9 Days of Navaratri: How Indian and Sri Lankan Students of GrSMU Celebrated a Major Religious Festival

In Belarus, far from home, Indian and Sri Lankan students carefully preserve their traditions. Among these celebrations, Navaratri holds a special place – nine nights dedicated to the Goddess Durga, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, renewal and the power of the feminine. The festivities typically begin with decorating the hall and preparing an altar: flowers, candles, images of the Goddess, traditional patterns and vibrant fabrics come together to create an atmosphere that is both warm and solemn.

For Indian students, the evening is not complete without the performance of Garba and Dandiya. To the sound of familiar melodies, students in traditional attire whirl in dance, inviting everyone to join in. Before long, everyone is drawn into the collective circle…

Although the Tamil Navaratri features spirited dancing, its musical and ritual components are more intimate in nature. Tamils ​​create complex altar arrangement, consisting of several tiers (typically 3, 5, 7 or 9), which symbolizes the ascent of the human soul from the material world to the divine. The culinary aspect is also an important part of the celebration: participants prepare traditional sweets and offer them to anyone who wishes to partake.

Every evening from October 12 to 19, the University and hostel resonated with mantras and aarti; electric lamps were lit, words of gratitude were offered and dance music played.

On Sunday, the Grodno Molodezhny Center hosted a final evening where Indian students from the state of Gujarat presented a full musical program, brimming with emotion, energy and vibrant colors.

Navaratri in Belarus serves as a striking example of cultural exchange and mutual respect. The celebration helps students maintain a connection to their homeland, while allowing the people of Belarus to discover the richness of Indian culture. These nine days of music, dance and light serve as a reminder that even far from home, it is possible to create an atmosphere of warmth if one has friends nearby and a shared desire to spread joy