Dressing for
the occasion
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The Festival
of Navaratri is celebrated in the Gujarat State of India with the
famous circle dances of Raas and Garba.
It is thought
that Raas is more associated with the cult of Krishna, while Garba
is connected with the cult of the female deity often referred to
as Bhavani, Devi or Mataji.
The song texts
can be traced back to poets as famous as Narsinh Mehta of the 15th
century, and the "cosmic" nature of the dances have inspired several
medieval Gujarati poets.
Navaratri occurs
during the first 9 days of the bright half of the month of Aashwayuja
in the Indian calendar.
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| Contemplation |
The most significant
part of Navaratri is setting up an odd number of steps (usually
7, 9, or 11), and the placement of different idols of Gods on them.
This set-up is
called a "Goole". Generally, when people come to a person's house
to see their Goole, ("God" in Gujarati Language) they are given
parsed (the offering given to God that day), kumkum (red powder),
and a small bag of gifts usually containing a mirror, a comb, a
small box of kumkum, and fruits. These are only given to girls and
married women. This is chiefly a woman's festival.
Navaratri is
the worship of the three divine goddesses, Saraswati (Goddess of
learning and speech), Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity),
and Durga (Goddess of strength and courage).
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| A colourful
occasion |
It is also said
to be the battle that occurred between Goddess Chaamundeshwari and
the asura (demon), Mahishaasura.
The battle lasted
9 days and 9 nights. Finally, on the tenth day, Goddess Chaamundeshwari
killed Mahishaasura.
This day is known
as Vijayadasami. Vijayadasami means the 10th day of victory. Today,
Vijayadasami is supposed to be one of the most auspicious days in
the Hindu year.
Quite a few celebrations
take place in Nottingham, Leicestershire, Derby and Northampton
with Mela atmosphere at Nottingham Castle.
Over 2000 people
gathered in Nottingham last year. Some schools in the Midlands arrange
trips to see this dance and the Dashera festival.
Navaratri and
Vijayadasami are celebrated with sweets and snack items; one of
each are made on each of the ten days in India.
Fresh fruits,
dry fruits, vegetarian sweets made from milk (Like: Barfi, Penda),
caster sugar, fresh coconut are mostly found in the Midlands region.
More information:
Nottingham Asian Arts 0115 9153509
Story & Photographs
by Dipak Joshi of Roots.
Roots is a joint initiative between East Midlands Arts (EMA) and
成人论坛 East Midlands.
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