Navaratri Celebrations
in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas,
from 10th till 19th October 2018

The lovely Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga, with her sweet smile and her protecting hand-gesture, had been placed on a special Altar inside the Yajnashala of Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga Mandir,
the Headquarters of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas. Next to Her one can see a photo of
Gurudev Shri Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati and a picture of Lord Shiva.
In front of the Divine Mother Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga are two earthen vessels,
wrapped in red cotton-cloth. In these vessels Barley seeds were put by the Priests.
During the Navaratri Celebrations nice soft grass from these seeds will slowly
grow bigger and bigger, which is considered to be very auspicious and
an indication of prosperity and wellbeing.

During the Navaratri-Celebrations daily additional Prayers and Pujas were conducted
in front of Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga. Here one can see Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda concluding the Prayers and Pujas with Arati for the Divine Mother.

Kumari Somashekhari performs Puja and Arati, assisted by Priests.

Daily additional Hawanas were conducted in the Presence of Divine Mother
Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga during the special Navaratri Celebrations in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas. Here one can see Shri Sanjay Panditji and Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda
offering Ahutis, consisting of fragrant herbs, rice, nuts, etc.

On Vijaya Dashami, 19th October 2018, the special Celebrations were concluded with Pujas
and Yajna, under the capable guidance of a Priest of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas,
Shri Sanjay Panditji. Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda, Kumari Somashekhari and
Shri Swami Satchidananda were also taking part in this holy event.

Swami Satchidananda performs Arati for Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga.

Arati by Kumari Somashekhari.

Swami Vishveshwarananda, Swami Satchidananda and Kumari Somashekhari
receive the final Blessings of the Navaratri Pujas.