Despite the fact that many people complain that the spirit of Navratri is becoming lost to vulgar commercialization, I don’t share such a pessimistic view.

It must be conceded that there are quite a few garbas where the organizers are driven by a desire to make profits. Also, there has been a trend for some people to treat the Navratri celebrations as nothing more than a party, as well as a few rabble who come in drunk, smelling of smoke and wanting to cause trouble.

These problems aren’t new, and need to be tackled. However if one looks beyond the surface, it can be seen that the true spirit of Navratri is very much live and kicking.

First of all, it’s got to be said that there is nothing wrong with Navratri having a social aspect. Many Hindus have friends who they hardly ever see due to our hectic lifetyles, and Navratri often brings people together, which is one of the brilliant things about our Navratri celebrations.

At almost all Navratri celebrations, at the peak of the Garba or Dandia Raas, the hall is pulsating with energy and life. The vast majority of the people present are actually participating in the celebrations properly, with only very few standing on the sidelines shooting dirty looks at people who walk past them. In fact, the few people who do use Navratri as an excuse to display pseudo-gangsterism are generally looked upon as losers and low lifes by the very people they are trying to impress.

When the Aaarti (prayers) takes place, even at seemingly more commercial Navratri celebrations, the hall is filled with the mood of devotion. Even though many of us second and third generation British Hindus don’t actually know all the words to the aarti clap along with fervent devotion, and we can frequently find active young Hindus giving out copies of an English rendering of the aartis.

All things considered, I reckon that Hindus have done well in keeping the spirit of Navratri alive and fresh, and I wish everyone a very joyous and auspicious nine nights.

Jai Durga!