Come October and we see all hustle and bustle in the air. There is a festive mood all around. The ten-day Navratri festival followed by Dusshera is one of the most important Hindu festivals across the globe. The triumph of Lord Ram over Ravan is a well-known story. This year, the Navratri festival in being celebrated from 10 October to 19 October.

The Navaratri period of 10 days is celebrated as Ramlila Utsav. Devotees celebrate it with great pomp because Lord Ram proved that there is no place for social evils on Earth by killing Ravana. The festival also marks the victory of Goddess Durga over demon Mahishasura. Goddess Durga fought with the demon for ten days and nine nights. On the tenth day, Mahishasura was killed by Maa Durga and the day is known as Vijaya Dashami.

Huge effigies of Ravana, the demon king, is burnt every year to mark that victory of good over evil. According to Mahabharata, the word Durga connotes the one who protects you from sorrow and misery. Maa Durga is a strict mother, but She knows nothing but love for all Her children.

There is a famous quote by Eric Burdon: “Inside each of us, there is the seed of both good and evil. It’s a constant struggle as to which one will win. And one cannot exist without the other.”

Navratri, old-timers say, shows the path of self-realisation through “bhakti and renunciation”.

Shrimad Bhagwad Gita Adhyay 3 Shloka 38 says: “As fire is enveloped by smoke, as a mirror by dust, as an embryo by the womb, similarly our wisdom is covered by desires, anger and other tenets of Kali Yuga.”

These are a few things that are advised to be done during Navratri.

• Knowledge or wisdom can be achieved by hearing good, thinking good and doing good. Try to achieve high moral standard not only during this pious period but throughout your life.
• Be truthful. Your words should match your actions.
• Have respect for the rights of others. Do not attempt to exploit anyone. Give equal opportunities to all.
• Meditate during Navratras to attain self-control. By repeating Durga’s name and reciting prayers, one can banish evil thought from his mind.
• Be strong willed but kind hearted. Have a high level of tolerance and empathy for others. Conquer your ego and be willing to forgive others mistakes.
• Be courageous to save yourself and others from injustice and cruelty.
• Respect the abilities of others. Praise them to boost their morale.
• Submit yourself to the will of Goddess Durga and refrain from worldly fears like death, poverty, disrespect and defeat.