Hindu Holiday: Navaratri

While touring around South Goa I met a lovely young man named Suraj.  Suraj was on vacation with his family (his grandparents, parents, aunt, uncle and cousins – altogether there were nine family members travelling).  “Vacation?” I asked, “shouldn’t you be in school?”  And that is when Suraj taught me about Navaratri.  

Families gathered on the beach during the nine days of Navaratri.


Being Hindu, Suraj and his family celebrate Navaratri , which in English means nine nights.  For nine nights his family will worship the goddess Durga (who represents the warrior in the Divine Mother).  This festival follows the lunar calendar and lands between the seasons of summer and autumn.  It is a time for reflecting on the year that passed, and a time to start planning for the year ahead.  People ask the goddess for health and good fortune during Navaratri, and they will go to a temple during the nine days to make an offering.

A family posing for a picture while on holiday at Dona Paula.

The best part of Navaratri is that many Hindus get all nine days off school, so it is a perfect time to go on vacation with your family.  Many Indian families come to Goa to enjoy the beautiful beaches and temples.  You can see them gathered together on the beach at sunset splashing in the water, or sitting on the sand sharing a picnic – it reminds me of the festivals I celebrate with my own family.  Does it sound like any of the festivals or special days you celebrate?