Navaratri

Friends,

Navaratri is around the corner..I'm getting organized for it, buying favors for the ladies and kids.  We have to fix the padi(கொலு படி) to arrange the dolls. Navartri means 'nava'- nine and 'ratri'- nights. It is celebrated in honor of Goddess Shakthi and her various incarnations.  It is celebrated differently in various parts of India.  Gujratis associate Navaratri to Dandya and Graba Ras. Bengalis celebrate Durga Puja in this season.  In TamilNadu, people celebrate this season by keeping Golu(கொலு). 

During Golu, we arrange variety of dolls on steps specially made for this purpose. The steps have to be in odd number. Typically, the first couple steps from the top are arranged with idols of Gods, like Ashta Lakshmi, Dasavatharam,etc. The next couple steps are reserved for puranas or sants. Then, human life, depicting marriage, economy,etc. It is like this to show that man has to evolve from human tendency to divinity.

Golu is more a social occasion than a religious one.  Women and kids are invited to see golu. Girls are expected to sing devotional songs.  The first 3 days are for Devi Durga, next 3 days are special to Devi Lakshmi, followed by 3 days devoted to Devi Saraswathi. The 9th day is Saraswathi Pooja. Students thank Saraswathi for her grace. Skilled workers thank Devi for their skills.  The 10th day is called Vijaya Dashami.  This is an auspicious day to start education for little kids. Children learning music, and arts, visit their gurus to pay their respect and start a new lesson. kids.

On these nine days, people make a sundal(சுண்டல்) with dry beans. Each day has its own special beans.  The women and kids who come to see the golu are given goody bags. Women are also given turmeric, kumkum, betel leaf and nut with flower and fruit.

So.. ladies and kids enjoy this golu season..