Bhanumathi Narasimhan | Sep 28, 2011, 12.00AM IST
Navratri is a colourful festival which brings richness in creativity and appreciation of culture. There is so much encouragement for artisans during these nine days as performances and exhibition of talents and skills are an integral part of the festivities; it's a time for celebration, whether or not you are a believer.
Children love the colourful display of idols and toys that is part of the nine-day festivities. The religious exhibit all the idols of gods and goddesses and explain their significance to the new generation. The Krishna Darba, the Dashavatar and Meenakshi Kalyanam are part of the display and these form an ideal setting for storytelling. In a way, besides kindling the imagination of children, it connects them to their roots, giving them an insight into cultural and traditional values and beliefs in an animated and captivating way.
Alongside the display of idols, children create parks and temple complexes out of simple household materials. Others arrange figures of animals - little clay elephants, lions and tigers come to life in the hands of the young ones. It's so much fun. For elders, it brings a lot of reminiscences. It is a way to kindle creativity and connect with ancient tradition.
Navratri is also a time to connect with the community. Neighbours invite each other home to see the display of idols, to sing songs, share food and exchange small gifts. They gather together in the evenings to dance. It's a vibrant social festival. It's also a time to explore and exchange new recipes. However, this is one part of it. Besides food for the body, we are enriched with food for thought as well.
There is much chanting of shlokas and meditation, all part of the celebrations. For all spiritual seekers, it is a time to observe one's nature as it moves from tamas or inertia to rajas or activity and on to sattva or purity. It is a time to reflect on self and our attitude towards life. Some like to observe silence and practise fasting. Fasting cleanses the body of toxins while silence purifies speech and mind for the mind is caught between cravings and aversions.
On a higher plane, these nine days are like the nine months that an unborn spends in the mother's womb. The tenth day signifies the victory of the big mind, a mind full of positivity, innocence and joy, like that of a child - nine days of penance and then rejoicing the big mind on the tenth day.
When we go to the sea, some are happy observing the waves as they rise and fall, some would like to immerse themselves in the water, go scuba-diving, others would like to fish and still others search for pearls - there are many approaches and all are beautiful. Having a sense of complete acceptance of the moment and contentment in the Self - this is the highest.
The Mother Divine, Devi, is invoked and given thanks during these nine days. The Mother Divine is the creative field. If you can see that divinity in everything in the world, if you can see that every part of this universe is filled with this creative impulse - recognising this ultimate truth is truly a celebration of life.
The writer is director, women's empowerment and childcare projects, The Art of Living.
Courtesy : Times of India
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