Thursday, October 6, 2016

Navarathri -An Overview

As we partake in Navarathri celebrations this week, let us take some time to look back on the origins of this festival and the significance it holds for us.

What is Navarathri?



Navarathri is a nine-day festival where the goddess Durga is worshipped in her various forms. The word Navarathri literally means “nine nights” in Sanskrit.During the festival, the three forms of the goddess -Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi are invoked. The nine days of festivities culminate in Dussera or Vijayadasami where the triumph of the good over evil is celebrated.

When and how did Navarathri originate?

There are plural narratives on the history and origins of Navarathri that vary according to various regions in India.

The Legend of Mahishasura

The legend in North India goes that Mahishasura, the mighty demon, worshipped Lord Shiva and obtained the power of eternity. Soon, he started killing and harassing innocent people and set out to win all the three lokas. The gods in swargaloka appealed to Lord Shiva, to find a way to get rid of the demon.To protect the world from the atrocities of Mahishasura, the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva united their powers and created a divine female warrior, known as Goddess Durga. Mahishasura got mesmerized when he saw the divine beauty of Goddess Durga.

Fascinated by Goddess Durga's beauty, Mahishasura approached her with the intention of marriage. The goddess agreed to marry him on the condition that would have to win over her in a battle. Mahishasura, proud as he was, agreed immediately.The battle continued for 9 nights and at the end of the ninth night, Goddess Durga beheaded Mahishasura. The nine nights came to be known as Navarathri, while the tenth day was called Vijayadashmi where the triumph of good over evil was witnessed.

The legend of Rama and Ravana

Another legend of Navarathri relates to the Hindu epic Ramayana. It goes that Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga in nine aspects, for nine days, in order to gather the strength and power to kill Ravana. He wanted to release Sita from the clutches of powerful demon king Ravana, who had abducted her. Those nine nights became to be known as Navarathri and the tenth day, on which Lord Rama killed Ravana, came to be called Vijayadashmi or Dusshera, signifying Rama's (good) triumph over Ravana (evil)

When is Navarathri celebrated?

Navarathri usually happens in late September/early October each year. The dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar. In 2016, Navarathri dates are October 1-10.

Why celebrate Navarathri? (Significance)

The nine days of festivities serve as a reminder of the divine qualities of the Mother Divine. She is viewed as our first Guru who guides us on the path of righteousness; she is the provider of nourishment for her children, protector of her family and upholder of dharma and traditions. We honour and worship these principles and rededicate ourselves to honour and uphold these principles and human values and to spread joy, peace, love and happiness to those around us.

The Devi Durga, in Her form as Mahishasuramardhini, is the destroyer of Mahisha. The word Mahisha means buffalo which is a symbol of laziness, lethargy, and inertia. These are the qualities which impede the spiritual and material progress of an individual. The Devi is a storehouse of positive energy and any trace of laziness or inertia dissolves in Her very presence.

The second set of three days honor the Devi as Lakshmi. Lakshmi is goddess of wealth and prosperity. Wealth is a vital ingredient bestowed upon us for the maintenance and progress in our life. It is much more than just having money. It means abundance in knowledge, skills and talents. Lakshmi is the energy that manifests as the complete spiritual and material well-being of a person.

The final three days are dedicated to Saraswati. Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge- the one who gives the essence (sara) of the Self (swa). She is often depicted as being seated on a rock. Knowledge, like a rock, is a steadfast support. It stays with us at all times. She plays the veena, a musical instrument whose mellifluous notes bring harmony and peace to the mind. Similarly, spiritual knowledge brings relaxation and celebration into ones’ life.Goddess Saraswati is the ocean of understanding and the consciousness which vibrates with different types of learning. She is the source of spiritual light, remover of all ignorance and the source of knowledge.

In a nutshell, Navarathri is a time for us to soak in this blessing and feel grateful for the abundance and beauty in our lives.


How is Navarathri celebrated?

Navarathri holds different significance in various parts of India that determines the manner in which celebrations take place. Though the ways differ, the common thread that runs through the celebrations in various regions would be the spirit of zest, fervour and devotion that makes it a festival in the calendar year that everyone looks forward to.

Bengal


During Navarathri, Bengalis in India worship huge idols of the Goddess, perform devotional songs and dances and finally take out grand processions on the tenth day, when the idols are immersed in water. The last four days of the festival are most important for them. People worship pre-pubescent young girls, known as 'kanyas', as the embodiments of Goddess Durga. 'Ayudha Puja' is performed on the ninth day, where one worships the tools, implements of their livelihood and places it on the altar of the Goddess for her blessings of success and prosperity. Even children place their study books and writing tools on the altar and the families spend whole day in contemplation of the Goddess. On the tenth day of Dussehra, devotees perform 'Saraswati Puja' for blessings of knowledge and mental peace. During Navarathri, thousands of devotees visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkota, West Bengal.

Gujarat


In Gujarat, Navarathri is a community event, where people perform devotional songs and dances that are popular by the names of 'Dandiya Raas' and 'Garba Raas', and observe Jaagran (waking through the night), to please the Goddess. Amba Mata Temple at Junagarh, Gujarat, is a favorite pilgrim for devotees, during Navarathri. Here, painted earthen pots are used to represent the Goddess and Garba dances are performed by the Gujarati women around those pots, in circles. The pots are valued as the abode of the Goddess. The Rasa has its origin in the life scenes of Lord Krishna and is associated with the agricultural rites, while Garba is performed only by men and is related with the agricultural fertility.

Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, Goddess Durga is worshipped continuously for nine days of Navarathri. On the tenth day, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped and on this day, school-going children worship the tantrik symbol of the goddess for her blessing in their studies. This day is also considered auspicious to begin any new thing or to buy new ornaments. Puja is performed on each day of Navarathri and devotees offer the flower garland to the idol or image of the goddess Durga. In Mumbai, people visit various temples including the Ayyappa Temple at Goregaon.

Kashmir

In Kashmir, Hindu minorities of Kashmiri Pandits celebrate Navarathri. People generally observe fast for nine days and stay on water and fruits or eat the food specifically made for the fast, only in the evening. They usually visit the temple of their guardian goddess Kheer Bhawani, on all nine days of Navarathri. Aarti is held on the last day of Navarathri at the temple and it is only after which, people break their fast. Many devotees also go to the mountain cave of the Vaishno Devi Temple, during Navarathri.

Kerala

In Kerala, there is a tradition of beginning of formal education for every child aged 3-5 years on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja. On Ashtami, according to the custom, tools are not used and are worshiped on this day. Goddess Saraswati is honored by worshiping the books and records at home, on Navarathri. Thousands of devotees visit Saraswati temple at Kottayam during Navarathri, to take a dip in the mysterious holy pond. People also visit the famous temples at Thekkegram (Palghat).

Mysore, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh



In Mysore, Chamundi, the royal deity of the Mysore royalty is worshipped during Navarathri, with pomp and pageantry. There is a magnificent procession of elephants, horses, chariots and costumed attendants on the tenth day, when Maharaja goes to worship the hilltop temple of the goddess. In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, women arrange 'Bommai Kolu', a special placing of dolls decorated with flowers and ornaments on specially prepared steps. Nine young 'kanyas' or virgins are offered new clothes and sweets. The married women share flowers, kumkum and snacks among themselves.


As can be seen in some of the types of celebrations,devotional songs and dance are an integral part of the nine-day festivities as they serve as a means to invoke the various forms of Devi. In this spirit, we present a variety of music and dance pieces performed in praise of Devi. Do look out for them on our Youtube channel and social media platforms!


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Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Sri G.N. Balasubramaniam: A Remembrance

2015 marks the 50th year of the passing of Sangeetha Kalanidhi Sri G.N.Balasubramaniam (GNB). On 20th June 2015, SIFAS Alumni with the support of Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society conducted a remembrance event at the SIFAS Rehearsal Room to honour this Vidhwan par excellence of the 20th century. Upcoming artistes from SIFAS Alumni presented songs that were either popularized or composed by Sri GNB in this remembrance event.

The series of performances began with a solemn vocal concert by Sri Sharadh Rajaraman, who was accompanied on the violin by Kum Sharanya Rao and on the mridangam by Sri Srinivasan Krishnan. Sharadh’s main piece was Ranjani Niranjani Ratna, a composition of Sri GNB. Sharadh’s extensive manodharmam in Ranjani captured the attention of the morning audience, with his creative alapana and fluid brigas evoking the style of Sri GNB himself. Kum Rachana Murali Narayanan’s melodic vocal recital followed. She was accompanied on the violin by Kum Shreya Gopi and on the mridangam by Sri Srinivasan Krishnan. Rachana’s neatly-crafted repertoire for the morning included Nera Nammithi in Kanada, followed by Sri GNB’s composition Ninnu Pogada in Kunthalavarali. Her soulful rendition of Enna Gaanu Rama Bhajana in Pantuvarali was supplemented with inventive kalpanaswarams. Her loyal audience was evidently thrilled with her development into a competent stage performer at such a young age.



Before the second half commenced, SIFAS General Secretary Dr Kasinathan spoke briefly about the SIFAS Alumni’s growth and encouraged its efforts in commemorating events like this. He also introduced a special guest, Sri GNB’s grandson Mr Balasubramaniam, a Singapore resident who had come to hear of the remembrance event through SIFAS Alumni’s social media publicity. It was a pleasant surprise to all, and the event proceeded with Mr Balasubramaniam’s blessings and well-wishes.



The second half comprised of invigorating vocal concerts by Sri Sudarshan Narasimhan and Sri Nishanth Thiagarajan, who had both conceptualized and spearheaded the efforts to commemorate this remembrance event. Sudarshan was accompanied on the violin by Kum Sharanya Rao and on the mridangam by Sri Muthusubramaniam. He began with Samaanarahithey, a composition by Sri GNB in the rare ragam: Sarangatarangini. Sudarshan’s main piece in Bhairavi was expertly explored; his elaborate alapana, brisk neraval and free-flowing kalpanaswarams embellishing an immaculate rendition of Sri GNB’s composition, Gathi Verevarmma. The remembrance concluded with a concert by Sri Nishanth, who was accompanied by Sri Sharadh Rajaraman on the violin and Sri Ganesh Jayabal on the mridangam. Nishanth’s concert included a mix of classics like Ragasudha rasa and less popular compositions like Jaya Jaya Padmanabha in Sarasangi. A soul-stirring presentation of Reetigowlai left the audience longing for more.

All in all, the Sri GNB remembrance event was a grand success. It was well-attended and well-appreciated by audience and artistes alike. An event like this allowed us to reminisce and commemorate a true legend of Carnatic Music, while also providing a platform for senior students and graduates of SIFAS to perform. 


Saturday, March 28, 2015

SPRING CONCERT SERIES REFLECTIONS


Spring is a season of celebraation, where religious festivals such as 'Pongal' in South Indian and 'Holi' in North India are commemorrated to give thanks for the season's bountiful harvest. This month, SIFAS Alumni together with SIFAS, presented Seasons of Music - Spring. This was a two-day music concert series celebrating Carnatic, Hindustani, Vocal and Instrumental music, performed by senior sudents and alumni of SIFAS. Some of the artistes who performed in this concert series share their experience in this article.

 “I was invited to perform a Sitar solo at the Spring Concert Series organised by SIFAS Alumni. At the beginning, I felt a little nervous, as I had not been used to performing in front of such big number of audience. But, the nervousness was washed away when I started playing. In all, this concert was of good exposure to me as it built up my confidence in performing in front of an audience.” - G Solai Valli

“Performing in the Spring Concert Series was an immensely fulfilling experience for me. I am grateful to SIFAS and SIFAS Alumni for providing the platform to perform a concert-length solo violin recital. In keeping with the festive theme of this series, I chose to present joyous and upbeat compositions in my concert including Sri Vatapi in Ragam Sahana, Marivere in Ragam Latangi and Mohanakalyani thillana, in addition to my main piece Sri Kanthimathim in Ragam Hemavati.  Overall, this was an enjoyable, rewarding and humbling learning journey for me, and I look forward to more such opportunities in the future to grow as a musician. I would like to thank the accompanying artistes, Krishnan Subramanian on the mridangam and Tony Makarome on the morsing for their stellar support, as well as Akilesh, Vignesh and Shreya for their talam support and musical guidance.” – Vikram Manian
 


“I was invited to be the accompanying artiste for several of the performances held as part of the SIFAS Alumni`s Spring Concert Series. I would say that this was a new, yet fruitful experience for me as even though I had done many shows and concerts before, sitting down in front of the Tabla for more than an hour straight through performances is something that I had not experienced before. On that note, this was really a new challenge for me; having to play continuously for 4 to 5 performances!” – G Lakshmanan

 “Taking part in the spring concert series was an enthralling experience. Having done very few concerts, i was excited to have an opportunity to hone my skills at that platform. When I was notified of this performance opportunity, I wanted to use it well. I chose my songs meticulously. Coincidentally, it fell in place according to a thematic Rama concert. On the day of the concert, I was nervous. But SIFAS Alumni's support was tremendously encouraging. During my concert span of that 1 hour, I had learnt a lot. Music is such a vast ocean where I am just a drop of water trying to absorb as much as I can. I am on the path. But there is a long journey ahead of me. That path is also filled with obstacles, practice, hard work,  and sore throat issues! Overall through this memorable experience I wished to develop my repotoire in this field so that I could become a better artisite.” – Rachana Murali Narayanan

"I'm really glad to be part of the SIFAS Alumni and its heart warming to note the opportunities that the Alumni provides which showcase SIFAS's own homegrown talents. As for my performance itself, this was the first time I rendered Varali (a vivadhi janya ragam) as the main piece and it was definitely a challenge for me to sing this ragam in an elaborate fashion. While I am far from achieving a real solid grip over my singing abilities, it's the efforts that I can put in and the continual thoughts of how to improve my own singing, that keeps me happy at the end of the day." - Sudarshan Narasimhan



The SIFAS Alumni will be holding concert series such as this on a regular basis.  Keep a look out for event details and updates on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sifasalumni) or our blog (http://sifasalumni.blogspot.sg/).