Navaratri Blessings

Navaratri, a festival of nine nights of light and

Ma Divine appears on earth with radiant grace
Her nine forms shine brightly in time and space
With Trishul, Sudarshan Chakra, sword, and spear
She guards her children all the while from demons

Several mud and metal lamps are lit in every house

Prayers arise with high devotion for Ma Durga

Nine days and nights our spirits rise and glow with joy

With Ma Durga’s strength, a victory of virtue triumphs

Her captivating stories, we all love to know undoubtedly

Each day a gorgeous form, each night a new spark
We praise the Goddess by her name on each day
She slayed harshly the powerful demons successively

A feminine energy that protects the ethical order and

Guides our body, and mind to fight for righteousness

In devotees’ hearts, we see her light as beacon of faith
It takes us from darkness deep to wisdom bright

Drums resound; the conch shell calls surround us

Her Avatar awakens our soul residing within us all

We love eternally free Navaratri’s joy and sacred song

Garba dance with Garba Deepa honors the Goddess Durga

Womenfolk spin in circles clapping hands, and tapping feet

Colorful attires swirl in the autumn night with soaring rhythms
A joyous collective dance that fosters social camaraderie

Devotional dance unlocks each door as faith and love flows

On Vijayadashami, Durga Ma shines with radiant win

And Lord Shree Rama defeats the demon king Ravan

We celebrate the victory of good over evil, light over darkness

This sets up inner changes and inspires us to follow good virtues

As always, the righteousness (dharma) triumph over wickedness

                                                      --Geethanjali

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