Communities Celebrate Navami with Diverse Traditions in Pune

As the nine-day Navaratra festival concludes on October 4, 2023, communities throughout Pune are preparing to celebrate Navami with a variety of rituals and cultural activities. Each community embraces its own unique traditions, showcasing a rich tapestry of devotion that highlights the diversity of spiritual expression across the city.

At the Durga Puja hosted by the Bengalee Association Pune in Baner’s Mauli Garden, the celebration begins with morning prayers and offerings known as ‘bhog’. The evening features vibrant cultural programs, including dance, music, and a captivating one-act play. “On Dashami, the ‘visarjan’ (immersion) will begin around 11:30 am,” noted Subrata Chatterjee, president of the association. He added that after the immersion of the Goddess, attendees will gather to celebrate the festival’s conclusion and share in the joy of the occasion.

Maharashtrian households also commemorate Navami with morning and evening ‘aarti’ ceremonies. The final evening aarti signifies the end of the festival. “The ‘ghat’, a sacred arrangement of grains symbolizing abundance, is carefully dismantled, and preparations begin for Dasara,” explained Swati Kulkarni, a resident of Kothrud. She emphasized that this is a time to express gratitude, as families offer prayers for their tools, vehicles, and household belongings, thanking the Goddess for her blessings.

For many Gujarati families, Navami centers around ‘Kanya Puja’, a significant observance dedicated to young girls. “The day begins with aarti and offerings of fruit, sweets, and coconut to the Goddess,” described Richa Shah, a resident of Boat Club Road. “We prepare ‘satvik’ meals without onion or garlic and invite young girls, whom we believe represent the Goddess, for a simple feast before giving them gifts.” She added that numerous devotees recite the Durga Saptashati to conclude the nine days, focusing their prayers on health and prosperity.

In Tamil and Kannada households, traditional food plays a central role in the celebrations. Families prepare ‘vadas’ made from various pulses, always adhering to the practice of avoiding garlic and onion. Each evening, a different ‘sundal’ (a lentil salad) is offered, showcasing a variety of ingredients including kabuli chana, vatana, brown chana, and flaxseeds. “Working women join for Vanaka puja, chanting Lalita Sahasranama and singing bhajans,” shared Keerthi Shetty, a resident of Aundh.

On the ninth day morning, families worship possessions ranging from books to electronics using ‘haldi’ (turmeric), ‘chandan’ (sandalwood), and ‘kumkum’ (vermilion). “On Dasara, children read for ten minutes to receive blessings; even adults spend time studying or reading on their gadgets,” explained Rajan, another local participant. The day concludes with haldi-kumkum, aarti, and the ritual of putting the ‘golu’ dolls to sleep, marking the end of a spiritually rich festival.

As the festivities draw to a close, Pune’s diverse communities reflect a shared devotion through their unique traditions, uniting in celebration and gratitude for the blessings of the past nine days.