The arrival of Chaitre Navratri, in early April, heralded the onset of hectic preparations for celebration of the nine holy days at a grand scale in Grand Omaxe apartment complex of Sector 93B.
The preparation started will setting up of a core group of volunteers who took up the responsibilities of the preparation involved for the ‘bhajan sandhya’ held daily for the nine days in celebration of the nine avatar of Mata Rani. The fervor seen in the preparation was matched with the efficiency of planning and execution of the event. This involved the young and old of the apartment complex. Each volunteer contributed to the best of their ability.
As per schedule each day ‘sangat’ would gather in the amphitheater area between 7–8 pm to sing bhajans in praise of the Almighty in its many forms. Special care was taken to follow the sanctified procedure for preparing the ‘mata ka darbar’ with lighting of the diya followed by singing of bhajans and ending with arti. This was followed by distribution of prasad which was distributed by volunteers who contributed each day.
The collective involvement of the community members set an unparalleled example of devotion and religious fervor. It was truly commendable to see the elders joining in with the young and children nurturing the traditions of community living with religious functions.
The lively singing and merry dancing to the tune of bhajans made for a pious atmosphere for everyone to connect with the mother goddess in her many forms.
On the 8th and 9th day, the bhajans were accompanied by direct telecast of aarti from Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
The finale of the celebrations, on the ninth navratra was done with the distribution of bhandara prasad for the residents of the entire society by the volunteers. The prasad was partaken by a large number of residents in the traditional manner of sitting on the ground in pankties (lines) and receiving the bhandara including puri, halwa, aloo sabzi.
The navratri ended on the occasion of Ram Naumi which marks the birthday of Lord Ram. This was a double celebration for all the participants. The event was smoothly conducted with the approval of the management and active support of the staff of the complex.
With the culmination of the festival everyone wished and prayed for health and happiness for all prayers for the opportunity to repthe celebration in the next navratri.
