Youth Column: Shakti in Society- Embracing the true essence of Navratri

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With bright red flower petals adorning homes and cries of “Ambe Mata Ki Jai” filling the air, Navratri’s momentous celebration will soon be approaching.  Hindus take these nine nights to celebrate the Mother Goddess in all Her glory, whether by visiting grand Durga pandal statues, playing Raas Garba, or keeping intricate Golu platforms in their homes.

Hinduism is unique in that, unlike many other religions, the ultimate divinity is genderless and takes the form of both male and female deities.  The overarching feminine energy in Hinduism is called Shakti(power) or Devi(Goddess), encompassing forms such as Lakshmi, Saraswati, Parvati, Kali, and Durga.  Furthermore, these Shaktis can be understood as the dynamic power of their male counterparts.

In scriptures and texts, Devi, mainly in the form of Durga Maa, is depicted as an invincible and skilled warrior who defeats the demons that no other deity can.  Being the Goddess of war and protection, Durga Maa is the manifestation of strength and courage that shows the true power of femininity, transcending gender stereotypes.  However, even with this mighty role model, many Hindus still perpetuate sexist gender roles and do not equate men and women through backward societal norms.

One such tradition is the assertion that women should not go to mandir or perform rituals while on their periods.  This custom has been ingrained in Hindu society for many years and is often falsely justified by saying menstruation is a time of impurity.  It is quite the opposite, however.  Being on your period is seen as a sacred time of purification in our texts, having a girl’s first period celebrated by the elaborate Ritu Kala half-saree ceremony in many parts of India.  The scriptures advise women to rest during this time, not as a sign of impurity, but to honor their more profound connection to the Devi within them.

Moreover, the time and energy-consuming tasks of visiting temples and performing pujas were traditionally seen as duties that women could be exempt from during their periods, allowing them the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate instead. This practice was intended to offer women a break from strenuous activities, acknowledging the need for self-care and honoring the natural rhythms of their bodies. The misconception that menstruation is impure and the idea of it being a curse of original sin was introduced to India by foreign invaders and colonizers, likely contributing to the misinterpretation of these traditional practices.

There is no greater example of how Devi defies society’s expectations of women than the powerful form of Mahakali.  Kali Maa, the goddess of strength and fierce protection, is often depicted as a fearsome deity, adorned with a garland of skulls and possessing multiple arms, each holding a different weapon. Kali challenges conventional norms by being portrayed as naked, with her hair flowing wildly, symbolizing her liberation from societal constraints. She unabashedly expresses rage and, in many depictions, is shown standing atop her husband, Shiva. This image starkly contrasts with the traditional notion that women should suppress their emotions and remain submissive to their husbands.  She reminds us that we do not need to conform to what society expects of us and to traverse oppressive gender regulations.

We live in a troubling time where violence against women is becoming increasingly normalized, especially in India. As such, it is more important than ever for women to embrace their inner strength, and looking to Maa Kali can help them recognize the immense force within—a power that is fierce, fearless, and unapologetic.  In a society that often tries to suppress and control women’s voices, Maa Kali is a reminder of the courage to stand up, resist, and protect oneself without hesitation or fear.

The two other members of the Tridevi, Lakshmi Maa and Saraswati Maa, are the Goddesses of wealth and knowledge, respectively.  Lakshmi is worshipped for financial prosperity and good fortune, and Saraswati for enlightening intellect and promoting the arts and education.  The irony in this, however, is that women’s education is still not valued as much as men’s, with the Indian female literacy rate being almost 15% lower than that of males, according to UNESCO.  Additionally, in many Indian communities, women are discouraged from having a career outside of the household.  According to NPR, only 1 in 5 Indian women are employed.  Lakshmi represents wealth, and her husband Vishnu is the God of preservation, but in various communities, wives are expected to “preserve” the household while husbands are considered breadwinners.  This stark contrast between the divine attributes of these Goddesses and the societal realities women face highlights a significant disconnect.

To honor the essence of Lakshmi and Saraswati, there must be a collective effort to empower women and ensure equal access to education and opportunities. Only by breaking these barriers can we truly reflect the values of the deities we revere, allowing women to thrive as individuals with the freedom to pursue their aspirations and contribute fully to society.

So, modern Hindus must ask themselves: How can we genuinely celebrate Navratri without giving full respect to our mothers, sisters, and daughters? How can we praise Shakti as knowledgeable, prosperous, and strong while viewing women in society as inferior? It is said in our scriptures that Shakti resides in every woman, and disrespecting one female is the same as disrespecting God herself. We can only truly celebrate this beautiful festival and praise Devi Maa if we honor and uplift the women in our lives, recognizing their inherent strength and value.