The evening of October 17, 2024, marked a special occasion in the calendar of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChemC). As the sun set and dusk approached, the young night was filled with the flair of traditions and customs. The men, dressed in their traditional white veshtis and colourful matching shirts, and the women in their most elegant, customized sarees, created a vibrant atmosphere. The venue was beautifully decorated with colourful ornaments, while crispy vadas, kadala, and delicious Pongal were served alongside freshly made almond milk, all contributing to the Institute’s stylish and elegant Navaratri celebration.
Navaratri, a nine-night Hindu festival, celebrates the divine feminine in all her forms. It is a time of devotion and cultural exuberance, honouring the goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
The Navaratri ceremony began with a religious and pious puja, followed by a welcome speech from Dishajini Gugenthira. This was followed by a Bharatanatyam performance, an ancient classical dance form, presented by talented students. To provide more insight into the significance of Navaratri, the Bharatanatyam performance was followed by a five-minute speech by the priest.
Next, a mesmerizing Carnatic musical performance took place, and Dr. A.A.P. Keerthi gave a short address on the importance of embracing different cultures, traditions, and the virtue of unity among students.
The guests were then treated to an electrifying and energetic dance performance by talented dancers before the event concluded with a vote of thanks. The Navaratri ceremony wrapped up promptly around 7 PM, and guests were delighted by the delicious and mouth-watering savouries and refreshments.
As Navaratri is a significant Hindu festival marked by spiritual renewal, devotion, and celebration, the 2024 Navaratri celebration at the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon stands out as a particularly memorable event.
