Burn, baby, burn

We've just seen the conclusion of the 10 day fasting, rituals, festivals and celebrations called Navratri. I may not be explaining all of this correctly, so if any of my readers have a better explanation, I welcome it!


This festival honors the "win" of Lord Rama over the demon Ravana. During the 10 days of festival, an Indian worships Shakti (power) and by doing so, attains three-fold powers (physical, mental and spiritual) which then enable one to progress in life with ease.


The 'Ramlila' - an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day (Dussehra or Vijay Dasami), larger than life effigies of Ravana, his son and brother - Meghnadh and Kumbhakarna are set to fire.


[These things are HUGE.  I'd guess more than 60 feet?  Someone please help me out with this]

The theatrical enactment of this dramatic encounter is held throughout the country in which every section of people participates enthusiastically.

In burning the effigies the people are asked to burn the evil within them, and thus follow the path of truth and goodness, bearing in mind the instance of Ravana, who despite all his might and majesty was destroyed for his evil ways.

 

 

Terran and I headed out to see this wonderful celebration (but unfortunately had to head home before they started burning the effigies.  Thanks, George for sending over your photos from your terrace!!)

Terran and I also visited the Malai Mandir temple, and I have to admit that I really had (and still don't) no idea what was going on, or what was being accomplished.  We were graciously invited to participate in the offering of coconut, bananas and rupees to the gods, after which those offerings (minus the money) was burned, and the ashes brought round to everyone to place on their foreheads (using only your ring finger, we learned).

Even though I don't understand the rituals, it was a beautiful thing to participate in, watch and experience.

If there is nothing else I take home from our experiences in India, it is how gracious the people we encounter are.  GRACIOUS.  It's a hard word for me and doesn't often fit into my vocabulary.  I'm out for myself most days.  If you happen to fit into my days' plans, wonderful.  If you don't, then please kindly step aside.

There ARE moments of encounters that would not be described as gracious, but for the most part ... it feels like the good ole' midwest and the friendliness and kindness that I grew up with.  People that may have so much less than I do, yet possess so much more in the way of honor, tradition, kindness ... and graciousness.