Durga Puja Celebrations in the USA Amidst COVID-19: A Spiritual Journey Through Navaratri

As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, communities around the globe are finding ways to honor their cultural and religious traditions. One such community is the Hindu community in the USA, who are celebrating Saran Navaratri, aka Durga Puja in 2021 with both joy and resilience. Despite the prevailing health concerns, Hindus in the United States are commemorating this significant annual festival that honors the Goddess Chamundeshwari and her victory over the evil demon Mahishasura.

Temple Celebrations

My local community, the Sri Devi Mandir, is hosting a vibrant celebration from October 6 to October 15. While Covid-19 still poses a risk, the community has made a collective decision to honor the traditions of their faith by physically attending the temple. With infection rates declining and a high proportion of individuals being vaccinated, it has been deemed relatively safe for our community to gather. This is not the first year we have celebrated in this manner, and thus far, no one in our community has contracted the virus from attending these events.

Daily Rituals at the Sri Devi Mandir

Each day, we gather to perform various rituals and prayers at the temple. Kalasha Sthapana, the invocation of the Divine Mother in a kalasham, is performed along with the construction of a Sri Yantra made of colored rice. In the evenings, at 7:00 PM, I join over one hundred devotees for a collective chanting of the Lalita Sahasranama. We then proceed to the main puja: Maha Durga Puja for good health and success, followed by Maha Lakshmi for wealth, and finally Maha Saraswati Puja for knowledge. These rituals are complemented by the performance of Arati, kumkum Abhishekam, and the singing of Bhajans. Additionally, we enjoy a Prasad dinner, a communal meal that strengthens our bond as a community.

Home Celebrations

While the temple is an integral part of our celebrations, I also honor Navaratri at home. My home Sri Chakra is adorned with roses, honey, and other offerings, and I chant Vaidik and Tantrik mantras. This year, I have chosen to focus on worshiping Kamalatmika Mahavidya, the goddess of lotuses, reflecting on the symbolism of purity and growth. On the eighth day, I will dedicate my books and digital devices to the goddess, symbolizing the use of knowledge and technology as divine tools to further my personal and professional goals.

The Role of Durga Puja in Personal Evolution and Spiritual Growth

Through the festivities of Navaratri, my community and I are reminded of the multi-faceted role of the goddess. The festival is an embodiment of our spiritual journey towards self-realization. My Guru's teachings emphasize the importance of material success, spiritual growth, and the inner evolution that Navaratri facilitates. These teachings include:

Health, wealth, and knowledge are each essential for material success. Overcoming inertia, laziness, and ignorance. The power of action to conquer tamoguna (inertia). The divine presence in all, guiding and understanding our inner most desires. The step-by-step evolution towards Self-realization.

On the final day, Vijayadashami, we perform puja on our vehicles, symbolizing a promise to the Divine for a successful year ahead. It is a reminder that our lives are intricately linked with the divine, and that every action is a manifestation of this connection. My preparation for this ritual includes thorough cleaning, reflecting on my commitment to the spiritual journey, and offering myself fully to the divine.

The message of Navaratri goes beyond mere material success. It encourages us to strive towards inner peace, humility, and the understanding that we are instruments in the hands of the divine. Success and failure are seen as part of God's plan, and it is through this mindset that we can lead truly blessed lives, guided by God's grace and the power of knowledge.

Conclusion

The celebration of Navaratri amidst the challenges of COVID-19 is not just a remembrance of the past but a journey towards a brighter future. As we honor the goddess and her many manifestations, we affirm our commitment to a life of dharma, righteousness, and spiritual growth. The resilience and faith of our community stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of Navaratri.