Navla Norta is celebrated in a unique way

- In the province of Hindustan

For the Gujarati people, the festival of power and devotion is the novel Norata. When Navratri comes, Gujaratis get up to worship Amba and go for a walk. But it is not that the glory of Navratri is only in Gujaratis. In fact Navratri is celebrated differently in different provinces of our country. Because in the end, the purpose of this festival is to glorify the victory of the serpent over the evil elements. Today we will talk about how Norta is celebrated in different states of the country.

Maharashtra: Navratri celebrations in Maharashtra are very similar to those in Gujarat. During this festival people prefer to buy a new motor, home. In the same way, this opportunity is considered auspicious for doing a big deal in business. On the last day of Norta, women invite other women to their house for 'Haldi-Kumkum'. In the meanwhile, the foreheads of the invited women are covered with turmeric and kanku and then they are given coconut, nagarvel leaves and areca nut. These things are considered sacred. It is said that performing this ritual prolongs the life of the husband.

Kerala: The last three days of Navratri in Kerala place the most emphasis on education (study or learning). On the day of Ashtami, worship of Maa Saraswati is performed. Reading books during the eighth to tenth is considered anero glory. On the eighth day itself, a small child is taught to write the first letter on rice. When Lord Shriram defeated Ravana on the day of Dussehra, the idol of Ravana is also burnt on this day.

Uttar Pradesh: In this region, grain is sown on the first day of Norta and then irrigated throughout Navratri. After the pooja, the sprouted grains and plants are dipped in water. This tradition is indicative of the tradition of harvesting in Uttar Pradesh. The people here fast during Norata and on the ninth day invite the girls to their home as 'goddesses'. Meanwhile, their feet are washed and they are given food and gifts. After performing Ramlila on the day of Dussehra, idols of Ravana and his brother Kumbhakarna as well as son Meghnad are burnt.

Himachal Pradesh: The Norta of Himachal Pradesh is very dry. Here crowds of devotees flock to the temples of Maa Durga. Mataji's temples, especially in Kangra, Bilaspur and Una districts, are crowded. Importantly, 'Kullu Dussehra' is celebrated internationally here. People from home and abroad travel to Himachal Pradesh to celebrate it. In 'Kullu Dussehra', the idols of the goddess installed in the temple are taken out of the temple and its procession is taken out.

Tamil Nadu: Maa Durga, Maa Lakshmi and Maa Saraswati are worshiped for three days during Navratri in Tamil Nadu. These days people exchange clothes, sweets and ornaments with friends and relatives. Golu / Kolu decoration has a unique significance here. In this practice the nine steps are adorned with beautiful dolls and statues of gods and goddesses.

One step is considered to be the symbol of the nine nights of Norata. The dolls and statues used in its decoration are given by each family to their descendants.

West Bengal: The tradition of celebrating Navratri in grand style has always been going on in West Bengal. Huge pandals are erected at various places and huge and magnificent idols of Goddess Durga riding on a lion are erected in them. Along with Maa Durga, idols of Mahisasur, Ganesha, Kartikeya and Maa Lakshmi as well as Maa Saraswati are also made. Bengali women worship Maa Durga in their traditional white, red, golden sari.

Andhra Pradesh: The 'Kolu' celebration of Norta in this province is called 'Bathukamma Panduga' (Come and revive Maa Durga). The women of Andhra Pradesh make beautiful bouquets of seasonal flowers. This pool is known as 'Bathukamma'. These women then worship him for nine days wearing new costumes. On the last day of Norata, 'Bathukamma' is poured into the flowing water.

- Vaishali Thakkar