Source: www.pioneerlocal.com
[HPI note: Navaratri festival, the world’s largest celebration of the Divine as female, is happening all over the world–even as far as Niles, Illinois. The official dates vary depending on local tradition, but in this festival, even the preparations can be a celebration. For Hinduism Today’s feature article on this vibrant festival, click here or see the Scribd version online, with images, here.]
NILES, IL, USA, September 22, 2009: Local Hindus began celebrating the annual Navaratri festival two weekends ago with prayer and dancing at Golf-Maine Park District’s Recreation Center in Niles.
The first of several garba nights — featuring traditional dance and worship — was Sept. 12 in anticipation of Navaratri, which began Saturday. The nine-night festival concludes with Dussera, celebrating Lord Rama’s victory over the demon Ravana.
Navaratri is both a celebration of good triumphing over evil and the beginning of the autumn harvest season. Although Navaratri is celebrated in India for nine straight nights of dancing and worship, in the United States it is often spread out over several weekends.