(The beautifully decorated altar for Durga Mata)
(The beautifully decorated altar for Durga Mata)
The Navratri celebrations were celebrated from October 16th, 2001 to October 24th, 2001 at Sufidar, Chennai. Navratri, the festival of nine nights dedicated to Durga Mata was celebrated with splendour amidst the presence of a huge number of devotees. The festivities began with the lighting of the Akhand Jyot at 12:00 midnight on October 16th, 2001. A beautifully decorated altar for Durga Mata was set up for the celebrations.
(Puj Dada Ratanchandji making offerings to Durga Mata)During these nine days, devotees pray to Durga Mata for her blessings to be showered upon them.
(Puj Bhabhi performing the Aarti of Durga Mata)The Aarti of Durga Mata was performed everyday in the afternoon and at night. Aarti was also performed of Puj Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj Sahib. On Chand (New Moon day), which fell on October 18th 2001, the Aartis of Puj Guru Nanik Sahib and Puj Jhulelal Sain were also performed.
(Puj Dada Ratanchandji making an offering into the Havan)Havan was performed every day during the celebrations. The offerings of fruits to Durga Mata were put into the Havan. Devotees went around the Havan making their offerings amidst chants of 'Jai Mata Di'.
(Puj Shahenshah Baba Nebhraj Sahib)SufiDar wore a festive look during the celebrations with decorations and festoons adorning the walls of this spotlessly clean temple. The idols and pictures of all the Gods and Godesses too were decorated adding to the festive charm of the celebrations.
(Devotees performing the Dandiya Raas)Bhajans and Kirtans were rendered throughout the nine days of the programme. Devotees dressed up in colorful attire performed the traditional dandiya raas to the melodious tunes of the songs performed for Durga Mata.