Noida Navratri is a biannual Hindu festival that spans over nine nights (and ten days), first in the month of Chaitra (March/April of the Gregorian calendar) and again in the month of Sharada. It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Hindu Indian cultural sphere. Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of a new year according to the Hindu calendar.
This year, the residents of Maxblis White House wholeheartedly welcomed Maa Durga on the first day of Navratri festival. There was active participation by all the residents in doing the preparation, decorating the “Mata ka Darbaar” in the Tower A club. The rituals started with establishment (sthapanaa) of Maa Durga and Pooja ceremony in the morning time followed by evening Bhajan, Kirtan and Aarti by the talented and beautiful ladies of White House. A lot of ladies came together to sing bhajan and Kirtan every day with full energy and enthusiasm. Sunderkand was also held during the Navratri celebrations and residents attended the same in large number. Every day the colour theme was followed and ladies left no chance to get decked up in beautiful sarees, suits and dresses. The entire atmosphere of the society was filled with the pious feeling for the entire nine days. Our special guests for all nine days were kids who regularly attended morning and evening Pooja with the adults. Every day during evening Arti the club was filled with residents including many kids. In the morning Arti, different couples took the initiative to do the Aarti every day. Residents prepared halwa, kheer and many other items during these 9 days to be served as prasad after evening Arti. Mata Durga Shringar was done on Ashtmi and the ladies were given bangles, mehandi, bindi etc as blessings of Mata Rani. Navmi Havan was organised and Bhandara was open for all. There was tremendous energy with which all the residents participated in the Navaratri celebrations
by Swati Singh (H 1102)
