Stars Speak from the Heart: Navratri’s Spiritual and Cultural Magic

Navratri is more than just a festival — it’s an emotion that sweeps across the country every year, painting streets with colours, music, and devotion. Rooted deeply in Indian culture, the nine-day celebration is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, symbolizing the eternal triumph of good over evil. The sound of dhols, the fragrance of incense, and the sight of people dressed in vibrant colours bring a certain energy that’s hard to ignore. This year, as celebrations begin, some of your favourite celebrities share what Navratri really means to them — and their words might make you pause and reflect too.

Actress Shivangi Verma chooses to keep it simple this year, embracing devotion over festivity. “Not too sure about Garba this time, but I’ll definitely be keeping the 9-day fast for Mata Rani. My heart feels a little heavy, so I just want to stay connected with her and spend this Navratri in her devotion,” she shares. Her words remind us that Navratri can be a personal journey — a time to step back, breathe, and nurture faith.

Harleen Kaur Rekhi, on the other hand, brings in a touch of tradition mixed with curiosity. “I always fast on Navratri, whether it is Chaitra Navratri or Sharadiya Navratri. I try to Google the colours of the day and make sure to wear them,” she says with a smile. Her take highlights the fun side of following rituals — dressing in the colour of the day isn’t just tradition, it’s a way of feeling connected to millions of others celebrating across the globe.

Shagun Sharma loves the balance Navratri brings. “Navratri has always been special for me. I may not be able to do the 9-day fast every year, but I do try to keep at least the first and last day fast. More than rituals, it’s about connecting with positivity and keeping yourself spiritually balanced. If I get time, I also love attending Garba nights because the energy and colours are so infectious.” For her, Navratri is about mixing devotion with celebration, dancing under the stars with the same energy with which you pray.

For Shubhangi Atre, Navratri is an experience she lives wholeheartedly. “During these nine days, I make it a point to visit the temple at least once and spend some quiet time in prayer. I follow a sattvic diet throughout, as I believe it helps in cleansing the mind and body and keeps you spiritually aligned. Another beautiful tradition I like to follow is wearing the specific colour associated with each day of Navratri. It’s a widely practiced ritual, and I feel it not only adds to the festive spirit but also strengthens the divine connection with Maa Durga. For me, Navratri is about devotion, discipline, and passing on these values to the next generation.” Her words feel like a gentle reminder of why traditions matter — they’re not just habits but stories and values we carry forward.

Navratri’s charm lies in its diversity. Some choose solitude and prayer, others choose dance and music, but everyone shares one thing in common — faith. Whether you’re fasting, heading out for Garba, or just soaking in the festive energy, Navratri gives an excuse to pause life’s chaos and celebrate the power of positivity. Each of these celebrity voices proves that devotion can be expressed in countless ways, and that is exactly what makes Navratri so beautiful.