Navaratri-Celebrations in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas,
from 28th September 2011 to 6th October 2011

Specially erected Altar for Durga Devi during Navaratri.

The nine days, respectively nights, which are specially dedicated to Divine Mother Durga, symbolize the Victory of the Good and the Divine over the evil forces. The evil forces are nothing else than the low and evil characteristics in human beings, like greed, hatred, lust, violence, etc.

In Omkarananda Ashram the Divine Mother is worshipped in form of Tripurasundari, therefore, instead of nine days, or nine nights, ten days are dedicated to the special Durga-Devi- Festival. The tenth day, called 'Vijayadashami'�, is dedicated to Vijayalakshmi, who is the same as Shanta-Durga or Tripurasundari. It is the Devi, who is always peaceful and victorious. She is the Divine Mother full of infinite Love, Purity, Beauty, Wisdom, Power, Tenderness and Compassion.

Yajna performed by the Priests of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir.

During Sharadiya Navaratri 2011 (the Navaratri celebrated in autumn) a beautiful Pandal with the Murti of Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga Devi, a photo of Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati and other Deities, adorned the Yajnashala of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir. Special Devi-Pujas and powerful Hawanas were conducted there daily by the Priests of Omkarananda Ashram from 28th September 2011 onwards till 6th October 2011.

Devi-Dance by Kumari Somashekhari and students during Navaratri.

On Durga-Ashtami, which took place on 4th October, after a wonderful Hawana and Arati, devotional dances in worship of the Divine Mother were performed by Gurubhakti-Ratna Kumari Somashekhari and her students, at the Yajnashala of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir. A lot of devotees and guests had assembled to witness this event. As soon as the dances for the Divine Mother began, it suddenly and unexpectedly started raining heavily. In spite of that, the devotional dances continued uninterruptedly. The special dance-performance for Devi was completed with a Devi-Arati Dance, having heart-touching sweet tunes. The audience responded with great applause.

After that, Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati, President Omkarananda Ashram, inspired all devotees and guests with a beautiful speech on the meaning and importance of the Navaratri-Celebrations. Everybody very much appreciated Swamiji's speech and a devotee even spontaneously got up, took the mike, and powerfully expressed his deep admiration for Swami Vishveshwaranandaji and Omkarananda Ashram. One could feel, that the feelings of love and adorations, expressed by this devotee spontaneously, were really genuine and coming deep from his heart.

Then everybody was served nice Prasadam by the Omkarananda Ashram Priests. All devotees and guests left in a happy and spiritually elevated and inspired mood.

Another highlight of the Navaratri-Celebrations was the concluding day, Vijayadashami, which fell on the 6th October 2011. After a grand Hawana and Purnahuti, in which Swami Vishveshwarananda, Swami Satchidananda and Kumari Somashekhari took part, along with the Priests of Omkarananda Ashram, nine small, cute girls were worshipped as manifestations of the Divine Mother and given beautiful gifts.

Gifts made ready for the nine Kanyas.

Somashekhari is presenting the gifts to the Kanyas.	Somashekhari is blessing the Kanyas with Arati.