Chapter 16: Feasting and Fasting: Domestic Celebrations and Votive Rituals

Navaratri – garbha dancing (Gujarat)

Garbha and dandiya-ras dancing celebrated by the Gujarati community in Gainesville.

Navaratri – display of dolls (kolu) at home (Tamil Nadu)

Scenes from a Navaratri kolu display. Gainesville, 1998.

Navaratri – veneration of young girls (Punjab)

Young girls are seen as abodes of the divine during the festival of Navaratri.

Scenes from a Navaratri ashtami (8th day after new moon) celebrations at the Sahni’s residence. Gainesville, c. 1996.

Deepavali – festival of lights

Deepavali celebrations with the Arora and Schueller families, Gainesville.

Rituals in the Tamil month of Adi 1 – worship of the goddess by 108 women

The goddess is invoked into the flame of the lamp. July, 1997

Rituals in the Tamil month of Adi 2 – Varalakshmi puja

Worshipping the Goddess at home on the Friday closest to the full moon in the month of Adi.

Women offer haldi-kumkum to each other. The hostess gives her friends coconut, fruits and other symbols of auspiciousness.

Rituals in the Tamil month of Adi 3 – street processions

Women carrying jars of milk to worship the Goddess.

Women carrying jars of milk to worship the Goddess.

Men practice piercing as part of votive rites to the Goddess in the month of Adi.

Men practice piercing as part of votive rites to the Goddess in the month of Adi.

Rituals in the Tamil month of Adi 4 – walking on fire

Preparing the fire.

Preparing the fire.

A young girl and boy prepare to walk on the fire.

A young girl and boy prepare to walk on the fire.

People respectfully touch the feet of the young girl who walked on the hot coals.

Votive rituals – karva chauth

Women in bridal finery celebrate karva chauth at the home of Mrs. Rita Palta
Gainesville, 1998

Sumangali puja

An older sumangali offers fruits and flowers to five younger ones after ritually venerating them.
c. 1997