When I went to start a blog today, I couldn't find (or remember) how to start a new blog.  So, after some searching (of course the system has been updated since I last blogged), I finally found it.  Now, I am obligated to blog more frequently so that I don't forget how to do it!

Yesterday, Emma and I walked in the door around 4pm, noticed that there were no "slippers" (flip-flops to us) sitting off to the side, and assumed that Tina, our cook, hadn't arrived yet.  That wasn't that unusual, but then she emerged from the kitchen.  "No shoes today, Tina?", I asked.  "No, it's Navaratri for the next 9 days, so no shoes and fasting."  Tina is Catholic, but she observes the Hindu traditions of Navaratri because she has been healthy ever since the first time she fasted during this festival.  For the next 9 days, she will not wear shoes, and she will not eat anything other than milk, bananas and water.

"Nava" meaning nine (9) and "ratri" meaning nights is literally 9 nights of worship to the Hindu goddess Durga.  During each night, another of the nine forms of Durga is worshipped.  As with most Hindu festivals, it is celebrated with music and dance.  In neighboring state Gujarat, it is traditionally celebrated with colorful dandiya (below) and garba dancing.

The ninth day of Navaratri is known as Dussehra.  On this day, people worship the tools used in their daily life - computers, books, vehicles, or kitchen tools—all are decorated with flowers and worshiped on this day invoking God's blessing for success in coming years. It is believed that any new venture such as starting of business or purchasing of new household items on this day is bound to bring success and prosperity.  (Maybe I should decorate my computer with a garland...perhaps it will help.)