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The miracle of faith

The city has turned into a visual delight permeating deep inside to reveal the essence of Navaratri festival, says P. SUJATHA VARMA

PHOTO: CH. VIJAYA BHASKAR

DRIVEN BY FAITH Devotees throng the pandal for the spiritual feel the place exudes.

The colour and glitter sprinkled across the city reminds us that the D-day is knocking. The city is bustling with frenzied activity that has caught on people in every nook and cranny. The bustle has reached a feverish pitch with a majority of people drifting away from daily routine and slipping into a world of planning, shopping and strategising for the big celebrations.

Though there seems to be complexity and contradictions in the style of worshipping by different communities, people don't care as long as their prayers are heard and wishes fulfilled. The abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga atop Indrakeeladri hill is bathed in shimmering illuminations to welcome the devotees who come to the Mother's feet to seek her blessings. For the native of the land, it is Dasara panduga, a festival of peace and happiness, while for a Bengali Hindu; the D-day denotes Durga puja, the biggest occasion to indulge in prolonged celebrations, a festival to commemorate the victory of good over evil.

The embodiment of divine power (Para Shakthi) in its various manifestations as Maha Saraswathi, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Kali, was able to overcome the forces of vice, wickedness and egoism during the nine days' struggle, and finally on Vijaya Dasami, (the tenth day commemorating victory) the valedictory worship is done. Members of Sai Baba Mandir Trust in the city have brought in a new trend to introduce to the locals the different avatars of Durga.

Blend of cultures

"The Goddess is the universal truth and people ought to know her different avatars," says K. Ramakrishna, a trust member. The 15-foot high idol of the Goddess, depicting the scene of Mahisasuramardini is awe-inspiring. The deity has eight hands and her trisulam (trident) has penetrated the demon's breast. Installed in all Her glory, the makers of the idol have amazingly carved out such sheer beauty with straw and clay! "We fetched craftsmen from Kolkata to lend authenticity.

The emotions and feelings are etched with immaculate technique and an unmistakable clarity of intent through forms, which are ambient and levitating. "Spirituality means honouring the truth. It gives me joy and inner strength to manage the most difficult situations. ," says Rajeswari marvelling at the skilful craftsmanship.

Imposing presence

The festival creates a platform for a blend of different cultures in their best possible way. "This is the time when good fortune is believed to come unasked," chips in Swaroopa, finding it difficult to take her eyes off the imposing presence of the Goddess. Taking a break from the daily stress, people are revelling in the bliss of activity around them.

The railway institute is yet another venue that has become the hub of activity for Vijayawada Bengali Association. "We have hired services of two persons from West Bengal to play the dhak (the drum) and have imported all the puja paraphernalia from Kolkata. The prasad bhog is offered to everyone who comes here to seek the Mother's blessings," says Soumitra Ray, the general secretary of the association.

The images here convey a complete language of gestures, which interpret the stories associated with the characters. The anger of the Mother is made evident even while keeping in tact the streak of elegance and grace. The Vedic chants almost put the visitors in a state of trance.

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