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Navratri

Navratri', the festival of garba in Gujarat, Durga Puja in West Bengal, and Ramlila in the North, celebrates the conquest of good over evil. There are two main mythological stories associated with navratri and Vijaya Dashami (the last day of the nine day of the ten day long festival). One of them narrates the story of Lord Rama and his battle with and victory over the Demon King Ravana.

In the Northern states of India, Ramlilas (street theatres) are performed by both professional and amateur artists. These plays narrate the story of Lord Rama's life (who is the symbol of purity and divinity), culminating in his final and victorious battle with Ravana in which ravana is slain on the day of Vijaya Dashami. This day, also known as Dussehra is celebrated by burning huge effigies of Ravana and his kindred.

In West Bengal, Navratri is associated with the incarnation of Goddess Durga, who is the symbol of the female divine force. The story goes that the demon Mahishasura became so powerful with the boons bestowed upon him by Lord Shiva, that all the Devas (Gods) could not defeat him. They then put together all their energies and created the form of Mother Durga, the female divine power, who in turn defeated and killed the demon Mahishasura, on the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami. The nine day long festival is celebrated all over the state, by putting up pandals with the idols of Goddess Durga, which are created by specialized artisans, who have the craft handed down through generations. Different pujas, social functions, stage performances and community meals are held through the nine days, ending with the immersion of the idol on the tenth day amidst processions and great fanfare.

The story prevalent in Gujarat is similar to that in West Bengal, except that the Goddess Durga is known by the name of Mother Amba. Here too the festivities continue for nine days. Community dances called Garba or Raas, accompanied by devotional songs and music are held, along with pujas in order to offer worship to the Goddess.