New England Shirdi Sai Parivaar, celebrated the Sharad “Navaratri Parva” starting October ^1st through 11th^th. Navraatri is a nine day festival, dedicated to the worship of the Hindu Deity Durga in the nine forms and concludes with the victory over evil on the 10^th day which is referred as “Vijaya Dasami”.

The first day of the Navaratri started off with the Kalash Sthapana to maintain the auspiciousness and energy throughout the nine days followed by Navagraha pooja. Maata’s idol was also decked with beautiful garments and jewelry offered by the devotees all through the nine days.

NESSP initiated its first ever Navratri Golu/Bommala Koluvu/Bombe Habba which holds great significance and is an integral part of the Navratri festival in South India. Dolls, Figurines and deities were collected from the devotees and placed in the golu. The beautiful golu attracted many devotees. The pooja rituals were done by the priest. Golu received tremendous response and it attracted many devotees.

On the day one of Navratri, Samuhik Devi Khadgamala Naamavali Pooja was performed under the guidance of our priest Sateesh Sharma. Kids cultural program was conducted where many kids participated with lots of enthusiasm and showcased their talent in the presence of Sadguru.

Worship to Annapoorna Devi, Gayatri Devi, Mahishasura Mardini, Maha Lakshmi and  Sri Bala Tripura Sundari Devi was performed on individual days. Each day a volunteer family got the privilege of performing the Pooja in the main mandap.

On the day 6 of Navratri Samuhika Akshara Abhyasam was performed on the auspicious day of Saraswathi Pooja where many kids participated and took the blessings of Goddess of Knowledge. The evening was followed by Dandiya/garba raas where all the men/women/kids immersed themselves with ultimate joy in the name of goddess. This was facilitated by professional DJ’s.

On the day 7 of Navratri, Godess Durga took the form of Shakambari devi decked with various vegetables. All the vegetables were used on the following day to make Prasad and serve to the devotees.

On the day 8 of Navratri, Lalitha Sahasranaama Deepa Pooja was performed and all the married women started off the Kumkum Pooja with lighting 108 lamps in front of the goddess. Everyone participated and enjoyed the bliss.

The auspicious floral festival, “Bathukamma Panduga” was celebrated in the temple premises. This is one of the most unique festivals celebrated in Andhra Pradesh especially in Telangana region. Goddess Gowri is worshipped in the form of Bathukamma (Come Alive Mother Gowri). Beautiful flower stacks are arranged with different kind of flowers with most medicinal values. Immersion of bathukamma was also done in the temple.

Day 10, On Tuesday October 11^th, Vijaya Dasami, which also happens to be Baba’s 98th Punya Tithi/Mahasamadhi. Morning started with Kakad Aarti followed by Baba’s Abhishek. Many devotees had the blessing of performing Abhishekam for Baba with Milk and water. Temple was open all day . Devi homam was performed in the evening followed by Baba Mahasamadhi Pooja. Baba’s podium was beautifully decked with flowers. Beautiful bhajans were sung in the name of Baba and Maata. Huge number of devotees participated in the celebrations. Bhandara/Prasadam was served to all.

On 15^th October-Vijaya Dasami festival was concluded by doing Baba Abhishekam, Samuhik Sai Vrat Kadha followed by Palkhi Procession in the temple premises.

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