A new Navratri proposal: Nine days, one shared community movement
Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk and Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Praveen Khandelwal has initiated a novel way to celebrate the Navratras this year, beginning October 11. Devotees observing Navratras may congregate for nine days and partake of fruits, falahaar, to pay obeisance to the specific form of Goddess Durga. Such a unique tradition will promote social harmony, cultural awareness and national unity, he said.
He announced that for the forthcoming festival, each day, a sacred idol representing the specific form of Goddess Durga worshipped on that day will be ceremonially installed and worshipped. People from all sections of society will be invited to participate in these daily spiritual and social gatherings.
Khandelwal said that if such traditions are widely adopted, Navratri can evolve beyond being merely a festival of religious faith and become a nationwide movement promoting social harmony, cultural awareness, and national unity.
He emphasised that Navratri is not only a festival dedicated to the worship of the Divine Mother but also a celebration of India’s civilizational values of self-discipline, service, social cohesion, and cultural awakening.
In the Sanatan tradition, fasting and spiritual observances are considered powerful means of purifying the body, mind, and soul while nurturing discipline, restraint, and a spirit of service. The true purpose of fasting is not merely abstinence from food but the cultivation of positive values and inner transformation.
Khandelwal noted that throughout India’s cultural history, festivals have served as occasions for social bonding and collective participation. Community falahar gatherings during Navratri can bring together people from different social backgrounds, age groups, and walks of life, fostering dialogue, mutual trust, and social goodwill, he said.
When people sit together to partake in Prasad and falahar, timeless Indian ideals such as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family) and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (May All Be Happy) find meaningful expression in everyday life, he added.
He also said in the present times, society needs greater interaction, warmth, and a positive social environment. Navratri offers a unique opportunity not only for devotion but also for strengthening social bonds and reinforcing India’s rich cultural values.
Khandelwal shared that he personally observes a fast on all nine days of Navratri every year with devotion and discipline.
In this regard, Prime Minister Narendra Modi serves as a source of inspiration for him, having observed Navratri fasts with deep commitment and spiritual dedication for many years.
Inspired by this example, Khandelwal will once again host daily evening community falahar gatherings at his residence throughout Navratri, with participation from people belonging to diverse sections of society.
He expressed confidence that if similar small-scale community initiatives are undertaken across the country, they can play a significant role in bridging social divides, strengthening cultural consciousness, and providing renewed momentum to the cause of national unity.