Shubh Navratri!
Our display is up. The next nine nights celebrate the epic battle of good over evil and the mighty power of female energy.
This festival commemorates the transfer of power from many Indian gods to a single Hindu goddess, Durga, who battles the buffalo demon, Mahishasura, a shape-shifter sowing chaos throughout the land.
To lend her their power, the gods take the form of inanimate dolls. Our display features their likeness and so much more, placed on stands with an odd number of steps.
Our steps hold village artisans and military bands, the Mysore Palace and queens and kings. We have the elephant-headed Ganpati, assorted musical instruments, and a Shivalinga.
Warriors and cows and camels and elephants parade below Krishna relaxing on a leaf. Another stand features the naughty Krishna helping himself to the butter jar on the backs of his friends. A third, Draupadi with Krishna in a village setting.
We’ve also set out Gandhi’s home, Sabarmati Ashram, dressing it up with fresh trimmings from around the neighborhood.
For the first year ever we display the Samudra Manthana, the story of devas and asuras churning an ocean of milk to bring about the nectar of eternal life.
The name Navratri comes directly from Sanskrit: nava being nine and ratri meaning night. On the tenth day, Vijayadashami, Durga will emerge victorious. In some celebrations, a statue will be set ablaze to mark the destruction of evil.
Twenty days after Vijayadashami, we’ll celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights.
Demons Out!
Ben East Books 
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