Hyderabad gets ready for the Dandiya season as Navaratri approaches

The dandiya sticks will come out as gherdaar ghagraas replace rock music and disco and families celebrate Navratri will full zeal & fervor.

'Nav' means 'nine' and 'ratri' means 'night'. Thus, 'Navratri' means “nine nights”.

Even though it holds special significance for Gujratis and Bengalis people of several communities participate with their families.

Legends about this festival are associated with Hindu Goddess Shakti and her various forms.

The nine days are divided into three parts of three days each –

The first three days being dedicated to Goddess Durga (who is the Warrior Goddess). Her various incarnations – Parvathi, Kali and Kumari are worshipped during these days. They represent the three stages in a women’s life - child, young girl, mature woman.

During the fourth, fifth & sixth days Goddess Lakshmi (Wealth and Prosperity) is the main deity.

And of the last three days Goddess Saraswathi (Knowledge) is the main deity.

The youth as well as adults and even the elderly dress up in bright-colored dresses as they participate in Dandiya & Garba Raas which usually goes late into the night. Delicious sweets & savories are served during the celebrations.

Some cool places for dandiya nights in Hyderabad.

Krishna Reddy, HelloHyderabad.com Team Member