Durga Puja and Navratri: Celebrating the Divine Feminine with Rituals, Joy, and Fragrance

Durga Puja and Navratri: Celebrating the Divine Feminine with Rituals, Joy, and Fragrance

Sep 23, 2025Cycle Care

The thought of Indian festivals is inseparable from the worship of the Goddess, whether in the majestic Durga Pooja of Bengal or the lively Navratri celebrations across India. As the joy, music, celebration, and devotion take center stage, the season becomes a true embodiment of India’s cultural and spiritual spirit. Streets are adorned with decorations, people step out in their festive best, and the air gets filled with the feeling of togetherness and spiritual energy. 
 
These festivals are more than just religious events; they are cultural experiences that bring everyone together in faith. Durga pooja and Navratri are centred around the worship of the divine feminine, symbolized in the powerful forms of Goddess Durga. These goddesses represent strength, wisdom, wealth, and protection. Through these festivals, people across India honor feminine power that protects us.  


Mythology Behind Durga Puja and Navratri
 

Durga pooja and Navratri are observed during the same period; it usually falls in the month of September or October. Both the festivals are based on mythological legends. The most popular story behind Durga pooja is the battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura. Mahishasura, who was born to Rambha and Mahishi, was a half human and half buffalo. Through his meditation and penance, he received a boon from lord Agni that made him invincible. No man or gods could kill him. With his power, he began to cause pain and destruction everywhere. To stop him, the Gods created Goddess Durga, a powerful Goddess who was armed with weapons and divine strength. Durga fought demon Mahishasura for nine days and nights.  
On the tenth day, she defeated and killed him. This victory is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Navratri means nine nights; devotees celebrate the nine different forms of Goddess on each of these days. Each night is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga called Navadurga. The tenth day, called Dussehra marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana in the epic Ramayana, this symbolizes victory of good over evil.  


Durga Puja Celebrations in Bengal
 

Although the celebrations vary across regions, the essence remains the same. In West Bengal, Durga Puja is celebrated in a grand way. Huge idols of the goddess Durga are installed in beautifully decorated pandals. Families go to the pandals, pray to the goddess, admire art and creativity and also take part in rituals and cultural programmes. Bengali women also participate in Sindhoor Khela, where they apply vermilion to each other. The air is filled with sounds of drums, conch shells, and chanting.  

Navratri Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat 

In Gujarat, Navratri is known for the energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, these are performed late into the night. People wear traditional clothes like Chaniya cholis, lehengas, kurtas and gather in community spaces to sing and dance.  

South India’s Golu Tradition  

In South India specially in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, families set up Golu, a display of dolls that are arranged on steps, repressing gods, goddesses, and animals. Women and children visit each other's homes, sing devotional songs, and offer prayers.  

Rituals of Navratri and Durga Puja 

Rituals play an important role during these festivals. Some of the most common ones followed across the country are fasting; many people observe fasting during the nine days. This is believed to help purify their mind and body. Daily aarti and bhajans are also performed, devotional songs are sung, and lamps are lit in front of the goddess every day. Another important aspect of Navratri is the kanya pooja, where young girls are worshipped and offered food and gifts. On the final day, devotees observe the Durga Visarjan, the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in the water, symbolizing the goddess return to heaven.  


Role of Incense and Fragrances in Worship
 

One of the most subtle yet significant parts of these festivals is fragrance. From the moment you enter the temple or the pandal, you are welcomed by the calming and sacred scents of incense, sandalwood, rose, and jasmine. Agarbathi and dhoop are used during aartis and prayers to purify the air and create sacred atmosphere. Flowers such as marigolds, roses, and lotuses are offered to the goddess and used in decoration. Their natural scents add more beauty to the rituals. These fragrances help calm the mind and bring peace. Fragrances help create a spiritual environment, transporting devotees into a space of peace and devotion. 

Spiritual Significance of Navratri and Durga Puja 

Durga pooja and Navratri are more than just festivals; they are experiences that bring people closer. They remind us of the strength of the feminine force that guides and protects us. These nine days help us reflect, celebrate and also be grateful for the things that we have. From the grand idols of Bengal to the Garba of Gujrat, Navratri shows us how India celebrates the divine feminine with rituals, celebrations, and fragrances.  

 




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