Kajari Teej Teej is a festival which is observed by women all over the northern and western states of India with lot of devotion and much fanfare. Teej is the monsoon festival mostly celebrated by married women for the well being of their family members and husband and by unmarried women for getting a good husband. It is a festival which includes singing, dancing, telling stories, getting henna or mehendi in hands and wearing colorful clothes in red, green and yellow. Kajari Teej is often also known as Kajali Teej and Badi Teej. Kajri Teej is celebrated on the third day of the amavas in the Bhadrapada month according to traditional Hindu calendar and as p[er the Gregorian calendar it is observed in the month of August during the dark phase of the moon. Kajari Teej will be held on the 18th of August, Sunday in 2019. Mythological story behind Kajari Teej According to mythological stories, there was a dense forest in the central India called Kajali which was ruled by a benevolent and kind ruler called King Dadurai. However after his death, his wife, the beautiful queen Nagamati became a Sati that is burnt her own self to death. People all around the kingdom grieved deeply and the mournful songs are what came to be known as the Kajari songs. It is also believed that Goddess Parvati performed severe penance before she was accepted by Lord Shiva as his wife, she kept a penance for 108 years, when finally on a Bhadrapada month Lord Shiva accepted her and they got married. Parvati had blessed all the women saying that on this auspicious occasion whoever will pray to her and Lord Shiva will have their wishes fulfilled. Celebration of Kajari Teej For the celebration of Kajari Teej, swings are hung from trees as this being a special day, they will spend the day in various playful; and musical activities. Sattu and Pindaras are prepared a day ahead the celebration. Haldi powder or turmeric, mehendi, cucumber, flowers, jiggery, lamp, camphor, incense sticks, money etc are kept aside for offering for the puja. In the morning devotees in married women take 4 sattu or besan or gram flour laddoos in a plate along with some money. They then do the kalpana, puja and give the same to the mother in law or send it to the temple for puja. For the evening puja, the women wear the women wear yellow saree with red borders and swing on the make shift swing for 7 times. A branch of a Neem tree is erected on a plate with mud facing east. During the puja un boiled milk and water is poured on this Neem branch known as Neemadi. A song of Neemadi is sung, and after sighting the moon through a sieve puja is offered with kumkum, rice, gram flour etc. kajari songs are also sung on this auspicious occasion. Delicacies prepared on Kajari Teej There are many delicacies prepared for this beautiful occasion. Some of them are as follows – a Rajasthani sweet dish called Ghevar, Coconut Laddoo, Badam Ka Halwa etc. Vibrant festivities of Teej Teej is associated with gaiety, festivity and happiness. In Bundi in Rajasthan, Teej processions are taken out with the whole city being decorated for the day. A palanquin carried the idol of Devi Parvati along with numerous camels, elephants, folk dancers and musicians. Young girls perform various genres of dance like the Ghoomar, Kalbelia, BHavia etc. peacock dance is also famous on this occasion. Married women fast pray and sing songs for the benefit of their husbands and their families all throughout the night. A lamp is lit which is ensured to burn throughout the night. The married women positively wear Mehendi on that day. Exchange of various gifts is also an integral part of the Teej festival. Married women are gifted the Sindhara or Shringara containing jewellery, clothes, kumkum, sweets etc by their parents. Thus women, married and unmarried observe the Kajari Teej with great enthusiasm. The married women pray for the safety and welfare of their husbands, while the unmarried women aspire to have a good husband.
Gayathri Japam Gayathri Japam is an extremely auspicious and glorious day for the devotees practicing Hinduism. It is observed right after the Purnima of the month of Shravana as per traditional Hindu calendar. According tGregorian calendar the Gayathri Japam is observed after the full moon in the month of August. It is on this auspicious day that the Brahmins all over mostly in the southern states of India perform their Upakarma or the Avani Avittam ceremony with utmost dedication and chant the Gayatri mantra. During this Gayathri Japam ritual, Brahmins whwear the sacred thread or the ‘janeyu’ chant the Gayatri mantra 108 or 1008 times. In 2019, the date for the Gayathri Japam is August 16th, Friday. What is Gayathri Mantra? The Gayathri Mantra is as follows – “Om bhur bhuvah svah tat savitur varenyam; Bhargdevasya dheemahi dhiyynah prachodayat. “ The plain translation of the mantra will be as follows – Om – means the Brahman; Bhur – meaning the Bhuloka or the Physical Plane; Bhuvah – meaning Antariksha Svah; Svarga Loka or the place for divinity; Tat –means the Paramatma or the Divine; Savitur- means Isvara or the divine sun or Surya; Varenyam – meaning one whis Fit tbe worshipped; Bharg- meaning the Remover of sins and ignorance; Devasya – means the ultimate Glory or the Jnana Svaroopa, the Divine Grace; Dheemahi – means we meditate or contemplate; Dhiy- meaning Buddhi or Intellect; Y- means Which or Who; Nah – meaning Our; Prachodayat – means praying for the ultimate Enlightenment. Bhuh Bhuvah and Shah literally mean past, present and the future, and it is believed that by uttering these 3 mantras we illumine the three worlds. It can be translated as- thou absolute existence, the creator of the 3 worlds, our hearts are filled with darkness. Please remove this darkness and illumine our souls with true knowledge or intellect. Gayathri mantra is perhaps the most celebrated mantra amongst the Hindus. This is the mantra which precedes all other mantras chanted by the 3 Varnas or social classes of Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaisyas. The Smriti says that there is nsacrilege greater than the neglect of the Gayatri mantra as it is the mother of all mantras. According tthe Devi Bhagabatam, all the Gods torecite the Gayatri Mantra including Lord Brahma. How is the Gayathri Japam done? On the auspicious day, after the initial prayers and observances are done, the janeyu or the sacred thread is changed. With the discard of the previous sacred thread, it is believed that the devotee renounces all his past sins and misdeeds and takes a vow newly ttread the proper life and the sacred thread will protect him. After this the devotee has tchant the Gayatri Mantra 108 times or 1008 times tilluminate the dark recesses of his soul. What are the benefits of the Gayathri Japam? It is believed that Gayathri is the mother of all mantras, including the holy Vedas and the destroyer of all sins. There is little either in Heaven or Earth, than the chanting of the Gayathri Mantra. The Gayathri Japam yields the same result that the recitation of the four Vedas will bring. If the Gayathri is chanted thrice a day it destroys all evils and brings in Good, or Kalyan. It is said tbe the destroyer of 3 kinds of pain as the Avidya or ignorance, Kama or lust and Karma or misdeeds and is believed tbring in 4 types of Purushartha or prizes, which are Dharma or righteousness, Kama or the desired objects, Artha or wealth and Moksha or liberation or Salvation. Chanting of the Gayathri is said tliberate human beings from the endless cycle of births, deaths and rebirths.
Solar New Year Solar New Year is the beginning of the year which is ensued by the 12 other months. A solar calendar is nothing but a calendar that works around the position of earth while its revolution around the earth. The most popular example of a solar calendar is the Gregorian calendar. The period of time that Earth takes to make a complete round around the sun is 365 days, 5 hours and 48 minutes. History behind the solar calendar It was the sophisticated Egyptians who brainstormed a solar calendar, consisting of 12 months and 365 days, the months having 30 days each. But unfortunately they were unable to justify the extra 5 months and added it to the end of the year which made the functionalities difficult. Julius Caesar in 45 BC tried implementing the Julian calendar, however that too failed. In 1582 Pope Gregory xiii rectified the same and initiated the Gregorian calendar by omitting leap years that coincided with the centurial years that could not be divided by 400. The Solar Calendar The solar calendar begins with vernal equinox around the 21st of March. The 12 months corresponds with the sun going in the signs of the individual zodiac or rashis. The rashis are as follows – Myesha or the Ram Brisha or the Bull Mithun or the twins Karkata or the Crab Simha or the Lion Kanya or the Maiden Tula or the scales Brischika or the scorpion Dhanu or the bow Makar or the Crab Kumbha or the Pot Meena or the Fish New Year according to the Gregorian Solar Calendar According to the Gregorian calendar, which is a sun based or solar calendar, the New Year falls on the 1 st of January every year. People all over the worlds spend and celebrate this day amidst a lot of pomp and festivities to wish that the entire year to follow suit. The celebration in various regions The solar New Year is celebrated in various regions like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Bihar and Assam. The festivities all mark the movement of the Sun from the Meena Rashi to the Mesha Rashi. In Bihar this festivity is called Satuan, in Uttarakhand this is celebrated as Bikhoti Festival, in Kerala it is called the Vishu, in Assam this is known as the Bohag or the Rongili Bihu, Vaisakhi is what is celebrated in Punjab, in Odisha this is called Paana sankranti, in Tamil Nadu this is known as Puthandu and in West Bengal this festival is called the Poila Baisakh. Co-relation between Solar and Lunisolar calendar Traditional Hindu calendar is basically lunisolar. The first month of this lunisolar Hindu calendar corresponds with the solar month of Myesha, which begins on the 12th of April according to the Gregorian calendar. This New Year day is known as the Baisakhi and is also celebrated with much fanfare in various states.
Mesha Sankranti Mesha Sankranti is the day when according to the solar calendar, the omnipotent Sun leaving the Meen Rashi enters the Mesha Rashi of the zodiac, thereby starting a the new year. Therefore it is an important celebration according to the Hindu religion. Since it actually falls around the time of the Vernal equinox, it is also known as the Maha Vishuva Sankranti. Despite the event occurring around the vernal equinox which is in March 21st, this day is marked and observed in the month of April, sometimes around 13th or 14th of April. Regions which follow the Mesha sankranti Not all regions of India observe the Mesh Sankranti and follow suit. There are many regions of India who follow the lunar calendar and celebrate the initiation of their year as per the lunar calendar. Gudi Padwa in Maharastra, Cheti Chand of the Sindhis, Navroj of the Kashmiris etc are all lunar New Year celebrations. Thus the Mesh Sankranti is celebrated by various regions of India. In fact some parts of India, where Lunar calendar is followed also celebrated the Mesh Sankranti, which because of its juxtaposition in Vaisakha month is also called Vaisakha Sankranti. States like, Odisha, Bihar, Bengal, Kerala, Assam & Tamil nadu begin their traditional New Year from the Mesha Sankranti. Significance and Rituals followed in Mesha Sankranti This is the day when the Sun enters the Mesha rashi from the Meena Rashi Worshipping Lord Shiva, Goddess kali , Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu are supposed to be auspicious on this day A special drink called Pana, is consumed by the people in Odisha for this special occasion People go to pray in various temples on this day This festival indicates the end of the spring and the onset of summer Taking a holy dip at day break is auspicious on this day The Mesha Sankranti Festivals This day is considered to be an auspicious day for the Hindus, and many regions celebrated and welcome the traditional New Year on this day. Thus in most places it is considered to be holy taking a bath early in the mornings. Bihar In Bihar people take a holy dip to begin the day and then eat an admixture of Sattu and Jaggery, this ritual is called Satuan. This is also celebrated as Jurshital in the Mithal and Nepal regions. It is customary to have sattu in the lotus leaves on this day. Uttarakhand In Uttarakhand, this day is celebrated with the Bikhoti Festival, which has people taking holy baths and then beating stones with sticks. This is a symbolic depiction of beating away the demons. This festival and the fair is celebrated in a number of places such as Bageshwar, Dwarahat or Sealdah. The local people here make merry by singing and dancing to music. Kerala In Kerala the Mesha sankranti is celebrated as Vishu. It is an auspicious festival of scintillating lights and joyous fireworks. The bursting of firecrackers or the Vishupadakkam is considered to be an integral part of the festivity. This celebration sees people buying new clothes, which are known as Puthukodi. People give money also on this occasion which is called Vishukkaineetam and prepare a special ritual of a food item called the Sadya which is made with equal proportions of sweet, salt, sour and bitter items representing all the four feelings prevalent in life. The food items prepared for a grand feast this day includes items such as Veppampoorasam, the very tasty Mampazhappulissery, the Vishu kanji and lastly the Vishu katta. In Kerala people also observe a ritual of the Vishukkani which is seeing the first thing in the morning of the Vishu. This is made of various fruits and vegetables, rice, betel leaves, arecanuts, a metal mirror, yellow flower, the Gita and some coins. Assam The Assamese people start celebrating the New Year on the 13th of April. This is known as the Bohag Bihu or the Rongili Bihu. It is generally celebrated 7 days after the vernal equinox in the month of Baisakh which is known as the month of Bohag according to a local Bhaskara calendar. This festival signifies the time for the harvest. This festival has seven phases, which are celebrated with much fanfare. These 7 phases are – Chot, Raati, Goru, Manuh, Kutum, Mela and Chera; all of which are celebrated on different days and signify different things. Punjab In Punjab, this is known as Vaisakhi. This is the day when the grateful farmers thank the almighty for giving them abundant harvest and also prays to the God for future bliss and happiness. This day also acquires a different significance as on this day, in the year 1699, the great Guru Gobind Singh called for all the Sikhs to congregate in the city of Anandpur Sahib for the foundation of the sikh community which is known as Khalsa. Thus this day holds dual implications for the people of Punjab. Odisha In Odisha, the highlight of the Mesha sankranti is drinking a water mixture called Paana which is considered to be symbolic with the rain. This drink is prepared with Mishri which is sweet and water. It is customary also to have gram flour, banana and curd. A tribal dance called Danda Naach is also performed on this auspicious occasion. Tamil Nadu In Tamil Nadu this celebration is known as the Puthandu, which begins their new year with the month of Chitterai. In the Meenakshi Temple the Chitterai Thiruvizha is celebrated. Houses all over are decorated with mango leaves. On the eve of the Puthandu people prepare a plate containing three fruits like the mango, banana and jackfruit, betel leaves and some areca nuts, some coins, some jewellery in silver or gold, flower and a mirror which is to be viewed the first thing in the morning of the Puthandu. West Bengal In West Bengal and Bangladesh the celebration of the New Year in Mesha sankranti is known as Poila Baisakh as it marks the first day of the first month which is Baisakh according to the lunisolar calendar. The festivities are called shubho noboborsho or happy New Year. On this day people offer special pujas and they buy the almanac or the panjikas for the upcoming year. On a note of festivity, people are known to buy new clothes and exchange pleasantries and greetings. Fairs and ceremonies are held on this day. For the traders it is a major day as this signifies the new fiscal year for them. People throng to the temples to offer pujas. It also signifies the new agricultural season.
Ganga Puja India, being an agricultural country, is greatly dependent of the rivers crisscrossing through its plains for its survival and flourishing of population. Thus rivers are considered to be an integral part and also a level of divinity is attached to them. There are seven most important rivers of India which are considered to be holy, The Ganges or the Ganga is the most important of them all. Ganga is considered to be the sister of Goddess Parvati, as she too hails from Himalaya, who is the father of Parvati. Ganga is considered to be tremendously important to all the Hindus globally, and even a drop of the Ganges water is considered to be sacred enough to drive away all that is unwanted. The Ganga Puja takes place in the month of Jyestha, in the tenth day of the Shuklapaksha. That means it occurs in the month of May or June according to the Gregorian calendar. This is the day that is believed to be when Ganga finally heeding Maharaja Bhagiratha’s plea came down from the heaven to the earth, parched of water. Legend behind Ganga’s descent to earth According to one legend, when king Sagara, the ruler of the Ikshvaku dynasty, after performing penance had children by his two wives, Keshani and Sumati; one gave birth to a son and the other gave birth to sixty thousand sons together. As they grew up, King Sagara in a desire to perform theAshwamedhaYagna, sent his horse astray with his sixty thousand sons following him. The horse went and hid in a cavern where the sage Kapila was praying. The sons having reached the cavern thought that Kapila had captured their horses and disturbed his worship. Annoyed, Kapila burnt down all the sixty thousand sons in his rage. The grandson of King Sagara, Ayushman tried to bring Ganga to earth since Kapila the sage had advised that only the water of Ganga will be able to wash away the sins of those sixty thousand sons. Ayushman’s son Dilip was also unsuccessful. Finally, the great grandson of Sagara, King Bhagiratha came across the remainders of his ancestors and wanted to perform their shraddha or the last rites for them. Unfortunately, Sage Agastya had drunk up all the water and the earth was going through a great drought. Bhagiratha then started a severe penance to Lord Brahma, so that he can end the drought. Brahma asked him to pray to Lord Vishnu, who agreed, but in turn asked him to request Lord Shiva to allow the torrential and heavily flowing Ganga to descent on earth slowly through his hair. Lord Shiva agreed, and thus came down Ganga or Bhagirathi, so named after King Bhagirath on earth. There are various debates as to the day of Ganga’s appearance on earth. Some believe that Ganga came down on the month of Vaisakh, during AkshayTritiya, which is April according to Gregorian calendar. The Matsya Purana says that Lord Vishnu or Janardana made Ganga descend from the Sargalok, that is Heaven to the Martyalok, which is earth on the third day of the Vaishakha. Ganga’s Identity According to legends, Ganga is the daughter of Parvat Himalaya and the Goddess Mena. According to the Puranas, Ganga flew down from Lord Vishnu’s toes and could at times assume a human form; in one of which she married king Shantanu and gave birth to the great Bhishma. Ganga in images is shown as a beautiful and radiant woman aloft a crocodile, holding a water pot in her hand. Seven ways of worshipping Ganga According to the Puranas, there are seven ways of worshipping Ganga, to be blessed by her and to gain redemption from all one’s sins. The seven ways are as follows- Invoking Ganga by name , by saying Oh Ganga Having a glimpse or darshan of Ganga Touching the sacred waters of Ganga Worshipping Ma Ganga having a holy dip in her waters Standing in the waters of Ganga and Carrying clay dug out of Ganga Most important places of Ganga Puja The most important places for Ganga puja or worshipping Ganga are- from where she came down, which is Gangotri, the place she came down from the mountains to the plains, which is Haridwar. Allahabad is the place where Yamuna, the main tributary joins Ganga. Varanasi is also another important place, as it is an extremely holy city and Sagara Island, where Ganga meets the Bay of Bengal. Significance of Ganga Puja and its observance in Haridwar and Rishikesh Ganga is the mainframe of India and the Hindu society. Every day in the evenings, thousands of people gather in the banks of Ganga in the cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh to see this great river being worshipped by what is known as Ganga Arati. It is firmly believed that the water of Ganga is so pure that it can absolve one of sin and impurities. Thus it is believed that Ganga can help her devotees to attain Moksha or the ultimate liberation. Ganga water is considered to be magical and even Nectar like or like Amrita on certain days, for example on the day of Kumbha. It is said on the day of Kumbha Amrita, churned from the sea by Gods, mix with the holy water of Ganga. Ganga Puja in Tripura and West Bengal In Tripura, Ganga is worshipped by the tribal Tripuri people to save their pregnant women and to shield them from all epidemics. This festival in Tripura is celebrated during Nabanna, or the Harvest of Spring festival, which is in the period of March or April. Ganga is considered amongst the fourteen most important deities of Assam, so her influence is palpable. Tribal communities all build a bamboo structure in the middle of a river and decorate it beautifully with flowers. Lots of cattle are also sacrificed to her to seek her blessings from protection against epidemics. In Bengal too, where Ganga finally meets at the Bay of Bengal, she is worshipped with a lot of devotion and fanfare.
Navpad Oli Jainism is an ancient religious sect, which propagates the path of Ahimsa, that is non- violence. According to Jain philosophy, everyone, who has won over all the six ripu s or inner instincts, has attained Nirvana, or the eternal knowledge is called a Jina or the conqueror. Now the Jain communities most of the festivals that are observed starts on the note of renunciation. Navpad Oli too is not an exception. The Jains celebrate two Navpads in a year, one in the shuklapaksha or the bright fortnight of Ashwina according to the traditional Hindu month or September October according to the Gregorian calendar. The other one is celebrated in the in the shukla paksh of the Hindu traditional month of Chaitra or March April as per Gregorian calendar. What is Navpad Oli? The Navpad Oli, as mentioned earlier is one of the most important festivals for the Jains, observed for a period of nine days. The Navapad Oli, begins in the middle of navaratri, the Hindu festival. Jains perform the Ayambil Tapa for nine day of this Navpad Oli. Ayambil Tapa is a specific kind of fasting and penance where one can only consume boiled grains once a day. Nothing, not even salt is permitted to be added to this boiled grains. Thus, observing this Ayambil Tapa for the entire Navpad is an extremely difficult thing to maintain. The Ayambil Tapas are performed to pay homage to the supreme nine that rules the universe. These nine supreme ruling posts are – Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu, Samyag Darshan, Samyag Gyan, Samyag Charitra and Samyag Tapa. Nava in Sanskrit means nine and the Pada or Pad means posts. Thus the salutation to the Nine supreme powers of the universe in known as Navpad Oli. What is the relationship of Navpad Oli with Siddha Chakra? The siddha Chakra is a yantra or a kind of mechanism that features the position of the nine supreme posts of the Nav Pad. These nine ultimate posts are also categorized in to two sections- the panch Parameshthi containing the first five pads, and the Dharma Tatva, containing the remaining four. Let us now take a look at the Nava Pads as they are placed in the Siddha Chakra Arihant pada – Arihant Pada occupies the central sphere in this Siddha Chakra. Arihant etymologically means the Hunter of enemies, as Ari means enemies, and Hant means to destroy. Arihant is also known as Veetaraga. He is the one who had won against the internal enemies or ripu s such as Kama, Krodha,Dwesha, Mada and Matsharjya, and is thus free from all such worldly attachments. He is the universal observer or the Kevala Jnan that is omniscience and from his position, sitting in a position of Samavasharan has established the 4 tirthas or the Chaturvidha Sangha, consisting of the sadhu meaning monks, the sadhwi meaning the nuns, the Sharavaka meaning the householder men and the shravika meaning the women householders. Because he lives in equilibrium despite having a physical body and as he has established the 4 tirthas, he is also known as the tirthankaras. Arihant Pada is celebrated on the shukla saptami or the 7th day of the bright phase of moon and is represented by the color white. Ayambil is observed by eating boiled rice. Prayers are done throughout the day. Siddha Pada – Siddha Pada is also Deva Tatva and like the Arihant is the Universal Observer. He does not preach, has no physical manifestation, is free from the shackles of life and has no incarnations and thus he is placed on top of Arihant in the Siddha Chakra.pletely free from all karmic cycles and shackles. He is com His aura is the color red and his ayambil can be observed on the shukla ashtami by eating only boiled wheat. Prayers and worships are also done during the day time. Acharya Pada – Acharya Pada is Guru tatva and being a descendent of Arihant is placed on the right of Arihant. He is the one who propagates and influences the Chaturvidha Sangha to practice Jainism. He is considered to be the next best authority in the absence of Arihant. As the name suggests of being the principal, Acharya Pada had played a pivotal role in translating or interpreting the true meaning of the religious book of Jain Agam, which is the Holy Book of jains. He also conducts for the sangha these four activities of Jnanchara, Darshanachara, Charitrachara, Tapachara and Veerachara. He has 36 attributes. His aura is golden yellow and ayambil is observed on the Shukla navami or the 9th day by eating boiled gram which is of yellow color. Upadhyaya pada – this is placed on a little lower side of the Atihant. He ranks number second in the Guru tatva and is the pioneer in educating the sanghas. He is knowledgable of all the Jain agams and according to some Janin scriptures; he is the prince in the kingdom of the acharyas. He is supposed to be versed in all Jain Agams, all eleven anga etc. His color is green and his ayambil is observed on the shukla dashami or the 10th day of the Navpad Oli by eating boiled moong which is green in color. He is also worshipped during the day. Sadhu Pada – the Sadhu pada is a follower of the Arihant and is placed in the left lower side of the Arihant. He is the one who is tutored by the acharya. He abides by the 5 supreme vows which are as follows – Truth, Non Stealing, Non-Violence , Celibacy and non possession of material objects. He does not cook and depends on the food given in alms by other households his only object is to attain salvation and in the pursuit of those practices 4 sacred virtues. He has no material assets, walks barefoot and lives under the guidance of the Acharya and the Upadhyaya. His aura is the color black. Ayambil Is observed by eating boiled Urad dal on the Shukla Ekadashi. He is also woeshiped during the day. Now let us have a look at the Dharma Tatva – Samyag Darshan – etymologically Samyag in Sanskrit means right and Darshan means view. Thus Samyag Darshan truly means to have the right view. This is the base and the root of all Dharma with a strong faith in the preachings of the Arihant. According to him only with a right perspective, will dharma be able to be attained. Samyag Jnan – Samyag Gyan is the second key to attain salvation. The scriptures say that every action should be preceded by the correct knowledge. Samyag Gyan is that correct or right knowledge which precedes an action. This has five main divisions followed by 51 attributes, is represented by the color white and the Ayambil is observed on Shukla Troyodashii and only boiled rice can be eaten on that day. Samyag Charitra – Etymologically chatitra means conduct or character in Sanskrit. This is the third key to the path of salvation and has 70 attributes. This essentially means having the right conduct or character to attain salvation. This is among the Ratna Trayee or three gems of salvation. The color of its aura is white and the Ayambil is observed on the Shukla Chaturdashi and boiled rice is allowed on this day. Samyag Tapa – Again etymologically, Tapa means penance. Thus Samyag Tapa means paying penance or maintaining austerity in the correct perspective.Samyag Tapa aims to lead a life of equilibrium, which again can be of two types- Internal and external, Meditation, Modesty, nursing are a couple of examples of internal equilibrium which can be achieved. This is symbolized again by the color white and the Ayambil is observed on the last day of the Navpad Oli, which is on the Shukla Poornima, and only boiled rice can be eaten. Navapad Oli and the seasonal Changes Earth is at an angle where the day-night equation is almost similar twice a year. These are known as solstice. Navapad Oli is also celebrated during times when the duration of a day and night are the same. Thus the weather remains moderate and not extreme. According to the Jains Tirthankars, moderate seasons are the best of times to invoke the supreme powers. Thus the Ayambil at these times help us to remain healthy and prayers keep us mentally agile. Navpad Oli is celebrated with the deserving austerity and devotion every year resulting in festivities during the last day. The Jain communities organize the Siddhachakra Mahapujan in many parts of India on the last day, which is the Sharad Purnima. Azimganj Jain Sangh in Murshidabad is one such place, which organizes and carries out the Navpad Oli every year with fitting devotion and gorgeous celebration on the last day of these nine days.
Vishu Kani Vishu Kani is a Hindu festival celebrated in Kerala, which is considered to be the beginning of the astrological New Year for them. This day is celebrated in accordance with the traditional almanac. It occurs in the month of Medam, which according to the Gregorian calendar is the month of April, or Chaitra according to North Indian calendar, and in the second week of it. It is celebrated with much pomp and fanfare all across Kerala, when houses are decorated and fire crackers are burst in an atmosphere of happiness. What is Vishu Kani? Vishu Kani is the most important aspect of this New Year celebration. The ritual of what sees first is broadly the translation of Vishu Kani. It is firmly believed that you see at the first glimpse of Vishu Kani is what or how your year is going to shape up. It is an amalgamation of things put together in an effort to create a plethora of good luck to be ushered in during the course of the ensuing year. The Malayalam word Kani literally means, ‘that which is seen first’. Thus that which is seen first during Vishu is Vishu Kani. What are the things required for Vishu Kani? Vishu Kani requires 8 auspicious things mandatorily, or the Ashtamangalyam. These are as follows – Uruli – a large vessel made of panchaloham or five different kinds of metals, in the absence of which a normal plain vessel will do. Tamboolam or betel leaves Akshatam – this is a mixture of rice and turmeric Dharu cheppu – this is a small container containing kumkum Grantham – aholy book, usually which is Bhagvad Gita Darpanam – a long thin based mirror, which is usually Aranmula kanadi Ambaram – starched and clean cloth, which is mostly the traditional mundu or kasavu Kramugam – this is betel nut Another important ingredient is the Kanikonna, the flower which is seen in abundance all over Kerala during this season of Vishu. This is a must for Vishu Kani. Fruits and vegetables Thenga Kula – or coconut with small branches Mango along with branch and keaves Cashew nuts along with branches and leaves Idichakka or a small jackfruit Kani Vellari or the golden colored cucumber Pineapple Vettilla or betel leaves Bananas and other vegetables Metals and metallic objects – Gold or silver Coins Nirapara , a measuring vessel which is filled with un-husked rice Kindi which is a traditional vessel with a tail used to keep water. How to arrange the Vishu Kani? Now that all the ingredients for Vishu Kani has been listed and procured, let us take a look as to how the Vishu Kani is arranged. Take an Uruli, which is made of Panchaloham, or 5 metals, which is a symbol of the five elements of this universe, namely, earth, water, fire, air and space. Place a fresh white Kasavu pudava and keep the Kanivellari or the golden colored cucumber, the Vettilla or betel leaves, Pazhukkapakku or the reddish yellow colored ripe areca nut, golden colored mangoes, ripe yellow jackfruits cut in halves and the Aranmula Kannadi which is special kind of a mirror with handle that is considered fit for the purpose. All these items are considered to be extremely auspicious item for the Vishu Kani. Now take a starched clean cloth and arrange it like a fan. Insert this in the shining brass Kindi. Insert the val-kannadi which is the thin gold plated mirror too in the Kindi. Now place this kindi in the uruli on top of the rice. In a flat bottomed vessel keep rice silver coins and flowers. Now one has to keep the Kani Uruli in front of the Lord Vishnu or Krishna for prayers and meditation. A Nilavilakku or bronze oil lamp has to be lighted. Two deepams, which are made out of the broken halves of coconut are kept in the uruli too. The wicks are made from starched clean cloths and the oil is coconut oil which keeps the wicks in place. The lighting of this lamp is said to usher in the Lord in our house to drive away darkness and negativity. Kanikkonna is placed in the uruli and also used to decorate the puja room lending a golden yellow glow to the room. How does one watch the Vishu Kani? The elder of the house, the grandmother or the mother will arrange the Vishu Kani and sleep in the puja room. Upon waking she will see this and light all the lamps and pray. After that she will go to the other rooms to awaken the sleeping members, who will come with their eyes closed and open them to see the glorious and golden sight of the Lord in all his resplendent glory. The Darpanam, not only signifies Bhagwati Devi but also lends a clear image of the glorious Vishu Kani. The Vishu Kani then is brought to those who have been unable to go and view it. Then the Vishu Kani is taken out of the house to the cow shed and shown to the birds, cows and the trees. It is actually for the beautiful nature also to see and be prayed for. This signifies that this auspicious and abundant vision is not only for our consumption but for the whole of nature to rejoice and pray for a good year to come. What are Vishu Sadhya and Vishu Padakkam (crackers)? Like any Indian festivity feasting is also an important part of Vishu Kani. The feast made for this occasion is known as Sadhya. Many symbolic foods make up the feast. Crackers are burst by the children to add to the mood of festivity.
Poila Baisakh Amongst the most famous festivals of the Bengalis, apart from Durga Puja, Poila Baisakh scores the most. This is celebrated on the 15th of April, according to the Gregorian calendar, and on the 1st of Baisakh or the poila as it means. It is one day when people of all age group don new clothes and make merry keeping in mind Bengali culture and traditions. Poila Baisakh is also known as Nobo Barsho, as it means the New Year, which Poila Baisakh too means. The Bengali Calendar The Bengali calendar was actually revised by Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar, the Great Mughal Emperor, to ease the woes of tax collection, as the harvest session and taxpaying time did not match. This was a fantastic and wise decision as it amalgamated the best of both lunar and solar calendar. Initially this calendar was named as the Fasli San, which later came to be known as the Bongabdo. It was a masterstroke. The celebrations of POila Baisakh also date back to the time of Akbar only. The taxes had to be paid on the last day of the month of Chaitra, the last one before Baisakh. Thus when a feast and fares were organized for the Poila Baisakh on that day, it smoothed a lot of ruffled feathers. This day of the Indian solar calendar and many other regional calendars followed 14 th of April as the beginning of a new year. Throughout the Indian subcontinent and wherever there is a Bengali Diaspora, this day is celebrated with great jot and lot of fanfare. It is one of those rare festivals which is celebrated by all Bengalis, irrespective of religion, caste or creed. In West Bengal and Assam, Poila Baisakh is a state holiday. Celebrations of Poila Baisakh or Pohela Baisakh On the day of the Poila Baisakh, people tend to have a bath early. For the Hindus, the month Baisakh is extremely auspicious and people start lot of new ventures during this time. It is a propitious date and time for people to solemnize their marriages also. Hindu Bengalis, upon waking and bathing, visit the temples to seek divine blessings for the ensuing year. People for this day buy new clothes and accessories. This day also entails cooking up of a storm in the Bengali household, calling or going over to friends or relatives. There is a special puja for the Bengali business community on this day. This tradition is called halkhata. This is a unique celebration where the copies of the merchants are worshipped and the auspicious sign of the Swastika is drawn on these accounting books. The shopkeepers start the new year by offering their valued patrons discounts and enticing them to buy the products. Bengalis wear traditional dresses on this auspicious day. This includes that the ladies are mostly clad in beautiful sarees and the men wear dhoti- kurta or Kurta –Pajama. In lot of places people start the day with traditional food like Panta Bhaat or left over rice which had been soaked in water. This is had with green chillies, pickles, dal or lentil soup and the Hilsa fry. Sea of people can be seen in front of the Kalighat Temple, housing the Goddess kali in Kolkata can be seen, where the devotees go to seek her blessings. Cultural Celebrations Lot of people sing Rabindranath Tagore song- Esho he Baisakh, or come thee Baisakh and do a walk round the roads early in the morning on this day. This is called Prabhat Feri.This day sees a surge in revived Bengali cultural aspect, like watching the dying art form of Jatra. There are many people who are keen audience of Theatre and watch the same on the first day of the year. There are a lot of Baisakhhi fares organized, where people throng in numbers. There are jatra, palagan or the kobi gan which are basically minstrels singing ballads, Gombhira etc. the fares also sell numerous wares to attract the revelers. Celebrations in Bangladesh Bangladesh celebrates POila Baisakh in a major way. People singing songs take to the street from Ramona. An important part of these festivities is the procession taken out by the students and teachers of Dhaka University’s Art department from the Ramona Park. They sing on their way. Celebrations in other countries In other countries like Australia, USA, Canada, Uk and the UAE too Poila Baisakh is celebrated by the Bengali community with much fanfare.
Mahatara Jayanti Mahatara Jayanti is considered to be an important ritual and festival for all the Hindus residing all over the world. It is mostly celebrated in India with a lot of devotion and adherence to rituals. The Mahatara Jayanti is celebrated on the navami tithi of Chaitra month according to the traditional Hindu calendar, on the shukla paksha, or on the waxing phase of the moon in the month of April, according to the Gregorian calendar. In 2019, Mahatara jayanti is going to be celebrated on the 14th of April. Who is Mahatara? Mahatara or Bhagwati Tara is one of the ten Mahavidyas and considered to be extremely powerful and potent. She is the aggressive form of the Goddess. She is a form of Shakti, or power. She is also known as Tarini Vidya, Ekjata and Neel Saraswati. It is firmly believed that when a person is at the depth of despair in life, it is by invoking mahatara that he can come out of the troublesome times. Devi Tara defeats her devotees’ enemies and blesses them with success and respite from all problems. From where did Mahatara originate? Before the earth came into being there was chaos and darkness all around, with no energy whatsoever. Ma Kali reigned supreme in this chaotic darkness, when a ray of light originated who came to be known as Tara. It is believed that she came out of the power of the saint named Akshobhya. Because she originated when the Earth was also on the verge of taking its final shape, she is known as Mahatara. She is known to be the reigning devi or Goddess of every pind. Why is Mahatara also known asMahaneela or Neelatara? Why Mahatara is known as Neelatara has a legend as its origin. When the Gods and Demons were fighting for Amrita, or the eternal nectar, while churning the sea, a pot of the most potent poison came up. The 3 lokas- swargya which is Heaven, Martya, ie. Earth and Patal, which is Hell, were petrified. Afraid that it is going to destroy everything, the Gods sought the help of the Lord Shiva. Shiva deank the poison, but did not swallow it and kept it in his throat. As an effect his throat turned blue, and his entire body started changing color. Seeing his suffering, the Devi entered Shiva s bosy and took off the potency of the poison. Lord Shiva felt better, but as a result the Devi turned blue because of the potent poison. Thus Lord Shiva called her Mahaneela or Neelatara. How benevolent is Mahatara? There are 3 main forms in which Mahatara is known. These are – Ugratara, Ekjata and Neel. She possesses 7 different powers by which she comes to the aid of all her devotees. These 7 different powers are – Paratpara, Ateeta, Para, Chitpara, Tadteeta, Tatpara, and Sarwateeta. It is believed that a devoted worshipper of Mahatara is blessed with immense and complete knowledge. They also receive an abundance of energy and power, as she is Shakti herself. She can lead her devotee to the path of happiness and salvation. How is Mahatara worshipped? The Panchakshari Mantra of Stri Hun Han Hun Fatt, when chanted with all devout humility will lead the devotee to vocal prowess, provide him respite from his enemies and lead him to salvation. Devi Mahatara being a powerful form of Goddess Bhagwati, leads the whole wide world to light, life and divinity.
Apara Ekadashi Apara Ekadashi is one of the most auspicious day according to the Hindu traditional astrology. This auspicious day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Amongst all the Ekadashis observed in an entire year, Apara Ekadashi is considered to be the most glorious and the best one. This festival is also known by various other names such as, Achala Ekadashi, BHadrakali Ekadashi, Vaishakh Vadi Ekadashi or the Jalkrida Ekadashi. This ekadashi is celebrated in the second half of the month of Jyestha according to traditional Hindu calendar and according to Gregorian calendar; it falls in the month of May or June. In the states such as Punjab, Haryana, Kashmir, Bengal this day is heralded as the advent of Bhadrakali, an incarnation of Kali, thus Bhadrakali Jayanti. In Odisha this day is celebrated as Jalkrida Ekadashi, which is observed in celebration of Lord Jagannath. Legend behind Apara Ekadashi In the Treta Yuga, King Bali fortified with boons post severe penance had driven even the Gods in Heaven helpless. He made Lord Indra leave Heaven as his reign was spreading. Gods in Heaven sought the help of Lord Vishnu, who took the incarnation of Vamana to teach Bali a lesson. Lord Vishnu showed Bali that he is Trivikrama, or who who ruled the three lokas. This auspicious day is known as the Apara Ekadashi day. According to another legend, long ago there was a just and kind king named Mahidhvaj, who had an evil and a sinister brother called Bhrajdhvaj. Overcome with jealousy at the justness and popularity of Mahidhvaj, one night his brother killed him and buried him under a Peepal tree. But post the amoral act, Bhrajdhvaj had no peace and started going insane, when one day a sage called Dhumya advised him to observe the fast of Apara Ekadashi to repent for the wrong doings and to wash away all his sins so that he could lead a peaceful life. King Yudhistira too, sought to know about this powerful vrat during one of his resting periods from Lord Sri Krishna. Lord Krishna explained that people who observes d this vrat was bound to be released from all their past sins and redeem them pure. Rituals of Apara Ekadashi The rituals of the Apara Ekadashi include Fasting and pujas. The rituals are given extreme importance and are carried out with utmost sincerity. The Vrat or the ritual is to be observed from the sunrise till the sunrise of the next day of the Ekadashi. Fast should be broken only on the next day after offering puja. A partial fast by those who are unwell can be observed by consuming only fruits and milk. One should strictly avoid consuming any kind of grains, honey, meat products and also should not eat on bell metal plate and should not use any kind of oil. The devotee should wake early on the Ekadashi day and have a ritual bath and offer prayers. Tulsi leaves should be plucked a day earlier and should then be offer fruit and tulsi while worshipping Lord Vishnu. It is important that a Tulsi plant is not touched on the Apara Ekadashi day. The devotee should visit the nearest Vishnu Temple to offer his worship on this auspicious day. The devotee should chant Vishnu Sahasranama and do Mauna Japa, that is chant silently and seek the Lord’s blessing in his mind. He should also arrange Satsang and Bhajans on this auspicious day. Benefits of Apara Ekadashi It is believed that the Apara Ekadashi benefits is equivalent to a bath in the holy Prayag, observing Shivaratri in Varanasi, offering oblations for forefathers at Gaya, darshan of Lord Shiva at Kedarnath and many more. Those who truly fear of their past and present sins must observe Apara Ekadashi with sincerity to bring themselves redemption.
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