The ushering of the new moon day in the Tamil month of Puratassi signifies the start of the nine day festival called Navarathri. An embodiment of Hindu culture and beliefs, this festival starts the next day after the new moon day, which falls on Sept 21st. The next nine nights are filled with celebration and culminates on the tenth day called Vijayadasami. Various forms of celebrations happen all over India. "Navarathri Golu" is a form of celebration that comes from the state of Tamil Nadu.
It is believed that an epic battle raged on for nine days and nights between Goddess Parvathi and the demon Mahishasura. On the tenth day, the Goddess takes the form of Durga and kills the demon and thereby vindicating the good over evil.
The celebration is realized by stacking dolls or different Gods and Goddesses and also humans in increasing step size. This is called the "Golu". The arrangement is quite elaborate and can start as small as 3 steps and increase to 5, 7 or 9 steps. In this picture, it is a 7 step arrangement and 8 feet in width.
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A function traditionally known for women and children, they gather during this suspicious time and sing praises of the Gods. Of late, men have also been involving themselves in setting and decorating the Golu.
Join in the celebration if you can and help yourself to some lovely food and a happy vibe that echoes for the next 10 days in San Ramon.
