Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Oct 09
Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple Management Trust, Gandhinagar is celebrating this year’s ‘Sharad’ Navratras in a big way with religious fervor, solemnity and gaiety. An elaborate programme has been chalked out for the celebrations in association with Schools.
The Trust at its meeting held here yesterday under the chairmanship of its President Th. G. S Charak, decided to celebrate these Navratras in befitting manner. Every year, the Navratra Festival is celebrated by the Trust in the premises of the Temple Complex with pomp and festivity, creating a refreshing religious fervor and temper in the complex which has grown to eight different temples including the recent additions of Lord Shani Temple and Shriyantar & Navghreh.
Briefing news persons about the details of the Festival at a Press Conference here today, Charak said that the 9-day colourful religious Festival, each day represents one of the nine different forms of Goddess Durga, commences tomorrow on 10th October, 2018 and will culminate on 18th October coinciding with Vijay Dashami (Dussehra). All the nine days (also nights) of Navratras are considered pious by Hindus and are dedicated to the nine different forms of Goddess Durga.
The nine forms of Goddess Shakti are worshipped on the nine different days- Goddess Shailputri on the first Navratra, Goddess Brahmaachaareenee on the second day, Goddess Chandraghanta on the third day, Goddess Kushmaanda on the fourth day, GoddessSkandmaata on the fifth Navratra, GoddessKaatyaayeenee on the sixth day, GoddessKaalraatree on the seventh day, GoddessMahagauri on the eighth day andGoddessSidhidaatree on the last Navratra.
During these nine days, devotees observe fast and perform special dances before the Goddess to please and seek blessings from the deity.
Navratras are the festival of colors also as everything about Navratra is very colorful and diverse. The Supreme Divinity manifests itself into different forms, names, qualities and colors in the visible universe around us. Each of the nine days of Navratras has a special significance about it.
Mr. Charak said that this year’s Navratra Festival will commence with traditional planting of ‘khetri’ (barley seeds) in clean soil in earthen pots in the early hours of Wednesday amidst recitation of verses from Holy Scriptures.This would be immersed in the river water on conclusion of Navratras. It is believed that the longer the ‘khetri’ grow in height, better it is for the wellbeing and prosperity of the family.
There would be a Bhajan Sandayan (religious song evening) from 5 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. during which songs on Chandi Mata would be sung by a special party called for the purpose.
On Thursday (12th October), a unique display of live images of all the nine forms of Goddess Durga will be organised. The School children in the attire of each of the nine Goddesses in coloursassociated of each Navratra. The third day will be marked by Rangoli competition from 9.30 to 11.30 a.m. and Bhajan competition from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. On 14th October, a competition of Garba Dance will be held in which school students in colorful costumes would participate. Another unique competition among children would be held on 15th October in which contestants would present scenes from the holy Ramayana.
The Trust has also decided to give cash prizes to the winners of all these competitions besides mementos. The first prize will be of Rs. 2000, second prize of Rs. 1500 and the third prize of Rs. 1000. These cash awards have been instituted by individual Trustees and some other benevolent devotees.
The competitions aimed at inculcating the religious temper among the young generation to carry forward the rich traditions of Hinduism.
The President has constituted different committees for the success of the Festival which has become an annual feature.
Mr. Charak has appealed to the devotees and residents of Gandhinagar to participate in the Festival and derive religious pleasure from these colourful events. The Secretary of the Trust, S C Rekhi and other members of the Trust were also present at the press conference.
