Dressing for the occasion

The Festival of Navaratri is celebrated in the Gujarat State of India with the famous circle dances of Raas and Garba.

It is thought that Raas is more associated with the cult of Krishna, while Garba is connected with the cult of the female deity often referred to as Bhavani, Devi or Mataji.

The song texts can be traced back to poets as famous as Narsinh Mehta of the 15th century, and the "cosmic" nature of the dances have inspired several medieval Gujarati poets.

Navaratri occurs during the first 9 days of the bright half of the month of Aashwayuja in the Indian calendar.

Contemplation

The most significant part of Navaratri is setting up an odd number of steps (usually 7, 9, or 11), and the placement of different idols of Gods on them.

This set-up is called a "Goole". Generally, when people come to a person's house to see their Goole, ("God" in Gujarati Language) they are given parsed (the offering given to God that day), kumkum (red powder), and a small bag of gifts usually containing a mirror, a comb, a small box of kumkum, and fruits. These are only given to girls and married women. This is chiefly a woman's festival.

Navaratri is the worship of the three divine goddesses, Saraswati (Goddess of learning and speech), Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity), and Durga (Goddess of strength and courage).

A colourful occasion

It is also said to be the battle that occurred between Goddess Chaamundeshwari and the asura (demon), Mahishaasura.

The battle lasted 9 days and 9 nights. Finally, on the tenth day, Goddess Chaamundeshwari killed Mahishaasura.

This day is known as Vijayadasami. Vijayadasami means the 10th day of victory. Today, Vijayadasami is supposed to be one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu year.

Quite a few celebrations take place in Nottingham, Leicestershire, Derby and Northampton with Mela atmosphere at Nottingham Castle.

Over 2000 people gathered in Nottingham last year. Some schools in the Midlands arrange trips to see this dance and the Dashera festival.

Navaratri and Vijayadasami are celebrated with sweets and snack items; one of each are made on each of the ten days in India.

Fresh fruits, dry fruits, vegetarian sweets made from milk (Like: Barfi, Penda), caster sugar, fresh coconut are mostly found in the Midlands region.

More information: Nottingham Asian Arts 0115 9153509

Story & Photographs by Dipak Joshi of Roots.
Roots is a joint initiative between East Midlands Arts (EMA) and BBC East Midlands.