Navratri is time for family bonding

LUCKNOW: The first day of Navratri saw families bond big-time by going to temples and performing all necessary puja rituals with the help of pandits. Most of the families accompanied with their elders to seek the blessings of the Devi.

Mahendra Gajjar, visited a renowned temple in Chowk along with his mother, father, wife, daughter, son and daughter-in-law. “All of us were so excited about Navratri that we just couldn’t wait for the festival to begin. And while children love to shop their favourites, most of the elders remain stuck with the puja and its rituals. Navratri days and nights are like picnic time for us,” said Gajjar.

Pragna Nirmal, a resident of Ashram Road, also shared similar views. “We are a family of over 70. So, we make it a point to get together on at least two or three of these nine nights and celebrate. The more the merrier,” she said. While youngsters were at their gracious best, the elderly were seen decking up their home to the best so as to welcome the devi in their own way. And while the female brigade of most of the families were glued to the kitchen to make special food that is meant to be eaten during fast, kids were all set to finish the platter the moment it’s made.
With many restaurants offering food that can be eaten on fast, this year many families too were spotted around eateries having a gala time.

Sudha Soni, a grandmother of two, said, “I love to see my children and grandchildren follow the rituals and puja. This makes me happy that they are following the tradition and are glued to their culture. Also, children take me along wherever they go. It’s really a lot of fun visiting temples with family members.”

For many, especially youths, Navratri is also the time to make up for the distances. Youths who study or work in other cities come back to their hometown to celebrate Navratri. Meena Jhala, a homemaker, said, “My son studies in Mumbai while my daughter is in Pune. But they have come down to city because they didn’t want to miss navratri”.