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Hindus throng temples to offer Dussehra prayers

     New Delhi: Hindu devotees thronged various temples in New Delhi on Friday to offer final prayers on the ninth and last day of the ongoing Navratra festival, which is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. On Thursday evening, crowds had gathered at beautifully illuminated temples that had been adorned with flowers and glittering earthen lamps. Offerings of sweets and fruits were made on the occasion. The Navratra festival falls on the ninth day of the moonlit fortnight in October-November and marks the end of eight days of fasting observed as a mark of respect for the Goddess. Hindus believe that fasting and simple living during the Navratras ensures a communion with God and a place in heaven. "People fast during these nine days which brings them closer to the Goddess, it allows them to be one with the divine itself," Srinivas Garuna, a priest said. "The Goddess blesses us. During these nine days she stays with us, amongst us and bestows us with her blessing and do all we can to honour her, "added Vipin Kumar Sharma, a devotee. It is also observed as a day of thanksgiving to the Almighty and every Hindu household across the country offers the first meal of the day to Durga before distributing it amongst little girls who are believed to be an incarnation of the Goddess. Celebrated as Durga Puja in the east and Navratra in the north, the nine-day festival is amongs the biggest in India as cities, towns and villages all come alive with celebrations during which thousands of glittering tents are put up as makeshift temples and dances and revelry are held every night. Legend has it that the "Asuras" or demons from the nether world invaded Heaven after a hundred year-long war. The Hindu trinity of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu created the Goddess Durga to vanquish the demons.
-Oct 22, 2004