‘Being brave enough to be unapologetic, for who you are, that’s a goddess’
Devi Durga is considered the feminine epitome of strength. She is depicted in various Vedic literature as a goddess having feminine prowess, power, determination, and wisdom beyond this material world. Those who seek prosperity in this material world in terms of material powers and wealth, also ardently worship her.
The students of Salwan Junior School enthusiastically participated in the celebrations of Navratri by telling the relevance of celebrating this festival through a special assembly that was held in the school foyer.
The girls of Class IV B were beautifully dressed as the nine avatars of Maa Durga, which are considered the nine stages of Durga during the nine-day long duration of the war with demon-king Mahishasura, where the tenth day is celebrated as the Vijayadashami. Its relevance goes as to the story which was narrated by the teacher in charge which goes as there was a battle that occurred between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura. Mahishasura had been granted immortality by Lord Brahma and had been told that he could only be defeated by a woman. He attacked Trilok (Earth, Heaven, and Hell), and the Gods were not able to defeat him. Finally, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva together created Goddess Durga, who finally defeated Mahishasura. She fought with him for 10 days, and the demon kept changing his form.
Mahishasura would take various forms to confuse Goddess Durga. Finally, when he turned into a buffalo is when Goddess Durga killed him with her trishul. The girls were dressed as Maa Shailputri (daughter of mountains), Maa Brahmacharini (mother of devotion and penance), Maa Chandraghanta (destroyer of demons), Maa Kushmanda (Goddess of the cosmic egg), Maa Skandmata (Goddess of motherhood and children), Maa Katyayani (Goddess of Power), Maa Kalaratri (Goddess of auspiciousness and courage), Maa Mahagauri (Goddess of Beauty), Maa Siddhidatri (Goddess of supernatural powers).
The girls displayed mudras on the Sanskrit Shlok of ‘Sarva Mangal Mangalye’ It is believed that this mantra has the power to remove all obstacles and bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to one’s life. The word ‘Sarva’ means ‘all’ and ‘Mangala’ means
‘auspicious’. ‘Mangalye’ means ‘beneficial’. Therefore, this mantra is literally translated as ‘All Auspicious Auspiciousness’.
The essence of the festivity was truly felt and celebrated by all in the true spirit of oneness.
