Bradford’s Hindu community is celebrating one of the most auspicious events on its spiritual calendar.
Navratri, one of the most important and revered of all Hindu festivals, is celebrated over nine nights by people across India and the wider world.
Falling in the month of Ashwin, typically September or October, it marks the ceremonial worship of Goddess Durga in nine different forms.
The ten-armed Goddess Durga who rides a lion is seen by many as a symbol of protection, strength, motherhood, destruction, or wars.
Among Navratri’s celebrations is Durga Puja and Durga Ashtami.
Reshma Patel, one of the trustees at Bradford Hindu Council and a faith leader in the city, has explained the wonderful myths and legends surrounding the festival - as well as what it means for worshippers.
Durga Ashtami is considered to be one of the most important and auspicious days during Navratri.
— Bradford Hindu Council (@bh_council) October 3, 2022
The day of Durga Ashtami is celebrated as the victory of Durga Ma over the demon, Mahishasura. Durga Ashtami is also known as Maha Ashtami. pic.twitter.com/iloC6eXA4T
The trustee said: “Durga Ashtami is celebrated with a great passion and fervour, especially in West Bengal.
“Goddess Durga is worshipped while reciting mantras in a ritual known as Astra Puja. Ashtami marks the eighth day of the festival and on this auspicious day, devotees tend to observe a rigorous fast, and worship for Goddess Durga who symbolises strength.
“A celebration of traditional culture and customs, massive idols of Goddess Durga are installed throughout enormous puja pandals are set up at various places for devotees to visit and worship.
“During the festival Ma Durga [major Hindu goddess] is also worshiped to grant us happiness, prosperity, knowledge, strength and success.”
Reciting the Hindu tale behind the special ceremonies, she added: “Durga Ashtami celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon, Mahishasura.
“Legend has it that owing to a boon bestowed upon it by Lord Brahma, Mahisasura could only be defeated by a female warrior.
“When Lord Indra was vanquished in the battlefield, the holy trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, created Durga and each part of her body was blessed with strength with the energies of different male Gods.
“On this day, Durga Ashtami, she made use of the weapons that symbolized their masculine strength to defeat Mahisasura with her trident.
“During this festival, women tend to take the centre stage while being a stark reminder of how women holds a lot more respect and status in society.
“This festival also remind us to reflect upon our own selves and to focus on to remove any negative thoughts and to find joy.
“Best wishes to everyone on this auspicious celebrations from Bradford Hindu Council.”
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