This last class was scheduled for Navaratri celebrations.
We 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 also
revised the Gruru Sthothram till verse 3 and learned the next one (pg 85-86). We practiced the first few verses of the bhajan Atma Nivasi Ram (pg 209-210).
Since Navaratri had just concluded, 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 Dandiya Ras to 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.
We also talked about Ayutha Poojai or Saraswati Pooja on which day some of us place books and other things related to various art forms in front of Goddess Saraswati and seek her blessings in our chosen fields of studies/performing arts.
Then we related the celebrations to Ramayana by discussing how Ravana was killed on
Vijaya Dashami. We touched upon Ram Leela processions ending with fireworks for burning the effigies of Ravana. We discussed how it signifies the victory of good over evil.
In keeping with the Navaratri theme, the kids drew and decorated a picture of Goddess Durga on a disposable paper plate using different lentils and pulses.
From the Bala Ramayana book, we learnt about how Rama and Lakshmana travelled with Vishwamitra
through the Dandaka forest to the ashram of Vishwamitra and how the
asuras Maricha (who survived and will play an important role later) and Subahu were
defeated. We also discussed the story of
Vishnu's Vamana Avatara. The significance here is that the place where Mahabali
got immortality from Vamana is where Vishwamitra’s ashram was situated.
The kids have been given a map of India, please ensure that they bring it to every class. It is a part of an ongoing activity about which I will mention in the next class.
Finally, we concluded the class
with 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 4.
See you at the next class. Please remember to bring you folders and maps.
