From cultural shows to community service — there's always something happening at SASA.
Fri, September 25, 2026
Navratri is a major Hindu festival that lasts nine nights and celebrates the divine feminine, especially the goddess Durga and her different forms. The word “Navratri” comes from Sanskrit: nava means “nine” and ratri means “nights.” During Navratri, people honor the goddess as a symbol of strength, protection, courage, wisdom, and victory of good over evil. Many devotees fast, pray, visit temples, decorate homes, and take part in cultural celebrations. One of the best-known parts of Navratri is the music and dance, especially Garba and Dandiya Raas, which are very popular in Gujarat and among Indian communities around the world. People often dress in colorful traditional clothing and dance in circles with sticks or clapping rhythms. Navratri ends with celebrations such as Dussehra/Vijayadashami, which marks the triumph of good over evil, often connected with Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura or Rama’s victory over Ravana, depending on the region.
