Navaratri Specials

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What is Navaratri?

Navaratri is a major Hindu festival celebrated over nine nights and ten days in honour of the Divine Feminine, particularly Goddess Durga and her different forms. The word “Navaratri” means “nine nights” in Sanskrit. The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with prayer, fasting, music, dance, Golu displays, temple visits and gatherings with family and friends.

How do people celebrate Navaratri?

Navaratri traditions vary across different regions of India. Many families perform daily pooja, light lamps, offer flowers and prepare special food for the Goddess. In South Indian homes, families may arrange a Golu or Kolu display featuring dolls and figurines on decorated steps and invite friends and relatives to visit.

Other popular Navaratri traditions include Garba and Dandiya dancing, devotional songs and bhajans, temple visits, fasting and preparing vegetarian meals. Families also commonly exchange gifts, sweets, fruits, kumkum, betel leaves and other auspicious items when visiting one another.

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What happens during the 9 days of Navaratri?

The nine days of Navaratri are traditionally dedicated to different forms of Goddess Durga, with devotees offering prayers and observing different customs each day.

The first three days are commonly associated with Goddess Durga, representing strength and the removal of negativity. The next three days honour Goddess Lakshmi, associated with prosperity and abundance. The final three days honour Goddess Saraswati, representing knowledge, wisdom, learning and the arts.

Many South Indian families also celebrate Saraswati Pooja and Ayudha Pooja towards the end of Navaratri. Books, musical instruments, tools and items used for work or study may be placed for worship and blessings. The festival concludes with Vijayadashami or Dussehra, an auspicious day associated with new beginnings, education and success.

What pooja essentials will I need for Navaratri?

The items required can vary depending on your family's traditions and the type of pooja being performed. Common Navaratri pooja essentials include:

  • Kumkum and turmeric
  • Sandalwood or chandan
  • Camphor
  • Agarbathi/incense
  • Sambrani
  • Diyas or oil lamps
  • Cotton wicks
  • Pooja oil or ghee
  • Fresh flowers and flower garlands
  • Fresh mango leaves
  • Betel leaves and betel nuts
  • Coconuts
  • Bananas and other fruits
  • Rice and akshata
  • Kalash or pooja pots
  • Pooja plates and accessories
  • Goddess idols or pictures
  • Golu dolls and decorations

Vel Spices stocks a wide range of Navaratri pooja items and festival essentials in Australia, making it easier to prepare for your celebrations in one place.

What can I gift people when visiting them for Navaratri?

Giving small gifts when visiting family and friends during Navaratri is a popular tradition, particularly when visiting homes with a Golu display.

Popular Navaratri gift ideas include kumkum sets, haldi-kumkum packs, bangles, bindis, small pooja items, diyas, decorative items, return gifts, sweets, dry fruits, fruits and traditional snacks.

For children, small toys, stationery, books or Golu-themed gifts can also be given. For families, festive gift hampers containing sweets, snacks, pooja products and decorative items are another great option.

What food do people eat during Navaratri?

Food traditions differ between regions and families. Many people follow a vegetarian diet during Navaratri, while some also observe fasting and avoid ingredients such as onion, garlic, grains or certain spices.

Common Navaratri foods can include sundal made using chickpeas or lentils, payasam or kheer, fruits, sweets, nuts, sabudana dishes and other vegetarian preparations.

In South Indian households, different varieties of sundal are especially popular during Golu and Navaratri and may be prepared as prasadam and served to visiting guests.

Vel Spices carries a wide range of lentils, dals, chickpeas, flours, rice, spices, sweets, snacks and other ingredients to help you prepare your Navaratri meals and prasadam.

Where can I buy Navaratri pooja items, food and gifts in Australia?

You can shop for your Navaratri essentials at Vel Spices. Our Navaratri collection brings together pooja products, fresh pooja items, Golu essentials, festive foods, sweets, snacks, gifting products and decorations to make preparing for the festival easier.

Customers in Melbourne can shop with Vel Spices, and our online store allows customers to browse our Navaratri range and order available products online.

Rather than searching for your pooja products, groceries, gifts and festival items separately, you can find a wide range of Navaratri essentials together at Vel Spices.

How long does Navaratri delivery take?

Our standard delivery timeframe is approximately 2–3 business days. We recommend placing your Navaratri order as early as possible during the festive period to allow sufficient time for processing and delivery.

Delivery timeframes may vary depending on your location, product availability and order volume during the Navaratri period.

Do I need to pre-order fresh Navaratri pooja items?

Yes. Our fresh pooja items are available on pre-order. This may include selected fresh flowers, leaves and other fresh items required for pooja.

Please place your order within the pre-order timeframe shown on the relevant product or Navaratri collection page. Fresh products are ordered and arranged based on pre-orders, so we may not be able to guarantee availability for orders placed after the stated cut-off.

We strongly recommend ordering fresh Navaratri pooja essentials in advance to avoid missing out.