DRESSED TO THE NINES: Gujarat comes alive during Navratri

Time may have attenuated much of its spiritual fervour but Navratri-the nine nights to propitiate the nine incarnations of Hindu Goddess Amba-retains its divinity and passion in Gujarat. Characterised by brightly lit tents, idols of benign deities, dhols, people in traditional attire, dandiya and garba, and, of course, immense faith, Navratri is the time when the state comes alive with nocturnal fun.

Apart from Ahmedabad and Vadodara, Navratri is the time to hit the temple towns of Ambaji and Pawagadh, 180 km and 70 km from Ahmedabad, as well. The deity at the marble temple of Amba Mata is represented by a triangular Vishwa Yantra inscribed with the syllable "Shree". According to legend, the Maa Mahakalika temple in the fortified hilltop temple town of Pawagadh is built at the spot where the right toe of Goddess Kalika fell.The roof of the temple has the mazaar of a Peer, visited by Muslim devotees. In the same structure, two places of worship stand and two sets of devotees visit them in perfect harmony. A unique distinction indeed. In fact, for more of the syncretic strand of India on display in Gujarat, a visit during Navratri is most opportune.

TOURISM NEWS
Warm Hospitality

Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces has opened a second resort in Maldives. The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa has 64 air-conditioned villas, most of which are located on stilts in the water, each with a private pier. It also offers a range of treatments incorporating the principles of holistic health maintenance, herbal and beauty techniques.

Back on Track

Indian Railways is repairing and reconditioning its old rolling stock of 142 steam-driven engines, that will be run on different routes used by railway tourists. The "Fairie Queen"-led fleet of steam engines will pull specially fitted trains to different tourist destinations, thereby popularising rail journeys.

HOT DEALS
Rapid Fire

The Great Brahmaputra Descent on the Upper Brahmaputra river in Arunachal Pradesh, will navi-gate Class IV-V categories of rapids in a group of 22 people in three rafts and several kayaks. The 180-km, eight-day rafting expedition-the first non-military commercial expedition- from November 22-December 6 will cost $3,000. Details on www.thegreatdescent.com.

Thorough Therapy

A holiday at Span Resorts on the Kullu-Manali Highway is about holistic health: sessions of yoga, meditation and counselling from September through December. Cost: Rs 12,999 (plus tax) per person for three nights-four days. Contact Span Resorts at (011) 3311434 or e-mail spanres@del3.vsnl.net.in.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

TOUGH ACT: An Adivasi in a Kalahandi forest

Kalahandi, Orissa: Escape the crowds to witness the puja traditions in Bhawanipatna, district headquarters of Kalahandi, Orissa. On the seventh day, the deity Ma Manikesri is quietly taken from the temple of the palace of
the Deo's-the erstwhile rulers-to an adjacent hillock. On Ashtami, priests roll home the bedecked goddess as devotees sacrifice pigeons, fowl and goats in her path while others break coconuts. Kalahandi is infamous for its droughts but little known for its abundant forests. Visit Furlijharan, a perennial waterfall in the hills 15 km away, or foray into the forest to see how the Adivasis live. Stay overnight in tiger country at the sole guesthouse at Jakhamb. The nearest railway station is Kesinga, 30 km away. Plenty of hotels offer a comfortable stay.