Festivals of
India
India
earned its independence from the British on the 15/8/47. But
the British army left India ultimately in 1950. 26/1/1950 is
celebration as the Republic Day of India. On this day the Indian
constitution was adopted. On Republic Day regional identity
gives way to national identity. Neither caste, creed nor religion
matter. What is predominant is the Indianness of the people.
Two
events are associated with India’s freedom from colonial
rule. One is Independence Day (15th August) and the other, Republic
Day (26th January). The former is a historical even when India
gained independence in 1947 and freed herself from the foreign
yoke after a protracted campaign for freedom, whereas the latter
bestowed historicity on the day when India became a Sovereign
Democratic Republic with a constitution to guide her destiny.
Republic
Day reminds us of the fulfillment of the pledge that was made
on the midnight of Independence as a “tryst with destiny”.
It is future-oriented, a vision of India that we nourish, an
acceptance of responsibility and making of promises as well
as recapitulation of the achievements. The act of framing the
Constitution puts a spotlight on B.R. Ambedkar whose indefatigable
labour and sharp insights helped the preparation of the document.
The
difference in significance marks the variation in the pattern
of celebration of these two national days. On Independence Day,
the past is recalled whereas, on Republic Day, the pledge is
renewed. Independence Day has rhetoric built in the celebration;
Republic Day is without speeches. It is the only ceremony in
which rhetoric is in the background and visuals are given priority.
Republic
Day is celebrated all over the country at all the administrative
units like the capital cities, district headquarters, sub divisions,
talukas, and panchayats. The major ceremonies at Delhi and the
state capitals revolve around the parade in which all the defence
services police contingents, Home guards and Civil Defence,
NCC, school children and cultural troupes participate followed
by a display of tableaux and folk dances.
The
celebration mood lasts for one week. It consists of the ground
preparations, rehearsals, the main display and spills over to
the ‘Beating of Retreat’ on January 29, a day before
Martyrs Day which marks the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
The
day has acquired the status of a social celebration in which
people participate whole-heartedly as spectators. The celebrational
mosaic is studded with activities. Though the parade is the
main ceremony, various activities spill over from early morning
when prabhat pheris (morning rounds) are held followed by a
homage to Gandhi. The parade is succeeded by sports events in
the afternoon. ‘At Home’ functions at the Raj Bhavan,
at the District Magistrate’s and at the SDM’s are
followed by illumination of public buildings of the state capitals
and administrative headquarters.
It
is a people’s day in more senses than one. Firstly, the
constitution whose promulgation is celebrated is highly symbolic
of the aspirations which ‘we the people of India’
cherish. It ushered in a social revolution silently by changing
the status of the individual from a subject of a colonial empire
to a citizen of a free country. It laid down the method of governance
and established the relationship of the citizen to the state.
It endeavours to secure justice, liberty, equality and fraternity
and assures the dignity of the individual by conferring fundamental
rights upon the citizen. With one stroke, it abolished all distinctions
of status, rank, creed, colour and sex. It outlawed untouchability,
an abominable social practice that had created discrimination
and tensions in society.
Secondly,
much of the social change consequent upon the new legislation
has its roots in the Directive Principles of State Policy. The
Constitution is the Supreme law. Hence Republic Day is sacrosanct
as its significance is deep-rooted. India at present owes its
programmes to the Constitution. She can build her future on
the basis of the tenets enshrined therein.
Thirdly,
it is a day of the citizen of the country when he is supreme.
Symbolically, he can fly the national flag on his vehicle and
at the top of his house. It is a great privilege.
Fourthly,
it is a paid holiday when everyone has a right to celebrate,
enjoy, relax. No wonder the mood is festive and recreational.
Picnics are common, a movie with a message is telecast besides
the parade on Rajpath in Delhi and the patriotic group songs
with visuals.
The
celebrations are universal, total and participatory, children
take part in a big way. Variations in culture are displayed
through colourful attires and folk dances. The traditional predominates
along with a touch of modernity reflected in the display of
might (latest defence gadgetry and acquisitions), technology
and capabilities of growth in various sectors. The parade symbolizes
the might; the tableaux are predominated by cultural motifs.
The touch of the local highlights the identity of the area.
The celebration is thus a homage to the past, the region and
the nation that is a true republic and imposes nothing.
Christmas The name Christmas is derived from 'Christ's Mass', the
mass in honour of the birth of Christ. Christmas is celebrated on
the 25th of December every year, at the time of the winter solstice.
The Christian legend of the New Testament relating to the birth
of Christ is that, "god sent an angel named Gabriel to a girl named
Mary. Gabriel told Mary that she would become pregnant, and give
birth to the Son of God. The child would be named Jesus. He would
grow up to become a king, and his kingdom would have no boundaries.
As Mary was unmarried and a virgin she asked the angel how this
was possible. In his reply he said that the Holy Spirit would come
to her and the power of god would bless her. Mary was promised in
marriage to a man named Joseph. The angel also visited Joseph and
spoke to him in his dream. He told Joseph that Mary would soon be
carrying a child and advised him to take good care of her and not
to abandon her. Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth in present-day
Israel. At the time, it was part of the Roman Empire. The ruler
of the kingdom, Emperor Augustus ordered a census, during the time
that Mary was to deliver her child. Every citizen was required to
travel to Bethlehem to get registered. All inns and public houses
in Bethlehem were over-crowded due to the influx of people from
surrounding areas. Joseph took Mary from place to place in search
of shelter. The couple finally found refuge in a stable. Mary gave
birth to Jesus at midnight and laid him in a manger.
This event is of great importance to Christians, because they believe
that Jesus was the Son of God. Christmas is a time for festivity.
Prayers, merry making and sending cards are part of the Christmas
rituals. The celebration begins with a midnight mass on the eve
of the festival, as Jesus was born at midnight. This is followed
by a morning service and a mass at midnight, To mark the event,
churches and homes are illuminated with colorful lights, light oil
lamps and decorated with streamers of many hues. as well, Tableaux
to depict the birth of Christ, Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus in a cradle
of hay, sheep, shepherds and the angels are crafted to enact the
event. A decorated fir tree, is also now synonymous with Christmas
and often referred to as a Christmas tree.
In the tribal and rural areas of India. Cakes made of rice flour
and bananas form part of the ceremonial feast. Women also make thekudas
and namkeens. In some parts of southern India, payas is distributed
among friends and relatives. Carol singing is also popular, but
it is accompanied by rhythmic dancing. The dance forms vary from
region to region. In the eastern states of Bihar, Assam, Manipur
and Nagaland, it is customary to intersperse the feast with tribal
dances.
Among the orthodox, the festival is commemorated by prayers and
purificatory rites. Some sections of Roman Catholics forsake eating
meat during the period known as the Advent, from the first to the
25th of December.
Maha
Shivratri is celebrated on the moonless night of Phalguna, which
is fourteenth day in the dark half, when Lord Shiva manifested as
Shivaling. There are numerous stories extolling the glory of Mahadev
(Lord Shiva) in the Puranas. He has been worshipped in Bharat (India)
since ancient times. Archaeologists have discovered his meditative-postured
murti in Mohenjo-daro. Initially his murti was worshipped. Later
this was replaced by the Shivaling, symbolically representing the
jyoti-flame of the fire, and not as a phallic symbol, as has been
persistently and ignominiously misrepresented by non-Hindu writers
since colonial times. The Shvetashvatava Upanishad (1-13) refers
to Shivaling upasana-worship.
Two other significant events occurred on Maha Shivaratri; the onset
of Dwapar yuga and the manifestation of the 12 Swayambhu Jyotirlingas
of Bharat.
Glory
The Shiva Puran
relates a story of Maha Shivaratri's glory.
In ancient times,
a Bheel (forest inhabitant) named Gurudruha trudged through a forest
to hunt deer. At night, without having sighted a single animal,
he unknowingly climbed a bili tree on the banks of a lake. Later
at night, a doe arrived to drink water. Gurudruha aimed his bow
and arrow at her. While aiming, he unknowingly dropped some bili
leaves and his drinking water below on a Shivaling. The deer then
requested him to allow her to entrust her fawns to her husband,
after which she would return. After much haggling he agreed. While
awaiting her re turn, he stayed awake by aimlessly plucking leaves
and dropping them below. Again they fell on the Shivaling. Thus
he unknowingly performed its puja while remaining awake all night.
Finally the doe returned with her family, She informed him that
along with her, he'd have to kill her family too. As he aimed, some
more leaves fluttered down on the Shivaling. The collective punya
(spiritual merit) accrued from the puja performed unknowingly, eradicated
all his sins. This purified his heart. Repenting his flawed life
of sin, he set the deer free. As he sat repenting, Lord Shiva manifested
in front of him and granted a boon, "You shall be born in a
town known as Shrungver, as a man named Gruha. Lord Vishnu will
grace your home as Lord Rama and redeem you."
Shivaji also blessed the deer which attained a better destiny.
The Garud and Skand Puranas cite similar versions, about a king
named Sundersenak and an evil hunter named Chand, respectively.
Ritual
On this day,
fasting and night vigil - jaagaran, are advocated. Hindus worldwide
perform Shiva puja with bili leaves(Aegle marmelos) and milk abhishek.
On Mt.Girnar in Saurashtra, a grand mela is held, where people throng
to have darshan of sannyasis and mystics.
Lord Swaminarayan has enjoined devotees to celebrate the day by
doing Shiva puja and faraar in the Shikshapatri (79) and pujan with
Bili leaves (Shik. 149). He has also included Shiva among the five
foremost deities of the Hindu Dharma (Shik.84). Additionally, He
regards Shiva and Narayan with equanimity (Shik.47).
During His time, He consecrated Lord Shiva's murti in the Junagadh
mandir, as Siddheshwar Mahadev. Continuing the tradition, HDH Pramukh
Swami has consecrated the murtis of Shiva-Parvati in the new Shri
Swaminarayan Mandir, in Neasden, London, where the festival is celebrated
with great eclat, with special puja and milk abhishek, every year.
Makara literally
means 'Capricorn' and Sankranti is the day when the sun passes
from one sign of the zodiac to the next. The Sankranti of any
month is considered auspicious as it signifies afresh start. However
Makara Sankranti is celebrated in the month of Magha when the
sun passes through the winter solstice, from the Tropic of Cancer
to the Tropic of Capricorn.
According
to Hindu mythology, one 'human' year of 365 days is equivalent
to one day and night of the gods. Makara Sankranti marks the beginning
of the day of the gods, which is equivalent to six solar months
and is believed to be the auspicious part of the year. The previous
six months, considered the night and therefore symbolic of darkness
and evil, are inauspicious.
Makara Sankranti
is believed to be the time when Surya rides his chariot, drawn
by seven horses, from the southern skies to the north. For the
pastoral people therefore, it is of prime importance for it signifies
the end of the winter and the 'turning back' of the sun to the
north.
This festival
has been celebrated for thousands of years. Initially, this was
probably a festival celebrated in the cold climate, when people
prayed for the warmth of the sun. In all likelihood, the Aryans
celebrated it, and continued to do so after migrating to India.
Today, Makara
Sankranti is celebrated throughout India as a harvest festival.
It is a way of giving thanks to the elements of nature that help
man. This is the period when the winter recedes, paving the way
for the summer. It is the time the farmers bring home their harvest.
In the coast al regions, it is a harvest festival dedicated to
Indra. In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, it is celebrated as a
three-day harvest festival Pongal. In Assam, the festival is celebrated
as Bhogali Bihu, and in Punjab it is called Lohri.
In North
India, a ritual bath in the river is important on this day. In
fact, bathing is considered mandatory on this day, and according
to a popular local belief in the hills of Uttar Pradesh, one who
does not bathe on Makara Sankranti is born a donkey in his next
birth. The belief probably originated in cold climates to compel
some of the more reluctant people to observe certain rules of
hygiene. Khichiri is eaten and given away as charity, and some
call the festival Khichiri Sankranti. People also distribute rice
and lentils to the poor and needy. In Maharashtra, a special dish
called tilgul, or laddoos made of jaggery and Sesame seed, the
chief crop of the season, is popular.
A big fair
is held at the confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the Sarasvati
rivers at Triveni in Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh) on this occasion.
Being the month of Magha, this fair is also called Magha Mela.
Apart from Triveni, ritual bathing also takes place at many places
like Haridvar and Garh Mukteshwar in Uttar Pradesh, and Patna
in Bihar. Since it is also the season to fly kites, the evening
sky is awash with colourful kites of all shapes and sizes. Several
kite competitions are held in various localities.
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New
Year (2003) |
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Long
Ago Festivals
Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, New Year was celebrated at the time the River
Nile flooded which was near the end of September. The flooding of
the Nile was very important because without it, the people would
not have been able to grow crops in the dry desert. At New Year,
statues of the god, Amon and his wife and son were taken up the
Nile by boat. Singing, dancing, and feasting was done for a month,
and then the statues were taken back to the temple.
Babylonia
Babylonia lay in what is now the country of iraq. Their New Year
was in the Spring. During the festival, the king was stripped of
his clothes and sent away, and for a few days everyone could do
just what they liked. Then the king returned in a grand procession,
dressed in fine robes. Then, everyone had to return to work and
behave properly. Thus, each New Year, the people made a new start
to their lives.
The Romans
For a long time the Romans celebrated New Year on the first of March.
Then, in 46 BC, the Emperor Julius Caesar began a new calendar.
It was the calendar that we still use today, and thus the New Year
date was changed to the first day of January.
January is named after the Roman god Janus. who was always shown
as having two heads. He looked back to the last year and forward
to the new one.
The Roman New Year festival was called the Calends, and people decorated
their homes and gave each other gifts. Slaves and their masters
ate and drank together, and people could do what they wanted to
for a few days.
The Celts
The Celts were the people who lived in Gaul, now called France,
and parts of Britain before the Romans arrived there. Their New
Year festival was called Samhain. It took place at the end of October,
and Samhain means 'summer's end'.
At Samhain, the Celts gathered mistletoe to keep ghosts away, because
they believed this was the time when the ghosts of the dead returned
to haunt the living.
Around the World
Not all countries celebrate New Year at the same time, nor in the
same way. This is because people in different parts of the world
use different calendars. Long ago, people divided time into days,
months, and years. Some calendars are based on the movement of the
moon, others are based on the position of the sun, while others
are based on both the sun and the moon. All over the world, there
are special beliefs about New Year.
Hindu New Year
Most Hindus live in India, but they don't all celebrate New Year
in the same way or at the same time. The
People of West Bengal, in northern India. like to wear flowers at
New Year, and they use flowers in the colors of pink, red. purple,
or white. Women like to wear yellow, which is the color of Speing.
In Kerala, in southern India, mothers put food, flowers, and little
gifts on a special tray. On New Year's morning, the children have
to keep their eyes closed until they have been led to the tray.
In
central India, orange flags are flown from buildings on New Year's
Day.
In Gujarat, in western India, New Year is celebrated at the end
of October, and it is celebrated at the same time as the Indian
festival of Diwali. At the time of Diwali, small oil lights are
lit all along the roofs of buildings.
At New Year, Hindus think particularly of the goddess of wealth,
Lakshmi.
Jewish New Year
The Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah. It is a holy time when
people think of the things they have done wrong in the past, and
they promise to do better in the future.
Special services are held in synagogues, and an instrument called
a Shofar, which is made from a ram's horn is played. Children are
given new clothers, and New Year loaves are baked and fruit is eaten
to remind people of harvest time.
Muslim New Year
The Muslim calendar is based on the movements of the moon, so the
date of New Year is eleven days earlier each year.
Iran is a Muslim country which used to be called Persia. The people
celebrate New Year on March 21, and a few weeks before this date,
people put grains of wheat or barley in a little dish to grow. By
the time of New Year, the grains have produced shoots, and this
reminds the people of spring and new year of life.
The Far East
In Vietnam, the New Year is called Tet Nguyen Dan or Tet for short.
It begins between January 21 and February 19, and the exact day
changes from year to year. They believe that there is a god in every
home, and at the New Year this god travels to heaven. There he will
say how good or bad each member of the family has been in the past
year.
They used to believe that the god traveled on the back of a fish
called a carp, and today, they sometimes buy a live carp, and then
let it go free in a river or pond. They also believe that the first
person to enter their house at New Year will bring either good or
bad luck.
Japan
In Japan, New year is celebrated on January 1, but the Japanese
also keep some beliefs from their religion, which is called Shinto.
To keep out evil spirits, they hang a rope of straw across the front
of their houses, and this stands for happiness and good luck.
The moment the New Year begins, the Japanese people begin to laugh,
and this is supposed to bring them good luck in the new year.
Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year is celebrated some time between January 17
and February 19, at the time of the new moon, and it is called Yuan
Tan. It is celebrated by Chinese people all over the world, and
street processions are an exciting part of their New Year. The Festival
of Lanterns is the street processions, and thousands of lanterns
are used to light the way for the New Year.
The Chinese people believe that there are evil spirits around at
New Year, so they let off firecrackers to frighten the spirits away.
Sometimes they seal their windows and doors with paper to keep the
evil spirits out.
The West
New Year's Day processions with decorated floats and bands are a
part of New Year, and football is also played all over the United
States on New Year's Day.
In Europe, New Year was often a time for superstition and fortune-telling,
and in some parts of Switzerland and Austria, people dress up to
celebrate Saint Sylvester's Eve.
In AD 314, there was a Pope called Saint Sylvester, and people believed
that he captured a terrible sea monster. It was thought that in
the year 1000, this sea monster would escape and destroy the world,
but since it didn't happen, the people were delighted. Since then,
in parts of Austria and Switzerland , this story is remembered at
New Year, and people dress yp in fantastic costumes, and are called
Sylvesterklauses.
In Greece, New Year's Day is also the Festival of Saint Basil. Saint
Basil was famous for his kindness, and Geek children leave their
shoes by the fire on New Year's Day with the hop that he will come
and fill the shoes with gifts.
In Scotland, New Year's is called Hogmanay, and in some villages
barrels of tar are set alight and rolled through the streets. Thus,
the old year is burned up and the new one allowed to enter. Scottish
people believe that the first person to enter your house in the
New Year will bring good or bad luck and it is very good luck if
the visitor is a dark-haired man bringing a gift. This custom is
called first-footing. The song, Auld Lang Syne is sung at midnight
on New Year's Eve, and this custom is now celebrated all over the
over the world.
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HOLICA |
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HOLICA
FULL MOON DAY
OF PHAALGUNA
This is pre-eminently
the spring festival of Bharat. The trees are smiling with their
sprout of tender leaves and blooming flowers. With the harvest
having been completed and the winter also just ended, lt is pre-eminently
a festival of mirth and merriment. Gulal (colored powder) is sprinkled
on each other by elders and children, men and women, rich and
poor alike. All superficial social barriers are pulled down by
the all-round gaiety and laughter.
The day itself
is associated with many interesting and enlightening Puraanic
legends. It is the day of Kaamadahana, the burning of god Kaama
-Cupid. The virgin daughter of the king of Himaalayas, Paarvati,
was in deep penance to acquire the hand of Lord Shiva as her spouse.
But Shiva himself was lost in a deep trance entirely oblivious
of the outside world. Kaamadeva came to the rescue of Paarvati
and shot his amorous arrows of love at Shiva. Shiva, disturbed
from his trance, opened his terrible Third Eye. The flames of
Shiva's wrath, leaping from his fore-head eye, burnt Kaama to
ashes and there after, Kaama became spirit without a form. Shiva
then looked towards Paarvati and fructified her penance by marrying
her. It is this burning of lustful infatuation by penance that
is signified in this festival.
Holi is also
associated with the story of Holika, the sister of demon Hiranyakashipu,
The demon-father, having failed in various other ways to make
his son Prahlaada denounce Lord Naaraayana, finally asked his
sister Holika to take Prahlaada in her lap and enter a blazing
fire, Holika, who had a boon to remain unscathed by fire; did
her brother's bidding. But lo, Holika's boon ended by this act
of supreme sin against the Lord's devotee and was herself burnt
to ashes and Prahlaada came out unharmed.
One more legend
pertains to another Holika, also known as Pootana, who came as
a charming woman to kill the infant Sri Krishna by feeding him
with her poisoned breast, Sri Krishna, however, sucked by blood
and she lay dead in all her hideous form.
Such stories
have effectively charged the popular mind with the faith that
ultimately the forces of divinity' shall triumph over the demonic
forces. Symbolically, a bonfire of Kaamadeva or Holika is made
in every town or village, attended by unbounded fun and frolic.
Games depicting the pranks of infant Krishna are also played by
boys singing and dancing around the fire.
As in the
case of all our festivals, this too has its plentiful share of
spiritual significance. Fire is the symbol of yajna in which all
our bodily desires and propensities are offered in the pure and
blazing flame of spiritual enlightenment lit within our hearts.
Holi Festival
ALL THIS IN
THIS WORLD IS PERVADED BY GOD
Aum Isha Vasyam
Idam Sarvam, Yat Kincha Jagatyam Jagat
Ten Tyaktena Bhunjitha, Ma Gridhah Kasyasvid Dhanam.
All this, whatsoever
moves in this moving world is pervaded by God. Through such renunciation
you may enjoy. Do not covet anybody's wealth for whose indeed
is wealth?
....... The first mantra
of the Isa Upanishad
THE FESTIVAL
OF HOLI- THE STORY OF PRAHLAD
Hiranyakashypu
was the king of the asuras. Hiranyakashypu's brother had been
slain by Vishnu for terrorising gods and goddesses. So Hiranyakashypu
wanted to destroy Vishnu and keep other Gods in heaven subdued.
He told his soldiers to crush all those who worship Vishnu, but
the Gods protected the Devotees of Vishnu.
Hiranyakashypu
thought to himself "I will have to match my powers to Vishnu's
to rule over the three worlds".
So he began
to perform severe penances and tapasya. While he was so occupied
the Gods ransacked his city and destroyed his palace. Hiranyakashiapu's
Queen, who was expecting a child was sent by the gods to Sage
Narada's hermitage. She lived in the Ashram of the great sage
and learned about religion and the glory of Vishnu from him. The
child within her, Prahlad,.too, absorbed all this knowledge.
Narada taught
the Queen that Vishnu is the soul of all created things and is
present everywhere. Meanwhile, Hiranyakashypu's austerities pleased
Brahma and said: "Arise Hiranyakashypu. Any boon that you
ask of me shall be yours". Hiranyakashypu said I wish that
my death be not caused by man or beast, with a weapon or without
a weapon, during day or night, indoors or outdoors, on earth or
in the sky. Grant me the undisputed lordship over the material
world.
Hiranyakashypu
brought his wife back to his city where Prahlad was born. Hiranyakashypu,
with his new powers renewed his hostilities against Vishnu and
his followers. He declared "There is non stronger than I.
I am the lord of the three worlds. I shall be worshipped as such".
Prahlad in
the meanwhile was growing up and was Hiranyakashypu's delight.
He asked Prahlad: "Son, tell me what do you think is the
best thing in life"?
Prahlad replied:
"To renounce the world and seek refuge in Vishnu".
Hiranyakashypu
laughed. Then he called his Son's teacher to him, saying: "Guard
him closely. I think that the followers of Vishnu are secretly
influencing him. Don't let him out of your sight! After my months,
his teacher said: "Prahlad, I think you are now ready to
meet your father." His father asked him: "You have been
with your Guru a long time! What have you learnt? Prahlad said:
"I have leant that the most worthwhile occupation for anyone
is the worship of Lord Vishnu". Hirnaykashypu was very angry:
"0 cursed child! Who taught you such perverse things?"
Prahlad remained calm and said: "Vishnu. He reveals himself
to all who are devoted to him."
Hiranyakashypu
shouted angrily: "This boy must not live! Take him away and
kill him! Kill this vilest enemy disguised as my son. Poison him
or attack him when he sleeps but kill him!" The soldiers
started attacking Prahlad when Prahlad was meditating on Lord
Vishnu, but their weapons could not touch Prahlad. Most deadly
snakes were let loose on Prahlad, but their fangs turned impotent.
Mighty elephants could not trample him. Something kept them back.
He was pushed off a cliff but Prahlad was unharmed. Holika, the
wicked aunt of Prahlad Holika who had a boon to brave fire without
hurt, sat with Prahlad in fire but Prahlad was unharmed. In desperation
Hiranyakashypu had him fed with deadly poison but it turned into
nectar in Prahlad's mouth.
Prahlad was
sent to his teacher to try again. This time the teacher tried
to get Prahlad interested in means for acquiring wealth and physical
pleasures. But Prahlad thought to himself: "How can the pursuit
of physical pleasures and wealth bring happiness? It will only
lead to envy and anger?" The teacher eventually gave up,
when Prahlad told his father that Vishnu is the soul of all created
beings and is present everywhere. Hiranyakashypu roared: Where
is Vishnu? If he is everywhere why is he not in this Pillar? If
he is not there then I shall cut off your head with my sword.
Let Vishnu, your Lord protect you." As Hiranyakashypu was
striking the Pillar? With his sword, Lord Vishnu, in the form
of Nara-simha (nara=man,simha=lion) emerged from the Pillar. His
look was neither beast nor man. Narsinha caught Hiranyakashypu
and it was the twilight hour, carried him to the threshold of
the court- room which was neither indoors nor outdoors and while
holding him on his lap, killed him. Prahlad was installed on the
throne and he ruled wisely and well for many years.
The religious
significance of the festival of Holi is to mark the burning of
self-conceit, selfishness, greed, lust, hatred, in fact all the
undesirable demoniac tendencies, propensities, thoughts and behaviours.
The victory of righteous forces over demoniacal forces.
Holi
or Holika
By
Swami Harshananda
Ramakrishna Math, Bangalore
Holi or Holika,
also called holikotsava, is an extremely popular festival observed
throughout the country (India). It is especially marked by unmixed
gaiety and frolics and is common to all sections of the people.
This festival
is very ancient. Known originally as 'Holika' it has been mentioned
in very early religious works such as Jaimini's. Purvamimamsa-sutras
and Kathaka-grhya-sutras. It must have therefore existed several
centuries before Christ. It was at first actually a special rite
performed by married women for the happiness and well-being of
their families and the full moon (Raka) was the deity worshipped
by them.
There are two ways of reckoning a lunar month: purnimanta and
amanta. In the former, the first day starts after the full moon;
and in the latter, after the new moon. Though the latter reckoning
is more common now, the former was very much in vogue in the earlier
days. According to this purnimanta reckoning, Phalguna purnima
was the last day of the year and the new year heralding the Vasanta-rtu
(with spring starting from (lext day). Thus the full moon festival
of Holika gradually became a festival of merrymaking, announcing
the commencement of the spring season. This perhaps explains the
other names of this festival: Vasanta-Mahotsava and Kama-Mahotsava.
According
to the stories in the Puranas and various local legends, this
day is important for three reasons.
1. It was on this day that Lord Siva opened his third eye and
reduced Kamadeva (the god of love ashes.
2. It was on this day that Holika, the sister of the demon king
Hiranyakasyapu, who tried to kill the child by taking him on her
lap and sitting on a pyre of wood which was set ablaze. Holika
was burnt to remained unscathed!
3. It was again on this day that an ogress called Dhundhi, who
was troubling the children in the k.. Raghu) was made to run away
for life, by the shouts and pranks of the mischievous boys. Thou
several boons that made her almost invincible, this -noise, shouts,
abuses and pranks of boys . armour due to a curse of Lord Siva.
The day itself came to be called 'Adada' or 'Holika' since then
There are
practically no religious observances for this day like fasting
or worship. Generally a log of wood will be kept in a prominent
public place on the Vasantapanchami day (Magha Sukla Panchami),
almost 40 days before the Holi Festival. An image of Holika with
child Prahlada in her lap is also kept on the log. Holika's image
is made of combustible materials whereas Prahlada's image is made
of non-combustible ones. People go on throwing twigs of trees
and any combustible material they can spare, on to that log which
gradually grows into a sizable heap. On the night of Phalguna
Purnima, it is set alight in a simple ceremony with the Raksoghna
Mantras of the Rgveda (4.4.1-15; 10.87.1-25 and so on) being sometimes
chanted to ward off all evil spirits. (Coconuts and coins are
thrown into this bonfire).The next morning the ashes from the
bonfire are collected as prasad (consecrated material) and smeared
on the limbs of the body. Singed coconuts, if any are also collected
and eaten.
In some houses
the image of Kamadeva is kept in the yard and a simple worship
is offered. A mixture of mango blossoms and sandalwood paste is
partaken as the prasad
The day- Phalgun
krsna pratipad -is observed as a day of revelry especially by
throwing on one another gulal or coloured water or perfumed coloured
powder. Throwing of mud or earthdust was prevalent in the earlier
days also, but among the low culture groups.
Instead of
the gay and frenzied celebrations that are witnessed elsewhere
in the country bengal observes this festival in a quiet and dignified
manner as Dolapurnima or Dolayatra (the festival of the swing).
The festival, said to have been initiated by the king Indradyumna
in Vrndavana, is spread over 3 or 5 days, starting from the sukla
Chaturdasi of Phalguna. A celebration in honour of Agni and worship
of Govinda (Krsna) in image on a swing are the important features.
The fire kindled on the first day is to be preserved till the
last day. The swing is to be rocked 21 times at the end of the
festival.
The day is
also celebrated as the birthday of Sri Krsna Chaitanyp (A.D. 1486-1533),
mostly in Bengal, as also in Puri (Orissa), Mathura and Vrndavan
(in Ut tar Pradesh).
HOLI
Dates: Holi
is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March every
year.
Legend: Originally
a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land,
Holi has several traditional links with legends. According to
one popular legend, the word Holi is derived from the demoness,
Holika. She was the sister of Hiranyakashyap, a demon king, who
having defeated the Gods proclaimed his own supremacy over the
Universe. Enraged by his son, Prahlad's ardent devotion to Vishnu,
Hiranyakashyap decided to punish him. He took the help of his
sister, Holika, who was immune to damage from fire. Holika carried
Prahlad into the fire but a divine intervention destroyed her
and saved Prahlad. Thus Holi is celebrated to mark the burning
of the evil Holika. It is a celebration of the triumph of good
over evil, and is commemorated by burning huge bonfires on the
eve of Holi as its symbolic representation.
In many parts
of India however, Kama -the God of love, is the presiding deity.
According to an ancient legend, Shiva was deep in meditation,
oblivious to Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas who sought
his love. Kama (the Indian version of Cupid) shot an arrow towards
Shiva, thus disturbing his meditation. Shiva was enraged and destroyed
Kama, reducing him to a heap of ashes. Kama was later resurrected
by the intercession of Parvati.
Yet another
legend holds that Holi is the same as th,e female demon Putana,
who tried to kill the child Krishna by making him suckle her poisoned
breasts. Krishna however, sucked very hard and drained the life
out of Putana. Popular legend adds that the body disappeared and
the cowherds of Mathura burnt her with an effigy. Since then,
Mathura has been the main centre for Holi.
Practice:
Holi announces the arrival of spring and the passing of winter.
Young and old alike are drenched with colors. On Ho/i, people
are suddenly caught unawares with colors being poured from the
terraces and roofs of houses, bursting balloons, or long pistons
squirting colored water. People in small groups are seen singing,
dancing and throwing colors on each other. They also eat food
laced with bhang, an aphrodisiac that leaves one feeling light
and happy.
Holi is celebrated
throughout India but it is more predominant in North India. Preparations
for the festival begin a week ahead. Houses are given a fresh
coat of color, beautiful floral designs are drawn at the entrance,
and Powdered colors and spraying pistons are bought.
In earlier days the colors were extracted from a flower that blossoms
only during this festival. And the pistons were made of bamboo
sticks. But over the years colors are made artificially and pistons
made of different materials are available in various designs.
Usually people
burn the Holika tree on the eve of Holi. A bonfire is lit in the
evenings, with an effigy of Holika. Brahmins circle the fire seven
times, reciting religious verses. Folklore and dances are performed
around the fire to welcome the new season. On the
morning of Holi, people have fun with colored water. Men, women
and children all participate in this merry making. In the evening,
youngsters play with dry colors and seek elders' blessings.
Feasts are
prepared for Holi, be it Dahi Wada or a preparation of raw jackfruit
or the traditional Malpua (a dessert made of maida, milk, sugar
and dry fruits). Holi is as important a festival as Dusserah and
Diwali. It is also distinguished in certain regions like
Bengal where it is marked by performances of Dolothsava in which
the image of Lord Vishnu is swayed in decorated swings and colored
powder is offered to the God.
In South India,
Holi is not celebrated with as much fervour as in North India.
But the spirit of communal harmony is very high. People indulge
inmerry-making, and playing with colored waters is a common sight.
Peasants visit homes singing folklore and asking for small tips.
This animated
festival is also associated with the immortal love of Krishna
and Radha, and hence, Holi is spread over 16 days in Vrindavan
as well as Mathura -the two cities with which Lord Krishna shared
a deep affiliation. Apart from the usual fun with coloured powder
and water, Holi is marked by vibrant processions, which are accompanied
by folk songs, dances and a general sense of abandoned vitality
The color,
noise and entertainment that accompanies the celebration of Holi
bears witness to a feeling of oneness and sense of brother-hood.
No other festival brings home the lesson of spiritual and social
harmony as well as the festival of Holi!
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RAM
NAVAMI |
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Cultural
significance of Ram Navami
The festival
of Ram Navami marks the birthday celebrations of the Hindu Lord
Rama, who is considered to be one of the incarnations of Lord
Vishnu. According to the Hindu calendar, it falls on the ninth
day of the Chaitra month, which is the Spring season. In some
parts of India, it is celebrated as a nine-day festival that
coincides with Vasanta Navratri, dedicated to the female force
or Divine Mother better known as Durga or Shakti. .
What are the rituals?
Ram Navami is one of the most important festivals of the Vaishnav
sect of Hindus. In the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, early
morning rituals mark Ram Navami. It entails a havan, chanting
of Vedic mantras and offerings of fruits and flowers. A Rama temple
is beautifully decorated and the image of the Lord Rama is adorned
with rich clothes and jewels. Stories from the Ramayana are read
out in joyous public gatherings and satsangs. Most people fast
until midnight. They break their fast with a prasad of fruits
and milk.
This festival is celebrated with great pomp and glory even in
Pondicherry, Rishikesh and Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama.
The Ram Navami fair held at Ayodhya draws a huge crowd of dedicated
devotees. In the South, this festival is celebrated for nine days
as the wedding of Lord Rama and his lovely consort Sita. People
sing and chant the name of the Lord. Devotees have a highly colourful
ceremony to mark the wedding celebrations. .
The legend
The Ramayana is a story of Lord Rama, written by the sage Valmiki
in the 4th century B.C. As the legend goes, Lord Rama, eldest
son of King Dashratha, was banished to the forest for 14 long
years. He was dethroned due to his stepmother’s plans who
wanted to see her son Bharata ascend the throne in place of the
elder brother Rama. Rama willingly gave away the throne and his
wife Sita and brother Lakshman followed Rama to the forest, leaving
the throne for Bharata.
In these 14 years of banishment, Rama waged and won a war against
the evil Ravana, the King of Lanka, who had kidnapped his wife
Sita. He was aided by a band of monkeys, the most loyal of whom
is worshipped today as Lord Hanuman. Rama ascended the Ayodhya
throne after the triumph over Ravana. Even as he started ruling,
he was forced to banish his wife from the kingdom, following a
villager’s adverse comment about her association with Ravana.
The legend is cited to prove how Lord Rama always lived a life
of righteousness (dharma). He was born to destroy the evil and
protect the weak. As he embodies the highest ideals of man, he
is called the Maryada Pushottam, which means the perfect and best
man, someone who follows the path of righteousness against all
odds. .
Significance
Lord Rama was the ideal son, a righteous King, an upright husband
and a loving brother. He also led an ideal life of a householder.
He was also the true embodiment of humanity. Ram Navami is a therefore
a special reminder of the noble ideals for which Lord Rama stood.
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Mahavir
Jayanti |
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On
the 13th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra Mahavir Jayanti
(birthday) is celebrated. Vardhaman Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar
(guide), is the great hero of the Jain religion. He lived from
540 to 468 B.C. Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankar, is believed
to have been the founder of the Jain religion. Dr Radhakrishnan
writes,
There
is no doubt that Jainism prevailed even before Vardhaman or Parshvanath.
In the 12th century A.D. King Kumarapala was won over to Jainism
and made Gujarat a model Jain state. Today the followers of the
Jain religion form a community of more than one million and a
half living in India.
Mahavir
is the Jina or Conqueror, under whose guidance his devotees are
encouraged to conquer the karma-rebirth cycle, this being the
goal of the Jain religion. Mahavir was a kshatriya prince (warrior
caste) of North Bihar in Northern India. At the age of 30 he became
a wandering ascetic. Thirteen years later he reached illumination.
His followers form four orders: monks (muni or sadhu), nuns (sadhvi),
laymen (shravaka) and lay-women (shravika).
Digambaras
and Shvetambaras
Around
the year 80 AD the Jains split into two sects:
Digambaras (space clothed) and Shvetambaras (clothed in white).
Digambaras hold that sadhus must be naked as a sign of total renunciation.
Other doctrines held by the Digambaras but rejected by the Shvetambaras
are 1. Only men can obtain final liberation (moksha), women must
be reborn as men. 2. The images of the Tirthankars must be represented
with downcast eyes, nude and unadorned. 3. Mahavir never married.
4. Once the highest stage of knowledge is reached, a saint can
sustain life without eating, and 5. By the 2nd century AD the
entire canon of sacred books was lost.
Dash laxanparva
The holiest feast of the Jains is Dashlaxanparva, which is celebrated
by the Digambaras from the 5th to the 14th of the bright half
of Bhadrapad. During these days there is an atmosphere of joy
in every Jain temple. Every day in the morning after taking bath
all men and women go to worship in the temple. Then each day there
is a lecture on each of the ten chapters of the holy book "Shritatvarth
Sutra". These ten chapters dwell on the following ten duties
(dharma): 1. Kshama (forgiveness), 2. Mardava (humility), 3. Arjava
(simplicity and frankness). 4. Shaucha (cleanliness), 5. Satya
(truthfulness), 6. Samyama (self-control), 7. Tap (austerity),
8. Tyag (renunciation). 9. Akimchanya (detachment), and 10. Bramhacharya
(celibacy). On the day dedicated to "tyag" gifts are
offered to social service institutions, and on the first day of
the dark half of Ashvin, at the end of the celebration, all the
men come together and embracing each other they ask pardon for
the offences committed during the past year. .
The
14th day of the bright half of Bhadrapad is known as Anant Chaturdashi
(endless fourteenth). This is a very important day for the Jains,
this being the last day of the Dashlaxanparva. According to Jain
scriptures one can gain much merit by observing a vow on this
day. The Jains of the Shvetambara sect celebrate the Paryushan
Feast, from the 12th of the dark half of Bhadrapad to the 4th
of the bright half of Ashvin.
Ahimsa and Karma
Ahimsa or non-hurting of life is the main principle of Jainism.
Even
unintentionally and the involuntary stepping on an ant may have
serious consequences for the soul... Not only living things, but
everything in nature must be respectfully treated. .
There
is no place for God in Jainism, which has constructed a complicated
theory of ‘karma’ and karmic matter. Karma is that
general energy of the soul that causes its attachment to matter
and its subsequent defilement, a kind of link between matter and
spirit. All the effort at liberation, therefore, must be directed
to controlling karma, and all by autonomous activity. Any mediation
of divine grace or forgiveness is rejected as evading the problem
of sin, suffering and redemption. Each person must work out his
own deliverance. According to Jain tradition the wheel of time
in this visible world is forever turning. The flow of time is
without beginning and without end.
Whatever
may be said about the philosophy of Jainism, it must be acknowledged
that its practice to a large extent seems to achieve results.
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Good
Friday |
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Good
Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Marked with
prayers, fasts and penance, it is a day of contrition for Christians.
Observed on the Friday just before Easter. Originally known as
'God's Friday', the present expression is believed to have emerged
during the 10th or 11th century.
According
to Christian legend, Jesus Christ hailed from Nazareth, a town
in modern Israel. A well-loved and respected citizen, he was considered
by many to be the son of god. Some high officials and Jewish priests
however felt that he was trying to usurp their authority and mislead
the people. They hatched a plot against Christ with the help of
one of his 12 apostles, named Judas. On charges of misleading
the people, of instigating them not to pay taxes to the emperor,
and of claiming to be the messenger of god, they arrested Christ.
The following day, he was produced before a council comprising
of priests, the teachers of law and elders, and questioned about
the charges against him.
Finding
him gulty on all counts, they presented him before the Roman Governor,
who saw no reason to condemn him. But the priests were adamant.
They insisted that it was his teachings which were responsible
for all the riots in the city of Judae. At the same time, they
pleaded for the release of one of their men, who had been imprisoned
for the crime. The Governor appealed to them, reiterating that
Christ had done no wrong. When the clergy did not agree, he handed
Jesus Christ to them to do as they wished. The crowd asked for
his crucifixion.
As
he was led away by the soldiers, he was made to wear a crown of
thorns and mockingly addressed as 'King of the Jews' by the jeering
crowd. A huge wooden cross was placed on his shoulders, and he
carried it to the place assigned for his crucifixion. A group
of his followers marched in a procession behind him, in a show
of solidarity. Two criminals were also led to the same place to
be put to death with Jesus. At the assigned place, the three men
were nailed to the crosses and left to die. Jesus died after three
hours on the Jesus is believed to have died on the cross at 3
o'clock in the afternoon Good Friday A cross, symbolic of the
one on which Jesus was crucified, is unveiled in many churches
cross. Before he breathed his last he asked god, his father, to
forgive those who were responsible for his death, as they were
unaware of the magnitude of their sin. Jesus died at 3 o'clock
in the afternoon. It is believed that he rose from his grave on
the following Sunday, which is celebrated as Easter.
The
rituals for Good Friday commence on the preceding Thursday. A
feast symbolising the last supper of Christ is held on Thursday
night. The end of this meal marks the beginning of the fast for
Easter.
Among
some sects of the Syrian Orthodox Christians, the Good Friday
liturgy begins at midnight on Thursday, but for all other Christians
it starts on Friday morning.
A
plank of wood, representing the cross on which Christ was crucified
is displayed in churches for the veneration of believers. One
by one, they come and kiss it. This is followed by a service from
noon to3 o'clock, in which narratives from the four Gospels are
read out. Sermons, meditation and prayers form part of the ceremony,
in memory of the suffering endured by Jesus Christ for three hours.
This is followed by a general communion service at midnight. In
some churches, mourners wearing black, move in a procession with
an image of Christ, and a ceremonial burial takes place. A day
of prayer and penance, the bells of the churches remain silent
on Good Friday.
Id-e-Milad
is a festival of both rejoicing and mourning. It is the birthday
of Prophet Mohammed and falls on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal,
the third month of the Islamic calendar. Incidentally, his death
anniversary also falls on the same day and hence Id-e-Milad is
also known as "Barah-Wafat". The word "barah",
meaning the 12 days of the Prophet's sickness, and "wafat",
his death.
Rituals
During these twelve days learned men in mosques, deliver sermons
on the life and noble deeds of the Prophet. The birthday is also
known as Mawlid-an-Nabi. The mawlid, or birth, of the Holy Prophet
is celebrated by recitation of litanies in mosques.
In India, street processions and functions are organised, where
poets sing odes praising the Prophet, and scholars deliver sermons.
In some parts of the country, a ceremony known as "sandal
rite" is performed over the symbolic footprints of the Prophet
engraved in stone. A representation of "buraq", the
horse on which the Prophet is believed to have ascended to Heaven,
is kept near the footprints and anointed with sandal paste. The
house and casket containing these are elaborately decorated. "Marsiyas"
or elegies about the Prophet are sung. The twelfth day is observed
quietly in prayers and alms-giving.
The
life of Prophet Mohammed
Mohammed, son of Abdul Muttalib, of the Qureysh tribe, was born
at Mecca in 570AD. From about 610AD, he began to receive revelations
sent down from Allah through angel Gabriel. He spread the word
among people, and soon had a small community of followers. This
community was however persecuted by the Meccans. So, in 622AD,
Mohammed and his followers immigrated to Medina. Here, he was
no longer the leader of a religious minority, but the ruler of
the city. This flight from Mecca to Medina is known as the "Hejirah",
and marks the beginning of the Islamic era. Arabian tribes and
even the hostile people of Mecca gradually accepted Islam as their
religion and Mohammed as their ruler. In 632AD, Prophet Mohammed
led the pilgrimage to Mecca, preached his farewell sermon, and
died thereafter.
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Buddha
Purnima |
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Buddha
Purnima or Buddha Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the Buddha
is celebrated on a full moon day in the month of Vaisakh. He was
born on a full moon night in 536 BC and achieved enlightenment
as well as nirvana on the same date. Prayers, sermons and recitations
of Buddhist scriptures resonate in monasteries, religious halls
and homes.
Gautam Buddha was born as a prince
in 544 BC in Lumbini, Nepal on a Full Moon day in the month of
Vaisakh. When he was born it was predicted that the child would
redeem the world. Even as a young prince he was touched by the
pain and sickness of others. Later he renounced the world and
became an ascetic. At the age of 35, he attained enlightenment
on the full moon day of Vaisakh. He traveled far and wide preaching
the truth and gained a large following consisting of scholars,
sanyasis, rulers of states and others, thus forming the Buddhist
community.
On this day the followers of Buddha
bathe and wear only white clothes. They gather in their Viharas
for worship and give alms to monks. Prayers, sermons, and non-stop
recitation of Buddhist scriptures resonate in monasteries and
viharas. The statue of the Buddha receives special attention everywhere,
with people offering it incense, flowers, candles, and fruits.
Since Buddha attained enlightenment sitting under a Bodhi (Pipal)
tree, special care is taken in watering and tending Bodhi trees.
They light lamps around the trees and decorate with garlands and
coloured flags. They reaffirm their faith in the five principles
called 'Panch Sheel'. The five principles are not to take life,
not to steal, not to lie, not to imbibe liquor or other intoxicants
and not to commit adultery. On this day, the Buddhists free birds
from cages, distribute fruit and clothes to the sick and refrain
from eating meat.
Bodh Gaya
in Bihar and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh are the main centers of
celebration of this festival. Besides these two, areas with large
Buddhist population like Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh
also celebrate this festival with great devotion and enthusiasm.
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