Friday, September 22, 2006
Party weekend
This weekend, the annual party begins in Mumbai and will continue for 9 days - as this weekend begins Navratri. While the original significance of Navratri is probably forgotten - except for a token 'aarti' at the beginning - it is a time of great bonhomie. Navratri is originally a Gujrati festival but in Mumbai it is a biiiig party as people from all religions, castes and communities participate.
For the uninitiated, though my mythological history is weak - I will try to explain what Navratri signifies. Navratri is the worship of a divine 'shakti' or divine force which is signified by the mother Goddess in her several forms. The most common forms worshipped are the forms of Goddess Durga (protector from evil), Saraswati (the provider of knowledge) and Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth). The objective is to pray to the supreme being to protect us from evil and bestow wealth, prosperity and knowledge (in that order :)))
Anyways, since we are done with the mythological stuff, getting down to the party bit. During Navratri, in Mumbai, most of the city and all of the suburban areas are lighted, popular singers of garba (the traditional songs) and Bollywood songs are roped in by various sponsors / organizers, large open grounds or enclosed halls are booked, entry passes are sold for exorbitant amounts, the people who participate start the music and dance late evening (having shopped for the beautiful traditional dresses that they wear a month in advance), sometimes the government plays spoilsport (as it is doing now) and does not allow the programmes to continue late in the night but Saturdays are always all night shows, the rate of abortions in the city goes up, the sales of contraceptives goes up and it is basically all fun and revelry. NOW, that does sound like one happening party!!!
For the off road traveler however, I would suggest a visit to some of the Gujrati heartlands of Kandivli and Borivli (north Mumbai) to experience the true spirit of Navratri. Most apartment blocks in these areas have more than a few Gujrati families, so usually these families get together and organize garba (the traditional dance) events in the buildings or in the grounds attached to the buildings. These are not commercial affairs and are therefore more traditionally organized. The ladies of the house usually sing the traditional songs themselves (no bollywood here, thankfully) and dance around a portrait of the goddess. Everyone from the building participates in the 'aarti' and the pre and post garba get-togethers are very social events. I believe, these 'building' Navratris represent the true essence of the festival. They bind the fabric of the society and promote goodwill - as any good festival should.
Anyways, the type of event is secondary, the important thing is to come to the party!!! ¶ 11:29 AM
For the uninitiated, though my mythological history is weak - I will try to explain what Navratri signifies. Navratri is the worship of a divine 'shakti' or divine force which is signified by the mother Goddess in her several forms. The most common forms worshipped are the forms of Goddess Durga (protector from evil), Saraswati (the provider of knowledge) and Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth). The objective is to pray to the supreme being to protect us from evil and bestow wealth, prosperity and knowledge (in that order :)))
Anyways, since we are done with the mythological stuff, getting down to the party bit. During Navratri, in Mumbai, most of the city and all of the suburban areas are lighted, popular singers of garba (the traditional songs) and Bollywood songs are roped in by various sponsors / organizers, large open grounds or enclosed halls are booked, entry passes are sold for exorbitant amounts, the people who participate start the music and dance late evening (having shopped for the beautiful traditional dresses that they wear a month in advance), sometimes the government plays spoilsport (as it is doing now) and does not allow the programmes to continue late in the night but Saturdays are always all night shows, the rate of abortions in the city goes up, the sales of contraceptives goes up and it is basically all fun and revelry. NOW, that does sound like one happening party!!!
For the off road traveler however, I would suggest a visit to some of the Gujrati heartlands of Kandivli and Borivli (north Mumbai) to experience the true spirit of Navratri. Most apartment blocks in these areas have more than a few Gujrati families, so usually these families get together and organize garba (the traditional dance) events in the buildings or in the grounds attached to the buildings. These are not commercial affairs and are therefore more traditionally organized. The ladies of the house usually sing the traditional songs themselves (no bollywood here, thankfully) and dance around a portrait of the goddess. Everyone from the building participates in the 'aarti' and the pre and post garba get-togethers are very social events. I believe, these 'building' Navratris represent the true essence of the festival. They bind the fabric of the society and promote goodwill - as any good festival should.
Anyways, the type of event is secondary, the important thing is to come to the party!!! ¶ 11:29 AM
