REGIONAL CELEBRATIONS

This festival is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India.

FARMING COMMUNITIES  

   The farming communities also worship Durga who invoke her blessings because this festival coincides with the period of rest and leisure after their strenuous work in the fields. The farmers with her blessings wait with tremendous hopes for a bountiful harvest.

BENGAL  

  In eastern India the Durga Pooja festival which is part of Navaratri, is the principal festival and is celebrated with gaiety and devotion through public ceremonies (Sarvajanik of Sarbojanin Durga Puja). For these ceremonies Pundals (temporary public booths) are erected. The ceremonies are conducted amidst grand prayers and mass feeding., 

SOUTHERN INDIA  

  In southern India celebrations constitute a display of images of various gods and toys at home for nine days. In northern India, on the tenth day (Dassera) giant effigies of Ravana. Kumbhakarna and Meghnad (Lord Rama's enemies), are publicly burnt. 

GUJARAT

    The Garba Dance dance in western India is performed around a pot containing a lamp. The word "Garba" by which the pot as well as the dance is known is etymologically close to the word Garba meaning womb. In this context the lamp in the pot, symbolically represent life within a womb. Another prevalent practice is of sowing pulses, cereals and other seeds on the first day of this festival in a pot, which is watered for nine days at the end of which the seeds sprout. This pot is worshipped throughout the nine days. This custom is also indicative of fertility worship. The dances start after 10 p.m. and many a times they continue up to the small hours of the morning.

Mumbai

  Dandia Raas parties are organized in great gala in many of the clubs, homes, hotels and organizations.  It is more a social event and meant purely for celebrating the fun part of the festival of Navratri. Many organizations invite famous "Bollywood" stars and make the vent ...eventful. There are special bands that play music especially for this event. 

USA
  Organizing "garba" or "dandia" dances here in the US hindu temples and/or homes is becoming very popular by the many Indo-American Cultural Societies. It is a great way to bring culture and parties together.

  Like in India, it's the most looked forward to event for the young as they can dance all night long and show off their Indian outfits and accessories. Dressed in exquisitely embroidered, set in mirrors 'Choli', 'Ghagra' and 'Bandhani' dupattas the women adorn themselves with beautiful jewelry including anklets. Men dress in formal as well as informal Chudidar Kurta. Garba is a dance danced in a circle, by clapping your hands on a very catchy rhythmic tune. 

"Dandias" is the same dance with 2 sticks held in the hand