Navaratri is just round the corner and it is a very special festival for Hindus. The whole of India celebrates Navratri in different ways and it is the most awaited festival for the ladies.
Navaratri is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil by Goddess Durga . The festival is spread across 9 nights and 10 days hence the name Nav Ratri (Nav is 9 and Ratri is night) .
The last day is celebrated as Dussehra or Dassera, a day that is considered very auspicious to start anything new .
As I already said each region in India celebrates Navaratri in different ways and the ladies thoroughly enjoy this festival .
Read the full blog to know how various regions celebrate Navratri across our country.
Devi is worshipped by chanting Chandi Paath/ Havan ,devi Mahatmyam etc. Most ladies fast for the 9 days and break their fast on Navami .
The Ashtami Day is celebrated as Kanya Puja where young girls who haven't attained Puberty are called home and worshipped as an Incarnation of lord Durga ma and offered with Prasadam and small gifts like Bindi , chunri , mehendi etc. Prasad on Ashtami is Poori ,Halwa and Kala Channa .
In Gujarat , a decorated earthen pot called Garba is placed with a lamp lit inside which is kept as Akhand Diya for all 9 days ..this Garba is symbolic of the womb and the word is derived from the Sanskrit word "Garbh". There is a belief that just as the mother protects the baby in the womb, Ambe Maa is the protector of the world and she protects us from the wordly wrath.
Bengal and Eastern India is known for its Durga Puja Utsav during Navratri and the massive pandals that are set up all over the city which have huge and beautiful idols of Durga Maa sculpted to perfection and on the day of Dassera after the Pooja ,the idols are immersed in water bodies
In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka ladies set up Golu ,which is a display of dolls of various Gods and Goddesses and also other mythological characters. Social themes are also displayed and lot of contests are conducted to applaud and recognize the hard work . The 9 nights of Navratri are dedicated for Durga ,Lakshmi and Saraswati . The 9th Day is celebrated as Saraswati Pooja / Ayudha Pooja in Tamil Nadu ..to know more about how it is celebrated, read my post on Saraswati Pooja Special.
What is Golu / Bomma Kolu / Bombe Habba ?
GOLU is a display of Dolls arranged on steps like structure which are odd in number like 1 , 3, 5 , 7 , 9 steps etc .
Traditionally beautifully colored clay dolls of various Gods and Goddess & Mythological story related dolls would be on the display and these dolls are handed down from generations. Carefully packed and stored for use year on year.
Slowly, with social awareness and creativity, dolls with social themes also got added to the collection and people who display golu started presenting various themes to bring related to current affairs and social responsibilities.
Sundal is a simple stir fry using various beans and legumes . A very good source of protein and energy.
Refer to the collection of recipes below which I am linking for your easy reference
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