devotion despite their hectic schedule.

This trend has gained popularity because fasting for nine days is not practically possible for many devotees. It gives them a chance to show their devotion and affection to the goddess Durga in a convenient way.

In the new millennium, everything is available for a cost. Many renowned restaurants have started special services for the devotees who keep fast. Special plates or thaalis are available. So, devotees need not worry about food while fasting.

They can get the ‘vrata thaali’ (plate for those who keep fast) by paying Rs. 50 to Rs. 800 per person in many restaurants and hotels. The menu includes the ‘kuuttu ki puri’ and ‘pakore’, ‘sabudana ki khichri’, sweets, and lots more dishes. Variety is also not a problem these days.
    
Sharad Navratri is celebrated with more enthusiasm in some parts of the country. Sharad Navratri ends with Vijayadashmi or Dashahra. This festival is observed to mark the victory of good over evil.

Bengalis are known for celebrating Durga Puja in a big way. ‘Pandals’ of the goddess Durga are decorated using flowers, idols, dry fruits and other materials. The decoration of the pandals starts before a month or two. Many singers and artists are invited to sing devotional songs and present other religious acts during the fest.
 
This year, Navratri comes just before the Lok Sabha elections and all the citizens should pray to Maa Durga for a stable government which can help people in this season of economic slump. Let us pray together:

Sarva mangala mangalye shive sarvartha sadhike l
Sharanye trayambake gauri, Narayani namostute ll
 
The approximate meaning of the prayer is: O Mother! You are the personification of all that is auspicious, You are the benevolent form of Lord Shiva, You bestow Divine energy and help people achieve righteousness, wealth, fulfil desires and liberation, You are worthy of being surrendered to. Three eyes adorn You. O Narayani Devi, I pay obeisance to You!