In Tamil Nadu Golu
doll arrangements are the biggest highlight of Navarathri where various dolls
are being arranged in wooden steps by women and kids.
It varies from 3 to 11. Kids are generally very excited being part of the arrangement of different kinds of dolls which include Gods, Goddesses, businessmen, common toys and sometimes machines as well. There are instances where people add different themes to these arrangements to give it a variety.
People
invite each other to see the Golu and offer prasadam which is offered to God
that day along with some gifts to women and kids. Prasadam is
especially high protein dish called sundal or some other puleses (dals). Women
offers prayer singing slokas, bhajans or songs every morning and evening
followed by 9 days.
Women, kids and guests who visit the Golu are in their best attire (mostly traditional).
The gift bag
contains Betel leaves, betel nuts, pair of turmeric roots, coconut, any fruit,
sweets, flowers and a small gift . Usually an eye kohl, kumkum, bangle, comb
,mirror, cloth bit etc are given. For kids it can be small toy, color pencils
and color books.
In Kerala , people celebrate the last three days of Navratri as
the most auspicious days. The last three days of the Navaratri are
called Durgashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadasami.
Godess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshipped as three
different manifestations of Shakti, or cosmic energy. On the Durgashtami day a ceremony
called Poojavaipu is performed in the evening . On the eve of Poojavaipu all
studies and work are suspended. I was brought up in kerala and during my
childhood as kids we were the most excited as we had to keep our books in the
temple for pooja and we are not supposed to read or write. The pooja marks
the beginning of learning and work. The following day is known as Mahanavami
and it is totally devoted to the worship of Goddess Saraswati. Pooja is
performed both in the morning and in the evening.
On vijayadasami day kids are happy to receive books back
from temple after pooja along with Prasad which are beaten rice, roasted paddy (malar), jaggery mixed with
coconut. At this auspicious moment the children for the first time are given
instructions to write the first few alphabets on rice or sand. This is called
`Ezhuthinu Iruthu' or 'Vidyarambham' and according to custom only after this
ceremony child becomes entitled to write or read.On the tounge of the child the letters "Hari Shree Ganapataye Namaha Avignamastu" which means
" Salutations to Hari(Lord Vishnu),Shree(Godess of prosperity),and Lord Ganesh"
Vidyarambham
A photo from Mookambika temple
Artists who keep their musical instruments(Veena, Violin, flute etc) for pooja will take it on vijayadasami day and offer some music to Goddess Saraswathi.
