Navratri Celebrations (April 1, 2003 - April 10, 2003)

(Puj Dada Ratanchandji at the altar of Puj Mata)

   Navratri celebrations were held at Sufidar, Chennai from 1st April, 2003 to 10th April, 2003. Each year, the decor of Sufidar is different from the previous year. A beautifully decorated altar was setup for Puj Mata. Beautiful satins, nets and brocades decorated the walls of Sufidar with golden lanterns adding lustre to the celebrations. The statues of deities were draped with colorful robes and the portraits of Sufi saints and quotations were edged with brocade.

 

(Puj Dada Ratanchandji performing the Aarti)

   Puj Dada Ratanchandji lit the Akhand Jyot on the first day of the celebrations. On each day of the celebration, devotees made offerings to the Hawan followed by the Aarti of Puj Mata and then the Bhandaro.

 

(Shri Vipin Sewani performing a bhajan)

   On each day the usual ritual of Duaa was performed followed by bhajans and kalaams by various singers. On the 5th and 6th of April, Shri Ramesh Oberoi performed, singing bhajans and touched the hearts of the devotees. Shri Rajesh Khubchandani, Shri Vipin Sewani, Quawwal Liaq Ahmed and Shri Kailash also performed during the celebrations.

 

(Devotees dancing the dandiya to the bhajans)

   The 3rd of April was Cheti Chand (the Sindhi New Year) with the devotees turning up in large numbers. Aarti of Jhulelal Sain was performed. Aarti of Guru Nanak also was performed. Every year, during Cheti Chand, devotees perform Akho Parwaan at the where offerings of rice and sugar are made to the Sea God and devotees pray to the Sea God to fulfill their wishes.

 

(Puj Dada Ratanchandji putting 'Chando' on the devotees)

   The Navratri celebrations ended on the 10th of April with the Samapati. At the end of the programme, devotees sat in the main hall and Puj Dada Ratanchandji splashed holy water on them.  Puj Dada Ratanchandji made a speech to the attentive devotees. It was a memorable Navratri and all those present had the blessings of Puj Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj Sahib and Puj Dada Ratanchandji.

 

(Shri Suresh Advani singing a bhajan)