Navratri and Dussehra are always a delightful and enjoyable time in the picturesque environs of the princely town of Rajpipla, now headquarters of Narmada district in Gujarat, India. Rajpipla can be approached from all four directions on smooth highways. The Statue of Unity of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the tallest in the world, has been built just 25 kilometres from Rajpipla.
The auspicious period of Navratri (nine nights) begins with sthapna (beginning) of pujas (prayers) on the first day at Harsiddhi Mataji Mandir. Each evening there are garba dances in different parts of the town.
A spectacular and vigorous talvar maha aarti is performed by youngsters of Rajpipla and neighbouring areas generally on the sixth day of Navratri. Several hours of practice goes into the perfection of this enthralling performance with swords.
The day is rounded off by paying obeisance to the Kuldevi (family diety) Shri Harsiddhi Mataji by the Rajpipla royal family.
On Mahanavmi or the ninth day of Navratri, the members of the Rajpipla royal family perform a comprehensive puja (prayer), and in the evening the rituals of havan and aarti at Harsiddhi Mataji Mandir.
On the next day, the festival of Dussehra or Vijayadashmi, there is a final prayer in the evening before Harsiddhi Mataji. These are ten days of prayers and celebrations.
Indra Vikram Singh's space 