HOW TO REACH GOA

HOW TO REACH GOA

So you wondered how to reach Goa ! Don't worry. Travel.mapsofindia brings you complete info on how to reach Goa.Goa is one of the most important destinations in India. So it very well connected by Air, Rail and Road network. The location of Goa is so convenient that you can approach from any part of the country by any means of communication.
How to Reach Goa by Air: Almost all airlines like Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, Spice Jet, Air Deccan, Kingfisher Airlines connect Dabolim Airport of the state Sometimes even chartered flights are operated directly to and from Goa.How to Reach Goa by Rail: The main Railway Station is Madgaon. Along with this, other railway stations like Vasco-da-Gama, Tivim and Karmali are well connected by trains with the rest of the country.How to Reach Goa by Road: National Highways 4A, 17, 17A, and State Highways run through the state. Major cities of Goa are connected to major cities of India. Cruise: Now-a-days cruises are being operated to and from Goa. Although it will take some more time to get popular and start full-fledged operation.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN BANGALORE

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Apart from being the IT hub of India (also known as India's Silicon Valley) Bangalore city has a number of tourist attractions. There are numerous gardens in this "Garden City" and historical sites too that are worth visiting.The main historical attractions in Bangalore are Vidhan Soudha or the State Secretariat, built in 1954, is the main attraction of this city. It is a marvel of modern architecture and is a fine amalgamation of traditional Dravidian and modern styles. Cubbon Park, the 120-hectare park located near the Vidhan Soudha, has a number of neo-classical styled government buildings. The Government Museum of Bangalore (one of India's oldest museums) and the Visvesvaraya Technological and Industrial Museum are important museums within the city. The Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, which holds a number of flower shows, especially during the Republic Day (26th January), is located on the southern fringes of the city. The 18th-century Tipu Sultan's Fort and Palace are other important historical tourist attractions in Bangalore. The 16th-century, Dravidian-styled temple dedicated to Nandi, the Bull is an important place of worship. The Venkataramanaswamy Temple, the Gavi Gangadhareswara cave temple, and the Someshwara Temple are other important temples of this city. The Ulsoor Lake on the northeastern edge of the city is an important picnic spot.
Bangalore city is famous for it numerous Yoga centers, where fitness freaks can learn and practice this ancient art of keeping healthy. Bangalore is also a haven for the spiritually inclined tourist, with many spiritual tourist attractions in the city. Whitefield Ashram, the summer abode of the Shri Sathya Sai Baba, 20 km east of Bangalore, and the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Temple Complex are important spiritual centers, worth paying a visit. The Bangalore Ashram of the Art of Living working under the grace of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar is situated on the outskirts of this Bangalore on Kanakapura Road. Excursions from Bangalore There are a number of places of tourist attraction near Bangalore. These places around Bangalore make excellent weekend trips and excursions from Bangalore. Thirty kilometers from Bangalore is the Nrityagram village, housing a classical dance academy. Bannerghatta National Park, 21 km from the city, is an important place to visit. Sixty kilometers from Bangalore is the Nandi Hill Resort, which is also famous for its temples and fort. Devarayandurga, 70 km from Bangalore, is famous for its hilltop shrines. Devarayandurga (70 km), and Ramanagaram (49 km) are important spots for adventure. Bangalore has a number of cultural centers near it, which offer to the tourist a number of traditional craft items. Ramanagaram is a silk cocoon-marketing center. Janapada Lok (near Ramanagaram) and Channapatna (60 km southeast of Bangalore) are famous craft centers. The Doda Alada Mara, a 400-year-old banyan tree lying 28 km from the city, is an idyllic place for picnics. Mekedatu, 98 km south of Bangalore, and Muthyalamaduvu, 40 km from Bangalore (also known as the Pearl Valley), are other important picnic spots. The historic city of Mysore is 139 km from Bangalore offers the tourist a number of monuments belonging to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the erstwhile rulers of the place.

Travel to Bangalore

A tourist traveling to Bangalore will be fascinated with the modern architectural marvels, lush boulevards, historical monuments and bustling shopping plazas. Also known by epithets like " "Fashion Capital of India," "The Pub City of India, and "the Garden City of India". Bangalore is home to well over 6 million people, and a base for 10,000 industries. Bangalore is India's fifth largest city and the fastest growing city in Asia. Local folklore has it that a 10th century ruler, Veera Ballala lost his way in the forest while on a hunt. He arrived at the cottage of an old woman who offered him her simple meal of boiled beans. Since then it was called "Benda Kalu Uru". The anglicized version naturally is Bangalore.Bangalore gained prominence in the 18th century, when it became an important fort city, under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore. In 1831, the British made it the regional administrative city and established a big cantonment here. Post Independence, Bangalore has gained prominence as a commercial center and today it also has the distinction of being the IT hub of India and is fondly called " the Silicon Valley of India".
There are a number of tourist attractions in Bangalore. It has some historical sites and other places of interest that are worth visiting and seeing like the Vidhan Soudha or the State Secretariat, parks and gardens like Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park. Excursions from Bangalore can be made to Banerghatta national park and Nandi Hill Resort. The historic city of Mysore, 139 km from Bangalore offers the tourist a number of monuments belonging to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the erstwhile rulers of the place.Shopping in Bangalore can be real fun for those who love to explore various markets and shopping places. From the air-conditioned ambience of super stores on Brigade road and MG Road to the bustling by-lanes of Chickpet and Commercial Street, Bangalore has something to offer every kind of shopper.

HOW TO REACH RAJASTHAN

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The state of Rajasthan is steeped in history, legends and myths. With its imposing forts and palaces at scenic locations, splendid royal heritage and valiant anecdotes of royalties, Rajasthan is probably the most romantic state in India.
Travel.mapsofindia brings you complete information on how to reach Rajasthan.How to Reach Rajasthan by Air: The State has 3 major airports in it, namely: Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. Most major public and private airlines operate regular flights to these places connecting them to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai. If you plan to enter Rajasthan from Delhi, Jaipur is the most convenient entry point, while Udaipur is the best choice from Mumbai. How to Reach Rajasthan by Road: One can reach Rajasthan by Road very easily since an network of National Highways and State Highways roads covers the state extensively. From Delhi, Jaipur is only 5 hours drive along the panoramic roadways. So most of the tourists prefer travel to Rajasthan by road.
How to Reach Rajasthan by Rail: Rajasthan has a good Railway network also. Major Railway Stations are in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Udaipur, which are in turn linked to important Indian cities. But the best way to reach and experience Rajasthan is to take "Palace on Wheels". This is a luxury tourist train, which offers fabulous royal splendor of the land on board. The state has also recently launched another tourist train "Heritage on Wheels". It also covers a large circuit offering enchanting glimpses of royal heritage.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN RAJASTHAN

Impregnable forts and palaces, picturesque lakes, shimmering deserts and exotic wild lives - Rajasthan offers you a heady mix. Tourist attractions in Rajasthan lie in its intriguing heritage, colorful villages and vibrant songs and dances. Visit any city in Rajasthan; it will charm you with its wealth of attractions. Old palaces, which were once resided by the Kings and princes, have now been open to the tourist for accommodation. Simply the taste of royal hospitality would bowl you over.Some important cities in Rajasthan are:
Jaipur: The capital city of Rajasthan is home to a host of tourist attractions in Rajasthan. Architectural marvels like Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, the Observatory, Jal Mahal, Jaigarh Fort bears testimony to the technological advancements in a bygone age and grandiose lifestyles of Indian Maharajas.
Udaipur: The landscaped city is often dubbed as the "Venice of the East". The City Palace Museum, Sahelion ki Bari, Jag mandir, the temples of Nathwada and Eklingji would remind you the glories of a romantic past. An evening boat cruise in the Lake Pichola, around which picturesque forts, palaces and havelis stand, would amount to a fairytale experience. You can also take an excursion to Rankapur, Kumbhalgarh and Chittorgarh.
Jodhpur: On the edge of the Great Indian Desert, in this city, a chivalrous and sensuous past comes alive in the invincible Meharan Garh Fort, the sprawling Umaid Bhawan Palace, the graceful cenotaph of Jaswant Thada, the beautiful Madore Garden. Take an excursion to the nearby tribal Bishnoi village to visit the to exotic wild life & nature.
Jaisalmer: in the heart of the desert, this is the city of famous Golden Fort. The yellow sandstone that the fort is made of, takes a shimmering golden hue with the beams of the setting sun. Visit the intricately carved havelis. A camel safari would take you right into the desert, which is one of the prime tourist attractions in Rajasthan. Ride through the sandy track and pitch your tent in the evening amid the rolling sand dunes. Camp fire, mashaals, folk dances and music - it is a tale from the Arabian Nights.
Pushkar: Lying around the sacred Pushkar Lake, the idyllic township is the holy place. The place houses the only Brahma Temple in the world. During the Pushkar Festival in October-November, millions of people gather to take a dip in the holy lake. Close by, lie the holy place of Ajmer.Ranthambore:Sprawling over the rugged terrain of Aravali and Vindhyan ranges, this is one of the finest Tiger Reserves in India. Once the private hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, it is home to many other animals like: bear, wild boar, Leopard, Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Jungle cat etc.

Celebration of Navratri

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Of the nine-day celebration of Navratri, three days each are dedicated to the trinity of goddesses: Durga the goddess of valor, Lakshmi the goddess of wealth and Saraswati the goddess of knowledge. Prayers, fasting, mark the days and solemnity while the nights are for revelry and merrymaking. The night festivities of Navratri vary in different parts of the country. The most famous and colorful festivities are the Dandiya and Garba dances of the western states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. The dancers move around in a circle, sometimes with different steps, in pairs or in groups around a lamp lighted to represent the Eternal Light of the Mother Goddess. In public squares, a garbi or mandvi is installed and decorated with shining tinsel and illuminated with dozens of twinkling oil lamps and the idol of the Mother Goddess in a pavilion which hosts merry dancing at night. In Kolkata and other places there are competitions held and the most beautiful and creatively done mandvi gets a prize. For all the nine days, the pavilion becomes the center of all activity where cultural events and competitions are organized every day. In Punjab, people organize jagrans to sing devotional songs all night in praise of the Mother Goddess. Another part of the Navratri celebrations is the Ramlila quite popular in places like Delhi and Uttar Pradesh where almost every locality has its own group of actors re-enacting episodes from the life of Lord Rama. This stems from the belief that Rama killed Ravana on the tenth day of Ashvin or Navratri called the Vijaya Dashami. In homes, the puja room becomes the scene of intense preparation with the approach of the festival of Navratri.A coconut, saffron or sandalwood paste, a garba (perforated earthen pot), a kumbh (earthen pot), grains of wheat or barley, ghee (clarified butter) or mustard oil for a lamp that will burn incessantly all through the nine special nights are placed in readiness for the ceremonial rituals of Navratri. Housewives draw designs and emblems with rice flour, turmeric powder-and vermilion. Each of the motifs symbolizes abundance and represents hope for the future. On the first day of Navratri, all the things collected for the puja are placed and the lamp is lit. on a small platform of fresh earth in front of the idol of the Mother Goddess. As evening falls, people gather around the sacred flame that is constantly fed with ghee or oil and sing bhajans. On Lalita Panchami (the fifth day), children gather all the books in the house before a sacred lamp and invoke the blessings of Saraswati. It is also the occasion for all artisans to lay down their tools before the goddess and seek her benediction upon their trade. On the eighth and ninth days of the festival, yagnas are performed with the chanting of mantras as a final act of farewell that marks the culmination of the ceremonies. On the tenth day or Vijaya Dasami, more popularly known as Dussehra, enormous effigies of Ravana stuffed with firecrackers are torched with flaming arrows to the delight of the revelers. It is also regarded

Time of Navratri

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Navratri literally meaning ‘ nine nights’ is celebrated every year during the beginning of October. However the days vary according to the Hindu Lunar Calendar. The first Navratas are celebrated in the bright two-week period of Shukla Paksha of the lunar month of Ashwani, corresponding to September/October from the 1st to the 9th date of the two-week period. Second Navratras are celebrated during the first nine days of the bright two-week period of Shukla Paksha of the lunar month of Chaitra, corresponding to mid-March to mid-April. The timing of these Navratras coincides with the harvesting season and this adds to the merriment of the festival of Navratri. Places to visit during NavratriAhmedabad is one of the best places to enjoy Navratri.The celebrations include rituals at the temples, nightlong revelry in the form of rasa garbas and dandia ras (traditional singing and dancing), fasting and feasting. Besides Ahmedabad, one can enjoy Navratri celebrations at Baroda, 110 kms from Ahmedabad. The Laxmi Vilas palace of Baroda, rated among the 5 grandest palaces of India, is the site for folk dances organized by the royal family of this princely city. Poshina, 180 kms from Baroda is where you can see the harvest celebrations of the Garasia and Bhil tribals, besides villagers of the Hindu and Jain faith. Balaram, 167 kms from Ahmedabad, is a place of pilgrimage in the Arravalli hills, which is famous for its Navratri celebrations. At Ambaji, 180 kms from Ahmedabad, there is the famous Ambaji Temple where Navratri is celebrated with dances and prayers during the 9 days of Navratri. The fortified hilltop temple town of Pawagadh, around 70 kms from Ahmedabad, has Kali temples worshipped by thousands of pilgrims during Navratri. It will be a colorful experience to witness the celebrations at Kutch, an overnight journey from Ahmedabad with the traditional tribal and rural fairs during Navratri. The most fascinating and colorful celebration of Navratri is perhaps the dandiya-raas and the garba performed throughout Gujarat and in some parts of Maharashtra and Rajasthan. These are dance forms characterized by vigorous yet graceful movements executed to vibrant music In the south, during Navratri, the occasion is also used to invite friends, relatives and neighbours over to look at the Kolu that is arranged. There is a lot of enthusiasm and competition among the young girls in Tamil Nadu who along with their mothers try to create Kolus (decorated dolls) with a different look. Songs are sung and a special sweet known locally as ‘sundal’ made from lentil and brown sugar, is served. In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, during the festival of Navratri, dolls called Bommai Kolu are placed and decorated. Goddesses Lakshmi, Durga and Saraswati are worshipped for three days each. Gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets are exchanged. Scenes from various stories in the epics and puranas are enacted.

INTRODUCTION Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, the city of Ahmed Shah (Medieval ruler of Gujarat), is known for its rich past and its association with the Mahatma (Great Soul), also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The city offers the traveler a unique style of architecture, which is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles (Indo-Saracenic style of architecture). The monuments of Ahmedabad mainly date back to the 15th century. Ahmedabad has been known for its industry since medieval times. Presently it is famous for its textile mills and is often referred to as the 'Manchester of the East'.

Navratri : Celebration

Well, it is the nine days when we are suppose to thank the female principle of nature and the goddesses connected to them. As the agricultural communities had free time only in the evenings (days being too busy with manual labor in the fields), evenings and nights were chosen as the ideal times to celebrate the festival of the goddesses.In brief, the nine nights are dedicated to the three main goddesses of Hinduism - Parvati, Lakshmi and Sarasvati.The first three nights are dedicated to the goddess of action and energy. Her different manifestations viz Kumari, Parvati and Kali are worshipped during these days. They represent the three natures/ classes of womanhood - the virgin young girl, auspicious wife/ mother and the angry old hag ! This is not a criticism of women, just a classification. It helps us recognize the different aspects of our own nature.Lakshmi is worshipped for the next three days in her various aspects as the goddesses of peace, plenty and bliss. Fulfillment is more important than wealth itself. As the goddess of wealth, she governs not just the bank balance, but also such basic things as family, friends, food etc. (read my article on wealth on my site.)Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge. Not just the knowledge of how to earn a living, but how to "live" as well. She is the goddess of the spiritual knowledge and the knowledge that frees us from this bind of Samsara. She is worshipped during the final three days of the Navratri.The nine nights are there for us to revel in the knowledge of the goddesses that live within us, imbibing us with their spiritual energy and power. Used for the good, they help liberate us from the mire of this world. Use these energies unwisely, and they will snare us in the maya of this world. We should meditate of these aspects of the nine nights, that was the reason they originally came into being.

Navratri : History

History

The 9 nights festival of Navratri begins on the first day of Ashwina of the bright fortnight. Seeds are sown, sprouting is watched, the planets are consecrated, and on the 8th and 9th days, Goddess Durga, Vijayashtami and Mahanavami are worshipped.The Devi Mahatmya and other texts invoking the Goddess who vanquished demons are cited. The day after Navratri i.e. the 10th day after Ashwina, is Dussera which celebrates the victory of lord Rama over Ravana. Ravana is burnt in effigy, often giant dummies of Ravana stuffed with fireworks are shot with arrows until they blow up before a large, applauding audience. The most characteristic dances of Gujarat during Navratri are the Rasa and Garba dances which are performed at all levels of society by men and women.The origin of the Rasa is traced back to the legends connected with the life of Lord Krishna. It is essentially associated with the agricultural rites. The Rasa is performed in Gujarat India on Navaratra; and other important festivals associated with harvest and crops. The Rasa dances of Saurashtra are closely related to agricultural functions and are for the best part grain-ritual dances.

Garba

They are performed only by men and are often complex circular formations to represent designs of lotus and other designs considered magical religious and auspicious.The chorographical pattern of the dance, the floor designs made by the dancers, is similar of the paintings seen on the walls of huts. Through these designs whether on the floor or walls, through paint and color or through dance, ritual is held and spirits are invoked. This is another aspect of the fertility cult. is mother aspect of Navratri. A cloth called Mata ni Pachepi, where the adventures of the seven mothers, is painted.

The mother, one of the seven archetypes, is painted in the center and she is surrounded by her devotees and Bua, the magician-priest. At the end of the month the Bua wraps the cloth around him and sings and dances with Virgin girls carrying pots of sprouted corn finally, the pot at immersed in the waters of a river. In all cases, the object is always either burnt or consigned to the waters. The Rasa follows.The most impressive artistry of the Rasa dances of Gujarat and Saurashtra is displayed in the Dandiya Rasa by men. It is a counterpart of the Garba of the women. The dancers use sticks at the end of which tiny bells (ghungrus) are tied so that they give off a clear jingling sound when they strike one another. This dance has a very complicated rhythm pattern and even though the dancers begin in a slow tempo, the dance develops in such manner that each person in the circle not only performs a solo dance with his own sticks, but also has a complex multiple relationship with both his partners on either side as also partners opposite him in the circles. The circle keeps breaking sometimes into two concentric circles and sometimes into three or four circles within the orbit of a larger circle.The dancers of each concentric circle then weave patterns with each other and with members of the other circle. There is a great deal of freedom in the movements and sticks are beaten in standing, sitting or lying position. Occasionally, the men weave patterns of an intertwined rope in a circle; they lie on the floor with the two sticks being beaten above their heads and chests; sometimes instead of hands, the feet hold and strike the sticks. The Dandiya Rasa is obviously of ancient origin and of ritual significance. From what one can gather from Sanskrit dramas, it became in course of time a popular, and is mentioned in Rajshekhar's Karpur Manjari.Each community has its distinctive dance patterns.The Garba of Gujarat is the most popular women's folk dance of Gujarat. During Navratri, a pot is ceremoniously placed attractive designs are made on the pot and a light is placed inside. Village girls bearing pots (garbis) on their heads go from door to door and dance around the respective house.The leader of the group sings the first line of the song while the rest repeat it in chorus, the beat being produced clapping hands or striking sticks in unison. At every step they gracefully bend sideways, the arms coming together in beautiful sweeping gestures, up and down, left and right, each movement ending in clap.The Garba is indeed a ceremony in which everyone can take part irrespective of caste or social position. The dances are accompanied by drums (dholak) and the vocal women. The songs of the Garba are often history and melodious and have been handed down through generations. The origins of the seem to be a tribal dance revolving around a hunt; later it was transformed into an agricultural ritual dedicated to the goddess Ambika. Today it is a social dance at all levels of society. In essence, it continues to be a fertility dance.There are variations in the garba different regions communities and dancers have involved their own style and steps. In Gujarat, as in Rajasthan, tribal, rural and urban life is interlinked. While the tribes respond to the natural environment, the forest, the sea or the desert, the agricultural community moves around the mother-goddess. She is worshipped as an icon or painted image or painted scroll or as a symbol - an earthen pot (garbi) or a bamboo or wood structure mandavi. The ritual of the Navaratra of the sowing and sprouting of corn for nine days and the climax through a variety of dances links agricultural and urban societies. Today in the cities and town the dance is a social activity and entertainment rather than religious agricultural or fertility symbol.Ahmedabad is one of the greatest places to enjoy Navratri. All kinds of Rasa-Garbas, Dandia ras etc. are practiced in this period, feasting and fasting are important cultural aspects of this day, and various rituals are performed at temples of the 9 Goddesses of Hinduism. The atmosphere is electric and revelry is in the air. The best places to enjoy the atmosphere of Navratri in Ahmedabad.

Navratri Festival Ahmedabad

Devoted to Goddess Shakti, the Navratri festival in Ahmedabad is celebrated with gaiety and fervor. The main highlight of the festivity of nine nights is the folk dance of Gujarat called Garba. Each day of the fiesta begins with the performance of aarti. The entire state of Ahmedabad gets energized with the thought of celebrating the Navratri festival. Well, in this article, we will provide you with information on the Navratri festival in Ahmedabad, India.People perform the Garba folk dance around the statue of Goddess Shakti. Garba is carried out till late midnight. The dancers usually make use of dandiya, i.e. long wooden sticks, to play garba. During this nine day long festivity, the Ahmedabad city is beautifully decorated with colorful lights. The maiden day witnesses the growing of seeds and the farmers closely watch them sprouting. Read on to know more about the Ahmedabad Navratri festival…On the eighth and ninth day of the Navratri festivity, people offer prayers to Goddess Durga, Vijayashtami and Mahanavami. To invoke the blessings of Goddess, people cite texts like The Devi Mahatmya. The main dance performances that take place during the festive occasion of Navratri consist of the Rasa and Garba dances, in which people of age groups participate with full enthusiasm. The next day after Navratri festival is Dussehra that is observed to celebrate the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon Ravana. This is how the Navratri festival is celebrated in Ahmedabad, India.

Vibrant Gujarat Navratri Mahotsav, 2007

Corporates asked to host Navratri fest
Why is the government withdrawing its hand? With state Assembly elections scheduled for this year-end, govt fears model code of conduct may be in force during Navratri; representatives of top industrial houses have met senior government officials and offered to hold nine-night festival, provided they get logistical support

Gandhinagar, August 28: The state government has reportedly decided not to organise the Vibrant Gujarat Navratri Mahotsav – 2007, and instead ask some top corporate houses to organise the festival spanning nine nights beginning in the second week of October. The event will be organised at the sprawling helipad grounds in Gandhinagar.
A group of representatives of leading industrial houses like Adani, Reliance, Essar, Nirma, Torrent, Cadila and Welspun have already had a meeting with senior officials of the State Industries and Tourism department, where they offered to organise the nine-night festival of garba and traditional dances. They also urged the government to provide the necessary logistics to the corporate houses for organising the event.


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A senior official told The Indian Express on Tuesday that one of the main reasons why the government wanted to back out from the Navratri festival this time was that with the state Assembly polls scheduled for this year end, it did not want to court any controversy with regard to the model code of conduct, which could come into force by that time. Besides, the government could avoid additional burden on the state expenditure on such a huge event this year by inviting leading corporate houses to organise it.
“If a major festival like Kutch Mahotsav could be organised every year by involving some top industrial and business houses, there is nothing wrong in approaching some top corporate honchos and asking them to organise the Gujarat Vibrant Navratri Mahotsav this year,” said the official said, adding that “the government will only play the role of facilitator for the industrial houses.” The officials have asked the industrial houses to submit a formal proposal to the government for organising the Navratri festival.
For the last two years, the government had been organising the Vibrant Gujarat Navratri Mahotsav on the helipad grounds in Gandhinagar. In 2005, the festival was to be organised along the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad. But, the government was forced to change its venue to Gandhinagar after the opposition Congress argued that the event could not be held as the code of conduct was in force in view of local body elections then. Gandhinagar being the notified area, the government had then faced no problem in organising the Navratri event there.
The Modi Government had spent a whopping sum of Rs 16.35 crore on the much-hyped Vibrant Gujarat Navratri Mahotsav organised on the Gandhinagar helipad grounds in 2005 and 2006, and paid over Rs 4.87 crore to the Allahabad-based private agency – M/s Laluji and Sons — just for the ground arrangements, design and event management in both the years. Though the government had organised the Navratri festival to attract foreigners and NRIs to market Gujarat, the fete had only 27 foreigner tourists in 2005 and another 9 in 2006. The government had incurred expenditure on their airfare, accommodation, food and transportation during the event in both the years. And to publicise the event, the government had spent over Rs 2.69 crore on media and publicity alone.

Gujarat and Indian Music

Origin:
An observer of the cultural scenario of Gujarat may wonder why better appreciation of music is now very much visible among Ahmedabadis. Well, you will be surprised that the sweet inspirations were nothing new in Gujarat. The state has already been vibrating to the stimulous of sound waves produced by the great musicians of Gujarat centuries ago.
Haveli Sangeet:
The fascination of music for the people of Gujarat was curiously illustrated by the fact that several Gujaratis have enriched the tradition of Hindustani classical music. Musicologists and historians trace the genesis of classical music to the Haveli Sangeet of Vallabhacharya, the pioneer of the movement which was akin to Prabhanda, a literary from peculiar to Gujarat.
Narsinh Mehta:
The impact of this devotional singing is perceptible in the compositions of Narsingh Mehta, the great Vaishnavaite poet of Junagadh during the period 1414 to 1481. Narsingh Mehta is said to have worked a variety of miracles, particularly when he sang his favourite raga "Kedar" In the history of music, Narsingh Mehta was the most accomplished composer from Gujarat. His lyrical work, "Vaishnava Janato" which was so dear to Gandhiji, remains as a musical marvel without any cause wonder to the people of Gujarat even today.
Folk: Raas-Garba
The most popular amongst the Folk music is, Raas-Garba. The annual Navratri Utsav, or Festival of Nine Nights, provokes the cities of Gujarat into light, colour, dancing and music, during Saptember-October. Navratri is held throughout Gujarat, at small villages as well as great cities. Amba Mata, the earth goddess bestowing strength and power against the forces of evil, enjoys special attention during Navratri by Puja in temples and dances of the Ras Garba tradition. These dances normally begin at eleven at night and continue till dawn, at various sites, in different areas in each city.
Moghul era:
Swami Vallabhdas who hailed from Gujarat had given himself up to the Swaminarayan sect from his childhood to serve God through music. Aditya Ram, State Musician of Jamnagar who lived in the 18th century was credited to have popularised the singing style of Dhrupad Sangeet. Baiju Bavara, who sang with the legendary Mian Tansen of Akbar's court hailed from Champaneer in Gujarat. The 16th century Nawab of Ahmedabad, Bahadur Shah was a keen music lover and it was he who patronised Baiju Bawara's music. As a Tribute to his mentor, Baiju Bawara created the Morning raga, Bahadur Todi in honour of the Nawab.
Connoisseurs of music are all too familiar with the miracle associated with Tansen's rendition of raga Deepak. According to the story prevailing in Gujarat, Tansen after singing the melody, began to suffer from unbearable heat within his body and in sheer exasperation, he absconded from Delhi and came down to Vadanagar in North Gujarat in search of a cure for his ailment.
A Kindly brahmin musician offered shelter to Tansen at Vadanagar. He was quick to surmise the cause of Tansen's suffering and asked his gifted daughters, Tanna and Riri, who were accomplished singers to render the raga "Malhar", associated with the rainy season. Their rendition had a miraculous effect on Tansen and he was cured of his affliction.
Overjoyed, Tansen returned to Akbar's court and told the emperor of the cure he had. Pleased with the result, the Mogul Emperor sent a special messenger to bring the singing sisters to his court. The girls declined the emperor's invitation. Incensed by the girls' impudence, Akbar ordered his army to invade Vadanagar to bring the two musicians. Upon Seeing the approaching army, the girls immolated themselves Tana-Riri music festival in Vadanagar is now a yearly ritual to perpetuate the memory of the girls who sacrificed their lives to uphold the musical tradition of Gujarat.
Gaekwads:
Bhavanagar, Porbandar, Sanand and Baroda were the princely states which accorded patronage to music in Gujarat. But the pride of place among these princely patrons must go to Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gakewad of Baroda who brought a transformation of his State in the field of education, art and culture. Baroda, which is acclaimed as the cultural capital of Gujarat, boasts of a University with faculty of music, dance and drama besideds a Kala Bhavan which are monuments to Sayajirao's contribution to fine arts. The first all India Music Conference was held in 1914 in Baroda.
Kambavati, a very popular melody of our times must have had its origin in the city of Cambay, the Hindu name for which was Khambavati, present day Khambhat. Sohini, Bhilaval, Saurashtra Tanka are some of the other ragas in Hindustani music which one their origin to Gujarat. Krishandas Adhikari, who was born in a village called Chilotra in Ahmedabad District was considered to be the best exponent of the modern Khyal singing. The best know exponents of Thumri, the late Khan Sahib Abdul Karim Khan and Sahib Faiyaz Khan adorned the durbar of the Baroda Maharaja.
Pandit Thakur:
The most outstanding educationist of Indian music by evolving a graduate course of instruction which is a great improvement was Pandit Omkarnath Thakur (1897-1968) who had published a series of text books of practical instruction named Sangeetanjali. This great son of Gujarat had devoted his lifetime to the propogation of Hindustani classical music, not only in Gujarat but throughout India.
Gujarati Gazals:
On an equivalent freshness and originality is Gujarati Gazals, the most popular variety commonly known as light classical music or just 'Sugam Sangeet' in Gujarat. However with the passing away of Avinash Vyas, the Gujarati Sugam Sangeet World lost a friend. But a handful of his wellwishers preserve his tradition of singing, the Gujarati Geet. Film music directors, Kalyanji-Anandji continue to enrich the music of Gujarat.
Ahmedabad Today:
Ahmedabad based financial institution named Anagram Finance Limited, a Kasturbhai Lalbhai group company organises regularly a three day classical music festival, it turns out to be another manifestation of the corporate public relation culture in promoting music among the masses of Ahmedabad in Gujarat. During the three day festival, a record number between eight to ten thousand people listen in rapt attention the strains of classical Hindustani ragas in the cool comfort of a sprawling open air theatre sitting cross legged in the traditional, `baithak' style or in the more comfortable plastic moulded chairs watching stalwarts like Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma or the charismatic Zakir Hussein for three consecutive days till late midnight.
"Sur Sandhaya Samaroh" started perhaps the first of its kind in such a massive scale where the discerning public was provided with closed circuit television view on giant screens for closer looks at the artists in action. The event took many by surprise, because the general feeling was that the people of Ahmedabad in particular and Gujaratis in general are more concerned with creation of wealth than for developing an ear for music.
The run away success of the three day festival marks a new vista in the cultural scene of Ahmedabad today. Gujarat, has a lot to offer to Indian classical music. Excerpts from an article

Navratri-Festrival of Gujarat

Navratri, meaning 'nine nights', is an ancient and colourful festival. It honours the one Divine Shakti or Force which supports the entire universe, and is personified as the Mother Goddess. She protects her worshippers, destroys evil and grants boons to her children. The Mother Goddess has seven well - known forms, depending upon the special powers she manifests. Throughout Gujarat, Navratri is celebrated with joy and religious fevour.This festival is essentially religious in nature. It is celebrated with true devotion in the various temples dedicated to the Mother, or Mataji, as she is familiarly called. In some homes, images of the Mother are worshipped in accordance with accepted practice. This is also true of the temples which usually have a constant stream of visitors from morning to night. Another interesting feature of Navratri is the garba. a circular dance performed by women around an earthenware pot called a garbo , filled with water. A betel nut and a silver coin are placed within the pot, called a kumbh, on top of which a coconut has also been placed. As the dancers whirl around the pot, a singer and a drummer provide the musical accompaniment. The participants clap in a steady rhythm. Nowadays, loudspeakers are used to enhance the sound which grows to a crescendo. The dance usually starts slowly. It gets faster and faster as the music too gets more rapid, until the dance abruptly comes to a halt. There is a pause for a while and the dance commences once again, the singer leading with a new song.Another dance which is also a feature of Navaratri is the dandia-ras or 'stick' dance, in which men and women join the dance circle, holding small polished sticks or dandias. As they whirl to the intoxicating rhythm of the dance, men and women strike the dandias together, adding to the joyous atmosphere. So popular are the garba and the dandia-ras that competitions are held to assess the quality of the dancing. Prizes are given to those judged to be the best. The costumes worn for the dances are traditional and alive with colour. The dances usually commence late in the night and continue until early morning, testifying to their great popularity.Navratri at AhmedabadWhile the basic celebrations are alive and joyous, as they are elsewhere, at Ahmedabad the garba parties are enormous. In large public squares, group of musicians sing the traditional garba songs. A bhajan singer with a harmonium sings into a microphone. In crowded localities, where open space is not available, the garba ceases to be a circular dance but instead becomes a long line of people, comprising both men and women moving in accordance with the turns and bends of the street. The scene is truly fantastic.Navratri in BarodaBaroda is a well-known centre of music and culture, and many streets have their own garba mandals, or garba groups A bhavai performance is held at Baroda's Ambaji temple, during Navratri. Many other places within Gujarat have their own local customs and celebrate Navratri in their own special way

NRGs invited to mega Navratri event

AHMEDABAD: On the anvil are Gujarat government's plans of organising a nine-day mega event for Non-Resident Gujaratis (NRGs), which will be Gujarat's version of the 'Pravasi Bharatiya Divas' celebrated on January 9 in New Delhi. The event, starting on September 26, will last through the Navratri festival. The state government expects participation of NRGs from about 150 countries and will also invite about 15 Gujarati associations from each of the six major destinations, that of the US, UK, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Minister for the NRG department Ashok Bhatt said, "Navratri 2003 is a mega event which will be handled on a priority basis by the industry, tourism and NRG department of the government. We have also planned to organise industry visits, business meets and seminars for NRGs during this period." Bhatt informed that after the NRI event in New Delhi, NRGs had started sending in queries about exploring the potential of the state in terms of it being a lucrative business destination. "This nine-day event will present an opportunity to NRGs to explore business possibilities in the state," said Bhatt. "Navratri 2003 celebrations will be hosted in all major cities of Gujarat including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Surat. Visitors interested in exploring industrial areas will be put up in Ahmedabad, small-scale industries in Rajkot, those wanting to explore pharmaceutical industries will be put up at Vadodara and Surat would be the destination for delegates interested in jewellery and diamond," added Bhatt. Milind Godbole of the British Trade Office said, "This event certainly presents a platform for NRGs who are eager to invest in the state. This event, which will combine pleasure and business, will help the delegates in getting first hand information on investment opportunities." Chairman of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce Prakash Bhagwati opined that the event, if carried out successfully, could establish Gujarat as a safe business destination. "It has been witnessed in the past that communal tensions surface during festivals. However, proving that business activities of corporates in Gujarat are not hampered by such disturbances may help in re-establishing the NRG's confidence in the state." Mukesh Shah, a member of the governing council of the NRG Foundation informed that they had planned to invite NRGs for such events in Gujarat every year. "A mega event, planned for NRIs in 2001 could not take place because of the earthquake and then the riots did not leave room for such an event last year." Shah, who visited US, UK, South Africa and Kenya as a NRG Foundation delegate in 2001, added that many Gujaratis staying in these countries had expressed a desire to come and participate in different celebrations in the state. However Krishnakant Vakharia, president of the Vishwa Gujarati Samaj said, "Certainly many NRGs will come and participate in the event. But if success is to be measured by the number of business projects that Gujarat will receive, then this event will get a response similar to the one that 'Resurgent Gujarat' got. Unless the authorities asks non-government organisations to manage the event, it will be TOUGH to establish any credibility," he said.

up comong navratri

NAVRATRI
The historical background Navratri or the Festival of Nine Nights from Ashvin Sud 1 to 9 is devoted to the propitiation of Shakti or Divine Mother. She represents prakriti, counterpart of purusha jointly making possible the creation of the world according to the religious ideology of Goddess worship. Such worships were prevalent in India even before the advent of the Aryans, who adopted it as a religious practice. References in vedas and puranas confirm this opinion. The main temples of mother goddess that are visited by multitude of devotees during Navratri are the shaktipithas, of which there are three in Gujarat. It is believed that Lord Vishnu had to cut the body of Sati into pieces to stop the destruction by Shiva who was perturbed by her death. At fifty-two places these pieces fell, the three in Gujarat being; Ambaji in Banaskantha, Bahucharaji in Chunaval and Kalika on Pavagadh hill in Panchmahals.
This festival is essentially religious in nature. It is celebrated with true devotion in the various temples dedicated to the Mother, or Mataji, as she is familiarly called. In some homes, images of the Mother are worshipped in accordance with accepted practice. This is also true of the temples, which usually have a constant stream of visitors from morning to night.
Celebration Galore The most common form of public celebration is the performance of garba or dandia-ras, Gujarat's popular folk-dance, late throughout the nights of these nine days in public squares, open grounds and streets. Females wear ethnic Chania Choli and Males wear Dhoti-Kurta and enjoy garba and dandiya ras (dance) the whole Night. The participants move round in a circle around a mandvi (garbo), a structure to hold earthen lamps filled with water and to house the image or idol of mother goddess. A betel nut and a silver coin are placed within the pot, called a kumbh, on top of which a coconut has also been placed. Pandals are erected over these madvis and decorated with asopalav, date palm leaves, flowers and electric light. As the dancers whirl around the pot, a singer and a drummer provide the musical accompaniment. The participants clap in a steady rhythm. The dance usually starts slowly. It gets faster and faster as the music too gets more rapid until the dance abruptly comes to a halt. There is a pause for a while and the dance commences once again, the singer leading with a new song.
Another dance which is also a feature of Navaratri is the dandia-ras or ‘stick’ dance, in which men and women join the dance circle, holding small polished sticks or dandias. As they whirl to the intoxicating rhythm of the dance, men and women strike the dandias together, adding to the joyous atmosphere. So popular are the garba and the dandia-ras that competitions are held to assess the quality of the dancing. Prizes are given to those judged to be the best. The costumes worn for the dances are traditional and alive with colour. The dances usually commence late in the night and continue until early morning, testifying to their great popularity.
Navratri in GujaratIn different parts of the state the celebration of Navratri has different emphasis. In Saurashtra, bhavai, a dance drama is played. At Vadnagar in Mehsana Vada Garbani Sheri is focus of the attention as large number of men and women participate in garba. In Ahmedabad the fusion of modern music is at its peak and youngsters have gala time. The overnight extravaganza is worth witnessing for pomp, splendour and exhilaration that permeates everywhere. Isanpur near Ahmedabad is famous for its mandvi, which is erected on the thirteenth day with arti being performed the next day early in the morning. Account of Navratri would be incomplete without reference to Vadodara, the city of art and culture. Here, number of groups performs garba in quite professional manner. A bhavai performance is also held at Baroda’s Ambaji temple, during Navratri. The grace and dignity of the performances of Baroda leaves nothing to chance for its perfection.
Navratri is thus the festival that combines religious, devotional, cultural and recreational activities for almost a fortnight. To be in Gujarat during Navratri is to wit

gujarat navratri

The 9 nights festival of Navratri begins on the first day of Ashwina of the bright fortnight. Seeds are sown, sprouting is watched, the planets are consecrated, and on the 8th and 9th days, Goddess Durga, Vijayashtami and Mahanavami are worshipped.
The Devi Mahatmya and other texts invoking the Goddess who vanquished demons are cited.
The day after Navratri i.e. the 10th day after Ashwina, is Dussera which celebrates the victory of lord Rama over Ravana. Ravana is burnt in effigy, often giant dummies of Ravana stuffed with fireworks are shot with arrows until they blow up before a large, applauding audience.
Click here to see animation of Ravana been blown to pieces.
The most characteristic dances of Gujarat during Navratri are the Rasa and Garba dances which are performed at all levels of society by men and women.The origin of the Rasa is traced back to the legends connected with the life of Lord Krishna. It is essentially associated with the agricultural rites. The Rasa is performed in Gujarat India on Navaratra; and other important festivals associated with harvest and crops. The Rasa dances of Saurashtra are closely related to agricultural functions and are for the best part grain-ritual dances.
Garba
They are performed only by men and are often complex circular formations to represent designs of lotus and other designs considered magical religious and auspicious.
The choreographical pattern of the dance, the floor designs made by the dancers, is similar of the paintings seen on the walls of huts. Through these designs whether on the floor or walls, through paint and colour or through dance, ritual is held and spirits are invoked. This is another aspect of the fertility cult. is mother aspect of Navratri. A cloth called Mata ni Pachepi, where the adventures of the seven mothers, is painted. The mother, one of the seven archetypes, is painted in the centre and she is surrounded by her devotees and Bua, the magician-priest. At the end of the month the Bua wraps the cloth around him and sings and dances with Virgin girls carrying pots of sprouted corn finally, the pot at immersed in the waters of a river. In all cases, the object is always either burnt or consigned to the waters. The Rasa follows.
The most impressive artistry of the Rasa dances of Gujarat and Saurashtra is displayed in the Dandiya Rasa by men. It is a counterpart of the Garba of the women. The dancers use sticks at the end of which tiny bells (ghungrus) are tied so that they give off a clear jingling sound when they strike one another. This dance has a very complicated rhythm pattern and even though the dancers begin in a slow tempo, the dance develops in such manner that each person in the circle not only performs a solo dance with his own sticks, but also has a complex multiple relationship with both his partners on either side as also partners opposite him in the circles. The circle keeps breaking sometimes into two concentric circles and sometimes into three or four circles within the orbit of a larger circle.
The dancers of each concentric circle then weave patterns with each other and with members of the other circle. There is a great deal of freedom in the movements and sticks are beaten in standing, sitting or lying position. Occasionally, the men weave patterns of an intertwined rope in a circle; they lie on the floor with the two sticks being beaten above their heads and chests; sometimes instead of hands, the feet hold and strike the sticks. The Dandiya Rasa is obviously of ancient origin and of ritual significance. From what one can gather from Sanskrit dramas, it became in course of time a popular, and is mentioned in Rajshekhar's Karpur Manjari.
Each community has its distinctive dance patterns.
The Garba of Gujarat is the most popular women's folk dance of Gujarat. During Navratri, a pot is ceremoniously placed attractive designs are made on the pot and a light is placed inside. Village girls bearing pots (garbis) on their heads go from door to door and dance around the respective house.
The leader of the group sings the first line of the song while the rest repeat it in chorus, the beat being produced clapping hands or striking sticks in unison. At every step they gracefully bend sideways, the arms coming together in beautiful sweeping gestures, up and down, left and right, each movement ending in clap.
The Garba is indeed a ceremony in which everyone can take part irrespective of caste or social position. The dances are accompanied by drums (dholak) and the vocal women. The songs of the Garba are often history and melodious and have been handed down through generations. The origins of the seem to be a tribal dance revolving around a hunt; later it was transformed into an agricultural ritual dedicated to the goddess Ambika. Today it is a social dance at all levels of society. In essence, it continues to be a fertility dance.
There are variations in the garba different regions communities and dancers have involved their own style and steps. In Gujarat, as in Rajasthan, tribal, rural and urban life is interlinked. While the tribes respond to the natural environment, the forest, the sea or the desert, the agricultural community moves around the mother-goddess. She is worshipped as an icon or painted image or painted scroll or as a symbol - an earthen pot (garbi) or a bamboo or wood structure mandavi. The ritual of the Navaratra of the sowing and sprouting of corn for nine days and the climax through a variety of dances links agricultural and urban societies. Today in the cities and town the dance is a social activity and entertainment rather than religious agricultural or fertility symbol.
Ahmedabad is one of the greatest places to enjoy Navratri. All kinds of Rasa-Garbas, Dandia ras etc. are practiced in this period, feasting and fasting are important cultural aspects of this day, and various rituals are performed at temples of the 9 Goddesses of Hinduism. The atmosphere is electric and revelry is in the air. The best places to enjoy the atmosphere of Navratri in Ahmedabad.
Besides Ahmedabad, tourists can witness the Navratri celebrations at :
Baroda :110 kms from Ahmedabad, the city of Baroda is famous for the celebrations of Navratri. The Laxmi Vilas palace of Baroda, rated among the 5 grandest palaces of India, is the site for folk dances organised by the royal family of this princely city. Often there are many good hotels in Baroda.
Poshina :180 kms from Ahmedabad, in the triballands of Sabarkanta, Poshina is where you can see the harvest celebrations of the Garasia and Bhil tribals, besides villagers of the Hindu and Jain faith. There is a heritage hotel at Poshina.
Balaram :167 kms from Ahmedabad, Balaram is a place of pilgrimage in the Arravalli hills. Between Balaram and Ambaji, tribal women dance on the days of Navratri. There is a palace resort at Balaram.
Ambaji :180 kms from Ahmedabad, Ambaji is one of the most reversed temples in Gujarat during the 9 days of Navratri. Prayers are performed and dances can be witnessed in the fore-court.
Pawagadh :Around 70 kms from Ahmedabad, the fortified hilltop temple town of Pawagadh has Kali temples worshipped by thousands of pilgrims during Navratri.
Kutch :An overnight journey from Ahmedabad, Kutch witnesses colourful tribal and rural fairs during Navratri specially on the 7th-8th days.

Tirumala Tirupati Navaratri October Brahmotsavam 2007 Days

The Tirumala Tirupati Navratri October Brahmotsavams 2007 will be held from October 12 to October 20 in 2007. This year there is an Adhika Masam and therefore there are two Brahmotsavams – the Srivari (Salakatla) Brahmotsavams, which was held from Sept 15 to Sept 23, and the Navarathri Brahmotsavams. The Garuda Vahana procession of Lord Balaji attracts maximum devotees during the Brahmotsavam festivals. During 2007 Navratri Brahmotsavams, the Garuda Vahana procession is on October 16.
Below is the usual schedule followed during the Brahmotsavams in Tirupati Venkateswara Temple.
The Ankurarpana and Senadhipati Utsavam will be celebrated on October 11, 2007.
Brahmotsavam Day One – On October 12th morning, Dhwajarohana (flat hoisting) will be conducted by hoisting the Garuda dhwaja, a flag with the emblem of a black garuda (eagle).
At night, the procession of Lord Venkateswara around the four streets of the main temple on the Pedda Seshavahana. The Pedda Seshavahana is a vehicle in the shape of Adisesha – the mythical seven hooded snake. It is believed that the seven hills on which Lord Balaji is resting are the seven hoods of Adisesha.
Brahmotsavam Day Two – On October 13th morning, the procession of Lord Balaji around the temple on the Chinna Seshavahana (small vehicle in the shape of Adisesha).
At night, Unjal Seva, (Swinging puja) at the Uyala Mandapam. Then the procession of the Lord Venkateswara on the Hamsavahana – vehicle shaped like swan.
Brahmotsavam Day Three – On October 14th morning, procession on the Simhavahana, a vehicle in the shape of lion. The Simahavahana symbolizes authority. Also, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Narasimha (half man – half lion) to kill Hiranyakasipu.
At night, after the Unjal Seva, a procession on Mutayalapandiri Vahana, a vehicle decorated with pearls. Pearl symbolizes purity.
Brahmotsavam Day Four – On October 15th morning, procession on Kalpavriksha Vahana, a vehicle in the shape of Kalpavriksha, a mythical tree.
At night, after Unjal Seva, procession on Sarvabhoopala Vahana, a vehicle symbolizing all the kings on the earth.
Brahmotsavam Day Five – On October 16th morning, Mohini Avatarotsavam is held. It celebrates the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as ‘Mohini,’ a beautiful woman. Procession is on a palanquin and is accompanied by Lord Krishna.
At night, after Unjal Seva, procession of Lord and consorts on the GarudaVahana. Lord Venkateswara is specially decorated with Mahaakanti and Sahasranaramala. This day attracts the maximum visitors as Garuda Vahana is the greatest of all Vahanas.
Brahmotsavam Day Six – On October 17th morning, procession on Hanumantha Vahana, vehicle dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
Vasantotsavam (spring festival) is celebrated and there is no Unjal Seva on the day.
Lord Balaji is also taken out on a procession on the Golden Chariot, Swarna Ratham.
At night, procession on Gaja Vahana, vehicle in the shape of elephant.
Brahmotsavam Day Seven – October 18th morning, procession on Suryaprabha Vahana, vehicle shaped like the Sun chariot.
At night, after Unjal Seva, procession on Chandraprabha Vahana, vehicle shaped like moon.
Brahmotsavam Day Eight – October 19th morning, Rathotsavam, procession of Lord on a huge chariot and devotees get a chance to pull the huge chariot. This is the only day in which the devotees can pull the chariot.
At night, after Unjal Seva, procession on the Ashwa Vahana, vehicle in the shape of horse.
Brahmotsavam Day Nine – October 20th morning, Pallaki Seva and Chakrasnana Mahotsavam.
The procession of Lord Chakratalwar and ‘Thirumanjana’ festival will be held on the day. The processional deities used for Brahmotsavam will be anointed with puja items and ‘abhishekam’ will be performed. Then at the auspicious moment idol of Lord Chakra will be given a bath in the Srivari Pushkarini (sacred temple tank). Devotes take a bath in the holy waters.
October 20th evening, Dhwajavarohanam, the Grauda flag will be lowered.

DURGA PUJA OR NAVARATRI

SALUTATIONS to the Divine Mother, Durga, who exists in all beings in the form of intelligence, mercy, beauty, who is the consort of Lord Shiva, who creates, sustains and destroys the universe.
This festival is observed twice a year, once in the month of Chaitra and then in Aswayuja. It lasts for nine days in honour of the nine manifestations of Durga. During Navaratri (the word literally means "nine nights") devotees of Durga observe a fast. Brahmins are fed and prayers are offered for the protection of health and property.
The beginning of summer and the beginning of winter are two very important junctions of climatic and solar influence. These two periods are taken as sacred opportunities for the worship of the Divine Mother. They are indicated respectively by the Rama-Navaratri in Chaitra (April-May) and the Durga Navaratri in Aswayuja (September-October). The bodies and minds of people undergo a considerable change on account of the changes in Nature. Sri Rama is worshipped during Ramnavmi, and Mother Durga during Navaratri.
The Durga Puja is celebrated in various parts of India in different styles. But the one basic aim of this celebration is to propitiate Shakti, the Goddess in Her aspect as Power, to bestow upon man all wealth, auspiciousness, prosperity, knowledge (both sacred and secular), and all other potent powers. Whatever be the particular or special request that everyone may put before the Goddess, whatever boon may be asked of Her, the one thing behind all these is propitiation, worship and linking oneself with Her. There is no other aim. This is being effected consciously or unconsciously. Everyone is blessed with Her loving mercy and is protected by Her.
Durga Puja or Navaratri commences on the first and ends on the tenth day of the bright half of Aswayuja (September-October). It is held in commemoration of the victory of Durga over Mahishasura, the buffalo-headed demon. In Bengal Her image is worshipped for nine days and then cast into water. The tenth day is called Vijaya Dasami or Dussera (the "tenth day"). Processions with Her image are taken out along the streets of villages and cities.
The mother of Durga (that is, the wife of the King of the Himalayas) longed to see her daughter. Durga was permitted by Lord Shiva to visit her beloved mother only for nine days in the year. The festival of Durga Puja marks this brief visit and ends with the Vijaya Dasami day, when Goddess Durga leaves for Her return to Mount Kailas. This is the view of some devotees.
In Bengal, Durga Puja is a great festival. All who live away from home return during the Puja days. Mothers reunite with their sons and daughters, and wives with their husbands.
The potter shows his skill in making images, the painter in drawing pictures, the songster in playing on his instrument, and the priest in reciting the sacred books. The Bengalis save money throughout the year only to spend everything during the Puja days. Cloth is freely distributed to the Brahmins.
The woman of Bengal welcomes the Goddess with a mother's love and sends away the image on the last day, with every ceremony associated with a daughter's departure to her husband's home and with motherly tears in her eyes. This signifies the parting of Durga from Her beloved mother.
Durga Puja is the greatest Hindu festival in which God is adored as Mother. Hinduism is the only religion in the world which has emphasised to such an extent the motherhood of God. One's relationship with one's mother is the dearest and the sweetest of all human relations. Hence, it is proper to look upon God as mother.
Durga represents the Divine Mother. She is the energy aspect of the Lord. Without Durga, Shiva has no expression and without Shiva, Durga has no existence. Shiva is the soul of Durga; Durga is identical with Shiva. Lord Shiva is only the silent witness. He is motionless, absolutely changeless. He is not affected by the cosmic play. It is Durga who does everything.
Shakti is the omnipotent power of the Lord, or the Cosmic Energy. The Divine Mother is represented as having ten different weapons in Her hands. She sits on a lion. She keeps up the play of the Lord through the three attributes of Nature, namely, Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas. Knowledge, peace, lust, anger, greed, egoism and pride, are all Her forms.
You will find in the Devi Sukta of the Rig Veda Samhita that Vak, symbolising speech, the daughter of the sage Anbhirna, realised her identity with the Divine Mother, the Power of the Supreme Lord, which manifests throughout the universe among the gods, among men and beasts and among the creatures of the deep ocean.
In the Kena Upanishad, you will find that the Divine Mother shed wisdom on Indra and the gods and said that the gods were able to defeat the demons only with the help of the power of the Supreme Lord.
The worship of Devi, the universal Mother, leads to the attainment of knowledge of the Self. The story in the Kena Upanishad known as the "Yaksha Prasna", supports this view. It tells how Uma, the Divine Mother, taught the Truth to the gods. Goddess Shakti thus sheds wisdom on Her devotees.
Devi worship is, therefore, worship of God's glory, of God's greatness and supremacy. It is adoration of the Almighty. It is unfortunate that Devi is ignorantly understood by many as a mere blood-thirsty Hindu Goddess. No! Devi is not a vicious demoness nor is She the property of the Hindus alone. Devi does not belong to any religion. Devi is that conscious power of God. The words Devi, Shakti, etc., and the ideas of different forms connected with these names are concessions granted by the sages due to the limitations of the human intellect; they are by no means the ultimate definitions of Shakti.
The original or Adi Shakti is beyond human comprehension. Bhagavan Krishna says in the Gita: "This is only My lower nature. Beyond this is My higher nature, the life-principle which sustains the universe".
The Upanishad also says: "The supreme power of God is manifested in various ways. This power is of the nature of God, manifesting as knowledge, strength and activity".
Truly speaking, all beings in the universe are Shakti-worshippers, whether they are aware of it or not, for there is no one who does not love and long for power in some form or other. Physicists and scientists have now proved that everything is pure, imperishable energy. This energy is only a form of divine Shakti which exists in every form.
A child is more familiar with the mother than with the father, because the mother is very kind, loving, tender and affectionate and looks after the needs of the child. In the spiritual field also, the aspirant or the devotee--the spiritual child--has an intimate relationship with the Mother Durga, more than with the Father Shiva. Therefore, it behoves the aspirant to approach the Mother first, who then introduces Her spiritual child to the Father for his illumination.
The Mother's Grace is boundless. Her mercy is illimitable; Her knowledge infinite; Her power immeasurable; Her glory ineffable; and Her splendour indescribable. She gives you material prosperity as well as spiritual freedom.
Approach Her with an open heart. Lay bare your heart to Her with frankness and humility. Be as simple as a child. Kill ruthlessly the enemies of egoism, cunningness, selfishness and crookedness. Make a total, unreserved, and ungrudging self-surrender to Her. Sing Her praise. Repeat Her Name. Worship Her with faith and unflinching devotion. Perform special worship on the Navaratri days. Navaratri is the most suitable occasion for doing intense spiritual practices. These nine days are very sacred to the Divine Mother. Plunge yourself in Her worship. Practise intense repetition of the Divine Name, having a regular "quota" of repetitions per day, and the number of hours spent on it.
Devi fought with Bhandasura and his forces for nine days and nine nights. This Bhandasura had a wonderful birth and life. When Lord Shiva burnt Cupid with the fire of His "third eye", Sri Ganesha playfully moulded a figure out of the ashes, and the Lord breathed life into it! This was the terrible demon Bhandasura. He engaged himself in great penance and on account of it obtained a boon from Lord Shiva. With the help of that boon, he began harassing the worlds. The Divine Mother fought with him for nine nights (the demons have extraordinary strength during the night), and killed him on the evening of the tenth day, known as the Vijaya Dasami. The learning of any science is begun on this highly auspicious day. It was on this day that Arjuna worshipped Devi, before starting the battle against the Kauravas on the field of Kurukshetra.
Sri Rama worshipped Durga at the time of the fight with Ravana, to invoke Her aid in the war. This was on the days preceding the Vijaya Dasami day. He fought and won through Her Grace.
In days of yore, kings used to undertake ambitious expeditions on the day of the Vijaya Dasami. Those kings who did not go on such expeditions used to go out hunting in the deep forests. In Rajputana, India, even up to this date, people arrange mock attacks on some fort on Vijaya Dasami.
This day, however, has much to do with the life of Sri Rama. Nowhere in the history of the world can we find a parallel to the character of Sri Rama as a man, son, brother, husband, father or king. Maharishi Valmiki has exhausted the entire language in describing the glory of Sri Rama. And, we shall be rightly celebrating the Dussera if we make honest efforts to destroy the demon of our ego, and radiate peace and love wherever we go. Let us all resolve to become men of sterling character. Let us resolve and act. The story of Sri Rama is known in almost all parts of the globe, and if we but succeed in following even a hundredth part of His teachings, we shall make our lives more fragrant than the rose and more lustrous than gold!
Dussera can also be interpreted as "Dasa-Hara", which means the cutting of the ten heads of Ravana. So, let us resolve today to cut the ten heads--passion, pride, anger, greed, infatuation, lust, hatred, jealousy, selfishness and crookedness--of the demon, Ego, and thus justify the celebration of Dussera.
Religious observances, traditional worship and observances at times have more than one significance. Apart from being the adoration of the Divine, they commemorate stirring events in history, they are allegoric when interpreted from the occult standpoint and, lastly, they are deeply significant pointers and revealing guides to the individual on his path to God-realisation.
Outwardly, the nine-day worship of Devi is a celebration of triumph. This nine days' celebration is offered to the Mother for Her successful struggle with the formidable demons led by Mahishasura. But, to the sincere spiritual aspirant, the particular division of the Navaratri into sets of three days to adore different aspects of the Supreme Goddess has a very sublime, yet thoroughly practical truth to reveal. In its cosmic aspect, it epitomises the stages of the evolution of man into God, from Jivahood (the state of individualisation) to Shivahood (the state of Self-realisation). In its individual import, it shows the course that his spiritual practice should take.
Let us, therefore, examine in detail the spiritual significance of Navaratri.
The central purpose of existence is to recognise your eternal identity with the supreme Spirit. It is to grow into the image of the Divine. The supreme One embodies the highest perfection. It is spotless purity. To recognise your identity with That, to attain union with That, is verily to grow into the very likeness of the Divine. The aspirant, therefore, as his initial step, has to get rid of all the countless impurities, and the demoniacal elements that have come to cling to him in his embodied state. Then he has to acquire lofty virtues and auspicious, divine qualities. Thus purified, knowledge flashes upon him like the brilliant rays of the sun upon the crystal waters of a perfectly calm lake.
This process demands a resolute will, determined effort, and arduous struggle. In other words, strength and infinite power are the prime necessity. Thus it is the Divine Mother who has to operate through the aspirant.
Let us now consider how, on the first three days, the Mother is adored as supreme power and force, as Durga the Terrible. You pray to Mother Durga to destroy all your impurities, your vices, your defects. She is to fight with and annihilate the baser animal qualities in the spiritual aspirant, the lower, diabolical nature in him. Also, She is the power that protects your spiritual practice from its many dangers and pitfalls. Thus the first three days, which mark the first stage or the destruction of impurity and determined effort and struggle to root out the evil tendencies in your mind, are set apart for the worship of the destructive aspect of the Mother.
Once you have accomplished your task on the negative side, that of breaking down the impure propensities and old vicious habits, the next step is to build up a sublime spiritual personality, to acquire positive qualities in place of the eliminated demoniacal qualities. The divine qualities that Lord Krishna enumerates in the Gita, have to be acquired. The aspirant must cultivate and develop all the auspicious qualities. He has to earn immense spiritual wealth to enable him to pay the price for the rare gem of divine wisdom. If this development of the opposite qualities is not undertaken in right earnest, the old demoniacal nature will raise its head again and again. Hence, this stage is as important in an aspirant's career as the previous one. The essential difference is: the former is a ruthless, determined annihilation of the filthy egoistic lower self; the latter is an orderly, steady, calm and serene effort to develop purity. This pleasanter side of the aspirant's Sadhana is depicted by the worship of Mother Lakshmi. She bestows on Her devotees the inexhaustible divine wealth or Deivi Sampath. Lakshmi is the wealth-giving aspect of God. She is purity itself. Thus the worship of Goddess Lakshmi is performed during the second set of three days.
Once the aspirant succeeds in routing out the evil propensities, and develops Sattwic or pure, divine qualities, he becomes competent to attain wisdom. He is now ready to receive the light of supreme wisdom. He is fit to receive divine knowledge. At this stage comes the devout worship of Mother Saraswathi, who is divine knowledge personified, the embodiment of knowledge of the Absolute. The sound of Her celestial veena awakens the notes of the sublime utterances of the Upanishads which reveal the Truth, and the sacred monosyllable, Om. She bestows the knowledge of the supreme, mystic sound and then gives full knowledge of the Self as represented by Her pure, dazzling snow-white apparel. Therefore, to propitiate Saraswathi, the giver of knowledge, is the third stage.
The tenth day, Vijaya Dasami, marks the triumphant ovation of the soul at having attained liberation while living in this world, through the descent of knowledge by the Grace of Goddess Saraswathi. The soul rests in his own Supreme Self or Satchidananda Brahman. This day celebrates the victory, the achievement of the goal. The banner of victory flies aloft. Lo! I am He! I am He!
This arrangement also has a special significance in the aspirant's spiritual evolution. It marks the indispensable stages of evolution through which everyone has to pass. One naturally leads to the other; to short-circuit this would inevitably result in a miserable failure. Nowadays many ignorant seekers aim straight at the cultivation of knowledge without the preliminaries of purification and acquisition of the divine qualities. They then complain that they are not progressing on the path. How can they? Knowledge will not descend until the impurities have been washed out, and purity is developed. How can the pure plant grow in impure soil?
Therefore adhere to this arrangement; your efforts will be crowned with sure success. This is your path. As you destroy one evil quality, develop the virtue opposite to it. By this process you will soon bring yourself up to that perfection which will culminate in identity with the Self which is your goal. Then all knowledge will be yours: you will be omniscient, omnipotent and you will feel your omnipresence. You will see your Self in all. You will have achieved eternal victory over the wheel of births and deaths, over the demon of worldliness. No more pain, no more misery, no more birth, no more death! Victory, victory be yours!
Glory to the Divine Mother! Let Her take you, step by step to the top of the spiritual ladder and unite you with the Lord!
At the Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, the following are the regular features during the Durga Puja celebrations:
A special ritualistic worship of the Mother is conducted daily, which includes the recitation of the Durga Saptashati.
Laksharchana for the Mother in the temple, with recitation of the Sri Lalita Sahasranama, is also conducted.
All are exhorted to do the maximum number of Japa of the Navarna Mantra, Aim hreem kleem chaamundaayai vichche, or the Mantra of their own tutelary Deity.
An elaborately decorated altar is set up for the evening Satsangs, with the picture of Mother Durga for the first three days, Mother Lakshmi for the next three days, and Mother Saraswathi for the last three days. Many sacred verses from the scriptures are recited and many Kirtans are sung. The Durga Saptashati or the Devi Mahatmya is recited and explained in discourses. The function concludes with the formal floral worship and Arati. Sometimes scenes from the Devi Mahatmya are also enacted.
Earnest spiritual aspirants fast with milk and fruits only on all the nine days, or at least once in each of the three three-day periods.
Besides the books representing Saraswathi, all instruments and implements like typewriters, printing machinery, etc., are also worshipped on the ninth day.
On the Vijaya Dasami day, all aspirants en masse are given initiation into various Mantras according to their tutelary Deities. Deserving aspirants are initiated into the holy order of Sannyas. Initiation in the study of the alphabets is given to young children, and to the old children also! New students commence their lessons in music, etc. During the morning Satsang the books which were worshipped on the ninth day are again worshipped and a chapter from each of the principal scriptures like the Gita, Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, Ramayana, and Srimad Bhagavatam is recited.
On the Vijaya Dasami day, there is Kanya Puja also. Nine girls below the age of ten are worshipped as the embodiment of the Divine Mother. They are fed sumptuously and, amongst other things, presented with new clothes.
On this last day a grand havan is conducted in the temple, with recitation of the Durga Saptashati and other verses in praise of the Divine Mother.

The festival is celebrated for nine nights

The festival is celebrated for nine nights once every year during the beginning of October, although as the dates of the festival are determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar, the festival may be held for a day more or a day less.
Navratri is divided into sets of three days to adore three different aspects of the supreme goddess or goddesses.

First three days
The goddess is invoked as a spiritual force called Durga in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects.

Second three days
The Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees inexhaustible wealth.

Final three days
The final set of three days is spent in worshipping as the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order to have all-round success in life, believers seek the blessings of all three aspects of the divine femininity, hence the nine nights of worship.
During Navratri, some devotees of Durga observe a fast and prayers are offered for the protection of health and property. A period of introspection and purification, Navratri is traditionally an auspicious time for starting new ventures.
On the tenth day of Navratri in October - the holiday of Dussehra, an effigy of Ravana is burnt to celebrate the victory of good (Rama) over evil.
Navratri is celebrated in a large number of Indian and Nepalese communities. The mother goddess is said to appear in 9 forms, and each one is worshipped for a day. These nine forms signify various traits that the goddess influences us with. The Devi Mahatmya and other texts invoking the Goddess who vanquished demons are cited.