How to Celebrate Navratri: A Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up Golu at Home

Happy Navratri to everyone! As we kick off this vibrant festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, I want to share a comprehensive guide on how to celebrate Navratri by keeping Golu at home. This post is designed for beginners and serves as a reference for future celebrations.

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Understanding Navratri

Navratri, which translates to “Nine Nights,” is a festival celebrated across India in various ways. Each night honors one of the nine forms of Goddess Shakti, culminating in Vijayadasami or Dussehra on the tenth day. The first three days focus on Goddess Durga, the next three on Goddess Lakshmi, and the final three on Goddess Saraswathi, with Saraswathi Puja celebrated on the ninth day.

2024 Navratri Timings

• Start Date: Thursday, October 3
• End Date: Saturday, October 12
• Kalasa Sthapanam Time:
• Morning: 6:15 AM to 7:22 AM
• Noon: 11:46 AM to 12:33 PM (Abhijit Muhurtham)

If you can’t adhere to these timings, try to avoid Rahu Kalam and Yama Gandam, and opt for an auspicious time during the day.

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Setting Up Golu at Home

In Tamil Nadu, Golu is a cherished tradition during Navratri. It involves displaying dolls and idols that represent various deities. Here are some essential tips and ideas for beginners:

What is Golu?

Golu refers to the display of dolls representing deities, which symbolizes the presence of the Goddess in our homes during these nine days. Common offerings include Sundal and sweets. Many families also fast, avoiding onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.

Golu Structure

Golu can be displayed in various configurations:

• Steps: 3, 5, 7, or 9
• Themes: Idols of god, dieties, avatars, gurus, stories of lords,Parks, zoos, or creative setups

If you’re unable to keep Golu for all nine days, consider a three-day setup, especially the last three days for Saraswathi Puja.

Preparing for Golu

Materials Needed:

• Golu steps (readymade or improvised using tables/boxes)
• White cloth (dhoti/saree) or colorful fabrics
• Safety pins and bell pins for draping
• Kalasam (brass pot filled with rice/dal, topped with mango leaves and a coconut)
• Marapachi dolls (Raja and Rani)
• Idols of deities (Ganesha, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, etc.)
• Decorative items (flowers, lights, etc.)

Golu Setup Procedure

1. Mulaipari Preparation:

• Grow grains (like methi or ragi) in a tray filled with sand. Soak seeds overnight, drain, and spread them in sand. Sprinkle water regularly and keep in sunlight for a few hours.

Preparation of Kalasam for Golu:

• Choose Your Pot: Take a brass pot (sombu) and fill it with rice and toor dal, adding some coins until the pot is filled to the neck. Alternatively, you can fill the pot with water infused with cardamom, nutmeg, and other aromatic spices, along with coins. However, using rice is preferable, as you cannot change the water during the nine days.Add Mango Leaves and Coconut: Arrange mango leaves around the neck of the pot, and place a coconut on top. It’s important not to change the mango leaves, even if they dry out.Position the Mirror: Behind the kalasam, place a mirror so that the kalasam is reflected in it, symbolizing Goddess Durga.Arrange the Idols: Place the kalasam in the center of your display. On either side, arrange idols of Ganesha, Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Alternatively, you can position the kalasam at the bottom of the golu, resting it on a plank.

1. Step Arrangement:

• Cover the Golu steps with white cloth or old sarees. Position them in a corner of the house facing East or North.
• Arrange dolls and deities, placing the Kalasam at the center of the topmost or bottom step.

1. Doll Arrangement:

• Top Step: Kalasam, flanked by Ganesha, Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi.
• Middle Steps: Marapachi dolls and various deity idols.
• Bottom Step: Chettiar bommai and household items.

1. Final Touches:

• Draw a rangoli in front and set up decorative lamps.
• Place the mulaipari nearby.

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Rituals and Practices

Do’s:

• Bathe daily (head bath preferred).
• Wear clean clothes.
• Avoid non-vegetarian food and onions/garlic.
• Light lamps morning and evening.
• Offer flowers and neivedyam daily.
• Invite neighbors for Thamboolam (gift packs).

Don’ts:

• Avoid stitching or cutting nails/hair during Navratri.
• Do not dust your house excessively.
• Avoid traveling during pooja times.
• Maintain peace and harmony at home.

Celebrating Each Day:

On each day of Navratri, prepare a different type of Sundal for prasadam, as it’s believed to rejuvenate and appease the nine planets.

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Closing Rituals

On Vijayadasami, conduct the final pooja and then make the dolls sleep to conclude the festivities. Dispose of offerings appropriately, and store Golu items carefully for the next year.

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Final Thoughts

This guide is meant to help you create a meaningful Golu experience during Navratri. Remember, the joy of this festival comes from devotion, creativity, and togetherness. Feel free to share your thoughts or corrections in the comments!

Wishing you all a blessed and joyous Navratri!