kwab Asrani (DENTAL CERAMIST)

I grew up in Delhi, and for us Navratri means eating vrat food, visiting temples, and enjoying Ramleela shows. Later when I shifted to Ahmedabad, I was surprised to see the energy of Garba nights. Both styles are beautiful but very different in spirit.

Many texts connect them as Shakti Trinity. Parvati shows the raw energy, Lakshmi refines it into growth, and Saraswati turns it into wisdom. Together, they are worshipped to remove negativity and bring positive transformation during Navratri.

Start by forming a small cultural committee in your housing society. Collect contributions from residents for lights, sound system, and decorations. Book a spacious area like the society ground. Arrange for a DJ or traditional Garba singers. Also, set simple dress codes like traditional attire. Don’t forget to arrange drinking water, first-aid, and security for a smooth event.

I personally visited Surat’s textile markets before Navratri. The collection of colorful ghagras, dupattas, and traditional jewelry was amazing. Prices are also reasonable if you know how to bargain. Also, Vadodara’s Mandvi market is full of stalls selling Garba essentials.

Last year, I made an idol with my kids using simple shadu mati (natural clay). We painted it with haldi, kumkum, and natural food colors. After immersion, it dissolved without polluting water. I also used old sarees and dupattas as backdrop decoration. Very eco-friendly and cost-effective.

During Navratri, people usually avoid grains, onions, and garlic. A very simple snack is sabudana khichdi. Soak sabudana for 4-5 hours, then cook it with peanuts, green chili, and rock salt. It is light, tasty, and keeps energy levels high while fasting.

On the sixth day, Goddess Katyayani is worshipped. She is known as the warrior goddess, born to sage Katyayan. She blesses devotees with courage and victory over obstacles. Astrologically, unmarried girls worship her for removal of marriage delays. Chanting her mantras on this day is believed to bring strength and success in life.

To organize a Mata Ki Chowki:1. Clean the house and prepare a puja place with kalash and Durga idol. 2. Invite family and friends to join. 3. Begin with Ganesh Puja, then Durga aarti. 4. Sing bhajans and kirtans dedicated to Maa Durga. 5. Offer prasad like halwa, puri, and chana. 6. End with aarti and distribute prasad. It is more about devotion and collective prayer than strict rituals.

Navratri 2025 celebrations will be filled with devotional songs and bhajans. Some of the most popular are:- Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali - Jai Ambe Gauri Maiya Jai Shyama Gauri - Nav Durga Aarti - Durga Chalisa - Garba songs like “O Sheronwali” and “Dholida” These songs are played during aarti, bhajans, and Garba nights. Many singers release special Navratri albums every year, and by 2025, we can expect more modern remixes combined with traditional devotional lyrics. Listening to these bhajans creates an atmosphere of devotion and energy. Families often play them daily during morning and evening rituals.

For Navratri 2025, devotees can try many delicious yet vrat-friendly recipes:- Sabudana Khichdi: Made with sago pearls, peanuts, and mild spices. - Kuttu Poori: Buckwheat flour poori served with aloo sabzi. - Singhara Halwa: Sweet dish made with water chestnut flour. - Makhana Kheer: Dessert made with fox nuts and milk. - Fruit Chaat: Mix of apple, banana, papaya with rock salt. - Aloo Jeera: Potato curry with cumin seeds. - Samak Rice Pulao: Healthy alternative to regular rice.All these dishes use sendha namak (rock salt) instead of common salt. They are light on stomach and provide energy during fasting.

Decorating home and puja mandir in Navratri 2025 can be simple yet spiritual:- Mandir setup: Place a clean red or yellow cloth on the altar and keep the idol or picture of Maa Durga. - Kalash Sthapana: Keep a decorated Kalash with mango leaves and coconut on the first day. - Lighting: Light diyas daily, and if possible, keep an Akhand Jyot throughout the nine days. - Flowers and garlands: Use fresh marigold and lotus flowers for decoration. - Rangoli: Draw colorful rangoli at the entrance and near the puja room. - Offerings: Keep fruits and prasad near the goddess. - Festive touch: Hang torans made of mango leaves and marigold at the entrance.The idea is to create a sacred and vibrant environment that keeps the mind peaceful and connected to devotion.