India, Oct. 1 -- Navratri is deeply tied to actor Pratibha Rannta's childhood memories, family traditions and spiritual beliefs. "Navratri really takes me back to my childhood in Shimla. I would eagerly wait for it because I'd go to people's houses, eat delicious food, and they would give me gifts and money. By the end of Navratri, I would sit and count how much I made and feel so rich, even if it was just Rs.500." Coming from a deeply spiritual family, she explains that this period has always been auspicious, a time for new beginnings, prayers, and blessings. "If I want to start anything new, I wait for this time because I know I'll have all the blessings around me," she says. Moving from the hills to Mumbai, a cultural melting pot, she experienced the vibrant Gujarati Navratri with its colourful garba and dandiya dances. "In Shimla, dandiya wasn't really a thing. It was so new to me when I came here. I saw people passionately dressing up, taking classes, and even having different outfits for each night. One of my friend's families, who are Gujaratis, do that, and it was such a beautiful cultural difference for me to witness. I would join my friends, go play, and even if I ended up sweaty and tired, it was always fun," she recalls. However, fasting is challenging for her due to her hectic schedule: "My grandparents explained that fasting teaches patience, but with my lifestyle, I can't stay hungry. I've only fasted on the final day of Navratri. I get too angry without food!"...