Chennai celebrates Navratri

by aarti

September 30th is the day when the nine-day festival called Navaratri, Navrathri and Dasara begins for those in Chennai. Just as how North India believes the war between Ram and Ravana went on for nine days, the South believes this is the time to worship different forms of Goddess Shakti (the Mother Goddess).

Ladies first clean up the house to welcome the Goddess into their homes, and proceed to put fresh kolams (rangoli) at the entrance, and in the puja room twice every day.
The highlight of the festival is the “Golu”, which is the arrangement of dolls across nine steps in all homes. Dolls ranging from Gods, Goddesses, also spans towards some famous figurines like the Thalai aati bommai (a dancing lady) Marapachi dolls (male and female pairs of dolls) few of Ganesha in different poses and other such interesting dolls. Alongside the Golu, there is usually a cricket field, or a park created with miniature toys and dolls.

The festival comes to an end on the 9th day which is the Saraswathi Puja. The tenth day is ofcourse the Vjayadasami, an auspicious day for studying, which is when most children begin their 1st day at school. The festival signifies power, wealth, prosperity and knowledge.

Activities:
Going by the age old tradition, women and children are invited home during these nine days, and given prasadam (sundal, made with various pulses, and daals of different varieties), kum-kum, blouse piece, beetle nut and leaf along wit a small gift. It is considered auspicious to do this, and said to bring more fortune to the house hosting the Golu. Ladies sing songs, enjoy the Golu, spend a bit of time and make their way to the next venue.

There are workshops, and activities happening across the city during the Navaratri season. Since most schools are out, places like Bamboola (with Tulika) conducts a special art, craft and cooking course, and it is open to children between 6 and 16years of age.

Shopping:
Shopping for the Golu dolls begins about a week ahead of the Navaratri festival – some even buy the steps fresh every year. Some of the dolls kept in the Golu have been passed down from generation to generation, and ofcourse a few will be bought new. Stores in Pondy Bazaar, Mylapore and T.Nagar are where people throng to buy these dolls.

Poompuhar is a place where Navaratri Golu dolls exhibition takes place every year. Dolls from across the country, made of clay, terracotta, plaster of Paris and various metals are kept on display. People not only come to enjoy them, but also take it home to add to their collection of Golu’s.

Usha’s a leading saree store offers a new range of sarees and blouses, announcing a discount starting from Navaratri till Diwali. DakshinaChitra , the handicraft haven comes alive with the Navaratri celebrations, with a Golu, activities for those visiting the place, and food that reflects true south Indian style.

Food:
Southern Aromas at residency Towers is the place to visit to savour traditional specialities. Every year, during Navaratri, they host this food festival. Staff adorning traditional outfits brings out mouth watering dishes which are from each region in Tamil Nadu. Apart from this, Adyar Ananda Bhavan and Sree Krishna Sweets introduce a new range of sweets and savouries that will leave you wanting more.

Temples:
At the infamous Kalikambal Temple , Navaratri and vasanta Navaratri are celebrated with grand fervour, inviting quite a crowd. This year will mark the sixth year when the Navaratri festival of Sathguru Sathsangam is celebrated at Sri Agastheeswarar temple at Villivakkam. The Sringeri Sharada Mutt at West Mambalam also celebrates Navaratri by changing the decorations on the Goddess daily, based on the different avatars and distributing prasadams to all the devotees. The same is carried out at the Shri Saradha Peetham Venkatnarayana Road. The 12th day is unique with the Shakambari Alangaram, where the Goddess is decorated using Fruits and vegetables.
So get ready to have some fun!

source: http://www.asklaila.com