The last class followed the usual routine of the Dhyaana Shloka - Om Sahanavavatu (pg 9) followed by attendance and a quick revision of the daily prayers (Karaagre Vasate, Vakratunda, Saraswati Namastubhyam, Bramhaarpanam, Shubham Karoti, Kara Charana - pages 14-17 of the My Prayer Book).
We practiced the bhajan Rama Naama Thaarakam (pg 211) and revised the first 3 verses of the bhajan - Atma Nivasi Ram (pg 209-210). We also revised the Gruru Sthothram till verse 7 (pg 85-86).
Since it was the class scheduled for celebrating Navaratri, we discussed the significance of the festival. We spoke about how the first three days are for worshipping Goddess Durga, the next three days for Goddess Lakshmi and the last three days for Goddess Sarasawati. The kids discussed how they celebrate Navaratri in their homes. All different aspects from fasting moms, to Dandiya Ras and Golu were shared. We also spoke about how kanchakas are worshipped and Prasad (halwa puris) are distributed in some homes while in others Sundals are distributed as prasadam and the women and girls are called for haldi kumkum and given gifts.
Then we related it to Ramayana by discussing how Ravana was killed on Vijaya Dashami. We got to know about Ram Leela and how processions and jhankis are carried out India comprised of characters from Ramayana and how someone dressed as Rama gets to shoot a fire arrow at the Ravana effigy which burns amidst much fanfare and fireworks depicting the end of war between Lord Rama and Ravana.
In keeping with the Navaratri theme, the kids drew, colored and decorated a picture of Goddess Durga. Finally, we concluded the class with meditation followed by the closing prayer - Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinaha (pg-19).
For their homework, please make sure the kids revise their vowels and the Gurusthothram upto verse 7.
See you at the next class. Please remember to bring you folders.
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