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10,000 oil lamps light up GSB Navratri in Mumbai's Dahisar

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More than 10,000 oil lamps and diyas were lit during the evening aarti at GSB Navratri Mandal in Dahisar on Thursday, and all electric lights were switched off. The organisers have decided to go back to the time when there wasn't any electricity and perform prayers the way they were done centuries ago. 

In her ninth avatar on Thursday, the idol of the goddess was dressed as Mahakali and this Deepotsav was organised for this avatar. Every day, the same idol is dressed as a different avatar, and Friday will see the idol dressed as Sharada Devi.

In its seventh year, this celebration is organised by the Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community of Mumbai and is open to all. On the main days of Navratri, they feed more than 2,500 people.

Around 128 sarees worn by the goddess over these nine days are auctioned to community members. "Whatever we collect from the auction is used to assist needy community members on education, health, marriage and funerals. We are a charitable trust and hold free dental, health and eye checkups along with blood donation camps," said Varad Mallya, a banker who is also the leader of the GSB community's youth wing.

During the nine days, the GSB Mandal also holds cultural programmes. On Wednesday, BTV schoolchildren performed at the stage set here. Visually impaired children from the school sang and special needs children performed a dance. They have been doing so for three years now. Many other communities also perform traditional dance forms like Kathak and Bharatnatyam. The ground also sees Garba and Dandiya performances. At least 15,000 people take part in the celebrations every day. 

On the third day of Navratri, the organisers used 100 kg of fruits and vegetables to decorate the avatar of Annapoorneshwari Devi, which were then used to make mahabhog and prasad for the next day.

With at least eight poojas and havans each day, the crowd does become overwhelming but not for some. Kavita Kamath and Sumitra Prabhu are both in their sixties, but toil tirelessly to provide visitors with small packets of dry fruits. "We have been doing this since its inception. We make garlands, package prasad, make the thali and it's not the job of just one person. We are a group of 25-30 women. Our goddess fulfils all wishes. Every year 12-15 couples come here seeking a child and next year they come with their babies. It's a miracle! She really does grant everything you ask for."

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