(Puj Dada Ratanchandji praying to Durga Mata)
(Puj Dada Ratanchandji praying to Durga Mata)
Navratri celebrations were held at Sufidar, Chennai from the night of 13th April 2002 to 21st April 2002. This festival is long awaited for by many devotees. Sufidar wore a festive look during the Navratri celebrations. Beautiful decorations adorned the walls of Sufidar adding hue and color to the celebrations.
A special altar was set up for Durga Mata. Her portrait was tastefully decorated to the minutest detail by the devotees. Devotees made offerings of fruits and flowers to Durga Mata. Some devotees made resolutions while some asked for their wishes to be fulfilled.
(Puj Dada Ratanchandji making offerings of
fruits into the havan)Special parsaad was made at the main kitchen and was offered to Mata Durga by Puj Dada Ratanchandji, who prayed for the welfare of all. Singers had come in from out of station to sing in praise of Mata Durga. On all the nights of Navratri, there was a huge havan on the terrace in which the devotees participated.
The 14th of April happened to be Cheti Chand, the Sindhi New Year. Puj Dada Ratanchandji addressed the gathering and blessed the devotees for a bright and prosperous New Year. Along with the usual ritual of Duaa, the Aarti of Lal Sain and Guru Nanak was performed.
(Shri Vipin Sewani and group singing a bhajan)During the programme at nights, the singers sang bhajans, which was followed by Havan, Aarti to
Mata and the parsaad. On the ninth night of the celebrations, sacred water from the altar of Mata was sprinkled on the devotees. The main hall was filled with devotees chanting 'Jai Mata Di' when Puj Dadaji sprinkled holy water on one and all, blessing the devotees with a bright and prosperous future.