Text and Pix By:~ Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
or nine nights as it is known, refers to one of the important festivals
celebrated by the Hindus since time immemorial. The festival is celebrated from16th
to 24th October.
The festival is dedicated to three Goddesses ~
Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathy respectively. Mother Goddess is invoked as a
powerful force as Goddess Durga is celebrated for three
consecutive nights for her courage and valour, while she is adored as Goddess
Lakshmi for the next three nights for granting the boon of wealth and
bounty. During the final three days, she is worshipped as Goddess Saraswathy for
her innate wisdom and for bestowing the gift of learning.
This year, only eight days are dedicated to the
Goddesses , three for Goddess Durga, three for Goddess Lakshmi and two for
Goddess Saraswathy according to the Tamil Almanac.
Poojas” are held at many places including schools, houses and temples.
Books, and professional tools are kept in front of the Goddess Saraswathy statues
to invoke blessings.
a traditional display of idols and statues associated with worship. An array of
idols and statues are beautifully displayed on a nine- step rack like a dais. “Vadai”, sweetened rice flakes and
tempered chick peas are offered to the Goddess during the “Navaraathri” festival.
Legend has it that a demon king known as “Mahisaasuran” has been causing untold
hardships to the “Thevars”. Ill
treated “Thevars” complained to the
Mother Goddess. She assured to bring an end to the evil spirit. Then, Mother
Goddess commenced a fast for ten consecutive days, and at the end of the tenth
day, she destroyed the demon king “Mahisaasuran”.
The Mother Goddess thereafter became known as “Mahisaasura Marthini.
is celebrated in praise of the divine
spirit of the Mother Goddess”, says Nagarajah Kurrukkal ,the Chief Priest of Naattukkottai
Nagaraththaar, popularly known as the
New Kathiresan temple, in Bambalapitty.
Tots are taught
how to write their first words on “Vijayathasami” day, which falls on the
day after of “Saraswathy Pooja”. “Vijayathasami”
is an auspicious day to initiate learning for children. The first letters are either
drawn on rice, which is often the practice or paddy with the right index finger.
Temples, houses, schools and business premises are
decorated with colourful fresh flower garlands alongwith many traditional
decorations. Devotees partake of vegetarian meals during the “Navaraathri” festival and throng the
temple at twilight. Cultural events are held at dusk fall to celebrate the spirit
of the three goddesses.
is also a celebration of courage and valour, the defeating of evil and
negativity, not just externally, but within each individual.
These photos were captured at a “Navaraathri” celebrations at Saiva
Mangaiya Kazhagam in Wellawatte.
" ~ traditional design made with coloured rice
" ~ Traditional lamp is lit during the festival
Beautifully decorated "Kolu
" for "Navaraathri
" festival is on display
Traditional welcome to celebrate the Goddess
Celebration of courage, wealth and wisdom
It's a rare occasion women are allowed to perform Hindu religious rituals
Sweetened rice flakes, tempered chick peas and "Vadai
" traditionally offered on a fresh banana leaf
Decorated deities on display
Students and teachers take part in special religious rituals
Sweetened rice flakes traditionally offered on a fresh banana leaf
Traditional worship to invoke blessings
Tempered chick peas traditionally offered on a fresh banana leaf
Enchanting decorations for the celebration
Traditionally offered "Vadai" on a fresh banana leaf
Singing of devotional songs dedicated to the goddesses
Courtesy: CEYLON TODAY