How to Celebrate Navratri 2024 in an Eco-friendly Way?

With Navratri 2024 approaching, it's time to prepare for the nine days of vibrant festivities, devotion, and celebration. Since Navratri is a time of spiritual renewal, it is important to be mindful of the world around you during the festival. How? We have created a guide to help you celebrate Chaitra Navratri 2024 in an eco-friendly way by making a few easy switches and sustainable choices. So, let’s jump in.

What is Navratri?

Navratri means "nine nights," and is a festival that holds immense cultural and religious significance in Hindu tradition. It is a time when people worship the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Durga in her nine different forms. The festival is celebrated twice a year, once during the spring season, which is known as Chaitra Navratri, and again during the autumn season, known as Sharad Navratri. Read further to learn the significance of the festival and how to celebrate Navratri 2024 mindfully.

Significance of Navratri

The 9 days of Navratri are dedicated to different manifestations or nine forms of Goddess Durga or Shakti. These forms represent various aspects of the divine feminine power and grace. The significance of Navratri lies in the celebration of this divine feminine energy.

Moreover, there are many legends associated with Navratri that establish the message of ‘triumph of good over evil’. This is because Goddess Durga is a symbol of bravery and courage who protects her devotees from evil forces.

How to Celebrate Navratri 2024 in an Eco-friendly Way?

By infusing sustainability into our Navratri 2024 celebrations, we can create a positive impact on the world and set a better example. Here are some simple ways to become mindful and celebrate Chaitra Navratri 2024 in an eco-friendly way.

1. Have Organic Fasting Food

The 9 days of Navratri are a sacred period when many devotees observe fasts as a form of spiritual discipline. During this Navratri fasting period, you can choose to have organic Navratri fasting food and choose grains like singhara atta, kuttu atta and sabudana from Amala Earth.

2. Use Handcrafted Pooja Essentials

Another important aspect of Navratri is the Navratri pooja and you can use handcrafted pooja essentials made of eco-friendly materials to be more mindful of the environment. Here are some sustainable options you can find at Amala Earth.

Eco-friendly Idols: Opting for eco-friendly pooja idols crafted from sustainable materials such as clay or paper mache not only honours the tradition but also helps minimise the environmental impact.

Brass Pooja Thaali: Choosing a brass pooja thaali is an easy way to add elegance and sustainability to your Navratri 2024 celebrations. Choose from a range of brass pooja thaalis handcrafted by artisans at Amala Earth.

Charcoal-free Incense Sticks: Traditional incense sticks often contain charcoal, which releases harmful pollutants. Instead, choosing charcoal-free incense sticks is a safer and more eco-friendly alternative.

Brass Akhand Diya: A handcrafted brass Akhand diya is the perfect addition to your home mandir for Navratri 2024. Brass is a long-lasting and sustainable material and lighting an akhand diya is a timeless tradition that fills your home with positivity.

3. Choose Eco-friendly Decorations

While decorating your home for Chaitra Navratri 2024, opt for eco-friendly decorations like torans and buntings made of upcycled fabrics and biodegradable materials. You can also use fresh flowers, banana leaves and more to elevate your home decor this Chaitra Navratri.

4. Wear Sustainable Ethnic Wear

Looking your best in ethnic wear is another important Navratri tradition. And opting for traditional wear in sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and chanderi can showcase your concern for the environment. Shop from a curated collection of sustainable fashion for the Navratri season at Amala Earth.