Monday, February 1, 2010
Wedding
Hi Friends ,
Today I am going to discuss about a special event that happens in every bodies life .Every one dreams
about their life partner .Yes I am talking about the Wedding Bells .Today as i see the importance of wedding
is lost .It is not as it was in the previous times .Some of them dont know the meaning of wedding and
just be a part in the event .Its not only bride and bride groom becoming one but also other thing makes
a lot of difference .Today I am going to explain about the importance of Wedding .
Weddings are an important religious aspect in Hinduism.
What is a Hindu wedding?
Marriages 
in the Hindu tradition are mostly arranged. It is not only the union of two people, it is the union of 2 families.
The groom and the bride can even know or met before, or they can be unknown.
Hindu wedding is a religious and a social event.
This tradition is one of the most important sacraments in Hindu religion.
Where do they take place?
It usually takes place in the bride’s house or in a place decided by the groom and bride’s family.
The ceremonies take place in an open space under a canopy or mandap.
Clothes. During the wedding they wear special clothes.
The bride and the groom use traditional Indian wear.
here we can see the traditional clothes.
Steps. During the wedding they follow some steps, this is how they are called and what they consist of
Vara Satkaarah – The couple meets at the entrance of the place where the wedding will take place. The priest chants some mantras and the bride's mother blesses the groom.
Madhuparka Ceremony -
The couple goes to the altar and the bride's father concesses presents.
Kanya Dan - The bride's father gives away his daughter to the groom.
Vivah-Homa - The sacred fire ceremony begins.
Pani-Grahan - The groom takes the right hand of the bride in his left hand and accepts her as his wife
Pratigna-Karan - The couple walk around the fire and they make vows of fidelity. The bride leads.
Shila Arohan - The bride's mother helps her to get on a stone slab.
Laja-Homah – The couple hold their hands and make offers to the sacred fire
Mangal Fera - The couple walks in circles around the sacred fire seven times. This ceremony legalizes the wedding.
Saptapidi - Is one of the most important steps of the Hindu wedding.
The bride and the groom make 7 steps around a fire.
Each step has its meaning. They are vows.
1st step: a vow to provide good living in the house.
2nd step: a vow to develop the physical, mental and spiritual powers.
3rd step: a vow to increase the wealthy for family comfort.
4th step: a vow for happiness, knowledge, mutual love, understanding and trust.
5th step: a vow for productive life and having children.
6th step: a vow for self discipline and self control. Having a healthy life.
7th step: a vow for true and loyalty between the bride and the groom.
Final steps: these are the last things of the wedding ceremony
Abhishek – They sprinkle water and meditate about the sun and the pole star.
Anna Praashan – The couple offers food to the sacred fire, then they feed each other in a sign of affection.
Aashirvadah – The couple is blessed by their elders
Today I am going to discuss about a special event that happens in every bodies life .Every one dreams
about their life partner .Yes I am talking about the Wedding Bells .Today as i see the importance of wedding
is lost .It is not as it was in the previous times .Some of them dont know the meaning of wedding and
just be a part in the event .Its not only bride and bride groom becoming one but also other thing makes
a lot of difference .Today I am going to explain about the importance of Wedding .
Weddings are an important religious aspect in Hinduism.
What is a Hindu wedding?
Marriages
The groom and the bride can even know or met before, or they can be unknown.
Hindu wedding is a religious and a social event.
This tradition is one of the most important sacraments in Hindu religion.
Where do they take place?
It usually takes place in the bride’s house or in a place decided by the groom and bride’s family.
The ceremonies take place in an open space under a canopy or mandap.
Clothes. During the wedding they wear special clothes.
The bride and the groom use traditional Indian wear.
here we can see the traditional clothes.
Steps. During the wedding they follow some steps, this is how they are called and what they consist of
Vara Satkaarah – The couple meets at the entrance of the place where the wedding will take place. The priest chants some mantras and the bride's mother blesses the groom.
Madhuparka Ceremony -
The couple goes to the altar and the bride's father concesses presents.
Kanya Dan - The bride's father gives away his daughter to the groom.
Vivah-Homa - The sacred fire ceremony begins.
Pani-Grahan - The groom takes the right hand of the bride in his left hand and accepts her as his wife
Pratigna-Karan - The couple walk around the fire and they make vows of fidelity. The bride leads.
Shila Arohan - The bride's mother helps her to get on a stone slab.
Laja-Homah – The couple hold their hands and make offers to the sacred fire
Mangal Fera - The couple walks in circles around the sacred fire seven times. This ceremony legalizes the wedding.
Saptapidi - Is one of the most important steps of the Hindu wedding.
The bride and the groom make 7 steps around a fire.
Each step has its meaning. They are vows.
1st step: a vow to provide good living in the house.
2nd step: a vow to develop the physical, mental and spiritual powers.
3rd step: a vow to increase the wealthy for family comfort.
4th step: a vow for happiness, knowledge, mutual love, understanding and trust.
5th step: a vow for productive life and having children.
6th step: a vow for self discipline and self control. Having a healthy life.
7th step: a vow for true and loyalty between the bride and the groom.
Final steps: these are the last things of the wedding ceremony
Abhishek – They sprinkle water and meditate about the sun and the pole star.
Anna Praashan – The couple offers food to the sacred fire, then they feed each other in a sign of affection.
Aashirvadah – The couple is blessed by their elders
Monday, January 25, 2010
Diwali
Hi Friends ,
Today I am going to tell you about the importance of Diwali festival .
Diwali:
Diwali is regarded as one of the most important festival of the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated across the nation with great pomp and excitement. The festival is mainly associated with lights as it is called the festival of light. On the day of the festival diyas (small clay lamps) are lit in everybody's home irrespective of their social status. The name Diwali signifies 'rows of lighted lamps'. Diwali is a five-day festival, beginning on the 15th day of the Hindu calendar month of Kartika (Ashwin). By the Gregorian calendar, Diwali falls in October or November. Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu and Gujarati New Year and is celebrated with the lighting of lamps and candles, and lots of fireworks. People decorate their home with beautiful diyas and making rangoli pattern in the courtyard and in front of the gate. They put flowers and mango leaves on their doors and windows. Diyas and candles are placed on rooftops, rooms, and kitchen and even in the bathrooms. On this day, people worship Lord Ganesha, the foremost of all Hindu Gods and Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. It is time to exchange gifts and sweets with friends, relatives and neighbors.
Significance of Diwali:
Deepavali is a festival where people from all age groups participate. They give expression to their happiness by lighting earthen 'diyas' (lamps), decorating the houses, bursting firecrackers and inviting near and dear ones to their households for partaking in a sumptuous feast. The lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to god for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valor and fame.
It is one time in the whole year that children volunteer to leave their beds long before the day begins. In fact, the traditional oil bath at 3 a.m, is the only chore that stands between them and the pre-dawn adventures. They emerge, scrubbed clean to get into their festive attire, and light up little oil lamps, candles and scented sticks(agarbathis), the wherewithal for setting alight crackers and sparklers.
Diwali Traditions:
The literal meaning of Deepavali in Sanskrit is 'a row of lamps.' That's why Diwali is called the festival of lights. As we all celebrate it by lighting of diyas in our home. It is a tradition that is popular in most regions of the country. Even today in this modern world it projects the rich and glorious past of our country and teaches us to uphold the true values of life. Every festival of India has such glorious and rich traditions that are portrayed through its celebration. Diwali is associated with many customs and traditions. Like the tradition of rangoli, tradition of burning crackers, tradition of lights, tradition of Diwali pujas and Diwali gifts Tradition. One of the most curious customs, which characterizes this festival of Diwali, is the indulgence of gambling, especially on a large scale in north India. Rangoli is a traditional Hindu folk art; it is a kind of designs generally created on a floor on special festive occasions. The origin of this art can be traced to the Puranas (works on Hindu mythology). It is said that the tradition of rangoli originated in Maharastra and slowly disseminated to other parts of India. It gives a colorful look to the festival celebration.
History of Diwali:
India is considered to be the land of festivals. And each of the festivals, which are celebrated here, has a reason or significance behind its celebration. Diwali the festival of light is also not an exception. It is celebrated across the country with lots of fervor and fun. Though the way it is celebrated differs from region to region according to the traditions and culture of that state but the reason behind its celebration remains same. The festival is celebrated by all there is no cast or age bar. The festival brings light in everybody's life. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way. If we try to look for the origin of the festival we have to refer to history. And history tells us that the festival is celebrated mainly for four days commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. And each day has a significance and history behind its celebration. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the killing of the demon king Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.
When is Diwali:
Whenever we talk of Diwali festival the first think that comes to our mind is when Diwali is celebrated or the date of the festival. Normally according to the Hindu calendar the festival of Diwali, which is celebration of truth and light is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on Amavasya, the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (Aasho), which is usually the month of October or November every year. Here are list of dates for the coming Five years of Diwali Festival.
Today I am going to tell you about the importance of Diwali festival .
Diwali:
Diwali is regarded as one of the most important festival of the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated across the nation with great pomp and excitement. The festival is mainly associated with lights as it is called the festival of light. On the day of the festival diyas (small clay lamps) are lit in everybody's home irrespective of their social status. The name Diwali signifies 'rows of lighted lamps'. Diwali is a five-day festival, beginning on the 15th day of the Hindu calendar month of Kartika (Ashwin). By the Gregorian calendar, Diwali falls in October or November. Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu and Gujarati New Year and is celebrated with the lighting of lamps and candles, and lots of fireworks. People decorate their home with beautiful diyas and making rangoli pattern in the courtyard and in front of the gate. They put flowers and mango leaves on their doors and windows. Diyas and candles are placed on rooftops, rooms, and kitchen and even in the bathrooms. On this day, people worship Lord Ganesha, the foremost of all Hindu Gods and Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. It is time to exchange gifts and sweets with friends, relatives and neighbors.
Significance of Diwali:
Deepavali is a festival where people from all age groups participate. They give expression to their happiness by lighting earthen 'diyas' (lamps), decorating the houses, bursting firecrackers and inviting near and dear ones to their households for partaking in a sumptuous feast. The lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to god for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valor and fame.
It is one time in the whole year that children volunteer to leave their beds long before the day begins. In fact, the traditional oil bath at 3 a.m, is the only chore that stands between them and the pre-dawn adventures. They emerge, scrubbed clean to get into their festive attire, and light up little oil lamps, candles and scented sticks(agarbathis), the wherewithal for setting alight crackers and sparklers.
Diwali Traditions:
The literal meaning of Deepavali in Sanskrit is 'a row of lamps.' That's why Diwali is called the festival of lights. As we all celebrate it by lighting of diyas in our home. It is a tradition that is popular in most regions of the country. Even today in this modern world it projects the rich and glorious past of our country and teaches us to uphold the true values of life. Every festival of India has such glorious and rich traditions that are portrayed through its celebration. Diwali is associated with many customs and traditions. Like the tradition of rangoli, tradition of burning crackers, tradition of lights, tradition of Diwali pujas and Diwali gifts Tradition. One of the most curious customs, which characterizes this festival of Diwali, is the indulgence of gambling, especially on a large scale in north India. Rangoli is a traditional Hindu folk art; it is a kind of designs generally created on a floor on special festive occasions. The origin of this art can be traced to the Puranas (works on Hindu mythology). It is said that the tradition of rangoli originated in Maharastra and slowly disseminated to other parts of India. It gives a colorful look to the festival celebration.
History of Diwali:
India is considered to be the land of festivals. And each of the festivals, which are celebrated here, has a reason or significance behind its celebration. Diwali the festival of light is also not an exception. It is celebrated across the country with lots of fervor and fun. Though the way it is celebrated differs from region to region according to the traditions and culture of that state but the reason behind its celebration remains same. The festival is celebrated by all there is no cast or age bar. The festival brings light in everybody's life. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way. If we try to look for the origin of the festival we have to refer to history. And history tells us that the festival is celebrated mainly for four days commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. And each day has a significance and history behind its celebration. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the killing of the demon king Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.
When is Diwali:
Whenever we talk of Diwali festival the first think that comes to our mind is when Diwali is celebrated or the date of the festival. Normally according to the Hindu calendar the festival of Diwali, which is celebration of truth and light is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on Amavasya, the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (Aasho), which is usually the month of October or November every year. Here are list of dates for the coming Five years of Diwali Festival.
Dussehra:
Hi Friends ,
Today topic we are going to look is Dussehra .Today I am going to tell the importance of this festival.
Dussehra:
Whenever we think of India we think as a land of festivals. Every festival in India epitomizes the social, cultural and religious aspirations of the people. Every festival brings with it few days of happiness and joy in the life of the people. Navratri, or 'The Festival of Nine Nights', is celebrated during the first nine days of the Hindu month of Ashvin (September-October). The festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Goddess or Shakti and her nine forms. This season is considered to be an auspicious one as it is generally associated with the sowing of seeds. People sow seeds on the first day, consecrate the planets, watch the sprouting and worship Goddess Durga during this festival. The last three days are especially considered most important. The nine-day is equally divided in worshiping three goddesses. The first three days are dedicated to Goddess Durga. The next three are spent in worshipping goddess Lakshmi and the last three days are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The day after Navratri the festival of Dussehra is celebrated.
History of Durga Puja:
We all celebrate Durga puja but hardly anyone knows the history or origin behind the celebration. As in case of most of the Indian festivals we have to refer to Hindu mythology to trace out the origin. The festival of Durga puja comes with its own retinue of mythological stories. There are various legends associated with its origin but the most important and prevalent among them is the legend of Lord Rama (the incarnation of Lord Vishnu). When lord Rama was fighting a battle with Ravana (the demon king) to rescue his wife Sita whom Ravana abducted and held as hostage in Lanka, his kingdom. That time a fierce battle ensued. In that battle Ravana could not be defeated. So Lord Ram decided to seek the blessings of Shakti (Goddess Durga) in order to defeat the demon. For that puja, which lord Ram was performing 108 blue lotus were needed for the worship of Goddess Durga but Rama could manage only 107. But without that one lotus his puja would be incomplete so he was on the verge of laying one of his eyes that was lotus-shaped and blue in color at the Goddess's feet when Goddess Durga appeared and satisfied with his devotion, granted her blessing and eventually he won the battle against Ravana. The time he worshipped was Spring season so from that time onwards Durga puja is celebrated.
Regional Significance:
In Tamil Nadu, the first three days are dedicated to the worship of Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, the next three days to Saraswati, Goddess of Knowledge and the last three days to Shakti (Durga). In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, families decorate dolls (Bommai Kolu) and prepare an elaborate spread of lamps and flowers. Women traditionally exchange gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets. Vijayadasami is also considered an auspicious occasion for children to commence their education in classical dance and music, and to pay homage to their teachers. In Mysore the festival is celebrated by the famous gala procession of richly bedecked elephants on the brightly lit streets of the city on. In West Bengal Duga puja marks the celebration of Dussehra. It is the most important festival of the Begalis. It is celebrated for a period of five days across the state. Devotees wear new clothes
Significance of Navratri:
Every Indian festival has a reason and significance behind its celebration. It is not only celebrated for fun and enjoyment. But there is a proper meaning behind its celebration. Similarly with the festival of Navaratri there is a significance and meaning attached to it. The festival celebrates the worship of Three Goddess, Durga (the god of power and strength), Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) and Saraswati (the Goddess of knowledge and learning). The festival leads to spiritual growth of a person. It gives the person inner strength to fight against all odds of life. The courage to fight for the weaker section of the society and against all evils of the society. So the first three days is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Shakti. The next most important requirement in life is wealth and prosperity and for that the next three days of the festival is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (the Goddess of wealth and prosperity). Knowledge and learning is another important aspect of life. And for that the last three days of the festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. She is worshipped so that she blesses us with power of knowledge and helps us to attain spiritual enlightenment.
Today topic we are going to look is Dussehra .Today I am going to tell the importance of this festival.
Dussehra:
Whenever we think of India we think as a land of festivals. Every festival in India epitomizes the social, cultural and religious aspirations of the people. Every festival brings with it few days of happiness and joy in the life of the people. Navratri, or 'The Festival of Nine Nights', is celebrated during the first nine days of the Hindu month of Ashvin (September-October). The festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Goddess or Shakti and her nine forms. This season is considered to be an auspicious one as it is generally associated with the sowing of seeds. People sow seeds on the first day, consecrate the planets, watch the sprouting and worship Goddess Durga during this festival. The last three days are especially considered most important. The nine-day is equally divided in worshiping three goddesses. The first three days are dedicated to Goddess Durga. The next three are spent in worshipping goddess Lakshmi and the last three days are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The day after Navratri the festival of Dussehra is celebrated.
History of Durga Puja:
We all celebrate Durga puja but hardly anyone knows the history or origin behind the celebration. As in case of most of the Indian festivals we have to refer to Hindu mythology to trace out the origin. The festival of Durga puja comes with its own retinue of mythological stories. There are various legends associated with its origin but the most important and prevalent among them is the legend of Lord Rama (the incarnation of Lord Vishnu). When lord Rama was fighting a battle with Ravana (the demon king) to rescue his wife Sita whom Ravana abducted and held as hostage in Lanka, his kingdom. That time a fierce battle ensued. In that battle Ravana could not be defeated. So Lord Ram decided to seek the blessings of Shakti (Goddess Durga) in order to defeat the demon. For that puja, which lord Ram was performing 108 blue lotus were needed for the worship of Goddess Durga but Rama could manage only 107. But without that one lotus his puja would be incomplete so he was on the verge of laying one of his eyes that was lotus-shaped and blue in color at the Goddess's feet when Goddess Durga appeared and satisfied with his devotion, granted her blessing and eventually he won the battle against Ravana. The time he worshipped was Spring season so from that time onwards Durga puja is celebrated.
Regional Significance:
In Tamil Nadu, the first three days are dedicated to the worship of Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, the next three days to Saraswati, Goddess of Knowledge and the last three days to Shakti (Durga). In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, families decorate dolls (Bommai Kolu) and prepare an elaborate spread of lamps and flowers. Women traditionally exchange gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets. Vijayadasami is also considered an auspicious occasion for children to commence their education in classical dance and music, and to pay homage to their teachers. In Mysore the festival is celebrated by the famous gala procession of richly bedecked elephants on the brightly lit streets of the city on. In West Bengal Duga puja marks the celebration of Dussehra. It is the most important festival of the Begalis. It is celebrated for a period of five days across the state. Devotees wear new clothes
Significance of Navratri:
Every Indian festival has a reason and significance behind its celebration. It is not only celebrated for fun and enjoyment. But there is a proper meaning behind its celebration. Similarly with the festival of Navaratri there is a significance and meaning attached to it. The festival celebrates the worship of Three Goddess, Durga (the god of power and strength), Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) and Saraswati (the Goddess of knowledge and learning). The festival leads to spiritual growth of a person. It gives the person inner strength to fight against all odds of life. The courage to fight for the weaker section of the society and against all evils of the society. So the first three days is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Shakti. The next most important requirement in life is wealth and prosperity and for that the next three days of the festival is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (the Goddess of wealth and prosperity). Knowledge and learning is another important aspect of life. And for that the last three days of the festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. She is worshipped so that she blesses us with power of knowledge and helps us to attain spiritual enlightenment.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Pongal
Hi Viewers ,
I wish you very Happy Pongal .Yes today we will discuss about the importance of Pongal festival .
Pongal is a four-days-long harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, a southern state of India. For as long as people have been planting and gathering food, there has been some form of harvest festival. Pongal, one of the most important popular Hindu festivals of the year. This four-day festival of thanksgiving to nature takes its name from the Tamil word meaning "to boil" and is held in the month of Thai (January-February) during the season when rice and other cereals, sugar-cane, and turmeric (an essential ingredient in Tamil cooking) are harvested.
Mid-January is an important time in the Tamil calendar. The harvest festival, Pongal, falls typically on the 14th or the 15th of January and is the quintessential 'Tamil Festival'. Pongal is a harvest festival, a traditional occasion for giving thanks to nature, for celebrating the life cycles that give us grain. Tamilians say 'Thai pirandhaal vazhi pirakkum', and believe that knotty family problems will be solved with the advent of the Tamil month Thai that begins on Pongal day. This is traditionally the month of weddings. This is not a surprise in a largely agricultural community - the riches gained from a good harvest form the economic basis for expensive family occasions like weddings.
What is Pongal?
Pongal is the only festival of Hindu that follows a solar calendar and is celebrated on the fourteenth of January every year. Pongal has astronomical significance: it marks the beginning of Uttarayana, the Sun's movement northward for a six month period. In Hinduism, Uttarayana is considered auspicious, as opposed to Dakshinaayana, or the southern movement of the sun. All important events are scheduled during this period. Makara Sankranthi refers to the event of the Sun entering the zodiac sign of Makara or Capricorn.
In Hindu temples bells, drums, clarinets and conch shells herald the joyous occasion of Pongal. To symbolize a bountiful harvest, rice is cooked in new pots until they boil over. Some of the rituals performed in the temple include the preparation of rice, the chanting of prayers and the offering of vegetables, sugar cane and spices to the gods. Devotees then consume the offerings to exonerate themselves of past sins.
Pongal signals the end of the traditional farming season, giving farmers a break from their monotonous routine. Farmers also perform puja to some crops, signaling the end of the traditional farming season. It also sets the pace for a series of festivals to follow in a calendar year. In fact, four festivals are celebrated in Tamil Nadu for four consecutive days in that week. 'Bogi' is celebrated on January 13, 'Pongal' on Jan 14, 'Maattuppongal' on Jan 15, and 'Thiruvalluvar Day' on Jan 16.
The festival is celebrated for four days. On, the first day, Bhogi, the old clothes and materials are thrown away and fired, marking the beginning of a new life. The second day, the Pongal day, is celebrated by boiling fresh milk early in the morning and allowing it to boil over the vessel - a tradition that is the literal translation for Pongal. People also prepare savories and sweets, visit each other's homes, and exchange greetings. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is meant to offer thanks to the cows and buffaloes, as they are used to plough the lands. On the last day, Kanum Pongal, people go out to picnic.
Regional Significance:
The harvest festival of Pongal has its unique regional significance. The festival of Pongal is celebrated all over India on the same day, but has different names in each region. However, being a harvest festival,
bonfires and feasts are the main thing common to all the celebrations of this festival. Almost all the states of India celebrate this festival with varied festivities including singing and dancing. In northern India, the festival is known as Lohri while in Assam it is called Bhogali Bihu, in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar it is known as Sankranti, and in Andhra Pradesh it is celebrated as Bhogi, when each household puts on display its collection of dolls. Following is the state wise regional significance of the Pongal festival.
Other Names:
Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Kanumu, Lohri, Bihu, Thai Pongal, Poki festival, Hadaga Festival.
I wish you very Happy Pongal .Yes today we will discuss about the importance of Pongal festival .
Pongal is a four-days-long harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, a southern state of India. For as long as people have been planting and gathering food, there has been some form of harvest festival. Pongal, one of the most important popular Hindu festivals of the year. This four-day festival of thanksgiving to nature takes its name from the Tamil word meaning "to boil" and is held in the month of Thai (January-February) during the season when rice and other cereals, sugar-cane, and turmeric (an essential ingredient in Tamil cooking) are harvested.
Mid-January is an important time in the Tamil calendar. The harvest festival, Pongal, falls typically on the 14th or the 15th of January and is the quintessential 'Tamil Festival'. Pongal is a harvest festival, a traditional occasion for giving thanks to nature, for celebrating the life cycles that give us grain. Tamilians say 'Thai pirandhaal vazhi pirakkum', and believe that knotty family problems will be solved with the advent of the Tamil month Thai that begins on Pongal day. This is traditionally the month of weddings. This is not a surprise in a largely agricultural community - the riches gained from a good harvest form the economic basis for expensive family occasions like weddings.
What is Pongal?
Pongal is the only festival of Hindu that follows a solar calendar and is celebrated on the fourteenth of January every year. Pongal has astronomical significance: it marks the beginning of Uttarayana, the Sun's movement northward for a six month period. In Hinduism, Uttarayana is considered auspicious, as opposed to Dakshinaayana, or the southern movement of the sun. All important events are scheduled during this period. Makara Sankranthi refers to the event of the Sun entering the zodiac sign of Makara or Capricorn.
In Hindu temples bells, drums, clarinets and conch shells herald the joyous occasion of Pongal. To symbolize a bountiful harvest, rice is cooked in new pots until they boil over. Some of the rituals performed in the temple include the preparation of rice, the chanting of prayers and the offering of vegetables, sugar cane and spices to the gods. Devotees then consume the offerings to exonerate themselves of past sins.
Pongal signals the end of the traditional farming season, giving farmers a break from their monotonous routine. Farmers also perform puja to some crops, signaling the end of the traditional farming season. It also sets the pace for a series of festivals to follow in a calendar year. In fact, four festivals are celebrated in Tamil Nadu for four consecutive days in that week. 'Bogi' is celebrated on January 13, 'Pongal' on Jan 14, 'Maattuppongal' on Jan 15, and 'Thiruvalluvar Day' on Jan 16.
The festival is celebrated for four days. On, the first day, Bhogi, the old clothes and materials are thrown away and fired, marking the beginning of a new life. The second day, the Pongal day, is celebrated by boiling fresh milk early in the morning and allowing it to boil over the vessel - a tradition that is the literal translation for Pongal. People also prepare savories and sweets, visit each other's homes, and exchange greetings. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is meant to offer thanks to the cows and buffaloes, as they are used to plough the lands. On the last day, Kanum Pongal, people go out to picnic.
Regional Significance:
The harvest festival of Pongal has its unique regional significance. The festival of Pongal is celebrated all over India on the same day, but has different names in each region. However, being a harvest festival,
bonfires and feasts are the main thing common to all the celebrations of this festival. Almost all the states of India celebrate this festival with varied festivities including singing and dancing. In northern India, the festival is known as Lohri while in Assam it is called Bhogali Bihu, in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar it is known as Sankranti, and in Andhra Pradesh it is celebrated as Bhogi, when each household puts on display its collection of dolls. Following is the state wise regional significance of the Pongal festival.
Other Names:
Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Kanumu, Lohri, Bihu, Thai Pongal, Poki festival, Hadaga Festival.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Karwa chaut
Hi All,
Today we are going to talk about Karwa chauth.This festival is done by all the wife for their husband .
Karwa Chauth is a festival that provides an opportunity for all married women to
get close to their in-laws. All married women observes fast that ensures the
well-being, prosperity and longevity of their husbands. This Hindu festival has
a cultural and social significance and all Indians celebrate this festival with
great enthusiasm. Karwa Chauth is an occasion that encourage people to gather
and socialize with friends and family, exchange gifts and share home-cooked
meals. The gifts exchanged on this occasion reflects joy, splendor, brightness
and happiness of a married life.
Henna application is an age old tradition that symbolizes luck and prosperity.
Decorating hand and feet by creating intricate designs with henna is one of
the most common tradition on all occasion. It is believed that woman who get
dark color will get a loads of love and caring from her groom.
The fast of Karwa Chauth is of particular importance to
all Hindu married women in India. They believe that the festival ensures
prosperity, longevity and well-being of their husbands. The origin of this
festival was based on a very sweet and noble idea. Though this idea has lost
its true sense as today the whole outlook of this festival has changed.
In the ancient time, girls used to get married at a very early stage, and had
to go and live with their in-laws in other villages. After marriage, if she
faces any problem with her in-laws or her husband, she would have no one to
talk to or seek support from. There used to be no telephones, buses and trains
long ago. Her own parents and relatives would be quite far and unreachable.
Thus the custom started that, at the time of marriage, when bride would reach
her in-laws, she would befriend another woman there who would be her friend
or sister for life. It would be like god-friends or god-sisters. Their
friendship would be sanctified through a small Hindu ceremony right during
the marriage.
Once the bride and this woman had become god-friends or god-sisters, they would
remain so all their lives and recognize the relation as such. They would also
treat each other like real sisters.
Later in life, if she faces any difficulty related to her husband or in-laws,
she would be able to confidently talk or seek help from each other. Thus,
Karwa Chauth was started to as a festival to celebrate this relationship between
the once-brides and their god-friends (god-sisters). Fasting and praying for
husband came later and is secondary. It was probably added, along with other
mythical tales, to enhance the festival. The husband would always be associated
with this festival, because the day of starting this holy friendship between
two god-sisters was essentially the day of bride's marriage to him. Thus,
praying and fasting for him by his wife during a celebration of her relationship
with the god-friend would be quite logical.
Hence, the festival of Karwa Chauth was to renew and celebrate the relationship
between god-friends (god-sisters). It had a tremendous social and cultural
significance when world was not having the way to communicate and move around
easily.
Today we are going to talk about Karwa chauth.This festival is done by all the wife for their husband .
Karwa Chauth is a festival that provides an opportunity for all married women to
get close to their in-laws. All married women observes fast that ensures the
well-being, prosperity and longevity of their husbands. This Hindu festival has
a cultural and social significance and all Indians celebrate this festival with
great enthusiasm. Karwa Chauth is an occasion that encourage people to gather
and socialize with friends and family, exchange gifts and share home-cooked
meals. The gifts exchanged on this occasion reflects joy, splendor, brightness
and happiness of a married life.
Henna application is an age old tradition that symbolizes luck and prosperity.
Decorating hand and feet by creating intricate designs with henna is one of
the most common tradition on all occasion. It is believed that woman who get
dark color will get a loads of love and caring from her groom.
The fast of Karwa Chauth is of particular importance to
all Hindu married women in India. They believe that the festival ensures
prosperity, longevity and well-being of their husbands. The origin of this
festival was based on a very sweet and noble idea. Though this idea has lost
its true sense as today the whole outlook of this festival has changed.
In the ancient time, girls used to get married at a very early stage, and had
to go and live with their in-laws in other villages. After marriage, if she
faces any problem with her in-laws or her husband, she would have no one to
talk to or seek support from. There used to be no telephones, buses and trains
long ago. Her own parents and relatives would be quite far and unreachable.
Thus the custom started that, at the time of marriage, when bride would reach
her in-laws, she would befriend another woman there who would be her friend
or sister for life. It would be like god-friends or god-sisters. Their
friendship would be sanctified through a small Hindu ceremony right during
the marriage.
Once the bride and this woman had become god-friends or god-sisters, they would
remain so all their lives and recognize the relation as such. They would also
treat each other like real sisters.
Later in life, if she faces any difficulty related to her husband or in-laws,
she would be able to confidently talk or seek help from each other. Thus,
Karwa Chauth was started to as a festival to celebrate this relationship between
the once-brides and their god-friends (god-sisters). Fasting and praying for
husband came later and is secondary. It was probably added, along with other
mythical tales, to enhance the festival. The husband would always be associated
with this festival, because the day of starting this holy friendship between
two god-sisters was essentially the day of bride's marriage to him. Thus,
praying and fasting for him by his wife during a celebration of her relationship
with the god-friend would be quite logical.
Hence, the festival of Karwa Chauth was to renew and celebrate the relationship
between god-friends (god-sisters). It had a tremendous social and cultural
significance when world was not having the way to communicate and move around
easily.
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