Celebration of Navratri

I have had a passion to dance for as long as I can remember. I have done hip pop, modern, Indian, break, and salsa. One of my favorite dances is Garba, which is a type of Indian dance. Garba is a type of dance that anyone can do however they want, as long as they dance in a circle. Most of the time Garba is performed at weddings or any celebration, for competitions, and especially during Navrarti, which is one of most important festivals in Hinduism.  

Navarti is celebrated for nine nights since “nav” stands for nine and “ratri” means night. Depending on lunar calendar Navratri is celebrated in September to October. Indians celebrate Navratri to worship the Goddess Druga, who is a form of divine power. Navratri has a traditional story like other Indian festivals.  Long ago, there was a king demon Mahishasur, who had body of a human and head of a buffalo. He prayed and mediated hard for many years to please Lord Brahma. Seeing this, Lord Brahma was pleased and granted Mahishasur’s request that no human or god should be able to kill him. Soon after he became a demon and started to spread terror on earth. 

Devi Druga defeating Mahishaur

Seeing this, the Goddess Pravti became angry and took the form of Devi Druga, a goddess with many arms, to be able to battle with Mahishaur. She fought Mahishasur for nine days and nights. At the end of ten nights, she won the battle, and restored the balance of life. Hindu celebrates Navrati to worship Devi Druga.

To celebrate Navratri women and men wear traditional Indian clothes. They dance the Garba in circles with different styles. The best part about Garba is, except for when doing competitions or performing on a stage, there are no rules at all. Dancers at festivals and celebrations can perform any style they please.

After the puja, which is the main prayer for Devi Durga, is finished, music will begin to play and people will begin to dance in circles. The music can be of different types, sometimes fast and sometimes slow, with the dance changing to fit the music. The lyrics for the music is a prayer for Devi Durga.  The traditional dance steps are simple, though over the years people invented more complex steps. The music is loud and people of all ages are dancing and sweating, happy and celebrating. 

by D. Patel

A NIGHTMARE ON PINE STREET!

Hey guys and gals, I will be part of the haunted trail at Wayne’s World of Paintball. The event will be fun, if you like to get scared. I’ve been told that even grown-ups have peed their pants, so if you’re a scaredy-cat be aware that this event it’s not about puppies and unicorns. We are doing this for a good cause, to benefit Toys for Tots. Last year the event raised more than $15,000.00; we hope to raise more than that amount for this year.  

 

Come join us at: Wayne’s World of Paintball 4841 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34480

This is not a paintball event.

It is 2 ½ Acres of Haunted Attractions, so we recommend proper footwear.

Dates and prices:

October 14-15, 21-22, & 28-29

8:00 P.M – 11:00 P.M

$10 Per Adult

$5 Per child (12 & under)

I’ll be happy to scare you guys, please join.

By: Gerkary B.

 

The Supernatural Stole My Life

by Summer L.

Being an Indigo Child¹in this modern concrete age isn’t always the easiest thing, but it’s definitely something to be passionate about, or even celebrate. Similar to caring for a flower, one must cater to the needs and requirements of being moon-called. Luckily for me, I am not reliant on others to recharge my batteries. No, it’s the fairies in the garden, the whisper of the wind, and the smiles of flowers that aid in my psychedelic survival. 

Unchained from the contemporary mindset of our generation, there is elation to be found in the simplest of things. Sunshine, moon light, rainbows, and flowers growing in between the slats of asphalt are little miracles that will forevermore elicit a smile. The positive, productive energy the earth provides zings across my skin like a livewire, or a companionable kiss. Clouds in the sky stop by for a quick “hello." Water nymphs dance and play in rain puddles whilst waving as I pass by. Forest trees offer perpetual hugs. Rain falls, temporarily washing away the effects of man until the next shower.

You will find me there, dancing blissfully in the rain, rejoicing in our joint cause. Come nightfall, the stars beck and call to me until they switch to singing a goodnight lullaby upon the moon’s sweet command. She and I are always in touch with one another, always celebrating the other’s existence. Together, we live in symbiosis with all the other fairies, wildflowers, and creatures of all kinds-even the shapeshifters and wandering spirits. Together, we bring love, passion, and fascination back to the otherworldly beings such as ourselves.

1 Indigo Child: one who possesses supernatural abilities and is separated from other individuals by a different wavelength of thinking