Hindus around the world will be marking one of the most cherished and spiritually enriching festivals on the Hindu calendar… Navratri. The festival, which will be observed from Sunday (October 11) to Tuesday (October 20), is a celebration of the divine feminine energy and form, and the triumph of good over evil. Navratri means “nine nights” in Sanskrit and is a festival devoted to the goddess Durga and her many forms. At its heart, the festival honours Shakti, the cosmic feminine energy that Hindus believe sustains the universe. Each of the nine nights is dedicated to a different manifestation of the goddess focussing on different foundational values. Together they represent qualities such as courage, wisdom, compassion, power and perseverance. For many devotees, fasting is central to the observance. Some abstain from food entirely for part of the day, others eat only once, and many follow a diet free of grains, onions, garlic and meat, relying instead on fruits, milk, nuts and ingredients such as buckwheat flour and water chestnut flour. Spiritually, the fast is understood as an act of discipline and devotion.
The Laudium Sun wishes all celebrating Navratri, well over this auspicious period of prayer and spiritual realization.
Navratri celebrations will be held at the SPHSS main hall during the festival period, from 6:30pm onwards.
Navratri wishes from the community
Shree Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj School students:
“Celebrating the divine power, strength and grace of Maa Durga. May her blessings guide us, protect us and fill our lives with peace and positivity.”
Jyanshu and Jayanti Vaidik Bhatt of 13th Ave, Laudium:
“May these nine sacred nights bring new hope to your heart, strength to overcome every challenge, and happiness to your home. Wishing you a blessed Navratri.”
Aarav Ashish Patel of 13th Avenue, Laudium:
“May Maa Durga bless you with wisdom strength and focus to shine in your studies and goals this year.”
Ivaan Mitesh Patel of 13th Avenue, Laudium:
“May Maa Durga bless you with lots of smiles, chocolates and toys. Jai Mata Di.”
Jiyan Jigar Patel of Ivory Street, Laudium:
“Dressed in my traditional kurta to say Happy Navratri to all of you.”
Cllr Prajay Ramjee:
“I wish all celebrating, a joyous Navratri. May this festive occasion bring health, unity and endless blessings to your household and loved ones.”
Kavita Latane & Puja Patil of 5th Avenue, Laudium:
“May the divine blessings of Maa Durga fill your life with positivity, peace and endless happiness. Happy Navratri! Jai Mata Di!”
Nirav and Nirali Panchal of 14th Avenue, Laudium:
“Happy Navratri- May the nine forms of Goddess Durga bless you and your family with health, wealth and happiness.”
Rakesh Kara of Jewel Street, Laudium:
“May Maa Durga bless you and your families with peace, happiness, good health, strength and prosperity. May these nine sacred nights bring you closer to the Divine through prayer, devotion and seva. For those observing the fast, may your vrat be peaceful, meaningful and spiritually fulfilling. Shubh Navratri! Jai Mata Di!”
Lushika Mooloo of the Concerned Community Forum (CCF):
“As we observe these sacred nine days of Navratri, may Maa Durga bless you and your families with strength, good health, peace, prosperity and happiness. May this Navratri remind us of the power of faith, unity and kindness and may we continue to keep our traditions and values alive for generations to come. Wishing all residents of Ward 61 and beyond a blessed, peaceful and spiritually fulfilling Navratri.”
Priest Sunilbhai Bhatt of the Shree Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj:
“Namaste, Jai Shree Krishna, Jai mataji – Navratri means “nine nights” and is a sacred festival dedicated to Maa Durga and the Divine Feminine Shakti. Each of the nine days is traditionally dedicated to one of the nine forms of Maa Durga, known as Navadurga.
Each day represents one form of the Goddess. Devotees worship these nine manifestations of Shakti and seek their divine blessings.
Fasting is traditionally considered a way to purify the body and mind. By reducing worldly distractions, devotees can focus more deeply on prayer, meditation and devotion. Navratri fasting is not only about avoiding certain foods. It teaches us to control our desires, anger, speech, thoughts and habits, helping us develop self discipline and inner strength.
During these nine days, devotees surrender themselves to Maa Shakti and pray for strength, wisdom, protection, peace and divine blessings.
The number nine has a special significance in Hindu tradition. Navratri celebrates the
Divine Feminine through the nine manifestations of Shakti, representing different forms and qualities of divine power.
Navratri is therefore not simply about fasting or celebration. It is a time to purify the mind, control the senses, strengthen our devotion and awaken the divine Shakti within us.
Jai Ambe Maa.
Rudra Ritesh Patel of Jumma Mansions, Laudium:
“Navratri is a vibrant nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine and Goddess Durga.”
Kajal Patel of Pearl Street, Laudium:
“Wishing you and your family a blessed and joyful Navratri. May Maa Durga bless you with strength, happiness, peace and prosperity. Jai Mata Di!”