On the morning of Navami, the third and final day of
the Durga Puja,
priests begin the rituals that culminate in the Maha-arati,
a devotional offering where lamps are lit amid great clouds of
incense. Afterwards, an atmoshpere of festive celebration pervades
the pandals.
As the day progresses,
music is heard again in the pandals.
But this time it is not a devotional chant or mantra. It is music for pleasure ---
dance music with sinuous melodies and infectious rhythmic cycles.
In a way, this lively and joyous atmosphere is yet another devotion
to Durga. After all, She is an honored guest soon to depart for
another year, and it is only fitting that she be entertained
on her final evening in the pandal.
Return to the Durga Puja Directory
