indian festivals

Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti

2011-10-12T10:04:00.000+05:30

Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti (Balmiki Jayanti) celebrates the birthday of the famous poet Valmiki, who is also known as the Adi Kavi or the first poet that he discovered the first “Sloka” the first verse that set the base of Sanskrit poetry. It falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month Ashwin.

The Uttara Khanda tells the story of Valmiki's early life, as an unknown highway robber who used to rob people before murder them. Other versions name him Valya Koli. Once, he tried to rob the divine sage Narada for the benefit of his family. Narada asked him if his family would share the sin he was incurring due to the robbery. The robber replied positively, but Narada told him to confirm this with his family. The robber asked his family, but none agreed to bear the load of sin. Unhappy, the robber finally understood the truth of life and asked for Narada's forgiveness. Narada taught the robber to worship God. The robber meditated for many years, so much so that Ant-hills grew around his body. Finally, a divine voice declared his penance successful, bestowing him with the name "Valmiki": "one born out of ant-hills" (Valmikam in Sanskrit means Ant-hill).(wikipedia)

Dussehra

2011-10-05T08:58:00.001+05:30

Dashahara is a festival celebrated in various forms across India, Bangladesh and Nepal. This is also called Dasara, Vijayadashami, Navaratri and Durgotsav

Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu autumn lunar month of Ashvins, or Ashwayuja which falls in September or October of the Western calendar, the Shukla paksha Pratipada, or the day after the new moon falls in Bhadrapada, the Dashami or the tenth day of Ashvins. This is the highlight of the annual 10-day Navaratri festival. This is the biggest festival in Nepal, and celebrated by Hindus and non-Hindu Nepalis.

In India harvest season begins at this time and so the Mother Goddess invoked to start the new harvest season and activate the power and fertility. In Bangladesh there is a five-day festival and is celebrated in mandaps. On the day of Dasha-Hara, the clay statues of Goddess Durga immersed in rivers. The main festival is held in Dhakeshwari temples and Ramkrishna mission in Dhaka. This is done through religious beliefs and rituals that are intended to invoke cosmic forces that rejuvenate the soil. The Pooja is performed with turmeric and other Pooja, who added to the river to help the water for better crops.

Dasha-Hara is the festival of victory of good over evil. Buses, trucks and machines in factories are furnished. Dasha-Hara is Vishwakarma Divas - the National Labour Day of India. Veda Vyasa is considered the main guru and Vijayadashami is also celebrated as Vyasa puja. Shastra Pooja or worship of the weapons Shastra Astra used by the goddess Durga is worshiped on this day.

Victory of Prabhu Ramachandra over Ravana

On this day in the Treta Yug, Rama, also known as Shri Ram, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, killed the great demon Ravana who had abducted Rama's wife Sita to his kingdom of Lanka. Rama, his brother Lakshman, follower Hanuman, and their small army of monkeys fought a great battle to rescue Sita. The whole story is recorded in the epic Ramayana, a Hindu scripture.
Burning Ravan video

Victory of Durga Mata over Mahishasur

Some of the demons or asuras, were very powerful and ambitious, and constantly tried to conquer the devas or Gods, and capture the Heaven. A Asura, Mahishasur, in the form of a buffalo, was very strong and created havoc on earth. Under his leadership, the Asuras defeated the devas. The world was crushed under the tyranny of Mahishasura, the devas ended their energy in Shakti, a single mass of incandescent energy, to kill Mahishasur.

A very powerful band of lightning out of the mouths of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and a young, beautiful virgin female with ten hands showed up. All the gods gave their special weapons for her. This Shakti cloud to form the goddess Durga. Riding on a lion, who helped her, fought Durga Mahishasur. The battle raged for nine days and nights. Finally on the tenth day of Ashvin Shukla paksha Mahishasur was defeated and killed by Durga.

Durga Puja

2011-10-03T09:27:00.002+05:30

Durga Puja, is also known as Durgotsava, is an annual Hindu festival in South Asia that celebrates worship of Hindu goddess Durga. This refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Bijoya Dashami. Dates for Durga Puja celebrations are set according to the traditional Hindu calendar, and the two weeks that correspond to the festival is called Devi Paksha. Devi Paksha preceded by Mahalaya, the last day of the previous fortnight Pitri Paksha, and ends at Kojagori Lokkhi Puja.
Durga Puja is widely celebrated in the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, Orissa and Tripura where it is a five-day vacation. In West Bengal and Tripura with the majority of Bengali Hindus it is the biggest festival of the year. Not only is it the biggest Hindu festival celebrated by the state, but it is also the most important socio-cultural event in Bengali society. Apart from eastern India, Durga Puja is also celebrated in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Kashmir, Karnataka and Kerala. Durga Puja is also celebrated as a major festival in Nepal and Bangladesh, where 10% population are Hindus. Day, many diaspora Bengali cultural organizations arrange Durgotsab in countries like USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, France, Netherlands, Singapore and Kuwait, among others. In 2006, a major Durga Puja ceremony held in the Great Court at the British Museum.

The prominent Durga Puja increased gradually during the British Raj in Bengal. Under the Hindu reformists identified Durga with India, she became an icon for the Indian independence movement. In the first quarter of the 20th century, the tradition of Baroyari or Community Puja popularized because of this. After independence, Durga Puja one of the most famous festivals in the world.

Durga Puja includes the worship of Shiva, the Durga's Consort, and the worship of mother nature through the nine types of plants (called "kala bou") representing nine divine forms of Goddess Durga is also done in addition to Lakshmi, Saraswati with Ganesha and Kartikeya, considered to be Durga children. Modern traditions have come to include the display of decorated pandals and artistically depicted idols (Murti) of Durga, exchange of greetings Bijoy and publication of Puja Annuals.

Durga Puja Celebrations

Celebration of Durga Puja goes very far back in history and there are abundant references to it in India literature from 12th century onwards. But today Durga Puja generally a community festival. The Puja celebration over the years has changed color often. Previously, the most expensive of all festivals and could only be done by the rich and powerful like feudal lords, rajas and big businessmen. But it always evoked great enthusiasm and popular support.
But in the ethos of today, the evolution of many clubs, societies and associations made the Puja cosmopolitan character. The social and ritual significance of the Puja has also been adapted to a great degree. Today, this festival has become an occasion for pageantry and extravaganza. Ancient conch shells and drums have given way to high film songs and sometimes the goddess is modeled on popular film actresses. On the other hand, animal sacrifices, an earlier, have been seeing in many places and shrines.

As previously Durga was worshiped alone, now it is more often than not, the goddess with her family. Durga is portrayed as the supreme head, and the presence of Ganesha, Kartikeya, Shiva etc marks a wholesome picture of divinity. In southern India celebrations constitute a display of images of God and playing at home in nine days. But despite the various ways in which this festival is celebrated on the feature that is common is that the worship of mother goddess.

Maha Ashtami Durga Puja

Ganesh Utsav

2011-09-02T10:29:00.000+05:30

Lord Ganesh, the patron deity is the God of wisdom. Come August and September, preparations to celebrate Ganesh Utsav - the favorable day when Lord Ganesh was born - begin with great enthusiasm throughout the state. The 11-day festival begins with the installation of beautifully sculpted Ganesh idols in homes and Pandals (large tents), colorfully decorated, depicting religious themes or current events. The Ganesh idols are worshiped with families and friends. Many cultural events are organized and people participate in them with great interest. After ten exciting days comes the time to say goodbye to the beloved God.

History of Ganesh Utsav

It is not known when and how Ganesh Chaturthi was first celebrated. But according to the historian Shri Rajwade, the earliest Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations can be traced back to the times of the reigns of dynasties as Satavahana, Rashtrakuta and Chalukya. Historical records reveal that Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations were initiated in Maharashtra by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, a great Maratha ruler, to promote culture and nationalism. And it had continued ever since. There are also references in history to similar celebrations during Peshwa times. It is believed that Lord Ganapati was the family deity of the Peshwas. After the end of Peshwa rule, Ganesh Chaturthi remained a family affair in Maharashtra from the period of 1818 to 1892.

In 1893, Indian freedom fighter and social reformer Lokmanya Tilak transformed the annual domestic festival into a large, well-organized public event.

Tilak recognized the wide appeal of the deity Ganesh as "the god for everybody", and popularized Ganesh Chaturthi as a national festival in order "to bridge the gap between Brahmins and 'non-Brahmins' and find a context in which to build a new grassroots unity between them", and generate nationalistic fervor among people in Maharashtra against the British colonial rule.

Tilak encouraged installation of large public images of Ganesh in pavilions, and also established the practice of submerging in rivers, sea, or other pools of water all public images of the deity on the tenth day after Ganesh Chaturthi.

Under Tilak's encouragement, the festival facilitated community participation and involvement in the form of intellectual discourses, poetry recitals, performances of plays, musical concerts, and folk dances. It served as a meeting ground for people of all castes and communities in times when, in order to exercise control over the population, the British discouraged social and political gatherings.

Ganesh Utsav Celebration

Two to three months prior to Ganesh Chaturthi, artistic clay models of Lord Ganesha are made for sale by specially skilled artisans. They are beautifully decorated & depict Lord Ganesh in various poses. The size of these statues may vary from 3/4 of an inch to over 25 feet.

Ganesh Chaturthi starts with the installation of these Ganesh statues in colorfully decorated homes and specially erected temporary structures mandapas (pandals) in every locality. The pandals are erected by the people or a specific society or locality or group by collecting monetary contributions. The pandals are decorated specially for the festival, either by using decorative items like flower garlands, lights, etc. or are theme based decorations, which depict religious themes or current events.

The priest, usually clad in red silk dhoti and shawl, then symbolically invokes life into the statue by chanting mantras. This ritual is the Pranapratishhtha. After this the ritual called as Shhodashopachara (16 ways of paying tribute) follows. Coconut, jaggery, 21 modakas, 21 durva (trefoil) blades of grass and red flowers are offered. The statue is anointed with red unguent, typically made of Kumkum & Sandalwood paste . Throughout the ceremony, Vedic hymns from the Rig Veda, the Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad, and the Ganesha stotra from the Narada Purana are chanted.

Ganesh Visarjan in Mumbai

For 10 days, from Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi, Ganesha is worshipped. On the 11th day, the statue is taken through the streets in a procession accompanied with dancing, singing, and fanfare to be immersed in a river or the sea symbolizing a ritual see-off of the Lord in his journey towards his abode in Kailash while taking away with him the misfortunes of his devotees, this is the ritual known as Ganesh Visarjan. At individual homes the Visarjan is also done on 3rd, 5th or 7th day as per the family tradition. All join in this final procession shouting "Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudhachya Varshi Laukar ya" (O lord Ganesha, come again early next year). After the final offering of coconuts, flowers and camphor is made, people carry the idols to the river to immerse it.

The main sweet dish during the festival is the modak (modaka or modagam in South India). A modak is a dumpling made from rice flour/wheat flour with a stuffing of fresh or dry-grated coconut, jaggery, dry fruits and some other condiments. It is either steam-cooked or fried. Another popular sweet dish is the karanji (karjikai in Kannada) which is similar to the modak in composition and taste but has a semicircular shape.

Public celebrations of the festival are hugely popular, with local communities (mandalas) vying with each other to put up the biggest statue & the best pandal. The festival is also the time for cultural activities like singing and theater performances, orchestra and community activities like free medical checkup, blood donation camps, charity for the poor, etc.

Today, the Ganesh Festival is not only a popular festival, it has become a very critical and important economic activity for Maharashtra. Many artists, industries, and businesses survive on this mega-event. Ganesh Festival also provides a stage for budding artists to present their art to the public. The same holds true for Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai too. In Maharashtra, not only Hindus but many other religions also participate in the celibration of Ganesha festival like Muslims, Jains, Christian and others. This festival has managed to re-establish the unity among the Indians during British Era.

(from wikipedia)

Eid-ul-Fitr

2011-09-01T10:34:00.002+05:30

Ramadan fasting month for Muslims last for 29 to 30 days. End of Ramadanen marks the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid occurs on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. According to Islamic history and tradition on the last day of Ramadan after sunset, people start observing the crescent moon. When the moon (Hilal) are spotted celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr begins for all Muslims

Importance Of Eid-ul-Fitr

Ramadan said that the holy month of Muslims, it is assumed that holy book Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in this month. Is believed that this month the gates of Hell are closed and the gates of heaven open. It also believes that Ramadan is a month of God's own. Another event that took place during the month of Ramadan was the battle of Badr, the battle between the inhabitants of Mecca and Medina. This is the month to thank Allah that He has given to man. So in this way to say no to food, drink, smoking and sexual activities during daylight all Muslims devote themselves to pray to Allah. When the crescent is sighted, it is time to break the fast and get over the months of Ramadan and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

Krishna Janmashtami

2011-08-21T22:55:00.000+05:30

Krishna Janmashtami

Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami marks the celebration of birth of lord Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna was born in the 'Rohini' nakshatram (Star) to King Vasudeva and Devaki Devi on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Sravana. This festival is also known as Sri Krishna Jayanti and Krishnashtmi. The real celebration can be on two different days as the star 'Rohini' and Ashtami may not be on the same day. This day corresponds to the months of August and September in the Gregorian calendar.

Janmashtami Celebration in North India

In Uttar Pradesh where the Lord was born in Mathura, his playground gokul and Vrindavan become more crowded and celebrations go up to a week. In Gujarat, where the city of Dwarka has Dwarkadhish temples celebrate it with pomp and joy.

In the eastern state of Orissa, West Bengal and around Puri in Nabadwip, people celebrate it by fasting and doing puja at noon. Pravachana from Purana Bhagavata Purana are made from the 10th skandha engaged in appropriate times of Lord Krishna. The next day called Nanda Utsav or happy celebration of Nanda Maharaj and Yashoda Maharaani. On that day people break their fast and offer a variety of baked goodies during the early hours.

Janmashtami Celebration in Maharashtra

Janmaashtami, popularly known in Mumbai and Pune as Dahi Handi is celebrated with enormous zeal and enthusiasm. The Handi is a clay pot filled with buttermilk that was placed at a convenient height before the event. The top person in the human pyramid trying to break the Handi by hitting it with a blunt object most nariyal (coconut) are preferred to be a sign of purity, truth and other good terms in Hindu religion. When that happens buttermilk has spilled across the group, which symbolizes their performance through the device. Various handis is set up locally in several parts of the city, and groups of young people, called Govinda, travel around in trucks trying to break as many handis as possible during the day.

Govinda Pathak Many of these compete with each other, especially for those handing out large rewards handis. The event, in recent times, has gathered a political flavor, and it is common for political parties and community groups for the rich prizes amounting to lakhs of rupees to offer. Some of the most famous handis is at Dadar, lower Parel, Worli, Mazgaon, Lalbaug, Thane and Babu genu, Mandai in Pune. Cash and gifts are offered for Govinda troops to participate; for over 4,000 handis in Mumbai, 2000 Govinda troops compete for the prizes.

Janmashtami Celebration in Manipur

Janmaashtami, popularly known in Manipur as Krishna janma, is an important festival celebrated in two temples in Imphal, the capital of Manipur. The first festival is in Govindaji temple and the other is the International Society for Krishna Consciousness temple. Followers of Lord Krishna is collected mostly in the ISKCON Temple.

Importance of Janmashtami

The verse in the Bhagavad-Gita (a sacred book told of Lord Vishnu) says that when there will be a preponderance of evil, and the decline of religion, I reincarnated to kill the evil and save the good. The main significance of Janmashtami is to foster goodwill and to counteract the bad Will. Krishna Jayanti celebrates the togetherness. The sacred occasion brings people together, why it means unity and faith.

Significance of Janmashtami

5000 years ago on Janamashtmi, The Lord appeared at midnight. This is indeed a historical fact, but it also has a deeper significance. Midnight is the time of maximum darkness and from the moment the Lord appeared the darkness started diminishing. Similarly our heart is dark being afflicted by multiple anxieties and miseries. But in the darkest hour of our life, when we turn to the Lord and He appears in our heart, all the darkness recedes and the light of eternal hope starts streaming in.

The Lord appeared in a prison cell amidst shackles and then freed His parents . This indicates that all of us who are shackled by our own material desires can be freed by the Lord who appears in our heart which is like a prison house.

So the real Janmashtami will take place when the Lord appears in our hearts. Though we do not know it, all of us are actually pining for this Janmashtami to occur. All of us want love, care, protection and happiness and this is what the actual Janmashtami - the appearance of the Lord in our heart - brings.

Indian Independence Day

2011-08-12T13:06:00.000+05:30

On August 15, 1947, India achieved freedom from British rule. Every year is August 15 is celebrated as Independence Day in India. This national festival celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country. The day is a national holiday in India. Across the country, flag pole hoisting ceremonies conducted by the local government in attendance. The main event takes place in New Delhi, the capital of India.

Celebrations

Prime Minister of India hoists the Indian flag on the ramparts of the historic site, Red Fort Delhi, 15 August. This is Telecast place live on national channel Doordarshan and many other news outlets across India. Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs take place in all state capitals. In cities around the country the national flag hoisted by politicians in their constituencies. In various private organizations flag hoisting is carried out by a senior official of that organization. Across the country, flags are awarded to people who wear them proudly to show their patriotism towards India. Schools and colleges around the country organize the flag hoisting ceremony and various cultural events in their premises, where the younger children in costume representing their idols of the Independence era.

Partition and Independence of India

Between 1940 and 1942, Congress launched two abortive agitation against the British, and 60,000 Congress members were arrested, including Gandhi and Nehru. Unlike the uncooperative and belligerent Congress supported the Muslim League the British during World War II. Delayed but perhaps sincere British attempts to meet the demands of the two rival parties, while preserving the unitary state in India, seemed unacceptable to both the alternating rejected what the proposal was made during the war. As a result, definitely a three-way deadlock in: Congress and the Muslim League doubted British motives in transferring power to the Indians, while the British struggled to retain some hold on India while to give greater autonomy.

The Congress wasted precious time denouncing the British rather than allaying Muslim fears during the highly charged election campaign in 1946. Even the more mature Congress leaders, especially Gandhi and Nehru, failed to see how genuinely afraid of Muslims were and how exhausted and weak the British had become in the wake of the war. When it became clear that Congress does not need to share power with the Muslim League was in the center, Jinnah declared August 16, 1946, Direct Action Day, with riots and bloodshed brought common in many places in the north. Partition seemed preferable to civil war. On June 3, 1947, Viscount Louis Mountbatten, the Viceroy (1947) and the Governor-General (1947-1948), plans for distribution of the British Indian government announced in the peoples of India and Pakistan, which itself was divided in the east and west wings on either side of India. At midnight, on August 15, 1947, India ran to freedom amidst ecstatic shouting of "Jai Hind", as Nehru a memorable and moving speech delivered on India's "tryst with destiny." "

This was the speech by PT. Jawahar Lal Nehru to the Indian Constituent Assembly, on the eve of India's independence, towards midnight on August 14, 1947

Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity.
At the dawn of history India started on her unending quest, and trackless centuries are filled with her striving and the grandeur of her success and her failures. Through good and ill fortune alike she has never lost sight of that quest or forgotten the ideals which gave her strength. We end today a period of ill fortune and India discovers herself again. The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the greater triumphs and achievements that await us. Are we brave enough and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenge of the future?
Freedom and power bring responsibility. The responsibility rests upon this Assembly, a sovereign body representing the sovereign people of India. Before the birth of freedom we have endured all the pains of labour and our hearts are heavy with the memory of this sorrow. Some of those pains continue even now. Nevertheless, the past is over and it is the future that beckons to us now.
That future is not one of ease or resting but of incessant striving so that we may fulfil the pledges we have so often taken and the one we shall take today. The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. That may be beyond us, but as long as there are tears and suffering, so long our work will not be over.
And so we have to labour and to work, and work hard, to give reality to our dreams. Those dreams are for India, but they are also for the world, for all the nations and peoples are too closely knit together today for any one of them to imagine that it can live apart Peace has been said to be indivisible; so is freedom, so is prosperity now, and so also is disaster in this One World that can no longer be split into isolated fragments.
To the people of India, whose representatives we are, we make an appeal to join us with faith and confidence in this great adventure. This is no time for petty and destructive criticism, no time for ill-will or blaming others. We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell.
The appointed day has come-the day appointed by destiny-and India stands forth again, after long slumber and struggle, awake, vital, free and independent. The past clings on to us still in some measure and we have to do much before we redeem the pledges we have so often taken. Yet the turning-point is past, and history begins anew for us, the history which we shall live and act and others will write about.
It is a fateful moment for us in India, for all Asia and for the world. A new star rises, the star of freedom in the East, a new hope comes into being, a vision long cherished materializes. May the star never set and that hope never be betrayed!
We rejoice in that freedom, even though clouds surround us, and many of our people are sorrowstricken and difficult problems encompass us. But freedom brings responsibilities and burdens and we have to face them in the spirit of a free and disciplined people.
On this day our first thoughts go to the architect of this freedom, the Father of our Nation [Gandhi], who, embodying the old spirit of India, held aloft the torch of freedom and lighted up the darkness that surrounded us. We have often been unworthy followers of his and have strayed from his message, but not only we but succeeding generations will remember this message and bear the imprint in their hearts of this great son of India, magnificent in his faith and strength and courage and humility. We shall never allow that torch of freedom to be blown out, however high the wind or stormy the tempest.
Our next thoughts must be of the unknown volunteers and soldiers of freedom who, without praise or reward, have served India even unto death.
We think also of our brothers and sisters who have been cut off from us by political boundaries and who unhappily cannot share at present in the freedom that has come. They are of us and will remain of us whatever may happen, and we shall be sharers in their good and ill fortune alike.
The future beckons to us. Whither do we go and what shall be our endeavour? To bring freedom and opportunity to the common man, to the peasants and workers of India; to fight and end poverty and ignorance and disease; to build up a prosperous, democratic and progressive nation, and to create social, economic and political institutions which will ensure justice and fullness of life to every man and woman.
We have hard work ahead. There is no resting for any one of us till we redeem our pledge in full, till we make all the people of India what destiny intended them to be. We are citizens of a great country on the verge of bold advance, and we have to live up to that high standard. All of us, to whatever religion we may belong, are equally the children of India with equal rights, privileges and obligations. We cannot encourage communalism or narrow-mindedness, for no nation can be great whose people are narrow in thought or in action.
To the nations and peoples of the world we send greetings and pledge ourselves to cooperate with them in furthering peace, freedom and democracy.
And to India, our much-loved motherland, the ancient, the eternal and the ever-new, we pay our reverent homage and we bind ourselves afresh to her service.” (indohistory.com)

Raksha Bandhan

2011-08-08T17:34:00.000+05:30

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is a festival primarily observed in North India, which celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. The festival is followed by Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. The central ceremony involves tying a Rakhi from a sister on her brother's wrist. This symbolizes sister's love and prayers for her brother's welfare. The brother in return offers a gift to his sister and vows to protect her life when she presents sweets to her brother. The brother and sister traditionally feed each other sweets. The festival falls on the full moon day (Shravan Poornima) of Shravan

Significance of Rakhi

Festival of Rakhi have taken a broader meaning in the world, spreading harmony and together the family members under one roof. Rakhi stands for love between brothers and sisters, the bond of love that they have shared since their childhood. This festival has immense significance in India. The custom of celebrating Raksha Bandhan started in ancestral period and even today people consider their need to express affection in traditional ways. Rakhi is strengthening the bond of love between brothers and sisters.

Guru Purnima

2011-07-14T18:28:00.000+05:30

Guru Purnima, a festival traditionally celebrated by Hindus and Buddhists.O On this day, worship disciples or show respect to their Guru, it falls on the day of full moon, Purnima, in the month Ashadh (June-July) of Shaka Samvat, Indian national calendar, Hindu calendar. Traditionally, the festival is celebrated by Buddhists in honor of Buddha gave his first sermon on this day in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India. Even Hindus celebrate it in honor of the great sage Vyasa, who appears one of the greatest gurus of the ancient Hindu traditions, and a symbol of guru-shishya parampara, Guru Disciple tradition. Vyasa was not only believed to have been born on this day, but also to have started writing the Brahma Sutra of ashadha Sudha padyami and ends on this day, so their recitations as a dedication to him, is organized in this day, which is also known as Vyasa Purnima.

Festival is common to all spiritual traditions of Hinduism, which is dedicated to expressing gratitude to the teacher of his her disciple.H Hindu ascetics and wandering monks observe this day by offering puja to Guru, the Chaturmas, a four-month period during the rainy season, when they choose solitude, and stop at a chosen place, some also give discourses to the local public. Students of Indian classical music, which also follow Guru shishya parampara, celebrate this festival, around the world.

Gururbrahmaa gururvishnuh gururdevo Maheswarah |

Guruh-saakshaat Parabrahm tasmai shrigurave namah ||

"My homage to Guru is Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. The Guru is Para Brahma incarnate "

Devotional worship of the Guru, is one of the most moving and uplifting element in the Hindu cultural tradition.

The Guru in Hindu tradition is seen as an embodiment of God himself. For it is through his grace and guidance to achieve the highest state of wisdom and happiness.

Who is Guru?

'Gu' stands for Gunatheeta (without qualities). 'Ru' means Rupavarjita (formless) T. The Sanskrit root "Gu" means darkness or ignorance. "Ru" denotes the remover to darkness.T Why is someone who removes darkness of our ignorance is a guru. Only the one who removes our ultimate darkness, known as the Maya, who inspires and guides us on the path of God-realization is the true Guru.S So, is God, who is attributeless and formless, the true Guru.S Students also refer to their teacher or college lecturer as guru. The meaning of the word guru in this case is one that conveys temporal knowledge and are thus correspondingly offered respect. To worship a guru is that the worship of truth, knowledge and invaluable experience. On this day one has to visit the elderly, teachers and guides to show respect to them with gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets.

Bhagavadgita gives guidelines and qualities of a true Guru. A real Guru credentials to impart true knowledge free from speculation and never claims that he is god. He knows that God is sovereign and we are subordinate to him. He knows the truth and the life is free from lust, anger and greed. He exemplifies wisdom, peace, temperance, frugality, piety, tolerance and strong faith in God. He must be from a succession.

Disciple develops a strong love for the guru who delivers him from the bondage of birth and death. Bhagavadgita shows that when Arjuna was confused about their duties, putting his faith in Krishna, considered him as his Guru, when Krishna showed him the right way. The Guru is a man of deep intellectual and spiritual sensitivity and compassion. The scriptures state that initiates (Deeksha) must be taken from a Guru. On Guru Pournima day, we ask "Oh Guru, you are father, mother, brother, friend, knowledge and wealth. You are everything to me and god of all gods.

The full moon day in July, is the Hindu auspicious day was observed as Guru Purnima, celebrated by worshiping our Guru, the spiritual master, who taught us the divine love, by performing the Pooja is performed to fatigue to him.T The correct name for this day is Vyasa Purnima.

This day is sacred to the memory of the great sage Vyasa. That was the great sage Vyasa, the son of a fisher woman, (Satyavathi) who classified the accumulated spiritual knowledge of the Vedas under four heads - Rig, Yajur, and Atharva Saamen. The credit of composing the authentic treatise of Brahma-sootras the background of the Vedas is to explain to him. He completed the codification of the four Vedas and writing the eighteen Puranas on this day.

That was the day when Krishna dwaipayanaVyasa, author Mahabharatha was born. Due to the passage of time, Vyasa Purnima came to be called Guru Purnima All Hindus are indebted to this ancient saint. Vyasa even taught Dattatreya, who is considered the guru of gurus. There are the fitness of things that Vyasa should be regarded as the supreme educator of humanity. Offer of worship means to him the adoration of the masters of all times.At the time of Guru deeksha absorbs the sins of the past and the karma of his disciples and reveals true spiritual knowledge.The History and the Puranas is said to be the fifth Veda. " " Vyasa "meaning" to edit "or" share ")

The significance of Guru Purnima

This day is of deep significance for the farmers because it announces the setting of much needed rains, as the advent of cool showers denominated new life in the fields.These gifts are" Gurudakshina " This is a good time to begin your spiritual lessons. Traditionally, spiritual seekers commence to intensify their spiritual 'sadhana' from this day.

Rabindranath Tagore

2011-04-23T19:00:00.000+05:30

Rabindranath Tagore

Birthday of Rabindranath Tagore

On this day in 1861, the Indian polymath and Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore was born in Kolkata. Tagore, who began writing poetry at eight years old, published his first major collection of poems when he was sixteen, under the pseudonym, Bhanushingho, Sun Lion. Tagore protested against the British Raj and endorsed independence for India. He was a great admirer of Mohandas Gandhi, whom he called Mahatma or Great Soul out of his deep respect.

Tagores famous volume, Gitanjali is a collection of 103 English poems, translated from Bengali. Company prior to a visit to England in 1912, the translations were very well received in the UK, where they were published in 1913, with a foreword by William Butler Yeats. In the same year, 1913, based on a small body of translations, Rabindranath became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize.

Life of Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1901)

The youngest of the 13 surviving children, was born in Tagore Jorasanko mansion in Kolkata by parents Debendranath Tagore (1817-1905) and Sarada Devi (1830-1875). Tagore family patriarchs were the Brahmo founding fathers of the Adi Dharm faith. He was mostly raised by staff, so that his mother had died in his early childhood, his father traveled a lot. Tagore largely fallen classroom schooling, preferring to roam the mansion or nearby idylls: Bolpur, Panihati, and others. As he upanayan initiation at age eleven left Tagore Kolkata February 14, 1873 to tour India with his father for several months. They visited his father's Santiniketan estate and stopped in Amritsar before reaching the Himalayan hill station, Dalhousie.

Where young "Rabi" read biographies and was home-educated in history, astronomy, modern science, and Sanskrit, and examined the poetry of Kalidasa. He completed works in 1877, pioneering Mon far poem by Maithili style by Vidyapati. Ha, a newly discovered 17th-century Vaisnava Published under the pseudonym, experts accepted them as the lost works Bhanusimha With irony and seriousness that they depicted a wide range of Bengali lifestyles, particularly village life. Ava poet. He wrote "Bhikharini" (1877, 'Beggar Woman "-the Bengali first novel) and Sandhya Sangita (1882), including the famous poem" Nirjharer Swapnabhanga "(" The rousing of the waterfall ").

A prospective barrister, Tagore enrolled at a public school in Brighton, East Sussex, England 1878th. His first was a few months in a house that Tagore family owned near Brighton and Hove, in Medina Villas, in 1877, his nephew and niece - Suren and Indira, children Satyendranath Tagore's brother - was sent with his mother ( Tagore's sister-in-law) to live with him. He studied law at University College London, but left school to Shakespeare and many more to discover: Religio Medici, Coriolanus and Antony and Cleopatra. Less degree, he returned to Bengal in 1880. However, this exposure to English culture and language later seep into his previous acquaintance with the Bengali musical tradition, allowing him to create new forms of music, poetry and drama.

Yet Tagore neither fully embraced English strictures or his family's traditional strict Hindu religious observances, either in life or in his art, but chose to select the best of both worlds of experience.

In 1890, Tagore began managing his family's vast estates in Shilaidaha, a region now in Bangladesh, he was accompanied by his wife and children in 1898. In 1890, Tagore gave her Manasi poems, including his most famous works. As "Zamindar Babu", Tagore crossed holdings while living out of the family's luxurious barge, the Padma, to collect (mostly token) rents and bless villagers, who held festivals in his honor. The years-1891-1895: Tagore's Sadhana period, after one of Tagore's magazines - was his most prolific. During this period he wrote more than half of the stories of the three-volume, 84-story Galpaguchchha.

Ravindranath Later years and death

Tagore's last four years were marked by chronic pain and two long periods of illness. These began when Tagore lost consciousness in late 1937, he remained in a coma and near death for a long time. This was followed three years later, in late 1940, a similar spell, from which he never recovered. Poetry Tagore wrote in these years are among his best, and is distinctive for its preoccupation with death. After extended suffering, Tagore died on 7 August 1941 (22 Shravan 1348) in an upstairs room in Jorasanko mansion, where he was raised, aged 80 years. His death anniversary is mourned Bengali-speaking world. The last person to see Tagore lived Amiya Kumar Sen (brother of Sukuma Then, the first head election commissioner), Tagore dictated his last poem, SEN, who wrote it down. Sen later won the resulting draft to a museum in Kolkata.

Saraswati Puja

2011-04-21T15:56:00.000+05:30

Saraswati: Goddess of Knowledge & Arts

Saraswati Puja is celebrated throughout India by Hindus. Saraswati is the goddess of Education, Arts and Crafts. This festival held in the month of Magh (January-February). This is a festival celebrated with young people, especially students who invokes the blessings of the goddess for success in learning, arts and crafts. More than any other state, is Saraswati Puja is celebrated in West Bengal in a stately manner. Next to West Bengal it is celebrated in the southern states of India as Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh etc. I schools, colleges and homes. Basant is celebrated as Saraswati Pooja Punjami OR Vasanat Punjami in many states of India.

Bakdevi, Biraj, Sarada, Brahmi, Satarupa, Mahasweta, Sarbasukia, Prithudar, Bagiswari are some of the other names of Goddess Saraswati.

Myths of the Goddess Saraswati

Amongst all the Hindu deities, Saraswati stands out as the most controversial. From the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads to the popular ancient mythology, Saraswati appears through a veil of mystery. The Matsya Purana, Saraswati evolved from the mouth of Brahma. Such was her beauty and grace that Brahma pursued her. As she fled in different directions a head appeared, and as Brahma is attributed with five heads, she was the most unique creation of Brahma.

Celebration of Saraswati Puja

The idol is decorated in white, representing purity. The place where the idol is kept for Pooja is decorated with floral designs or Rangolois and design of a fish is considered favorable. Although different states India follow different methods to follow, following the method of worship is usually followed by the majority of the Indian people:

Family members bathe early and dress in yellow attire and assemble in front of the Goddess. A flat low stool made of wood covered with yellow cloth and the idol is placed on to the east direction. Then remain face idol covered until the priest starts singing mantras at the beginning of Puja.

A green coconut is placed on an earth embankment pot with a red checked cotton cloth called Gamcha. The actual puja flowers are used but the most significant is the Palash or flame of the forest and marigold flowers. In the southern part of the country, Lotus and other fragrant flowers like jasmine offered.

Books by students at home are placed before the goddess.

The main puja offerings to the goddess are mainly fruit, berries are most of the wild plum. Other fruit tapioca. Sweets containing puffed rice, jaggery and yogurt. The earthen pot is tied with a string that will be untied only on the next day by the priest before Bisarjan or immersion ceremony.

A Havan (hymn) is done by the priest (or the oldest in the family) using special wood, ghee, incense and incense. The absence of a burning smell means success for the puja. A diya or lamp is kept also shines with Prasad.

Arati performed by the person in the morning and again in the evening. This is done while chanting sanskrit slokas (in Brahmans house) or slokas from the regional language in non-Brahmins houses) and accompanied by the blowing of conch shells and beating of drums (in northern India or holy pooja bell in southern India) .

The lit lamp used during the Arati is passed around to each devotee to warm their hands and touching their heads.

The most important part of Saraswati Puja is, no one touches books on that day. This means that the goddess is blessing the books placed in front of her that day.

Eating vegetarian food is strictly followed on this day of Saraswati Pooja. Young Kids in the family is asked to write for the first time in life, the alphabets of the pastor family elders. It suggests the first step in the acquisition of Knowledge.

The day the children take back their books, but standing in front of the goddess and read from them or write them.

Many people visit the temple on that day to worship God Saraswathi to get her blessing to get the Best of Education Arts culture.

Mahavir Jayanti

2011-04-14T09:21:00.000+05:30

Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana.M Mahavir Jayanti is the most important Jain festival. Mahavirswami is twenty-fourth Tirthankar. He was born in 599 BC at Kshatriyakund near modern Patna in Bihar. His father, King Siddhartha, and his mother, Queen Trishla, were very religious people and followers of Lord Parshwanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar. The Queen Trishla predictable child she had 14 beautiful dreams (some believe sixteen dreams). If the scholars were asked about the dreams they said she was an extraordinary child. , One that will be the path to true happiness for mankind.

About Mahavira, his Birth and explanation

According to Jain mythology, Mahavir had acquired all the necessary qualities to become a Tirthankara in his previous life. Six months before birth, made the supreme authority of a nice atmosphere and leading to Mahavir's birth, which was a great character. Gods and goddesses came down to bestow his blessings on Tirthankara's expectant mother, and to satisfy their needs. Wealth was showered from heaven, which exempts everyone from poverty and extend the superior atmosphere.

Just before Mahavir was born, his mother had 16 dreams. Mahavir was born in the morning, which is considered very promising in Jainism and Hinduism.

Trishla (Mahavir mother)sixteen dreams were:

· A white elephant

· A lion

· Goddess Lakshmi with two elephants at her side showering flowers

· The moon lighting the universe with silvery beams

· A pair of jumping fish

· The radiant sun, a golden pitcher

· A lake full of lotus flowers

· A calm ocean of milk

· A celestial palace

· A throne of rubies and diamonds

· A celestial king ruling the earth

· A garland

· A white bull

· A fragrant Mandara flowers

· and a vase as tall as Mount Meru, filled with gems.

· And immediately after this, she felt a white elephant enter her through her mouth. She also didn't feel any pain associated with childbirth.

It is believed that at the correct moment of his birth, life forms in all the three worlds were cheerful and content. Several gods and goddesses from the sky to pay homage to Tirthankara. They bathed him ceremonially and named him Vardhaman, Vir, Mahavira, Ativira and Samvati. The child was of outstanding beauty and developed great physical and mental strength. At the age of 13, Mahavir renounced the material world, and sat for meditation. After 12 years of meditation under an Ashoka tree, also called Jonesia Ashoka, he achieved the ultimate enlightenment. The divine gods witnessed this great event, and carried him in a palanquin to a park where he was put on a five-tiered throne and acknowledged as Mahavira. Here he stripped himself of all his clothes. Instead of shaving his head, he tore his hair from the roots, for he was above pain. The Digambaras, Mahavir wore no clothes then, but Svetambaras believe that Indra gave him a white robe.

About Jainism

The term Jain is derived from Jina, which means that the Conqueror. Jainism rests on the three fold path right conduct, right faith and right knowledge. It is not believe in a God who forgives the sins of their worshipers. It teaches practitioners to take full responsibility for his actions, which is the basis for the Karma theory. It teaches the followers to live a very austere life, in an attempt to clear its debt to humanity and also achieve the highest form of salvation.

The devout followers of this religion does not even hurt a fly. Some followers cover their mouths with a small cloth, to avoid the slightest chance to kill bacteria in breathing. It was this doctrine of nonviolence (ahimsa), adopted and popularized by Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle.

Ainism can be divided into two sects - the Jains Shwetamabara (ones wear simple white clothes) and Digamabara Jains, who practice the most extreme form of asceticism by not adorn any clothes on their bodies. Both of these schools follow closely the teachings Mahavira, known as Jina, or conqueror.

His Teachings

Mahavir Jayanti Mahavira taught that people can save their souls from the pollution of substance by living a life of great plainness and by practicing non-violence towards all living beings. The defense of non-violence, confident his followers - monastic and lay - to be strong advocates of vegetarianism. Mahavira's followers were aided in their quest for salvation by the five mahavatars. Ascribed to Mahavira, lift these great was the renunciation of killing, speaking untruths, out of greed, of sexual pleasure, and of all attachments to living beings and non-living things.

Sects

The most important sects now Digambaras and Shvetambaras, with the latter further divided into Deravasis and Sthanakvasis. Deravasis While visiting temples and worship the statue of Mahavir, the Sthanakvasis emphasize the internalization of the faith. Mahavir himself was against idolatry.

Digambaras and Shvetambaras

Around the year 80 AD the Jains split into two sects:

Digambaras (clothed space) and Shvetambaras (dressed in white). Digambaras determine that sadhus should be naked as a sign of total renunciation. Other doctrines held by the Digambaras but rejected by the Shvetambaras are: 1. Only men can achieve the final liberation (moksha), women must be reborn as men. 2 Pictures of Tirthankars must be represented with eyes cast down, naked and unadorned. 3. Mahavir never married. 4 Once the highest state of knowledge is reached, a holy life can keep without eating, and 5. By the 2nd century the canon holy books were lost.

THE SIGNIFICANCE

Mahavir Jayanti is observed on the 13th day of the month of Chaitra according to Hindu calendar. This day is celebrated, not with pomp and festivities, but with a prayer and worship, in accordance with the Saint Mahavir doctrine of austerity and renunciation.

Jain religious leaders spend the day in solitude, while the rest of the Jain people organize peaceful marches, children act out stories from the life and times of Saint Mahavir. Mahavir Jayanti is observed particularly in places like Old Delhi, Gujarat and Rajasthan, which consists of a large Jain population. At certain places (like the highly revered shrines of Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat, Bihar and Pawanpuri Parasnath temple in Calcutta), the day is celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm. Mahavir Jayanti is widely regarded as beneficial across the country.

Celebrations

On the day of Mahavir Jayanthi (birth anniversary), many community members make offer of milk, rice, fruit, incense, lamps and water to tirthankar. Some parts of society, even participate in a grand procession.

Vaisakhi

2011-04-13T23:56:00.000+05:30

Vaisakhi is an ancient harvest festival in the Punjab region, which also marks the beginning of a new solar year, and new harvest season. Baisakhi, a Sikh religious festival.I It falls on the first day of the month Baisakh Nanakshahi in the solar calendar, which corresponds to April 1913 in the Gregorian calendar.

In Sikhism is one of the main dates in the Sikh calendar, commemorating the founding of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699, the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

The special significance to the occasion shows regional variation outside of Punjab also. In Himachal Pradesh, the Hindu goddess worship Jwalamukhi on Vaisakhi, while in Bihar, the Sun-god Surya honoured.T The festival is celebrated as Rongali Bihu in Assam, Naba Barsha or Pohela Boishakh in Bengal and Tripura, Puthandu (Tamil New Year) in Tamil Nadu, Vishu (or Vaishakhi) in Kerala, Bikhu or Bikhauti in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Maha Vishuba Sankranti (or Pana Sankranti) in Orissa, and the Sinhala New Year festival in Sri Lanka. Out in Punjab, Baisakhi is widely celebrated as a traditional harvest festival in many northern states in India, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In many places the day is marked by ritual bathing in holy rivers like the Ganges.

History Vaisakhi

Religious persecution under Aurangzeb

A younger son of Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb, seized Gaddi (throne) of the Mughal Empire from his brother Dara Shikoh, arrested his father and took the imperial name Alamgir I (Seizer of the Universe, besting his father who had styled himself Caught of the world) in 1657. His coming to the throne was too expensive for his family, now would be a disaster for the people of India and those who dared to challenge policies of religious persecution if he put in motion the process of Islamization of India.

Their temples and places of learning were closed, demolished and replaced often with mosques often are built from blocks of Hindu temples. He had been convinced by the powerful ulama, as his predacessors had largely ignored, that when the highly respected Brahmins of Kashmir accepted Islam, the Hindus of all castes will follow.

Martyrdom Guru Tegh Bahadur

While in prison, Guru Tegh Bahadur foresaw the beginning of his ecclesiastic trip. To test his son's courage and ability to the mission of the Gurus, he wrote, saying: "My strength is exhausted, I'm in chains and I can not work. This day is also observed in the beginning of the Hindu solar new year celebrated by the people of Nepal and India in Assam Valley, Kerala, Orissa, West Bengal and some other regions of India. The executioner left the severed head of the Gurus and the body to lie where she had fallen. Says Nanak, God alone is now my refuge. He will help me as he made his Saints. Nanak, everything is in your hands. 'In reply young Guru Gobind Rai wrote: "I have regained my Power, my bonds are broken and all options are open to me. Vaisakhi is also known as Vasakhi or Baisakhi. Only you can help yourself. Guru Teg Bahadur offered his life for freedom for all, not just their own group of Sikhs, but for those of other religions to freely choose when, where and how they would keep their worship. The Brahmins were his primary target, but he reinstated the unethical religious taxes, that Akbar was over, the Hindus.

His sacrifice and courage kindled a similar spirit in the heart of young Gobind Rai.

There were 11 November hundreds of people had gathered around Chandini Chowk where Guru Tegh Bahadur martyred in Delhi. In fear of a sudden sandstorm, he had run for shelter. Nobody stood up to claim the corpse of the fallen guru or his comrades who had died tortured death before his eyes. Who would perform religious rituals these brave men. Even the most ardent followers marched recognized.

But to take advantage of the stormy weather a man, a member of Mazhabis, managed to take the severed head of Tegh Bahadur to his family back in Anandpur when the proper rituals were noble Guru. Another man, assisted by his sons, separated the Guru's body away before it will certainly be accommodated or hung on the display with Aurangzeb's minions. They used their simple homes that Guru's secret funeral pyre, as a proper cremation would have brought down the wrath of frustrated Aurangzeb on their heads. Aurangzeb had lost in this challenge to their plans - for Guru Tegh Bahadur had endured all the torture and lure the mighty Aurangzeb could gather, niether he nor any of his companions had taken the easier road and abandoned his religion and principles. Gobind Rai would now seek to give each of his Sikhs with an iron will and fortitude of his father. For the moment, Pandit was safe, but Guru Gobind Rai is now working to prepare his Sikhs for the coming storm.

1675 -: Guru Gobind Rai lead the moral struggle

The criteria of courage and strength to sacrifice, Gobind Rai became the tenth Sikh Guru. "He wanted to teach these principles in his downtrodden followers. He wanted to uplift their morale to combat the evil forces of injustice, tyranny and oppression.

Every year at the time of Baisakhi (springtime), thousands of devotees would come to Anandpur to pay their obedience and seek the Guru's blessings.

Celebrations

To mark the celebrations, devotees, irrespective of the Sikh religion, participate in the gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship. The festivities begin as early devotees, with flowers and offerings in their hands, go to the Gurdwara before dawn. Processions through the towns are also common. Baisakhi is the day the Khalsa (pure ones) was born and Sikhs were given a clear identity and a code to live. The key event was led by the last living Sikh spiritual teacher, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who named the first Sikhs using sweet nectar called Amrit. Around the world at Baisakhi time, Sikhs and members of Punjabi descent reflect the values taught to them by their Gurus birth of Khalsa celebrated by Sikhs every Vaisakhi Day on 13th April. Vaisakhi 1999 marks the 300-anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh's gift Panther Khalsa to all Sikhs everywhere.

WAHEGURU JI KA Khalsa,

WAHEGURU JI KI Fateh!

Shri Ramnavami

2011-04-06T09:04:00.000+05:30

Shri Rama Navami

This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama, who became king of Ayodhya, was known for his exemplary qualities. "He was popular, brave, friendly, fair, intelligent, patient, loving, obedient and dutiful. Lord Rama always worshiped with his consort Sita, brother Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman. Worship of Lord Rama accompanied by the worship of the sun god, since Rama was descended from the sun, or are in the Solar dynasty. Rama Navami celebrations include reading the great epic Ramayana and play the staging of the Rama Lila, or hobbies of the life of Lord Rama.

Every year, Ram Navami Birthday falls on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra in the Hindu lunar year "Shukla paksha 'or crescent moon, and which corresponds to March-April in the Gregorian calendar. Celebration of the festivalen are marked by strict standard by devotees of Lord Rama. The festival marks the end of the nine-day festival of Chaitra Navratri.

Celebrations of Ram Navami

The celebration of Rama Navami Birthday start with the worship of Sun God. On the day, waking people up early in the morning, take bath and pay honors to the Sun God. On this day temples are decorated and the image of Lord Ram is richly decorated. The holy Ramayana is read in the temples. On Ayodhya, the birthplace of Sri Rama, is a great fair held on this day. The South India to Sri Ramnavami Utsavam is celebrated for nine days with great fervor and devotion. Traditional worship begins with chanting Vedic mantras dedicated to Vishnu and offering flowers and fruit to the god. Satsang and public gatherings are organized to celebrate the birth of Herrens Ram. Excerpt from "Ramacharitamanas" Rose Lord Ram, are recited. Lord Ram's followers, fasting for nine days with fruit and milk, while some fast on the ninth day only.

In many parts of India, southern India, small idols of Lord Rama and Sita worshiped in households that have to take a processie the street, in the evening. In many temples, is Kalyanam (a ceremonial wedding) performed by temple priests. Panakam, a sweet drink prepared by mixing jaggery with ginger and pepper, is a specialty of Ram Navami in the southern parts of India. The dish is prepared as a Prasad. This is first offered to the deity and then distributed among devotees. When the idols of the deity is taken to a procession, the faithful often play with water colors, to mark the birth of God.

His Divine Life

Rama, the perfect embodiment of Supreme Protector Vishnu, is an all-time favorite among Hindu deities. The most popular symbol of chivalry and virtue, Rama embodiment of truth, about morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband and above all the ideal king. The heroic deeds of Rama and his exciting adventures have inspired generations of people.

Significance of Ram Navami

Ramnavami is a festival of peace and prosperity in India An important and popular part of the celebration is parayana Ramayana, a discourse on the Ramayana, a Pundit or a professional tells evenings. It usually lasts for nine days beginning on Ugadi and ends on Rama Navami. An experienced storyteller who can enliven the event by weaving in contemporary events attracts massive crowds. The main meaning behind the celebration of this festival is that the character of Lord Ram a ideale son, an upright man, a righteous king, and a loving brother and even a perfect man, someone who follow the right path by gives all expectations in life. He was also the true embodiment of humanity. So celebrate Ramnavami is somehow special memory of all good deeds and ideals for which Lord Ram symbolizes. So if we see it as such, it is not just a festival to enjoy and have fun, there are many more things to learn. This is a celebration of kindness and its victory against all evils. Holy places associated with Rama, as Ayodhya, Ujjain and Rameshwaram, draw tens of thousands of supporters. I Rameshwaram, thousands take a ritual bath in the sea before worship at Ramanathaswamy temple. In many places in northern India host fairs in connection with the festival, culminating in spectacular fireworks on Rama Navami

Navratri Nine Nights of the Divine Goddess Shakti

2011-04-03T18:28:00.000+05:30

Navratri Nine Nights of the Divine Goddess Shakti

Chaitra Navratri, also popular as Chaiten Navratras, the nine-day night festival observed in the month Chaitra. There are many legends associated with the conception of Navratri like all Indian festivals. This year the Navratri dates during the Chaitra month - from April 4 to April 12. Chaitra Legends in the Puranas and other Hindu scriptures, the festival is dedicated to the goddess Shakti and three of its most popular forms of goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati - worshiped during the period. It starts on the first day of the Chaitra month and ends with Ram Navami. C Chaitra Navratri is known under different names such as Ram Navaratri, Vasant Navratri, Basant Navrathri and some people also refer it as spring Navaratras.

The significance of Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri is one of the most important festival of Hindus. Devotees worship Maa Shakti, the goddess of cosmic force, at this time and asks to be given by divine blessing of the Goddess. Goddess Shakti manifests in three different dimensions as Goddess Laxmi, Saraswati and Durga. Navratri is divided into sets of three days to adore three different aspects of the supreme goddess or goddesses.

On these holy nights, the goddesses of Navratri pass on their positive power to the earth plane. To mark the occasion, the 9 nights calls for the performance of daily rituals, spiritual practice and worship of goddesses. Goddesses of Navratri - Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi representing a single form called "Shakti".

Farmer sowing seeds and thank the Goddess for her blessings and pray for better returns. Navratri In older times, associated with the fertility of the earth to us as Maa feed her children.

The first three days of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga (Warrior Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a lion. Her various incarnations - Kumari, Parvati and Kali - are worshiped in those days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl and the mature woman. Next three days are dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity), dressed in gold and mounted on an owl and finally, last three are dedicated to the goddess Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge) dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan. Kringler is prepared for the festivities. Children and adults dress up in new bright-colored dresses for the night performances.

Celebrations of Navratri

In some communities people undergo rigorous fasts during this season, which lasts for nine days of Navratri. The festival culminates on Mahanavami. On this day Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of goddess Durga is worshiped. Their feet are washed as a sign of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered new clothes as gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country. With commercialization, the festival has moved on to be a social festival rather than a religious one. However, nothing dampens the spirit of the devout followers of the goddess Durga, as they sing devotional songs and enjoy the celebrations of Navratri, from year to year. Gujratis and Navratri special significance for Bengalis and one can see the zeal and fervor of the people enjoying the festivities of the season. Dandiya and Garba Rass are the highlights of the festival in Gujarat

Nine different forms of Durga

Nine different forms of Devi, worshiped over the nine days.As the ten-armed Goddess, Goddess Durga presents a radiantly beautiful form that is bewitching to watch. That special form is somehow simultaneously wrathful and benign and transmits profound spiritual teachings in an exacting way. The nine-day period from the new moon day to the ninth day nine different forms of Devi is worshiped for nine days. These are the most popular forms under which she adored:-

The first day Pooja

Maa Goddess Sailaputri has a half moon in her forehead, she is mounted on the bull and has a lance in his hand.

The first form of Durga maa among the nine is Sailaputri. She is known as such, because she has incarnated from Himalaya the Emperor of the mountains. Fitting a bull on maa has a lance in his right hand and lotus in the left. She is the first of the nine aspects of Durga.

Maa Sailaputri

In his previous life, she took birth from Daksa, the Prajapati as his daughter. Then she was known as Sati.O When Prajapati Daksa organized a very big sacrificial ceremony in which he invited all the gods to have their sacrificial share. Shiva was the only exception.

When Sati came to know about the party organized by her father, a strong desire arose in her heart to participate in the ceremony. She expressed her desire to Lord Shiva and his permission. Given all the advantages and disadvantages Shiva said - Prajapati is displeased with me for the reasons known to him only. He invited a function all gods and offered their sacrifice to share them. He is not intentionally invite me, not even informed me. Under such circumstances it is not proper for you to go there. Sati was not satisfied with the advice of the Lord. The eagerness to attend the ceremony and the prospect of seeing the MAA and sisters do not see disappear. The Lord saw that Sati was very eager to go there, so he gave her the green signal.

A sense of strange joy started waving at her heart. She made the necessary preparation and began. But all her enthusiasm subsided as bubbles that moment she reached there. She found no love in all eyes except her MAA. If only she embraced her. She did not even have a Scintilla of warmth for her. She has not only a sense of sarcasm and mockery of what her sisters noticed. She was very pained by the insulting attitude of her own relatives. The whole atmosphere was surcharged with a sense of lack of respect for Shiva. Daksa subjected to some insulting remarks intended for Shiva. She watched it all and lost her balance. A mental storm made her full of remorse and anger. She repented of having overruled objections by her Lord.

She could not bear the insult of her husband. Instantly she got her body burned in the fire yoga, the body was a gift Daksa. The news of her death reached Lord Shiva and he decided to give a good lesson for Daksa. The whole sacrificial system overhangs along with all the paraphernalia was completely destroyed by his lieutenants.I In her next birth she incarnated her as Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas and among Nava Durga she has been called Sailaputri was again known as Haimavati. One of the stories that Upanisadic Haim Avati aspect in her defeated all the prominent gods. As in her previous birth in this life also Sailaputri married Lord Shiva. The first and most prominent among the Nava Durga, is of immense importance Sailaputri and her delights are endless. On the first day of Navratra worship it is she who is worshiped. This puja of the first day Yogi's keep his mind focused Muladhara. This is the starting point of their spiritual discipline.

Second Day Pooja

Brahmacharni is the second phase of the nine Durga. Here Brahma means penance. So, Brahmacharini one who practices penance. Is said - Veda, Tattva and Tapa are synonyms for Brahma. The shape of Brahmacharini is very bright and very majestic. She has a rosary in her right hand and Kamandalu in her left.

Maa Brahmacharni

In her previous birth when she was incarnated as the daughter of the Himalayas, which is affected by the instructions of Narada, she practiced terrible penance to get Shiva as her divine consort. Because of her unearthly penance she was known as Brahmacharini. They brought a thousand years, only fruits and beets. A hundred years she spent only by eating leafy vegetables. For a sufficiently long time observing completely settled she suffered plague of nature as torrential rain and scorching sun and biting cold, in the open. After such a difficult routine she lived only on dry Bilva the leaves fell on the ground for three thousand years old. She kept her engrossed for twenty-four hours in worship Shiva. After she gave up eating even these dry leaves. For thousands of years, she went without any food and water. Because she gave up eating dry leaves Bilva as she was known to be Aparna as one of her aliases.

After the penance for several thousand years her body was very lean and thin. She was reduced to skeleton alone. Looks at her pitiable condition maa Mena was very pained. To distract her attention from the penance she exclaimed - 'U' 'Ma' means' Oh! No, no, no '. Since then Goddess Brahmacharini named Uma. This happened in her previous incarnation itself.

Her penance, sharpened as it was, caused major disruptions in all three worlds. The whole universe was shaken. Gods, the faithful Siddhas, the Munis all praised her booth as an unprecedented virtuous action. Ultimately Pitamaha Brahma by an oracle her up and said to her in a very comfortable way - O Goddess, to date no one has exercised such an austere penance. Only you could have done it. This wonderful deed is being praised in all four quarters. Your desire will be fulfilled. You will have a decidedly Shiva as your divine consort. Now stop doing fine and go home. Your father would soon come back to you to take.

This second aspect of Durga Brahmachaini are able to provide endless benefits. By worshiping her, the person keeps in mind to do penance, to give up, peace, ethics and restraint in itself. Even in the most critical periods of battle the mind remains unshaken, and he does not deviate from the path of duty. By the grace of MAA Brahmacharini he gets success and victory always. On the second day of Durgapuja is Brahmacharini aspect of MAA goddess Durga, who is worshiped. This way the mind of the writes are moving upward, based in Swadhisthana Chakra. The Yogi, who makes his mind to stay in this chakra, you affection and blessings of the goddess.

Third Day Pooja

The third aspect of the goddess Durga is Chandraghanta. The third day of Navaratra worship her Vigraha (picture) worship. This aspect of the Goddess gives extreme peace and provides ultimate good. She has half moon on her forehead in the form of a bell. That is why she called Chan Pull Hanta. The hue of her body is golden light. She has ten arms. In her ten hands, she holds weapons like swords and the like, , And missiles, as arrows etc. Her vehicle is lion. She is always in a gesture as if ready to fight. Her roaring voice is like a tumultuous sound of a bell that always gets the gruesome Danava, daityas and Raksasas-all to tremble.

Maa Chandraghanta

In the worship of Durga Navaratra the third day worship is of great importance. This day the spirit of the striver enters Manipura Chakra. At this stage, by the grace of MAA Chandraghanta he is capable of seeing unearthly and divine things. He smells the divine fragrance and many types of divine sound become audible to him. On this day, and at this stage of discipline is necessary Strive to be most careful.

By the grace of Maa Chandraghanta writes all sins are burnt up and obstacles removed. Her praise is immediately fruitful. She is always in a gesture as if ready to proceed to the battlefield, and thus she removes the difficulties of fans very quickly. Her vehicle is lion and so her worshiper is valorous and fearless like a lion. The sound of her bell always protects her devotees from evil spirits. As soon writes invokes her, her bell immediately becomes active and begins to call to protect the devotee under her shelter.

Even if she keeps her always busy in killing and suppressing the evil, but to her supporters and admirers she sees the most calm, gentle and peaceful. A very good quality, developed in her devotees who worship her, it writes cultivates bravery and fearlessness accompanied by serenity and humility. His face, eyes and entire body becomes brilliant. His voice becomes divinely sweet. Where the devoted worshipers of MAA Chandraghanta go, they spread peace and blessings among the people. From the body of such STRIVE there is always an invisible radiation of divinely illuminated atoms. The divine action is outside the perceiving capacity of physical eyes, but writes himself and his associates go on experiencing this reality now and then.

By purifying his mind, words, actions and body through prescribed manner we should worship the MAA Chandraghanta and take shelter under her feet. Through worship her, we can get rid of all worldly sorrows, and achieve the highest goals spontaneously. We should always try to advance the path of spiritual discipline by contemplating on the holy image of the MAA. Contemplating on her, we can achieve the everyday perfection and ultimate good in the other world.

Fourth Day Pooja

Kusmanda is the fourth phase of MAA Durga. (Ku + Usma + Anda) - that's how the word is derived. "KU" means "little", "USMA" is heating, heat or energy and "Spirit: The cosmic egg or universe. "That's whose fraction of heat from the universe evolved. So it is rightly called Kusmanda.

Maa Kusmanda

Then it was just a void full of darkness, at the time, even when time was not there, MAA Kusmanda created the universe with her Sankalpa as a mental projection. Before her birth, there was neither Sat or Asat.

She is domiciled in the inner part of the Surya-Loka. She could live alone and nobody else. Hue and luster of her body also is just as the sun glowing and brilliant, incomparable with any other god or goddess, he is his own game. All the ten quarters is illustrated by her brilliance. What splendor is seen in the world in living beings or objects is simply a reflection of its splendor.

She has eight arms. So Astbhuja name. In her seven hands she holds Kamandalu, bow, arrow, lotus, a jar of nectar, discus, mace, respectively. In her eighth hand, rosary in a position to provide eight siddhis and nine Nidhis. Her car is lion. Kusmanda in Sanskrit stands for pumpkins, which she likes most as a sacrificial offerings. So she too is Kusmanda.

On the fourth day of Navratra is Kusmanda worshiped. This day the minds of STRIVE enter and stay in the Anahata Cakra. So the pursuer is needed on this aspect of the Maa meditate with a steady mind and worship her deliberately. As a result of her worship devotees get rid of all ailments and sorrows. On life, name, strength and health is increasing. The MAA Kusmanda is easy to reconcile. If someone surrenders before her guilelessly, he is sure to reach her Supreme abode.W We should worship her in befitting manner described in Sastre and be a true fan of her. Subsequent writes have supernatural beliefs, and he feels her grace. This wretched world transformed him into a divine place. Her worship is the best and easiest way to the mire of the world to stabbing. As an aspirant should worship him for his everyday as well as spiritual success.

Fifth Day Pooja

The fifth aspect of Maa Durga is known as Skandamata. She is the MAA of Kumara or Skanda or Kartikeya, who was chosen by the gods as their commander in the war against the demons. His glory has been narrated in Puranas, and he referred to as Kumara and Saktidhar. His vehicle is peacock he called Mayuravahana.

Maa Skandamata

This is the MAA of Skanda Skandamata them. She is especially worshiped on the fifth day of Navaratra. This day Strive mind when Visuddha Cakra and stays there. In her picture the Lord Skanda in his infant form is always found. She holds him in her lap.

This Maa Goddess has four arms. She has Lord Skanda in his right upper arm and a lotus flower in her right lower hand, which is slightly raised upwards. The left arm in a pose and Boon in the bottom left hand which is raised grant lotus holds them back. The hue of her body is very light. She sits on the lotus flower, so she called Padmasana.

The writings are very eloquent in glorifying the fifth day of Navaratra period. As the mind of the aspirant, on this day, is in Visuddha Cakra. Then all his actions both internal and external completely stop and the mind devoid of all thought-waves are calm as a wave less ocean. That would be promoting the state of pure consciousness. It is completely immersed in the meditation of Maa padmasana, devoid of all worldly thoughts or coats of Maya. This is the time when the aspirant should be prudent and careful in the way of his Sadhana.

The worship of the goddess in the form of Skandamata, the devotee gets all his wishes fulfilled. He starts to taste the supreme joy even in this very mortal world. Gateway to salvation for him is spontaneously opened. Her worship includes automatic worship of Lord Skanda in his child form. Only she got from this place of honor. So writes should pay special attention to her worship. If the god of the sun god, she gives an unusual brilliance and charisma to her dedicated. He is always surrounded by an invisible divine halo, which are always sticks to his' Yoga-Ksema.

We must therefore try very sincerely to take refuge under her. There is no better way across the swamp of this worldly existence.

Sixth Day Pooja

The sixth form of MAA Durga is known as Katyayani. The legend about her name is as follows- There was a great sage named Kata. His son was Katya. In its descent Katyayana was a sage worldwide reputation. He practiced severe penance for several years to get it must be propitiated goddess. He had a keen desire in his heart to be the goddess in the form of his daughter. The MAA was happy to accede to his request.

Maa Katyayani

After some time when high-handedness of Mahisasura, the demon, crossed every limit, the trinity of gods-Brahma, Vishnu and Siva, got infuriated and they created a goddess by apportioning some of their glory to destroy the demon . The first way Katyayana had the privilege to worship her, so she called Katyayani.

Another story tells that she did take birth as his daughter. She was born on the 14th dark of the month Asvins. Accepted worship of Katyayana for three days-e.g. on 7^th, 8^th and 9th the bright fortnight in the same month and killed the demon on Vijayadasami.

She remains steadfast in granting wishes to the devotees. The Braj maidens adored this very goddess with a desire to have Sri Krishna as her husband. She is an established deity of Braja area. Her form is very divine and radiant. Her complexion is golden bright and brilliant. She is forced to use weapons. Her right upper hand is in a position to allay all fears and the lower one is in a position to provide blessing. In her left upper hand she holds a sword and a lotus flower adorns her lower left hand. Her vehicle is lion.

On the sixth day Navaratra it's her Katyayani form that is cultivated. The day the mind of Strive stays in Ajna Cakra. In the Yogic discipline Ajna Cakra is of greatest importance. His mind staying in Ajna Cakra the writes is a complete surrender and offer themselves to the goddess and then such a devotee very easily gets direct sight of the MAA Katyayani. All the four objects-Dharma, Artha, Kama and moksa is in the range of a Sadhaka who worship MAA Katyayani with devotion and faith. Even living on a mundane plane the devotee is equipped with an unearthly beauty and influence. He becomes immune to all diseases, sorrows and fears etc. There is no better and easier way than the worship of MAA Katyayani for the destruction of sins accumulated in previous lives. Her worship is always in close company and becomes fit for the top stay.

Seventh Day Pooja

Kaladatri form of MAA Durga is her seventh form in the sequence of Navaratra worship. Her bodily complexion is that of thick, dark and black. She has matted hair. A necklace flashing lightning adorns her neck. She has three eyes, which is circular in shape as cosmic egg, which always feed the rays shining like lightning. Terrible flares up when she inhales or exhales air through her nostrils. Her car is a donkey. Her raised right hand always seems to give Boons to everyone. Her right lower hand is in the pose of reducing anxiety. Her left upper hand with a thorn-like weapon made of iron and in the lower left hand is a dagger.

Maa Kaladatri

A form of Maa, Kaladatri is extremely scary to watch but she is always beneficial effect. That is why she is otherwise known as Subhankari (do good). So believers need not feel any fear from her.

On the seventh day of Navaratra worship of Kaladatri formal requirements by the scriptures. This day the spirit of the pursuer reaches Sahasrara Cakra. To such a STRIVE door for all the siddhis of the universe begins to open. This day Sadhaka with all his abilities have been identified with MAA Kaladatri. As a result of her direct vision the devotee is fit fairly serve all the virtues. All his sins and obstacles in his way is completely destroyed. He reaches the homes, which are the fruit of unfailing virtue.

The Maa, Kaladatri destroy the wicked. Danava, Daitya, Raksasa, Bhuta, Preta and all other evil spirits are scared and run away as soon as the devotee remembers Kaladatri. She is also the remover of evil planetary effects. Her lover has no fear of fire, water, wild creatures, hostile or night. Of grace of her remains, he always unmindful of fear.

By keeping her form in the heart and meditate on her, the devotee must worship her determinedly. He should note all yamas, niyamas and Samyamas (all rules and regulations). Purification of the mind, words and body is important in worship her. She is Subhankari. The auspicious effects from her worship are innumerable.

Eight days Pooja

The eighth power MAA Durga is Mahagauri. Her complexion is very fair. So it's similarised with conch, moon and the Kunda flower. She is supposed to be eight years old, always –

Maa Mahagauri

All her clothes and jewelry are also white. She has four arms. Her vehicle is a bull. Her right upper hand is in the pose of allaying fear and right lower hand holds a trident in it. The left upper hand holds a Damaru and the bottom is in the bag to give the blessing. Her appearance is very calm and serene.

In her Parvati as she practiced the severest possible penance with a desire to have Lord Shiva as her divine consort. She took a vow.

The severe penances her body was black. Lord Siva was pleased in the end. He himself washed her body with the holy water of Ganga. As her complexion had turned into a bright one like lightning. Since then, she was known as Mahagauri.

And worship of Mahagauri recommended for the eighth day of Navaratra Puja. Her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful. All sins of devotees are washed away with the result of her worship. Even accumulated sins are destroyed and in future no sins or sufferings come to him. He may be treated in all respects and becomes fit for inexhaustible virtues.

The meditation or remembrance or worship of Mahagauri is blessing the devotees in every way. We should always meditate upon her. Divine Siddhis are obtained from her grace. A devotee should always meditate on her lotus-feet-sided. She completely removes the pain of her devotees. As a result of her worship the affected adherents may even be impossible made possible. So, everyone should try all means to get shelter under her feet. The Puranas are full of stories glorifying her. She channels the thought waves of the followers of the path of virtue and destroy Asat.

Ninth day Pooja

The last among the nine forms of Durga are Siddhidatri MAA. She is capable of all sorts of occult powers. According to Markandeya Purana there are eight types of these powers - Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Isitwa and Vasitwa. And according Brahmavaivarta Purana, Sri Krishna janma Khand is the number of eighteen who are in-

Maa Siddhidatri

The MAA Siddhidatri is competent enough to provide all Siddhis to contend verse and her supporters. According to Devi Purana Lord Siva acquired these powers only by the grace of this goddess alone. Only because of her grace of Lord Shiva was Ardhanariswara. Siddhidatri The MAA is four-armed. Her vehicle is lion. She sits on a lotus flower. She has a Cakra in her right lower hand and a club in the top. The left side there is a shell in her left hand and a lotus flower. On the ninth day of Navaratra Puja she is worshiped. This day in a prescribed manner and with his full faith Sadhaka'en acquires all the siddhis. That remains something unattainable in the universe. He develops the skills to conquer the entire universe.

It is the duty of every person always trying to appease MUST Siddhidatri and earn her favor. By her grace only a devotee crosses the ocean of misery and the remaining completely untainted, enjoying all worldly pleasure obtains moksa eventually.

Among the nine Durga Siddhidatri is the last. Having grown eight Durga in an appropriate manner on the ninth day devotees undertake her worship. Upon completion of the Siddhidatri's devotees worship and irregular verse get their wish worldly or otherworldly fulfilled. The most important thing is that there is still no such requests in a favorite fan of Siddhidatri as he might wish to meet. To fan transcends all material desires and needs. Spiritually he is moving in the divine abode of Devi and always drinks the nectar of her favor. He is completely devoid of lust and pleasure. The absolute presence of the goddess is the only goal of their actions. After the acquisition, this position is still nothing for him to claim.

Navaratri Story

Story associated with Navratri can be found in various Hindu religious texts like Markandeya Purana, Vamana Purana, Varaha Purana, Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, Devi Bhagavatam and Kalika Purana. The story of Navratra is the symbolic message that, however brilliant and powerful evil being, at the end it is the good wins over all the evil. Report is associated with Maa Durga and Mahisasura, the buffalo headed demon.

The story begins in the life of two sons of Danu called Rambha and carried out by extreme asceticism Karambha that power and authority given. If their prayers grew deeper and austerities was exceptional, the king of heaven God Indra was perturbed. Out of fear, he killed Karambha. Rambha, who came to know about his brother's death, became more stubborn to win over the gods. He increased the intensity of austerities and finally got more Boons from the gods as great brilliance, beauty, invincibility in war. He also asked a special request not be killed by either humans or gods or Asuras.

He considered himself immortal and began roaming freely in the garden of Yaksha where he saw a female-buffalo and fell in love with her. To express his love, Rambha disguised in the form of a male-buffalo and copulated with the female buffalo. However, shortly after that there is a real male mating Rambha buffalo buffalo discovered by the side and killed him. That was because Rambha's inflated ego that killed him, which he has not asked for his death to be spared from the wrath of animals. If the stake of Rambha was organized, the female buffalo, who copulated with him jumped into the pyre of Rambha in order to prove her love. She was pregnant at the time. Then came the demon from the head of a buffalo and human body and he was called Mahisasura (Buffalo headed demon).

Mahishasura was extremely powerful. He defeated the gods and demons and acruierd power over the world. He even won over the sky and threw devtas beyond. He conquered the throne of Indra and declared himself to be the lord of the gods. Gods led by Brahma approached Vishnu and Shiva and evaluated them on the situation. To save the gods, came the three supreme gods light of anger, combined with taking the form of a terrible form and this was Durga. All the gods so given this goddess of power with all the top weapons they had. That is why Durga is called brilliance of all the gods.

When the goddess was seen by Mahishasura, he was mesmerized by her beauty. She then fell in love with her and proposed to marry her. The goddess said she will marry him if he defeated her in battle. Then began an eerie and terrible struggle between the two over, which lasted nine days. Finally, the last day, Durga took the form of Chan Dike and stood over the chest of Mahishasura and crushed him with his foot. She then pierced his neck with her spear and cut off his head with her sword. This is the day that is celebrated Vijayadashmi.

Dolyatra / Dolotsav

2011-03-20T10:40:00.000+05:30

Dolyatra, or Dolotsav, is popularly known as the Holi of Bengal and it is celebrated on full moon day of the Bengali months Phalgun. As the festival takes place in the spring season, it is also known as Basant Utsav or Vasant Utsav.
The legend says that Lord Krishna expressed his love for Radha on full moon night on Dolyatra day. One of the most famous paintings of Radha and Krishna is the full moon night in the spring.

As in Holi, is celebrated with colors Dolyatra. Festival begins by paying respect to the dead ancestors. People add small amount of colored powder (phaag) pictures of pictures of dead ancestors. Next they take the blessing of the elders by providing some color on the feet. Elders bless the youngsters by putting some color on the forehead. The muted celebration ends at home and so that people venture into the streets and throwing colors on all the streets.

All people, regardless of age and social status participate in the festival. Numbers on the immortal love of Krishna and Radha are sung on the occasion. Other songs include the nature's splendor.
Dolyatra festival is of great importance in Shantiniketan. This is a big event here and the preparations for the celebration starts in advance. Festival This is in accordance with Basanta Utsav and it was initiated by Rabindranath Tagore.

Holi Festival

2011-03-09T17:18:00.000+05:30

Holi, one of the very important Hindu festivals, is a lively fiesta that is often associated with India. This is one of the very important festival of Hindus, some are Diwali and Rakshabandhan. Holi celebrates the spirit of life which is happiness and merriment. This festival is about to let go of what has happened and enjoy life with friends and family. Liveliness of spring takes its heights, when the colors and flowers swathe the courtyards and streets across the country. This is a colorful festival celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm all over northern India. The most famous Holi is played in Vrindavan-Mathura region in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Holi is a festival usually celebrated after winters in the month of Phalgun according to the Hindu calendar, 'Holi' is the Thanksgiving feast of India, where people can offer "hola" or prayer to the Almighty for good harvest and an abundant season. Holi has a theme of universal brotherhood and the sacred bonfires that are burned on the previous night to remind us of the value of genuine faith and devotion to God. The romantic teasing of young hearts to remind us of the love of pranks of Radha and Krishna. Holi is one of the noisiest festivals celebrated with full of zeal and enthusiasm.

Mythology of Holi (Hindu)

The legend commemorated by the festival Holi involves an evil king named Hiranyakashipu. He forbade his son Prahlad from the worship of Vishnu, but Radhu continued to offer prayers to God. Getting angry with his son, Hiranyakashipu challenged Prahlad to sit on a bonfire with his wicked aunt Holika who was thought to be immune to fire. (In an alternate version, put herself and Prahlad Holika at the stake on the orders of his brother). Prahlad accepted the challenge and prayed to Vishnu to keep him safe. When the fire started, everyone watched in amazement as Holika burned to death, while Prahlad survived without a scar to show for it. Burning Holika is celebrated as Holi. According to some accounts, Holika begged Prahlad for forgiveness before her demise, and he decreed that she would be remembered every year on Holi.

Festival of Holi is also associated with the persistent love between Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu) and Radha and Krishna in general. According to legend, the young Krishna complained to his mother Yashoda about why Radha was so fair and he so dark. Yashoda advised him to apply color on Radha's face and see how her complexion would change. Because of this associated with Krishna, Holi is extended over a longer period in Vrindavan and Mathura, two cities which Krishna is closely affiliated.K Krishna devotees find anywhere special meaning of joy, as general frivolity is considered to be in imitation of Krishna playing with Gopis (wives and daughters of cow-keeper).

Holi rituals and customs

Holi is spread over 2 days (it used to be five, and in some places it is longer). The whole holiday is associated with a loosening of social restrictions normally associated with caste, gender, status and age. Holi thus bridges social gaps and brings people together: Employees and employers, men and women, rich and poor, young and old. Holi is also characterized by the relaxation of social standards of polite behavior and the resulting general atmosphere of licentious festivities and obscene language and behavior . A common saying heard during Holi is “Bura after mano, Holi hai” (do not feel offended , it's Holi ).

On the evening of the first day of Holi is a public bonfire held to commemorate the burning of Holika. Traditional Hindu boys spend the weeks prior to Holi combing the neighborhood for any waste wood they can find the fire. The fire is lit sometime between 10 pm and midnight (at the rise of the moon), generally not in an orderly manner. Everybody gathers in the street for the event, and the air rings with shouts, whistles, curses and general mayhem.

The central ritual of Holi is the throwing and applying of colored water and powders on friends and family, making the holiday its common name "Festival of Colors." "This ritual is said to be based on the above story of Krishna and Radha, and playfully splashed Krishnas of the girls with water, but also celebrates the arrival of spring with its beautiful colors and vibrant life.

In Bengal, Holi is the Dolayatra (Swing Festival), where images of gods are placed on specially decorated platforms and trailers swinging replace them. In the meantime, women dance around and sing special songs as men spray colored water on them.

Mahashivratri

2011-03-02T13:42:00.000+05:30

Mahashivratri Festival

Meaning of MahaShivratri is the night time of Shiva, and ceremonies are pre-arranged mainly at night time. Shivratri is a festival celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha (as per Shalivahana or Gujarati Vikrama) or Phalguna (as per Vikrama) in the Hindu Calendar (that is, the night before and day of the new moon). The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva.

The day mahashivratri dedicated people observe the fast and take fruit and milk and worship of Lord Shiva day and night. Perform detailed puja to Siva and perform Rudrabhisheka. Chant various hymns & bhajan of Lord Shiva. All Shiva temples is quite apparent and there are lots of followers queuing up to get darshan of Lord & offer his bow is at the foot of Lord Shiva on this special day. On this day, the full benefit of principle to obtain Lord Shiva, one must chant "Om Namah Shivaya 'as many as possible.

Significance of Shivaratri for Women

Shivratri is considered especially beneficial for women. Married women pray for the welfare of their husbands and family, while unmarried women pray for an ideal husband like Shiva, who is the spouse of Kali, Parvati and Durga. "But it is generally assumed that anyone who speaks the name of Shiva during Shivratri with pure devotion is freed from all sins. He or she reaches the abode of Shiva and is liberated from the cycle of birth and death.