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Navaratri, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga, is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Hindu community in South Africa. The festival spans nine nights (and ten days), hence the name 'Navaratri' where 'nava' means nine and 'ratri' means nights.
The Hindu community in South Africa, whose ancestors primarily came from India as indentured laborers in the 19th century, brought with them their rich cultural heritage and religious traditions. Navaratri has been celebrated since their arrival, adapting to the South African context while maintaining core rituals.
During Navaratri, South African Hindus engage in several traditional practices:
Fasting and Prayer: Many devotees observe fasts during these nine days as an offering to Durga. They also partake in special prayers and pujas (worship rituals).
Garba and Dandiya: Traditional folk dances like Garba and Dandiya, which originate from Gujarat, India, are performed. These dances are often organized by community groups and temples.
Devi Worship: Each night is dedicated to a different form of the goddess Durga, with specific prayers chanted to invoke her blessings.
Cultural Programs: Temples and Indian cultural organizations host various cultural events that include music performances, dance recitals, and plays based on Hindu mythology.
On Navaratri, people dress up in traditional attire - women often wear brightly colored sarees or lehengas while men may wear kurta pajamas. They visit temples to offer prayers or participate in community celebrations. Homes are decorated with lamps and flowers; offerings of fruits, sweets, and flowers are made to deities. The festival culminates on the tenth day called Vijayadashami or Dussehra when effigies of Ravana are burned to symbolize the triumph of good over evil.
In summary, Navaratri within the South African Hindu community is a blend of religious devotion and vibrant cultural expression that reflects both their Indian heritage and their unique South African identity.