Apart from the Golu - which is characteristic of Tamilians' Navaratri, there is one more unique feature. On Maha Navami, we celebrate Saraswati Puja - unlike in the north where it is celebrated during the Spring season.
On the day of Saraswati Puja (Navami) , books, notebooks (laptops and i-pads, these days), musical instruments, - in fact all items associated with learning - are placed ceremoniously in the puja room and worship is offered to them as well as Goddess Saraswati.
"Ayudha Puja"- that is- worship of all kinds of tools, implements, vehicles is also performed on this day. Cars, buses, autos are decorated with kumkum, turmeric, flower garlands and plantain stems.
Vijaya Dashami is marked by yet another characteristic feature. For those involved in the learning of any classical art- music, dance, vedic chanting - it is imperative to honour your gurus and learn something new on this day. Even the most irregular of students will not fail to attend their class on Vijaya Dashami day. It is a tradition to offer fruits, flowers, betel leaves and dakshina to the guru and do pranaam as a mark of respect and gratitude. The guru acknowledges the continuity of the relationship by teaching a new lesson on this day.
This practice of commencing a new lesson on the day of Vijaya Dashami is so sacrosanct that these days, classes are held through Skype and dakshina offered through paypal, etc. đ
Edited by varaali - 13 years ago
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