Nine Nights of the Goddess: The Navaratri Festival in South Asia by Moumita Sen, Hillary Rodrigues [Hardcover]

Nine Nights of the Goddess is a scholarly exploration of the Navaratri festival, also known as Durga Puja, Dasara, and other regional names, celebrated across South Asia and its diaspora. The festival spans nine nights, culminating in Vijayadashami, the day of victory. This interdisciplinary collection of essays delves into the various forms of the festival, celebrated in different regions such as West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Nepal, and examines its cultural, religious, and political significance. The book discusses the goddess worship, the mythological story of Rama's battle with Ravana, and the connections between the festival and issues of social status, political patronage, and economic development. It highlights the diverse interpretations and performances of Navaratri and how the festival shapes South Asian religious life.