Navarathiri in Tamil Nadu

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Navarathiri is celebrated in different ways in different parts of

India. In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated grandly like in the rest of

India.

 

During Navarathiri a 'gollu', which is an arrangement of steps with

dolls arranged on them is the typical set up. According to how much

one can afford, people set up 3, 5, 9 or 11 steps. Various themes are

chosen by different people. sometimes 'dasha avatar' dolls are

arranged on the 10 steps and on the 11th step, main idols like Shiva,

Parvathi, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Saraswathi etc are placed. The

dolls are so beautifully arranged that each step almost enacts the

entire story of the avatar.

 

Another theme chosen is that of a king, his court and all his

subjects, depicting prosperity, wealth, health and happiness. Many

such themes are chosen as such.

 

After setting up the 'gollu', sumangli (married women) and kanyas

(maidens) are invited home for ' manja kumkum'. It is believed that

the Goddess would Bless us by coming in the form of one of the

ladies. Thus every lady / kanya is treated like the Goddess herself.

 

Every evening the ladies adorned in equisite jewellery and wearing

colorful silk sarees gather in front of the 'gollu' dressed and some

girls sing kirtans in praise of Devi. As soon as they enter, rose

water (panneer) is sprinkled over their heads, and they are given

kumkum, turmeric, and sandalwood paste to smear their face / hands

with, and flowers to adorn their hair. The ladies / kanyas are then

served with a sweet, 'sundal' ( a dish prepared with chickpeas /

beans/ or some kind of dals ), and juices / coffee /tea.

 

Following this, the ladies / kanyas are given 'Thamboolam' i.e

kumkum, turmeric, coconut, fruit(s), a blouse piece, and other

articles depending on how much they can afford. Some people give away

pictures of God, mirror, artistic vessels, puja articles, comb,

hairbands, decorative pieces etc.

 

It is believed that if the ladies / kanyas get pleased, then the

Goddess herself in their forms gets pleased and bestows Her Grace.

 

The festivities apart, every morning / evening, women also pray to

the Devi, by singing Her kirtans / praises or by chanting slokas like

Mahishasura Mardini Stotra, Devi Suktham, Soundarya Lahiri, Lalitha

Sahasra Namam etc, to appease the Goddess.

Some people also have the 'kalasam' during the nine days, and fast

all the days.

 

Wish you all a Very Happy Navarathiri.

 

Hari Aum !!!