NAVARATRI: WHEN DEVI COMES HOME

Devi is always with us. Devi is always inside us. Every year, there are occasions when we celebrate her presence a little more, specially worship her and become a bit more conscious of her presence inside us, and everywhere around us. Navaratri, the nine nights with Devi, is an example. Chaitra and Sharada Navaratris are special occasions when Bharata, with all its diversity, celebrates Devi's manifestations. Rituals and rites are localized, customs are based on historical legacies and culture, but the template of worship is universal throughout India, and even outside it. Navaratri: When Devi Comes Home documents this diversity in tradition, each specific to one particular part of the country. But, taken together, they resonate with the theme-ya devi sarva-pradesheshu puja-rupena samsthita. Just like diverse manifestations of the Adi Shakti-the eternal Goddess-which Devi is worshipped as, the expression of the celebration changes as you move around the country. This is the first ever compilation of living customs, culture and conventions that make the canon of Devi Mahatmya and Devi Bhagavatam come alive and thrive through diverse expressions. From the visual of colourful and energetic Garba from the western coast of India to the warm enthusiasm of Durga Puja pandals from the eastern parts, this book explains the myriad ways of celebrating these auspicious nine days and nights. Like most things Indian, there is a common thread that runs across all Navaratri celebra tions around India that this book brings to light. Other popular versions of celebrations are more of trends that we sometimes follow and enjoy with people around us, and the not-so-popular versions remain undiscovered. This book helps uncover those versions.