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Hinduism is often described as a religion of fasts, feasts and festivals -- come and see for yourself.

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Navratri -- 2018

Navarati 'Nav' means 'nine' and 'ratri' means 'night'. Thus, 'Navratri' means 'nine nights'. 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 Earth for her blessings and pray for better yield. 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.

Dandiya Raas is the featured and most popular dance of Navratri evenings It is performed in the honour of Goddess Durga, dramatising a mock fight between the Goddess and Mahishasura - the mighty demon-king. The sticks of the dance represent the sword of Durga.

Dandiya Raas is performed after aarti. The special characteristic of the dance is the colourful costume worn by the dancers and the colourful sticks carried by them. Both men and women love to be seen dressed in their best traditional attire. The women wear traditional dresses such as colourful embroidered choli, ghagra and bandhani dupattas glittering with mirror work and heavy jewellery, while men look very attractive in their traditional colourful kedias.


The circular movements of Dandiya Raas to some extent are very complex, which can be done only with skill in the art form. The dancers strike the sticks with their partners and dance in circular motion, to the rhythm of the music played in the background.


Event

Date

Time

Info

Navratri Begins At Temple

9 Oct (Tue)

8:00pm

Mataji's Sathapan. Garba in the Mandir after evening Aarti

Navratri Begins At Temple

10 Oct (Wed)

8:00pm

Mataji's Sathapan. Garba in the Mandir after evening Aarti

Navratri Begins At Temple

11 Oct (Thu)

8:00pm

Mataji's Sathapan. Garba in the Mandir after evening Aarti

Navarati at Patchway

12 Oct (Fri)

8:00pm - 00:00am

Has been cancelled. Instead it will be played at The Mandhir.

Navratri At Patchway

13 Oct (Sat)

8:00pm - 00.00pm

Has been cancelled. Instead it will be played at The Mandhir.

Navratri At Temple

14 Oct (Sun)

8:00pm

Havan.

Navratri At Temple

15 Oct (Mon)

8:00pm

After evening aarti.

Navratri At Temple

16 Oct (Tue)

8:00pm

After evening aarti.

Navratri At Temple

17 Oct (Wed)

8:00pm

After evening aarti.

Why not come in for a guided tour to look around the Temple and learn about many Hindu Gods/Deities? The Panditji (our priest) will be glad to show you around during the opening hours. Students are very welcome. The temple is open for school visits on weekdays between by prior appointment.