How to celebrate Navratri at home

As soon as we inch closer to the end of the year, the festive fervour in our country intensifies. Navratri 2020 is just around the corner. It is the time when the entire country will be celebrating the nine different forms of Goddess Durga, each state celebrating it differently in its unique style. The festivities consist of worshiping women, pujas and Garba.

This time, however, Navratri is arriving amidst the coronavirus pandemic that has us confined to our homes. The nationwide lockdown is important, but it is going to have a massive impact on the way Navratri is celebrated across the country. If you’re wondering how to celebrate Navratri this year, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Below are some tips for celebrating Navratri at home and making the most of the festival.

Paint your house in earthy colours for Navratri and decorate it with flower garlands and wreaths. Burn scented candles or bakhoors for a pure and divine feeling. Make rangolis outside your house. Light diyas in the Puja room and enhance the décor with antiques and figurines. You can also add other decorations like lights and flowers to make your home feel more inviting.

Bring the idol of the Goddess Durga or get a decorated earthen pot and decorate it with flowers for all nine days. Get your friends and loved ones together for the puja, as the festival signifies unity and love.

If you’re not able to host a proper Kirtan, sing bhajans with all the family members at home. If it is not possible to get all the family members together, you can host a virtual puja, where all your friends and relatives can attend via video call.

If you’re not able to invite girls for Kanya Puja, you can pack food and send it to the girls’ houses instead. You can also send some money or goody bags along with the food.

Nothing can beat the pleasure and satisfaction that you get by helping someone in need. There are many people who have lost their livelihoods in the pandemic and are in need of serious help.For Kanya puja, you can opt for feeding them. You can also donate money to an NGO that is helping the poor. Donating money and food to the poor is one of the best ways to please the goddesses.Festivals can help take your mind off the worries of the pandemic. You can celebrate and enjoy to your heart’s content. However, remember to adhere to the social distancing norms and other safety guidelines issued by the government while celebrating festivals in the lockdown.

Navratri has been the festival of togetherness and larger than life festivities. However, keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic and the government restrictions in place, we need to rethink the way we celebrate for our own safety and the safety of others.

Even if you are getting together to celebrate Navratri in 2020, no matter how small the gathering, ensure that you follow all the government norms and follow social distancing measures at all times and know how to celebrate festivals in lockdown.