Kaanta Ben: Celebrating women’s strength through Navratri

For Kaanta Ben, Navratri is more than a festival; it is a celebration of faith, culture and women’s strength. 

Originally from Gujarat, India, Ms Ben, 66, moved to Fiji in 1979 and has since called Labasa her home. 

“Navratri in Fiji is celebrated with the same devotion as in India, though on a smaller, community scale, in India, Navratri is celebrated in a grand way,” Ms Ben said. 

“We do Garba and Dandiya and even women from other races join us, for nine nights, we pray that Mataji (goddess) blesses everyone with happiness and peace.”

She explained that Garba and Dandiya Raas, often mistaken as the same, are distinct forms of dance.

Garba is performed in circular formations with graceful claps and footwork, symbolising the cycle of life and devotion. 

Dandiya Raas, on the other hand, uses decorated sticks in rhythmic pairs, representing the mock battle between goddess Durga and demon Mahishasura.

Beyond prayers and dance, Ms Ben said Navratri was also about empowerment. 

The festival honours goddess Durga, a symbol of feminine power and resilience. 

“Navratri reminds us of women’s strength, their ability to nurture, protect and lead,” Ms Ben said. 

“It is a celebration of good triumphing over evil and a recognition of women as the carriers of divine energy.” 

In Fiji, the nine nights of devotion continue to bring communities together, keeping Hindu cultural traditions alive while inspiring women to embrace their inner strength. The celebration ends tomorrow. 

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