Navaratri
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Navaratri is a festival that lasts nine days and nine nights. The word "Navaratri"
actually means nine (Nava) nights (ratri). This is celebrated in different styles throughout
India. Navaratri occurs during the first 9 days of the bright half of the month of Aashwayuja
in the Indian calendar. The most significant part of Navaratri is the setting up an odd number
of steps (usually 7, 9, or 11), and the placement of different idols of Gods on them. This setup
is called a "Golu". Generally, when people come to a person's house to see their Golu, they are
given prasad (the offering given to God that day), kumkum (red powder), and a small bag of gifts
usually containing a mirror, a comb, a small box of kumkum, and fruits. These are only given to
girls and married women. This is chiefly a woman's festival.
Navaratri is the worship of the three divine goddesses, Saraswati (Goddess of learning and speech),
Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity), and Durga (Goddess of strength and courage). It is also
said to be the battle that occurred between Goddess Chaamundeshwari and the asura (demon), Mahishaasura.
The battle lasted 9 days and 9 nights. Finally, on the tenth day, Goddess Chaamundeshwari killed
Mahishaasura."---www.library.thinkquest.org
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Held at a devotee's house, the atmosphere was a mixture of peace and passion as we celebrated
Navaratri. Right before the 108 names began the light suddenly went out leaving twinkling candles
illuminating Amma's picture and moon like face. The 108 names preceded to the thousand names and
Ayigiri Nandini. The chanting became even more devotional and powerful after each verse, the sounds
vibrating in the atmosphere.
"Ayi girinandini nanditamedini vishvavinodini nandanute
Girivara vindhya shirodhinivaasini vishhnuvilaasini jishhnunute
Bhagavati he shitikanthakutumbini bhuuri kutumbini bhuuri krite
Jaya jaya he mahishhaasuramardini ramyakapardini shailasute"
Every single person in the room seemed to be singing with a full heart of devotion.
Amma says chanting and singing of the divine name with devotion not only purifies the person
but the people around, the air and nature. The wind was fierce, as it rippled through the grass
and trees with divine strength. Looking out it seemed to be a ferocious storm. Quite a number of
leaves circled the sky in frenzy and came crashing to the ground. To anyone outside it may seem
like an ordinary wind storm, but to those in the candle lit room, it felt as though mother nature
was joining in, offering her own prostrations to the feet of our Divine mother, with her enchanting dance.
The celebrations ended with Arati. The flame circulated around lighting up the beautifully
decorated altar and Golu with its delicately placed idols. Amma's picture hung above as jasmine
flower garlands graced Her, She seemed to be smiling at each of us, blessing us with her grace.
After asking to bless the world with peace and love, the celebrations ended leading to a delicious
dinner during which the lights came back followed by a round of clapping and smiles.
This day which started normal, ended with a beautiful new peace enhancing the air. This was not a
celebration to be missed and to be able to celebrate it with our dear Amma in mind is a sure blessing.
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Navaratri
