At Ganga-Sagar an inland emerges by the grace of
deity Varun, which remains for a week and ultimately gets submerged into
the sea. The scriptures narrate about the greatness of taking a holy dip
on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. After taking the bath it is
customary to eat food articles prepared from sesame seeds and 'Kichadi'
(rice and pulse cooked together). Making donation of sesame seed is also
considered as very auspicious.
Makar Sankranti usually comes in the Hindu month of 'Magha'.
The term 'Magha' is derived from the sanskrit word 'Magh' which means
wealth i.e. gold, silver, apparels, ornaments etc. This month has been
named as 'Magha' because it is considered to be the month of making
donations of the above mentioned things.
In Punjab people celebrate it as 'Lohadi' a day
before 'Makar-Sanskranti'. On this day the people of Punjab offer maize,
'Revadi' (prepared from sesame seeds), in the fire, amidst the singing
of folk songs.
In Gujarat and Maharashtra people decorate their
houses with 'Rangoli'. They eat food prepared from sesame seeds and
jaggery. There is a saying in Maharashtra connected with this day which
goes as follows- 'TIL GUD GHYA ANI GARUD GARUD BOLA.'
Meaning; (Take sesame and jaggery and speak sweetly.)
Women of Maharashtra attired in beautiful apparels
visit the houses of their relatives and friends, where they are welcomed
with 'Kheel' and 'Porridge'. The hosts honour them by applying 'Kumkum'.
The festival of Makar Sanskranti is celebrated as 'Pongal'
in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. On this occasion people decorate the
idols of deities. Cultural programmes are organised to mark this
occasion. 'Pongal' (Khichadi) is offered to the deities and then it is
taken as prasadam.
During the ancient time, the third stage of the study
of the Vedas commenced on this day. People used to send their wards to
the 'Gurukula' after performing the sacred thread ceremony of children.
On Vasant Panchami, which falls some days later, the worship of 'Saraswati'
signifies the importance of the commencement of new learning session.
In the south, people still continue with the
tradition of initiating their children into the study of Vedas, on this
day.
VASANT PANCHAMI (January)
On the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha (Waxing moon of
fortnightly) of the Magha month, coming of spring is celebrated. This is
known as Vasant Panchami.
During this flowering and blossoming season one can
listen distinctly to the kooing of the Koel (bird) and the entire
ambiance becomes very beautiful. On this day one should dress up in
beautiful attire and worship Lord Vishnu.
On this day Brahmins should be offered food.
Pitru-Tarpan (liberation of deceased ancestors) can also be performed on
this day. One can also worship Goddess Saraswati.In the coming of
Spring, God of Love(Kamadev) and his wife Rati are also prayed and
worshipped on this auspicious occasion. It is on this day when Abeer and
Gulal are played with and songs of Holi are sung till Phalgun
Poornima.All rejoice while celebrating this auspicious occasion.
HOLI (March)
Holi, which falls on the full moon day, in the Hindu
month of 'Falgun', is the last major festival of the year. People
celebrate this festival with enthusiasm and without making any
discrimination between rich and poor, high and low.
It is very difficult to state, when this festival
started, but the name of 'holikotsav' had been mentioned even in the
Vedas and the Puranas. So 'holikotsav' has been celebrated since the
Vedic period. During the ancient time, oblation was offered to the
sacred fire of the Holi, amidst the chanting of the Vedic mantra.This
mantra was chanted with the specific wish of destruction of the demon.
On this very day Vaishwadev oblation commenced in which offerings of
wheat, gram and Oat were made to the sacrificial fire.
In Sanskrit language, the fried cereals are called
'Holka'. Holikotsav is named after it. Even today we continue with the
tradition of offering wheat and oat into the Holika fire.
In due course of time, the form of this festival got
transformed, due to numerous social influences and ultimately ended up
in the form as we celebrate it today.
According to the Narad Puran, this day is celebrated
in the memory of Prahlad's victory and the defeat of his father's-sister
'Holika'. Hiranyakashipu - the father of Prahlad has instructed his
sister Holika to sit in the burning fire with Prahlad in lap. She was
blessed a boon, as a result of which no fire could burn her. But the
opposite happened, Prahlad survived and Holika was charred to death.
Thus 'holi' is celebrated to commemorate the victory of virtue over
evil.
There is also an another incident related with the
celebration of 'Holi', which has been mentioned in the 'Bhavishya Puran'.
During the reign of king Raghu, people were tormented by a giant named 'Dhundha'.
Sage Vashishth advised them to terrorize her by burning fire at as many
places as they could. Thus they got rid of the giant. Even today we see
children making mischief on the day of 'holikotsav.
The mention of this festival in Jaimini Mimansa goes
to prove its antiquity. A stone incription belonging to 300 BC found at
Ramgarh in the province of Vindhya, had mentioned of Holikotsav on it.
King Harsha has mentioned about holikotsav in his work Ratnavali that
was written during the 7th century.
The famous Muslim tourist - Ulbaruni too has
mentioned about holikotsav in his historical memories. Other Muslim
writes of that period have mentioned, that holikotsav were not only
celebrated by the Hindus but also by the Muslims.
Thus we see that the tradition of celebrating
holikotsav has been continuing since Vedic period without any hindrance.
This festival unites all the Indian's in a tremendous way.
Holi is the festival of the colours. But very few
people are aware of the impacts the colours have on our body and on our
health.
Western-Physicians and doctors believe that for a
healthy body, colours too have an important place besides the other
vital elements. Deficiency of a particular colour in our body causes
ailment, which can be cured only after supplementing the body with that
particular colour.
On Holi, people after enjoying themselves with the
colours, take bath and then go to meet their relatives and friends.
Discrimination is not made even with the enemy. The concept of enemy
does not exist on this day. There is no difference between rich and poor
on this day.
The concept of New Year (Samvatsar) varies in the
different provinces of our country. In some provinces, the month
commences from the 'Krishna-Paksha' on the other hand in some provinces
it commences from 'Shukla-Paksha'. For the former the year ends on
'Purnima' of the month of Phalgun. The new years begins next day -
Chaitra, 1st day of the Krishna Paksha. For them on this day the last
year has died. For this reason in some provinces like Bihar and UP.
Holika dahan is also called 'Samvatsar dahan? On this day all the
bitterness and evil memories of the last year are burnt in the fire and
the New Year is begun with a celebration.
RAM NAVAMI (April)
Ram Navami is celebrated in the Hindu month of
Chaitra and on the ninth day of the bright lunar phase, to commemorate
the birth anniversary of Sri Ram. The incarnation of Sri Ram
materialized on this very day, to show the path of virtuosity and truth
to the mankind, who had lost its way by establishing the high standards
of moral values and ideals. Sri Ram - the founder of Ram Rajya faced al
the problems of life with courage and righteousness.
Ramayan contains descriptions of all types of
relation, which a man normally has in his life, like teacher-student,
mother-father, Brother-sister in law, Husband-wife, friend-enemy,
master-servant etc. The incidents described in Ramayan contain such high
moral-value and ideals that they seems unbelievable and imaginary, but
the fact remains that they are undoubtedly true.
Ram Navami is our national and cultural festival. In
the present time, when there is a tendency of greed, selfishness
prevalent among the common people, when the relation between family
members has reached its lowest ebb, Ram Navami inspires us to reach that
highest & idealistic pedestal, which was occupied by Sri Ram.
HANUMAN JAYANTI (April)
The birthday of Hanuman - the supreme devotee of Sri
Ram is celebrated on full moon day of the bright lunar phase, in the
Hindu month of Chaitra.
The most powerful and valiant Hanuman who was also
the gem of the scholars has been an inspiration for all of us since time
immemorial. Because of his phenomenal strength and power, Hanuman is
revered by the wrestlers.
Hanuman's bravery is unmatched. This is the reason
why government of India has named the bravery award on him i.e. Mahavir-Chakra.
Being inspired by Hanuman's phenomenal valiance, the supreme warrior
Arjun, had established him on the flag of his chariot.
Hanuman is not only brave but he is also an example
of supreme loyality and faithfulness, which he had towards his master -
Sri Ram. If a man worships Hanuman and takes his refuge, then he will be
able to have darshan of Sri Ram in no time - just like Tulsidas.
When Sri Ram met Hanuman for the first time he was
very impressed by his knowledge. He told Laxman-"O Laxman, it seems this
person (Hanuman) has thoroughly studied the grammar. That is the reason
why he did not pronounce incorrectly even a single word, during such a
long conversation with me."
Hanuman's high degree of knowledge can be understood
from the following incident.
Once Sri Ram asked Hanuman as to who he was. Hanuman
replied by saying-
"If you consider me just as the possessor of my
physical body, then I am your servant. If you consider me as a soul then
I am your 'Ansha' (part). My belief is based on the fact that my
existence is not different from you in any way."
On Hanuman Jayanti the various games which are based
on strength and power are organised, along with the traditional worship
of Hanuman. People are made to understand the phenomenal character of
Hanuman - the unmatched warrior of the Indian history, so that they are
able to serve the country with fearlessness and without considering
their own self-interest. Hanuman's virtuosity, valiance, discipline and
celibacy can prove to be an asset for any society or country.
RATH YATRA (July)
Rath yatra is observed on Aashad Shukla Dwitiya. On
this day in Pushya Nakshatra a chariot of Subhadra and the Lord is
paraded. This festival is celebrated in many parts of India, but the
pomp and gaiety in Jagannathpuri is definitely worth watching.
JagannathPuri is one of the 4 most important
religious places in India. Here we have even the Govardhan Peeth
established by Shankaracarya. The main deity to be worshipped here is
Lord Jagannath and this deity is the main centre of attraction. One can
see a lot of crowd on this day. People from every corner of India come
to see the idols of the Gods being paraded and seek their blessings.
The chariot of Lord Jagannath is 45 feet tall, 35
feet long and 36 feet bride, 16 wheel, 6 feet diameters are fixed to the
chariot. The chariot of Balbhadra 44 feet tall and has 14 wheels. The
chariot of Subhadra is 43 feet tall and it has 12 wheels. Every year new
chariot is built. 4200 people pull the chariot and other than these
others men-women devotees do pull these chariots.
The Lord stays for 3 days in Lanakpur there itself he
meets Goddess Laxmi. After this the Lord return backs and is placed on
his original position.
RAKSHA BANDHAN (August)
Among the Indian festivals, Raksha Bandhan is
considered as a very important and historical festival. According to the
Bhavishya Puran. Sachi - the wife of Indra had tied a protection -thread
on the wrist of Indra, which had been purified by the mantras. This
protection thread had made Indra invincible from his enemies. This very
protection thread had also enabled Indra to defeat his enemies.
Since then, this great festival has been celebrated
every year, on the full moon day, in the Hindu month of Shravan,
reminding us of great tradition. Hindus have been progressing steadily
on the path of life, by attaining neo energy, no faith and neo-strength.
According to the Bhavishya Puran
SARVAROGOPSHAMANAM SARVASHUBH VINASHANAM;
SAKRITKRITEBDAMEKAM YEN RAKSHA KRITA BHAVET
Meaning - The protection thread worn on this
festival, destroys all the diseases and inauspiciousness. The person
gets protected for the whole year.
YEN BADHDO BALI RAJA DANVENDRO MAHABALAH TEN TWAM
PRATIBADHNAMI RAKSHE! MA CHAL! MA CHAL!
Meaning: The objective for which, the king of the
demons - Mahabali had been tied with the protection thread, in the same
way, O protection thread, I am tying you for the same objective.
(While making donation to lord Vishnu-incarnated as
Vaman, king Bali was not affected the least i.e. he donated everything
without any hesitation, because he had tied protection thread on his
self.)
Sacred Festival of the Brothers & Sisters
During the time of foreign-rule, when the Hindu
religion was passing through its darkest phase - when the double-edged
darkest phase - when the double-edged swords of the Mughal were causing
destruction to our civilization and culture by dishonouring our mothers
and sisters, then it was only Rakshabandhan which boosted the morale of
the Hindus by enthusing new inspiration.
Raksha bandhan, which is commonly known as Rakhi, was
the symbol of love between the husband and wife during the ancient time.
The same Rakhi turned into a symbol of love-bond between the brother and
a sister in due course of time. During the Mughal period, Rajput women
when threatened by the aggressors, requested for help from their Rajput
brother to save their honour, by sending Rakhi to them. These brave
Rajput men felt honoured and even gave up their lives to safeguard the
honour of their sisters. These 'raw-threads' used to enthuse tremendous
enthusiasm and power as soon as they got tied on the wrists of the
brothers.
This tradition is still continuing and Rakshabandhan
is celebrated with great enthusiasm by brothers and sisters.
GANESH CHATURTHI (September)
Ganesh Chaturthi is known as Bhadrapada Shukla
Chaturthi. Early in the morning after completing ones ablutions one
should make a beautiful platform and place the idol of Ganeshji on it.
One should worship the idol in the sixteen ceremonial methods/ steps and
should sing devotional songs. One should offer Laddoos to Ganeshji on
this occasssion. After the worship (pooja) one should offer Brahmins
Laddoos and donate gifts etc. At night after moon rise one should
worship the moon god and then offer water (Arghya).
After this the Brahmins should be offered food and
after this one should partake laddoos. After giving Brahmins gifts one
should discharge the idol of Ganeshji in the sea.
In Maharashtra the festival of Ganeshji Chaturthi is
celebrated with pomp and gaiety. Here the idol of Ganeshji is kept for
1½, 3, 5, 7 or 9 days and is worshipped according to the scriptures. One
who worships the idols for many days accordingly does the Visarjan
(discharge). The day of the final discharge (Visarjan) is Anant
Chaturdashi.
VIJAY DASHAMI (September)
Vijayadashami is considered to be an auspicious day
for the Indian householder, on which he worships, protects and preserves
'Shakti' (power). By worshipping the 'Shakti' according tot the methods
as written in the scriptures, on these nine-days (Navratra) the
householders attains the threefold powers i.e. physical, mental and
spiritual, which helps him to progress in life without any difficulty.
Some nine lakh years ago Sri Ram had proceeded on his
mission of killing Ravan, after attaining powers by the worship of
goddess Shakti for nine days. The world knows that Sri Ram became
victorious in this battle and Ravan was killed along with his whole
clan. The victory of Sri Ram over Ravan symbolises the victory of
virtuosity and morality over unrighteousness and immorality the victory
of justice over injustice.
Hindus remember the great deeds of Sri Ram even today
in the form of Ramleela and by burning the effigies of Ravan. By burning
the effigies of Ravan the Hindus show to the world that no matter how
powerful an immortal person is, it gets destroyed ultimately.
AASHVINASYA SITE PAKSHE DASHAMYAM TARKODAYE; SA KALO
VIJAYO GYEYAH SARVAKARYARTHSIDHDAYE.
SHRAVANARKSHE TU PUURNAAYAM KAKUTSTHAH PRASTHITIYATAH
ULLANGHAYEYUH TADDINARKSHE TATO NARAH.
Meaning: The auspicious time (Muhurta) - Vijay occurs
on the tenth day of the bright half of the lunar month in the Hindu
month of Ashwin. This auspicious time gives great accomplishment.
Because Sri Ram proceeded on his mission to defeat
Ravan on the tenth (Purnatithi) and which combined with the
constellation of 'Shravan'. This day is considered to be so auspicious
that a person can even cross all the limits to achieve success in any
field.
DIPAVALI
Dipavali has a special place among all the festivals
of India. The enthusiasm with which this festival is celebrated is not
visible in other festivals. Although Dipavali is our most ancient
festival, but it's greatest characteristic is, that it is not related
with any specific caste, class or province, rather it is an universal
festival. Indian's celebrate this festival in all types of circumstances
- during peace time, during war time, in their joyous times in their
sorrowful time etc.
Though the festival of Dipavali has undergone some
changes, in due course of time, yet it has continued to be celebrated
since the time immemorial. Even the 'storms' of the aggressors could not
extinguish the lamp of Dipavali.
People make preparation for Dipavali, weeks ahead by
cleaning their households. On the last day of the dark half of a lunar
month, and in the Hindu month of Kartik innumerable lamps illuminate the
dark night. Women, children, youth, old people worship goddess Laxmi
with devotion. They request goddess Laxmi to visit their homes. People
put on new clothes. They also purchase new utensils.
The business community commences their new year on
this day by worshipping Ganesh an Laxmi and maintaining new account
books.
It is difficult to state that, since when the
festival of Dipavali has been celebrating in its present form. In our
Country whose economy is based on agriculture, this festival was
believed to be started as the celebration of 'rituparva' thousands of
years ago. By this time the harvest of crops were complete. As a result
the people had not to worry about food for the rest of year. This joys
of their reflected ion the illumination of countless lamps.
In due course of time, numerous historical incidents
got connected with this festival. There are many tales in the Puranas
related with this festival.
There are difference of opinions in the Skand, Padm
and Bhavish Puran, regarding the origin of Dipavali. Somewhere it is
described, that this festival started being celebrated in joy, become
King Prithu had successfully exploited the means for extracting crops
and wealth from the earth. At other places it has been described that on
this day, goddess Laxmi manifested herself while the ocean was being
churned by the deities and the demon. Some are of the opinion that Lord
Krishna has killed the demon Narakasura on the fourteenth day of the
dark half of the lunar month, and liberated 16000 princesses kept under
his captive. So the next day which was the last day of the dark half of
a lunar month (Amavasya), people which was the last day of the dark half
of a lunar month (Amavasya), people celebrated diwali to show their joy
and happiness.
According to the Mahabharat when the Pandavas
returned from exile, people decorated their houses and made
celebrations. According to some hearsay's, people celebrated by
illuminating their houses on the occasion of Vikramaditya becoming an
emperor.
So it becomes clear, that people generally worshipped
Laxmi-Narayan to show their indebtedness, for being blessed with
prosperity. In due of time, many historical events too got connected
with it.
There is an interesting reason behind the worship of
goddess Laxmi on Dipavali. According to Sanatkumar-Sanhita, once Bali -
the king of demon had the whole world under his control. He put all the
deities including goddess Laxmi, in the prison. In the absence of Laxmi,
all the activities related with oblation came to a halt. On the request
of the deities, lord Vishnu in his incarnation of Vaman, free Laxmi from
Bali's captive. People expressed their joys by illuminating their houses
with burning lamps. Laxmi was especially worshipped as she had been
freed after a long period of captivity. This way the worship of goddess
Laxmi became a tradition which is sill being continued.
BHAIYYA DOOJ (October)
The festival of brother and sister Bhaiyya Dooj is
celebrated on the 2nd day of the Shukla Paksha of the Caitra Month, and
the 2nd day of Shukla Paksha of the Kartik Month.
On this day before afternoon itself worship is
performed. Those women who cannot move out of their homes they near the
door of the house make two small idols of ruddle which indicate brother
and sister in law and worship the idols with rice (parched), a mixture
of lime and turmeric (roli) and offer food to the idols.
After this, the door itself is worshipped and outside
just below the doorsteps, at the entrance and altar (Square shaped) of
Gobar (cow dung) is made. On the altar at every cornet there is one idol
of cow dung placed and in between one idol is placed, Domestic
commodities such as Hearth, grind mill, the pots are made of cow dung
are decorated and placed every where around.
At the doorstep the idol of brother and sister-in-law
are made. Firstly parched grains, mixture of lime and turmeric, incense
offerings are offered and the altar is worshipped and after that the
idols kept at the doorstep one worshipped and then a story is told,
After the story is over the women with the pestle say. Who ever are
jealous of my brother and are with intention to do bad, I will destroy
his fall with this pestle.
NAVRATRI (FESTIVAL OF NINE DAYS) (October)
The whole delusions of the world consists of nine
elements - 'Panchamahabhurt' (the fine basic & fundamental elements from
which the matter is made.) and four 'Antahkaran' (four types of
consciousness).
According to the Sadhakas, these nine elements
symbolize the nine forms of 'Shakti' or goddess Durga. This Shakti
prevails in the whole world. The same Shakti is known as 'Mahakali'
(which symbolises physical, strength & power), 'Mahalaxmi' (which
symbolises materialistic wealth and prosperity), and 'Mahasaraswati'
(which symbolises mental).
Eighteen days have been fined as the most auspicious
days, for the worship of three forms of Durga. Out of these eighteen
days, nine days come in the Hindu month of 'Vasant' (spring) and the
remaining nine-days fall in the Hindu month of 'Sharad' (Autumn). This
is the reason behind the importance of the number nine of the famous
Navratras.'
KANYA PUJAN (Worship of the girl child)
During the Navratra especially on the eighth day and
ninth day, worship of small girl-child is customary. The girl child is
worshipped with complete devotion, after purifying them by the chanting
of mantras and he is made to seat on a special pedestal. She is
worshipped by offering 'akshat' (rice grains) and by burning incense
sticks.
She is worshipped because, according to the
philosophy of 'Striyah Samastastava Devi Bhedah', women symbolize
'Mahamaya' (The goddess Durga). Even among these a girl child is
considered to be the purest, because of her innocence.
If the worshipper is desirous of acquiring knowledge
then he should worship a Brahmin girl child. If he is desirous of
acquiring power, then he should worship a Kshatriya-girl child.
Similarly if he is desirous of acquiring wealth and prosperity, then a
girl child belonging to a Vaishya family should be worshipped by him. If
a person is desirous of attaining Tantrik-power, Mohan (hypnotizing),
Uchchatan (causing hurdle in the path of other success), then he should
worship a shudra-girl-child.
This way a devotee of mother Jagdamba, contributes
his lot in the social integration, by having a provision of girl child
worship of all the four castes.
Scientific Explanations
The festival of Vijayadashami, nourishes all the
aspects of human life including religiousness, the aspects, spiritual
aspects and it also provide us with an opportunity for entertainment. No
other festival has such a combination of religion and politics, art and
culture, as the festival of Vijayadashmi.
When a devotee wakes up in the morning and takes a
bath in a nearby river or pond, then worships goddess 'Dashahara', it
helps him to destroy al the ten forms of sin.
This festival also in an occasion for family gets
together. After the worship of goddess Durga, receipt of 'Prasad',
strengthen the physical aspect of the devotee.
Watching the Ramleela in the evening gives mental
nourishment. It also inspires us to follow the ideal path of Sri Ram.
The burning of the effigy of Ravan warns us against evil conducts. Ravan
- who was killed by Sri Ram, some nine lakh years ago also strengthens
our belief, that no matter how powerful a sinful person becomes, he is
ultimately doomed to destruction.
The scriptural command for 'Seemolanghan (not being
tied down by the boundary) symbolizes progress. It inspires a man to
constantly try to make progress and not get tied down by restrictions.
A provision of tree-worship is also made on
Dashahara. This signifies the importance of the preservation of our
forest-wealth.
TULSI VIVAHA (November)
On the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha (Waxing moon of
fortnightly) of the Magha month, coming of spring is celebrated. This is
only known as Vasant Panchami.
During this flowering and blossoming season one can
listen distinctly to the kooing of the Koel (bird) and the entire
ambiance becomes very beautiful. On this day one should dress up in
beautiful attire and worship Lord Vishnu.
On this day Brahmins should be offered food.
Pitru-Tarpan (liberation of deceased ancestors) can also be performed on
this day. One can also see worship of Goddess Saraswati. The companion
of Spring, God of Love Kamadev and his wife Rati are also prayed and
worshipped on this auspicious occasion. It is on this day when Abeer and
Gulal are played with and songs of Holi are sung till Phalgun Poornima.
Because of the happiness and joyous it is obvious that we rejoice while
celebrating this auspicious occasion.
