THE TRUTH ABOUT: Navratri | History Defined

Mamdani urges communities to stand against hate during Navratri celebrations after foiled temple attack

Zohran Mamdani participated in celebrations for Navratri and Durga Puja with the Hindu community in New York. The celebrations took place shortly after a foiled mass shooting attempt at a temple in Illinois. Concerns over increasing anti-Hindu hate in the United States have arisen following this incident. Community leaders and…

The Economic Times · Oct 22

Navratri vehicle sales hit a speed bump, but EVs race ahead 27%: FADA

Vehicle retail sales in India experienced a year-on-year decline of 6.52% during Navratri. Passenger vehicle and two-wheeler sales contributed to this decrease against a high base last year. However, retail sales were up 26.76% from the Navratri period in 2024, indicating overall recovery. Electric vehicle sales rose significantly, accounting for…

The Economic Times · Oct 21

When India celebrates Navratri, Karachi dances too: How Pakistan's garba nights echo Gujarat's beats

Karachi’s Gujarati-speaking communities continue to celebrate garba during Navratri, weddings and social gatherings, preserving cultural traditions across the India-Pakistan border. From traditional folk songs to Bollywood favourites, the dance brings people together across generations and communities. A new garba night planned for October 25 aims to encourage participation across religious…

The Economic Times · Oct 21

Maa Durga’s Farewell Is Not the End: The Deeper Meaning Behind Visarjan

But why does Maa Durga’s farewell carry such profound meaning? Is Visarjan simply the final ritual of the festival, or does it represent something much deeper? In Hindu tradition, Durga Visarjan is often understood as a symbol of farewell, renewal, and the eternal cycle of life. While the physical idol…

MyLifeXP · Oct 20

Why Did Lord Shiva Pour Gangajal on Maa Mahagauri?

Why is Maa Mahagauri known for her radiant white appearance, and what does a lion have to do with her story? Behind this peaceful form of Goddess Durga lies a tale of intense devotion, divine grace and spiritual strength. According to a popular account of her legend, Goddess Parvati performed…

MyLifeXP · Oct 19

Why Does Maa Durga Change From Kalaratri to Mahagauri?

During Navratri, every day brings a different form of Maa Durga, each carrying its own meaning. But the transition from Maa Kalaratri on the seventh day to Maa Mahagauri on the eighth can feel especially striking. One form appears fierce and intense, while the other is calm, radiant and peaceful.…

MyLifeXP · Oct 19

Ayudha Puja Dressing: Why You Keep the Clothes Plain and the Jewellery Heavy

The Rule Nobody Wrote DownThere is no dress code pinned to the wall of any temple on Ayudha Puja. Nobody hands you a pamphlet. And yet, walk into any home in Tamil Nadu or Karnataka where the puja is being performed and you will see the same thing: cotton or…

Times Life · Oct 19

Why Does Maa Kalaratri Ride a Donkey? The Hidden Meaning Revealed

The answer takes us into the world of Hindu mythology, where even the simplest symbols can carry deeper spiritual meanings. Maa Kalaratri's appearance reminds devotees that divine power does not always come in a form that looks beautiful or frightening. Sometimes, it appears in ways that challenge our expectations and…

MyLifeXP · Oct 18

Why Did Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva Become Anusuya's Sons?

What if the greatest protection in the Ramayana came not from a weapon, but from the power of penance? When Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lakshmana were living in exile, they visited the hermitage of Sage Atri and Sati Anusuya. There, Anusuya offered Sita divine gifts that carried a deeper…

MyLifeXP · Oct 18

Golu Half Saree and Madisar: The Dress Codes South Indian Homes Still Keep

The Half Saree Is Not a Smaller SareeA half saree is three pieces: a long skirt, a fitted blouse, and a dupatta draped across the front. What it is not is a saree that has been cut short. The distinction matters because the garment was never designed as a simplified…

Times Life · Oct 18