For those unfamiliar with the Hindu festival of Navaratri it is associated with a prominent battle that took place between the Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura. It symbolizes the victory of the higher divine forces over the lower, negative qualities, which find their expression in injustice, oppression, greed, selfishness, hatred and a host of other undivine forces that add to the suffering of man. It is celebrated over nine nights and is solely dedicated to worshipping the many forms of the goddess Durga.
During the first three; she is worshipped as ‘Shakti’—the deity of power. This energy helps to get rid of the countless impurities and undivine elements, which have come to cling to you in your human state e.g. an unwillingness to change, which leaves us with traits of laziness, procrastination and mental dullness.
The next three she is worshipped as Lakshmi—the deity of wealth. This Lakshmi energy gives one an abundance of fulfilment and completeness. However, her divine gifts should also not only be used for yourself but also for others.
For the last three, she is worshipped as Saraswati—the deity of knowledge and wisdom. This energy gives us states of harmony, steadiness and equilibrium.
On the tenth and final day, the victory of goodness over evil is celebrated with effigies of the goddess being submerged in a body of water.
Navaratri is marked by fasting, prayers, music, and dance, drawing communities together in devotion and celebration of the divine feminine power to dispel negativity.
The South African School of Yoga celebrate Navaratri through the Havan (fire ceremony) and Yajna (offering) for further purification after the long water cleansing. This is an experience, that occurs each year at the School and is not to be missed!! Students / family and friends are encouraged to participate in this beautiful celebration. The havan (fire ceremony) is fed through our personal offerings such as ghee (clarified butter), samagri (mixture of dried seeds), dried flowers, wood and blocks of camphor.
The teachings say that the planetary alignment during the 9 days of Navaratri is very conducive to yogic practice eg:- one hour of yoga practice done in this time is equivalent to 100 hours performed at any other time of the year. It is 9 days of purifying your inner spiritual nature and then celebrating on the 10th day having accomplished that intention.
Festivities for this year start on Sunday, 11th October from 11am – 12:30pm daily and run for 9 days until Monday, 19th of October 2026.
For the full programme please contact Swami Kamalavidya Saraswati on (011) 327 0073 or kamala@wol.co.za
