सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणी नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Salutations to Goddess Narayani , the auspicious among the auspicious, the fulfiller of all objectives, the refuge of all, and consort of the three-eyed Lord...
Navaratri is the celebration of the goddesses , of Maa Shakti, the divine energy in all her forms, whether Lakshmi, Durga, Saraswati or Ambe Mata. Beginning with Ghatasthapana and culminating in Vijayadashami, it is a time when the entire country immerses itself in devotion, festivity, and the triumph of good over evil.
Festivals in India each have their own charm, but the splendour, vigour and vitality associated with Navaratri makes it altogether unique. The Durga Puja of Bengal or Garba of Gujarat is famed across the country. As a child, I experienced the grandeur of Durga Puja at the Bengali Association in Bhusawal railway colony. I eagerly awaited not just the puja but also the bhog of begoon bhaja, payesh, and other delicacies.
At home and in Tamilnadu, Navaratri means “Golu” , also known as Bommai Golu , the creative display of idols and dolls on odd-numbered steps, be it three, five, seven or more. Setting up the steps, arranging the idols, and decorating the space was sheer joy for me and my siblings. Visiting neighbours, singing, and sharing sundal (boiled lentils) added to the festive warmth.
After marriage, I continued this tradition with my mother-in-law. Her passing in 2001 left a void, but a few years later I felt drawn to revive Golu. That was twenty-one years ago and it has since become a cherished part of our lives. Navaratri also blessed us with our son, Vishnuchittan, now twenty, whose life has grown alongside two decades of Golu celebrations at home. Each year has been special, filled with camaraderie, joy, and divine grace.
Across India, Navaratri is celebrated with different hues, Durga Puja in the east, Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat, Golu or Batukhamma in the south, and Ram Lila in the north. The message in all these celebrations remains the same, the victory of light over darkness. So Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura and Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana symbolize the same eternal truth that ultimately darkness gives way to light.
Navaratri also has a day devoted to Saraswati Pooja , a day for students to seek blessings of the Goddess of knowledge, and for artisans and workers to worship their instruments in Ayudha Pooja. It is a reminder that wisdom and work when guided by devotion become purposeful and sacred.
Yet Navaratri is not only about rituals, it is also about renewal. Each night can be the start of something “new.” Just as Ravana’s effigy is burned on Dashera, we too can burn away anger, grudges, and negativity. We can pledge to give up harmful habits, embrace eco-friendly living and protect our Matrubhumi , our motherland and planet. Planting trees, reducing waste, and nurturing harmony can be our true offerings to the Goddess.
This Navaratri, let us not only celebrate with joy, dance, music and devotion, but also resolve to live with greater purpose for our families, our communities, and our world.
May this festival bring prosperity, peace, and new beginnings into all our lives.
Happy Navaratri !
ॐ सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः ।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् ॥
May all be happy, may all be free from illness, may all see only good, may none suffer or be in sorrow.
R.Vimala, IAS,
Resident Commissioner, Maharashtra,
Compassionate Civil Servant &
PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay
No comments:
Post a Comment