Mumbai: For actor Kislay Dutt, Navratri is about more than mythology, rituals, and celebrations. He sees the festival’s message of good overcoming evil as something that can be applied to everyday life, from dealing with self-doubt and pressure to choosing empathy and integrity. “For me, ‘good over evil’ isn’t just an abstract mythological story; it’s a very practical daily choice,” he said.
He believes that in today’s world, the idea of evil does not necessarily appear in an obvious form. “In the modern world, ‘evil’ rarely shows up as a monster; it usually comes in the form of inner friction: doubt, ego, impatience, burnout, or letting short-term pressure compromise your long-term ethics,” he said. “Victory over evil today simply means choosing discipline over laziness, choosing empathy when it’s easy to react angrily, and keeping your inner integrity intact no matter how chaotic things get around you,” he added.
He describes it as an ongoing effort to stay grounded. “It’s an everyday mental effort to let light win over doubt. It’s the aroma of fresh prasad drifting through the house on Ashtami morning, watching Mom tirelessly busy in the kitchen preparing hot pooris, chana, and halwa for the Kanya Pujan,” he said. The tradition of welcoming young girls into the home remains especially vivid for him. “The excitement of welcoming young girls into our home with so much love and respect instantly transports me back. Beyond home, the absolute highlights were visiting the lively Durga Puja pandals, savoring the delicious bhog, and soaking in the grand festivities with family and friends,” he said.
Those moments continue to carry a sense of comfort for him. “No matter how quiet adult life gets, those days spent together surrounded by laughter and festive warmth always feel like home,” he said.
Among the traditions he would like to pass on to the next generation is Kanya Pujan, along with the practice of morning aarti with family. “I would love to pass on the tradition of Kanya Pujan and the quiet discipline of morning aarti with family. What makes Kanya Pujan so special to me isn’t just the festive aspect but the core message behind it: seeing the divine in everyone, respecting young girls, and sharing what you have with joy and humility,” he said.
He also believes these traditions can offer an important pause in an increasingly fast-paced world. “In a fast-paced world dominated by screens, taking a moment to sit down as a family, ground yourself in rituals, and practice gratitude is a value I’d definitely want future generations to hold onto,” he said.
For someone balancing a demanding career, celebrating festivals with family also gives him a chance to step away from work. “When you’re constantly juggling hectic schedules, long hours, and professional demands, festivals act as an essential reset button. Celebrating with family grounds you, it reminds you why you work so hard in the first place,” he said.
The simplest moments can often have the biggest impact. “Sitting together without discussing work, sharing a simple festive meal, and soaking in that unconditional warmth puts everything back into perspective. It reminds you that while professional success is important, family is the anchor that actually holds your life together,” he said.Ultimately, he sees resilience and inner strength as the most important lessons he carries from Navratri. “The biggest lesson Navratri teaches is resilience and belief in inner strength, Shakti. The nine days represent a gradual journey of overcoming darkness through focus, devotion, and steady effort,” he said.
That belief is something he returns to when life becomes challenging. “In everyday life, whenever I face setbacks, exhaustion, or complex challenges, I remind myself of that core principle: strength isn’t something you look for outside; it’s something you summon from within. Facing tough situations with grace, patience, and unshakeable inner power is the true essence of the festival I try to live by every day,” Kislay said.
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