Gearing up for Navratri and Durga Puja

Ok, so yes, I finally added a picture to my blog...I know, one picture?? Look, I am trying ok? I am not exactly dripping in tech. skills and I have had some internet issues, so hang in there. Maybe, I will surprise you with some more pictures this week....be patient. Thank you.
First of all, a special thanks to Aruna for helping get the internet data card squared away. You are wonderful and I so appreciate ALL your help. Because of you, I know can take my internet anywhere!
In other news, Ganesha has been over for about 2 weeks now, but fear not, there is never much time to rest before another festival is on the horizon. This week is full of reasons to celebrate. First, we have the beginning of Navratri on the 30th. Navratri, or "nine nights" is a countdown to Dussehra, "the tenth day," on which Lord Rama killed the demon Ravana. The celebration consists of nine nights of dancing, all night long, I am told. It is customary for couples to hold decorated batons while they are dancing. In some cases, it is one of the few times that young girls and boys are allowed to mix unsupervised by their parents.
During Navratri, Durga Puja begins. What Ganesha is to Mumbai, Durga is to Kolkata (Calcutta). Durga, the warrior goddess, dressed in red, and mounted on a lion, signifies the victory of good over evil. Many idols will be placed around the city for various puja events. I have already seen many of them in the preparation stages. I am told the next "nine nights" are going to be a little nuts around here!
This week also kicks off exams at Somaiya College, Thursday, October 2, is Gandhi's birthday, a country-wide holiday, and Friday is Eid, an Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramzan (or Ramadan) the month of fasting. As you can see, India is BUSY! All of this, of course, leading up to Diwali (later in October). I have already bought myself a Diwali present. Isn't amazing how quickly I adapt?? Any reason to buy myself a present...any reason at all....!
Other than all of this celebrating, not much else is going on. I am planning a trip to Goa with Breanna, a Fulbrighter in Delhi. We are going on October 10th. We are both excited. Goa appears to be the sort-of Key West of India. There are lovely beaches and nightlife if you are looking for that sort of thing. Goa was a big hippie mecca during the 60's and there is still quite a counter-culture there. It is also a popular spot for an Indian getaway. Details to follow on this adventure.....
That is the current update. I am working on the picture "thing," and I am happy to hear the Buckeyes looked a little better this week. Until next time....chalo!