All the color and excitement of the Navaratri Festival

   Today was our lucky day! Over breakfast I read about the largest Hindu temple in Bangkok that was an easy 2 train hop, so we decided to see this today. By beautiful coincidence, it is the final day of Navaratri, the festival honoring the Hindu Goddess Durga and everywhere were families making shrines.

   I stopped and asked a guy what were all these gorgeous altars and though it took a few other people to help him translate, he said it was "for all the Goddesses, with a parade tonight". As we walked along (in the street, as these were all built on the sidewalk) each altar more beautiful than the last. The smell of jasmine and marigold, the statues, families all working as fast as they could stringing flowers, arranging fruits- it was amazing! 

   At one altar a boy handed us iced orange juice and food as it honors the Goddess to supply sustenance. No two shrines were alike and while a few were very professional looking, all were very lovely displays of devotion. 

On the two streets we walked, there must have been at least 250 of these wonderful shrines. As you see in the 3rd photo, most everything was made from plants and flowers by hand, even these snakes with money coming from their mouths!

   Once we arrived at the Temple itself, the details and colors were overwhelming...

 Inside it was bursting with worshippers, making the rounds inside of the different altars. I did go inside (barefoot) and though they didn't allow photography at the holiest places, here are a few pictures:

   There were long lines of people waiting to buy offerings and then you could go into the main hidden altar where bare chested priests would accept and place them for you. Over loud speakers, a woman's chanting prayer filled the entire block. Inside the temple it was very solemn while the street displays were more of a fun holiday vibe. Next year we will come back for the parade which is something to see, as the Goddess is pulled along in these golden chariots by hundreds of worshippers. 

   Thanks for stopping by!