As Navratri celebrations bring a special vibe across the nation, actress Raashii Khanna finds herself reflecting on the cherished memories and traditions that make this festival so meaningful to her. She shares, “Navratri brings a certain purity to the air that always helps me feel closer to the divine.” Raashii fondly recalls her childhood at her grandmother’s house, where sowing seeds of ‘jawar’ (barley), keeping a lamp lit for all nine nights, and gathering for devotional songs and bhajans filled the home with a sacred energy.
The Kanjak puja, a ritual where young girls are worshipped, holds a particularly special place in Raashii’s heart. She shares, “As children, we would visit homes on Ashtami and Navami, having our feet washed and being treated to delicious halwa and puri. It made us feel so special, almost like little goddesses.” Continuing this tradition, Raashii now performs the Kanjak ritual for young girls in her own home, finding immense joy in seeing their happiness, which she describes as a beautiful full circle moment.
Although her demanding work schedule makes strict fasting challenging, Raashii ensures the sanctity of the nine days is maintained. “While I used to fast on fruits and milk earlier, it’s not always feasible with shoots,” she explains. “However, what remains constant is our family’s commitment to avoiding non-vegetarian food at home. These nine days feel incredibly powerful, offering the best opportunity to connect with Maa Durga.”
Her grandmother’s influence continues to shape how Raashii celebrates Navratri. She remembers her grandmother always wearing a red sari and a prominent bindi on Navami, an image that deeply resonates with her. While she doesn’t replicate the exact tradition, Raashii often wears saris during Navratri, especially for temple visits or when welcoming the Kanjaks.
One of Raashii’s most touching experiences was performing the Kanjak ritual with her infant niece, who was just three months old. Holding her niece and washing her tiny feet with rose water and honey brought back vivid memories of her own childhood. “That’s what makes Navratri so beautiful – it’s festive, spiritual, and profoundly uniting,” she concludes.