No matter what your religion, you’re almost certainly familiar with the nine nights of Navratri. Held during the Hindu month of Ashwin, this festival celebrates feminine energy and creativity. Given the different customs observed by Hindus all over the world, Navratri is a great opportunity to explore different ways of celebrating this holiday. Here are some tips on how to celebrate Navratri in the most meaningful way and a gifting guide to Navratri festival for you:
1. Flowers
Flowers are one of the most popular gifts during the Navratri festival. They are not only Given as Gifts but also used in various ceremonies and rituals associated with the festival. You can send flowers to Kolkata during this festive season from anywhere in the world with online gifting portals. The flowers chosen for Navratri should be auspicious and have special meaning for the recipient.
Some popular flowers to give during the Navratri festival are Lilies, Roses, orchids, Mahua (Maha-Mangifera indica), Darjeeling Tea (Camellia sinensis), Jasmine (Jasminum officinale), etc. It is important to choose a flower that will symbolize divine love, forgiveness, purity, and happiness for the receiver.
2. Incense sticks
Navratri is the Hindu festival of nine nights, celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga. One of the most important rituals during Navratri is the performance of Navratri puja or scent worship. During this time, people burn incense sticks to symbolize the offering of prayers to the goddess. As a gift during the Navratri festival, choosing an incense stick that embodies the goddess’s qualities can be very special. Here are the popular options for as Navratri gifts:
- Sandalwood incense sticks are considered sacred by many Hindus because they are believed to possess sandalwood oil, which is said to be effective in purifying and calming one’s mind and spirit.
- Jasmine incense is thought to represent purity and innocence, two qualities associated with the goddess Durga.
3. Prasad
Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated nine nights in quick succession. It is considered the most important festival of the year for Hindus and is characterized by fasting and spiritual observances. There are many rituals associated with the festival, one of which is giving prasad (a ceremonial offering). Prasad can be made from any type of food, but typically it is a mixture of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Prasad is a popular gift to give during Navratri because it signifies unity among friends and family members. It can also be given as an act of gratitude for blessings received during the year or as a way to show appreciation for services rendered.
4. Fruits
During the nine days of Navratri, Indians celebrate the flowering of the wheat crop with fasting and prayers. One of the ways to show devotion is by giving fruit as a gift. Here are some tips for choosing fruits that are appropriate for Navratri:
- Fruits that are sweet and juicy are popular choices for gifts during Navratri. These include apples, pears, bananas, and grapes.
- Fruits that are fragrant and have a sour taste also make good gifts during Navratri. These include oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit.
- Fruits that are dark in color or have a pronounced flavor are also good choices for gifts during Navratri. These include plums, cherries, blackberries, and avocados.
5. Sweets
During the Navratri festival, sweets are often given as gifts. This is especially true during the nighttime when people are celebrating the nine nights of Navratri. There are many types of sweets and each region has its own specialty. Some of the most popular types of sweets include Bhaktapur, gulab jamun, pitha, rosogolla, and laddoo.
6. Dry fruits
Dry fruits are a key part of the Navratri festival in India. They are often given as gifts to family and friends during the nine nights of Navratri. The nine nights of Navratri correspond to different goddesses, and each night features a different dry fruit. Some of the popular dry fruits that are used as gifts during Navratri include raisins, figs, apricots, and almonds.
7. Money
Money (Shagun) is one of the most common gifts exchanged during the Navratri festival. It is considered to be a symbol of fertility and prosperity and is often given as a sign of appreciation or congratulations. In fact, it is said that giving money (Shagun) during the Navratri festival will bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
