Hindus Celebrate Women's Strength

          In October the Hindu American community is celebrating navaratri and the strength of women. Navaratri means nine nights. During those nine nights, Hindus invoke the energy aspect of God in the form of the universal mother, known as Durga, Devi or Shakti. 

"Why mother; why not father?", you may ask. Let me just say that we believe that God's glory, his cosmic energy, his greatness and supremacy can best be depicted as the motherhood aspect of God. Just as a child finds all these qualities in his or her mother, similarly, all of us look upon God as mother. In fact, Hinduism is the only religion in the world, which gives so much importance to the mother aspect of God because we believe that mother is the creative aspect of the absolute. 

          Among the events recommended are ShaktiSeva, to highlight women's strength and energy and to ensure that American women and girls are treated fairly in all matters of public policy. Hindus are urged to honor the Deities, Folk Heroes, Activists, Writers, Artists, Innovators, Politicians....the women, who inspire you, help other women, and learn more about issues affecting women such as domestic violence.