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| Happy Navaratri 2021 .freepik.com |
Navratri or Navaratri (''Sanskrit''; a synchrony of two words: ''nava'' meaning nine and “ratri” meaning night) is an important annual Hindu festival celebrated with religious fervor across India. This festival celebrated to honor feminine divinity is a long-drawn one - 9 days during the Tamil month of Puratasi (month of Asvin; Sept. to October). The festival comes to an end on the 10 day called Vijayadashami (Dussehra). Sharad Navratri or just Navaratri that comes in the early autumn (fall) season assumes much importance among other four kinds of Navaratris – Chaitra Navratri, Paush Navratri, Magha Navratri, and Sharad Navratri – celebrated in India throughout the year. It is observed in the bright half of the Hindu Lunar month Ashwin.
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| Durga Puja, Kolkata, WB. makemytrip.com |
In West Bengal and in other NE Indian states this festival goes by the name of ''Durga Puja.'' Goddess Durga fought ferociously with demon Mahishasura (half human and half buffalo with enormous mystical power) and defeated him. The day is marked to worship and honor the Goddess. The first day of the festival, Mahalaya, begins with remembering Goddess Durga and the final day marks the end of the period of Shradhh or Pitri-Paksha. In the northern and western Indian states this festival marks the Victory of Sri Rama (an avatar of Sri Vishnu) over the demon king of Lanka (Sri Lanka) Ravana.
During the navaratri celebrations the nine nights are dedicated to different aspects of feminine divinity, the main goddess being shakti. The worship of Goddess Durga or Shakti represents the energy of the universe in her nine different forms (Shaktism). In the state of Tamil Nadu, the first three days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, next three days to Goddess Durga or Parashakti and the final thee days to Goddess Saraswati - Goddess of knowledge. So, the mode of celebration and tradition may vary among various regions, but the moral is this festival symbolizes victory of the good over the evil or dark forces.
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| Navaratri Golu, south India.artofliving.org |
Devout Hindus during the festivities go on a fast, they may skip the dinner (fasting is good for the health during early Winter months). Others engage in bhajan activities, watch devotional music or dance recitals. Invariably, in the south at most Hindu homes there will be a display of dolls mostly gods and goddesses for nine days called Golu. They are on display on specially made Golu Padi consisting of nine cascading steps, mostly made of wood. In many families they display dolls that have been kept for generations. The size of golu padi may vary from a large one to small one depending on the space available. Hindus normally in the Tamil month of Puratasi partake only of strict vegetarian food and avoid alcoholic beverages.
In the last couple of years the Navaratri festival was celebrated in a simple manner across India, no pomp and show on account of COVID -19 pandemic risks. This year also it will be a simple one as people are afraid to take risk mixing with large crowds.
As part of festivities in the NE states, on the sixth day, the goddess is welcomed into homes of people and pandals put up by them in public places; 8th day is known as Ashtami and on the ninth day called Navami, devotees of Maa Durga invite young girls for Devi Prasadam and Kanya Puja. The celebrations continue for the next few days and on the 10th day (Vijayadashami) the idol of goddess is taken reverentially to the nearest water body for immersion. During these days, devotees spend lots of money and put up a richly decorated make-shift pandal / shed with illumination at certain public places in the cities and towns. They offer free food/ Bhojanam to the needy. Throughout these nine days, people worship different avatars of goddess Durga. Here are the nine incarnations of goddess Durga. Goddess Shailputri, Goddess Shailputri is the first manifestation of Goddess Durga, Goddess Brahmacharini, Goddess Chandraghanta, Goddess Kushmanda, Goddess Skandmata, Goddess, Goddess Katyayani Goddess Kaalratri and Goddess Mahagauri.
It is to be borne in mind, not withstanding the fact the concept of Durga Puja and Navaratri is same, there exists an overlap between timing of both festivals. As for rituals and observances of these festivals, they differ significantly.
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| Burning the effigy of Ravana, Ramlila,alamy.com |
Above image: On the 10th day of Navaratri, as part of Ramlila the effigy of demon Ravana is burnt to ashes, symbolizing victory of the good over evil forces. Due to air pollution many northern towns and cities follow strict regulation about burning effigies or firing crackers during festivities................................
In the northern states in places like Delhi etc., the mythological tale of Lord Rama ''Ramlila'' - a nine-day celebration is observed by enacting on stage various episodes from the Ramayana. On the last day -10th when Rama ‘kills’ Ravana with his bow, the festival comes to an end by burning effigies of Ravana and his brothers Meghnad and Kumbhakaran. During the festival, people dress up in traditional clothing offer regular prayer and observe fasts.
The navaratri festival that falls in either September or October is held to honor the nine forms of Goddess Shakti / Devi. (The final three days of Navarathri – Durgashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadashami are set apart for the worship of Goddess Saraswati – the Goddess of wisdom and learning. Students keep their books and other study materials in the pooja room and workers worship their vocational tools and won't work on that day. This type of worship called Ayudha Pooja is widespread across the southern states
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| Mysuru Dasara, KA thehindu.com |
In the city of Mysore (Mysuru), Karnataka the Navaratri festival/ Dasara is a ten day gala event which brings out the grandeur of Karnataka in its full glory. The historical significance of this festival in Mysuru dates back to 16th century. The royal members of former Mysore ruling class -Wodeyar family actively participate in this festival. On the ten day -Vijayadashami day there will be a procession of caparisoned elephants (Jambu Savari) accompanied by traditional dances, musicals, display of special skills, etc. Through out the festivities there will be illumination of lights covering vast areas including the main palace. Goddess Chamundeswari (goddess Durga) is worshipped by the royal members and others. This year the pride of Mysore, Dasara festival events will be very much restricted to the minimum and people can enjoy the events only virtually due to COVID -19 restriction by the state government.
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| vidhyarambham, Kerala mesofindia.indiatimes.com |
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| Koothanoor Maha Saraswat temple, near Thruvarur, TN.tripadvisor.in |
In the state of Tamil Nadu Koothanur Maha Saraswathi Temple (built by Rajaraja Chola II;associated with Tamil poet Ottakoothanar) in the town of Koothanur (Tiruvarur district) Vijayadasami is the most popular festival and many people come here for Vidhyarambham. Before taking tough exams students visit this temple to seek the blessings from the deity for success . It is the only temple in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Navr
https://www.keralatourism.org/event/navarathri-festival/80
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