Nine Nights- Happy Navratri to all!!!

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             Once again, the favorite festival of all enters with its charm and beauty. Last night, the huge idol of Durga Maa entered the open space of my society. Everyone danced and fired crackers. The bhajans are on since then. And it will continue for next 9 days/nights. Navratri literally means "nine nights". Hence, Navratri is celebrated for 9 days/nights. The festival is celebrated twice in a year- once in the beginning of Summer and again at the onset of winter, the one that we are celebrating now. During Navratri, we invoke the energetic element of God in the form of universal Mother. In the festival of Navratri, we name this Universal mother "Durga" which means the remover of miseries and sadness of life. She is also called Shakti which means energy or power. It's a scientific theory that Energy can't be created or destroyed, it's imperishable, it's always there; and that is what we signify through the celebration of this festival. 

             And we believe that all the energy and power resides in our Mother. Hence, we devote these 9 nights in praying to our Divine Mother. We believe that all the qualities lies in a mother. And the one who is zenith for each and every thing can only be mother. The power of Mother is the most and immeasurable. Every religion signifies mother as the most important aspect of God, every religion pays respect to mothers. To Durga Ma, every year, I always ask for embedding all her qualities in my mother so that she turns more Godly for me each day. 

             The first three days are meant to pray powerful force called Durga for the cleansing of impurities, vices and defects. The next 3 days of these 9 days are dedicated to the giver of spiritual wealth  Goddess Lakshmi. She is known for bestowing on her devotees the endless wealth. And the final 3 days are spent in worshiping goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. It is said that for an all round successful life, one need the blessing of all the three aspects of the divine mother. Hence, the festival is celebrated for nine nights. And hence the name- Navratri!!!

              The festival is celebrated in different ways in different parts of the country. In Kolkata, it is celebrated as Durga Puja. We have seen the beautiful atmosphere that Kolkata possesses for these 9 nights in the movie- Kahaani. Extremely spectacular view. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated by playing Dandiya and Garba. The 9 nights that youth get to show the enthusiasm remains with them for the whole year until they get yet a chance next year to show their dancing skill in the form to all. The changing of dance partners, the clashes of dandiya sticks, the soulful songs in the name of God/ Goddess, the lightnings, the Arti, the bhajans, the late night fun etc remains as the most memorable part of the year for everyone. 

            I still remember my childhood when I played Dandiya with my best footwork. I used to be one of the front dancers in the circle of Garba. Later, I left dancing because of several problems I faced because of lack of stamina. Just a good excuse, isn't it? :-) Though I have decided to work upon my body and stamina, I am still confined to my bed in morning and in the evening too. Goddess Durga will surely bless me with power some day that will enforce me to sweat myself to bring that energy and enthusiasm back. Today, just finger works. All the credit goes to Goddess Saraswati. The blessings of Goddess Lakshmi is coming gradually as I have started earning through some means. I can't divulge now but I can assure you that I am not a part time smuggler. :-) 

          HAPPY NAVRATRI TO ALL FROM MY BEHALF. LIVE THE 9 NIGHTS WITH ENTHUSIASM. Dedicate the 9 Nights and 9 days to your Mother as this is the festival to mark the power of Mother in our life. 

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU