நவராத்திரி
Navaratri
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Navaratri is a nine-night festival celebrating the divine feminine (Shakti). In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated with elaborate Golu (Kolu) displays - stepped arrangements of dolls depicting gods, goddesses, and daily life.
Significance
Celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. Each of the nine nights honors different forms of Shakti. The tenth day (Vijayadashami) marks victory of good over evil.
Rituals & traditions
Golu Setup· கொலு அமைத்தல்
Day 1
Arrange dolls on stepped platforms
Sundal Distribution· சுண்டல் விநியோகம்
Daily evening
Prepare and share different sundal daily
Saraswati Puja· சரஸ்வதி பூஜை
Day 9 (Ayudha Puja)
Worship of Goddess Saraswati, keeping books/tools for puja
Vijayadashami· விஜயதசமி
Day 10
Victory day, children begin learning
How to celebrate
Set up Golu with dolls on odd-numbered steps. Invite neighbors to view and give sundal with vethalai-paaku. On day 9, place books and tools for Ayudha Puja. On Vijayadashami, children begin education (Vidyarambham).
When it happens
Purattasi month (September-October), 9 nights + Vijayadashami
Tags
- #navaratri
- #golu
- #kolu
- #durga
- #saraswati
- #vijayadashami
- #sundal
- #ayudha-puja