THE first night of the traditional nine-day celebrations of Navaratri kicked off with a twirl of colourful costumes, ancestral Gujarat dances and Indian vegetarian food.
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Organiser Chandresh Kotecha said that, in the Indian state of Gujarat, Navaratri was celebrated by communities getting together for Garba and Dandia dances and nightly feasts that symbolised the triumph of good spirits over evil.
''It's a religious thing,'' Dr Kotecha said. ''The goddess Durga killed the devils over nine nights.
''This is a celebration of that. People dance around the goddess Durga idol,'' he said.
He said Hindus believed that taking part in the annual celebration ensured all-round success in life.
The first three nights destroyed all impurities, vices and defects, the next three nights bestowed inexhaustible wealth, while the last three nights gave wisdom.
Hindus needed the blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother, he said, hence the worship for nine nights.
''But everyone is welcome here. It's a
not-for-profit religious celebration.''
Navaratri is an alcohol-free event. Entry is $5 per person on weekends, $2 on weeknights and children under seven can enter free.
The event starts each night at Belconnen High School from 6.30pm and runs until October 14. EWA KRETOWICZ
