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 Navaratri,
also known as 'Golu' in Tamil Nadu is one of the festivals
that is still celebrated with great fervour. The name Navaratri
is derived from the fact that it is celebrated over a period of
nine nights. Various dolls and idols are arranged in a beautiful
display. Competitions for the best Golu ('Golu' means arrangement
of idols and dolls) take place in many areas.
The entire month has a festive air about it, as you can see people
selling and buying ' Bommai' (dolls) for the Golu
well before the festival begins. In chennai you can see the entire
North Usman Road, Mylapore Tank area and Triplicane Parthasarthy
Temple area lined up with Golu vendors selling colourful dolls in
various sizes, shapes and themes. Apart from idols of Gods and Godesses,
you get idols of national leaders and sets of dolls based on specific
theme like cricket, wedding etc. These dolls could be made of plastic,
clay or bone china. And depending on the material used and the size,
they could cost anywhere between Rs 5/- to Rs 10,000/-.
 The
festival is a big draw among children, who get to display their
creativity by arranging the dolls in various ways. Most children
enjoy setting up miniature parks, gardens and cricket pitches. Another
reason Navaratri is popular among children is the special dish associated
with the festival, which is the 'Sundal', a dish
made of pulses. On each of the nine days, a different pulse
is used to prepare the Sundal. The festival is typically enjoyed
the most by girl children and women, as they get an excuse to deck
up each day in silks, wear jewellery and go around the neighbourhood,
collecting sundals, inviting neighbours, singing songs and dancing.
The festival is also marked by exchanging of gifts that comprise
of betel leaves and nuts, coconuts, flowers, apples or bananas and
blouse pieces.
 The
first three nights are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Goddess
of Bravery), the next three nights to Goddess Mahalakshmi (Goddess
of Wealth) and the last three to Goddess Saraswathi (Goddess
of Education). The tenth day, is observed as 'Vijayadasami'
(meaning victorious tenth day). It is believed that on this day,
Lord Rama killed the demon Ravana. So, on Vijayadasami,
effigies of Ravana are burnt all over India. This day is considered
an auspicious day for any new ventures in business or studies.
The tenth day is also celebrated as 'Ayudha Puja'.
On this day people worship all instruments, vehicles and machinery,
as it is said that the Pandavas took up their weapons after a long
exile to fight the Kauravas on this day.
Click
here to know more about the famous Dasara celebrations in Mysore
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