A convergence of power, beauty and passion - Durga

Yaa Devi Sarva-Bhutessu Vishnumaayeti Shabditaa |

Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||

I bow to the Devi in you, for each one of you is a form of Durga.

Growing up, Navratri meant visiting friends' homes, chanting in chorus, matching our outfits to the color of the day, and relishing the prasad that always tasted better at someone else's house. But 2020 changed everything. Stripped of the usual fanfare, I discovered what this festival truly meant.

Durga didn't descend from Mount Kailasa to destroy Mahishasura—she is the peak itself. That mountaintop symbolizes the zenith of Shakti, the ultimate power within us all. Born from the combined energies of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara, she embodies what we often forget: that power, knowledge, and grace aren't separate—they're one.

Nine Nights, Nine Forms, One Journey

Each night of Navratri reveals a different facet of this divine feminine:

Shailaputri grounds us with the determination of mountains. Brahmacharini turns our gaze inward. Chandraghanta—the bell of the moon—helps our wandering minds find their center (Lord knows mine needs it). Kushmanda reminds us that the universe began with a smile. Skandamata teaches that knowledge without timely action is just noise. Katyayani shows us righteous anger has its place. Kaalratri—fierce and terrifying—proves that confronting our inner demons requires ferocity, not fear. Mahagauri offers beauty and fulfillment before the spiritual climb. And Siddhidatri crowns our efforts with accomplishment.

Why Night?

We rest at night. We restore. Navratri asks us to do the same—meditate, fast, recite the Lalitha Sahasranama, and let our minds settle. When the chaos quiets, positivity seeps in. With positivity comes purpose.

How We Celebrate

In the South, we craft elaborate doll displays—my favorite was always the Mahabharata scene my neighbor made with her daughter. In Mysore, Chamundeshwari reigns, and even tools get worshipped during Ayudha Pooja. Up North, they burn Ravana's effigy, while the West explodes with Garba circles and Dandiya sticks clashing like Durga's sword. In the East, those breathtaking clay idols are immersed in water—a reminder that even divinity returns to the elements.

The Woman Within

A woman's mind is a melting pot, constantly finding and seeking in equal measure. We juggle roles, emotions, battles, and triumphs—often simultaneously. Durga doesn't just represent power; she is every woman who's stood her ground, fought her demons, and still managed to smile at the chaos.

This Navratri, I'm not just bowing to the goddess in temples. I'm bowing to the Devi in my mother's patience, my friend's resilience, my own stubborn refusal to give up.

Jai Durge!

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