New Jersey’s Largest Navrati 2016 Celebration

Jersey City, NJ – The 14^th Annual Navrati Celebration will be taking place in Jersey City’s famed IndiaSquare area over two weekends in October – Friday and Saturday night on the 7^th and 8th, as well as Friday and Saturday nights on the 14th & 15th. This block long free festival celebrates the 9 nights of devotion that are part of Navrati.  Thousands come to the Newark Avenue area between Tonnelle Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard, filling the streets with music, dance, food, and blessings!

Navrati is the celebration of positivity over negativity, of good triumphing over evil. It is one of the most anticipated festivals in India with strong social and spiritual basis. As a lunar determined festival, this year’s dates are from October 1^st through the 10^th, which is how the dates for Navrati2016 were determined by the Jersey City Asian Merchants Association.

The nine different aspects of the Goddess or Devi are worshipped over the nine days of Navrati. These are the most popular forms under which she is worshipped: Durga: goddess beyond reach; Bhadrakali the auspicious power of time; Amba or Jagdamba: mother of the world; Annapurna: giver of food and plenty; Sarvamangala: auspicious goddess; Bhairavi: terrible, fearful, power of death; Chandika or Chandi: violent, wrathful, furious; Lalita: playful; and Bhavani: giver of existence. The festival is associated with their symbolic association as the epitome of courage, skill, and wealth.

Although fasting, eating only milk and fruit dishes during the nine days, is a typical practice, many only fast on the 8^th and 9^th day. For those who do not fast, or when evening begins the many restaurants of the IndiaSquare area will be open and ready to serve you during the celebration.

The occasion is organized and coordinated by IndiaSquare, the hub of the Jersey City Asian Merchant Association. People come out to the streets and dance to the music, as well as enjoy displays, food at the many local restaurants, and other entertainment. For those unable to attend all or part of the event, it is also live streamed. The event is free and open to all wishing to attend.

It is a large undertaking, providing unique and highly visible opportunities for business and organizations interested in greater outreach.  Sponsorships are available at a variety of levels. For full Sponsorship information regarding IndiaSquare Navrati 2016, please see the website at: www.indiasquare.org/SponsorshipForm.aspx.

The Jersey City Asian Merchant Association has been making a positive impact on the India Square area of Jersey City for the past 14 years. They strive to improve to resolve issues in the area, making the everyday quality of business better for merchants and patrons.  During the last five years, this organization has been able to provide free parking to the patrons of this section of Jersey City as a way to promote its diversity and strength as a center of business and cultural activity.

The merchants of the IndiaSquare area also provide various student scholarships, aiding area colleges and hospitals, encouraging businesses, and working to promote better understanding among the different segments of the community.

To find out more about participation, sponsorships, and the Navrati 2016 schedule, go to indiasquare.org, or follow them on Facebook.