Showing posts with label festivals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label festivals. Show all posts
September 27, 2018
September 21, 2018
Ganesh chaturthi WhatsApp status | Ganesh chaturthi special | ganapati status | Ganesha status |
Ganesh chaturthi WhatsApp status | Ganesh chaturthi special | ganapati status | Ganesha status |
Ganapati status | Ganesh chaturthi | WhatsApp status | om gam ganpatey namh | 🚩🚩
Ganapati status | Ganesh chaturthi | WhatsApp status | om gam ganpatey namh | 🚩🚩
July 19, 2016
Guru Purnima : Tributes Towards Gurus
Who is a Guru
Do you know who is a Guru? In Sanskrit, this word is defined as ‘Gu’ means darkness & ‘Ru’ means the removal of darkness. So, a guru is a definition of pure spirit that removes the darkness and fills the light in your life by giving knowledge. He teaches us the lesson to reach God. Guru Purnima Celebration or Asadh Purnima falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of July (Ashad), according to the Hindu calendar.
It is celebrated by both the Hindus and Buddhists in their own beliefs. It is a special day when people offer prayers and honourable worship to their Gurus or teachers. It is also known as Vyas Purnima as this sacred day is celebrated by Hindus in the memory of Guru Ved Vyaas. In the Buddhist community, this day is welcomed and celebrated in the honour of Lord Buddha as he did his very first preaching on this day at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh.
This day is very important for all such disciples, devotees and spiritual seekers. Guru Purnima celebration is an auspicious day when shishyas devote their feelings and love in the feet of their Guru.
Why to celebrate Guru Purnima
In ancient times, the famous Vedas were passed on by people to other generations by word of mouth. Then only, Maharshi Ved Vyas took this responsibility of classifying the Vedas in an ordered manner. He collected and edited the 4 Vedas so that they could be read easily by people. He also wrote 18 Puranas along with Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagvata.
Since, he gifted the world with such a divine and simplified knowledge about life and God, this made him Gurus of all Gurus, and hence, he is known as the Original Guru of Hindu Dharma.
Ways of Guru Purnima Celebration
Gurus are regarded as God in Hindu culture. On this day, Guru is worshipped in the same way as we worship Hindu Gods and Goddesses. All the Shishyas goes to the Ashrams of their Gurus and present their faith and spirit in their lotus feet. The Shishyas offer flowers and sweets to their spiritual gurus. In return, they receive words of long life and blessings from their gurus. Gurus also provide spiritual lessons to their shishyas.
Apart from this, many devotees or true believers of Guru Seva organizes Bhojan Samarohas, cultural performances and other several activities at the place that makes the day more special.
In today’s modern world, the name ‘Guru’ is not given only to spiritual masters. Everyone feels free to express their thankfulness and faith towards the school teacher, professor or any other type of guide or mentor who has shown you the path of success and positiveness towards life.
This is the famous Shlok that every devotee offers to his Guru during Pujan:
Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur devo Maheshwaraha
Guruhu Sakshat Parambrahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha.!
Guruhu Sakshat Parambrahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha.!
The meaning of the Shlok is – Guru is Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv and through him God, or Parabrahma is present. This shlok shows the importance of a Guru in our lives. It is only through a Guru that we can reach God.
August 6, 2015
Nag Panchmi festival
The Story of Nag Panchmi festival
Nag Panchami
Nag Panchmi festival is celebrated on fifth day of Shravan month of Shukla Paksha. The interesting story behind this festival is related to Pandavas. It happened that Raja Parikshit was killed after a snake bite. His son Janmejaya, vowed to decimate the whole race of snakes by performing a yagya. This yagya was stopped by intervention of Astika, who was son of Jaratkaru. Since this yagya was stopped on fifth day of shukla paksha of Shravan, Nag Panchmi is celebrated on this day.
A temple opens on this day only in Mahakaleshwar shrine
Nagchandreshwar darshan happens in a year only on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha of Shravan month.The temple opens its doors annually only on Nag Panchmi.The temple will open after proper worship and religious ceremonies to facilitate devotees to pay obeisance to the deity.
A temple opens on this day only in Mahakaleshwar shrine
Nagchandreshwar darshan happens in a year only on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha of Shravan month.The temple opens its doors annually only on Nag Panchmi.The temple will open after proper worship and religious ceremonies to facilitate devotees to pay obeisance to the deity.
Mahakal Nagpanchmi
Astika saves Nagas
Astika was born to Sage Jaratkaru. He was a brilliant scholar, and was very learned in the Vedas and scriptures. When he was about sixteen, King Janamejaya performed the great snake-sacrifice with the aim of destroying all the snakes.
The sacrifice performed in the presence of Janamejaya was so powerful that it was causing all snakes to fall into the Yagna kunda (sacrificial fire pit). When the priests found that only Takshaka who had bitten and killed Parisksihit had escaped to the nether world of Indra seeking his protection, the sages increased the tempo of reciting the mantras (spells) to drag Takshaka and also Indra to the sacrificial fire. Takshaka had coiled himself around Indra's cot but the force of the sacrificial yagna was so powerful that even Indra along with Takshaka were dragged towards the fire. This scared the gods who then appealed to Manasa devi to intervene and resolve the crisis. She then requested her son Astika to go to the site of the yagna and appeal to Janamejaya to stop the Sarpa Satra yagna.
At his mother's request, Astika went to the sacrifice, and obtained a boon from Janamejaya that the snake-sacrifice should be abandoned mid way. Thus he fulfilled the purpose of his birth, saving his kinsmen, the snakes from utter destruction.
The sacrifice performed in the presence of Janamejaya was so powerful that it was causing all snakes to fall into the Yagna kunda (sacrificial fire pit). When the priests found that only Takshaka who had bitten and killed Parisksihit had escaped to the nether world of Indra seeking his protection, the sages increased the tempo of reciting the mantras (spells) to drag Takshaka and also Indra to the sacrificial fire. Takshaka had coiled himself around Indra's cot but the force of the sacrificial yagna was so powerful that even Indra along with Takshaka were dragged towards the fire. This scared the gods who then appealed to Manasa devi to intervene and resolve the crisis. She then requested her son Astika to go to the site of the yagna and appeal to Janamejaya to stop the Sarpa Satra yagna.
At his mother's request, Astika went to the sacrifice, and obtained a boon from Janamejaya that the snake-sacrifice should be abandoned mid way. Thus he fulfilled the purpose of his birth, saving his kinsmen, the snakes from utter destruction.
Other legends of Nag Panchmi
This festival has rich mythological overtones, starting from the tremendous victory of Lord Krishna over the huge Kaliya in the Yamuna River. We have a further reference to Seshnag, the king of serpents, who was tamed by Lord Vishnu, as pictured in Ananda Padmanabha temple in Trivandrum of Kerala. The deity in the temple is Lord Vishnu, sleeping on the body of Seshnag. No wonder, the Keralites deem Nag Punchami as a huge festival and adore snakes on the day with piety. It is also considered as paying homage to Manasa, the serpent Goddess sister of Vasuki, the Snake who was used as a rope by the Devas and Asuras to churn the Milky Ocean.
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple Mahavishnu Idol
Nag Puja is carried out in Assam, Bengal, Jharkhand and Orissa in reverence of all snakes which have such a magnificent role in mythology. In Punjab, people celebrate Manasa Devi Ashtanag Puja (Guga Navami) by making a huge snake from flour and worshipping it. It is not only with Lord Vishnu, the greatness of snakes is associated; it is also with Lord Shiva- which is a very clear transparent concept, since it is the snake around the neck of Lord Shiva which inspires awe and piety on the very first look of the deity. Moreover in the Puranas, there is a reference to Brahma's son's wife as the mother of all nags.
There is also a mythological story about a goddess Sathyeshwari, whose brother Sathyeshwar died before the day of Nag Panchami. She grieved over the death of her brother without eating anything. She saw her brother in the form of a cobra and believed that it was her brother. So, Nagdev promised her that he would protect any woman who deems a cobra as her brother and worships it. Hence, it became the habit of Hindu women to worship snakes for the longevity and safety of their brothers on this day.
Story of serpent and farmer
In the context of Nag Panchami, many stories are famous. As per one of the story, a farmer used to live in a state with his two sons and one daughter. One day while ploughing the field, three children of snakes came under it and died. After the death of Naag(male snake), at first, Naagin(female snake) expressed sorrow by mourning, then, planed to take the revenge from the murderer of its sons.
In the darkness of night, Naagin, killed the farmer, his wife and his two sons by biting them. Next day morning, Naagin(she-serpent) came to bite the farmers daughter. The girl kept a bowl full of milk and joined hands for forgiveness,in front of Naagin. By this gesture of the girl, Naagin got happy and gave back the lives of farmer, his wife and two sons.
That day it was,Panchami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Shravan Maas. From that day, to be safe of Serpent's anger, they are worshiped on this day and Naag Panchami is celebrated.
There is also a mythological story about a goddess Sathyeshwari, whose brother Sathyeshwar died before the day of Nag Panchami. She grieved over the death of her brother without eating anything. She saw her brother in the form of a cobra and believed that it was her brother. So, Nagdev promised her that he would protect any woman who deems a cobra as her brother and worships it. Hence, it became the habit of Hindu women to worship snakes for the longevity and safety of their brothers on this day.
Story of serpent and farmer
In the context of Nag Panchami, many stories are famous. As per one of the story, a farmer used to live in a state with his two sons and one daughter. One day while ploughing the field, three children of snakes came under it and died. After the death of Naag(male snake), at first, Naagin(female snake) expressed sorrow by mourning, then, planed to take the revenge from the murderer of its sons.
In the darkness of night, Naagin, killed the farmer, his wife and his two sons by biting them. Next day morning, Naagin(she-serpent) came to bite the farmers daughter. The girl kept a bowl full of milk and joined hands for forgiveness,in front of Naagin. By this gesture of the girl, Naagin got happy and gave back the lives of farmer, his wife and two sons.
That day it was,Panchami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Shravan Maas. From that day, to be safe of Serpent's anger, they are worshiped on this day and Naag Panchami is celebrated.
September 15, 2014
Shivaratri :- Hunter Suswara The Hunter's Fast
Shivaratri :- Hunter Suswara The Hunter's Fast
One day, a hunter named Suswara went hunting to the forest. At nightfall it became very dark so he could not return home. He had to spend the night in the forest. He climbed a bael tree for safety.
That night happened to be Shivaratri. Due to hunger and thirst, he could not sleep all night. He wept thinking about his wife and children. He spent the entire night plucking leaves from the bael tree and throwing them on the ground. When it was morning he returned home.
Many years passed. At the time of the death, two messengers of Lord Shiva came to take him to heaven. This was because that night of Shivaratri that he had spent in the forest, he had unknowingly worshipped Lord Shiva. There was a Shivalinga under the bael tree that he had climbed up. His tears had washed the Shivalinga and the bael leaves that he had thrown from the tree had fallen on it. He had even fasted all day and all night.
September 14, 2014
The First Durga Puja in Kolkata
The First Durga Puja in Kolkata
The biggest annual religious festival for
the Bengalis, Durga Puja celebrates the victory of the Hindu goddess
Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura. The occassion is also known by
various names such as Durgotsab ('Festival of Durga') and Sharodotsab
('Autumn festival').
Following the Hindu scriptures, the actual worship of Goddess Durga takes place in the Hindu month of Chaitra (corresponding to March or April of the Gregorian calendar). But this worship is observed only by a handful in some places of West Bengal. The autumnal celebration of Durga Puja, known as "Sharadiya", is more popular and takes place in the month of Sharat (September or October according to the Gregorian calendar).
The "Sharadiya" Durga Puja is said to have first started in the year 1757 with the Durga Puja of Sovabazar Rajbari. The oldest puja in Kolkata, it came to being due to the efforts of Maharaja Naba Krishna De, the founder of the Shobhabazar royal family. It is said that after emerging victorious in the Battle of Plassey, Colonel Robert Clive wanted to pay a thanks to the divine forces for his success. The Battle of Plassey was a landmark in the history of British domination in India as the victory of the British forces in this war gave the East India Company control of Bengal. Robert Clive was the then chief officer of British East India Company and he led his forces to victory in this crucial battle, that too with minimum casualties. As the only church in Calcutta at that time was destroyed by Siraj-ud-Daulah, Clive was unable to show his gratitude to God.
When Raja Nabakrishna Deb came to know of Clive’s desire, he invited the latter to his house at Durga Puja and offer his thanks at the feet of Goddess Durga. Initially Clive had some hesitations to attend the puja as in those days Christians were not allowed by the Hindus to take part in Hindu festivities. However, the mighty Nabakrishna Deb managed it all and Robert Clive paid a visit to the Shobhabazar Rajbari to offer his thanks to Goddess Durga. Thereafter, the Shobhabazar Durgotsab(Durga Puja ceremony) came to be known as the "Company Puja".
The Shobhabazar Sharodotsab proved a trendsetter in Durga Puja festivities of Bengal. From this time until the independence of India in 1947, inviting Englishmen to Durga Puja ceremonies became a fashion. The number of Englishmen attending the family Durga Puja became an index of prestige and a status symbol among the upcoming merchant class of Kolkata. After this trendsetting puja of 1757, many British Officers of the East India Company were invited as guests of honour in the Pujas by various wealthy mercantile and Zamindar families in Bengal. The hosts vied with one another in arranging the most sumptuous feasts and organising lavish decorations and entertainment for their white guests. This was a way of pleasing officials of The East India Company which was in charge of a large part of India including Bengal after the battles of Plassey and Buxar.
With time, the "barowari" (community) pujas took over in a big way. The coming of corporate sponsorship helped these public puja ceremonies far surpass the grandeur of the private pujas. However, the Durga Pujas of the old zamindar families in and around Kolkata still attract crowds. These still survive even after the downfall of royalty in India. In 2008, Shovabazar Rajbari organised the 252nd Durga Puja.
Following the Hindu scriptures, the actual worship of Goddess Durga takes place in the Hindu month of Chaitra (corresponding to March or April of the Gregorian calendar). But this worship is observed only by a handful in some places of West Bengal. The autumnal celebration of Durga Puja, known as "Sharadiya", is more popular and takes place in the month of Sharat (September or October according to the Gregorian calendar).
The "Sharadiya" Durga Puja is said to have first started in the year 1757 with the Durga Puja of Sovabazar Rajbari. The oldest puja in Kolkata, it came to being due to the efforts of Maharaja Naba Krishna De, the founder of the Shobhabazar royal family. It is said that after emerging victorious in the Battle of Plassey, Colonel Robert Clive wanted to pay a thanks to the divine forces for his success. The Battle of Plassey was a landmark in the history of British domination in India as the victory of the British forces in this war gave the East India Company control of Bengal. Robert Clive was the then chief officer of British East India Company and he led his forces to victory in this crucial battle, that too with minimum casualties. As the only church in Calcutta at that time was destroyed by Siraj-ud-Daulah, Clive was unable to show his gratitude to God.
When Raja Nabakrishna Deb came to know of Clive’s desire, he invited the latter to his house at Durga Puja and offer his thanks at the feet of Goddess Durga. Initially Clive had some hesitations to attend the puja as in those days Christians were not allowed by the Hindus to take part in Hindu festivities. However, the mighty Nabakrishna Deb managed it all and Robert Clive paid a visit to the Shobhabazar Rajbari to offer his thanks to Goddess Durga. Thereafter, the Shobhabazar Durgotsab(Durga Puja ceremony) came to be known as the "Company Puja".
The Shobhabazar Sharodotsab proved a trendsetter in Durga Puja festivities of Bengal. From this time until the independence of India in 1947, inviting Englishmen to Durga Puja ceremonies became a fashion. The number of Englishmen attending the family Durga Puja became an index of prestige and a status symbol among the upcoming merchant class of Kolkata. After this trendsetting puja of 1757, many British Officers of the East India Company were invited as guests of honour in the Pujas by various wealthy mercantile and Zamindar families in Bengal. The hosts vied with one another in arranging the most sumptuous feasts and organising lavish decorations and entertainment for their white guests. This was a way of pleasing officials of The East India Company which was in charge of a large part of India including Bengal after the battles of Plassey and Buxar.
With time, the "barowari" (community) pujas took over in a big way. The coming of corporate sponsorship helped these public puja ceremonies far surpass the grandeur of the private pujas. However, the Durga Pujas of the old zamindar families in and around Kolkata still attract crowds. These still survive even after the downfall of royalty in India. In 2008, Shovabazar Rajbari organised the 252nd Durga Puja.
Durga Puja Celebrations Around the World
Durga Puja Celebrations Around the World
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, Durga Puja is celebrated with great fanfare. It forms the
biggest religious festival for the Hindu community, who form a minority
in Bangladesh. The festival is observed in almost every district of the
country, despite the dominant religion being Islam. Numerous Durga Puja
pandals are erected and decorated beautifully in every corner of
Bangladesh, including the villages. According to a 2007 census, the
approximate number of Puja Mandap in Bangladesh for that year was a
staggering figure of 20,649.
In Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, local residents seat a
virgin(generally a little girl) in the local temple during Durga Puja
festival. The virgin is regarded as a symbol of purity and worshippers
offer prayers to the virgin as a symbolic representation of worshipping
Goddess Durga. Here Bijoya Dashami, the concluding day of the Durga Puja
festivities, is a government holiday. The five-day Durga Puja festival
ends on this day with the immersion of idols in the rivers and sea
across Bangladesh.
Nepal
In Nepal, Durga Puja is known as "Dashain" and observed as a ten-day
festival that celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the evil
force represented by Mahishasura. Nepal being predominantly a Hindu
nation, Durga Puja is the biggest festival of the nation as it is in
India. Both nations follow the same Hindu calendar and hence, the date
of the "Dashain" festival coincides with the "Durga Puja" in India. The
"Dashain" festivities not only witness religious observance by the
people of Nepal but also find them visiting their families and having a
joyous time. The King of Nepal plays a key role in the festivities,
particularly during Saptami (the Seventh day of the pujas). Inspite of
the overthrow of monarchy in Nepal, the Royal Family still has a
significant cultural role in the nation. During "Dashain", banks and
government offices are closed and most of the activities in the country
come to a halt. Most buses do not ply during the festive days.
Australia
In Australia, Durga Puja is observed by the Indian immigrants with great
gusto. In Sydney, the capital city of the country, thousands of Bengali
immigrants and other members of the Indian diaspora gather on Maha
Sasthi (the first day of the Puja) to provide a warm welcome to Goddess
Durga and her four children. The women drape themselves in in dazzling
Baluchari, Dhakai, Tangail and Kantha saris while the men wear kurta and
dhoti in keeping with the festive tradition. Clay idols of the Goddess
and her divine family are sculpted and painted by local Indian artists
and set up inside the colourful pandals (marquees) adorned with spring
flowers and other embellishments. Kids are encouraged to enter into a
drawing and painting competition while adults take part in or enjoy
musical performances consisting of traditional Rabindra Sangeet and
modern fusion music.
In Melbourne, Durga Puja is celebrated in the southern suburb of
Keysborough. It is attended by a large number of Bengalis from across
the state and as far as Canberra. The puja here is a community affair
with everyone taking part in the process, from men looking after the
management to women preparing the sweets and teenagers cutting the
fruits for prashad(offering). Throughout the festive week, Indians
(especially Bengalis) gather at the puja pandals after work.
Europe
Here Durga Puja is organised by the residing Indian community with great
fervor. In Belgium, the Durga Puja celebrations began in 2006 with the
efforts of Sarbajanin Puja Samity, Brussels. The “Durga Murti” (statue
of Goddess Durga) is specially made in Kumortali (West Bengal, India)
and flown to Brussels for this occassion. The Durga Puja(worship of
Goddess Durga) is done in typical Bengali tradition for all the five
days of the festival. Pandals may or may not be constructed in Europe;
the idols are an absolute necessity. On Bijoya Dashami, the Durga idols
are immersed in local waterbodies. Recently, the immersion of the Durga
idol has been allowed in the Thames river for the festival which is held
in London.
Germany
Germany witnesses fervid Durga Puja festivities by the residing Bengali community. In Stuttgart (the capital city of the state Baden-Wurttemberg in South Germany), Durga Puja is being celebrated since 1995. Bengalis from all over South Germany come to enjoy this Puja and even take part in the proceedings.Different Names for Durga Puja
Different Names for Durga Puja
Check out how Durga Puja is known as in different places of India:
West Bengal - Durga Puja/Akalbodhan/Sharadiya Puja/Sharodotsab/Maha Puja
Gujarat - Navratri Puja.
Punjab - Navratri Puja.
Kerala - Navratri Puja.
Maharashtra - Navratri Puja.
Kullu Valley - Kullu Dussehra.
Himachal Pradesh - Kullu Dussehra.
Mysore - Mysore Dussehra.
Karnataka - Mysore Dussehra.
Tamil Nadu - Bommai Kolu.
Andhra Pradesh - Bommai Kolu.
Nepal - Dashain.
Bangladesh - Durga Puja/Bhagabati Puja.
West Bengal - Durga Puja/Akalbodhan/Sharadiya Puja/Sharodotsab/Maha Puja
Gujarat - Navratri Puja.
Punjab - Navratri Puja.
Kerala - Navratri Puja.
Maharashtra - Navratri Puja.
Kullu Valley - Kullu Dussehra.
Himachal Pradesh - Kullu Dussehra.
Mysore - Mysore Dussehra.
Karnataka - Mysore Dussehra.
Tamil Nadu - Bommai Kolu.
Andhra Pradesh - Bommai Kolu.
Nepal - Dashain.
Bangladesh - Durga Puja/Bhagabati Puja.
Durga Puja Facts
Durga Puja Facts
Durga Puja is a celebration of the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura, as mentioned in Hindu mythology.
The first Durga puja ceremony is said to have taken place in 1606 in West Bengal and celebrated by Bhabananda, the ancestor of Maharaja Krishnachandra of Nadia.
The oldest Durga puja ceremony in Kolkata is said to have taken place in 1610 due to the efforts of the royal family of Barisha headed by Sabarana Chaudhury.
The first Barowari(community) Durga puja had reportedly been arranged in Guptipara (of Hoogli district in West Bengal) in the year 1761.
In Kolkata, the Barowari(organised by the public) Durga puja tradition commenced in 1860.
The term "Barowari"(meaning "organised by the public") was changed to "Sarbojonin"(meaning “for all people”), in 1924.
Durga Puja includes the worship of Goddess Durga as also of Lord Shiva, her four sons and even of Mahishasura.
In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is regarded as the husband of Goddess Durga. The four divine beings Lakshmi, Ganesha, Saraswati and Kartikeya are worshipped as the offsprings of the Goddess.
The first Durga puja ceremony is said to have taken place in 1606 in West Bengal and celebrated by Bhabananda, the ancestor of Maharaja Krishnachandra of Nadia.
The oldest Durga puja ceremony in Kolkata is said to have taken place in 1610 due to the efforts of the royal family of Barisha headed by Sabarana Chaudhury.
The first Barowari(community) Durga puja had reportedly been arranged in Guptipara (of Hoogli district in West Bengal) in the year 1761.
In Kolkata, the Barowari(organised by the public) Durga puja tradition commenced in 1860.
The term "Barowari"(meaning "organised by the public") was changed to "Sarbojonin"(meaning “for all people”), in 1924.
Durga Puja includes the worship of Goddess Durga as also of Lord Shiva, her four sons and even of Mahishasura.
In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is regarded as the husband of Goddess Durga. The four divine beings Lakshmi, Ganesha, Saraswati and Kartikeya are worshipped as the offsprings of the Goddess.
Durga Puja
Durga Puja
Have you ever wondered how many of the
festivals we observe have their roots in religion? Christmas, Halloween,
Thanksgiving, Passover, Yom Kippur, Buddha Purnima, Holi...all these
occassions have their background in the religion of the people who
observe them. We can safely say that most of our festive occassions
wouldn't have existed but for our faith and religious practices.
The same can be said about Durga Puja, one of the greatest Indian festivals.
"Durga Puja", also known as "Durgotsab", actually means "The Festival of Durga" and is celebrated every year in September in India. The occassion is widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Tripura, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Kashmir, Karnataka and Kerala but it is in the state of West Bengal where it is observed with the greatest enthusiasm.
The most important socio-cultural event for the Bengalis, Durga Puja is a five-day festival in West Bengal that is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. These five days are known as Maha Shashthi , Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Bijoya Dashami. Including "Mahalaya", the day of initiation of the Durga Puja festivities (a holiday in West Bengal), the occassion can be extended to a six-day festive event. Every year, the dates of Durga Puja celebrations are fixed according to the traditional Hindu calendar. The fortnight corresponding the festival is called Debi Pokkho (meaning "Fortnight of the Goddess") which starts from the day after Mahalaya and ends on Kojagori Lokkhi Puja (the night of worship of Goddess Lakshmi, one of the greatest Hindu deities).
In West Bengal, preparations for Durga Puja begin a couple of months in advance. Pre-Puja sales and shopping activities are seen to increase in the days leading to the five-day extravaganza. This is the most prosperous period for most Bengali businessmen who are engaged in sale of commodities such as clothing, eatables, gifts, jewellry and the like. Business houses stock themselves with special products and start special advertisement campaigns announcing attractive offers during this time to draw in shoppers. Bengali newspapers and magazines publish special Puja issues, known as "Sharad Sankhya", that include compositions by many a budding author, apart from the works by well-known writers. Even music companies, big and small, bring out albums of reputed as well as new artrists during this time which are eagerly awaited by music lovers in the state. Shopping and furbishing for the home are a must for all Bengalis before Durga Puja. Hence, employees of different Govt. and private organizations are given extra money as Puja bonus to enjoy the festival.
The festival starts with Mahalaya, the first phase of the waxing moon in Aswin. The Mahalaya is the last day of "Pitri Pokkho" - a fortnight dedicated by Bengalis to the honour of their forefathers - and has thousands offering prayers to their ancestors at the city's river banks (ghats), a ritual called Tarpan. Millions in Bengal tune in to All-India Radio to listen to a special annual pre-dawn Mahalaya program consisting of readings from the Chandi and Aagamani songs welcoming Goddess Durga. This traditional program, conceived by Birendrakrishna Bhadra, has become an institution for Bengalis. Without it, the Mahalaya would be incomplete.
In the final days to the actual Durga Puja festivities (that begin on Maha Sasthi), elaborate structures made of bamboo and covered with cloth are erected and decorated very beautifully. These are known as "Pandal"s. On Maha Sasthi, the idol of Devi Durga accompanied by four other idols - that of her four children Ganesha, Kartik, Lakshmi and Saraswati - are set up inside the pandals with an "aroti"(worship ritual). Scores of people throng these pandals with their families from the Maha Sasthi evening to get a glimpse of the Goddess with her divine family. The worship of the Goddess continue for three more days - Mahasaptami, Mahaastami and Mahanavami with elaborate rituals performed by local priests.
The city of Calcutta wears a different look during these three days, specially at night. Millions of people, from the suburban areas and even from abroad, come to the city and form a queue before the pandals waiting endlessly for a "darshan" (glimpse) of the Goddess. Nearly every street is decorated with brilliant lights. It is the time for electricians to show their skill by displaying different kinds of light shows. All restaurants are packed and numerous temporary food stalls are opened though out the city. Special trains, buses are available for all hours of the day and night; even the underground metro rail runs beyond regular schedule. Schools, colleges, offices remain closed during the four days of Durga Puja celebrations. Some people use the holidays to go out of the state to visit various hotspots or even see their relatives living elsewhere.
On Maha Dashami, the last day of Durga Puja, a tearful farewell is offered to the Goddess. The idols of Goddess Durga and her children are carried in processions around the locality and is finally immersed in a nearby river or lake. Most of the community pujas postpone the farewell as long as possible and arrange a grand send-off. The evening sees the get-together of relatives performing the tradition known as "kolakuli" (embracing one another) and eating sweets and other delicacies. This day, known as "Vijaya Dashami", is celebrated all over India.
Bengalis all over the world try to celebrate this great event of their culture. These days, Durga images made out of 'shola' (light material) are flown to countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France and Kuwait by special order from the NRI Bengalis and Indians who arrange puja in foreign lands.
Apart from India, Durga Puja is also a major festival in Nepal and Bangladesh.
The same can be said about Durga Puja, one of the greatest Indian festivals.
"Durga Puja", also known as "Durgotsab", actually means "The Festival of Durga" and is celebrated every year in September in India. The occassion is widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Tripura, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Kashmir, Karnataka and Kerala but it is in the state of West Bengal where it is observed with the greatest enthusiasm.
The most important socio-cultural event for the Bengalis, Durga Puja is a five-day festival in West Bengal that is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. These five days are known as Maha Shashthi , Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Bijoya Dashami. Including "Mahalaya", the day of initiation of the Durga Puja festivities (a holiday in West Bengal), the occassion can be extended to a six-day festive event. Every year, the dates of Durga Puja celebrations are fixed according to the traditional Hindu calendar. The fortnight corresponding the festival is called Debi Pokkho (meaning "Fortnight of the Goddess") which starts from the day after Mahalaya and ends on Kojagori Lokkhi Puja (the night of worship of Goddess Lakshmi, one of the greatest Hindu deities).
In West Bengal, preparations for Durga Puja begin a couple of months in advance. Pre-Puja sales and shopping activities are seen to increase in the days leading to the five-day extravaganza. This is the most prosperous period for most Bengali businessmen who are engaged in sale of commodities such as clothing, eatables, gifts, jewellry and the like. Business houses stock themselves with special products and start special advertisement campaigns announcing attractive offers during this time to draw in shoppers. Bengali newspapers and magazines publish special Puja issues, known as "Sharad Sankhya", that include compositions by many a budding author, apart from the works by well-known writers. Even music companies, big and small, bring out albums of reputed as well as new artrists during this time which are eagerly awaited by music lovers in the state. Shopping and furbishing for the home are a must for all Bengalis before Durga Puja. Hence, employees of different Govt. and private organizations are given extra money as Puja bonus to enjoy the festival.
The festival starts with Mahalaya, the first phase of the waxing moon in Aswin. The Mahalaya is the last day of "Pitri Pokkho" - a fortnight dedicated by Bengalis to the honour of their forefathers - and has thousands offering prayers to their ancestors at the city's river banks (ghats), a ritual called Tarpan. Millions in Bengal tune in to All-India Radio to listen to a special annual pre-dawn Mahalaya program consisting of readings from the Chandi and Aagamani songs welcoming Goddess Durga. This traditional program, conceived by Birendrakrishna Bhadra, has become an institution for Bengalis. Without it, the Mahalaya would be incomplete.
In the final days to the actual Durga Puja festivities (that begin on Maha Sasthi), elaborate structures made of bamboo and covered with cloth are erected and decorated very beautifully. These are known as "Pandal"s. On Maha Sasthi, the idol of Devi Durga accompanied by four other idols - that of her four children Ganesha, Kartik, Lakshmi and Saraswati - are set up inside the pandals with an "aroti"(worship ritual). Scores of people throng these pandals with their families from the Maha Sasthi evening to get a glimpse of the Goddess with her divine family. The worship of the Goddess continue for three more days - Mahasaptami, Mahaastami and Mahanavami with elaborate rituals performed by local priests.
The city of Calcutta wears a different look during these three days, specially at night. Millions of people, from the suburban areas and even from abroad, come to the city and form a queue before the pandals waiting endlessly for a "darshan" (glimpse) of the Goddess. Nearly every street is decorated with brilliant lights. It is the time for electricians to show their skill by displaying different kinds of light shows. All restaurants are packed and numerous temporary food stalls are opened though out the city. Special trains, buses are available for all hours of the day and night; even the underground metro rail runs beyond regular schedule. Schools, colleges, offices remain closed during the four days of Durga Puja celebrations. Some people use the holidays to go out of the state to visit various hotspots or even see their relatives living elsewhere.
On Maha Dashami, the last day of Durga Puja, a tearful farewell is offered to the Goddess. The idols of Goddess Durga and her children are carried in processions around the locality and is finally immersed in a nearby river or lake. Most of the community pujas postpone the farewell as long as possible and arrange a grand send-off. The evening sees the get-together of relatives performing the tradition known as "kolakuli" (embracing one another) and eating sweets and other delicacies. This day, known as "Vijaya Dashami", is celebrated all over India.
Bengalis all over the world try to celebrate this great event of their culture. These days, Durga images made out of 'shola' (light material) are flown to countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France and Kuwait by special order from the NRI Bengalis and Indians who arrange puja in foreign lands.
Apart from India, Durga Puja is also a major festival in Nepal and Bangladesh.
November 8, 2012
Navratri story in Hindi
देवी दुर्गा - शक्ति का अवतार
हिंदू मान्यतानुसार देवी दुर्गा को शक्ति का अवतार माना जाता है। दुर्गा जी हिन्दू धर्म की देवी हैं। इन्हें आदिशक्ति के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। इनके नौ अन्य रूप है जिनकी पूजा नवरात्रों में की जाती है। माना जाता है कि राक्षसों का संहार करने के लिए देवी पार्वती ने दुर्गा का रूप धारण किया था। दुर्गा जी को तंत्र-मंत्र की साधना करने वाले साधक आदि शक्ति और परमदेवी मानते हैं। दुर्गा जी के विषय में हिन्दू धर्म में कई कथाओं का वर्णन है.
हिन्दू धर्मानुसार असुरों के अत्याचार से दुखी होकर देवताओं ने जगज्जननी देवी पार्वती का आवाहन किया। देवताओं की पुकार पर देवी प्रकट हुईं तथा उन्हें दैत्यों के अत्याचारों से मुक्ति दिलाने की बात कही। तब अपने भक्तों की रक्षा के लिए दुर्गा का रूप धारण किया और राक्षसों का अंत कर दिया। तब से ही दुर्गा को युद्ध की देवी के रूप में जाना जाने लगा।
हिन्दू धर्मानुसार असुरों के अत्याचार से दुखी होकर देवताओं ने जगज्जननी देवी पार्वती का आवाहन किया। देवताओं की पुकार पर देवी प्रकट हुईं तथा उन्हें दैत्यों के अत्याचारों से मुक्ति दिलाने की बात कही। तब अपने भक्तों की रक्षा के लिए दुर्गा का रूप धारण किया और राक्षसों का अंत कर दिया। तब से ही दुर्गा को युद्ध की देवी के रूप में जाना जाने लगा।
Goddess Durga emergence
दुर्गा जी, देवी पार्वती का ही रूप है इसलिए इनका भी निवास स्थान कैलाश है। इनका वाहन शेर है। इनके आठ हाथ हैं। इनके एक तरफ के तीन हाथों में तलवार, चक्र और गदा है तथा दूसरी तरफ के तीन हाथों में कमल त्रिशूल और धनुष है। इनके अन्य एक हाथ में शंख और एक हाथ वर मुद्रा में हैं।
राम जी ने भी रखा था नवरात्र व्रत
मान्यता है कि शारदीय नवरात्र में महाशक्ति की पूजा कर श्रीराम ने अपनी खोई हुई शक्ति पाई। इसलिए इस समय आदिशक्ति की आराधना पर विशेष बल दिया गया है। मार्कंडेय पुराण के अनुसार, 'दुर्गा सप्तशती' में स्वयं भगवती ने इस समय शक्ति-पूजा को महापूजा बताया है।
किष्किंधा में चिंतित श्रीराम
रावण ने सीता का हरण कर लिया, जिससे श्रीराम दुखी और चिंतित थे। किष्किंधा पर्वत पर वे लक्ष्मण के साथ रावण को पराजित करने की योजना बना रहे थे। उनकी सहायता के लिए उसी समय देवर्षि नारद वहां पहुंचे। श्रीराम को दुखी देखकर देवर्षि बोले, 'राघव! आप साधारण लोगों की भांति दुखी क्यों हैं? दुष्ट रावण ने सीता का अपहरण कर लिया है, क्योंकि वह अपने सिर पर मंडराती हुई मृत्यु के प्रति अनजान है।
महाशक्ति का परिचय
नारद ने संपूर्ण सृष्टि का संचालन करने वाली उस महाशक्ति का परिचय राम को देते हुए बताया कि वे सभी जगह विराजमान रहती हैं। उनकी कृपा से ही समस्त कामनाएं पूर्ण होती है। आराधना किए जाने पर भक्तों के दुखों को दूर करना उनका स्वाभाविक गुण है। त्रिदेव-ब्रह्मा, विष्णु, महेश उनकी दी गई शक्ति से सृष्टि का निर्माण, पालन और संहार करते है।
नवरात्र पूजा का विधान
देवर्षि नारद ने राम को नवरात्र पूजा की विधि बताई कि समतल भूमि पर एक सिंहासन रखकर उस पर भगवती जगदंबा को विराजमान कर दें। नौ दिनों तक उपवास रखते हुए उनकी आराधना करें। पूजा विधिपूर्वक होनी चाहिए। आप के इस अनुष्ठान का मैं आचार्य बनूंगा। राम ने नारद के निर्देश पर एक उत्तम सिंहासन बनवाया और उस पर कल्याणमयी भगवती जगदंबा की मूर्ति विराजमान की। श्रीराम ने नौ दिनों तक उपवास करते हुए देवी-पूजा के सभी नियमों का पालन भी किया।
राम जी ने भी रखा था नवरात्र व्रत
मान्यता है कि शारदीय नवरात्र में महाशक्ति की पूजा कर श्रीराम ने अपनी खोई हुई शक्ति पाई। इसलिए इस समय आदिशक्ति की आराधना पर विशेष बल दिया गया है। मार्कंडेय पुराण के अनुसार, 'दुर्गा सप्तशती' में स्वयं भगवती ने इस समय शक्ति-पूजा को महापूजा बताया है।
किष्किंधा में चिंतित श्रीराम
रावण ने सीता का हरण कर लिया, जिससे श्रीराम दुखी और चिंतित थे। किष्किंधा पर्वत पर वे लक्ष्मण के साथ रावण को पराजित करने की योजना बना रहे थे। उनकी सहायता के लिए उसी समय देवर्षि नारद वहां पहुंचे। श्रीराम को दुखी देखकर देवर्षि बोले, 'राघव! आप साधारण लोगों की भांति दुखी क्यों हैं? दुष्ट रावण ने सीता का अपहरण कर लिया है, क्योंकि वह अपने सिर पर मंडराती हुई मृत्यु के प्रति अनजान है।
महाशक्ति का परिचय
नारद ने संपूर्ण सृष्टि का संचालन करने वाली उस महाशक्ति का परिचय राम को देते हुए बताया कि वे सभी जगह विराजमान रहती हैं। उनकी कृपा से ही समस्त कामनाएं पूर्ण होती है। आराधना किए जाने पर भक्तों के दुखों को दूर करना उनका स्वाभाविक गुण है। त्रिदेव-ब्रह्मा, विष्णु, महेश उनकी दी गई शक्ति से सृष्टि का निर्माण, पालन और संहार करते है।
नवरात्र पूजा का विधान
देवर्षि नारद ने राम को नवरात्र पूजा की विधि बताई कि समतल भूमि पर एक सिंहासन रखकर उस पर भगवती जगदंबा को विराजमान कर दें। नौ दिनों तक उपवास रखते हुए उनकी आराधना करें। पूजा विधिपूर्वक होनी चाहिए। आप के इस अनुष्ठान का मैं आचार्य बनूंगा। राम ने नारद के निर्देश पर एक उत्तम सिंहासन बनवाया और उस पर कल्याणमयी भगवती जगदंबा की मूर्ति विराजमान की। श्रीराम ने नौ दिनों तक उपवास करते हुए देवी-पूजा के सभी नियमों का पालन भी किया।
Maa Durga
जगदंबा का वरदान
मान्यता है कि आश्विन मास के शुक्लपक्ष की अष्टमी तिथि की आधी रात में श्रीराम और लक्ष्मण के समक्ष भगवती महाशक्ति प्रकट हो गई। देवी उस समय सिंह पर बैठी हुई थीं। भगवती ने प्रसन्न-मुद्रा में कहा- 'श्रीराम! मैं आपके व्रत से संतुष्ट हूं।
जो आपके मन में है, वह मुझसे मांग लें। सभी जानते हैं कि रावण-वध के लिए ही आपने पृथ्वी पर मनुष्य के रूप में अवतार लिया है। आप भगवान विष्णु के अंश से प्रकट हुए हैं और लक्ष्मण शेषनाग के अवतार हैं। सभी वानर देवताओं के ही अंश हैं, जो युद्ध में आपके सहायक होंगे। इन सबमें मेरी शक्ति निहित है। आप अवश्य रावण का वध कर सकेंगे। अवतार का प्रयोजन पूर्ण हो जाने के बाद आप अपने परमधाम चले जाएंगे। इस प्रकार श्रीराम के शारदीय नवरात्र-व्रत से प्रसन्न भगवती उन्हे मनोवांछित वर देकर अंतर्धान हो गई।
जो आपके मन में है, वह मुझसे मांग लें। सभी जानते हैं कि रावण-वध के लिए ही आपने पृथ्वी पर मनुष्य के रूप में अवतार लिया है। आप भगवान विष्णु के अंश से प्रकट हुए हैं और लक्ष्मण शेषनाग के अवतार हैं। सभी वानर देवताओं के ही अंश हैं, जो युद्ध में आपके सहायक होंगे। इन सबमें मेरी शक्ति निहित है। आप अवश्य रावण का वध कर सकेंगे। अवतार का प्रयोजन पूर्ण हो जाने के बाद आप अपने परमधाम चले जाएंगे। इस प्रकार श्रीराम के शारदीय नवरात्र-व्रत से प्रसन्न भगवती उन्हे मनोवांछित वर देकर अंतर्धान हो गई।
Rama and Ravana - The Ramayana
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