Hindu groups observe Navaratri

Navaratri is one of the most important religious holidays in India. A word literally meaning "nine nights," it is a celebration of the Mother Goddess in Hinduism.

The three main goddesses involved in Navaratri represent education, wealth and strength, said Basu Mahavisnc, an LSA junior and member of the Hindu Students Council.

"The 10th day, Dassara, is when we believe the three goddesses merge as one," Mahavisnc said.

Dassara officially occurred Tuesday, but Hindu organizations on campus are hosting a celebration tomorrow at 8 p.m. in the Michigan Union Ballroom.

The free event is a collaborative effort between various Indian student organizations at the University. While HSC is the main organizer of the event, the Indian Students Association, the Punjabi Student Organization and the American Indian Organization are co-sponsors.

"This is the first time all organizations have gotten together for this celebration," Mahavisnc said.

The event will include both a cultural show that will begin with a Hindu prayer called a Puja and will continue with the traditional dancing of Raas, Bhangra and Dandia.

"It's an opportunity to learn and see what another culture is all about. It's for everyone. Most people don't know these dances so we take them step by step," said Rohit Garg, a Rackham student and HSC member.

Representatives from the organizations involved will teach participants how to perform various cultural dances.

The Bhangra is a popular form of Indian dancing. Dandia is a dance that involves the use of two sticks, called dandiyas, while dancing in a circle around an object of religious significance.

"It's fast paced and has a lot of jumping and spinning and we'll be wearing Indian outfits so it will be colorful," said Kavita Desai, an LSA sophomore and one of the dancers who will participate in the event.

It is a chance to get a flavor of Hindu religious ceremonies and a feel for traditional ethnic dances, Engineering graduate student Manish Chopra said.

"It has a lot of religious implications in terms of spirituality. This event brings together spirituality and ritualism," Navaratri said.

He also added that the goal of the event is not only to celebrate the Hindu holiday but also to bring people together regardless of race or religion and to expose others to the cultural event.

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