Janaki groaned as she got up from the floor. Her eyes scanned the five-stepped ‘golu-padi’ she had set up and decorated painstakingly.

 This time it was a painful job, a tiny voice spoke within her. She tried her best not to hear it and put on an act of adjusting the colourful buntings already in place.

 Navaratri Golu, was close to her heart. Even her advancing arthritis could not stop her from preparing for the festival at least a month in advance.

 Now as she was alone- her husband’s good soul rested in peace and her little birds flew off their nest- the pains surfaced and the festive mood and fervour were not far from giving up on her.

 But you can’t. Godliness and celebrations are heart-bound, not home-bound.

 “Amma, can I leave? It’s already dark.” Rajeswari, her maid, interrupted her musings.

 Janaki nodded at the retreating figure. Rajeswari or Raji, as she was called, had been working in their home for the past twenty years. She was a part of their family and had been with Janaki through her highs and lows. She stayed on for extra hours sometimes, to assist her.

  ******

 Today was ‘Amavasya’, the day to set up the ‘Kalash’ and the ‘Marapachi’ on the ‘padi’. Janaki had decided the previous night that she would get up early and perform the rituals diligently.

 Sadly, her body refused to obey her mind. She got up with a searing pain in her lower limbs. After an hour of waking up, she slowly limped to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. She brushed the tears that were trying to make her steaming ‘cuppa’ salty.

 “Amma, how many times have I told you to take it easy?” spoke a vexed Amrutha from Mumbai over the video call. “Now, just keep whatever dolls you can. Please don’t try taking things down from the loft.” she warned before cutting the call.

 Janaki, deep in thought, massaged the Ayurvedic medicinal oils over her aching limbs. As usual, she had invited relatives and friends in Chennai for the ten-day festivities starting the next day.

 Hey Durga Devi, only you can help me.

 She popped in a painkiller after breakfast and rested. Lunch was ordered.

 Raji helped her in getting the ‘kalash’ and ‘Marapachi’ ready.

 “Amma, I have asked my son to come in the evening and take down your dolls from the loft. But take it easy as Amrutha Akka warned.”

 That evening, Janaki set the ‘Marapachi’, lit the lamps and performed the customary ‘puja’. Looking up at the semi-vacant ‘golu’ she prayed fervently, “My Goddess, I have tried my best to invoke and serve you all these years unmindful of my challenges. You are my mother and utmost strength. Please grace my humble abode and bless us.”

 ***

 The next day, Janaki was her usual self. She cheerfully messaged everyone, ‘Happy Navratri’ and rushed to the ‘golu’. She was taken aback to see all her dolls, her Goddesses, sitting neatly on the steps. They dazzled in the colourful lights she switched on.

 But I don’t remember setting them up yesterday. Or did I?

 She looked up at the smiling Durga Devi and began chanting in full volume,

 Aigiri Nandini, Nandita Medini…….

 ***

 Glossary:

• Navaratri Golu-  The celebration of the various forms of Durga for nine days. Some South-Indian households set up idols of different Gods on odd-numbered steps in slotted angles and worship them. Relatives and friends, especially ladies are invited to take Devi’s blessings. ‘Prasad’ and gifts are distributed.
• Marapachi- A wooden doll-couple signifying Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are the first to adorn the golu steps.
• Kalash- A small pot filled with holy water, decorated with mango leaves and fresh coconut.
• Aigiri Nandini- A prayer or song glorifying Goddess Mahisasura Mardhini- a form of Goddess Durga, signifying good over evil.