Devotees flock to Labasa Temple for Navratri celebrations

More devotees including those from abroad for Navratri festivities have converged at Shree Sai Ambaji Darbaar Temple in Labasa. 

The vibrant festival of Navratri is in full swing as devotees honour the divine feminine over nine nights of prayers, rituals and cultural celebrations. 

Shree Sai Ambaji Darbaar Temple Pundit Mandhir Singh said there had been a noticeable increase in devotees attending in recent years. 

Pundit Singh, who has served at the temple for 10 years, said Navratri was dedicated to goddess Durga, celebrating her victory over evil.

 “We perform the Nau Durga Chalisa and do hawan during the day. Each day also has a different colour that devotees wear to honour the goddess,” Pundit Singh said. 

Navratri, which began last Monday, features colourful lights, devotional songs, dances, and rituals, reflecting both religious devotion and cultural pride.

The festival is a time for spiritual reflection, purification and community bonding. Devotees fast, offer prayers, and celebrate with family and friends.

Women and girls wear traditional Indian attire in bright colors, representing both devotion and cultural heritage.

A key ritual is Kanya Puja, performed on the eighth or ninth day, where young girls are honoured as living embodiments of the goddess.

Their feet are washed, and they are offered sweets, gifts and new clothes as prayers are said in their honour.

“This festival reminds us of the victory of good over evil and is a chance to reflect, purify, and strengthen family and community bonds,” Pundit Singh said.

Labasa’s Hindu community is embracing both faith and festivity, ensuring their traditions are passed on to the next generation.

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