London's Hindus missing out on Navratri dancing for second year, due to pandemic restrictions
CBC
The Hindu festival of Navratri usually comes with nine nights of dancing to honour the triumph of good over evil.
But Pandit Durgeshwar Tiwari, chief priest of London, Ont.'s Hindu Culture Centre, said he's been fielding a lot of phone calls about how the COVID-19 pandemic affects this year's festivities.
"I'm receiving a question every day asking what we are doing for Navratri, how we are going to pray," said Tiwari. "This is like something which we have not experienced before, but to safeguard people's health and the community we have decided not to [dance]. Just come and meditate."
Navratri — 'nav' meaning 'nine' and 'ratri' meaning 'nights' — is most widely celebrated in autumn, although it also comes again in the spring. This year's festival began on Oct.7.
The Hindu festival is dedicated to Durga, goddess of the universe. She's also a revered mother figure, Tiwari said,
"She protects us from all the negative forces and makes us grow spiritually," he said.
Throughout the festival, there are strict guidelines for fasting, prayer and meditation. Many also participate in Garba, a traditional dance regional to the Indian province of Gujarat.
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