Devotees urged to observe a ’simple’ Navaratri
Durban: Hindus around the world have been urged to celebrate Navaratri in as simple a way as will be possible.
The period Hindus regard as auspicious runs from October 7 to 15. In India new Covid-19 cases are relatively low but Mumbai residents were urged to keep things low key.
The news website indiatoday.in reported that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation asked citizens to maintain Covid-19-appropriate behaviour.
The website said devotees would be able to get blessings at local temples but would not be able to host garbas – a dance that honours, worships and celebrates the feminine form of divinity.
Temples were also encouraged to organise blood donation drives and to ensure all those who visited places of worship wore masks and maintained social distance.
The Maharashtra government, meanwhile, will reportedly open all places of worship in the state from tomorrow. A tweet by the chief minister's office said: “All places of worship will reopen for devotees from the first day of Navaratri, October 7, while observing all Covid safety protocols."
Uddhav Thackeray, the chief minister, reportedly said: “After tackling the second wave, we have drafted a plan to contain the third wave. We are planning to relax restrictions in a gradual manner. Although the number of corona patients is declining, we need to be more careful. Even if religious places are being opened for devotees, all rules pertaining to public health need to be followed.”
In South Africa, Vijay Dashmi is celebrated on October 15. With South Africa having moved to Level 1 of the lockdown some temples have decided to observe prayers during the period. However, Covid protocols will be observed.
Ashwin Trikamjee, the president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said Navaratri was one of the most important observances on the Hindu religious calendar.
“Devotees throughout the world observe or participate in the daily prayers intensely. Since 2020, Covid-19 has restricted the participation of devotees, especially in temples. The participation was exclusively virtual as all temples were closed. During that period, most devotees chose to observe Navaratri from their homes and by way of Zoom. The evening garbas were not possible as all venues were closed as well.
“This year, with the level 1 relaxation, many temples are still continuing with virtual prayers and services. Some, though, are following the protocols and opening their venues, but they are restricting numbers (depending on the size of the venues) and ensuring social distancing, wearing of masks and sanitising. These are in the minority as most others are continuing with virtual services and celebrations.”
He said the Sabha encouraged all temples to comply with the Covid-19 protocols should they choose to open their venues. If this was not possible, Trikamjee said the services should be held virtually.
Seelan Achary, chairperson of the Shri Mariamman Temple in Mount Edgecombe, said: “We have become used to managing these protocols. Our devotional programme will start at 11am tomorrow and thereafter from 9am until noon. Devotees must follow the Covid-19 protocols by using masks, social distancing, and sanitising.“
Ronel Moodley, spokesperson for the Stri Muruga Kovil in Phoenix, said they would observe the prayers daily from 6pm to 8pm.
“We encourage devotees to follow the rules of using their masks, or they will not be allowed into the temple.”
Henry Solai, chairperson of the Chatsworth Magazine Barracks Shree Vishnu Temple, said: “Due to safety concerns, we will not ask the community to come to the temple. However, if anyone does come to participate in the prayers, our doors are open from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.”
Lokesh Ramnath Maharajh, head of the priests’ council at the Sabha, said Navarathri symbolised the victory of good over evil.
“Navaratri is a nine-day festival in which Hindus venerate the Divine Mother in the forms of Durga (Kali), Luxmi, and Saraswati. It is a time to eradicate the baser animal qualities with the help of Kali or Durga (the destroyer of all those factors that bind us to this world), Luxmi (with whose grace we accumulate spiritual and material wealth), and Saraswathi (the bestower of Divine Knowledge).
“It is important to understand that spiritual advancement is only possible through constant worshipping and meditation. Performance of prayer and divine deeds should become part of our daily lives. Navaratri is a time for fasting, abstinence and discipline. Navaratri reminds us to respect women, who are the real bearers of dharma or righteousness on a social level.
“Vijay Dashmi is celebrated on the 10th day of the Navaratri period. During the first nine days of Navaratri, the goddess Durga is worshipped and invoked in the different manifestations of her Shakti. The Vijay Dashmi is celebrated as the day on which Lord Rama attained victory over the demon Ravana. Vijay Dashmi signifies our victory over the baser animal qualities.”
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