“Navratri is a festival that has always been close to my heart. It’s nine days filled with devotion, fasting, Garba, Dandiya nights, and Durga Puja. Each day brings its own sense of joy and tradition. The excitement of dressing up in traditional dandiya outfits and dancing with friends and family is something I look forward to every year.

But as a working mother, balancing family, work, and the festival can be tough. Still, I prioritize what’s important. We perform daily poojas, keep the fasts, and prepare a special vrat ki thali with foods that follow fasting customs. And no matter how busy things get, I always make time for Garba/ Dandiya nights and Durga Puja pandal hopping.

When I think back to my childhood, I remember the vibrant festival atmosphere at home. It’s these memories that make Navratri so meaningful to me. I want my son to grow up with those same memories, to understand the beauty of our traditions, and to continue them when he’s older. It’s not just about rituals – it’s about keeping our culture alive through the generations.

My message is simple: Even as life gets busier and times change, let’s hold on to our festivals and traditions. They’re part of who we are. I hope that, 100 years from now, our children and grandchildren will still be celebrating Navratri with the same joy and devotion.”

– Chhaya Sharma