Navarathri is a Hindu festival celebrated for 10 days in prayer to Goddess Durga. Devotees gather every evening to pray, eat and dance together. Folk dance called garbha or dandiya is the most popular feature of this festival. People dress in ethnic traditional attires and get ready for a night long dancing session with sticks. With increasing number of students and working professionals in USA, it is now organized and celebrated at various parts of US. Many universities, offices arrange DJ and worship stage for Navarathri puja and celebration.
It starts with singing prayers and devotional songs for Goddess Lakshmi. The idol of goddess is decorated with flowers and colorful attire with bright red and orange. The goddess is offered assortment of fruits and sweets and then everyone rushes to their favorite and fun part of the celebration: dandiya or garbha. The divine vibrations make the atmosphere full of enthusiasm and positivity. Goddess Durga is known for removing any evil and impurities from the world and bring peace and prosperity in our lives.
In various universities students organize the festivities at a grand scale in USA. University of Houston, Hindu Students Association, Hindu Student Council, Penn’s Indian community and Young Jains of America’s annual Navarathri Garbha celebration etc. are some of the famous entities in America that come together and celebrate Navarathri in USA every year. If you are new to USA and not being able to come home for the celebrations, don’t get disheartened. There is a large pool of young, energetic and friendly Indian people whom you can contact and celebrate the festivities in its full excitement.
Enjoy the feel of your culture and its values with Navarathri celebrations while your stay in USA. Feeling homesick at the time of festivals is a thing of past. With more and more people joining hands to make the 10 day festival memorable, there is a lot forward to.
