Navaratri/Dasara(Sept-Oct)

Navaratri/Dasara

Navaratri or the Dasara festival is celebrated in October/November and generally begins with the new moon, in the month of Ashwija. This festival is celebrated all over India and is associated with Durga Mahishasura), Rama (Ravana), Arjuna(retrieving weapons from the sammi tree).

Navaratri is a social event for women and children to dress up in their finery. A special space is set apart in each household to display various dolls. Nine, seven, five or three tiers are set up to display dolls, representing goddesses, parks schools, stores, scenes from everyday life. Raja Rani (Pattada Bombae, wooden King and Queen dolls) occupy the topmost tier with the rest being their court darbar or it is the microcosm of universe with the Deity presiding on top.


Navaratri Dolls Display

The entire display becomes sacred when the kalashas are established. Arathi water (turmeric and kumkum mixed in water) is placed in two small vessels (chombu, cups) with 2 beetle leaves inserted in. Kalasha symbolizes the goddess (mother Earth, Gowri) as the manifestation of mother earth with her water, minerals and vegetation. It is the symbol of immortality, abundance and wisdom. So, during the Navaratri first three days are devoted to the spiritual force Durga, next three days are devoted to the spiritual wealth, Lakshmi and the last three days are devoted to the goddess of wisdom, Sarswathi.

The entire display becomes sacred and is treated like a shrine. Evenings women and children are invited to family and friends homes to admire the display of dolls, play musical instruments, sing songs (mostly on Devi). Usali(shundal) made of garbanzo beans and other snacks are distributed o the visitors. Hosts honor married ladies, who symbolize Devi, and offer haladi kimkum, vettalae paak, fruits, coconut, gifts etc.

The last day of Navaratri is Vijaya Dashami (Victorous 10th day) symbolizing the triumph of good (knowledge) over evil (ignorance)

Tradition:

Day 0 - Mahalaya Amavasae:

Set a space aside and set up doll displays, usually with the Rja Rani (Mara Pachi Bommai) on top of the tier. If you cannot build tiers, all dolls can be set at one level.

Kalashas and Pillari and more

Day 1 - Padya 

Establish 2 kalashas on one of the tier and also make room to place a Pillari (Ganesha) and a few oil lamps. Once the Kalashas are set, the entire display is sacred and will need to light lamps to pray and show reverence. One arathi plate with 2 lamps need to be set.. Another Pillari should be placed at the threshold of the entry door ino you home.





Sarswathi Pooja

Days 2 - 8

Offer pooja and prayers.

Day 9 Mahanavami/Saraswathi Pooja/Ayudha Pooja


Vehicle Pooja

Stack some books, pens, any instruments, musical instruments along side the dolls display. Offer pooja and aarathi. Pooja to vehicles small and big. A big thank you for all things that support us through our life.



Day 10 Vijayadashmi

End of Dasara

Culmination of the festival. After final arathi and prayers (morning) the Kalasha and the dolls are disturbed and by so doing the sanctity of the dolls display is over. The Raja Rani dolls are laid down to signifying the end of Dasara festival. After this the display of dolls are taken down and put into storage. Kalasha water arathi water can be poured out on the ground or into flowing water. Pillaris can be immersed in a body of water and or just disposed off beneath a large tree or into flowing water.

Tips:

Daily poojas are done with haldi, kumkum, flowers to the dolls display and at the threshold to your home. Evenings women and children can be invited and offered snacks to take home.



Threshold Pooja + Pillari

To make Pillari or Ganesha

Mix 1 tbs of turmeric powder with a little water and press between your fingers to shape it into a cone. Push a couple blades of grass at the top.

Aarathi

In a small plate place a little water and mix in haladi and kumkum.

(P.S. Turmeric or haladi and Kumkum are potent and harmful to young plants and vegetation. Take care while disposing)