Festivity,Fun and Frolic

Being Navarathri season,it has really been a memorable nine days for us at home. Though all festivals imply on family gatherings and being united,this truly implies the social gathering. We have guests from all over who come to our house to watch the golu and get sundal. A long time indeed for all to visit different places,unlike other festivals. A brief history of Navarathri:
Navaratri (nine nights) is one of the greatest Hindu festivals. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Navratri takes place at the beginning of October around harvest time and, as the name implies, this festival is celebrated for nine days. Navratri is also known as Durga Puja. During this period, Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshipped as three different manifestations of Shakti, or cosmic energy. 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.

So this year I personally had a lot of good memories,going to different places and also welcoming people home. Making people sing in-front of the deity and relishing the delicious sundal everyday. It all ended with Saraswati Puja where all books are kept at the God's feet for blessings(much to the enthusiasm of kids who don't have to study that day) and the next day is Vijayadasami when the books are given out to study and any new art is taught. It is also considered an auspicious day for starting any new venture.