Navaratri is a joyous festival which is celebrated every year by Hindus, during early fall season (occurs during late September and early October). The Goddess in the form of the Universal Mother is worshiped for nine nights and hence the name ' nava-ratri '. On the tenth day, the festival comes to an end with a special puja called Vijaya Dasami. During the ten days of the Dasara festival (ten days and nine nights), it is common for Hindus to read and recite slokas on the greatness of Mother Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Mother Durga symbolizes the power of purposeful action (Kriya Sakti). Lakshmi represents the will power (Itchaa Sakti) and Saraswati stands for the power of knowledge (Jnana Sakti).

The Navarathri festival is called Desara in Karnataka and Kali Puja in Bengal is celebrated by the Hindus of Kerala. The festival is dedicated to Devi, the Divine mother and is celebrated in the month of Kanni. The Hindus of Kerala celebrate these days primarily as Saraswathi Pooja. Saraswathi is worshipped as the goddess of Learning. On the Durgashtami day the Puja veppu ceremony is performed. In the Hindu homes, books and grandhas are arranged tastefully in a decorated room and all sorts of study and work are given up. The whole Mahanavamy day is devoted to worship of Saraswathi. The Vijaya Dasami day is observed as the day for the break up of the Puja and the initiation of children into the study of the alphabet (Vidyarambham) and work and study are resumed. 

 

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