The nine days and nights of Navratri are dedicated to Mother Goddess. The
celebrations of the festival include fasts, strictly vegetarian diet, japa
(chanting mantras in honor of the Goddess Shakti) and recitation of religious
hymns, prayer, meditation and sacred texts related to Goddess Durga. Navratri is
celebrated twice a year - once in the month of Chaitra (April-May) and again in
the month of Ashwin (September-October). On both the occasions, nine different
forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. In the September-October celebrations,
the main ritual consists of placing images of the Goddess in homes and temples.
On the tenth day, the idol is immersed in water. Numerous other celebrations are
also associated with Navratri festival. Let us know more about the celebrations
of Navratri.
Navaratri Celebrations
Bengal
During Navratri, Bengalis in India worship huge idols of the Goddess, perform
devotional songs and dances and finally take out grand processions on the tenth
day, when the idols are immersed in water. The last four days of the festival
are most important for them. People worship pre-pubescent young girls, known as
'kanyas', as the embodiments of Goddess Durga. 'Ayudha Puja' is performed on the
ninth day, where one worships the tools, implements of their livelihood and
places it on the altar of the Goddess for her blessings of success and
prosperity. Even children place their study books and writing tools on the altar
and the families spend whole day in contemplation of the Goddess. On the tenth
day of Dussehra, devotees perform 'Saraswati Puja' for blessings of knowledge
and mental peace. During Navratri, thousands of devotees visit Dakshineswar Kali
Temple in Kolkota, West Bengal.
Gujarat
In Gujarat, Navratri is a community event, where people perform devotional songs
and dances that are popular by the names of 'Dandiya Raas' and 'Garba Raas', and
observe Jaagran (waking through the night), to please the Goddess. Amba Mata
Temple at Junagarh, Gujarat, is a favorite pilgrim for devotees, during Navratri.
Here, painted earthen pots are used to represent the Goddess and Garba dances
are performed by the Gujarati women around those pots, in circles. The pots are
valued as the abode of the Goddess. The Rasa has its origin in the life scenes
of Lord Krishna and is associated with the agricultural rites, while Garba is
performed only by men and is related with the agricultural fertility.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Goddess Durga is worshipped continuously for nine days of
Navratri. On the tenth day, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped and on this day,
school-going children worship the tantrik symbol of the goddess for her blessing
in their studies. This day is also considered auspicious to begin any new thing
or to buy new ornaments. Puja is performed on each day of Navratri and devotees
offer the flower garland to the idol or image of the goddess Durga. In Mumbai,
people visit various temples including the Ayyappa Temple at Goregaon.
Kashmir
In Kashmir, Hindu minorities of Kashmiri Pandits celebrate Navratri. People
generally observe fast for nine days and stay on water and fruits or eat the
food specifically made for the fast, only in the evening. They usually visit the
temple of their guardian goddess Kheer Bhawani, on all nine days of Navratri.
Aarti is held on the last day of Navratri at the temple and it is only after
which, people break their fast. Many devotees also go to the mountain cave of
the Vaishno Devi Temple, during Navratri.
Kerala
In Kerala, there is a tradition of beginning of formal education for every child
aged 3-5 years on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja. On Ashtami, according
to the custom, tools are not used and are worshiped on this day. Goddess
Saraswati is honored by worshiping the books and records at home, on Navami.
Thousands of devotees visit Saraswati temple at Kottayam, during Navratri, to
take a dip in the mysterious holy pond. People also visit the famous temples at
Thekkegram (Palghat).
Mysore, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh
In Mysore, Chamundi, the royal deity of the Mysore royalty is worshipped during
Navratri, with pomp and pageantry. There is a magnificent procession of
elephants, horses, chariots and costumed attendants on the tenth day, when
Maharaja goes to worship the hilltop temple of the goddess. In Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, women arrange 'Bommai Kolu', a special placing of
dolls decorated with flowers and ornaments on specially prepared steps. Nine
young 'kanyas' or virgins are offered new clothes and sweets. The married women
share flowers, kumkum and snacks among themselves. Thus, Navratri is celebrated
in almost every region of India, with little difference. |
|
