Navaratri: When Devi Comes Home

by Anuradha Goyal (Editor), Bibek Debroy (Editor)

Like most festivals, Navaratri is also an institutionalized way of nurturing your inner creativity.

Devi is always with us. Devi is always inside us. Every year, there are occasions when we celebrate her presence a little more, specially worship her and become a bit more conscious of her presence inside us, and everywhere around us. Navaratri, the nine nights with Devi, is an example. Chaitra and Sharada Navaratris are special occasions when Bharata, with all its diversity, celebrates Devi’s manifestations. Rituals and rites are localized, customs are based on historical legacies and culture, but the template of worship is universal throughout India, and even outside it.

Navaratri: When Devi Comes Home documents this diversity in tradition, each specific to one particular part of the country. But, taken together, they resonate with the theme–ya devi sarva-pradesheshu puja-rupena samsthita.

Just like diverse manifestations of the Adi Shakti—the eternal Goddess—which Devi is worshipped as, the expression of the celebration changes as you move around the country.

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2021

Reviews

[Prem Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

The editors have assembled a collection of 16 articles which depict how Navaratri, one of the most important of festivals in Hinduism is celebrated in different parts of India. The descriptions cover not just the background of the festival in each region but the rituals most commonly practiced, along with the other associated elements including food, customs, and cultural events.

Amrita Chakravorty’s book cover design is captivating. It attracts you to read the contents. The book itself is written in fairly simple language and makes one marvel at the rich cultural heritage of our country. From Kashmir in the north to Kerala in the extreme south, from Gujarat in the west to West Bengal in the East, we are exposed to how the Navaratri festival is celebrated in each of the regions. Needless to say, though the festival of Navaratri has some common elements , it is interesting to note both the similarities and differences, explained in the articles. This diversity adds considerably to the charm of our customs.
Congratulation to the editors for an excellent educative and interesting book.

[Enakshi J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most awaited times of the year in India is that of Navaratri when Indians fast and worship nine goddesses for nine days and celebrate the victory of good over evil. It is during this time when people participate in various celebratory gatherings/ events and enjoy time with their loved ones too. Sadly, not all of us know the significance of celebrating this festival. ‘Navaratri’, published by Rupa Publications, explores the origin of this festival and traces the various ways and customs according to which the people celebrate this festival. Whether it is celebrating through garba, a dance form, or celebrating under the humongous pandals set for Durga Puja, this book explores the diversity in the traditions.

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