Nirav Kroon (Chief Events Officer)

I think oxidized silver jewelry will never go out of trend. It looks royal and matches with both modern and traditional outfits. Especially big nose rings and mirror chokers are getting popular on Instagram reels during Navratri season.

I prefer to keep a mix of traditional bhajans and modern Garba remixes. This way, elders enjoy the devotional feel and youngsters enjoy the energetic beats. Platforms like JioSaavn and Wynk Music have curated Navratri 2025 playlists already.

The nine colors and their meanings are:1. Yellow – happiness and brightness. 2. Green – growth and harmony. 3. Grey – strength and balance. 4. Orange – energy and enthusiasm. 5. White – peace and purity. 6. Red – power and love. 7. Royal Blue – divine energy. 8. Pink – compassion and beauty. 9. Purple – ambition and devotion. Devotees wear these colors on each day to honor the goddess and attract positive energy.

Garba and Dandiya are traditional Gujarati folk dances. - Garba is performed in a circular form around a lamp or idol of Durga, symbolizing the cycle of life. - Dandiya Raas uses sticks, representing the fight between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura. These dances are not just entertainment but expressions of devotion and community bonding. They keep the cultural heritage alive across generations.

Children play a big role during Navratri. They participate in:- Kanya Pujan as young girls (seen as forms of goddess). - Learning Garba and Dandiya dances. - Helping in decorating puja area and making rangoli. - Listening to stories of Maa Durga. This keeps them connected with tradition from an early age.

Navratri is entirely dedicated to the worship of Shakti – the divine feminine energy. According to scriptures, Goddess Durga is the embodiment of Shakti, who destroyed Mahishasura. Worshipping Shakti during Navratri is believed to awaken inner strength, courage, and spiritual energy in devotees. Each of the nine forms of Durga represents different aspects of Shakti like power, knowledge, love, and protection.

For women: Chaniya choli with mirror work, lehenga choli, or ghagra choli in bright Navratri colors. Dupatta with embroidery or tassels adds charm. For men: Kediyu (short kurta with flares), dhoti or pajama, and colorful turbans. Some prefer kurta-pajama with jackets. Since Garba involves energetic dance, the outfits are both traditional and comfortable.

I suggest keeping roasted makhana, soaked almonds, and bananas handy. They give instant energy. Avoid fried vrat foods as they make you feel heavy. Light exercises like yoga or meditation also help to keep your body active during fasting.

The spiritual story is about the battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura. Mahishasura had received a boon that no man or god could defeat him. To end his tyranny, the gods combined their powers and created Goddess Durga. The battle continued for nine days and nights. On the tenth day, Maa Durga killed Mahishasura. This victory symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and devotion over arrogance. Navratri celebrates this divine story every year.

I usually take banana, apple, and papaya during Navratri fast. Dry fruits like almonds and walnuts help keep me full for a long time. Avoid citrus fruits if you have acidity, but pomegranate and grapes are good choices.

The essence of Navratri is the same – devotion to Goddess Durga – but the expression differs. Bengalis focus on idol worship and community celebrations, Gujaratis on dance and fasting, and Maharashtrians on family rituals and traditions. Together, these variations show the richness of Indian culture.

During Navratri 2025, nine forms of Goddess Durga will be worshipped:1. Day 1 – Shailputri: Devotees offer pure ghee to Goddess Shailputri for health benefits. 2. Day 2 – Brahmacharini: Fruits and sugar are offered. She represents peace and devotion. 3. Day 3 – Chandraghanta: Milk and sweets made of milk are offered for courage and strength. 4. Day 4 – Kushmanda: Malpua or pumpkin dishes are offered. She blesses with energy. 5. Day 5 – Skandamata: Bananas are offered to seek prosperity. 6. Day 6 – Katyayani: Honey is offered to remove obstacles in marriage and relationships. 7. Day 7 – Kalaratri: Jaggery is offered, seeking relief from fear and negativity. 8. Day 8 – Mahagauri: Coconut is offered for purity and calmness. 9. Day 9 – Siddhidatri: Til (sesame) is offered for spiritual power and blessings.Along with offerings, devotees chant mantras, perform aarti, and follow fasting rules. Each day’s rituals are connected to the symbolic strength and divine qualities of the goddess.