Navaratri symbolises the celebration of womanhood and the strength we embody: Chandana Ananthakrishna

For as long as I can remember, Navaratri has been one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in my maternal home. And it is Amma (my mother) who makes it so special. Much like the goddess who radiates joy and blessings, my mother infuses our Navaratri with warmth and happiness,” shares actor, singer, and danseuse Chandana Ananthakrishna, who spent her formative years in Tumakuru.

PERFORMANCES AND MEMORIES
“Navaratri was a time when I would travel from Tumakuru to Bengaluru to perform. Since childhood, I’ve always been drawn to the performing arts — singing, dancing, or playing the veena. Travelling with my mother to different places during the festival was such a joy. Performing in Bengaluru felt prestigious, while Mysuru’s star nights hold a special place in my heart. This season has always meant classical music, art, and performance to me,” she recalls. Alongside the performances, Chandana treasures memories of her mother’s gombe arrangement — dolls displayed with devotion and creativity. This year, the festival is especially meaningful, as it’s her first after marriage. “Ee sali (this year) it will be at ammana mane (my maternal home). Next year onwards, it will be at my in-laws’ home,” she says.

BEYOND FESTIVITIES: FOOD, DANCE, AND WOMANHOOD
What makes Navaratri special, Chandana believes, is its depth and symbolism. “I love this festival because it’s an amalgamation of amazing food, the celebration of womanhood, and an abundance of music and dance. We often take our festivals for granted, but when you look into their origins, you see how thoughtfully they were shaped,” she says. As a Bharatanatyam dancer, she began to see the profound layers of meaning behind traditions. “Navaratri celebrates the nine avatars of the goddess. In the north, garba dance — symbolising the womb — honours creation; while in the south, gombe habba, the festival of dolls, represents the essence of womanhood. I feel truly blessed to celebrate traditions that bring together food, music, dance, spirituality, and above all, the power of women in our incredible country," she explains.