Navaratri is the festival of nine nights: Nava: means nine while
ratri means nights). The first three nights are dedicated to Goddess
Durga (Goddess of Power), the next 3 to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of
Wealth) and the last 3 to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge).
In Tamilnadu Navrathri is celebrated by keeping a doll show (Bommai golu) at home and inviting neighbours, friends and relatives over. When guests come to see the Bommai golu, they are received with jasmin flowers, glass bangles, cooked sundal (usually chick peas), kungumam (vermillion powder) and a small gift in a bag.
I personally prefer giving small plants, that would enhance peoples garden.
In my house, we also offer the guests something to drink like buttermilk, panakam (jaggery drink) or aam panna (mango drink). We even invite bhajan and chanting groups to come and perform, during the 9 days...to add to the festivity and spiritual entertainment.
The 9th day is Saraswati Pooja. On this day students place their books in front of the golu kalasam while artist place their instruments (Veena, Violen, Flute or even Ghunguroo/Salangai) and worship Godess Saraswati to receive her blessings in their quest for knowledge in their chosen field.
The 9th day is also celebrated as Ayuda Pooja: a day to worship all the weapons on 'implements'. Traditionally on this day all the objects used in ones profession (for eg: farmers: plough, cart etc, other professionals: computers, vehicles etc) are cleaned and adorned flowers. Manjal and Kumkum are sprayed as a mark of auspiciousness.
The 10th day is Vijay Dasami. This is usually considered a very auspicious day to begin learning anything new. Most students who want to commence learning a new art form start their first class on this day. Students also pay their respects to their teachers on this day.
In Tamilnadu Navrathri is celebrated by keeping a doll show (Bommai golu) at home and inviting neighbours, friends and relatives over. When guests come to see the Bommai golu, they are received with jasmin flowers, glass bangles, cooked sundal (usually chick peas), kungumam (vermillion powder) and a small gift in a bag.
I personally prefer giving small plants, that would enhance peoples garden.
In my house, we also offer the guests something to drink like buttermilk, panakam (jaggery drink) or aam panna (mango drink). We even invite bhajan and chanting groups to come and perform, during the 9 days...to add to the festivity and spiritual entertainment.
The 9th day is Saraswati Pooja. On this day students place their books in front of the golu kalasam while artist place their instruments (Veena, Violen, Flute or even Ghunguroo/Salangai) and worship Godess Saraswati to receive her blessings in their quest for knowledge in their chosen field.
The 9th day is also celebrated as Ayuda Pooja: a day to worship all the weapons on 'implements'. Traditionally on this day all the objects used in ones profession (for eg: farmers: plough, cart etc, other professionals: computers, vehicles etc) are cleaned and adorned flowers. Manjal and Kumkum are sprayed as a mark of auspiciousness.
The 10th day is Vijay Dasami. This is usually considered a very auspicious day to begin learning anything new. Most students who want to commence learning a new art form start their first class on this day. Students also pay their respects to their teachers on this day.
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