Navrathri is celebrated for nine days during Purattasi (September-October) from the Pradhamai after Malayapaksha Amavasya. Sharada Navarathri is celebrating the victory of SriDurgadevi or Parashakthi over the Asura King Mahishan. These nine days are divided in to three each of three days, with
- first three days of Navrathri dedicated to Durga to breed courage and valour in the minds of people,
- second three days are devoted to worshipping Lakshmi to bring prosperity and
- the final three days are spent in the worship of Saraswati, the promoter of knowledge and learning.
- Tenth day Vijaya Dhasami marks the victory and most auspicious day to start all Vidya (learning), new business, new venture, instruments, vocal, music, fine arts etc., This is the day Rama won the battle with Ravana. This day marks the Triumph of Good over Evil.
About Bommai Golu
On the Malayapaksha Amavasya day, the golu bommais (doll) are taken out and prepared to showcase from the first day of Navaratri. On the prathamai, starting with Ganapathi pooja, Kalasa Aavaham mark the starting of Golu. Usually the number of steps / racks are in odd number with drapes covering the steps. In the first step along with Kalasam, images of Ganesha, Parvati Ambal, Lakshmi and Saraswathi will be kept. Each shelf is arranged with various dolls, figurines and toys according to their size, with the deities at the top.
The Golu is predominantly displayed with depictions from Hindu Puranas text, court life, royal procession, ratha yatra, weddings, everyday scenes, miniature kitchen utensils, anything a little girl would have played with. It is a traditional practice to have 'Marapacchi Bommai' or 'Pattada Gombe' (wooden figurines of the bride and groom together), usually made of sandalwood, teak or rosewood and decorated with new clothes each year before being displayed on the Golu. In southern India, bride is presented with 'Marapacchi Bommai' during the wedding by her parents to initiate the yearly tradition of 'Navaratri Golu' in her new home. These dolls come as couples dressed in their wedding attire, depicting husband and wife symbolizing prosperity and fertility and the start of the bride's Golu collection. In old Mysore area 'Pattada Gombe' is also believed to be a tribute to the Wodeyars the benevolent and progressive monarchs who ruled the region for around 600 years.
In the evenings, women within the neighborhood invite each other to visit their homes to view the Golu displays; they also exchange gifts and sweets. A Kuthuvilakku lamp is lit, in the middle of a decorated Rangoli, while devotional hymns and slokas are chanted. After performing the puja, the food items that have been prepared are offered to the Goddess and then to the guests.
On the 9th day Saraswati Puja, special pujas are offered to goddess Saraswati, the divine source of wisdom and enlightenment. Books and musical instruments are placed in the puja and worshipped as a source of knowledge.
The 10th day, Vijayadasami, is the most auspicious day of all. It was the day on which evil was finally destroyed by good. It marks a new and prosperous beginning. Later, on the evening of Vijayadasami, one of the doll from the display is symbolically put to sleep, and the Kalasa is moved a bit towards North to mark the end of that year's Navaratri golu. Prayers are offered to thank the Lord for the successful completion of that year's Kolu and with hope of a successful one the next year. Then the Golu is dismantled and packed up for the next year.
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