Festive occasions have always been a part of our heritage. In every celebration, there is an element of uniqueness, importance, and science involved. The celebration of Navratri provides a unique feeling of society’s spiritual and physical advancement.
The month of Ashwina falls in the month of Kanni which begins with Kanyasamkranti. Krishnapaksham of Ashwina month is known as Mahalayam. Navratri starts from Shuklapaksham after Mahalaya Amavasi.
The celebrations of Navratri are also known as Dussehra in some places. Dusshera is so called because it is believed that this festival destroys the sins (dasahara) of killing, stealing, adultery, harshness, falsehood, speaking nonsense, malicious intent, hoping for wealth that is not owed, and thinking that there is no God. The main ritual is to worship girls between the ages of two and ten as Kumari, Trimurti, Kalyani, Rohini, Kali, Chandika, Shambhavi, Durga and Subhadra, so as to attain the results of our karmas.
It was on Durgashtami that Adiparashakti appeared before Devas in the form of Durga.After fighting with Mahishasura for 9 consecutive days, Durga killed Mahishasura on Navami night. The 10th day is celebrated as Vijayadashami because of the victory of dharma over adharma.
On Ashtami day, in the last part of Navratri, Puja Veip is performed. It is a day when people worship the tools and weapons they use in their respective profession. Saraswati is worshipped by students. Teaching, reading, writing, etc. are forbidden till Vijayadashami, the day of commencement of education.
Weapons and tools are worshipped to bring sincerity and dedication to any work done- except for violent acts like theft, rape, murder, etc., every job done by people from different walks of life has its own dignity and value. During Vijayadashami puja, our minds are strengthened by the sense of pride and value we have in our respective professional fields.
(This article also considers the celebrations and customs of other states which are different from the celebration of Kerala.)
Employer-worker reciprocity is another important aspect of Ayudha Puja. Workers are honored in Ayudha Pooja.Their demands are cheerfully attended to.The sense of workers-employers unity enriches the work sector.
On the Dashami day, after Saraswathi Puja, children are introduced to the beautiful world of education. Thus, Navratri becomes a celebration of knowledge and profession as well.The beauty and glory of this celebration are due to these two things, which are the most important aspect of human life.
Poojari Manoj K Viswanathan
Bengaluru