Commemorating this cultural and religious festival, the Cultural Center of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura organized a Navaratri festival for the student community of the university on the 4th November 2016, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. This festive evening brought about a number of students from both Hindu and other religious backgrounds spreading religious harmony and joyfulness. It was also a great opportunity for those of other doctrines to learn of a cultural affair which remained alien to them even though heard of since younger days.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, graced this colourful occasion as the Chief Guest.
Navaratri (Sanskrit: नवरात्रि) is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. The word Navaratri refers to ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit while “nava” means nine and “ratri” means nights. During these nine nights and ten days which are determined according to the lunar calendar, nine forms of Devi are worshipped. The tenth day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or “Dussehra” (also spelled Dasera). Navaratri is an important major festival and is celebrated among Hindu’s around the world. Diwali the festival of lights is celebrated twenty days after Dasera. Though there are in total five types of Navaratri that come in a year, Sharad Navaratri is the most popular one. Hence, the term Navaratri is being used for Sharada Navaratri. (Source – Wikipedia)
