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**Sudhani** · 14-10-07, 12:22 AM

Navratri...Celebrate the spirit of India...(Tamil Nadu)

Hindu festivals are celebrated in different ways in different states. In Maharashtra, the Ganpati festival goes on and on for 10 days before the final immersion takes place. In Tamil Nadu, Ganesh Chaturthi is mainly a one-day affair and the focus is more on preparing and eating different varieties of kolukattai.The next festival that immediately follows is Navratri.
Tamilian Navratri is more subdued as compared to other forms of celebration. Called the kolu, it consists of arranging traditional and modern dolls on wooden planks put up for the purpose. Women visit each others's homes, sing songs and offer prasad in which the sundal takes the pride of place. Made from dal and pulses, the sundal could be sweet or spicy. Its that time of the year, when married women offer "vetalai pakku" (haldi kumkum) consisting of betal leaves, turmeric and sindoor to each other.

A week before kolu is due, the men from the house take down from the attic the heavy boxes which contain the dolls. Wooden planks are brought in and arranged like stands in the stadium. The dolls are made of glass, wood and metal and the special, traditional wooden dolls are called marapachi. They are both male and female and are dressed up in colourful and shining clothes.

Another enjoyable aspect of the kolu festival is watching the women sing. They sing in the praise of Goddess Laksmi or Saraswati.

Second last day of the Navratri festival is celebrated as Saraswati pooja where books and other musical instruments are arranged in front of the pooja room. It marks an offering to Goddess Saraswati and students and artists pray in front of the Goddess for success in their career. The last day also called as Vijaydashami is celebrated by adorning new clothes and visiting your respective gurus in the area of dance, music and academics to offer gurudakshina and seek their blessings.

Vijaydashami marks the beginning of a new day and also a day where people offer prayers to attain success, wealth and happiness in the years to come

Thanks & Regards,
Sudhani

14-10-07, 12:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
Sudhani Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 159 Blog Entries: 6 Thanks: 1 Thanked 21 Times in 14 Posts Rep Power: 7	Re: NAVRATRI - NINE NIGHTS IN PRAYERS OF GODDESS DURGA Navratri...Celebrate the spirit of India...(Tamil Nadu) Hindu festivals are celebrated in different ways in different states. In Maharashtra, the Ganpati festival goes on and on for 10 days before the final immersion takes place. In Tamil Nadu, Ganesh Chaturthi is mainly a one-day affair and the focus is more on preparing and eating different varieties of kolukattai.The next festival that immediately follows is Navratri. Tamilian Navratri is more subdued as compared to other forms of celebration. Called the *kolu, it consists of arranging traditional and modern dolls on wooden planks put up for the purpose. Women visit each others's homes, sing songs and offer prasad in which the sundal* takes the pride of place. Made from dal and pulses, the sundal could be sweet or spicy. Its that time of the year, when married women offer "vetalai pakku" (haldi kumkum) consisting of betal leaves, turmeric and sindoor to each other. A week before kolu is due, the men from the house take down from the attic the heavy boxes which contain the dolls. Wooden planks are brought in and arranged like stands in the stadium. The dolls are made of glass, wood and metal and the special, traditional wooden dolls are called *marapachi. They are both male and female and are dressed up in colourful and shining clothes. Another enjoyable aspect of the kolu festival is watching the women sing. They sing in the praise of Goddess Laksmi or Saraswati. Second last day of the Navratri festival is celebrated as Saraswati* pooja where books and other musical instruments are arranged in front of the pooja room. It marks an offering to Goddess Saraswati and students and artists pray in front of the Goddess for success in their career. The last day also called as *Vijaydashami* is celebrated by adorning new clothes and visiting your respective gurus in the area of dance, music and academics to offer gurudakshina and seek their blessings. Vijaydashami marks the beginning of a new day and also a day where people offer prayers to attain success, wealth and happiness in the years to come Thanks & Regards, Sudhani
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