The Sharad Purnima is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Asho (September-October). The rainy season is over and the brightness of the full moon brings special joy. This is a traditional celebration of the moon and is also called the Kaumudi celebration, Kaumudi meaning moonlight.At night, goddess Laxmi is worshipped and night vigil is observed. According to a folk-tale, once a king fell on evil days, and was in great financial straits, but then his queen observed this fast and night vigil,and worshipped the goddess of wealth, Laxmi. Consequently, they were blessed by the goddess and they regained their prosperity.

Moulded with love
Ocean of joy
Thinking about her children always
Hands with warmth
Eyes that reflect every joy you find
Rare in life

Dusshera

Dusshera, we know as Vijay Dasami, is observed after the nine-day Navratri festival. It is observed as the final day of Navratri is Dusshera. In 2010, the date of Vijaya Dashami is October 17. Durga Puja comes to an end on the day. Vijaya Dashami is the victory of good over evil – Goddess “Durga” annihilating Mahishasoor and Lord “Ram” defeating Raavan. Symbolically, it is the prolonged struggle against the ego and ignorance in each human being. After the struggle there is the day of new beginnings – Vijaya Dasami. The significance of the day is that one should conquer good qualities of human life over the bad. People set fire the effigy of “Raavan” which is the symbol of victory over the bad qualities against good virtues. Besides religious importance of the day the people enjoy the delicious dish of “Fafda-Jalebies”, for which they had been eagerly waiting. In the past this festival was celebrated by bowing down to the elders by giving them a sapling of paddy and ask for their blessings.

Navratri is the most famous festival of Gujarat around the world. Navratri is group of ‘nine nights’, where Gujarati people enjoy festival with joy and religious, for nine nights. This is an ancient and colorful festival. Navratri honors the one Divine Shakti or Force which supports the entire universe, and is personified as the Mother Goddess. She protects her worshippers, destroys evil and grants boons to her children. This Navratri festival is essentially religious in nature.

The most Interesting point is the Ras-Garba, a circular dance executed by men and women around an ceramic pot called a Garbo. A silver coin is placed within the pot, called a Kumbh, and coconut has also been placed on the top. As the performers circle the pot, a singer and a drummer provide the musical. The participants clap in a steady rhythm. Nowadays, loudspeakers are used to enhance the sound which grows to loudness. The Garbo normally starts slowly, and it becomes faster and faster as the music too becomes more fast. Gujarat is famous for its Ras-Garba around the world.

Another interesting feature of Navaratri is the Dandia Ras, in which men and women join the dance in circle with Dandia (a small wooden stick). In this dance, men and women strike the Dandias together and the singer and drummer make it more exciting. The Ras-Garba is so popular around the Gujarat, so some people and companies are now held the competitions. Also Big Prizes are given to the winner in various categories, like the Traditional, Style of Dance, Best Dandia-Ras Couple, Best Garba Style and more. All the winners are judged by the selected judges. Nowadays, Ras-Garba is held in the Party Plots, Clubs, Farm and taking entrance fees for the Ras-Garba. Some of the Singer and the drummer are so popular because of the Ras-Garba. The Dances normally starts at night and continues to early morning.

“Navratri is thus the festival that combines religious, devotional, cultural and recreational activities for almost a fortnight.”