NAVARATHIRI, the nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her various forms, is usually celebrated around the same time as Nine Emperor Gods Festival.
This year, Navarathiri is ending on Oct 19, followed by Vijayadasami which symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the victory of righteousness over wrongdoing, on Oct 20.
Penang Hindu Association president Datuk P. Murugiah said devotees would mark the festival by fasting, keeping to a vegetarian diet and conducting prayers.
“Navarathiri means nine nights and is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her different forms.
“The nine days are divided into three periods – the first three for Durga, representing strength and protection; the next three for Lakshmi, representing wealth and prosperity; and the final three for Saraswati, representing knowledge, wisdom, learning, music and the arts.”
He said devotees would also see different forms of the Goddess through daily alankaram, where the deity would be dressed and adorned according to the form being worshipped.
“Every day there can be a different alankaram, with different decorations, flowers and ornaments.
“Devotees will offer prayers according to the form of the Goddess (being worshipped).”
Murugiah said temples would conduct special prayers (puja), while larger temples would also feature cultural performances.
“At the Temple of Fine Arts in Lebuhraya Babington (in George Town), there will be celebrations featuring dance and music,” he said, adding that the puja will be held from 7pm to 7.30pm until Oct 20.
There will be performances, including odissi and bharatanatyam dances, instruments such as sitar, tabla and violin, and vocal recitals.
The festival will culminate in Vijayadasami prayers on Oct 20.
Murugiah said some temples would also conduct abhishekam (ceremonial bathing of the deity), while some traditions honoured young girls as manifestations of the Goddess.
