Margaret - I was thinking of you today! Today, day 9 of the Navaratri festival, is Saraswati Pooja day, and we have the day off from work. (My sister Margaret, who is the proud owner of Yoginis, was given the spiritual name Saraswati when she studied yoga in India.)
Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and the arts. Children are not supposed to open their books today; they worship the goddess of learning instead.
The city is buzzing with celebrations and rituals. This is a very auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. Hindus believe that this is a good time to launch new activities or rededicate yourself to your profession.
|
When I go for a walk in my neighborhood, people everywhere seem to be "starting anew." The ironing guy is scrubbing down his mobile ironing stand. Bicyclists are touching up their cycles. Vendors are doing a brisk business selling flower garlands and palm leaves, which are used to adorn freshly-washed vehicles (below). Sandalwood paste has been smeared all around our apartment building. Through my kitchen window, I watch a priest perform a pooja in the apartment across from mine. |
|
The roads are littered with bright red smashed pumpkins, which symbolize the triumph of good over evil. They are filled with kumkum, the Indian name for vermilion. Pictured at left are pumpkins in front of our apartment building. |
another great blog entry!
Posted by: rochester lurker | Friday, October 22, 2004 at 05:30 PM
wow, I missed a whole month of blogs cause i was preparing for the Navaratri celebration at yoginis and now just read this and cried, cause yeah, that's beautiful that saraswati is so real and honored. thank you for thinking of me and connecting my name to this day
Posted by: your sister Saraswati | Sunday, October 31, 2004 at 11:45 AM