Navaratri Celebrations at Singapore Namadwaar

Sharada Navarathri utsavam was celebrated at Singapore Namadwaar centre in 2025, with the blessings and guidance of our Guruji, His Holiness Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, and in the auspicious presence of our beloved deities, Sri Madhurisakhi samedha Sri Premika Varadhan. The entire program was guided by Brahmasri Janardhananji and conducted with enthusiastic devotion by all members and participants.

The worship of Navarathri as a religious festival is prevalent in Indian communities all over the world. At Singapore Namadwaar, Navarathri Utsavam served as a time to bring together and offer prayers, learnings, cultural fine artistic offerings unto the feet of our divine swamis, in pursuit of one grand goal – enhancing each devotee’s spiritual progress. Meticulous planning and preparations kick-started weeks earlier to invite talented artists and aspiring students to our utsavam. On Sept 21, a traditionally aesthetic golu was arranged by our youth group members using the theme of ‘Life of Rama, Krishna and Bhaktas’.

From Sept 22 to Sept 30, devotees joined in the mornings to participate in Srimad Ramayana Parayanam. Conducted over 4 hours every morning, the scripture was read with devotion and joy by all who joined at the premises. Sri Janardhananji expounded certain portions of the scripture, elucidating Sri Rama Gunam during the recitation. Homemade prasadhams were offered to the deities and then shared with participants every morning.

The festive evenings were brought alive through performances by students and talented artistes of Singapore Indian arts diaspora. Children and adults showcased their knowledge across various art forms, including Bharatanatyam and Odissi dances, classical Carnatic music kirtis sung in Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Kannada, Hindi and Sanskrit, and instrumental kirtans played on sitar, violin, veena, percussion, flute and more. About 150 artistes performed and sought blessings in the divine presence.

About 300 guests have visited Namadwaar over the 10 days in the evenings to witness the golu and artistic offerings. Evening programs started with the singing of Mahamantra together, followed by general introductions, and ended with the daily Dolotsavam ceremony. The participants and guests were each offered a small token of appreciation, comprising auspicious Kumkum prasadham, sweets, sundal, fruits, and additionally shawls for performers.

On Oct 2, Namadwaar’s learning academia assembled to celebrate & practice our learnings while being initiated into further levels of learning together. Classes offered at Namadwaar Singapore include Madhurageethams, Sanskrit language, Shlokas, Srimad Ramayanam, Srimad Bhagavatham, and Gopakuteeram for children.

In Bharatiya samskriti (Indian culture), the center of the entire life is what it should be – Divinity! Scriptures, Indian music, dance, hand-drawn arts, literature, poetry, aesthetic clothing and decorations have all evolved from that divinity. What a beautiful, divine, glorious culture is this of Sanatana Dharma, preserved down the millennia and living even today, not just in India but in all places where the practices are followed with dedication.