Sri Matha Kanyakaparameswari Devi Temple, Ammavarisala Dasara Festival

The Navarathiri festival, also known as the Festival of Nine Nights, is a widely celebrated Hindu festival that lasts for nine days in the Tamil month of Purattasi (between September-October). This festival commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga (Parashakthi) over the demon king Mahishasura. The day of this triumph, known as Vijaya Dhasami, is celebrated with great religious fervour on the tenth day to honor the triumph of good over evil. During Navarathiri, devotees set up "Golu," a display of dolls that depict stories from Hindu mythology. These figurines are placed on a stepped-Dias covered in silk robes. Neighbors are invited to visit the Golu and participate in "Bhajanai," chanting slogans and singing devotional songs to celebrate the victory of righteousness over evil. Following the Bhajanai, guests are treated to refreshments and gifts, which typically include boiled pulses as refreshments and coconuts, betel leaves, fresh flowers, turmeric-kumkum, glass bangles, and jewelry as return gifts. The ninth day of Navarathiri is observed as "Saraswathi Pooja" in Tamil Nadu, during which objects like musical instruments, books, and machines are worshipped. This festival is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in prominent Amman temples across the state, such as the Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram, the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple in Trichy, and many others.