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Navarathiri/Dussehra -
the colourful Indian festival
Navarathiri celebrations begin from the 28 of September, 2000.
Navarathiri (the nine nights) is the worship of the three
Goddesses Lakshmi, Parvathi and Saraswathi. The nine nights
are grouped into three each for the worship of the three Goddesses.
In some parts of the country it is marked for the worship of Goddess Kali.
In the south these nine days are celebrated with 'kolu' -
arrangement of clay dolls on nine steps - and ladies and
children visit each others' homes. The dolls range from
the Gods to animals and birds. It is said that these clay
dolls signify the source from which all creatures come from
and the end that they have to return to - From dust to dust -
The whole cosmos is represented - from the Gods to inanimate
things on the earth.
The tenth day 'Vijaya Dasami' is an auspicious day and any new
venture is undertaken on this day.
'Dussehra' as it is called in the northern parts of India
marks the death of Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama. The
scene is depicted on the 'Rama Lila' grounds in the Capital
city of Delhi. Three huge effigies of Ravana, Kumbakarna
and Indrajit are made.
The epic Ramayana is enacted on stage in this ground. On
the tenth day the killing of these three 'asuras' is enacted.
At Premika Bhavanam 'kolu' is arranged and 'Moola Paaraayanam'
(reading from the original Text) of Ramayanam and 'Chatur Veda
Paaraayanam' done all these nine days. Upanyaasam is conducted
in the evenings.
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