Navratri came in with a “buzz” as nine nights of music and dancing started last Thursday.
Festivities began with a flash of colour at The Bolton Indian Sports Club in Darcy Lever on Thursday (October 3) and will last until October 11.
Women, men and children whirled to the Hindu festival's traditional garba and dandiya dances.
An average of 250 people turned up for the festivities run by Bolton Hindu Community that lasted from 6pm to midnight.
Kishor Patel, Vice Chair of the One Navratri Team, said: “People just love coming to the festival. There’s a real buzz.
“The nine nights are filled with traditional garba and dandiya dances, bringing communities together.
“Everyone takes part in the dances, grandparents, families, children.
“We have people singing religious songs as well.
“Phil Brickell, MP for Bolton West, came to our Navratri celebration on Saturday (October 5).
“People told him to have a go at dancing and he did.
“He enjoyed it. He's a proper sport.”
The festival is dedicated to the warrior goddess Durga and her nine forms.
It represents the triumph of good over evil.
Durga is said to have been created by the Gods to defeat the demon, Mahishasura.
The demon wanted to marry her because of her beauty, but she would only accept if he defeated her in battle.
They fought for ten days. And Durga finally slayed him by turning him into a buffalo.
Kishor said: “The festival is about female empowerment because the goddess fought evil and won.”
The festival also includes prayer and eating prasad, or sacred food that has been offered to the goddess Durga.
Kishor said: “It’s a very big festival in the diary and very auspicious.
“Most Hindus want to come at least one evening to get blessed.”
In Gujarat, the event is celebrated with nine nights of dancing as a form of respect and worship.
Many people also fast or observe a special diet during the festival.
Most regions of India celebrate all nine forms of Durga, with a night dedicated to each form.
And women wear different coloured saris, from orange to purple, representing Durga’s different virtues.
During Navratri, the creative power of the Goddess is personified through figures such as Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and purity, and Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and art.
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