Whether or not one believes in the divine, the message of Navratri is universal. It is a call to acknowledge and celebrate the feminine power that shapes our world. Through reflection, action and community, we can ensure that its spirit of empowerment and equality lives on far beyond these nine nights
By Rashi Gupta
Navratri, or ‘Nine Nights’, is a festival that has evolved beyond religious observance to celebrate feminine strength, resilience and empowerment. Though it has its roots in Hindu tradition, Navratri has evolved into a celebration of women’s power in all aspects of life, not just as goddesses, but also as leaders, nurturers and change-makers.
During these nine days, devotees worship various forms of the Mother Goddess, such as Durga, Kali, Saraswati, and Lakshmi, who represent different aspects of womanhood—power, wisdom and prosperity.
However, beyond the rituals, Navratri conveys a broader message that is relevant to modern society — gender equality, empowerment and celebration of the women who shape our world.
The Traditional Significance of Navratri
Navratri is celebrated twice a year to mark the change of seasons, with Chaitra Navratri in March or April, and Sharad Navratri in September or October. These seasonal changes are consistent with the symbolic themes of renewal and transformation, which are frequently associated with feminine energy.
Traditionally, Navratri is a time for devotion and community-building. People celebrate with fasting, prayers and colorful events, particularly Garba and Dandiya nights, when communities gather to dance in honor of the goddess. These cultural celebrations, which are especially popular in Gujarat and Maharashtra, give the festival a sense of joy and bonhomie.
In the evenings, people gather to perform Garba, a circular dance that symbolizes the cycle of life and the feminine energy that keeps it going. Dandiya is another energetic folk dance performed with colorful sticks that depicts the playful battle between Durga, and Mahishasura.
In North India, the festival coincides with Ramleela, a story about Rama’s victory over Ravana. Many towns host melas (fairs), which include food stalls, games and cultural performances. Children frequently dress up as little goddesses or other mythological characters, lending a playful and innocent air to the festivities.
Special food is prepared, particularly during fasting, such as sabudana khichdi, kuttu ki puri and singhara halwa. These meals are more than just sustenance; they represent devotion and simplicity of living, reminding people to practice spiritual discipline and reflection.
While these traditional celebrations remain important in Navratri, the festival’s meaning has evolved in recent years to include more than just religious worship. For many, it serves as a reminder to honour and uplift women, while reflecting on society’s progress toward gender equality and the road ahead.
Feminine Energy and Shakti
Navratri is the worship of shakti, the feminine force that propels the universe. This concept goes well beyond religion and mythology.
Shakti can be defined today as the power that women embody in all aspects of their lives, whether they are home-makers, professionals or activists. The divine feminine symbolizes not only spiritual energy, but also the tangible, everyday strength of women everywhere.
Women are the foundation of families and communities, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity, juggling multiple responsibilities, and frequently leading with compassion and wisdom. In this light, Navratri becomes a festival that celebrates this power, not only in goddesses, but also in the women we see in everyday life.
The Role of Non-Believers: A Universal Message
One of the most intriguing aspects of Navratri is how its message transcends religious boundaries. Whether someone is a devout Hindu, an atheist, or of another faith, the essence of Navratri—the celebration of strength, resilience and empowerment—is still relevant.
For atheists or non-believers, Navratri can be a secular celebration of women. While they may not participate in rituals, the idea of devoting nine days to reflecting on women’s contributions, challenges and progress can still be very meaningful. This celebration of feminine strength is not limited to mythology; it can also be seen in the accomplishment of women in fields such as education, politics, science, arts and culture, and social activism.
As we celebrate Navratri, it is important to reflect on how far we have come in terms of women’s empowerment, as well as the challenges that remain:
Workforce Participation: Despite progress, female labour force participation in India is still low, at around 22 per cent. However, an increasing number of women are entering what were male-dominated fields such as technology, business, politics and government.
Education: Women’s literacy rates in India have risen to more than 70 per cent, representing a significant improvement over previous decades. However, in rural areas, girls continue to face challenges such as early marriage and limited access to education.
Political representation: Women are making their mark in politics, with iconic women like Vinesh Phogat entering the political arena. Yet, women only make up about 14 per cent of India’s Parliament, underscoring the need for greater gender parity.
These facts reflect progress while also reminding us of the work that remains to be done to ensure women have equal opportunities and rights in society.
Navratri as a time for Reflection and Action
Navratri is a time for celebration and reflection. It’s an opportunity to consider how we, as a society, can continue to empower women—not just during these nine days, but throughout the year.
Indeed, there are numerous ways to celebrate feminine strength in everyday life, such as advocating for equal pay, supporting girls’ education, nourishment for mothers and girl-children of those who live in the margins, and challenging societal norms that limit women.
Even traditional Navratri practices, such as dressing up as goddesses or attending Garba nights, can be interpreted as a celebration of women’s empowerment. Young girls who dress up as devi for the festival are symbolically reminded of their own strength and potential. These traditions, though steeped in religious and cultural history, can serve as contemporary reminders of the importance of uplifting women in every generation.
A Call for Collective Empowerment
Empowerment is more than just a responsibility for women; it is a collaborative effort. Men play an important role in promoting gender equality by challenging stereotypes, encouraging women’s leadership, and creating safe spaces for women to thrive.
During Navratri, men are often seen fasting, worshiping, and participating in cultural activities. This involvement should go beyond the festival, since men are important allies in the fight for gender equality. We can build a society in which women are truly empowered and celebrated every day by cultivating mutual respect and collaboration.
A New Way Forward
As we commemorate Navratri this year, let us embrace its evolving meaning. Beyond the traditional rituals and dances, it is an opportunity to celebrate the women around us—their courage, wisdom and ability to effect change.
Whether or not one believes in the divine, the message of Navratri is universal. It is a call to acknowledge and celebrate the feminine power that shapes our world. Through reflection, action and community, we can ensure that Navratri’s spirit of empowerment and equality lives on far beyond these nine nights.