Community Exhibit: Navaratri

Program Type:

Multicultural

Age Group:

Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults
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Event Details

In honor of the Hindu festival Navaratri, enjoy a community-curated exhibit at Dole Branch through October 24. The exhibit features items from community members' personal collections, including saris and art, and dolls from the library's Multicultural Collection.

About Navaratri
Navaratri is a nine-day festival that has been observed for centuries in India. In 2023, it takes place from October 15 through October 24.

The festival honors Devi, the Great Goddess and Divine Mother. Devi is the embodiment of Shakti, the creative power (or force) by which this entire world is manifested. Navartri celebrates and worships the three main female forms of Devi:

  • Durga Mata: Body (triumph of good over evil)
  • Lakshmi Devi: Mind (wealth, prosperity)
  • Saraswati Devi: Intellect (knowledge)

Each day of Navaratri has a color associated with it, and women wear that color for the day. In many parts of India, women will fast during the day. Strict adherence to vegetarian meals is observed, as well as no consumption of onion and garlic. 

This festival is celebrated in various ways throughout India. In the state of Gujarat, women decorate the entrance to their homes with intricate designs, called Rangoli, and get together to dance (Garba) before evening prayer. After prayer, they dance again with colorful sticks called Dandiya.

Similarly, in South India the homes are also decorated (Kolam) and folk dances are performed with sticks (called Kolattam in Tamil Nadu). Women in South India also put up a Bomma Golu display of various dolls. Throughout India, women visit their friends and relatives in the evening, exchanging fruits and savory and sweet items. In the Bengal region, all nine days are dedicated to Durga Mata and her various forms.  

On the tenth day, Vijayadasami marks the victory of Lord Rama over King Ravana. Vijaya means "victory" and Dasami means "tenth day." On this auspicious day, one wears new clothes, and one embarks on a project, especially if it is related to knowledge, music, or art.