volume 1: Navarathri, kanya puja and Brahmin Samooham
Kerala Iyers or Bhattars, are Brahmins of the Indian state of Kerala —they residents in the Kerala region but migrated from present-day Tamil Nadu. They are Hindus. Brahmins are generally known to live in the community wherever they settle. The settlement consisting of associate in nursing array of homes and different amenities developed by Tamil Brahmins in Kerala came to be referred to as Agraharam as in different components of South India. There existed ninety five Agraharams in Kerala wherever Brahmins lived in peace, with unity, equality, and simplicity. The community in Calicut-Kerala is known as Thali Brahmina Samooham.
The Navarathri:
Nine Days
Every year during the month of Ashvin, or Ashvina (in the Gregorian calendar, usually September–October) Navaratri which is a nine-day event (navam meaning nine, and rathri meaning night) is celebrated. These nine days are divided between worship for three goddesses, 3 days each Durga Devi, Parvathi Devi and Saraswathi Devi respectively. During this event, two idols collectively called Marapachi (a male and female figure) are kept on display on the shelves of in every house. Also, the ten Dashavatharam (ten primary avatars of Vishnu) is kept. The most importance is given to the marapachi (mara meaning tree, and pachi meaning doll), which is made from navawashanam tree with other dolls. Nowadays it made from all kinds of trees such as teak, jackfruit tree, etc. In the olden days, the dolls were naked and both males and females showed their characteristics, but now they cover it with a white cloth which is dipped in turmeric water.
Kanya Puja:
Navarathri is nine days, sometimes it becomes eight days also according to the Prathama sthithi or the odds in the calendar. On the ninth day girl children who haven't had their puberty is taken to the Kanya puja. Usually, children between the ages of 3-10 year old are bought to do the ritual. By the rule of the ritual, only nine girl children are taken for the ritual representing the nine forms of goddess Durga (Navadurga). They are worshiped by gifting rise, fruits, incents and other such useful offerings. The child is worshiped because according to the philosophy of ‘Striyah Samastastava Devi Bhedah' women symbolize Mahamaya (the great goddess). Even among these a girl child is taken into account to be the purest, as a result of her innocence. Nowadays the number is increased up to 36 children. The mother is usually the one who comes to do the ritual with a child, but other women who are willing are also allowed only one rule, the woman must be married and neither be a widow.
The Dress:
The mothers wear a special dress on that day known as Koshavam or Madisar. This dress is worn on all their important days, like their wedding, etc. the style is known as koshavam style (that is going between the legs). They say eight muzham, which might differ from 6 to 9 yards from place to place and also depending on the person. This cloth is given to the wife on her wedding by the husband who gets it from the priest (poojari/shanthi) after a ritual of chanting mantras on the cloth. This is locally known as wearing pudava. This cloth is worn during Navarathri. The men also wear their cloth in a specific way known as panchakacham or soman, also worn between the legs with pleats. The panchakacham attire comes in 8-10 muzham, one has to choose the size according to the height and build.
SHAMIL RAHMAN CHOYICHANKANDY
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