JANMASTAMI :-The birthday of Lord Krishna Wednesday | 1 Sep 2010

• Janmastami comes in the month of Shravan. It generally falls on the eight day (Astami). It generally rains beautifully on this day. • Millions of years ago there was a King named Kansa. Everyone in his kingdom feared him. His sister's name was Devaki who was married to King Vasudev. • On the day of their marriage, when she was to travel back to her husband's house, King Kansa proposed that he would personally drive the chariot with pomp and ceremony. The chariot was richly decorated with stones and precious ornaments. It was led by a procession with people dressed in bright colourful and gala dresses. It was a royal procession and King Kansa showed his brotherly love to Devaki and Vasudev. • Suddenly the course of nature changed, the birds stopped chirping and smooth winds became wild turning into dust storms. And there an unseen voice echoed from above - " On you foolish one, who are you driving so merrily, the eight issue of her womb is going to be the cause of your death ". • This message enraged King Kansa and he took his sword out to kill Devaki. Vasudev and Devaki were a humble couple and Vasudev requested King Kansa to pardon them and in turn they would give away all their children to him. He told him that it's not Devaki but her eighth child that would harm him. On this condition King Kansa freed Devaki and Vasudev. • When Devaki got her first child, who was a boy, Vasudev kept his word and handed their child to King Kansa, who immediately got the child killed. Similarly he killed the consecutive five children of Devaki and Vasudev. • Vasudev had two wives the second one was Rohini. During the time of the seventh child, the womb was transferred through the divine agency to Rohini, who then gave birth to the seventh child known as Sankarshana. • During the time of the eight child, King Kansa ordered Devaki and Vasudev to be cast in his prison, bound with the same chain. The couple was scared and didn't know what to do. They placed their belief in God and spent time praying to him. . • Devaki prayed saying " O darling don't be born through me or you will be smashed by the cruel King Kansa " and after uttering this the couple wentfell into a swoon. • In this state of unconsciousness they saw a beautiful youth who had lotus like eyes, vibrant complexion and whose presence spread radiance all over the place. He had four hands each holding a mace, discus, conch shell and lotus. He said, " Father and Mother don't fear and now your sorrows shall go with the end of the cruel king Kansa. He told his Dad to take him to Gokul and leave him at his friend Nanda's place. He said to replace him with Yashoda's baby girl, which was to be born that very night and to get the girl back to the jail. Its believe that the little girl was Lord Vishnu's sister. Nothing shall stop you or bar your path. • The youth disappeared and when the couple opened their eyes they couldn't believe what they saw. They saw the most handsome and beautiful child in their laps. He was glowing with divine light and his shine reflected on their faces. Everything looked bright and happy. The birds were singing and nature was to its very best. All were happy and gay. For some time the couple forgot where they were and were extremely merry with happiness.. • Finally Vasudev picked up his child and rose to his feet. Astonishingly the chain broke of, the guards were fast asleep and the gates flew open, river Yamuna, which was overflowing due to heavy rains, calmed to a smooth flow the moment the child's legs were immersed in the river and Sheshnag protected the infant from the heavy rains. Vasudev safely reached Nanda's place. The door to their house was open and Yashoda was sound asleep. Vasudev quietly replaced the infants and came back to the prison.. • On the following day, King Kansa came to kill the child, Devaki pleaded to pardon but King Kansa would not listen. The moment he was about to kill the child, the child flew up in thin air and said, that the eight issue of Devaki's womb was born and is safe. • Thus Lord Krishna was born at mid-night and on the following day there were great celebrations in Gokul. Yashoda's happiness knew no bounds and Lord Krishna always protected and helped the people of Gokul. There are countless miracles of Lord Krishna and he was the most beloved of Gokul. He finally killed his maternal uncle King Kansa. • Very famously known as the Makhan Chor (i.e. one who secretly ate butter) he loved playing around in Gokul, breaking mud pots, having many friends and playing the flute (i.e. basuri). He also loved playing around with cattle especially with cows. • Janamastami is celebrated worldwide with great enthusiasm and every one gets into the birthday mood. • It's a 48-hour festival. People start fasting on the first day, which continues till mid-night. Some devotees also continue the fast on the second day as well. • The birthday celebration of Lord Krishna begins with an abhishek - holy bath using panchamrit - made of milk, ghee, oil, honey and Gangajal. This is further distributed as prasad. Lord Krishna is further dressed into beautifully woven dresses and richly studded ornaments. Generally a peacock feather is found on this crown and a flute on his lips. In most of the temples Lord Krishna in an infant form is kept in a swing and superbly decorated. . • Further to this his bhajans are chanted, food delicacies are offered and songs are sung in his praise. Aarti's are recited and prasad is distributed amongst the devotees. Many people break their fast after the puja ceremony is over and some continue till the following day. The fast is generally kept on fruits and milk items, as they are the favorites of Lord Krishna. • Most houses have cold food items for these two days. • Janamastami is celebrated with deep enthusiasm and wide celebrations not just in India but also worldwide. In southern India people decorate their homes with extravagant decoratives, rangoli prints, footprints of children are made from their homes to the temples ( using flour ) welcoming Lord Krishna to their homes. Young guys break the Dahi Handi's ( mud pots stringed at a height with curd / makhan in it ) through human pyramids. While in many regions people engaged in playing cards especially the women folk. People have jagrans and enjoy themselves to their very best. . • ISKCON - International society for Krishna consciousness spreads the principle teachings of Lord Krishna to one and all through their worldwide network. This organization was first headquartered in New York in 1965 and was initiated by Swami Prabhupada. • Lord Krishna an avatar of Lord Vishnu came in human form to fight evil and spread happiness.. • The principle character of Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna touches our lives through his principles and love for mankind. He is not just the beloved of Gokul residents and Indians but all nationalities worldwide. • Indian and foreigners recite piously " Hare Rama , Hare Krishna , Krishna Krishna , Hare Hare ". • Radhaji was Lord Krishna's beloved and Rukhmanji was the wife of Lord Krishna.

RAMZAN EID :- The festival of happiness and the holy 'Quran' Wednesday | 1 Sep 2010

• This full moon day is when the holy ' Quran ' was revealed. • This day also marks the completion of the month of Ramadan during which muslims fast during the day and eat only after late evening prayers. • Eid is celebrated with splendor and enthusiasm amongst muslims across all strata of society. • Muslims get into Eid shopping days in advance and dress themselves in best of clothes on this day. • After Eid Prayers called - Salatul Eid, they spend the entire day meeting family members, relatives and friends and greet them saying ' Happy Eid, Eid Mubarak or Have a blessed Eid ". • This Eid comes after the first Eid of the year which is know as " Eid Al Fitr ". • The custom of fasting has great relevance in the life of the muslims, it means having self control and coming to close to Allah. • Secondly fasting has is a medium to respect the less fortunate and be satisfied with what is there. Its also a break through from rigid habits. • Apart from fasting and wishing relatives, charity also has great significance on this day. Charity to the needy can be done in cash or kind. • Eid marks the day of self contentment, obedience and self sacrifice to Allah. • Eid prayers can be said at home, work, mosques or the Dargha.

GANESH CHATURTHI :- TThe ten day festival of Lord Ganesha Saturday | 11 sep 2010

• Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day of the bright moon's fortnight or the period from full moon in the lunar calendar of Bhadrapada (August - September). • Ganesh Chaturthi commences with the birthday of Lord Ganesha and is one of the most auspicious day in the year. • Lord Ganesha is everyone's favourite. He is the beloved of his family, the entire God family and all living kind. • It so once happened that Goddess Parvatiji created Lord Ganesha out of sandalwood paste she used for her bath. She breathed life into him and asked him to guard the house until she finished her bath. After a while when Goddess Parvatiji's husband God Shiva tried to enter the house, Lord Ganesha stopped him not knowing that he is Goddess Parvatiji's husband. Lord Shiva was outraged and beheaded Lord Ganesha. On knowing this Goddess Parvatiji asked Lord Shiva to revive her son back. Shiva then placed an elephant's head to Lord Ganesha's body, thus bringing him back to life with an unique identity. • Lord Ganesha is a son to God Shiva and Goddess Parvatiji. A brother to Lord Karthikeyan - the general of Gods, Goddess Lakshmiji - Goddess of Wealth and Goddess Saraswatiji - Goddess of Knowledge . • There are plenty of interesting stories of Lord Ganesha's life. He loved eating especially sweetmeats. His vehicle is a rat, much lovingly called " Undri Mama" (i.e. rat uncle) . • Another very interesting experience of his life was that once the God family decided to have their leader elected from Lord Karthikeyan and Lord Ganesha. Thus it was decided that the one who finishes seven rounds of the earth first would be declared as their leader. Karthikeyan began his journey on his vehicle the Peacock. Lord Ganesha had a mouse, which moved slowly. He knew he wouldn't be able to finish first. Thus he paid homage to both his parents and took seven rounds circling his parents and said that revolving round his parents was much more than taking rounds of the earth. Everyone was surprised by his gratitude and intelligence and declared him their leader also known as Ganaadhipati. He is also lovingly called Ganpati. Lord Ganesha believed that worship of one's parents was equivalent to the worship of God. • The mystery behind his half task is as follows. It was Lord Ganesha's birthday and his mother Goddess Parvatiji had prepared around 21 types of delicacies and sweetmeats for him. Lord Ganesha loves food and went on eating until his stomach couldn't accommodate anything more. He went out for his night walks riding on his mouse. On their way they encountered a snake, Lord Ganesha took the snake and tied him around his stomach. It is also believed that the mouse on seeing the snake tumbled and Lord Ganesha's stomach split opened. He thus wrapped his stomach with the snake. Suddenly some laughter echoed from above and it was the moon that was mocking at him. Lord Ganesha broke his task and threw it in the direction of the moon. However Lord Ganesha was very soft hearted and later on forgave the moon for his behaviour . • Coming to what Lord Ganesha likes, he relishes over sweetmeats made out of sheer love and devotion, especially modaks (droplet shaped dumplings made out of sugar/jaggery and flour), he loves green durva leaves (generally available outside any Lord Ganesha temple bunched with a shoe flower. He likes supari leaves (long white leaves of a special kind). • Coming to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, there wouldn't be enough words to express it as the enthusiasm with which the celebration takes place is beyond imagination. It is widely celebrated all over India with high levels of excitement and happiness. It was made a public festival by freedom fighter Shri Lokmanya Tilak also known as Bal Gangadhar Tilak . • Lord Ganesha idols made of various things and decoratives are placed in homes and pandals/mandaps (tents) in every corner of the city. Lord Ganesha's idol is kept amidst the artistic decorations and lightings. Plenty of Indian mithai's are kept as prasad and lots of decorations are done with flowers and handmade decoratives. Puja items like haldi kumkum; flowers, rice grains, fruits, prasad, chunri's, chatar and such other items are used to adorn Lord Ganesha. His idols are beautifully covered with rich ornaments and well-tailored dresses and strolls. Everything is done with utmost devotion and Lord Ganesha stands admist his devotees with a splendid look. • As a part of the celebration there are lots of activities that are held within or near the Lord Ganesha pandal's. Dance or talent competitions, games, entertainment shows etc. are held by the locality people thus making the festival a grand one. Charity distribution and similar kind of activities are also undertaken. During the day there are puja ceremonies, followed by aarti and kirtan and entertainment programs. At least one person always stays back in the pandal to give Lord Ganesha company. • The celebrations are carried out for one and a half day, five days, seven days or ten days. Most of the celebrations are carried out for ten days and on the last day; the idols are immersed in the sea. There is a three-day festival within the ten days of Ganesha Chaturthi generally done by the women folk in the honor of Goddess Parvatiji also known as Gauri. Gauriji is brought either on the fourth or fifth day of Ganesh Chaturthi. She is brought either in form of an idol or a special tree called as Treda. The first day is Gauri avahana, invitation to Mata Gauri, second day is the Gauri puja, worship of the goddess and the third day is Gauri visarjan i.e. immersion of the Goddess which is done with immense fanfare. Gauri refers to Goddess Parvatiji. Some common delicacies for Gauriji are Puran Poli i.e. jaggery paste stuffed in flour pancakes, Bhakri i.e. flour thick pancake served with ghee or butter, 16 specific vegetables mixed into a gravy, sweetmeats to name a few. Mata Gauriji is adorned with precious ornaments like nose ring, earrings, necklaces, bangles, anklets, crown and much more. She looks stunning as a newly wedded bride On the second day newly wedded females distribute fruits, beetle leaves, beetle nuts, rice, kumkum or sweetmeats in cane trays to other married females along with some cash as token. This is symbolic of them being married and to wish for a blissful married life. Women folks to get a good husband worship Goddess Parvatiji. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvatiji are worshipped together for a blissful married life. Lord Shiva's entire family is worshipped for family happiness and good health. Some Ganpati's are also immersed along with Gauriji . • Large processions are carried out and Lord Ganesha's idol is the center of attraction. People sing and dance merrily, shouting " Ganpati Bappa Moriya, pudhcha warshi lavkarya " (Hail, Lord Ganesha, Please come back soon next year). Carefully the idols are immersed in the sea after the puja and aarti ceremony. Everyone deep in his or her hearts wants Lord Ganesha to stay back and prays to him to return soon next year. Some people also extend this festival for twenty-one days . • Lord Ganesha is very humble in nature. Each part of his body has something to teach. The big head - think big, small eyes - concentrate, one task - retain good, throw away bad, trunk - high efficiency and adaptability, modaka - reward for sadhana, mouse - to control desire and ego, to keep it under control, prasad - the world is at your feet and yours for asking, large stomach - to peacefully digest all the good and bad in life, hands - showers blessings to take one on the spiritual path to the supreme, small mouth - talk less, axe - to cut of all bonds of attachment, big ears - be a good listener , rope - to pull you closer to your goal. Lord Ganesha never had an ego and believed in the principle of forgive and forget. • The ten-day festival of Lord Ganesha is much more than a wedding celebration and each city with all the glitter around looks like a bride. • Lord Ganesha is loved by all and connects very well with every devotee. His father gifted him with the boon that before starting any task worship of Lord Ganesha will help remove any obstacles and the task done in good faith will be successfully accomplished and will be blessed by him. • Every devotee awaits this exciting ten-day festival and extends their love for him throughout their lives by loving Lord Ganesha deeply in their hearts. • People who wouldn't have enough place to live or much to survive on, will still make sure they have the best idol in their area and nothing is left unturned to make Lord Ganesha's stay worth it. • Lord Ganesha just the way he is, reflects his love back by protecting and granting the wish of all. • Ganpati Bappa Moriya, Aamcha Maanat Rahu Yaa (Hail, Ganpati Bappa, do stay back in our hearts forever).