Navaratri Celebrations across Tamil Nadu Prant

The auspicious festival of Navaratri was celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm and devotion at the branch centres of Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari across Tamil Nadu Prant. The highlight of the celebrations was the traditional Golu display, a cherished cultural practice that unites communities, fosters faith, and preserves the wisdom of generations.

The Golu, an artistic arrangement of dolls and figurines on tiered steps, was set up from 22nd September to 2nd October 2025 at various centres. This vibrant display traces the journey of life, featuring themes from mythology, ancient epics, divine stories, as well as glimpses of everyday life. Golu serves as a living form of storytelling, imparting moral and cultural lessons, celebrating the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and the joy of unity.

Each evening during Navaratri, the Karyakartas, well-wishers, and local communities gathered at the centres to chant slokas, sahasranamas, devotional songs, and bhajans, culminating in the arathi ritual. Festive Prasad was lovingly prepared and distributed each night, further deepening the bonds of camaraderie and shared devotion.

Celebrations at Major Centres
Chennai – 9 Steps of Divine and Cultural Harmony
At the Kendra Karyalaya in Triplicane, a magnificent nine-step Golu was arranged, showcasing scenes from Krishna Leela, Tirumala Tirupati, traditional weddings, a cricket ground, and children’s park, alongside spiritual leaders and freedom fighters. The meticulous organization was led by Smt. Kavitha Akka, Sah Sanyojak, Valmiki Nagar with active participation from the Mahila Yoga Varga participants, who also undertook Prasad preparation. The Chennai display emphasized the blend of spiritual, cultural, and social motifs, offering a comprehensive narrative for all visitors.

Madurai – Stories from Scriptures and Tradition
At the Balaji Nagar Karyalaya, a stunning nine-step Golu was arranged, featuring Ashtalakshmi, revered Acharyas, scenes from Mount Kailash, and the Dasavatharam. Karyakartas from Balaji Nagar and Amrit Parivar participants collectively organized and facilitated daily devotional gatherings. The displays not only highlighted mythological tales but also fostered inter-generational discussions and participation among youth and elders alike.

Kovilpatti – Harmony of Life and Spirit
The five-step Golu at Kovilpatti Karyalaya captured the essence of human life on the first three steps, with figurines of common people, animals, freedom fighters, and spiritual leaders. The top two steps showcased the divine through various deities. Shri. Paramaguru Anna, with the support of local Karyakartas, made the program an engaging and meaningful experience for all attendees.

Headquarters, Kanyakumari – Grand Eleven-Step Display
Navaratri was celebrated at the Shri Ekakshara Mahaganapathy temple, Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari Headquarters, with a majestic eleven-step Golu. The display included elaborate scenes of Sabarimala, Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, Hanuman’s visit to Sri Lanka, Krishna lifting the Govardhan Giri, the Naalvar from the Saiva tradition, the cosmic dance of Nataraja, the six abodes of Muruga, and the Vanara Sena building the Ram Setu. Each step was a tapestry of culture, faith, and artistry, captivating everyone who attended.

Across all locations, the Golu celebrations embodied the spirit of oneness. Friends, families, and neighbors visited each centre, exchanged offerings, sang devotional songs, and shared festive treats. The events served as platforms not only for religious enrichment but also for strengthening social bonds and passing cultural wisdom to younger generations.