Chaitra Navaratri celebration At Princeton was grand in a gorgeous pandal, (accommodated in the car parking spaces) with majestic images of Goddess Durga and Radhe-Krishna.
The whole set-up was so divine under “the guidance of Kamal Gulati and her efficient volunteers. The overhead strings of bright lights, the neatly arranged chairs along the sides inside the well-decorated pandal were very appealing.
The Pooja lasted for 8 days and the 9th day was Ramanavami signifying the birth of Lord Rama. Pooja would start everyday at 4 30pm and last till 7:45 pm and be wound up with aarti and distribution of Prasad. Every day one of the devotees sponsored Prasad which comprised a sweet and a fruit plus snack packs for kids.
The divine songs and little anecdotes in the course of bhajans were very interesting to listen to and tied up all the residents in one place. Mrs Gulati who lead the activities was flawless in her narration of spiritual anecdotes and devotional songs. Her volunteers Kashika, Ruchika, Mona, Suman, Anjana, Alka and Rajneesh were of tremendous support…and without whose help it could not have been possible for the smooth celebration of Navaratra. It seemed as though a grand wedding is being celebrated with pomp and show for eight days. The melodious bhajans clubbed with the rhythmic claps of devotees were mesmerising.
Master Guddu who played the tabla for eight Days from 5pm to 7 pm was very rhythmic with bhajans. The devotional songs by Kashika, and the dances of Ruchika and other girls glued the devotees to their place tapping their feet and clapping their hands. It’s a very rare sight to witness all the devotees together under one roof in front of majestic, divine mata Rani singing and humming the tunes of the bhajans and songs,. Especially on the last day, the pandal was packed with devotees.
The Bhandara was arranged by the RWA. They did an excellent job in making and distributing Prasad. Seniors, young ones, children and employees of Princeton all were in a decent queue to take the food from a series of counters. Puris, two veggies, chole, halwa and sweets and snacks packed for kids were distributed to one and all.. without any commotion, and disturbances.
by Mythily Govindan (Photographs by Ruchika kumar)
My first time watching a north Indian Navaratri.. Love d the word picture and the real pictures 🙂