Glimpses Of World Religions

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Navbharat Sahitya Mandir

Page 38

Hinduism (The religion of the Hindus)
This is not an occasion of pleasure (parva) like those dancing around in front of the mother Goddess singing film-songs or such other indecent songs in tune with the similar 'Dhoons' or songs and with non-decorous dresses.
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The mother-Goddess representing the power of speech or learning viz Maa Saraswati, Mother Goddess Amba of the first power, Goddess Butbhavani, Mahakali, Bahucharāji, etc. are to be prayed with devotion and worshipping during this parva. Since the great poet Dayaram composed 200 years ago devotional songs in praise and honour of Goddess and to be sung by ladies, the custom of singing 'Garabees' in these nine days began.
Dressed in the traditional clothes (of the occasion) young brothers and sisters, offer 'AARATIS' of lamps before the Goddess while playing the Garabas and Ras with tiny sticks.
Durga-pooja Proper: Durga Pooja is invariably linked with Navaratri in Bengal. By the Bengalis in Bengal as well as by the Bengalis staying elsewhere just as in the case of Ganapati, the idol of Durgamata also is given grand farewell on the tenth day.
Dashera: This day is significant as the holy day of Bhakti and Shakti. The solemn oath and great will power to set on a great fight on the grand battlefield, implemented, means the day of Dashera. Because on this day, many a brave and strong warrior had won his battle, or had selected this day as a good-omen to go on a war, this day is called 'Vijayā Dashmi'. During the Navaratra festivals, at many places, Ramlila programmes are organised and on the tenth day the towering effigy of Ravana is burnt to ashes. The Dashera day is regarded as the best auspicious day for beginning of good, noble activities. Let us nicely avail of this day of Dashera which is a confluence of bravery, boldness and valour.