Navratri

While having dinner in Little India, Penang, I stumbled upon the celebration of Navratri festival at Sri Mahamariamman Temple.

The chariot is all decked up

The colourful chariot

Figurines of the chariot

Navratri is a 9-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Shakti and its 3 manifestations – Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati.  Legend has it that Goddess Durga managed to slay demon Mahishasura (buffalo faced demon) after nine days of battle, hence Navratri is also a celebration of triumph of good over evil.

Hindus celebrate Navratri with great festivity.  Devotees perform prayers, singing of bhajans, dance and partake in puja.  Devotees also fast during this period.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Devotees thronged to the temple to celebrate Navrathi

A statue figurine on the wall of the temple

As it was the final night of Navratri, devotees dressed in their fineries and multi coloured traditional costume thronged to Sri Mahamariamman Temple for prayers and take part in the chariot parade.

Cows pulling the chariot are also ‘dressed up’ for the parade

A priest performing prayer before the parade

Devotees waiting for the parade

And off we go……………