The next two weekends, India Square which is located in the Journal Square area will be a party zone for the Navatri Festival. To celebrate this joyous occasion, we are dedicating the next two weeks to Indian culture; food, fashion and art.
“Navaratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. The word Navaratri means ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit, navameaning nine and ratri meaning nights.[2] During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Devi are worshipped. The tenth day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or “Dussehra” (also spelled Dasara). Navaratri is an important major festival and is celebrated all over India and Nepal. Diwali the festival of lights is celebrated twenty days after Dasara. Though there are total five types of Navaratri that come in a year, but Sharad Navaratri is the most popular one. Hence, the term Navaratri is being used for Sharada Navaratri here” Wikipedia
I heard from many locals that this festival attracts over 13,000 people from all over the country and it’s a party that goes on till around 2am! #turnup
I got in touch with Raju Patel one of the organizers to get the background on the Navatri festival!
Hi Raju! Tell me about the festival…The Navatri in Jersey City is a combined effort from the Govinda Temple and the Jersey City Merchant Association, and the Journal Square SID. The three organizations together put this event together [and] it started in 2003. This is the 13th event and it will be held on October 16th the 17th and on October 23rd and 24th.
What can people expect? Nothing else but fun, music, food, dancing. It’s a lot of fun. Fridays [are] slow, but on Saturdays we get around 13,000 people. [There is] no alcohol at all because it is a religious event.
What time does it starts? It starts around 7pm in the evening. The music starts around 9pm and stays till 2am.
What is your role? I am part of the Merchant Association. I am basically on the board of all the organizations.
Anything else you would like people to know? We started in 2003 and it’s been getting bigger. [The] festival raises money [and] we are supporting [the] Hudson County Scholarship Foundation, we do a lot of charity work. Whatever money we get from the festival we donate.
What should people wear to the Navatri? Colorful! You will see tons of color [and] people in costumes. It is a great event. DEEN Fashion has some great clothes for the Navatri.
Is the event friendly for kids? Oh yes you can bring kids! From two years to 70 years people are going to have fun. All ages are welcome. They have family gatherings.
Will all the restaurants be participating? All the restaurants are open until certain times. People come from all over the country. It’s a great event for tourism [and] it’s great for Jersey City.
October 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th
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