CHICAGO: The nine-day Navaratri festival from September 21 until September 29 came to an end at the Shree Radhey Shyam Temple, Bloomingdale, a northwest suburb of Chicago along with the 10th day celebration of Vijay Dashami/ Dussehra
The ending marked the historic victory of Lord Ram over the evil King Ravana and Goddess Durga’s triumph over the invincible Buffalo king Mahishasur on Saturday, September 30. Devotees burnt the giant effigy of demon king, Ravana and chanted ‘Jai Durga Ma’ with full enthusiasm. Devotees came in large numbers to witness each day’s special events of Navaratri and Ravan Dahan on the last day as well.
Temple priests – Pt. Gopalkrishna Ji and Pt. Jayanarayan Badal – performed special morning Arati, Pujas, Abhishekams, Alankarams, Mata Ki Chowki, Kenya Pujan, and Ashtami Havan with all the Vedic rituals and mantras. Devotees witnessed nine roopas of Goddess Durga, including Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati with full devotion and dedication. Chanting of mantras and singing of Bhajans and devotional songs after the puja rituals for nine consecutive days of Navratri brought alive the festive spirit in all devotees.
On the eighth day, the many devotees performed Kanya Poojan by offering small gifts and Prasad to little girls who are 3 to 9 years of age as they are the symbol of most auspicious, most Jagrat, and the most clear mind and innocent soul. As per Hindu mythology, Kanya Puja has great importance. Young girls therefore were welcomed and honored in the temple by first washing their feet, putting Tilak along with Akshata and flowers and then tying moli (red thread) around their wrists.
The Temple also organized ‘Mata Ki Chowki’ as an integral part of the Navaratri festivities to pay their homage before Maa Durga and thanking her for protecting them from evil forces in the society and for their other wish-fulfillment. The night was spent with singing bhajans of the goddess, praying and thanking her with folded hands and Prasad was offered to all the devotees with much love and affection.
More than 300 devotees participated on the 10th day Vijay Dashami special Pujas, Abhishekams and in the evening witnessed the event of Ravan Dahan that delivered a wonderful social message by setting ablaze Ravana’s effigy that “good always triumphs over evil.”
Temple Management committee thanked the Navaratri Event, Kitchen and Cultural Committee members for their sincere dedication and services. They also thanked sponsors, devotees, and volunteers for making this event a grand success.
Geetha Patil
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