September 23, 2006
Dandiya fever
is breaking out again across India as Navratri, the nine-day festival of dancing and fasting in honour of Durga comes round again.
This year there have been terrorist threats, leading to enhanced security and a ban on music late into the night. Some are making arrangments to celebrate inside. Nothing can stop Navratri (or Durga Puja), though. Besides the commercial frenzy of Dandia sticks, fancy clothes, dating tips for your garba nights, ringtones and wallpaper, there is still deep religious feeling. Although if you don't like the disco dandiya and want the pure traditional music, you could do worse than come to London.
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So I finally had time to explore this. Interesting that Durga is also Kali et al. But these fancy dancing-clothes ... NONONO! ... I will stick with my kilts!
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Kilts, eh? I think a kilt might look rather good flying round in a garba session. Of course, as always, you have to have the legs for it.
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Durga - Narrative Art of an 'Independent' Warrior Goddess
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you have to have the legs for it. I hear bees has lovely knees.
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Hive heard no complaints, anyway.
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The conclusion of the festivities in London was marked for the first time by the immersion in the Thames of (biodegrable) idols.
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An older site, but this gives a sketch of Devi (aka Durga) in particular and of Hinduism in general. Devi is the oldest name for the Goddess in Sanskrit, but she has many others.
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Rowling sues over Durga Puja Hogwarts, but court allows it.