Soaked in Spirituality

And by festival season, we mean religious fervour and spirits at its peak. It’s a great time to be here to witness and dip oneself in the cultural explosion that happens around at this time.

Our last field trip to the village coincided with the 7th day of Navratri (an annual Hindu festival observed in honor of the goddess Durga, an aspect of Adi Parashakti, the supreme goddess. For Shaivites and Shaktas, Durga is a form or actually is Goddess Parvati. It spans over nine nights, first in the month of Chaitra, and again in the month of Ashvin).

These 9 days are a time of religious reflection and fasting for most people. In Chaina’s village too, people spend hours doing puja and chanting mantras. But for him, festivals are also a time for celebrations and performance opportunities. So, he doesn’t partake in any rituals at home or observe Navratri as he would like to. Neither does his wife who has to then single-handedly take over the household chores.

Chaina volunteered to take us to Paplaj Mata Mandir, an hour’s drive from him house. We were quite unsuspecting of the colourful riot that was to greet us at the temple premises; throngs of devotees rushing to offer their prayers to the Devi during the auspicious time of Navratri amidst a crowded bazaar of trinkets, toys and feasts.

The video offers a glimpse of the visuals one is greeted with as devotees march through the temple amidst sounds of bells, drums, chants and cries. It’s the most amazing performance space, if one were to pause and look at the entire scene unfolding before oneself from a distance.