World Religion Day The World Religion Day is celebrated every year on third Sunday in the month of January. This day was first observed in the United States in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly of Baha’is. This day celebrates the unity and oneness of all religions. Interfaith understanding is encouraged on this day and this is the main essence of the World Religion Day. Though it started in the United States, the World Religion Day is now observed all over the world. The purpose of this day is to make people understand that the underlying message and basic principles of all religion is almost the same and the motive of religion is to bring unity and harmony among human beings. This is now on its sixty-fifth year. About this day Baha’is emerged in Persia in the 19th Century is a kind of faith that follows the three principles, unity of God, mankind and religion. They believe that there is one eternal power or one God and that all religions have formed from it. They also believe in equality in mankind. They believe that all human beings have same duty towards the world and are entitled to equal rights. Baha’is believes as all religions have emerged from a single God all of them have common goals. It aim towards unity in diversity and it believes that without unity in religion, world peace will never be achieved. History of this day This day was first observed in the October of 1947 in Portland at Eastland Park Hotel with a speech by Firuz Kazemzadeh. The observance of this day among various communities in the United States made the newspapers call it as the World Religion Day in 1949.On the December of 1949, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is declared that this day will be officially observed on 15th of January every year. The very essence of this day was so powerful that it attracted people’s attention and was soon observed internationally. It was observed in the two cities of Australia in 1950 and in Bolivia in the year of 1951. Celebration of this day Events that develop interfaith understandings are held on this day by various organizations. Leaders of different faith and religion gather under one roof to discuss and give lectures on the beliefs and sayings of the Lord in their respective religion. All the people gathered are encouraged to listen and form an understanding about various religions. It helps people to realize that all religion has the same goal and that the basic essence of all of them is just the same. Thus it is way of uniting people and not separating them from one another. Unification with the help of religion eradicates differences and makes this world a better place to live in. These reasons of celebrating this day have attracted people all over the world and this is why it has become a day of celebration worldwide. People are also expected to socialize with the people of other religions in a friendly manner and with a spirit of fellowship. Inter-religious discussions, conferences and other gatherings are also held on this day. The followers of this faith recognize Baha’u’llah along with other figures like Krishna, Buddha, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad and Zoroaster. World religion day as a holiday This day is not a public and national holiday thus all banks, institutions, offices and shops remain open on this day. But even though it’s not a national holiday, it’s observed worldwide. Postage stamps issued Sri Lanka was the very first country to issue the World Religion Day stamp in the year of 1985. Singapore also issued a stamp with the names of nine religions listed on it in 1999. The words unity in diversity which depicts the goal of this day is written on it and it was a tribute to Singapore’s Inter-Religious Organizations’ 50th anniversary. After this the Republic of Congo issued another stamp in 2007. This stamp depicts a picture of the globe and surrounding it are symbols of eleven different religions. The stamp also reads that the source of all religions is a single God which is written in French. Temple in Chile The very first Baha’i temple is being made in Santiago. The faith was brought to the South America by an American woman centuries ago. The look of the temple reflects Baha’i faith concepts. The exterior of the temple is made from the pieces of cast-glass and marble panels in order to honor the sunlight or the day light that will make the entire structure dazzle. This temple will have an underground tunnel on completion and will be three stories high. Recognition The world Religion day will be observed on 15th of January in 2017. From its initiation in 1950, the observation of this day has grown. In the 1950’s – 1960’s, this day was noted on various radio stations. Many famous figures had given lectures on this event as well.
Gantan-sai Gantan-sai is the official and cultural New Year’s Day in present day Japan. It is observed on the first day of the Gregorian calendar i.e. the 1st of January and is the annual New Year celebration of the Shinto religion. This festival concentrates on the deep unrecognized awareness and respect for the divine energy that permeates all forms of life. It is one of the most significant yearly festivals in Shintoism. Though the New Year is predominantly celebrated on the first day of the year, traditionally the Shinto’s celebrate Gantan-sai for a prolonged span of seven days. Just like Christmas is for Christians, Gantan-sai is for the Japanese and it has evolved into a national holiday in Japan being referred to as the Japanese New Year or Shogatu. HISTORY Before the Meiji period, this was the official date of the Japanese New Year. This was decided every year according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar and hence the date varied each year. However, in 1873, five years since the Meiji Restoration, the people of Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar and fixed the date of Japanese New Year or Shogatu to be the 1st of January every year, and it has been so ever since. WHAT IS SHINTOISM? Shintoism is native to Japan and was the official religion of the Japanese at one point of time. It is an ancient religion and does not have a founder. The term ‘Shinto’ means the ways of Gods. It is associated with the worship of the Shinto Gods or Kami. Kami refers to the spirits of nature particularly the spirits that reside in trees, waterfalls, rocks, rivers and other components of nature. Shintoism is all about strengthening the connection between the beauty of nature and the people of Japan. There are around four million followers of the Shinto religion all over the world. This religion came into existence 2000 years before Christianity and does not involve any scriptures or deity. The four pronouncements that the Shinto’s follow are 1) Love of Nature, by which all natural objects are revered and worshipped, 2) Traditions and family, by which all the families preserve the traditions of Shintoism, 3) Matsuri, which is a festival honoring the spirits of nature and 4) Physical Cleanliness, according to which all followers must keep themselves and their surroundings clean. TRADITIONS AND PRACTICES During this festival, most Shinto’s spend the holiday by visiting sacred Shinto temples at the hour of midnight. During this visit, they wear their finest clothes and pray that their hearts be renewed and purified of all dirt and uncleanliness. Blessings for health, happiness and prosperity are also requested for the upcoming year. This festival also witnesses friends and families coming together to wish well for each other. On this day, people eat traditional food with their families. Gantan-sai day meals involve a special compilation of dishes known as “Osechi”. The typical New Year Day menu comprises of dishes like 1) Ozoni a soup, 2) Mochi with vegetables, 3) Kamabokoa puree of steamed white fish, 4) Kurikinton mashed sweet potato with chestnut and 5) Kuromame sweet black beans.
Shakambhari Utsav Shakambhari is an incarnation of the primeval Mother Goddess, Devi Durga, who is a consort of Lord Shiva. Shakambhari ideally means the bearer of vegetables, as Shaka in Sanskrit means Vegetables and vegetarian food and Bhari means one who is the bearer. It is believed that Goddess Durga incarnated as Shakambhari Mata to stop famine and give relief to starved people and the parched earth. Purnima in the month of Paush is known as the Shakambhari purnima as it is believed that on that day Devi Shakambhari had incarnated. In 2019, Shakambhari Utsav will be observed in the month of January. Legend of Shakambhari Mata It is believed that long ago there was a cruel demon named Durgamasur. He was the son of Ruru and was from the lineage of Hiranyaksh. He once decided that he wanted to attain knowledge from the four Vedas and needed to do penance to learn and understand. Thus he went to the Himalayas and started a severe penance. He performed severe penance for a thousand years. His penance had such power that even the Gods started becoming jittery and finally Lord Brahma appeared to him and asked him to seek his boon as he was pleased with his hard work. Durgamasur asked for the 4 vedas. Brahma granted them to him. From that day unfortunately all the sages and the learned men forgot all about the Vedas and pujas. There was a general decay in daily activities and finally this distress reached great proportions. The Gods started getting weaker as they were not being offered their daily pujas and the demons invaded Heaven. The Gods took refuge in caves and mountains having fled from Heaven. People and Gods together started praying to the highest God – the Great Goddess. The ponds, rivers all dried up having been denied of any rain. There was no food at all and people started to starve. Sages and all the people started praying to Goddess Maheswari, Mata Durga for giving them respite. Durga reacted to the prayer and enquired of what was happening of the Gods who were in hiding. Seeing the condition of earth and the suffering of people she turned blue and her body became all lotus eyed. And then she began to shed copious tears from her eyes. Plantations began to grow again and ponds and rivers started to fill. Gods came out of hiding and together with sages they began to sing the hymns in praise of Devi Mahamaya. Then the Satakshi Devi transformed herself into a beautiful form – in her eight hands she held grains, vegetables, cereals, greens, herbs and meat. She wore a beautiful garment and this is the avatar which came to be known as Shakambhari Devi. Hearing the chanting of the Gods and sages, she gave those fruits, vegetables etc. Then Devi Parvati heard about the Vedas being with Durgamasur. She sent a lady emissary to ask him to return the Vedas. But the demon refused and a great turbulence arose. The demon appeared with one hundred Aksauhini army; which consist of 21,870 chariots, as many elephants; 65,610 horses, and 109,350 foot soldiers to fight with the Goddess. The Gods trembled in fear and the Goddess created a sphere and kept them in safety and came to fight him alone. She had all weapons on him and the fight went on and on. At this moment from the Devi’s body emerged in spirit all these Devis – Kali, Tarini, Tripur Sundari, Bhairavi, Chinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bhuvaneshwari, Bagalamukhi, Matangi and Kamalatmika. The NavaDurgas; Brahmacharini, Shailaputri, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda,Katyayani, Skandamata,Mahagauri, Kalaratri, Siddhi datri and Matrika Brahmani all came out. Also joined in this tumultuous battle other incarnations of the Devi such as – Vaishnavi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Narasimohi, Shivadooti, Chamundai, Indrani, Varahi, Devi, Shakti, Adi Shakti, Parameshwari, Maha Shakti, Bhagawati, Bhadrakali, Gauri, Jagadamba, Chandika, Kaushiki, Mahakali, Ambika, Jagatjanani, Mateshwari, Tridevi, Mahadevi, Uma, Narayani, Singhavahini, Bhavani, Yudhadevi, Yogmaya, Aparajita, Vyaghravahini, Mahamaya, Sherawali, Vindhyavasini, Shaambhavi, Bhramari, Jumadi, Rajarajeshwari, Kalika, Gayatri, Akhilandeshwari, Kamakshi, Mahadurga, Ishwari, Gatral, Bahuchara, Prathyangira, Meenakshi, Ramchandi, Hingalaj, Nagbai, Varaki, Vihat, Vaishnodevi, Santoshi, Dhavdi, Sadhi, Hadkai, Mogal, Pithad, Meldi, Jagadhatri, Modheshwari, Guhyakali, Umiya, Momai, Amba, Shitala and Raktachamundatoo joined in this battle. Some yoginis such as – Aditi, Agneyei, Ajita, Bhimachandi, Chandi, Damani, Aparna, Bhayankari, Dhriti, Gandhari, Ganga, Medha, Rati, Raudri, Jaya, Kapalini, Kauberi, Shanti, Siddhida, Swaha and many more too emerged from the Goddess to fight with her on this battle. When all the Shaktis managed to destroy the one hundred aksauhini army, the Gods blew conches. Then Durgamasur appeared in the battle field and fought with the Devi. On the last day, the eleventh day the demon wore red clothes, a garland of red flowers and put red sandal paste on his body and went to fight. The Goddess shot 15 arrows at him. 2 at his eyes, 2 on his hands, the charioteer took one arrow, the four horses were hit by four arrows, his flag by one arrow and his heart was pierced by 5 arrows. The demon died vomiting blood and the world heaved a sigh of relief. The Goddess told all the Gods, that whenever evil appeared, she too will appear in any form to put a stop to that. Celebrations of Shakambhari Utsav Shakambhari Devi is worshipped in parts of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Rajasthan mostly. The ancient temple of Shakambhari Devi is at Sakarai, some distance away from Udaipur in Rajasthan. There is also a temple of Sakambhari mata in Pakaur in Jharkhand, Bihar. There are also three temples of Shakambhari Mata in Kolkata, West Bengal. Nine days are celebrated as she shed tears for nine days. Her worship is done by decking up the Goddess in garlands of vegetables. In Vijaywada, The Kanaka Durga Temple also celebrates the Shakambhari Devi Jayanti in a great manner with lot of devotion and fervor. She is known as Goddess Banashankari in Karnataka, and Banada Ashtami is a great event celebrated during Navratri.
Arudra Darshan Arudra Darshan is a Hindu festival mostly celebrated in the southern states of India in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is basically a festival meant for the devotees of Lord Shiva and is a Shaivaite festival. This observance is also known as Thiruvathira, which in Tamil means the Sacred Big Wave. According to beliefs it was this, using which Lord Shiva had created the universe 132 trillion years ago. Arudra is the symbolic representation of the golden red flame and it is Lord Shiva who performs his dance of creation in this golden red light. This is celebrated in the month of Marghazi on the purnima or full moon night, when the Tiruvadirai or the Arudra star rules over the world. This as per Gregorian calendar is observed in the month of December January. Origin of Arudra Darshan The night the Arudra Darshan takes place in the month of Margazhi is also the longest night of the year. There are literary and historical evidence suggesting that this observance has been in existence since the last 1500 years. The major highlight of this observance is the Tandava or the cosmic dance performed by Lord Shiva while creation of the universe, which is recreated in the Nataraja, or the dancing Shiva temples on this auspicious day. Celebration of Arudra Darshan in Kerala In Kerala, this festival is known as the birthday commemoration of Lord Shiva. Thiruvathira is the star or the nakshatra under which in the month of Marghazi Lord Shiva was born. There is also another belief that Kamdeva died on this day. It is also believed that Lord Shiva took Parvati as his wife on this auspicious day, thus both Parvati and Shiva present the Ardha- Nariswara form to devotees. In Kerala this festival is celebrated by the Nambuthiri, Nair and the Kshatriya community mostly. Unmarried women fast on this day or a partial fast on this day to get a good husband and the married women fast from the previous night or the (Makayiram nakshatra) for the welfare of their family and husband. The fast means abstaining from rice. The meals on this day constitutes of cooked broken wheat and Thiruvathira puzhukku, a mix of vegetables such as chembu or colocasia, chena or yam,Koorka or Chinese potato, madhurakizhangu or sweet potato, vanpayar or long beans,ethakaya or raw plantain fruit cooked in a thick paste of freshly grated coconut. Koova Payasam is the dessert of choice made with arrow root powder, jaggery and coconut milk. The women perform a dance form called the Thiruvathirakali. It is accompanied by Thiruvathira paattu which is folk song describing the lovesick Parvati and her longing and Shiva;s power. The dance form emphasizes lasya or the charm and grace of the feminine dance form. The .Thiruvathira kali is another dance form which is said to be embodiment of Shiva taking Parvati as his wife. Celebration of Arudra Darshan in Tamil Nadu In tamil Nadu too, unmarried women keep a fast on this day. Rather fasting starts nine days earlier and this is the last day of the fasting. A special dish called Thiruvadhirai kali is made on this day. It comprises of Moong dhall, Coconut, Cardamom, Ghee, rice and jaggery. Another dish called the Thiruvathirai ezhlu curry koottu is made with seven vegetables such as – Pooshanikai or pumpkin, Cheppan kizhangu or colocasia, Sarkaraivalli kizhangu or sweet potato, Paranghikai or ash gourd, Pacha mochai or field beans, Katharikai or egg plants, Urulai kizhangu or potato etc. The dancing form of Lord Shiva is worshipped and taken out in procession. In Chidambaram, on the night before the amavasya or the full moon; Lord Shiva’s abhishekam is done or a holy shower is given. This is done along with all precious stones such as coral, diamonds, pearls, jade and emerald. He is then worshipped during Arunodaya along with the chanting from the Vedas. The most festive Arudra Darshan celebration takes place in Chidambaram Shiva temple on this day. There are special puja and baths throughout the day and considered to be auspicious to watch the procession on this day. After the puja, a special dish known as Kali is distributed among the devotees. Most of other temples housing Nataraja as deity also celebrate this auspicious occasion. Significance Of Arudra Darshan The cosmic dance of Lord Shiva or the Nataraja dance is highly symbolic. It represents the following – Creation, protection then destruction, embodiment and finally release. Thus it actually represents the constant cycle of creation and destruction, birth and death. As long there is vibration, there exists life. Lord Nataraj or the dancing form of Shiva stand with one leg lifted and the other one on a demon. The demon signifies ignorance in any form. Therefore the dance embodies mastery over ego, desires and all sorts of evil. The five elements with him symbolizes the following – Damaru or the ether, flame in hand or fire, flowing hair or air, Ganges is water and the rested foot is earth.
Paush Purnima Paush Purnima is a significant day for the Hindus, falling on the Purnima or the full moon day of the month of Paush, coinciding with the month of January according to Gregorian calendar. This is the day which marks the beginning of the month long austerity of Magha month. What starts in the Paush Purnima culminates and ends on the Magha Purnima. In 2019, this auspicious day will be celebrated on the 21th of January, Monday. Devotees believe that a holy bath on this particular day is extremely beneficial. People take early morning bath in the rivers of Ganga and Jamuna frees their soul from the restrictive cycle of birth and death. It is believed that the devotees are absolved of all their sins even of the last birth by having these holy dips. Dashwashwemedh Ghat at Varanasi and Triveni Sangam at Prayag are considered to be highly auspicious and millions of devotees come here to have a holy dip in the sacred water. After taking a holy dip guaranteed to bring them salvation, devotees pour water in front of the sun and the Shivalinga to worship Lord Shiva. In certain places this auspicious day is also celebrated as the ‘Shakambari Jayanti’, when Goddess Durga took the incarnation of Devi Shakambhari to bring food to the fasting humans of earth. She also engaged in a fight with the demon Durgamasur. During that battle she was aided by numerous of her avatarts and other Yoginis and finally after long days of battle Durgamasur was vanquished and peace and prosperity had been restored on earth and heaven. She is known as Devi Shakambhari because it ideally means the bearer of vegetables, and she had brought food to starved and parched devotees. The Shakambhari Utsav, which lasts for 9 days, ends on this day. Rituals of Puash Purnima Devotees awake early in the morning and take bath in the sacred rivers for gaining blessings. They also offer arghya or offerings to the Sun God. After the ritual bath, devotees bathe the Shivalinga and worship Lord Shiva. Devotees also keep fasting for Satyanarauana, or Lord Vishnu on this day. They recite the Satyanarayana katha and chant the name of Lord Vishnu. Special Prasad is offered to the Lord and aarti is done. On this auspicious day special Pushyabhishek yatra is organized in all the Krishna temples. Doing charity is considered to be beneficial on this day as the benefits are fructified to a great extent. Lectures on Ramayana and Bhagwad Gita are organized and listened to. Significance of Paush Purnima Paush PurniMa is important in Hindu religion. It signifies the end of winter and also the beginning of the beginning of the ritual bathing of Magh. This is the time which coincides with the Maha Kumbh Mela. The ritual bathings are extremely sacred as they absolve the devotee of all their sins and also grant them salvation or moksha from the ritual cycle of birth and rebirth.
Lohri Lohri is a bonfire festival celebrated mainly in the states of Punjab, Haryana and partial Himachal Pradesh amidst the freezing cold of winter. Many people believe that Lohri is a festival which celebrates the passing away of the winter solstice. Winter Solstice is the shortest day and the longest night of the year and Lohri was celebrated on this day. The Punjabi farmers celebrated the day next to Lohri as the beginning of the financial New Year. According to Hindu calendar, Lohri falls in the middle of January. In 2019, Lohri will be celebrated on the January 13th Significance of Lohri Lohri is celebrated at the end of the Poh month or Pousha, signifying an end to the freezing end of the cold weather. This festival announces the start of the month of Magh, when the Sun is in the path of Uttarayana. This is the time when Lord Vishnu manifests himself and to get his grace; people take ritual bath early in the morning. Also, Punjab, Haryana and the best is significantly known as the Bread Basket of India for its harvests. Thus the farmers celebrate this festival during their resting phase before the frenzy of cutting and gathering of the harvests has to be done. Customs of Lohri In various places of Punjab, Haryana etc young boys go around collecting wood for the bonfire on the Lohri night. There are places from where they collect wheat and jaggery too, to sell them and create a fund. They also sing Lohri songs and ask every householder to give them logs or give them the wheat or jaggery. Then in the morning of the Lohri too, children go from neighbor to neighbor asking them for Lohri loot; which contains money and edible things like peanuts, gajak, tils etc. the Lohri celebration of a new bride and a newly born child is special and considered to be important. There is also the tradition of Dulla Bhatti too. Dhulla Bhatti is a Punjabi legendary hero who used to rob the rich and donate to the poor. He also used to rescue poor Punjabi girls. The girls would be traded in the Middle Eastern market. This happened during the times of the reign of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. Dhulla Bhatti arranged marriages with these boys and also gave them some dowries. Amongst the tales of these 2 sisters are famous. They were known as Sundri and Mundhri. The Bonfire Regarding the bonfire there are 2 distinct trends. In some places a Lohri Goddess, who is associated with spring is created using cow dung and later the fire is lit underneath it chanting the name of the Lohri Goddess. Then there are some places where the Lohri Goddess finds no mention and Lohri becomes a normal bonfire harvest festival. The bonfire arranged with logs and cow dung is prepared in the main square of the village. It is lit as soon as the sun is set. People sit around it aor perform variety of things, like sing, dance etc. this is also a worship of the fire god. People are offered gachchak. Gur or jaggery. Moonphali or peanuts phuliya or popcorn etc. milk and water is generally poured around the bonfire to thank Sun God and seek his blessings for continuous benevolence. The Kite flying is also quite popular during the day of Lohri. Celebrations of Lohri Lohri is also observed as Lal Lohi by the Sindhis and is observed them of that. Houses where childbirth or marriage had taken place just before Lohri appears the most frenzied. Singing and dancing apart, the women wear the brightest of colored clothes and perform and participate in dance forms of Bhangra and Gidda along with the pulsating rhythm of the dhol. Usually for dinner the Punjabi favorites of sarson ka Saag and Makki ki roti is served. It is mostly a celebration and a festival of Thanks giving and getting together with family and friends. It is a festival celebrating the bonding of family and friends. Celebration in various parts of India In other parts of India, this festivity is known as Pongal or Makar Sankranti. Makar sankranti is celebrated in the northern part of India and Southern part of India celebrated Pongal Sankranti. The Ganga Sagar is considered auspicious and the bathing more so during the Makar sankranti and the Pongol Sankranti continues for three days.
Magh Bihu Bihu is the most important festival for the Assamese people. There are three kinds of Bihus celebrated – the Rongali Bihu, the Kongali Bihu and the Bhogali Bihu or the Magh Bihu. The Magh Bihu is celebrated in the middle of the month of Magh or mid January. It is the harvest festival and celebrates and marks the end of the harvesting season. Bhog literally means enjoyment or eating. This is celebrated on the day of the Makar sankranti, which is on the 14th of January. The feasting lasts for the next one week as the granaries are full at this time. On the auspicious eve of the day, called Uruka, which is the last day of the Pausha , men go to the fields and build a temporary hut which is called the BHelaghar. This is made with the hay found in the fields where the bonfire or the Meji will be held in the night. In the night of the bonfire there is community cooking and in general merry making. The huts prepared, are burnt on the next morning, i.e. on the morning of the Magh Bihu or sankranti. This is the main day of the Magh Bihu. People awake early in the morning and prepare in the burning of the Meji or the hut. People throw rice pancakes called peethas at the fire and also betel nuts. This is a ritual worshipping of the Fire God and thanking him for the harvest. Rice pancakes or peethas are prepared and distributed amongst all. The elder family members are shown respect by gifting them Gamosha or a kind of thin woven cotton towel. Throughout the day people take part in various sports such as Buffalo fights, cock-fights, Nightingale-fights etc. Women participate in the Bihu dance to the lilting music. Numerous ethnic- cultural groups organize programs such as Hapsa Hatarnai, Kherai, Me-dam-me-phi, Ali-aye-ligang, Porag garja etc. the instruments used for Bihu are – Taal, Dhol, Pepa which is made of Buffalo horn, Baanhi or flute, Xutuli, Toka and Gogona. People of Assamese descent all over the world celebrate the Magh Bihu or the Bhogali Bihu with much gusto and fanfare.
Swami Vivekananda Jayanti Swami Vivekananda was one of those liberal visionaries who was born much ahead of his times and yet was born to serve his motherland. He was acclaimed for his liberal thoughts and wealth of knowledge. It was felt by the Govt of India, that the values and philosophies of Swami Vivekananda would make a great source of inspiration for the young community and thus his birthday was declared as the National youth Day. Swami Vivekananda’s birthday is on the Paush Krishna Saptami or the seventh day after the full moon in the month of Paush. However according to the Gregorian calendar Vivekananda was born on January 12th, 1863. Life of Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda was earlier known as Narendranth Dutta and was born to an educated family in Kolkata. His father Vishwanath Dutta was an attorney at Calcutta High Court; and education in their family was of prime concern. His mother on the other hand was a devout lady being devoted to her gods. Narendranath was religious from childhood and used to meditate for hours from childhood. Narendranath was the only student to get to receive first division marks in the prestigious Presidency College entrance exam and went on to study western logic, philosophy and history in the Scottish Church College. He was considered to be a genius by his professors and principal, such was his grip on knowledge. He studied John Stuart Mill, the works of Hume, Bhagwad Gita, The Upanishad, Spinoza, Darwin etc and was thought to be one with a prodigious memory. In 1880 Narendranath joined the reformation religious movement of Keshab Chandra Sen’s Nava Vidhan. He also became a member of the Freemasons. Being introduced to esotericism, Unitarianism etc, Narendranath started his true and intellectual quest of God. In 1881, Narendranath for the first time met Ramakrishna. He was referred to Narendra by Prof. William Hastie in talking about Trance. The first meeting was not much important but Narendra kept visiting Dakshineswar . As a member of the Brahma samaj, Narendra despised Ramakrishna’s Kali worship or the theory of Advaita Vedanta. In 1884 Narendra’s father passed away leaving them mired in debts. He tried to find jobs, but the situation became so grim that just to seek mental solace he started visiting Dakshineswar more often. One day Narendra asked Ramakrishna to pray to Goddess kali for his prosperity to which Ramakrishna asked him to go and pray himself. However he couldn’t bring himself to ask for financial security for himself and just asked for true knowledge. He finally took Ramakrishna as his Guru. Ramakrishna developed throat cancer but gave diksha or the legacy to be passed on to Narendranath. Ramakrishna asked him to found a monastic discipline and passed away in 1886. Amidst severe financial constraints, Narendranath founded the first head quarter of the Ramakrishna Mission in a dilapidated house in Baranagar. In 1888, he chose a life of a Paribrajak and went out to explore India and seats of learning carrying only a water pot and two books. He developed a tremendous sympathy for the downtrodden and the poverty stricken and resolved to work towards their uplifting and the betterment of the nation. He left for Chicago in 1893 and changed his name to Vivekananda as suggested to him by Ajit Singh of Khetri. Before visiting Chicago, Vivekananda visisted Nagasaki, Yokohama, Kyoto, Tokyo etc and finally reached his destination. After many difficulties, he got the opportunity to speak in the Parliament of Religion and opened his speech with – “Sisters and brothers of America!”. He received a standing and thunderous ovation and received lot of attention. He was called the Cyclonic monk and many other names. He toured US and UK and kept spreading the message of Vedanta. From the west he revived his work in India, which was suffering in his absence. He started for India on 1896 and was followed by his disciple Sister Nivedita. He reached Colombo in Sri Lanka amidst huge popularity. From Colombo he travelled extensively in the southern parts of India and on May 1897, he founded the Ramakrishna Mission. He was offered by Tata to head his Research Institute of Science, which Vivekananda gracefully declined. Amidst numerous work and teachings, his health started failing and finally in 1902, 4th of July Viveananda passed away in his sleep. He also fulfilled of his earlier prophecy of not being alive more than 40 years. He was only 39 when he passed away. He was cremated in Belur, beside the river Ganga. Celebration of Vivekananda Jayanti Swami Vivekananda Jayanti is celebrated with a lot of humility and respect in various institutes of India. This day is also celebrated as the National youth Day commemorated by the Government of India. In Ramakrishna Math, this day is observed as an auspicious day in the traditional Hindu manner. A Mangalarati is done in the morning then special meditation, worship and religious discourses and devotional songs are sung on this occasion. The day ends with the evening worship of the Sandhya Arati. In different parts of India, this day is celebrated as the National Youth Day. Mission Bharatiyam organizes a two-day extravaganza for this occasion in Uttar Pradesh. Lot of activities is held on this occasion. Various other Government and non- government organizations also celebrate and commemorate the day in this manner. Various dissertations are held on this religious works or his ideology and life which remains an inspiration for generations to come, Numerous programs are held in the genre of art. Literature, culture, education and more; which are expected to guide the youth of India to be more thoughtful and seek the inner goodness amongst themselves and at the same time look forward to embrace the national and international culture and religion together.
Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti Subhas Chandra Bose remains one of the most important and enigmatic leaders of the Indian Independence Movement. His defiant patriotism made him the hero that folklores are made of. The honorific title Netaji was given to him by the Indian Soldiers of Azad Hind Fauj and later on came to be used throughout the nation. His entire life, his brand of patriotism remains one which can be emulated and thus till this day, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose remains an Independence Movement leader whose birthday commemorations are held with lot of devotion. Life of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Subhas Chandra Bose was born on the 23rd of January, 1897 in Orissa, Cuttack to Janakinathab Bose, an advocate and Pravabati Devi. He conducted schooling in a school run byy Baptist Mission and then in Ravenshaw College. For a period he studied in Presidency College when he was expelled from the college for having assaulted Professor Oaten for his anti- India comments. He went on to study in the Scottish Church College and completed his graduation from there. Post his graduation he went to study in Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge and came 4th in the Indian Civil Service exam. He however refused to work under the British Government, and thus resigned and returned to India. After coming back to India, he took the responsibility of the newspaper Swaraj and is mentor was Chittaranjan Das, himself an advocate of aggressive nationalism. Bose worked as the CEO of the Calcutta Municipal Corporation when Chittaranjan Das was elected as the Mayor of Calcutta. However, he was picked up by the police and sent in a prison at Mandalay for his Nationalist views. After he was released from prison, Bose became the secretary of the Indian National Congress and worked with Jawaharlal Nehru. Bose was again arrested and jailed for what was called civil disobedience but went on to become the Mayor of Calcutta in 1930. He travelled to Europe, met students and leaders including Mussolini and wrote the first part of his book The Indian Struggle. The British Government however banned that book in fear of unrest. Subhas Chandra Bose became the Congress President in 1938 and stood for unqualified Swaraj which put his ideology in direct contrast to that of Mahatma Gandhi who opposed Bose in every move including his presidency. Gandhi’s meddling in the affairs also created a rift between Nehru and Bose. Even in the face of this Bose was reelected as the Congress President in 1939 against Gandhi’s preferred candidate. However, Gandhi created a situation where he was forced to resign from the post of the President. He founded the All India Forward Bloc and attended rallies everywhere. He disliked British subjugation and felt that discussions and pleading were not the ways to gain independence from the alien powers. His radical views brought much discomfort to the British Government and he was placed under House Arrest in 1940. Bose however took a disguise and escaped from the house arrest and arrived in Germany in 1941. The German authorities showed sympathy towards the Indian Nationalist cause and with their financial aid a Free India Center and a Free India Radio was set up from where Bose telecasted every day. 3000 strong Free India Legion or the Azad Hind Fauz was created, comprising of Indians arrested by the Afrikaa Corps of Rommel. Bose was by this time keen to move on to south eastern Asia and Hitler too felt the same and offered to arrange for a submarine for Bose. By this time Bose had married Emilie Schenkl and had a baby girl. Bose took a Japanese submarine and reached Sumatra in 1943. With the Japanese supporting him, Bose reorganized the Indian National Army. He also formed Provisional Government of Free India in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, the Japanese forces were defeated and had to surrender; but Bose chose not to surrender and took a flight to Manchuria. En-route his plane crashed and Bose suffered third- degree injuries and died. Though Indian National congress did not like Subhas Chandra Bose’s brand of patriotism, they applauded his zeal and fervor for freeing India and granting a complete Swaraj to his motherland. Bose had always advocated and demanded complete freedom and not in phases. That is the call the INC took at the Lahore Convention. Celebrations of Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti Celebration of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth Anniversary is celebrated with great fervor all over India. Mostly almost all the schools and colleges across West Bengal and Orissa celebrate the birth anniversary of Netaji. Lots of children dress up as Netaji on this day. People also organize various meetings and talk about Netaji’s political views and organize cultural activities.
Kalki Dwadashi Kalki Dwadashi vrat is dedicated to the Kalki Avatar vrat of Lord Vishnu. According to legends, Kalki is the tenth and the final Avatar of Lord Vishnu who had come to end disruption and evil from this world. The name Kalki arises from the word kal or time and symbolizes the end of bad times and ushering in of good times. End of the Kali yuga and ushering in the Satya Yuga. According to the Puranas Kalki rides on a white horse with a drawn sword in his hand. Kalki dwadashi is observed on the dwadashi of the shuklapaksha of the Bhadrapada month as per the traditional Hindu calendar, which according to the Gregorian calendar is the twelfth day of the waxing phase of the moon in the month of September. In 2019, the Kalki Dwadashi will be observed on September 10th. Rituals of Kalki Dwadashi Devotees awake early on the the day of the Kalki Dwadashi and have a cleansing bath before sunrise. Then they visit temples of Lord Vishnu. They all chant Vishnu Stotram and seek blessings from the Lord and ask for his forgiveness. Devotees prepare their puja place in their house. An idol of Kalki made of clay and turmeric is placed on an earthen pot filled with water. Then this Kalki idol is worshipped with ghee or clarifies butter, flowers, fresh fruits, incense sticks and lamp. After the worship is over, the idol is gifted to a Brahmin or immersed in water. Significance of Kalki Dwadashi Kalki is believed to be the tenth and final incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is believed to be the one who will put an end to the evil filled Kali Yuga and usher in satya Yuga. Thus devotees pray for his blessings and seek forgiveness for all their sons. They pray that their lives be peaceful. Since no one is aware when the Kalki Avatar will appear people seek his blessings as they do not know when the end will come.
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