Navratri day 9
Today is Day 9, the final day also known as Maha Navami, dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, the 9th form of Navdurga.
Siddhi (according to both Buddhism and the Vedas), is a capability achieved through spiritual practices, mantras and self discipline. Siddhi brings fulfillment and totality in every sphere of life. Dhatri means Giver. Siddhidatri is worshipped to gain the ability to realize true existence.
In the photo are Meghwal women of western Gujarat. The next photo displays the style of homes they live in. Their homes are so simple, have no running water or electricity. Yet their clothes are so colorful and embellished, hand-woven with intention and grandeur. The woman cooking in the kitchen is so beautifully dressed as well, adorned with an embroidered chunni, beautiful bangles, a thick silver anklet, an embellishing nose ring. She’s fully “dressed up” even while she’s sitting on the floor kneading dough to make chapatis.
These tribal women “dress up” every day but it’s not seen as “dressing up”. This is how they adorn themselves, their femininity every single day. And not FOR someone, but simply because they are women. Applying their kajal every morning, putting on their hand woven outfits, a big portion of their jewelry actually never comes off.
Women are meant to adorn themselves not for someone but simply to honor their femininity. In the big cities and in corporate jobs, we are going more and more toward simplicity. Neutral tones, solid patterns, outfits that dull our personalities rather than accentuate them. Colors and flows are looked down upon. The more streamlined a dress/suit, the more respected we are. Where’s this grand celebration of our femininity?