MAHA NAVARATRI CELEBRATION

Night of the 9 Goddesses

We welcome you to join us for a wonderful Celebration of the Divine Feminine through prayer, ceremony and devotional chanting…

On this evening, we’ll be observing the annual auspicious Indian festival of Maha Navaratri (Nav = nine; Ratri = night) - 9 nights of the Goddess (you can read more about that below)and this Saturday evening is the Victory Celebration!

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THE EVENING….

The journey will begin with a special Puja ceremony, honouring and invoking the Divine Goddess within us all – performed by Pujari Kashi.

Followed by a very Special Kirtan featuring nine of our beautiful, devotional local women chanters bringing the Shakti energy in honour, joy, liberation and celebration of the Goddess…:

DanaLee, Kathryn Riding, Lila Kirtana,Tanya Sundari, Lydia Burth-Weir, Zarn Tazana Karjana, Prema Margot, Alice Miyagawa, with Kashi and supporting musicians.

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DETAILS – Brunswick Heads Memorial Hall

5.30pm – DOORS open with dinner available for purchase from Amma’s Kitchen who provide a delightful and delicious meal with sweets and chai.

6.00pm - PUJA

6.45pm - CHANTING music

9.15pm- FINISH

BRING – Dress for a divine celebration, and if you enjoy sitting on the floor, a cushion, sheepy, blankets, anything you need to be comfortable.

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ABOUT MAHA NAVARATRI

The festival represents the battle between Goddess Ma Durgaand the demon Mahishasura. Mahishasura was very powerful and had remained undefeated by any of the Gods – until Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu joined their energies to create Goddess Durga. After 9 nights of battle, she defeated the demon!

The 9 nights move through 9 forms of Durga, with the 10th day being the Victory celebration! It also represents the internal battle we have with our own our life issues and ego – it speaks to our ability to use all parts of ourselves to overcome obstacles and difficult personal aspects - so is can be a time to nurture change, reverence and devotion, and liberate ourselves from our own inner ‘demons’.

During the festival, traditionally people will fast, perform daily puja and other ritual ceremonies using flowers, dress in specific colours and undertake traditional dances and give gifts.