NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Narendra Modi
    Amit Shah
    Box Office Collection
    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
    OTT releases
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout

    India
    Business
    World
    Politics
    Sports
    Technology
    Entertainment
    Auto
    Lifestyle
    Inspirational
    Career
    Bengaluru
    Delhi
    Mumbai

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
    Home / News / Lifestyle News / Navratri in the South: Unique, yet universally festive
    Next Article
    Navratri in the South: Unique, yet universally festive
    People decorate Golu dolls at home on makeshift staircases called Kolu in Tamil Nadu (Photo credit: Flickr)

    Navratri in the South: Unique, yet universally festive

    By Lahari Basu
    Oct 15, 2023
    06:00 am

    What's the story

    Navratri, a prominent Hindu festival in India, varies by region.

    In the east, it's Durga Puja, while the north and west indulge in garba and dandiya raas dances. Many observe fasts during these nine days and consume special, sattvic foods.

    Navratri's reach extends to southern states, where various forms of Goddess Durga, especially Saraswati, are celebrated with grandeur transcending regional boundaries.

    Bathukamma

    Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Bathukamma

    One of the enchanting Navratri rituals in these states is Bathukamma Padunga.

    A nine-day festival, Bathukamma is a vibrant celebration that pays tribute to the Goddess, marked by a colorful floral extravaganza.

    Women make flower stacks for several days, and on the last day, in a mesmerizing spectacle, they release them into a water body, embodying a deep connection to nature and history.

    Golu

    Tamil Nadu, Golu dolls

    In Tamil Nadu, the first three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the next three days to Durga, and the last three days to Saraswati.

    Golu dolls, portraying mythological characters, animals, and people, adorn temples and homes on makeshift staircases called Kolu; they are passed on from many generations.

    Devotees visit the Mutharamman Temple in Kulasekharapattinam, in the guise of the Goddess.

    Vidhyarambam

    Kerala, Poojavaippu

    In Kerala, the final three days of Navratri hold significance. On Mahaashtami evening, Poojavaippu is performed.

    People worship Goddess Saraswati the following day offering her idol books and instruments.

    The last day, Vidhyarambam, features Puja Eduppu, where these items are removed, and children aged two to six are made to write alphabets on sand or rice, marking the beginning of their learning journey.

    Mysore Dasara

    Karnataka, Mysore Dasara

    Navratri in Karnataka aligns with Mysore Dasara, a festival dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeswari of Chamundi Hill.

    During Dussehra, the Mysore Palace is decorated with lights and flowers for the "Jamboo Savari" procession, featuring elephant parades, one carrying the Goddess.

    In various regions, people celebrate by placing beautifully adorned dolls in their homes and visiting their loved ones' houses, exchanging coconuts, garments, and sweets.

    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Related News
    Latest
    Navratri
    Durga Puja
    Spirituality

    Latest

    OTT: When, where to watch 'Final Destination Bloodlines' Netflix
    Zimbabwe fall short in Test warm-up against County XI Zimbabwe Cricket Team
    Carlos Alcaraz makes records with 7th ATP Masters 1000 title Carlos Alcaraz
    Beyond 'War 2': Exploring Jr NTR's future in Spy Universe Bollywood

    Navratri

    VHP targets Salman's 'Loveratri', says it distorts Navratri's name Salman Khan
    Salman adds his special touch to Aayush's 'Loveratri' teaser Salman Khan
    'Loveratri' to 'Loveyatri', but Hindu-outfit still displeased with Salman's production Salman Khan
    'Loveyatri' controversy: Aayush Sharma feels the objection is unnecessary Salman Khan

    Durga Puja

    Follow these few dietary tips for a fun festive season Navratri
    'Disturbing': India slams attacks during Durga Puja in Bangladesh Bangladesh
    2 Hindu men killed in Bangladesh violence; toll reaches 6 Bangladesh
    5 unique ways to style your 6-yards of elegance Diwali

    Spirituality

    Here are 5 spiritual books to gift your parents Dalai Lama
    What happens after we die? These books have the answer Books
    5 books to help you achieve your New Year resolutions Books
    The five most common spiritual dreams explained Relationships
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2025