Durga Pooja

I go to temple everyday Tuesday except for the day when I’m down with Menstrual or any inescapable workloads. Since my Grandpa’s demise about 1 ½ month ago, I have not stepped into the temple. I believe the Indians are aware of this. We are not permitted to pray the deities in the temple if someone in the family has passed on for duration of one month.

After a long gap, I decided to carry on my usual Durga Pooja. My fiancé asks me over and over again what I do in the temple at 3pm when the sun is bursting like a volcano despite me explaining to him about 10 times. Dear, this post is for you. Please read thoroughly and stop asking me the question every single Tuesday. :)

"Durga Amman"

The Ragu Kalam Durga pooja is held on every Tuesday because it is considered the most auspicious day. It is a believe that young people who perform this Pooja will excel in studies. The unmarried will be able to find a good life partner, married ladies will have a happy married life and their families will be appropriate. The childless will have children. The time fixed from 3pm to 4.30pm.

What do we exactly do there?
We light up Fresh lime lamp.

Things needed:
9 pcs of lime cut into a bit more than half and invert it (Ripen lime)
Ghee
Wick
Turmeric Rice
Betel Leaves
Flowers

Procedure:
1. Lay some betel leaves on the table provided
2. Pour turmeric rice evenly on the betel leaves
3. Place Inverted lime on the turmeric rice
4. Set the wick inside the lime
5. Squeeze some ghee into each lime
6. Do some deco with the flowers
7. Light up the lime lamp when the temple priest gives the green signal

"Lime Lamp"

The ghee and the flame signifies Goddess Laxmi who blessed us with her wealth, the brightness of the flame resemble Goddess Saraswathy who blessed us with education and knowledge and the heat from the flame signifies Mother Durga.

When the pooja is over, we will head towards the kitchen to grab some evening snacks prepared by some very hardworking Mom’s. Thanks to them who fill up my stomach. I usually skip my lunch of Tuesdays.

Dear, I really hope you understand what I’m doing for the past 8 months. Giggles

Photo Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7563952@N04/1220562304/