Navaratri brings the cosmopolitan culture of Bangalore to the fore as the city's different communities celebrate the festival in their own unique traditions.
The festival brings with it the opportunity for people, particularly women and children, to bring out the traditional pattada bombes (dolls) from their storage, decorate them and visit each others' homes to admire the dolls' arrangement.
Thematic arrangements are an attraction, although with the break-up of joint families, the number of homes taking the trouble for elaborate doll display is on a decline.
Offering prasada and arshina- kumkuma to the guests is another part of the nine-day celebrations.
One meal a day
If doll arrangement or the bombe habba is the traditional South Karnataka way of celebrating Dasara, the nine days are time for festivities intermingled with devotion for North Indians in the city. For many families, the commencement of the festival, a run-up to the Vijayadashami, entails having just one meal a day, known as ekashana, and performing special pujas to female deities every day.
Non-violent end
Jains worship a goddess figure and follow the fasting ritual by not consuming grains and sticking to fruits and vegetables as these foods are said to “rejuvenate the shakti.”
“On the first day, we plant jo plants which are plucked on the last day and given to the male family members for their growth and prosperity,” says Iti Jain, explaining another unique ritual of the Jain way of celebrations.
On the ninth day of Navaratri, Ravan is made out of flour and rice is sprinkled on each head to end him in a non-violent way.
On the other hand, some communities, predominantly Sindhis, invite eight girls and a boy on the eighth day. “These children's feet are washed and they are fed simple food,” says Varsha. J. Ranani.
Community revelry
Even though celebrations are watered down in most nuclear families, community celebrations are going strong. The annual fair held at Palace Grounds during Navaratri has become an ideal substitute by facilitating mass celebrations involving different communities.
The celebrations here begin in the evening and go on well past midnight.
The event starts with the traditional Gujarati garba followed by a puja. After prayers, it is up to the revellers to call it a day as they dance into the early hours of the morning, playing the dandiya.
Keeping it religious
Despite the huge turnout that the event sees every year, the organisers, in a bid to maintain it as a religious affair, clamp down on any violations, especially consumption of alcohol. Dancers are barred from wearing footwear while those in traditional costumes get a discount or even free entry into the venue.
“It is an expensive affair. But it is a great time to enjoy,” says Jaina V. Shah.
Showing posts with label Indian Festivals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indian Festivals. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Friday, December 25, 2009
Stars celebrate X’mas holidays
With shooting schedules called off due to the TRS tension, filmstars are looking forward to making the most of their first Christmas holiday in years. We asked movie stars what their plans for X’mas are...
Sanjana, actor
It’s going to be a ‘wine and dine’ day for me. Christmas and New Year are two festivals I like to celebrate. However, every year I’m usually abroad filming at this time of the year. Thankfully, I’ll be home this year. I’m going to chill out with family and close friends today.
Rana D., actor
Christmas Eve is actually special to me as my dad’s birthday falls on December 24 and the entire family celebrates his birthday together. But with the lull in the industry and no shooting schedules in place, I will be spending time with my family even on Christmas this year.
Sharvanand, actor
Since I won’t be working this festive season, I’m going to stay at home with my family and spend time with them. I also have plans of calling my friends over to my place and chill out with them.
Bindu Madhavi, actor
It’s sad that work had to be cancelled because of the unrest in the city, but I’m looking forward to celebrating Christmas, as I’ve not managed to do this in a really long time. I’m going over to my friend’s place to catch up with my buddies and have a good time decorating the X’mas tree and binging on Christmas goodies.
Christmas, Festivals, Indian Festivals,
Sanjana, actor
It’s going to be a ‘wine and dine’ day for me. Christmas and New Year are two festivals I like to celebrate. However, every year I’m usually abroad filming at this time of the year. Thankfully, I’ll be home this year. I’m going to chill out with family and close friends today.
Rana D., actor
Christmas Eve is actually special to me as my dad’s birthday falls on December 24 and the entire family celebrates his birthday together. But with the lull in the industry and no shooting schedules in place, I will be spending time with my family even on Christmas this year.
Sharvanand, actor
Since I won’t be working this festive season, I’m going to stay at home with my family and spend time with them. I also have plans of calling my friends over to my place and chill out with them.
Bindu Madhavi, actor
It’s sad that work had to be cancelled because of the unrest in the city, but I’m looking forward to celebrating Christmas, as I’ve not managed to do this in a really long time. I’m going over to my friend’s place to catch up with my buddies and have a good time decorating the X’mas tree and binging on Christmas goodies.
Christmas, Festivals, Indian Festivals,
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Diwali with a difference
Austerity is the buzzword this Diwali. Whether style or celebration, it’s all about keeping it simple this season, say prominent city denizens who will ditch all ostentation for quieter, more intimate family affairs and religious services. And there are those who have diverted their original opulent Diwali budgets into charitable causes.
Filmmaker D. Sureshbabu says Diwali this year is a complete ‘family affair’ for them with just a puja at the studio, sweets and a family get together. “For our family, Diwali is an opportunity to get together, eat, perform puja and celebrate. We confine it to religious festivities and avoid pomp and show. This time, there will be fewer celebrations everywhere as the general public mood is not too jubilant.” He says there is a lack of an ‘upbeat mood’ this time, “There is a 50 per cent drop in the Diwali get-togethers in the city and many are confining their celebrations to their family. The untimely death of YSR, heavy floods clubbed with poor business has certainly impacted the celebrations, thereby forcing us to focus on the finer aspects of life, which is what festivals are all about,” he says.
The graceful restraint of classic tradition is making a comeback and fashion trends, sans the bling and frippery, seem to mirror this. “This Diwali fashion trends have changed. Most people who came to my boutique asked for simple and clean cuts. Even zardosi and sequin work, which were so popular till even a few months ago, are suddenly passe. Everyone wants sober yet chic clothes which spell elegance and subtlety,” says Vinita Pasari, designer and store owner.
Actor Sneha Ullal agrees. “My Diwali parties every year are quite wild. But this time, I prefer spending a quiet evening with my family.”
Actor Archana too echoes the same sentiment. “In all the glitz and noise we make about celebrations, we usually tend to forget the real meaning of festivals — family time, pujas and recollection. These will be the key factors in my Diwali celebrations this year.”
Making sure to keep it low key, business communities in the city will also include flood victims in their celebrations. There will be half the usual number of ‘Diwali milans’ in the city this year. Instead, the focus is on “giving back”, says Narendar Surana, Chairman, FICCI, AP chapter. “This time, Diwali is being celebrated with a sense of responsibility.”
Kiron, CMD of Suchir India, known for his grand celebrations, agrees. He has invited all his relatives home a day in advance so that he can celebrate the festival with the displaced people in Kurnool. “Except for a Lakshmi puja, there won’t be any grand celebrations. This time, we are also avoiding cracker shows,” adds Kiron.
diwali festival, Festivals, Indian Festivals,
Filmmaker D. Sureshbabu says Diwali this year is a complete ‘family affair’ for them with just a puja at the studio, sweets and a family get together. “For our family, Diwali is an opportunity to get together, eat, perform puja and celebrate. We confine it to religious festivities and avoid pomp and show. This time, there will be fewer celebrations everywhere as the general public mood is not too jubilant.” He says there is a lack of an ‘upbeat mood’ this time, “There is a 50 per cent drop in the Diwali get-togethers in the city and many are confining their celebrations to their family. The untimely death of YSR, heavy floods clubbed with poor business has certainly impacted the celebrations, thereby forcing us to focus on the finer aspects of life, which is what festivals are all about,” he says.
The graceful restraint of classic tradition is making a comeback and fashion trends, sans the bling and frippery, seem to mirror this. “This Diwali fashion trends have changed. Most people who came to my boutique asked for simple and clean cuts. Even zardosi and sequin work, which were so popular till even a few months ago, are suddenly passe. Everyone wants sober yet chic clothes which spell elegance and subtlety,” says Vinita Pasari, designer and store owner.
Actor Sneha Ullal agrees. “My Diwali parties every year are quite wild. But this time, I prefer spending a quiet evening with my family.”
Actor Archana too echoes the same sentiment. “In all the glitz and noise we make about celebrations, we usually tend to forget the real meaning of festivals — family time, pujas and recollection. These will be the key factors in my Diwali celebrations this year.”
Making sure to keep it low key, business communities in the city will also include flood victims in their celebrations. There will be half the usual number of ‘Diwali milans’ in the city this year. Instead, the focus is on “giving back”, says Narendar Surana, Chairman, FICCI, AP chapter. “This time, Diwali is being celebrated with a sense of responsibility.”
Kiron, CMD of Suchir India, known for his grand celebrations, agrees. He has invited all his relatives home a day in advance so that he can celebrate the festival with the displaced people in Kurnool. “Except for a Lakshmi puja, there won’t be any grand celebrations. This time, we are also avoiding cracker shows,” adds Kiron.
diwali festival, Festivals, Indian Festivals,
32 killed, several injured in cracker shop fire in Tamil Nadu
At least 32 people were killed and ten others injured when fire swept through a cracker godown at Pallipat, 90km from Chennai,
tonight on the eve of Diwali.
Police sources said 32 badly charred bodies have been pulled out of the godown which was a wholesale point of firecrackers and was functioning from a nearby rice mill.
The sources said rescue operations were on to see if there were any other charred bodies stuck inside the burnt godown.
Majority of the victims are believed to be from Chitoor district in Andhra Pradesh.
The cause of the fire has yet not been ascertained. Senior police officers and administrative officers are supervising the operations.
The bodies have been taken to government hospital in Tiruttani, police said, adding the toll was higher due to heavy rush on Diwali eve.
Operations to retrieve the bodies were hampered due to the absence of electricity following power failure in the area after the incident.
The cracker shop was functioning out of a godown located behind a rice mill and on the eve of Diwali many people were there buying crackers.
Two fire tenders doused the fire. The Pallipattu police are investigating.
tonight on the eve of Diwali.
Police sources said 32 badly charred bodies have been pulled out of the godown which was a wholesale point of firecrackers and was functioning from a nearby rice mill.
The sources said rescue operations were on to see if there were any other charred bodies stuck inside the burnt godown.
Majority of the victims are believed to be from Chitoor district in Andhra Pradesh.
The cause of the fire has yet not been ascertained. Senior police officers and administrative officers are supervising the operations.
The bodies have been taken to government hospital in Tiruttani, police said, adding the toll was higher due to heavy rush on Diwali eve.
Operations to retrieve the bodies were hampered due to the absence of electricity following power failure in the area after the incident.
The cracker shop was functioning out of a godown located behind a rice mill and on the eve of Diwali many people were there buying crackers.
Two fire tenders doused the fire. The Pallipattu police are investigating.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Obama seeks light and knowledge from Diwali
In an expansive gesture to Indians worldwide as much as to showcase his – and America’s -- multi-cultural affections, US President Barack Obama on Wednesday lit a ceremonial Diwali lamp at the White House to ''symbolize victory of light over darkness.''
Although it was the Bush White House that began celebrating Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, in 2003, Obama became the first President to personally grace the ceremony -- a brief affair that began with a rather incongruous performance by the well-regarded Hindi a-capella group Penn Masala, and ended with a Sanskrit invocation by a priest from the local Siva-Vishnu temple.
''This coming Saturday, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, here in America and around the world, will celebrate this holiday by lighting Diyas, or lamps, which symbolize the victory of light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance,'' Obama said on the occasion, adding, ''And while this is a time of rejoicing, it's also a time for reflection, when we remember those who are less fortunate and renew our commitment to reach out to those in need.''
The Diwali ceremony shared the platform with another event where Obama signed an executive order re-establishing the President’s advisory committee and White House initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. By hosting both events together, the U.S President, who is clearly comfortable being a composite of American, Asia-Pacific, and African cultures, brought together an unusual coalition in the White House East Room of Asian-Americans, Indian-Americans, and Pacific Islanders. All three groups have much in common as successful minorities but seldom work together.
The half-hour East Room celebration was attended by a mixed crowd of hyphenated Asians, Americans, and Indians. India’s Commerce Minister Anand Sharma and Ambassador Meera Shankar dropped by, and several Indian-Americans in administrative positions in Washington attended.
The White House kept it light and simple. A box of Indian mithai (sweets) was placed on some 150 chairs that filled the East Room but there was no food fest or song and dance.
After his remarks, much of which was devoted to the Asian-American initiative, there was a single lamp that Obama lit from a candle. The Siva-Vishnu temple priest, dressed in ceremonial togs with an enormous three-forked tilak on his forehead, kept his invocation short -- chanting ''Asatoma Sadgamaya'' (Lead us from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from death to liberation) from the Upanishads.
Obama, having lit the White House diya (a word he handled with aplomb) and wished everyone a ''Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak,'' listened intently as the priest ended with ''Om Shanti Shanti.'' He returned the priest’s Namaste and then shook his hands before striding out to attend to the business of war.
''Thank you Mr President for being the first president to come to the Diwali ceremony,'' a gadabout journalist called out to Obama. ''Yes, how about that,’’ the President shot back.
The President spent much of the morning with his ''war council'' (formally, the national security team) in the White House Situation room assessing US strategy in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Although it was the Bush White House that began celebrating Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, in 2003, Obama became the first President to personally grace the ceremony -- a brief affair that began with a rather incongruous performance by the well-regarded Hindi a-capella group Penn Masala, and ended with a Sanskrit invocation by a priest from the local Siva-Vishnu temple.
''This coming Saturday, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, here in America and around the world, will celebrate this holiday by lighting Diyas, or lamps, which symbolize the victory of light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance,'' Obama said on the occasion, adding, ''And while this is a time of rejoicing, it's also a time for reflection, when we remember those who are less fortunate and renew our commitment to reach out to those in need.''
The Diwali ceremony shared the platform with another event where Obama signed an executive order re-establishing the President’s advisory committee and White House initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. By hosting both events together, the U.S President, who is clearly comfortable being a composite of American, Asia-Pacific, and African cultures, brought together an unusual coalition in the White House East Room of Asian-Americans, Indian-Americans, and Pacific Islanders. All three groups have much in common as successful minorities but seldom work together.
The half-hour East Room celebration was attended by a mixed crowd of hyphenated Asians, Americans, and Indians. India’s Commerce Minister Anand Sharma and Ambassador Meera Shankar dropped by, and several Indian-Americans in administrative positions in Washington attended.
The White House kept it light and simple. A box of Indian mithai (sweets) was placed on some 150 chairs that filled the East Room but there was no food fest or song and dance.
After his remarks, much of which was devoted to the Asian-American initiative, there was a single lamp that Obama lit from a candle. The Siva-Vishnu temple priest, dressed in ceremonial togs with an enormous three-forked tilak on his forehead, kept his invocation short -- chanting ''Asatoma Sadgamaya'' (Lead us from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from death to liberation) from the Upanishads.
Obama, having lit the White House diya (a word he handled with aplomb) and wished everyone a ''Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak,'' listened intently as the priest ended with ''Om Shanti Shanti.'' He returned the priest’s Namaste and then shook his hands before striding out to attend to the business of war.
''Thank you Mr President for being the first president to come to the Diwali ceremony,'' a gadabout journalist called out to Obama. ''Yes, how about that,’’ the President shot back.
The President spent much of the morning with his ''war council'' (formally, the national security team) in the White House Situation room assessing US strategy in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Colours of Navratri
Powerful, feminine, graceful, maternal, wise, life-giving and indomitable —the many forms of Goddess Durga that are worshipped during Navratri are essentially a celebration of womanhood in all its glory. And young Hyderabadi women who look forward to this veneration of all things feminine every year, talk about how Dasara holds a special significance in their lives.
Pallavi Dharamsey, a banker, says, “Only a woman is capable of having so many facets to her nature. Apart from being a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, it is also a tribute to the various forms of the goddess. We usually celebrate the festival by playing garba and dandiya. Not only is that a way to invoke the Goddess, but it is also great fun.”
Anju Rajan, a young scientific researcher, couldn’t agree more. “In South India, three days each are dedicated to Durga (shakti), Lakshmi (prosperity) and Saraswati (knowledge). These are the most important elements in a person’s life, and these nine days are dedicated specifically to invoke these three elements in one’s life,” she says.
For the Bengali community, for whom this five-day festival takes root in the worship of nature and womanhood, it is all about celebrating the shakti incarnation of the Goddess, signifying the final triumph of good over evil. Suhita Banerjee, a business management student, says, “It is one festival that brings the whole community together to celebrate the essence of womanhood. I personally love the ritual of sindur khela that takes place on dashami (tenth day). The ritual is essentially for married women, who celebrate their marital life by sharing their happiness with the Goddess. Women play with sindoor (vermillion) after offering it to Goddess Durga. This is done just before the immersion.”
The Goddess in her myriad forms is worshipped by women in the South with much fervour. The Bathukamma festival celebrated as part of Dasara in AP is an all-woman affair too. Vyshnavi Pamidighantam, a law student, says, “When Saraswati is worshipped, we wear everything in white. On another day, the theme is blue or green, depending on the form of the Goddess we are worshipping on that day.”
Pallavi Dharamsey, a banker, says, “Only a woman is capable of having so many facets to her nature. Apart from being a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, it is also a tribute to the various forms of the goddess. We usually celebrate the festival by playing garba and dandiya. Not only is that a way to invoke the Goddess, but it is also great fun.”
Anju Rajan, a young scientific researcher, couldn’t agree more. “In South India, three days each are dedicated to Durga (shakti), Lakshmi (prosperity) and Saraswati (knowledge). These are the most important elements in a person’s life, and these nine days are dedicated specifically to invoke these three elements in one’s life,” she says.
For the Bengali community, for whom this five-day festival takes root in the worship of nature and womanhood, it is all about celebrating the shakti incarnation of the Goddess, signifying the final triumph of good over evil. Suhita Banerjee, a business management student, says, “It is one festival that brings the whole community together to celebrate the essence of womanhood. I personally love the ritual of sindur khela that takes place on dashami (tenth day). The ritual is essentially for married women, who celebrate their marital life by sharing their happiness with the Goddess. Women play with sindoor (vermillion) after offering it to Goddess Durga. This is done just before the immersion.”
The Goddess in her myriad forms is worshipped by women in the South with much fervour. The Bathukamma festival celebrated as part of Dasara in AP is an all-woman affair too. Vyshnavi Pamidighantam, a law student, says, “When Saraswati is worshipped, we wear everything in white. On another day, the theme is blue or green, depending on the form of the Goddess we are worshipping on that day.”
Festivals, Navratri, , Indian Festivals,
Friday, September 25, 2009
Your Navratri style guide
Image courtesy: Reuters
It's that time of the year again, nine fun-filled nights of dance, tradition and sheer fun. Let the decorated pooja thalis come out with cool dandiya sticks and let the celebration begin!
But wait a minute...! Before you step out; let's figure out what you'll be wearing this Navratri.
Wearwithall
Your choice of clothes will decide whether you'll be one of those women sporting excessive mirror work and gaudy tassels that hurt the eye, or that girl who turns heads… Of course by dressing down but by dressing right!
Colour code
The key is keeping it subtle yet classy. Since navratri is essentially a festival of colour and lights, keep your outfits vibrant and stunning. Avoid greys and blacks and any shade associated with darkness.
It's all about standing out in a crowd. Don't be a 'navratri stereo-type'! Mix and match a number of shades and hues, but get your combinations right. Reds and blues with shades of greens, or pinks and purples with hues of yellow; will look just great.
Comfort quotient
Now let's not forget that we won't be in our comfort zones during the nine nights, since it's bound to get hot, clammy and ewww… sweaty. The only way we can get ourselves to look and feel good is by picking out the right fabric.
You are sure to feel more confident and "enthu" if you choose cotton garments over the sticky, persperation triggers - nylons or chiffons! Just because the material isn't dressy, doesn't mean the outfit isn't. Intricate embroideries with magnificent stone-work cholis will just add the required drama to your outfit.
Shoe and tell
Shoes must also be picked thoughtfully. If your one of those who wants to burn the dance-floor the whole night, then forget about pencil or high heels; you don’t want to come home with sore feet, now do you? Comfy platform sandals or smaller heels matching or contrasting to your outfit is what you need.
Strings attached
Accessories is probably the soul of your navratri dress! Plain silver ones or even the coppery kind – necklaces, anklets and rings - will add that touch of ethnic chic to your look.
So dress, check. Accessories, check. Shoes, double check! What's missing? The right make up of course! Yes, one thing that can ruin your expensive dress and oh-so-pretty shoes is disastrous make-up. Remember you will be sweating a lot, so picking a water-proof foundation and kohl would definitely make more sense. Don't overdo it and end up looking like a trashy Bollywood starlet.
Now that you have everything in place, team it up with funky hair style and you're good to go! But don't forget, it's the way you carry your outfit that will give you that edge. Keep it traditional, yet contemporary, and just have a blast!
Have a great Navratri everyone!
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