Navratri is one of the world's longest and most participatory dance festivals. Perhaps only the goddesses of the hindu pantheon know how many millions dance, sing, pray and fast to evoke their blessings on the nine nights of navratri across gujarat. Regardless of their religion, age or dancing skills anyone can be part of the garba and dandiya. Come ashwin sud, the costumed men and women are on th
e streets of gujarat dancing at street corners, residential localities, clubs and colleges. It is a social event and community activity with everyone becoming part of the event. The whole atmosphere is one of revelry for the nine nights leading to the eve of dussehra when durga is said to have defeated the demon, mahishasura and rama is believed to have defeated ravana. 9 forms of shakti durga devi: durgatinashini means one who eliminates all sufferings so durga devi protects us from evil and removes miseries. Maa durga is worshipped in many forms. The evolution of saraswati, laxmi and mahakali took place from "brahma", "vishnu" and "mahesh" respectively, each giving rise to 3 more forms together known as "nav-durga".
