Categories
Festivals

BAISAKHI- THE CELEBRATION OF CULTURE

India, the land of festivals and culture, embraces a lot of celebrations across different cultures as one. Baisakhi or Vaisakhi, is the foremost festival of celebrations for the Sikh community.

Celebrated every year, either on the 13th or 14th of April, Baisakhi marks a lot of accomplishments and new beginnings for the Sikhs as well as other communities as well. Baisakhi symbolizes the Sikh New Year. This is the sign of the start of the harvest season. This day also celebrates the establishment of the ‘KHALSA PANTH’ a community of Sikhs who adhered to the Principles of Sikhism.

So, this year let us read 5 facts about Baisakhi we didn’t know!

1. EMERGENCE OF THE WORD ‘BAISAKHI’

The second month of the Nanakshahi Calendar (Sikh calendar) called ‘BAISAKH’ meaning the harvest for New Year for the Sikh community is where the word ‘Baisakhi’ comes from.

2. BIRTH OF ‘KHALSA PANTH’

Khalsa refers to ‘being pure’. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh started this tradition of Khalsa to protect and honor innocent followers from religious oppression. It formulated new institutions and replaced the old ‘Guru’ system.’ The Khalsa Sikhs are given the titles of ‘Kaur’ meaning Princess and ‘Singh’ meaning Lion for females and males.

This started when the ninth Guru of the Sikhs and Guru Gobind Singh’s father were killed for not adopting Islam under the reign of Aurangzeb. Later his sons were also executed for doing the same. On April 1966, the Sikhs were asked to gather at Shri Anandpur Sahib by Guru Gobind Singh. And on the edge of a tent-pitched hill, he asked to step- forward someone, who was willing to sacrifice their head. He asked this five times, and every time, came out with a sword full of blood and the heads. They were called the ‘Panj Pyaare’ – Bhai Sahib Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh, and Bhai Daya Singh.

Guru Gobind Singh prepared ‘Amrit’ consisting of water and sugar in an iron bowl with the recitation of Gurbani to be directed to the ‘Panj Pyaare’ while quoting from the Adi Granth. This marked him as the sixth Khalsa. And he became Guru Gobind Singh from Guru Gobind Rai.

3. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE 5 Ks OF KHALSA

Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the 5Ks of Khalsa which included-
KESH- uncut hair
KANGHA- a wooden comb
KARA- iron/steel bracelet to be worn on the wrist.
KIRPAN- a sword
KACHERA- short breeches.

4. FOUNDATION OF THE ARYA SAMAJ

In 1875 Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayanand on the same day as Baisakhi which made this day embracing for the Hindu Community as well.

5. CELEBRATING BAISAKHI


Baisakhi is celebrated in the most fun and colorful way mostly in the Northern State of Punjab.
This celebration is initiated by dipping in lakes and ponds early in the morning, wearing new clothes, and joining the marches that go around the town singing religious songs, called the Nagar Kirtans. This is led by 5 Sikhs carrying their flags, ‘Nishan Sahib’ and the holy book ‘Guru Granth Sahib’.

The Sikhs also follow a tradition known as ‘Awat Pauni’ where the people gather around the wheat grown in winter for harvesting. They perform the traditional dance forms- ‘Bhangra’ and ‘Gidda’. The whole town is lit up with rangolis everywhere depicting their joy and pride towards the culture.

While, Baisakhi is a very important day for the embarkment of a journey for the Sikhs, as we read earlier about how India is the land of many cultures, April 14th is not only special for the Sikhs but a number of other communities as well.

The Hindu Goddess Jwalamukhi is also worshipped in Himachal Pradesh, and Sun God- Surya in Bihar with celebrations outside India as well.

Various New Years such as – Bohag Bihu (Assamese New Year), Poil Boshak (Bengali New Year), and Puthandu (Tamil New Year). It is also believed that thousands of years of Goddess Ganga descended on Earth, and for that reason, this day is extra special as well!

Categories
Festivals

Significance of Gangaur Pooja: Why is it Celebrated?

Gangaur is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Rajasthan in which the goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri, is honoured, and marriage and love are both celebrated. Both married and single women participate enthusiastically in the festivities, create clay statues of Shiva and Parvati, outfit them elegantly, pray to them, observe a daylong fast for marital bliss, and prepare delicious meals for the family. For the Rajasthani people, Goddess Parvati stands for perfection and marital love, so the Gangaur celebration is very significant to them.

The event also celebrates the harvest and the coming of spring. Lord Shiva is represented by Gana, and Lord Shiva and Parvati are represented collectively by Gangaur. According to tradition, Gauri’s intense devotion and meditation helped her win Lord Shiva’s love and favour. Gauri then paid a visit to her parental house during Gangaur to wish her friends a happy marriage.

The entire Gangaur festival is a very colourful event that draws a lot of visitors. Since most people in the areas begin the rituals a day after Holi, it typically lasts for 18 days.

How is the festival rejoiced?

The event caters primarily to females. In order to pray to Maa Gauri for the longevity of their spouse, they get dressed nicely. Unmarried ladies pray to be blessed with the husband of their dreams.

The final day will be used for a large parade. Goddess Gauri idols or images are decorated, and people parade them through towns and communities. To show their dedication, followers join the procession.

Gangaur Celebration in Udaipur:-

Udaipur residents celebrate Gangaur Puja by setting up a boat parade on Lake Pichola. Women, on the other hand, demonstrate their ability to balance by dancing while wearing numerous metal pitchers. Fireworks are also lit off to signal the conclusion of the celebration.

Here are some rituals of Gangaur Puja:-

During the festival, devotees obtain the idols of Shiva and Parvati to venerate. Local artists use clay and wood to create these statues.

The idols are kept in a basket with flowers and grass once they are carried home. Traditional kundas are used to plant the wheat grass seeds (earthen pots). On the last day, this grass is later used in praise. The customary patterns are painted on each and every water pot.

Throughout the celebration, all newlywed women observe a fast for eighteen extended days. In order to demonstrate their devotion and attract a suitable husband, single women also fast and eat only once a day.

Unmarried females wear clay ghudilas (Shiv Parvati idols) on their heads on the seventh day in the evening. Girls carry the idols around while they collect small tokens of gifts and treats. Inside the idols is a burning lamp.

Special worship of Goddess Parvati:-

During Gangaur, Goddess Parvati is also particularly worshipped. The god of Teej, or Tritiya Tithi, is Gauri. For luck, people therefore venerate the goddess Parvati. They provide sixteen various kinds of ornaments. Special offerings of mehndi, kumkum, and turmeric are made to Goddess Parvati. Devotees also provide additional aromatic components in addition to this.

Categories
Festivals

Everything You Need to Know About Sheetala Saptami

Sheetala Saptami is one of the most well-known Hindu festivals. Hindus observe Sheetala Saptami on (saptami) the seventh day of the month of Chaitra during Krishna Paksha which occurs seven days after Holi. This day is celebrated in honour of Goddess Shakti’s feminine power and incarnation, Goddess Sheetala who is believed to be the goddess of smallpox and other infectious diseases. People offer prayers and seek her blessings to avoid contracting diseases like chicken pox and smallpox to safeguard themselves and their families. Different cultures commemorate Sheetala Saptami (also known as Sheetala Satam in some regions and cultures) or Sheetala Ashtami (also known as Basoda in some regions and cultures), depending on whether it occurs seven days after Holi (Saptami) or eight days after Holi (Ashtami). We majorly celebrate Sheetala Saptami in Udaipur.

Significance and History of Sheetala Saptami:

Maa Sheetala, according to myth, is a manifestation of Goddess Parvati, who appeared during the Gods’ sacramental fire rite (Havan). One of the Goddess’s four hands is said to carry a dustpan, and the other is said to hold a broom, some dawning neem leaves, and a water pitcher. She travels in a mule. Although the first two depict cleanliness, the pitcher stresses the importance of clean water for all life on Earth, and neem is known for its therapeutic benefits. During the Havan, a bead of Lord Shiva’s sweat fell to the ground, and a demon known as Jwarasura (literally: Fever-demon) rose from the soil. Jwarasura is revered as the fever-deity who harmed humanity by dispersing illnesses throughout the globe. To beseech the Goddess to protect our families and ourselves from heat-related illnesses, we perform the Sheetala Saptami puja. It is widely believed that Goddess Sheetala aids in the prevention of infectious illnesses like measles, chickenpox, and smallpox.

Rituals of Sheetala Saptami:

– Devotees worship Sheetala Mata on this particular day and give prayers to her.

– Before the sun rises, people get up early and take a cold bath.

– After that, they go to the shrine of Goddess Sheetla to perform various rituals and puja and offer prayers to the deity in order to lead a happy, healthy, and peaceful life.

– The day of Sheetala Saptami is a day when devotees abstain from cooking and only consume food that has already been made the day before. On this specific day, eating hot, freshly baked food is strictly forbidden.

What Is Sheetala Saptami’s Importance?

Sheetala Saptami is an important festival in Hinduism, and holds great significance for devotees. Here are some of the reasons why this festival is considered important:

1. Worship of Goddess Sheetala: The Skanda Purana gives a detailed explanation of the significance of the Sheetala Saptami. According to the texts and Hindu mythology, Goddess Sheetala is an incarnation of Maa Parvati and Goddess Durga. The goddess Sheetala stands for nature’s ability to restore. The deity is worshipped and prayed to for protection against diseases like chicken pox and smallpox by devotees and their offspring on this auspicious day. Sheetala, when used literally, refers to cold or coolness.

2. Purification of the body and surroundings: The event also stresses the value of hygiene and cleanliness. To get rid of any bad karma and stop the spread of illness, people clean their homes and surroundings.

3. Observance of fast: Many devotees observe a fast on Sheetala Saptami to show their devotion and seek the blessings of the goddess. The fast is believed to cleanse the body and purify the mind.

4. Rituals and traditions: The “Kiriya” ritual and the offering of seven different kinds of grains and vegetables to the goddess are two rituals and customs connected to the celebration. These customs are thought to bring prosperity and shield people from illnesses.

5. Social significance: Sheetala Saptami is also an occasion for people to come together and celebrate as a community. People can show their gratitude for their blessings and deepen their bonds with friends and family during the festival.

6. Offering to Brahmins: In some regions, devotees offer food and donations to Brahmins as a part of the Sheetala Saptami celebrations.

A day of no cooking

The devotees refrain from eating any recently cooked food or hot or warm food throughout the day and don’t ignite any stoves in the kitchen.

According to the shastras (ancient principles), simple, non-spicy, cold food stored securely from the day before is advised to be consumed on this day as a digestive system relaxant. chilly is Sheetal. The Sheetala Mata vrat includes “sheetal” (cold, calming) food to soothe the stomach and provide it with simple-to-digest food.

A day before the celebration, people cooks oliya which is considered to be the most important food item and is also offered to goddess sheetala while performing the puja.

Due to the fact that Sheetala Saptami falls at the start of summer, which in many ways signifies the beginning of summer season and the change from spring to summer in a country like India, foods that are high in heat and seasonings only exacerbate bodily conditions and make digestion more challenging. People concur that basic food can be eaten for at least one day as a result and they usually eat food items like oliya, aaloo ki sabzi, panchkuta (ker sangari), puri, bhindi, and amchur.

Sheetala Saptami significance still remains strong today, as people have noticed that the belief also stays true to science.

Categories
Festivals

Karwa Chauth And the History Behind It

Karwa Chauth is a one-day festival which is celebrated by all married women. On this festival, wives keep a fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety and well-being of their husbands. Even though it is difficult to maintain a fast without drinking any water or eating anything throughout the day, devoted wives perform these rituals out of great love and respect for their husbands.

If we consider the term Karwa Chauth in its literal sense, it refers to the sacrifice of “Argya” to the moon on the Chaturthi of the Kartika month using an earthen pot known as a “Karwa.” Every year, the event takes place on the fourth day of the dark fortnight of the Kartika month. There are several anecdotes connected to this festival, even if its beginnings are still quite murky. Here are a few well-known Karwa Chauth tales that illustrate the significance of this festival:

Queen Veervati’s story 

Karwa Chauth and the History Behind It

A beautiful queen named Veervati formerly reigned as the lone sibling of seven devoted and considerate brothers. She started a simple fast after sunrise on her first Karwa Chauth while staying with her parents. She was thirsty and hungry in the evening, and she was impatiently awaiting the moonrise. Her brothers were distressed to see her in such anguish. They created the illusion that the moon was in the sky by mounting a mirror in a peepal tree. As soon as Veervati broke her fast, she learned that her husband had passed away. She couldn’t stop crying and was devastated. She left right away for home, where she ran into Goddess Parvati. Maa Parvati admitted that her brothers had played a trap on her. She then observed the Karwa Chauth fast with complete devotion, and upon witnessing her commitment, Yama, the lord of death, brought her husband back to life. Women keeping the fast frequently hear this Queen Veervati Karva Chauth Katha, which is highly famous.

Queen Draupadi’s Karwa Chauth Story

Karwa Chauth and the History behind it

Arjuna and Draupadi from the Mahabharata are the next Karva Chauth Kahani on our list. When Arjuna, the person Draupadi loved the most, decided to punish himself, he travelled to the Nilgiri mountains. The rest of the Pandava brothers were having trouble without him. In this circumstance, Draupadi asked Lord Krishna what should be done to address this problem. Then Lord Krishna narrated a story of Goddess Parvati, who performed the Karwa Chauth ceremonies. Therefore, Draupadi performed the severe Karwa Chauth fast for the well-being of her husband, and the Pandavas were able to find solutions to their issues.

Karwa’s Karwa Chauth Story

Karwa was a woman who was madly in love with her spouse and had many spiritual powers as a result of this passionate love. Once, when her husband went to take a bath in the river, a crocodile attacked him. Having remembered Yama, the Lord of Death, brave Karwa now bound the crocodile with cotton yarn. She prayed to Lord Yamraj, asking him to grant her husband life and the crocodile death. But Yamraj said he couldn’t. Then, Karwa threatened to curse Lord Yama and destroy Yamdev in return. Yamraj was extremely petrified of being cursed by such a dedicated and loving wife; hence, he sent the crocodile to hell and bought her husband back to life.

Even today, married ladies pray to Karva Mata for their husbands’ health and happiness, according to the Karva Chauth Kahani that was narrated.

Satyavan and Savitri’s Karwa Chauth Story

satyavan

According to legend, Savitri pleaded for Satyavan’s life in front of Yama, the god of death, when he arrived to take his life. Yama insisted on taking away Savitri’s husband, despite the fact that she had quit eating and drinking and had followed Yama. Yama now told Savitri that she might request any other miracle, except the death of her husband. Due to her intelligence, Savitri asked Yama if he could bless her with bearing a child, which was something she desired. However, she would also not tolerate any form of betrayal because she was a dedicated and loyal wife. As a result, Yama had to give Satyavan life again so that Savitri might become pregnant.

Women and girls who are fasting on Karva Chauth day, make sure to hear Savitri’s Karva Chauth Katha. Additionally, hearing all the Karva Chauth tales highlights the significance of this fast and how old this festival is.

Why is Karwa Chauth Celebrated?

Given the aforementioned Karva Chauth stories, you might now be well aware of the significance that this event has in Hindu culture. This festival is more prominent in the northern and north-western parts of our country. The Indian Army soldiers and military officials made up a sizable portion of the male population in these areas; hence, the ladies in these areas began fasting for the safety of these real heroes. The women used to pray for the long lives of their husbands as they protected the nation from enemies.

In ancient times, women used to get married at the age of 10 to 13 in India. In such a marriage, they would not be able to enjoy their childhood or early adolescence. Additionally, communication was a major barrier back then. They, therefore, found it difficult to visit their parent’s houses, which was equally bad. Therefore, a woman had to take total responsibility for a new household from a young age. She was sent in charge of all the daily chores, including cooking and cleaning. But she was living in an unknown house alone, far from her loved ones, and she had no friends either. In times of loneliness or homesickness, where would she go?

Therefore, to address this issue, the women began to celebrate Karwa Chauth in a magnificent manner, where married women from the entire village as well as some of the neighbouring villages would gather in one location and spend the day in joy and laughter. They became friends and referred to one another as “God sisters” or “God friends.”

One could argue that the origin of this festival was a way for them to have fun and forget about being alone at their in-laws’ house. On this day, they celebrated their union and gave gifts to one another, such as sindoor, lipstick, and bracelets, to serve as a constant reminder that someone out there is always a friend.

Recently, husbands have begun to fast for their spouses as well. This act has added an extra specialness to the festival, as it represents compassion, love, and understanding on both sides.

 

Categories
Festivals

नाग पंचमी: क्यों मनाया जाता है यह त्योहार ?

नाग पंचमी यह हिन्दुओं का एक मुख्य त्योहार है। हिंदू पंचांग के अनुसार, नाग पंचमी सावन महीने में शुक्ल पंचमी को मनाई जाती है। इस दिन लोग नागों या सर्पों की पूजा करते है, उन्हें दूध चढ़ाते है। भारत में सर्पों को हमेशा से एक अदम्य सम्मान दिया गया है, लोग उन्हें देवताओं के समान सम्मान देते है। विभिन्न प्रकार के त्योहारों और धार्मिक कार्यक्रमों में उनकी पूजा की जाती है।

नाग पंचमी के नाम से प्रसिद्ध यह नाग पूजा का त्योहार लगभग भारत के हर राज्य में मनाया जाता है लेकिन उसे मनाने के तरीके अलग-अलग हो सकते है। अलग-अलग राज्यों में इसके नाम जरूर अलग हो सकते है पर इसे मनाया एक ही दिन जाता है।

कई सारे लोगों को नाग पूजा बेतुकी लग सकती है लेकिन इसका सम्बन्ध अतीत की कई सारी कहानियों से है। आइए जानते है, इन प्राणियों की पूजा के गौरवशाली अतीत की गहराई के बारे में।

सालों पहले एक अस्तिका नाम के ऋषि थे, जिन्होंने राजा जन्मेजय द्वारा किए गए एक सर्प यज्ञ अनुष्ठान को रोकने की कसम खाई थी। राजा जन्मेजय ने यह यज्ञ अपने पिता की मृत्यु का बदला लेने के लिए किया था क्योंकि नागों के राजा तक्षक ने राजा के पिता को मार डाला था। लेकिन श्रावण मास के शुक्ल पक्ष की पंचमी के दिन अस्तिका ने यज्ञ को रोक दिया था और इसी कारण से नाग पंचमी का निर्माण हुआ था।

इस त्योहार से सम्बंधित और भी कई सारी कहानी और किस्से है, जो हिन्दू पुराण साहित्य में मिलते है।

किसी राज्य में एक किसान रहता था। वह बहुत मेहनती था। उसके दो पुत्र और एक पुत्री थी। परिवार का पालन पोषण करने के लिए वह हल जोतता था। एक दिन गलती से हल जोतते समय उससे नागिन के तीन बच्चे कुचले गए। जब नागिन ने यह देखा तो वह रोने लगी और उसे बहुत क्रोध आया, तब उसने अपने बच्चों के हत्यारे से बदला लेने के बारे में सोचा। उसके बाद रात को वह नागिन किसान से बदला लेने के लिए उसके घर पहुंची और वहाँ जाकर उसने किसान, दोनों पुत्र और उसकी पत्नि को डस लिया।

अगले दिन नागिन किसान की बेटी को डसने के लिए किसान के घर पहुंची तो वहाँ जाकर उसने जो देखा, उसकी हैरानी की कोई सीमा नहीं रही। असल में किसान की बेटी नें नागिन के सामने दूध का कटोरा रख दिया और नागिन से हाथ जोड़कर माफी मांगी। किसान की बेटी का यह व्यवहार देख कर नागिन प्रसन्न हुई और उसने किसान के परिवार को फिर से जीवित कर दिया। ऐसा कहा जाता है कि जिस दिन ये घटना हुई उस दिन श्रावण शुक्ल पंचमी थी, जिसके चलते इस दिन को नाग पंचमी के रूप में जाना जाने लगा और नाग देवता व नागों की पूजा का आरंभ हुआ।

नागों का भारतीय इतिहास के साथ हमेशा से ही गहरा सम्बन्ध रहा है। महाराष्ट्र के नागपुर का नाम भी नाग शब्द से ही लिया गया है। पश्चिमी भारत में नाग पंचमी को ‘क्षेत्रपाल’ नाम से भी जाना जाता है क्योंकि इसका अर्थ है “क्षेत्र का रक्षक”। कई सारी जगहों में साँपों को भुजंग भी कहा जाता है, इसी नाम पर एक शहर है उसका नाम भुज पड़ा है।

पूर्वी और पूर्वोत्तर राज्यों में मनसा नाम की सर्प देवी की पूजा की जाती है, जिन्हे ब्राह्मण ऋषि जरत्कारु की पत्नी कहा जाता है। इसलिए इस दिन देवी मनसा की मूर्ति जमीन में स्थापित कि जाती है और अत्यंत सम्मान और ईमानदारी से पूजा भी करते है।

गरुड़ और महान नाग के बीच लड़ाई को चिन्हित करने के लिए न केवल भारत, बल्कि नेपाल भी इस त्योहार को मनाता है। कहा जाता है की काठमांडू के चंगु नारायण मंदिर में शक्तिशाली पक्षी का एक मंदिर है जिसे स्वयं गरूड़ने स्थापित किया था। यह भी माना जाता है की नाग पंचमी के दिन उस पक्षी को पसीना आता है और उस पसीने का उपयोग कुष्ठ रोग को ठीक करने के लिए किया जाता है।

इन जीवों की पूजा से जुड़ी कई सारी कहानियां है। कुछ ज्योतिष से सम्बंधित कुछ इतिहास से सम्बंधित है। कुछ लोककथाओं पौराणिक कथाओं से सम्बंधित है। जो भी हो पर हमें इस अनोखे त्योहार को पूरे देश में हर साल बड़े हर्षोल्लास के साथ मनाने का एक कारण अवश्य मिला है।

Categories
Festivals

All About Hariyali Amavasya

About Hariyali Amavasya

Popularly referred to as “Sawan month”, Shravana is a Hindu lunar month. This entire month is regarded as an ideal time for offering homage to Lord Shiva. This month is considered to be a lucky month and is dedicated to the significance of the environment. Worshipping agricultural equipment throughout this month teaches us about the value of agriculture. Hariyali Amavasya or Shravani Amavasya is the most celebrated day of Sawan Month as it falls in this month.

Hariyali Amavasya is celebrated on the day when there is no moon (Amavasya) during Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravana. It indicates the beginning of the monsoon season. Moreover, it is the first Amavasya of Shravana month with a strong religious foundation. Hariyali Amavasya celebrations are well known in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. Moreover, it is also celebrated as “Gatari Amavasya” in Maharashtra, “Chukkala Amavasya” in Andhra Pradesh, and “Chitalagi Amavasya” in Odisha.

The Importance of Hariyali Amavasya

The month of “Shravana” is devoted to Lord Shiva, and Hariyali Amavasya occurs three days before the celebrations of “Hariyali Teej.” It is most significantly connected with the monsoon season, which is essential for a productive harvest and the avoidance of draughts. In Hindu mythology, the month of “Shravana” is considered lucky for requesting the blessings of Gods and Goddesses. Pitru Tarpan and Daan Punya are considered lucky rituals to do on Hariyali Amavasya . According to Hindu mythology, the peepal tree is home to Tridev, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Hence, people worship the peepal tree on Hariyali Amavasya.

Moreover, it is considered lucky to worship Lord Shiva and Parvathi on this day as it is believed that they will set the worshippers free from their problems. In the northern part of India, Hariyali Amavasya is celebrated with a special puja, whereas in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat it is celebrated in the form of Ashadha Amavasya. Furthermore, this religious festival is also marked by the disciples of Lord Krishna, who organize festivals in Mathura and Vrindavan in order to receive his blessings.

Celebration of Hariyali Amavasya Festival

People worship Lord Shiva on this lucky day. All their prayers are dedicated to wishing for a successful monsoon that will result in a wholesome agricultural harvest. Lord Krishna’s followers visit the Dwarkadish temple in Mathura and pray there. People do the same by going to the Banke Bihari shrine in Vrindavan. The Phool Bangal Utsav concludes at this location on the Hariyali Amavasya day. Jaipur organises a large-scale “puja” as well.

hariyali amavasya cellebration

Hariyali Amavasya Celebration in Udaipur

The Hariyali Amavasya festival is celebrated in a unique way in Udaipur by organizing a fair. The fair continues for two days where there are multiple food stalls, amusements, games, clothing, and jewellery. An aura of playfulness seeps into this fair. Everybody, from the young to the old, enjoys the fair, which attracts visitors from all over the nation.

History says that the Hariyali Amavasya fair was initiated by Maharana Fateh Singh, who also designed the renowned Fatehpur Sagarwas. He saw that the Dewali Pond’s water was being wasted to a great extent. So he transformed it into a reservoir to satisfy the requirements of the people. Hence after its completion, a fair was held on a moonless night during the rainy season, which later was known as the Hariyali Amawas. This fair was organised by the rulers in power for the ordinary people. The fact that the ritual is being performed today is also just astonishing.

The fair is dispersed from Saheliyon ki Badi to lake Fateh Sagar. Embellished with stunning and vibrant costumes, traditional music, dance, jewellery, and food vendors, this fair is a pure wonderland that leaves everyone enchanted. Although both men and women attend this fair, the second day of the fair is devoted exclusively to ladies. Men are not allowed on the second day of the fair. All the women pray for their families’ well-being on Hariyali Amavasya.

 

 

Categories
Festivals

Jagannath Rath Yatra in Udaipur

About the people of Mewar, it has been rightly said that they have saat vaar and nau tauhar that means that there are seven days in a week but nine festivals to celebrate. They are always so busy celebrating festivals that hardly does the din of one dies, preparations are afoot for celebrating the next one.

One such procession is the annual Jagannath Yatra that starts from the famous Jagdish Mandir. Related to the Yatra is a fascinating ritual. The idol of Bhagwan Jagannath, who is worshipped as a living being is bathed every day. However, on Jestha Shukla Poornima, he is bathed with water of 108 golden pitchers. He is also offered mango juice in big quantity. No wonder he gets sick. To keep him warm, he is shifted from his ‘Singhasan’ to a resting place in the same room. For the next fortnight, he is given ‘Kada’ by the priests and is looked after by sister Subhadra’s older brother Balbhadra and Sudharshan chakra. He is given only fruits to eat.

The devotees do not get his ‘darshan’. But they visit the temple regularly to find out how is he getting on. There is no ‘Puja archana’ with ringing of bells. When he gets well on Ashad Shukla Ekam, a big variety of food is offered to him. His mother Devki used to give him Dal & Bhaat (rice) and roti. He relished it. So his devotees bring these food items for him. Regular ‘pooja’ also starts on this day. The devotees waiting for a fortnight for darshan, the lord himself goes round the town to bless them.

According to Pandit Hukum Raj, the Mukhya Pujan of Jagdish Mandir, there is a long history of Jagannath Yatra. The tradition started about 365 years ago when the ‘Pran pratishtha’ of the Mandir was performed and the idol of the lord was taken only around the premises of the temple. When the state of Mewar was merged with greater Rajasthan, there were difficulties in the Yatra as earlier it took place in the presence of the erstwhile rulers. After the passing away of Maharana Bhupal Singh, efforts were made to revive it. Due to the efforts of Raghunand, the erstwhile ‘pujari’ of the temple, various sects of the Sanataris come forward together for the organization of the Yatri. The small beginning has now become a big event with the active participation of several communities. It was decided to take the procession around the city about twenty years ago. The old ‘rath’ (chariot) was taken down the stairs of the temple by Raghunandan which highly elated him and the idol mounted on a camel cart went round the various parts of the city.

Cleaning and beautification of the ‘rath’ started days in advance by a small team of specialists. The silver white chariot has wooden horses and this year, it was painted with color, oil paint. A couple of days before the yatra, after the ‘evening aarti’ and after sprinkling gangajal and goumutra and setting up Ganesh in Jagdish Chowk the chariot was brought there in parts.

This year for the lord’s ‘parikrama’ in the premises of the 300 year rath has been replaced by a new one and gifted by a devout couple of Udaipur. The ‘rath’ was taken out in a procession led by Goswami Vageesh Kumar of Dhwarkadheesh Mandir, Kankroli, Mahendra Singh Mewar and Vishwaraj Singh Mewar.

The ‘rath’ was mounted on a camel cart. Dhwarkadheesh Prabhu band was in attendance. Women dressed in saffron clothes, carrying pitchers on their head were part of the big procession. The colorful procession that started from Sheetlamata Mandir, Samore Bagh passed through Bhatiyani chohatta came to Jagdish mandir.

From Jagannath Dham located in Hiran Magri Sector 7 would start the Shahi Yatra of Jagannath Swami, Subhadara, Balbhadra and Sudharshan Chakra on the lines of the processing in Jagannath Puri, Odisha. It would start from the Mandir premises at 11 a.m and passing through Jodar Nursery, Savina chouraha, Phal-Subzi Mandir, Reti stand, Shiv Mandir, Macchla magra, Patel Circle, Kishan Pole, Rang Niwas and bhatiyani Chohatta join the main procession at Jagdish Chowk. There would be ‘aarti’ at different places including the Maha-aarti with 31,000 ‘dias’from 8:30 to 9:30 pm in Bapu Bazar, according to convenor Dr Pradeep Kumawat.

The preparation for the big event had started weeks in advance. Nimantran Patrika was prepared as the members of rathyatra samiti met the mahants of various sects. Political and social leaders and public in general to participate in the procession. The route of the yatra Ghantaghar, Bada Bazaar, mochiwada, Bhadbhuja Ghati, Bhopalwadi, Santoshi Mata mandir, teej ka chowk, Dhanmandi, Marshal chouraha, etc. has been decorated with flags. Several religious and social organizations would welcome the yatra at different places.

For the first time, a helicopter would shower 400 kg rose leaves at Jagdish chowk in 5 rounds. The yatra would be welcomed back at Jagdish mandir with aarti attended by thousands of devotees. Arrangement of mahaprasad for 8000 to 10,000 has also been made.


The eagerly awaited yatra not only brings about harmony among different sects but also provides an opportunity for worship that enhances the religious faith.

Categories
Festivals

Do You Know What is Special About April 2 this Year?

Our city, Udaipur, is known for its diversity and the way we embrace our cultures. And diversity can be seen most during the festivals. And today is the day when we can witness it well.

Today there are not one or two, but five festivals to be celebrated not only in the city but also in the country. Every festival marks its significance and history. The occasions may be divided by religions, but are united by the joy that a festival brings.

That’s why we always take pride in saying that we abide by the saying, “Unity in Diversity”. Be it Fateh Sagar or the streets of the old city you will see a variety of celebrations on the same day. Already intrigued about the 5 festivals?

In that case, give some rest to your fingers, we are here with the list of occasions and a little something about them to know our cultures even better.

HINDU NAV VARSH

This day has been chosen as Nav Varsh by the Hindu community for many reasons. Some of the reasons are that this month marks the onset of spring. Also on this day, Lord Brahma created the universe and Satya Yuga began. Some also believe that this day marks the end of the agricultural harvest and hence the beginning of a new harvest year. People offer prayers on the day for a happy and prosperous year.

CHETI CHAND

Cheti Chand is celebrated mostly amongst Sindhis. And it is also considered a very auspicious day for business. It also marks the start of the new financial year. The birthday of Lord Jhulelal, the key deity of the Sindhi people, also falls on the same day. Moreover, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Cheti Chand is celebrated with fairs, feasts and processions of icons of Jhulelal and other Hindu deities.

cheti chand

CHAITRA NAVRATRI

Chaitra Navratri marks the onset of nine days of Chaitra Navratri. And this festival also celebrates nine colours. Devotees are decked up in the colour of the day and celebrate it with their families, friends and near and dear ones. It is believed that following the colour of the day in mind, brings prosperity and happiness. Each day of these nine auspicious days is dedicated to worshipping nine different avatars of Goddess Durga, that are

  • Shailputri
  • Brahmacharini
  • Chandraghanta
  • Kushmanda
  • Skanda Mata
  • Katyayani
  • Kaalratri
  • Mahagauri, and
  • Siddhidatri

chaitra navratri

RAMADAN

The festival is celebrated in the ninth month according to the Muslim calendar. This is considered to be a holy month where people observe strict fasting, called Roza. The festival is celebrated following the appearance of the moon. This festival lasts for a duration of one lunar cycle which is around a period of 30 days. It is believed that on the last 10 days of Ramadan, God revealed the sacred Quran to Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadan Kareem mubarak

GUDI PADWA

We can say that Gudi Padwa’s significance is almost the same as Hindu Nav Varsh. This festival is mostly celebrated by the Maharashtrian people. On this occasion, people come together with their friends and families. And organise events where they dance, take part in street processions, and enjoy the various delicacies prepared for the festival. People also take an oil bath, wear new clothes, prepare rangolis with flowers and colours, and put the Gudi at the entrance.

gudi padwa

We all know that Udaipur celebrates festivals every day or every alternate day. But celebrating 5 festivals in a day is a big thing. An enormous amount of excitement can be seen in every individual in celebrating these festivals.

Not to forget the delicious food delicacies that are going to be prepared on this day.
So, if you want to catch a vibe of Indian traditions then you must be a part of these festivals.

Facts collected and compiled by Vaishali Jain.

Categories
Festivals

Everything You Need to Know About Sheetala Saptami

Udaipur is known for its culture and diversity. And festivals are the mirror of the cultures. Big or small, the enthusiasm with which we celebrate every occasion is what makes it special.

The small rituals during the festivals keep us connected with our traditions and create a sense of belongingness. Every household has its own little traditions which they perform with friends or family. In some families, it is celebrated on Ashtami.

Every festival comes with new learnings and beginnings. One such festival is Sheetala Saptami. Like every other festival in the city, Sheetala Saptami also revolves around interesting stories recounting the history behind various festival rituals.

It is celebrated in honour of Sheetala Mata, this Goddess is an incarnation of the feminine power. People worship Sheetala Mata to protect themselves, their family and friends from getting inflicted from diseases like smallpox and chickenpox.

When is it celebrated?

It is observed on the ‘Ashtami’ of the Krishna Paksha during the Hindu month of ‘Chaitra’. It corresponds to the month of mid-March to April. Sheetala Saptami generally comes after 8 days of the Holi Festival. But in some communities, it is celebrated on the first Thursday or Monday that comes after Holi.

Significance

As per Hindu mythology, Goddess Sheetala is an incarnation of Goddess Durga and Maa Parvati. The goddess is seated on a donkey and has been shown as holding neem leaves, broom, soup and a pot. Her grandeur has been mentioned in several religious stories.

The benefit of worshipping goddess Sheetala has been explained in various details. It might not be known to many that the Sheetala Mata story was written by Lord Shiva and also known as Sheetalashtak.

Rituals

The festival starts with getting up early before sunrise and taking a bath. Then pay a visit to Sheetala Devi Temple and offer prayers with ‘Haldi’ and ‘Bajra’. After performing the rituals, listen to the Vrat Katha. And then offer other essential offerings like curd to the goddess. After offering food to the deity, the rest of the food is eaten all day long as prasad. In some parts of the country, people also shave their heads to please the Goddess.

We all will be remembering this festival as the day of eating cold food. As per the traditions, we do not light fire for cooking. Therefore, we prepare the food a day in advance and consume the food the next day. This would be the only festival where cold food is offered to Goddess Sheetala.

On this day simple, non-spicy food is made. It is said that eating normal cold food acts as a relaxant to the digestive system. As Sheetal means cold, so Sheetala Mata vrat incorporates cold food, so that our stomach is not aggravated, and gets food that is easy to digest.

Story of Sheetala Mata

It is believed that a woman lived in a village. The woman was a devotee of Sheetala Mata and also kept her fast. Other people of the village didn’t keep the fast of Sheetala Mata and neither did they have any faith.

A sudden fire occurred in the village, everyone’s huts were burnt except the devotee of Sheetala Mata. When the reason came to know, everyone understood that this happened because of worshipping Sheetala Mata. Since then people started worshipping Sheetala Mata.

We are living in a world where every day a new disease is taking birth and some country is starting a war. In these times we need to have a belief and a sense of unity that will keep us going on.

These festivals are our happy distractions from all these things which are going on in this world. It gives us peace and creates a sense of motivation amongst us.

As we go deep into every festival’s origin there are big learnings hidden in them. This festival marks the safety of our people. We all always pray for our and our family’s safety. And this festival is nothing but praying for safety.

Written by- Vaishali Jain

Categories
Festivals

10 Food Items that Make Your Holi Taste Better

Do you also look for reasons to eat, to have guilt free binge eating? All of us do. And what better excuse than a festival. The festival of colours is around the corner and we can’t keep calm.

Holi is all about celebrating happiness with friends and family. And there are certain food items for Holi that are the best medium for all Indian families to spread joy with their dear ones.

People of Udaipur love celebrating festivals and we do it in style. Udaipurites welcome every occasion with full excitement, enthusiasm and of course food.

On every festival there is a certain food delicacy being prepared in every house in Udaipur. Apart from playing with colours and dancing to our favourite songs, Holi is always associated with various traditional food items that we enjoy every year.

After playing with colours for hours, and taking the longest bath of our lives, we just cannot wait to indulge in our favourite traditional holi food items.

So, to sprinkle some colours on your plate this Holi, we are here with best traditional Holi food items to make the occasion even more colourful.

Traditional food items for Holi

1. Gujiya

Gujiya food items for holi
Holi is always incomplete without Gujiya. When we talk about Holi food items, Gujiya is the first sweet that comes to our mind. It is safe to announce that it is the official traditional dish for Holi. One can add a twist to gujiya by baking them or adding Nutella. Thinking of trying the same this Holi, aren’t you?

2. Thandai

thandai best food items for holi
Celebrating Holi under the sun, makes you crave for some chilled flavoured drink. It keeps you hydrated and ensures that your energy does not drop. And what’s better than a Thandai? There is no doubt, Thandai adds the perfect colour to the celebration.

3. Puri Bhaji

poori bhaji best food items for holi
Lunch on Holi is all about poori bhaji. Hot pooris with bhaji is the perfect delight after an endless morning of celebrating holi. It is a go to dish in every household.

4. Kanji Vada

kanji wada best food items for holi
Kanji vada is a traditional Rajasthani dish. Crispy fried vadas are dipped into rai ka pani. It is very easy to make and is a great side item for all the guests on Holi.

5. Dahi Bhalle

dahi bhalle best food items for holi
This is the most relished food item in Holi. The soft daal balls are dipped in chilled yogurt, and is garnished with chutney, making it a super delicious chaat. Drooling already?

6. Pakore

pakore best food items for holi
Pakore is hands down the best snack for Holi. During Holi bhang pakore are also prepared. These are nothing fancy. But once you start munching onto them, then there is no coming back.

7. Maalpua

maalpua best food items for holi
Every occasion is incomplete without something sweet. Maalpua can be a little difficult to make, but the hustle is all worth it. Maalpua is an Indian version of pancakes, but better.

8. Moong Dal Kachori

kachori best food items for holi
Every Indian celebration is incomplete without fried food. A combination of Moong dal ki kachori, friends and music is what we call a perfect Holi celebration.

9. Namakpare

namakpaare best food items for holi
This traditional Indian snack is the best side dish. Generally, in Holi it is made in bulk and stored. So, when guests come over, they are ready to serve. These are salty and crunchy, another snack that you cannot stop munching on.

10. Puran Poli

Puran Poli best food items for holi
For all the sweet teeth, one should not miss eating Puran Poli on Holi. It is easy to make. Moreover its sugary taste will tempt you to have more after each bite.

We celebrate a number of festivals in India, and every festival has a list of special delights. Every celebration is incomplete without some signature traditional family dish.

Though these delicacies can be made throughout the year, they taste best when they are garnished with the excitement of Holi. And being a Rajasthani, we have an assortment of gourmet’s delights.

We are sure you are tempted to have most of these food items. So what are you waiting for? Go and enjoy these delicious delicacies this Holi.

Compiled by- Vaishali Jain