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| World Home » Current Affairs » | Fri. Nov 21, 2008 |
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Nine - Day / Navratra - Worship for Devi Durga in India MIL/NK, Apr 1, 2006. The navratras in March-April bring the beginning of spring and is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. Ramnavmi or Lord Rama's birthday falls on the 9th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra (the months of March-April). The nine-day long "Navratras", regarded as one of the holiest for people in northern India, commenced here on Thursday, amidst celebrations in all major temples. Processions and musical programs mark the festival, and they symbolize the triumph of good over the evil. Commemorated by all in Northern India, it is celebrated to Goddess Durga and ahead of Ramnavami, which falls on the last day of "Navratras". "Navratras" have various names and style of celebrations in different parts of the country. For Bengalis in West Bengal, the festival is celebrated as "Durga Puja" while in the rest of the country, it is known as "Navratri". In New Delhi, devotees queued up outside the early in the morning to pay their obeisance to Goddess Vaishno on the first day. One of her forms is "Durga", the Goddess of power. Durga stands for "shakti" or power. In this form the Goddess is depicted as riding a raging holding weapons in her hands. The devotees said that the festival signifies the worship of strength. "Navratri is celebrated because it is worship of "shakti" or strength and also purifies our soul through fasting, and gives a new direction to our lives," said Mahaveer Prasad Dimri, a priest. In Katra, near Jammu, thousands of people gathered at "Ban Ganga" temple, which is on the way to the revered hilltop shrine of "Vaishno Devi". Devotees looked happy with the arrangements made for the occasion. In Maharashtra, people celebrated the day with "Gudi Padwa" festivities. Gudi Padwa is considered as Hindu New Year. An essential part of Gudi Padwa is the specially decorated sticks called "Gudis", which symbolise nature's bounty. In Mumbai, a huge procession was taken out with wearing traditional dresses and participating in tableaus. "Today, we are celebrating "Gudi Padwa". This is the first day of New Year and we pray that the New Year is full of peace and prosperity. We distribute sweets amongst neighbours," said Anekha Nirgun, a resident. In Andhra Pradesh, the day is celebrated as "Ugadi". On this day, it is the practice among the rural folk to eat what is called "Ugadi Pacchadi" (Ugadi chutney). This chutney is made from Neem (Margosa) , mango juice, honey, sugar and other ingredients. Chait, the first month of the Hindu, corresponds to March-April of the Gregorian calendar. The Hindu calendar has 12 months and most of the months are named after various seasons and astrological signs.
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