Happy Navaratri !!
Navaratri Festival :
The word Navratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped. The 10th day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.(courtesy: Wikipedia):First 3 Nights : Worshiping of Goddess Durga (Goddess who destroy Evil spirits)
Middle 3 Nights:Worshiping of Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of health,wealth)
Last 3 Nights :Worshiping of Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge) In Navratri time some people Mostly in North side Perform Vrat (fasting) for their better wealth and prosperity. During that time they will have only fruits,Milk and sweets no rice or wheat foods.
Custom of Navratri Golu
During the festival of Navratri in South India, it is customary in the states of Tamil Nadu, to display a "Kolu" This is an exhibition of various dolls and figurines in odd (usually 7, 9, or 11) numbered tiers ("padis"). On the occasion of this festival people visit another person's house and invite them for the Golu. The people who are coming to see Golu will be served with Prasad which is already (Nivedyam) offered to god and small packet of Kumkum, Turmeric even some people use to give small mirror for sumangalis that is married women, adult girls and especially small girls gifted with bindhi(sticker),chocolates, and small items like hairclips and accessories which they need . It is a traditional practice to have at least some wooden dolls. There should also be a figurine of a boy and a girl together called 'Marapacchi' Bommai. In the Evening time of navratri people who are coming to home can chat, sing bhajans and any other devotional songs to please god.On the occasion of 8 th day saraswati pooja will be celebrated for Good education and prosperity in life during that period people should not read or write. on the eve of 9 th day Vijayadashmi,dhasara People wake up in early morning took bath,pray lord saraswati some people even go to temples and start their studies . Kids who were join in school were allow to write "OM"in rice for good education in future ,vijayadashmi is wonderful day to start our all new things.
Navratri in my House:
We have celebrated this festival by keeping series of 3 steps this time we did it small due to space constraint. First step consists of a big statue of Lord krishna followed by 3 devis lakshmi ,durga and saraswathi followed by 2 steps consists of Lord krishna with Radha and gopiers, 3 steps consists of Lord Balaji and Alamelu manga thayar.
Chettiyar shop:
In traditional practice we use to keep chettiyar family(with shop) with all provision items such as Rice,tamarind, urad ,thoor dhal simply a shop consists of Grocery items .
National Park:We also construct parks which is surrounded by all kind of animals (doll) building and swimming pool with duck and ducklings in that. We also arranged bench and chair in park for refreshment (lol).My detail picture of Golu will depict the same .
