Navratri

Sorting out the Hindu festivals that are celebrated in India appears to be an impossible task to the foreigner.  Not only because of the sheer number of them, but also because each region has it's own way of celebrating the different festivals.  In addition, individual temples have their own festivals to honor the particular god or gods they may worship.  One thing is certain, if there is a full moon, you can count on some sort of festival going on.   

 Some of the larger festivals are more universal, though celebrated in different fashions, depending on where you are.  Navratri is one such festival period, which in the south is celebrated by setting up a collection of dolls on a stepped display.  The figures depict scenes taken from the numerous Hindu stories.  In the scene below Ganesh is transcribing, as quickly as he can, these stories that have been handed down by many generations.  Some public displays include thousands of dolls.  


It is a social time for the women, who are invited to each other's houses to view and honor the gods.  Small tokens of appreciation are then handed out to the guests.

Another part of the Navratri festival includes paying tribute to tools of one's trade, by decorating them, which explains why all the  auto rickshaws are washed and covered with flower garlands, banana leaves, and designs drawn or splattered onto them with a colorful paste.  

Cars and automobiles are also dressed up for the occassion, and even I got into the act when our night watchman asked if he could decorate my motorcycle.  I enjoyed showing off my flower garland and decorations, even though it did make viewing in my rear view mirrors a bit difficult.