Navarathri is celebrated through out India. In the southern states it is celebrated by displaying dolls in various sizes and colours in specific number of steps. In Tamil it is known as bommai (doll) golu or kolu. Colourful rangoli and lights also add up to the decoration.
In the top step a kalash is placed along with few dolls of god. Kalash is a brass pot that has fresh water which is covered with a bunch of mango leaves and a coconut.
Wooden dolls known as Marapachi bommai are the dolls that is first placed before the arrangement of other doll commences. Nine days of navarathri is represented by placing nine steps.
However, nowdays people opt for three or five steps for lack of space. Even kalash is placed in the pooja cupboard.
The best part of the celebrations begin in the evening with singing of songs and distribution of sundal. Sundal is protien rich pulses prepared in salt or sweet form. Besides, sundal all guests are also offered betel leaves, betel nuts, flowers, coconuts and some gifts.
Ninth day of navarathri is celebrated as Saraswathi pooja. On this day, prayer is offered to books, musical instruments and vehicles.
The tenth and final day of navarathri is considered auspicious for all new beginings and learning new skills. Small kids are also intiated into formal education on this day. It is known as Akshara abhyaasam or Vidyaarambham. Finally, the Marapachi bommai pairs are put to sleep as culmination of navarathri.
Happy navarathri to all the readers.
