Hindus Throng Temples to Offer Dussehra Prayers

October 22, 2004

New Delhi, INDIA (Oct. 22, 2004): Hindu devotees thronged temples in

New Delhi on Friday to offer final prayers on the ninth and last day

of the ongoing Navratra festival, which is dedicated to the Goddess Durga.

On Thursday evening, crowds had gathered at beautifully illuminated

temples that had been adorned with flowers and glittering earthen

lamps. Offerings of sweets and fruits were made on the occasion.

The Navratra festival falls on the ninth day of the moonlit fortnight

in October-November and marks the end of eight days of fasting

observed as a mark of respect for the Goddess. Hindus believe that

fasting and simple living during the Navratras ensures a communion

with God and a place in heaven.

"People fast during these nine days which brings them closer to the

Goddess, it allows them to be one with the divine itself," Srinivas

Garuna, a priest said.

"The Goddess blesses us. During these nine days she stays with us,

amongst us and bestows us with her blessing and do all we can to

honour her, "added Vipin Kumar Sharma, a devotee.

It is also observed as a day of thanksgiving to the Almighty and every

Hindu household across the country offers the first meal of the day to

Durga before distributing it amongst little girls who are believed to

be an incarnation of the Goddess.

Celebrated as Durga Puja in the east and Navratra in the north, the

nine-day festival is amongs the biggest in India as cities, towns and

villages all come alive with celebrations during which thousands of

glittering tents are put up as makeshift temples and dances and

revelry are held every night.

Legend has it that the "Asuras" or demons from the nether world

invaded Heaven after a hundred year-long war. The Hindu trinity of

Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu created the Goddess Durga to vanquish the

demons.

Source: ANI, India News

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