Navaratri at Vishranthi Trust: A Celebration of Strength, Grace, and Tradition

Navaratri at Vishranthi Trust is always a time of color, devotion, and boundless joy. This year, however, the festival took on an even more enchanting form as nine young girls from our residential school embodied the Navadurga—the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga—through creative storytelling, vibrant costumes, and soulful performances.

As the air filled with the scent of fresh flowers and the rhythmic beats of the dhol, the trust came alive with an energy that blended devotion, tradition, and artistic expression.

Nine Little Goddesses, Nine Powerful Avatars

The heart of this year’s celebration was the Navadurga Presentation, where nine girls, dressed as the nine forms of Durga, depicted the goddess’s journey from Shailaputri to Siddhidatri. Each young Devi walked onto the stage in a handcrafted costume made from upcycled fabrics, adorned with accessories that reflected her form’s unique attributes.

✨ Shailaputri: The first Devi, symbolic of strength and new beginnings, was represented by young Aditi, dressed in a deep red sari with a crescent moon headpiece. She held a trident, portraying the steadfastness of the goddess who embodies the Himalayas’ power.

🌙 Brahmacharini: Serenity and wisdom radiated from Meera, draped in a simple white sari, carrying a japa mala to symbolize meditation and knowledge.

🔥 Chandraghanta: With a golden-brown costume and a crescent-shaped crown, little Gayatri carried a sword, embodying the goddess’s fierce yet protective nature.

🦁 Kushmanda: Dressed in a luminous orange and holding a clay pot, Ananya symbolized the cosmic energy that sustains the universe.

⚔️ Skandamata: Representing motherly love and warrior spirit, Priya donned a regal blue attire, holding a handmade figurine of Lord Kartikeya.

🌿 Katyayani: Clad in a fierce red-orange, Devi enacted the goddess’s battle against Mahishasura, wielding a sword crafted from eco-friendly materials.

👁️ Kalaratri: The most dramatic portrayal was by Saanvi, dressed in a black-and-silver ensemble, her dark kohl-lined eyes reflecting the fearless spirit of the goddess who destroys darkness.

🌸 Mahagauri: Soft pink hues adorned young Rhea as she embodied purity and divine radiance, holding a lotus flower.

🔱 Siddhidatri: The final goddess, the granter of boons and wisdom, was beautifully represented by Ishita in a rich purple sari, holding a sacred book and a trident.

Each girl recited a shloka dedicated to her form of Durga, followed by a short enactment of the goddess’s story. The audience was spellbound—elders from the senior home watched with misty eyes, their blessings flowing toward the young performers.

The Spirit of Navaratri at Vishranthi Trust

Beyond the theatrical performance, every aspect of Navaratri at Vishranthi was steeped in tradition, community, and creativity.

🥘 Prasadam & Traditional Feasts: Each day, a special sattvik meal was prepared, featuring dishes like sabudana khichdi, kuttu puris, and jaggery-sweetened payasam. The Ruchikaram kitchen, which serves daily meals to all Vishranthi residents, buzzed with the children themselves eagerly assisting the kitchen staff preparing prasadam for the goddess.

🎨 Rangoli & Kolu Display: The children created elaborate rangoli designs at the entrance, depicting goddess Durga in various forms. Inside the main hall, an exquisite Kolu arrangement—a display of traditional dolls—was set up, with mythological stories woven into the display. Each child contributed by making small figurines from clay and painting them in vivid hues.

A Celebration That Lives Beyond the Nine Nights

As the festival came to a close with the Ayudha Puja, where all tools, books, and instruments were blessed, the spirit of Navaratri lingered in the hearts of everyone at Vishranthi.

For the children, it was a celebration of learning, self-expression, and faith. For the elders, it was a return to the festivals of their youth, filled with the sights and sounds they cherished. And for Vishranthi Trust as a whole, Navaratri was yet another reminder of the beauty of community, where generations come together to celebrate the divine feminine in all her forms.

As the lamps flickered in the temple courtyard and the echoes of the final aarti faded into the night, one thing was certain—this Navaratri, like every year, had been a festival of love, devotion, and renewal.