The award winning newsletter from Creative Travel / September 2017

Navratri also spelled Navaratri or Navarathri, is a multi-day Hindu festival celebrated in the Autumn every year. It is observed in the honor of the divine Goddess, Devi Durga. The festival is celebrated in the bright half of the Hindu calendar month Ashvin, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October.

In the Eastern and North-Eastern states of India, Durga Puja is synonymous with Navratri, wherein Goddess Durga battles and emerges victorious over the buffalo demon to help restore Dharma. In the Northern and Western states, the festival is synonymous with "Rama Lila" and Dussehra that celebrates the battle and victory of God Rama over the demon king Ravana. In Southern states, the victory of God Rama and Goddess Saraswati is celebrated. In all cases, the common theme is the battle and victory of Good over Evil based on a regionally famous epic or legend such as the Ramayana or the Devi Mahatmya.

Dusshera, also known as Vijayadashmi, also symbolizes the end of Navratri. It celebrates the victory of God Ram over Ravaná and the triumph of good over evil. During this festival, Ramleela (Theater work based on the life of the Rama God) is organized that puts the stage in the form of a theatrical work to the Hindu epic Ramayana. This Ramleela includes, plays, music and recitals and lasts 10 days from Navaratri.

In northern India, large statues of Ravana are made with firecrackers (fireworks) and the fire is lit in it. It is not a wonderful scene but it symbolizes the victory of good (Ram) over evil (Ravana). This festival is celebrated by visiting the different places where this festival is celebrated, preparing special regional dishes and family, relatives and friends

The colorful party of Diwali which is also known as the "Feast of Lights" is a Hindu celebration celebrating the return of the God Ram to his kingdom after having spent 14 years in exile.

His return symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, of wisdom over ignorance, of good over evil, and of hope over despair. It is one of the biggest festivals of the year and is celebrated all over the country decorating houses with lamps and candles and with artificial lights. A prayer ceremony is also organized for the Goddess of wealth and prosperity in search of her blessing. Gifts are given among friends, relatives and marks the end of this party with the launch of firecrackers and fireworks