Gujarat painted in Navaratri colours as festivities begin

Navratri is one of the most awaited festivals in India. Devotees fast for nine days and worship the idols of the goddess. According to the tradition, the women who are observing the fast bring an earthen pot home, with holes, and light it every evening and perform the aarti of maa durga. The pot is called ‘Garbi’ and the light symobolises Shakti, ‘power’.

Indians wearing traditional attire practice Garba, the traditional dance of Gujarat state ahead of Hindu festival Navratri in Ahmadabad, India, Friday, Oct. 9, 2015.(AP Photo)

A girl from Gujarat, wearing traditional attire, practices Garba ahead of Navratri that begins on October 13 this year. (AP Photo)

Navratri is celebrated for nine days with three days each devoted to the worship of Durga, the goddess of valor, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge.

Gujarati men performing Garba. (AP Photo)

Girls in traditional attire pose for a photograph between practices. (AP Photo)

Garba raas and dandiya raas are the two beautiful forms of Gujarati dance usually performed by Gujarati men and women dressed in chaniya choli and kurta. (AP Photo)

Men in the traditional Gujarati attire for Garba and Dandiya. (AP Photo)