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.