Navratri 2011 Begins with Zeal

Navratri the festival dedicated to the Goddess Durga started from today with absolute devotion and bliss. With the sthapana starts the nine days of fasting and prayers dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess of Power.

The temples have been preparing for this festival from last so many days and today at the auspicious time ‘mahurat’ ghat sthapana took place and wheat seeds were kept for germination. These germinated seeds will be immersed in the water at the end of the festival. However, different communities practice different rituals to offer their tribute to Maa Shakti.

On one hand religious people adhere to strict rules, regular visit to temples and austere life during these days; the youth on the other hand remains busy with preparation of garba-dandiya in the day and enjoying it at night.

The most beautiful Navratri celebration of Udaipur at Sutharwara has also observed a grand beginning of the 9 day festival. It started with a magnificent dance performance by artists of Jasol village of Barmer which has enthralled the spectators.

A large number of firecrackers were busted just before the Maha Aarti took place on the 50 feet high stage where the idol of Goddess Amba is placed. “Nearly 5000 devotees visit this place every day,” says Tulsiram Mali, President of Sutharwara Mitra Mandal.

Since early this morning, large number of devotees visited various temples of Udaipur including, Neemuch Mata, Ambamata, Karni Mata, Avri Mata and Sukhdevi Mata Temples.

Groups of youth were seen preparing the arena where Garba and Dandiya raas is going to take place. With the dandiya starts the festive season which will culminate with Bhaiya Dhuj that falls two days after Diwali.

We wish you all a merry time ahead with festivals and celebrations all around. May Maa Durga showers her blessings on all!

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Durga Navratri, Kali Utsav,Durga Puja, Kusumanda, Shailaputri, Kaalratri, Baglamukhi, Lalita

In the month of kartik Hindus observe nine days of rituals, fasts and worshipping the greatest creative feminine force of the universe which is celebrated as Navratri.Mother goddess is called by many names such as amba, kali, sarasvati, baglamukhi, lalita, chandraghanta, parvati, luxmi, gauri, Kusumanda, Shailaputri, Kaalratri, chandika.She considered the protector of righteous and destroyer of evil in us and in the world.Durga puja is organized in navratri and decorative pandals are constructed for that.Navratri means Nava= nine and ratri= night for awakening the shakti within us.

Mother Durga is also referred to as "Triyambake" meaning the mystical three eyed Goddess representing moon sun and fire, but it further carries esoteric meaning. Her vehicle is lion which represents will power and determination to get over the demon of ego.The conch shell in ma durga hands symbolizes the mystical sound of "AUM" the word of creation and bow and arrow represent the energy which is kinetic and potential in every human being.

durga navratri festival india, navratras,

Durga Navaratri festival or 'Nine Nights festival

Durga Puja,dasara, Navratri & Dussehra

durga chalisa, durga saptashati, durga stuti

Navratri puja sanctified festival Goddess Durga

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Navratri SMS, Durga Chalisa and Mata Ki Bhente

Duga Chalisa

Namo Namo Durge Sukh karani,
Namo Namo ambe Dukh harani.

Nirakar hai jyoti tumhari,
Tihun lok pheli ujayari.

Shashi lalat mukh mahavishala,
Netra lal bhrikutee vikarala.

Roop Matu ko adhika suhave,
Daras karat jan ati sukh pave.

Tum sansar shakti laya kina,
Palan hetu anna dhan dina.

Annapurna hui jag pala,
Tumhi adi sundari Bala.

Pralaya kala sab nashan hari,
Tum gauri Shiv-Shankar pyari.

Shiv yogi tumhre guna gaven,
Brahma Vishnu tumhen nit dhyaven.

Roop Saraswati ko tum dhara,
De subuddhi rishi munina ubara.

Dharyo roop Narsimha ko amba,
Pragat bhayin phar kar khamba.

Raksha kari Prahlaad bachayo,
Hiranakush ko swarga pathayo.

Lakshmi roop dharo jag mahin,
Shree Narayan anga samihahin.

Ksheer sindhu men karat vilasa,
Daya Sindhu, deeje man asa.

Hingalaja men tumhin Bhavani,
Mahima amit na jet bakhani.

Matangi Dhoomavati Mata,
Bhuvneshwari bagala sukhdata.

Shree Bhairav lara jog tarani,
Chhinna Bhala bhav dukh nivarani.

Kehari Vahan soh Bhavani,
Langur Veer Chalat agavani.

Kar men khappar khadag viraje,
Jako dekh kal dan bhaje.

Sohe astra aur trishoola,
Jase uthata shatru hiya shoola.

Nagarkot men tumhi virajat,
Tihun lok men danka bajat.

Shumbhu Nishumbhu Danuja tum mare,
Rakta-beeja shankhan samhare.

Mahishasur nripa ati abhimani,
Jehi agha bhar mahi akulani.

Roop karal Kalika dhara,
Sen Sahita tum tin samhara.

Pan garha Santan par jab jab,
Bhayi sahaya Matu tum tab tab.

Amarpuni aru basava loka,
Tava Mahirna sab rahen asoka.

Jwala men hai jyoti tumhari,
Tumhen sada poojen nar nari.

Prem bhakti se Jo yash gave,
Dukh-daridra nikat nahin ave.

Dhyave tumhen jo nar man laee,
Janam-maran tako chuti jaee.

Jogi sur-muni kahat pukari,
Jog na ho bin shakti tumhari.

Shankar Aacharaj tap keenhon,
Kam, krodha jeet sab leenhon.

Nisidin dhyan dharo Shankar ko,
Kahu kal nahini sumiro tum ko.

Shakti roop ko maran na payo,
Shakti gayi tab man pachitayo.

Sharnagat hui keerti bakhani,
Jai jai jai Jagdamb Bhavani.

Bhayi prasanna Aadi Jagdamba,
Dayi shakti nahin keen vilamba.

Mokon Matu kashta ati ghero,
Tum bin kaun hare dukh mero.

Aasha trishna nipat sataven,
Moh madadik sab binsaven.

Shatru nash keeje Maharani,
Sumiron ekachita tumhen Bhavani.

Karo kripa Hey Matu dayala,
Riddhi-Siddhi de karahu nihala.

Jab lagi jiyoon daya phal paoon,
Tumhro yash men sada sunaoon.

Durga Chalisa jo gave,
Sab sukh bhog parampad pave.

Navratri SMS

Maa Durge,
Maa Ambe,
Maa Jagdambe,
Maa Bhawani,
Maa Sheetla,
Maa Vaishnao,
Maa Chandi,
Mata Rani meri aur apki manokamna puri karey..
JAI MATA DI.

PYAR KA TARANA UPHAR HO,KHUSHIYO KA NAZRANA BESHUMAR HO,
NA RAHE KOI GAM KA
EHSAS; AISA Navratra UTSAV IS saal ho, , . .
HAPPY NAVRATRA.

Bajre ki roti,
aam ka achar,
suraj ki kirne, khushiyo ki bahar,
chanda ki chandni, apano ka pyar,
mubarak ho aapko
“NAVRATRI”
ka tyohar.

May the festival of Navratri bring joy and prosperity
in your life,
Happy
Navratri!

This Navratri light the lamp of happiness,
prosperity and knowledge,
Happy
Navratri!

May your life be filled with happiness on this pious festival
of Navratri,
Happy Navratri!

Aapi shako to aapni dosti magu chu,
dil thi dil no sahkar magu chu,
fikar na karo dosti per jaan lutavi dais,
rokdo vyavhar che kya, udhar mangu chu…
HAPPY NAVRATRI!

Lakshmi ka Hath ho,Saraswati ka Sath ho,Ganesh ka niwas ho,
aur maa durga ke
ashirwad se Aapke jeevan mai prakash hi prakash ho….
“HAPPY NAVRATRI”

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Top 2011 Kolkata Durga Puja Themes

At last the wait is almost over! Durga Puja starts tomorrow.

In Kolkata, where the festival is most widely celebrated, it's the themes of the most famous pandals that really steal the limelight. This year, they're set to be even more innovative than ever.

Here's a taste of what you'll be able to see:

    Ekdalia Evergreen is celebrating Germany in India, with artwork installed on the premises by contemporary German artist Gregor Schneider. It's going to be an abstract creation that resembles a three dimensional room. Apparently, the conventional puja will be kept intact and his structure built around it. The budget: 40 lakh. Could it be the most expensive display this year?

    Suruchi Sangha Puja always has an attractive outdoor display themed on a different Indian state. This year, it's Kashmir, which is sure to draw the crowds.  The organizers say there will be replicas of Kashmiri handicrafts, houseboats, and melting glaciers as the backdrop.

    Sealdah Athletic Club is basing their theme on one the top attractions in Jaipur -- Amber Fort.

    Mudiali Puja is having a rather unusual theme this  year, featuring electrical cables. The aim is to illuminate the mind to eliminate negative emotions such as hatred. The decorations will include various gods, all made out of cables. Even their ornaments will be made out of cables!

    Celestial themes look like they will be popular this year. North Kolkata's Ahiritola Puja will have Goddess Durga descending from space and attacking the demon Mahishasura with a 30-foot trident. Kasba Rathtala will show the conception of the universe with Durga as the creator.

    Central Kolkata's renowned Mohammad Ali Park Puja is keen to keep the details of their theme a secret but it will focus on women's empowerment and is dedicated to West Bengal's first woman chief minister, Mamata Banerjee.

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Kolkata Durga Puja 2011: KALIGHAT MILAN SANGHA - WBRi Special Calcutta Durga Pujo Parikrama Photo Feature for NRIs

A special photo-feature of the pandal and idol, part of WBRi's 2011 Calcutta Durga Puja Online Parikrama for NRI Bengalees worldwide who miss the five-day carnival in the city of joy.

Click on images to enlarge (the images are hosted by an external pictures hosting service due to the incredible number of pandals and idols images from Calcutta that WBRi brings you in 2011).

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At 26 feet, Vashi has India’s tallest Durga idol

On Durgostav, Bengalis all over the city welcomed Goddess Durga amidst much fanfare and cheer.

The first day of Navi Mumbai's Vashi Sarvajanik Durga puja, which is the most expensive (Rs 3 crore) puja in Vashi, turned out to be more than magnificent.

With thousands of devotees pouring into the grounds at Sector 10A, to catch a glimpse of the country's tallest Durga idol, the atmosphere was filled with a unique festive energy.

The morning began with a puja. Head priest Devi Prasad Chakraborty had come all the ay from Jairambathi, Kolkata. He chanted mantras, while his assistant Sandhu Bhattacharya handed him ingredients required to perform each part of the puja.

"This year Durga was seen on an elephant. Performing the puja takes time as with Durga, her children Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Karthikeya also have to be worshipped. Nine different kinds of plants, with banana leaves are tied together and used to welcome the goddess," he explained.

All those who visited the Vashi Sarjavanik Durga puja pandal, a replica of Kolkata's Dakshineshwar temple, were amazed at the 100ft pandal, built over 3000sq m. The pandal was made using recyclable eco-friendly items.

"Highly-skilled artisans from rural Bengal had been called to make this 26-foot idol of Durga mata. We also had a truckload of sand from the bed of river Ganges to build the idols. With celebrities from the music industry like Shaan and Shankar Mahadevan coming to perform, everyone will enjoy," said Asit Ghosh, president of Sarvajanik Vashi Durga Puja.

The evening ended with a mega performance by renowned Bengali singer Pratik Chowdhury entertaining audiences with some Bengali and Hindi songs. "The audiences in this city are extremely welcoming and receptive,” he said.

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Three, including two kids, die of electrocution at Puja pandal

Madhubani/Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Oct 2 (PTI) Three persons, including two children, tonight died of electrocution when high-voltage electricity wires fell on them at Durga puja pandals in Bihar's Madhubani and Muzaffarpur districts, police said.One person was electrocuted when a high-voltage electricity wire snapped and fell on him at a pandal in Kodaria village under Motipur police station of Bihar's Muzzafapur district, they said.Two children were electrocuted when they came in contact with live electricity wires at a pandal at Laxmipur village under Bhairosthan police station in Madhubani late tonight.All the bodies have been sent for post-mortem, police said.

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Celebrating Navratri

'Nav' means 'nine' and 'ratri' means 'night'. Thus, 'Navratri' means 'nine nights'. There are many legends attached to the conception of Navratri like all Indian festivals. All of them are related to Goddess Shakti (Hindu Mother Goddess) and her various forms. It is one of the most celebrated festivals of Hindu calendar, it holds special significance for Gujratis and Bengalis and one can see it in the zeal and fervor of the people with which they indulge in the festive activities of the season. Dandiya and Garba Rass are the highlights of the festival in Gujarat, while farmer sow seeds and thank the Goddess for her blessings and pray for better yield. In older times, Navratri was associated with the fertility of Mother Earth who feed us as her children.

The first three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Warrior Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a lion. Her various incarnations - Kumari, Parvati and Kali - are worshipped during these days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl and the mature woman. Next three days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity), dressed in gold and mounted on an owl and finally, last three are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess Of Knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan. Sweetmeats are prepared for the celebrations. Children and adults dress up in new bright-colored dresses for the night performances.

In some communities, people undergo rigorous fasts during this season that lasts for the nine days of Navratri. The festival culminates on Mahanavami. On this day, Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered new clothes as gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country. With commercialization, the festival has moved on to be a social festival rather than merely a religious one. However, nothing dampens the spirit of the devout followers of Goddess Durga, as they sing devotional songs and indulge in the celebrations of Navratri, year by year..

Navaratri Festival 2011
Chaitra Navratri or Vasant Navratri: April 4, 2011 to April 12, 2011
Sharad Navratri: September 28, 2011 to October 5, 2011

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Durga Puja: Kumortuli idol makers

Kumartuli, the idolmakers’ quarter in old Kolkata, remains a  symbol of continuity of Bengal’s 250 year old craftsmanship and culture revolving  round the annual Durga Pujo. TWF correspondent Arnab Chakraborty  walks through the clayey lanes back in times
Hands Of Clay
One day this September I embarked upon a journey through the age old lanes and the clay muddled pathways of Kumartuli that houses hundreds of artisans who design the idols in our homes and in the puja pandals around the country, making Durga Pujo a pride of the Bengalis.

At 8:30 in the morning I reached Sobhabazar with an anticipation of learning more about the traditional ways of the craftsmen who create the clay masterpieces with an awe inspiring diligence each year.
As I walked, stories of my forefathers’ lifetimes echoed in my ears.
The year was 1757 and the defeat of Bengal was followed by the birth of the ancient metropolis of “Calcutta” in whose lap Kumartuli was established when the British East India Company set up separate districts for its workmen.
In the late nineteenth century however, with the invasion of Burrabazar, most of the artisans were flushed out and it was then that they started fashioning idols for the mansions of the rich; thus giving birth to the place with which we are so familiar today.

I was filled with a sense of reverence at Kismet’s magic as I stumbled upon the fact that what had once begun as a bane was transformed a hundred years later into the boon of a thriving artistry.
It was about 9 am and as I stepped foot into the human birthplace of our familiar gods a grip of unfamiliar nostalgia hit me. I realised that I was retracing the footsteps of my ancestors who had once gazed with wonder at the chapped hands that shaped the clay models for centuries.
I was walking through streets that were laid hundreds of years ago. Sure the lanes are covered with tar now but that musky scent of the river clay took me to a time when this city had not seen metro trains or shopping malls; history was beneath my own two feet.
Perhaps I was fortunate, but despite the hectic schedules of those adroit limners with Durga Pujo so near, some found it delightful to have a little chat.
One of them was 69 year old Ram Chandra Pal whose family has been creating idols for eight generations.
“First we tie the hay, then we apply coats of ‘enetel mati’(a type of river clay which is adhesive in nature) to form the basic shapes and after that we plaster using ‘bele mati’ (another type of river clay), that is followed by painting with colours. The process takes a few days depending upon the size of the idol being produced,” explains Pal.
It was amazing to learn that the birth of such majestic shapes is made possible through the use of the humblest of raw materials from the paraphernalia of the artisans of Kumartuli – clay and hay.
Babui Pal, the 21 year old  nephew of Ram Chandra Pal has a mind boggling experience of 10 years which proves the fact that learning this craft takes time and patience and hence an early start is preferred.
However with decreasing profits and increasing prices this ancient trade is now under threat and many prospective talents are alienated by the aggressive challenges that return inadequate remuneration.
It is not all dark and gloomy though; big bucks are still available for those with ability and there is a continued influx of new enthusiastic people who do this because it is what they love.
A good example of the latter would be Prabir Das who entered the profession after his father’s death but claimed that he did so only because he loves making clay sculptures.
“I am the first person in my family ever to have started making idols and I do this only because it is something I love to do,” says Das who hails from Nawadeep.
Das however echoed the laments of several other artisans who have to make do with prevalent poor working conditions every year despite continued promises of improvement.
“The electricity goes out for several minutes at a time causing so many problems and then there are other difficulties too. I don’t know what this new government will do for us but I hope they do something fast,” Das remarks.
After hearing Das’s complaints reiterated by many others the initial excitement and wonder was marred by a sense of pathos for those that bring smiles to our faces during the festivals and for whom we do so little in return.
Nevertheless the journey had to go on but I needed a lift of my spirits and when I stepped inside a particular shop (Mohan Banshi Rudra Pal) I got exactly what the doctor ordered.
Just one glance at the old school images of goddess Durga with her captivating eyes and with the demon lord bowing before her prowess, a slew of childhood memories were invoked that still connects me to a Kolkata of bygone years.
It was a trip to the past which can only be compared to an adventure to Alice’s wonderland or Robinson Crusoe’s island; something we visit so often in our fantasies and yet can never tread upon in reality.
Soon the clock struck 10 and I came across an exquisite display of dexterous workmanship. The idol was different from traditional ones in capturing the magnificent image of Durga by portraying her with a background of the sun and its protruding flames.
I was then greeted by Bibhas Banerjee, the creator, who explained to me that it was being made for a theme puja, the new genre of idol making that is becoming increasing popular in the city.
“This profession is not only my source of bread and butter but it is something which I find spiritually rewarding and artistically enriching,” Banerjee says.
Post a few more theme figurine viewings including a stunning white one made of fibre glass, it was 11:30 and though the age old lanes beckoned my vagabond soul, it was time to say my goodbyes.
The journey of the last two and a half hours through the boulevards and streets of the potter quarters of Kolkata had been a journey through the 250 years of its past and with the sights and smells grafted onto my memories I left Kumartuli promising to revisit the place where men make gods come to life.

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Durga Puja, Countdown Start

With two more weeks to go for Durga Puja, some puja committees are already drumming up publicity. The sound of dhak reverberated from the Chatlabagan puja pandal on Sunday afternoon with eminent citizens of the city trying a hand at the instrument.

Usha Uthup, Jogen Chowdhury, P K Banerjee, Tejendra Majumdar, DJ Akash, Tollywood celebrities Gargi Roy Chowdhury and Pallabi Chatterjee and Thai consul general in Kolkata, Panupat Chavananikul, were among those present. "Dhak is an integral part of Durga Puja and so we thought this was the best way of announcing the arrival of the festival," said Sundeep Bhutoria chairman of Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja Committee, who tried his hand at the dhak as well in true Puja spirit.

Poribartan in Writers'

Thanks to the IRCTC-run canteen at Writers' Buildings, employees are giving their bread and tea or ruti-torkari a miss at lunchtime. They are now seen happily digging into chicken wings, chicken submarine, sandwiches, soft drinks, and coffee. So what has come over the babus who were not at all keen on spending their money on a good lunch? "Oh! the babus earn a lot more these days and can easily afford good lunch. It was all in the temperament. Also, there were no good restaurant in and around Writers' Buildings for so long. Now that Didi has brought in this poriborton, employees have developed better taste for food !" said an official.

With two more weeks to go for Durga Puja, some puja committees are already drumming up publicity. The sound of dhak reverberated from the Chatlabagan puja pandal on Sunday afternoon with eminent citizens of the city trying a hand at the instrument.

Usha Uthup, Jogen Chowdhury, P K Banerjee, Tejendra Majumdar, DJ Akash, Tollywood celebrities Gargi Roy Chowdhury and Pallabi Chatterjee and Thai consul general in Kolkata, Panupat Chavananikul, were among those present. "Dhak is an integral part of Durga Puja and so we thought this was the best way of announcing the arrival of the festival," said Sundeep Bhutoria chairman of Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja Committee, who tried his hand at the dhak as well in true Puja spirit.

Museum on Mahaprabhu

The Gauriya Math will set up a high-tech museum at Bagbazar to mark the 500th year of Mahaprabhu's renunciation. Housing a three-dimensional display of the life of the great saint, the 15,000-sqft museum will merge technology, aesthetics and philosophy to depict the life, culture and philosophy of Shri Chaitanya. Former director of National Council for Science Museum, Saroj Ghosh, has planned the museum while Gopal Mitra, who had helped shape the Twin Tower in the US, will be the main architect.

Music for the soul

Sangita Bhattacharya is not just a singer who has done well in her career - with several albums of Nazrulgeeti, Adhunik, folk and Rabindrasangeet to her credit. She has also shown many how help can be extended to the needy without taking resort to government funds or corporate houses. For the past 12 years, Sangita has been running an NGO - Bikash Foundation - to help street children and other needy people through blood donation camps, medical support and so on. And she has done all this entirely from her own income. A professional singer for three decades, Bhattacharya already has 12 albums to her credit, apart from playback singing. Her newest album, Mon Bauul, has recently been released. The album has Tagore's 'baul anger gaan' which Sangita now wants to "to specialize in".

Grow with your plant

It was an unique plantation programme at Mangalam Vidya Niketan, a school near Kolkata airport, on Saturday. Organised by Oneness University and Reliance ADAG group, the focus of the programme was to incorporate the subtle principle of integrating spirituality into one's professional and personal life, thereby elevating him or her to higher levels of consciousness as the plant scales greater height in its growth. The saplings were planted with the special prayers from Oneness Team in the presence of Reliance participants and school children. The school administration will serve as harbingers of good fortune for humanity in the years to come.

One crore saplings will be planted across 22 cities in the country. The novel method, Oneness Guides said, would bring forth the correction between growth of individual, alongside growth of saplings planted by school kids and Reliance employees.

Women's era

An exhibition by women entrepreneurs and women artisans of self-help groups from different parts of the country was recently held in the city. The exhibition, titled Women's Era, showcased docra, jute and leather items, costume jewellery, handloom and handicrafts. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shantiram Mahato, state minister of self help and self employment. For encouraging women entrepreneurs, a seminar was also held with Manas Bhunia, minister of micro and small scale industries, as the key speaker. District governor of Rotary International, Angshuman Bandopadhay, spoke on how the government should encourage women artisans.

Take care

The AMRI Women's and Children's Hospital organised a three-day conference on 'International Update on Women's Wellbeing' in the city. Prof. Dr Phillip Stubblefield, renowned gynecologist and MD, Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University, School of Medicine, who was present in the conference, gave a special lecture on the topic: "Towards Reducing Maternal Health - A Global Perspective". Reputable experts in the field of gynecology were present in the conference.

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