Navarathri commences! No thanks to corona, dolls display this year will be on a low key!
Posted on: 17/Oct/2020 4:26:12 PM
The auspicious occasion of Navarathri, the nine days of festivities to welcome Goddess Durga, commences today |(Saturday, 17th October).
Like a ray of hope, this festivity is more significant this time because of the favourable planetary positions this year.
Navarathri or Dusserah celebrated in a grand manner throughout the country, and the nine days are dedicated to the nine different forms of Durga or feminine power.
`Maa Durga` is worshipped in nine forms and each day is dedicated to one of Her avatars.
Chennai
This year, in Chennai Metro City, given the Covid-19 pandemic, many residents plan to meet through Zoom or WhatsApp video calls and show their kolus to friends this time.
Many are planning to have kolus with less number of dolls and steps. At Poompuhar, 21 artisans had put up stalls. It is less than 50 per cent sales compared to the same period last year. Artisans said sales are average this year as customer walk-ins are few.
East & Northwest India
In the eastern and northeastern states of India, the Durga Puja is synonymous with Navaratri, wherein goddess Durga battles and emerges victorious over the buffalo demon to help restore Dharma.
North and West
In the northern and western States, the festival is synonymous with ‘Rama Lila’ and Dussehra that celebrates the battle and victory of god Rama over the demon king Ravana.
South
In southern states, the victory of different goddesses, of Rama or Saraswati is celebrated. In all cases, the common theme is the battle and victory of Good over Evil based on a regionally famous epic or legends such as the Ramayana or the Devi Mahatmya.
