The name Yugadi is an amalgamation of two words namely, ‘yuga’ meaning ‘era’ and ‘aadi’ meaning ‘start’, which literally convey – The Start of an Era. The festival marks the first day of the new year for the population residing in the Deccan region of India. Every year, the date varies, as India follows the lunisolar calendar, according to which the first day of the first month is Chaitra that falls in March/April.

The festival holds special significance, as it comes after Holi in which people purify their souls by digesting the knowledge of God and nourishing the divine virtues within. Therefore, with this spiritual upliftment, people start their new year. Further, the first season in their new year is that of the spring in which new life is bestowed upon the flora and fauna that acquire leaves, fruits, and flowers. Nature announcing a new beginning, the vitality of life and lush fields and meadows adorned with colorful blooms spread the message of growth, success, and happiness. Symbolically, it means thanks giving for abundant production of crops.

On the advent of Ugadi, mangoes, neems, and natural jasmines (mallepulu) spread its fragrance in the air and purify it. This phenomena is in itself has not other match, not even any other nature’s own creation!

Legend

A popular belief holds that Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, actually started the creation on the Ugadi day, also known as the Chaitra shuddh padhyami. In addition, the great Indian Mathematician Bhaskaracharya’s computations stated that the Ugadi day is from the sunrise and is the advent of the new day, month, and year.

It is believed that in future, the Ugadi day will mark the next era or age known as Satyuga of the Eternal World Drama Cycle after the present age of Kaliyuga. According to the Hindu mythology, there are four age cycles in the World Drama Cycle namely, Golden age, Silver age, Copper age, and Iron Age that correspond to Satyuga or Krutha yuga, Treta yuga, Dwapar yuga and Kaliyuga. Currently, we are in the Iron Age, Kaliyuga – the era of decline in moral values, impurity, and chaos due to ignorance and where there is no unity in deeds through body, speech, and mind. On the other hand, the Satyuga marks the presence of highly elevated souls, peace, wealth, and prosperity. Therefore, Kaliyuga is the night of Brahma and Satyuga as the day of Brahma.

Predicting the New Year

Ugadi is the advent of the new lunar calendar as the moon changes its orbit and after the Sun passes through the equator from south to north. As per the tradition, mantras are chanted and predictions are made for the new year. The panchangasravanam or heeding to the new year’s calendar at the temples or Town square is now replaced by the television sets broadcasting the priest-scholar informing about it in a living room.

Preparations for the Celebrations

• Before Ugadi
  The arrangements for the festival start before one week. With a lot of zeal, houses are washed properly, new clothes are shopped, and new items are purchased that indeed form the necessities of the festival. In the Hindu’s Holy Book, Srimad Bhagavath Gita, it is written that the For the Soul, the eternal one that takes several births in the four yugas, Body is its Cloth. When the immortal soul gets a new birth, that is when it obtains a new body as a toddler, it means that the soul has wore a new cloth. Therefore, Ugadi marks the beginning of new age, Satyuga along with new life.
• On Ugadi
  • Decoration
    People get up before the sunrise, take a oil bath, and then only they adorn the doorway of their homes by tying a torana (a horizontal holy string) of fresh mango leaves. According to the legend signifying the tying of mango leaves, Kartik also known as Subramanya or Kumara Swamy and Ganesha, the sons of Lord Siva and Parvati, love mangoes very much. Kartik actually has encouraged people to tie green mango leaves just above the doorway that symbolize a good harvest and general welfare. Spiritually, it is said that Lord Shiva is the Absolute Soul referred to as the Trimurti Shiva and Paramatma Shiva, meaning who is the Supreme Lord of all deities including Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. As Lord Shiva is the Spiritual Father of all souls, we, humans, have right to achieve Peace, Prosperity, Health, Wealth, and Happiness through the festival of Ugadi by transforming ourselves by turning the vices into divine virtues through Spiritual or Godly knowledge. Sprinkling fresh cow dung water on the floor in front of their house and making colorful floral designs forms the part of the celebration in every home. Specifically, in Maharashtra, people build a ‘Gudi’, which is a bamboo decorated with a colored silk fabric and a decorated goblet on it signifying victory.
  • Prayers
    Ritually, people worship God in temples to seek his blessings before they actually start their new year. They offer large garlands of jasmine to God even in homes and pray for health, wealth, success, and prosperity. After worship, many people grasp the auspicious opportunity to enter into new ventures.
  • Gatherings and Food
    The Kannada and Telugu people gather to greet each other on this day, which is followed by a lavish feast are ‘de rigueur’. A specific mixture called Yugadi Pachhadi in Telugu and Bevu-Bella in Kannada of the following items is made and eaten that signify the balance of different tastes and emotions in life.

• Neem buds/flowers for bitterness marks Kaliyuga
• Raw mango for savor
• Tamarind juice for sourness
• Green chilli/Pepper for heat
• Jaggery and banana pieces for sweetness marks Satyuga
• Pinch of salt for saltiness

The above items symbolize sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise; which should be received with equanimity. In Andhra Pradesh, Bobbatlu meaning Puran Poli (sweet rotis) in Maharashtra (boiled Bengal gram and jaggery/sugar stuffed in roti) and preparations of raw mango are popular. In Karnataka, same items are made, but bobbatlu is called Holigey. In Maharashtra, Puri and Shrikhand (sweet yoghurt with dry fruits) marks the celebrations.

• Kavi Sammelanam
  Literally, meaning poetry recitation, it is a typical Telugu style of celebrating the day. Here, people enjoy a literary feast wherein many poets tell their new poems related to subjects such as on Ugadi, politics, and modern trends. It is a golden opportunity for the new poets to show their talent. One can hear it live on All India Radio’s Hyderabad A station and can see it on the Doordarshan channel of Hyderabad on the TV after watching panchangasravanam. Poets come up from different backgrounds – political, comic, and reformist – making the day as the festival of hues.

• Real Knowledge
  Acquire the knowledge of your pure soul from a gnani (an Enlightened human who can rarely found in current time cycle) and dwell in it to destroy the namely ego.
• Real Worship
  Bow down to the soul in each deity and living being intentionally to achieve the real character, as he/she is the ultimately the soul.
• Real Character
  Become like the soul and feel the oneness with it to acquire eternal bliss and remain detach from the worldly pains and temporary happiness.
• Real Penance
  Recognize that you are pure soul at the time invocation of inner enemies – anger, greed, attachment, and pride.

To acquire the above four pillars is the main purpose not only of the Jains, but of any human being who is in search of eternal happiness and liberation. However, in the current era that is marked by spiritual deterioration, it is the teachings of 24 prophets, Tirthankaras that if understood well, reap high spiritual benefits for a liberation seeker. Hence, Lord Mahavira was not only for the ones who follow him (Jains), but for all the living beings of the three worlds, heaven, Earth, and nether world – in fact of the Universe.

The festival, rather than celebrating it materialistically, is observed as the special day of prayers and resolution of observing the five-fold path of Mahavira for householders through mind, speech, and body; namely,

• Ahimsa
  No physical or mental hurt to living beings
• Satya
  No lying at all to others
• Asteya
  No stealing or theft
• Brahmacharya
  No participation in sexual pleasures
• Aparigraha
  No acquisition of property

Legend

There are two major sects of Jains namely, Digambar and Shwetambar, among which the latter is further divided into Deravasis (believers of idol worship) and Sthanakvasis (believers of worshipping the renunciates – sadhus and sadhvis). According to the Digambaras, Lord Mahavira was born in 615 B.C.; whereas, Swetambaras say that he was born in 599 B.C.

Mahavira was the child of the pious couple, King Siddhartha and Queen Trishalamata, the king ruling the Kundalpura outside Vaishali, near Patna in Bihar. As per the legend, Mahavir was first conceived by Devananda, the wife of a Brahmin named Rishabhdeva. It is a rule that a Tirthankara is always born in the Kshatriya (warrior caste) family. Looking upon this exception, the celestial gods skillfully exchanged the embryo of the Devananda with the womb of queen Trishalamaata. The most fortunate event was that of the mother observed 14 auspicious dreams while the brave child was in her womb, which were:

• A white elephant
• A lion
• Goddess Lakshmi with two elephants besides her showering flowers
• The moon litting the universe with silver rays
• Two jumping fish
• The luminous sun and a golden pot

• A lake of lotus flowers
• A serene ocean of milk
• A celestial palace
• A throne of rubies and diamonds
• A celestial king dominating the planet
• A garland
• A white bull
• Mandara flowers with full fragrance
• A vase as giant as Mount Meru (sacred hill in the cosmic region) loaded with gems
• A white elephant entering through her mouth without any pain

The astrologers at that time studied these dreams and proclaimed that this child is no ordinary one, but a true savior who would be either an emperor or a Tirthankara. Mahavira was born in early morning at 4, which is the auspicious time recognized even by Hindus. Some of the incredible events at this birth time are listed below that instigates some similar kind of celebrations among Jains.

• Life forms in all the three worlds were happy and satisfied and there were no pains at all.
• Gods and goddesses came down from their heavenly abode to worship the Tirthankara and bathed him ceremonially at Mount Meru also called Abhishekha.

At the age of 30, Mahavir renounced the material world. After 12 years of contemplation of his soul under an Ashoka tree (Jonesia Ashoka), he attained the supreme eternal state of enlightenment. The celestial gods attended this great event and took him to a park in a palanquin where he seated on a five-tiered throne and entitled as Mahavira (absolute fearlessness). Named Vardhaman (one who brings prosperity) by the parents, Mahavir was also known as the Vir (courageous), Ativira, and Samvati. He was the absolute practioner of honesty and chastity.

As Mahavira and other 23 prophets conquered his inner enemies and attained their pure soul, their followers were named Jains, which means – ‘The Conquerors’ or ‘The Victors of the Soul’.

Celebrations

• Temple Decoration
  Temples are decorated with colorful flags that commemorates the birthday of Lord Mahavira.
• Abhishek
  In morning, the idol of Lord Mahavira is bathed ceremonially.

• Procession
  After the sacred bathe, the idol is placed in a cradle and then it is carried in a procession throughout the surroundings. It is generally accompanied by horses, drummers, singers, and lamps. Based on the region, the procession culminates at a temple where people pray and meditate.
• Offerings
  The devotees offer milk, fruit, rice, incense, lamps, and water to the Tirthankar.
• Lectures
  Sadhu, Sadhvis, and Scholars give lectures to people make them understand the path of Lord Mahavir.

• Pilgrimages
  Besides worshipping Vaishali, the birthplace, pilgrims also visit the old but auspicious Jain Temples at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat, Mahavirji in Rajasthan, Pawapuri in Bihar where he left his mortal body on the Diwali night in 527 B.C., and Parasnath temple in Calcutta.
• Donations
  Besides giving money to save animals in slaughter houses, the following four other donations are considered.
• Gyan Daan
  Imparting knowledge
• Abhay Daan
  Saving people from doing bad
• Aushad Daan
  Giving medicines
• Ahaar Daan
  Giving food
• Mahavir Jayanti also falls on the fifth day of the eight spiritual days of the Paryushan festival observed with prayers and confessions only in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad (August/September).

Places to Visit

Gujarat and Rajasthan holds particular importance as it is the home of some of the most ancient shrines on sacred hills. Apart from these, the next cities in the line are Kolkatta and Bihar where you also can view and participate in the celebrations of this solemn festival.

Locally, you can see the charm in the Jain temples.

Being also of great significance to Zoroastrians as it was in their ancestors of current Iranians, the day also brings rituals and joy in the Indian sub-continent for the Parsis. Faslis, a sect of the Parsis, consider the day as the Parsi new year. Nevertheless, all followers greet each other, perform special prayers, be present at the Thanksgiving ceremonies at Fire Temples, and enjoy a fixed traditional menu. Apart from Iranians and Parsis, it is a sacred day for Kashmiri Pundits, Ismailis, Alawites, Alevis, and Bahai followers.

Nowruz is derived from two words namely, nav, meaning ‘new’ in Persian, Kurdish, Dari, Sanskrit and several other related Indo-European languages, and roz or ruz, meaning ‘day’ in Persian languages. It is widely celebrated in Iran, Turkey, Israel, India, Central and South Asia, Albania, Bosnia, and the Republic of Macedonia.

Legend

The term Nowruz was first seen in written in the Persian records of 2nd century A.D. Its importance dates back in 648-330 B.C. in the reign of the Achaemenids when different kings gifted the emperor of Persia on Nowruz. It was also famous in the 6th century when the renowned kings Cyrus and Darius were ruling the Persian Empire.

According to beliefs, celebration of the festival actually started before 3000 years from now when the well-known king of Persia, Jamshedji sat on the throne on this holy day. Navroz commemorates the advent of summer after winter. King Jamshedi initiated the practice of solar calculation for the Persian calendar and identified the date and time of the Sun entering into the zodiac sign Aries in the new year. This indicates that the onset of spring in February-March and the March equinox signify Jamshed-e-Navroz.

Since times immemorial, the king of Persia was weighed as against gold and silver. This gathered treasure equal to the weight of the king was distributed to the poor.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Spring Cleaning
  Completely cleansing the home is common prior to Nowruz. Major spring-cleaning of the houses, purchasing new clothes for the new year and flowers – particularly, the hyacinth and the tulip are prominent. Believed as the rebirth of the nature, families wear newly purchased clothes and begin observing the 12-day celebrations. Cleaning the house includes sweeping, washing, painting, and decorating. Garlands of roses and jasmine adorn the doors and windows, while the steps and thresholds are embellished with stunning colorful designs of Rangoli.
• Haft Sin
  On the first day, family members sit around the table, with the Haft Sin on the table waiting for the spring. Meanwhile, members give gifts to each other. Haft Sîn, also known as the seven Ss, comprises of seven items whose names start with the letter ‘S’ or  ‘Sîn’ in the Persian language. These items are the symbols depicting seven creations and sacred powers safeguarding these creations. The Haft Sin items are:

• • Sabzeh
    Collection of wheat, barley, or lentil sprouts signifying rebirth
  • Samanu
    A sweet pudding of wheat germ signifying prosperity
  • Senjed
    The dried fruit of Oleaster tree signifying love
  • Sir
    Garlic representing medicine
  • Sib
    Apples signifying beauty and health
  • Somaq
    Sumac berries signifying (the color of) sunrise
  • Serkeh
    Vinegar signifying age and patience
    Besides this, it is customary to put on the table – a copy of the Gathas, a lighten lamp, an Afrigan, a basin of water with a live fish in it, flowers symbolizing color, a silver coin representing wealth, painted eggs marking productivity, and sweets and rosewater in bowls commemorating sweetness and happiness.
• Greeting Each Other
  Later in the day, people visit relatives, friends, and neighbors for approximately 30 minutes, which are generally reciprocated. It starts from greeting the elders, other family members, and then friends and neighbors. The guests are welcomed with a sprinkling of rosewater and rice and applying Tilak on head. Ensure that you have sufficiently stored pastries, cookies, fresh and dried fruits, and special nuts to serve the visitors with tea or sherbet. A popular serving here is a glass of Faluda – a chilled sweet drink made up of milk, special vermicelli, and rose essence. For people staying at long distances, grand parties are also organized.
• Visiting Cemeteries
  This is done on last Thursday night to read the holy Sura Al-Fatiha for the mortal family members and friends.
• Chaharshanbe Suri
  Meaning red Wednesday, it is the festival of fire celebrated in the night before the last Wednesday of the year. Herein, people go on the streets to lit bonfires and jump over them while singing the song Zardî-ye man az (ane) to, sorkhî-ye to az (ane) man – meaning “My yellowness (symbolizing sickness) is yours, your redness (strength) is mine.” This commemorates the victory of light (the good) over the darkness (the evil).
• Haji Firuz
  This is the man who is the traditional messenger of the Nowruz season. He represents the rebirth of Domuzi, the Sumerian god of sacrifice, who is assumed to reborn on every new year after the death in the end of the past year. Skin in black paint as a symbol of good luck in Persia and dress in red, he sings and dances across the streets giving the message of joy and high spirits for the new year.
• Sizdah Bedar
  This is the 13th day of the new year, which means passing the thirteenth day characterized with bad luck”. People leave homes on this day and go for picnics accompanied by dance and music. In Parsis, wheat is grown in earthenware bowls and on the 13th day, these sprouts are thrown in water pools, which marks worshipping for the water and greenery.
• Special Breakfast
  This includes a fusion of Indian and West Asian styles. Famous ones are ‘Ravo’ prepared with suji, milk, and sugar and fried vermicelli – a sugar preparation with dry fruits.
• Fire Temple Visit
  After breakfast, people go to Fire Temple or Agyari. They specially thank God for the wonderful year and pray for the best in the new year. This special prayer is called Jashan. People also lit holy fire to which they offer sandalwood. It is a ritual for the Parsis to cover their heads and then enter the temples. You will find children with small round caps of gold and silver and men in small black velvet caps. After praying, people hug one another and wish Sal Mubarak, which means ‘May the New Year be Prosperous’.

• Fixed Lunch
  Pulaos with saffron, plain rice, and moong dal must be cooked and served for lunch.

From the end of first week of January, children start chanting Lohri folk songs to pay a tribute to Dulha Bhatti, a thief according to a legend who assisted the poor and struggled for their rights. As they sing by ringing the house bell at each door, they obtain sweets, popcorn, peanuts, sesame seeds, crystal sugar, jaggery, and sometimes money from the house people. This is because it is considered inauspicious to send them empty-handed. The collection is together known as Lohri that is shared at Lohri night. In the evening, friends and families meet outdoors to light a bonfire in the evening, which is considered as an Indian counterpart of Thanksgiving. In this sacred fire, some Lohri might be thrown into the fire. Besides Lohri, peanuts, popcorn, puffed rice, and other foodstuff are also offered as a symbol of honor to the God of Fire, Agni. For Punjabi farmers, Lohri marks the end of the financial year and the day after as the new financial year.

Lohri’s significance is to worship the sun and fire god. It is believed the night of Lohri is the longest night in the year.

Legends

• The Legend of Sun God
  Lohri coming on the last day of the month of Paush indicates farewell to chilled winter. To be protected from cold, it is believed that the ancestors developed a divine mantra that involved requesting the Sun God to transmit enough amount of heat such that the winter cold would not do any harm to them. Since then, chanting mantra around a fire as a symbol of thanks giving to the Sun God is performed as a ritual. The Lohri fire symbolizes tribute to the sun. Ancestors were of the opinion that the flames of the lit bonfire actually sent their request to the sun. This is the reason as to why on the next day’s morning after Lohri, the sun’s rays unexpectedly are warm to seize the chilled effect from the people’s body.
• Significance of Fire
  In ancient days, human beings formed bonfires to protect themselves from wild flesh-eating animals. Everyone played an important role in forming bonfires, among which boys and girls were assigned the task of gathering wood from the forest. Since then, village maidens together visit people from door to door to get cow-dung cake. Traditionally, the girls chant: “We, all the girls of the village, have come! We all have come to your courtyard!” These girls keep on collecting cow-dung cakes until they have sufficient amount of it to lit the bonfire. Once collected, all of these cakes are gathered in a house. The bonfire is a symbol of protection and worship (Sun God). The other significance of this Lohri fire is that parents pray for good husbands for their unmarried daughters and married couples pray for children. Fire is a symbol of revolution and restoration, resemblance of the sun, stimulator of cornfields growth, source of energy and spiritual strength, and a well-wisher of man and animals. This is the reason why the bonfire is considered sacred and is worshipped as a deity.
• The Legend of Dullah Bhatti
  This is the core character in whose honor most of the Lohri songs are sung. Dulla Bhatti, a theft who robbed the rich and gave it to the poor, resided in Punjab in the times of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Besides robbing, he rescued Hindu girls who were forcibly taken for sale in the Middle East market. He was so kind enough that he personally arranged for their marriage with Hindu boys and with Hindu tradition; performing the duty of a father of those girls. As a result, he is a symbolic hero of the Punjabis and the Lohri songs in his memory inspire the youth to safeguard the respect of females and punish the ones who disrespect them. On the eve of Lohri, most of these songs end with the exclamation ‘ho’!
• Discovery of the word ‘Lohri’
  It is also believed that the name Lohri comes from Loi, the name of Sant Kabir’s wife, as rural people in Punjab pronounce as Lohi. Others believe that Lohri is derived from the word ‘loh’, which refers to a thick iron-coated tawa on which chapattis are cooked. According to another legend, Lohri and Holika were sisters among whom Holika was burnt in the fire and Lohri survived. Further, consuming til (sesame seeds) and rorhi (jaggery) is considered auspicious in this festival. So, the names of these tow items til and rorhi might have been combined to form tilorhi that must have been abbreviated to Lohri.

Celebrations

Harvesting Rabi crops forms the custom and tradition of the Lohri festival. Rather than just a festival, it is an occasion that traces the love of Punjabis for the nature and festivals.

• Bonfire Collection
  Rural people start gathering twigs, branches, and cow dung; the urban people collect thin log of wood; much in advance before the auspicious day.
• Cleaning and Dressing
  On this day, all the rooms and chambers are literally cleansed with broom and sprinkled water. On the sunset, people wear new clothes and gather around the bonfire. Newly married couples wear jewelry. The new babies hold little combs.
• The Bonfire
  In the harvested fields and front yards, huge bonfires are lit up around which people gather to move in a circular manner (parikrama) around the bonfire, throw Lohri items in it such puffed rice and other savories, chant “Aadar aye dilather jaye” (May honor come and poverty disappear!), and sing folk songs along with their friends and relatives. As the flames go up, the girls offer (throw) til (sesame seed) and bow. Elder ones throw sugarcane sticks in the fire that spreads a burning fragrance of sugar. Girls lit up crackers and sparklers. This ritual is a kind of prayer to the fire god for seeking their blessings to have bountiful yields and prosperity.

• Prasad and Dinner
  Once the parikrama is over, people exchange greetings and give prasad (Lohri offerings made to fire) that consists of til, gajak, jaggery, peanuts, and popcorn. Their traditional dinner here is makke-ki-roti (multi-millet hand-made chapatti) and sarson-ka-saag (vegetable of mustard herbs). Sweets are prepared from molasses and sesame seeds that are exchanged with relatives and friends. Seasonal items such as revri, patti, dry fruits, peanuts, and sugarcane are traditional items of the celebration. In addition, women also prepare a pudding of spinach, mustard leaves, and lentil made in sugarcane juice that has a healthy motive of cleansing the blood and body internally.
• Gifts
  People exchange gifts and give blessings on this special occasion. Especially, to the newly married daughters, parents provide gifts and bless them along with the newborn babies, if any.

This is a fair of pilgrimage that takes place 4 times among 4 different locations every 12 years. The location and dates are astrologically computed based on the special conditions of zodiac positions of Sun, Moon, and Jupiter. The four rotating locations are listed below.

• Prayag, at the junction of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh
• Haridwar along the Ganga river in Uttar Pradesh
• Ujjain along the Kshipra river in Madhya Pradesh
• Nashik along the Godavari river in Maharashtra

It is rightly called the largest pilgrimage gathering, as it religious significance attracts millions of people all over the world.

Legend

Motive of the Tug of War in Samudra Manthan

According to the legend, Rishi Durvasa had cursed the heavenly gods (devtas), which resulted in losing their powers subsequently deteriorating their mind and body. In order to stop this and reinstate their power, the devtas decided to churn the primeval cosmic milk ocean to extort the nectar of immortality, known as the ‘amrit’ or ‘water of life’. This ocean is in the celestial region of the cosmos and that its churning was called ‘Samudra Manthan’ in Indian mythology. They convinced the demons (daityas or asuras) to conduct ‘Samudra Manthan’ (churning of the ocean) in the grave desire to have the nectar. The fact that persuaded the demons was that the nectar would make one immortal and the most powerful being. So, both the demons and gods concur to share the nectar after it is extracted from the ocean’s depth.

The Giant Tug Of War

The churning of the milk ocean started with the Mandar Mountain acting as the churning rod and Vasuki, the gigantic king of serpents, as coiled rope for churning. After a dispute of who would be on which side, the churning commenced with the gods holding the serpent’s tail and the demons catching the head and lasted until 1000 years. As the churning began, the mountain began to descend deep in the waters during which Vishnu took the form of a great tortoise to support the mountain on its back.

As the churning proceeded, the ocean started giving its riches. At first, a deadly poison was extracted that was swallowed by Lord Shiva to protect the universe and remain unaffected. Then, this was followed by the following gifts:

• Divine horse
• Celestial cow
• Precious gem
• Magic moon
• Musical device
• Attractive dancing girls called apsaras
• Goddess Lakshmi – the god of fortune
• Vishvakarma – the celestial architect
• Divine man of medicine, Dhanvantri, holding the desired pot of nectar

As Dhanvantari came out, both the parties became more eager and greedy to hold the pot. However, as the demons were more powerful, they forcibly took away the pot. This resulted in a battle between the demons and the Gods for 12 days and nights, which was actually 12 years according to the calendar that we follow.

At last, Lord Vishnu, emerged as an enchantress in disguise over which the demons forgot about the nectar as they were stuck in the beauty. Meanwhile, Lord Vishnu seized the pot of nectar and gave it to Jayant, Lord Indra’s (god of rains) son. He took the form of a bird and flew away with the pot. On the way, a few nectar drops fell on four places on Earth: Allahabad, Haridwar, Trimbakeshwar, and Ujjain.

Five Types of Kumbh Melas

• Maha Kumbh Mela
  Takes place every 144 (12 * 12) years in Allahabad only.
• Purna (Complete) or Maha Kumbh Mela
  Takes place after every 12 years
• Ardh Kumbh
  Takes place in the 6th year after Kumbh Mela

• Kumbh Mela
  Takes place every three years each time at a different place out of the four sites of pilgrimage.
• Magh Mela
  Takes place annually only in Allahabad at the time of Jan-Feb, which is the Magh Hindu month, except for the year in which Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela are held.

Kumbh Mela Festival and Rituals

The Kumbh Mela is held every three years turn by turn at Prayag, Nasik, Haridwar and Ujjain. It is the event that gathers not only the Hindu people, but other people too irrespective of the caste and religion, scholars, hymn-reciting masters, yogis, robed saints, and sadhus with ash-covered bodies; all of them who temporarily leave their sacred residences of Himalayas. Other special people such as astrologers, foreigners, and Indian refugees also add the population. Having a religious aim, people share knowledge about religious rituals and spiritual practices. The holy dip in the sacred waters of the rivers holds utmost importance at this fair.

The Holy Dip

The main bathing days are referred as ‘Shahi Snans’, meaning royal bathing. A sacred dip in the Kumbh is believed to purify one from the sins, thus, leading him on the path of salvation. This is because according to the legend, at the time of the fair, the river waters are charged with amazing medicinal effects due to superior electromagnetic radiation of the Sun, Moon, and the Jupiter, this fluctuation is dependent on the positions and the phases of the moon. Thus, this dip is revered as the most sacred of all the traditions and that a Hindu must do so at least once in lifetime. Briefly, this fair is a fusion of religious, spiritual, and socio-cultural significance that provides freedom from evils to the mankind.

Significance of the Four Places

• Haridwar Kumbh Fair
  Haridwar, on the foothills of Shivaliks, is the sacred place where the river Ganga meets the plains after descending from the Himalayas. Famous as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, Tapovan, and Mokshadwar in the Indian mythology, the city has immense significance for the pilgrims. It is also among the 64 Shakti Peeths, where one of the churned body parts of devi Sati (Parvati), the divine consort of Lord Shiva fell. Besides the Kumbh Mela, the Ardh Mela is held here every six years. The sacred ghats of bathing here are Har ki Pauri, Subhash Ghat next to Har ki Pauri, Asthi Parvat Ghat, and Gau (cow) Ghat.
• Prayag or Allahabad Kumbh Fair
  This place holds the triveni sangam (confluence of three rivers) of three among the most holy rivers namely, the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. It is here that pilgrim take bath on the bathing days of Makar Sankranti, Paush Purnima, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchmi, Maghi Poornima, and Maha Shivratri. The Kumbh Mela held here is believed to be the largest, holiest, and auspicious of all melas. The Purna Kumbh, Ardha Kumbh, and the Magh Melas are held here.
• Nasik Kumbh Fair
  This city is near the holy Godavari River (38 kms) known as the Ganges of South and famous site of bathing. The site of the fair is Trimbakeshwar that is the holy town nearby to hold one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (lingas of light). The Sinhasta Kumbh Mela is conducted once in 12 years here.
• Ujjain Kumbh Fair
  Located at the banks of river Shipra, the name of city literally means the town of victory. The Sinhasta Kumbh Mela takes place here after every 12 years.

The exact day of Vesak is subject to change based on the several lunar calendars used in different societies, but is in April or May. For example, in the Theravada countries, the day comes on the full moon Uposatha day, the 5th or 6th lunar month. Declared as public holiday in Southeast Asian countries, it is celebrated with enthusiasm in India, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, Laos, and by Buddhists in a few Western parts of the world.

Vesak is the special day for the Buddhists to explore the life and preaching of the Buddha. Its significance lies with the message of worldwide peace to humankind. Its core is to become aware of and explore the inner happiness and peace that exists in all living beings.

Legend

• Birth Story:
  Dated back to 544 B.C., on the full moon day of Vaishakha month (celebrated now as Vesak), Queen Mahamaya – the Buddha’s mother was traveling from Kapilavastu (current Nepal) to meet her parents in Devdaha. On the way, she rested under two sal trees at Lumbini. Here, she gave birth the Gautam Buddha. After she came back to Kapilavastu, an elder sanyasi and astrologer called Asit forecasted that the child has special powers that would drastically help in liberating the world. Although named Siddhartha, he was known as Gautam, the Buddha, meaning the Awakened One – who has waked up from sleep of ignorance.
• Quest for Truth and Eternal Happiness:
  Since childhood, Gautam was a serious child who liked to remain alone and think on reality of life rather than playing. Even after his marriage with the beautiful Princess Yashodhara, Gautam’s mind was not diverted from his mission for truth. Though he was a Kshatriya, he always was of the opinion to safeguard birds and animals. Once Gautam saw a man who could not walk due to his old age. Some other day, he came across a sick man on the ground. On this, he asked himself, “What is pain? What is the reason for so much pain and suffering? How to overcome them?” Some time later, he saw a calm abstinent and found the answers to the difficulties of old age, illness, and demise. Therefore, he renounced the worldly mundane life and become an ascetic to seek the eternal light.
• Attaining Enlightenment:
  In his hunt, Gautam approached different religious centers, but nothing was gained. Finally, near the river Niranjana in a forest near Gaya, he began to meditate and penance for six years, but did not yield anything. This was the reason for his first realization that nothing would be achieved by degrading the mortal body. Lastly, he decided to sit under a Bodhi tree and made a strong determination to stay there until he obtained his answers. On a Vaishakh full moon night – his 35th birthday, he got his answers to the four noble truths of life, the presence of pain and suffering, reasons of their justification, the need to defeat them, and the ways of doing so. Thus, he achieved the credit of Gautam, the Buddha or the Enlightened One.
• After Enlightenment and Towards Parinirvana:
  After Gaya, Buddha went to Sarnath near Varanasi in India where five men started following him. He preached them about the truths he found and on that his first sangh or community was formed. Then, he spread his these discoveries of truth everywhere and obtained the support of many scholars, sanyasis, and kings. Later, Gautam also approached home as a bhikshu (monk). Thereafter his father, stepmother (his mother’s sister), wife, and son joined him. In 483 BC on Vaishakha full moon day of his birth and enlightenment, Gautam Buddha attained nirvana (demise of an enlighten).
• Display of Psychic Powers:
  This was done by the Supreme Buddha through Yamaka Maha Patihariya (The Miracle of the Twin Wonders) that occurred on a Vesak full moon day. This removed the doubts of numerous disbelievers about his Enlightenment.

Rituals

The Buddhists bathe and dress only in white clothes. They gather in their viharas (monasteries) before sunrise to worship Buddha, offer alms to the bhikshus (monks), hoist the Buddhist flag, and sing hymns admiring the sacred triple treasure: The Buddha, The Dharma (his teachings), and The Sangha (his disciples).

• Flag Hoisting:
  The Buddhist flag is made up of six colors, which are said to have special significance according to the enlightened Buddha. Out of these, the first five stripes are of different colors and the last one is the collection of these colors. Listed below are the colors and its meaning in life.
  • Blue: Compassion
  • Yellow: The Middle Path
  • Red: Blessings
  • White: Purity
  • Orange: Wisdom
• Offerings to Monks:
  Many devotees offer flowers, candles, and joss sticks at the feet of the monks. Such a ritual allows a Buddhist to reflect on the truth that just as the magnificent flowers shrink and the candles and joss sticks burn out in short time, our life span is too short and will decay soon.
• Listening to Monks:
  Several followers listen to the continuous speech on the life and preaching of the Buddha throughout the day or request monks to come to their homes. Buddhist monks recite 2500 years old verses obtained from Buddha and urge people to respect other religions.
• Paying Homage to Buddha:
  This is done through prayers, meditation, and worship of the statue of Buddha along with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, and fruit. In some temples, a small image of the baby Buddha is kept in a water basin and is adorned with flowers. Devout pour water over the statue; which holds the religious significance of the cleansing of one’s own bad deeds and commemorating the birth event of Buddha when the heavenly gods and spirits made cosmic offerings to Buddha. According to the legend, Buddha has asked his followers to observe his principles and consider it as paying homage. People take care of this and observe the percepts too.
• Observing the Five Percepts:
  They practice the five principles also known as Panchsheel, which are:
  • Not to hurt or kill, spread happiness
  • Not to rob
  • Not to lie
  • Not to drink liquor or other intoxicants
  • Not to perform adultery

  Keeping the honor of the above five principles, Vesak is commemorated by dedicated services to humanity and various compassionate gestures to pay homage to Buddha. Buddhists freed trapped birds to show kindness and eat only vegetarian items. They, especially, eat kheer – rice cooked in milk and jaggery and share it along with some clothes with the poor and sick to make them feel happy. In addition, drinking water stalls are set up in public places. The purpose of doing such meritorious deeds is to receive blessings from the heart of living beings that are auspicious and hundred times greater than on any other occasion.

Celebrations

The Bodhi or the peepal tree is revered and decorated with garlands, colored flags, and lamps to remember it as the place of enlightenment. Followers also sprinkle milk and scented waters on its roots. In Buddhist countries, people draw a picture of Buddha on leaves of a Bodhi tree and present them to each other.

In Delhi, the mortal remains of the Buddha are taken out ceremonially to which many devout offer prayers.

Visiting Places

Bodh Gaya in Bihar and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh

The fair is not only the globe’s largest camel fair, but is also the largest cattle fair in its broad sense. Besides buying and selling livestock that involves camels, cows, sheep, and goats; it is a major spot of tourist destination due to attracting competitions such as the matka phod (breaking pots), longest moustache, and bridal competition. The festival results in around 50,000 camels gathering near the Pushkar Lake that are decorated, raced, and sold. A recent attraction is that of a cricket match between the native Pushkar club and a group of foreign tourists built randomly. On one side where men are busy dealing with their cattle, on the other side, the women spend their time at the stalls full of bracelets, clothes,  textiles, artwork, and ornaments such as silvered jewelry, chains, nose rings, necklaces, anklets, toe rings, hairpins, and ivory bangles worn from wrist to shoulder.

The festival begins with a camel race accompanied by music, songs, and exhibitions. Meanwhile, the most exciting event is how the camel would bring the items, which is shown by the men who go along with the group of camels.

History and Legends

According to a legend, Lord Brahma was seeking a proper place for performing a ‘Yagna’ (a fire pit/fire sacrifice). One of the places where Lord Brahma performed the Yagna was Pushkar. At the end of the first millennium B.C., worshipping Brahma was considered essential. Further, it is said that when Lord Brahma was fighting against the demon named Vajra Nabh using a lotus flower, its leaves fell down at three different places on Earth.

One of these places is Pushkar from where water sprung and is known as the holy Pushkar Lake whose waters have healing properties surrounded by 52 legendary ghats. Lord Vishnu is believed to appear at the Varah Ghat as a boar. Lord Brahma took a bath in this lake and performed Yagna along with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva at the Brahma Ghat. Guru Govind Singh recited the sacred Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs, here. The ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were submerged here at the Gandhi Ghat, formerly known as the Gau Ghat. The water surrounding each ghat is considered as having special powers. The Naga Kund is blessed to bestow fertility, while the Roop Tirth is considered for beauty and charm. The water of Kapil Vyapi Kund can cure leprosy, while a dip in the Mrikand Muni Kund blesses a person with wisdom. Differently, hills on three sides and a desert on the fourth side enclose the lake. There was a time when 500 temples and 52 palaces enclosed the Pushkar Lake.

Despite a quiet town, Pushkar is a buzzing town during the happy celebrations on the full moon day of the Kartik month. A popular belief holds that all the 330 million Gods and Goddesses attend the Pushkar Lake on the full moon day.

Cultural Significance

Apart from trade of livestock, there are traders who set up shops to sell varied products such as woolen blankets of Merta, printed textiles of Ajmer and Jodhpur, brassware of Jodhpur and Jaipur, and bead necklaces of Nagaur. To augment the attraction, the following chief events are arranged.

• Flag hoisting
• Dance performances and competition
• Camel dance shows
• Horse dance shows
• Camel race
• Musical chairs of camels
• Camel beauty contest
• Sports matches
• Camel decoration
• Native artist shows
• Safed Chithi – trading cattle
• Pushkar parikrama – spiritual circular walk
• Shilpgram – exhibition of handicrafts
• Turban tying competition
• Moustaches competition
• Desert Symphony – art performances
• Movie Shows
• Shows on the saga of courage and heroism in history

Attracting Facts that makes Pushkar a Mandatory Visit

• Pushkar holds the only Brahma Temple in the world.
• You will have an amazing view of 52 ghats surrounding the Sacred Pushkar Lake.
• There are around 400 temples in Pushkar worth visiting.
• You have a unique opportunity to participate in diverse cultural activities.
• You are offered different cultural items on sale brought from all over the state.
• This fair is a rare fusion of spiritual zeal and cultural liveliness in Rajasthan.
• You have the chance to intermingle with the tribal people and recognize their traditions.

Attractions of the Fair

Throughout the five days, buying and selling of cattle takes place traditionally. Actually, this is a time consuming process wherein the sellers first attract customers and then make a deal involving lots of negotiations. Once the cattle is sold, it is decorated well. The fair has something to offer to each type of visitor irrespective of its age and religion. On the last two days, many cultural and entertainment activities are organized for fun and joy. Following are the attractions for a tourist who want to make the maximum benefit from this fair.

• The Holy Dips (Snan) and the Pushkar Lake:
  A ritual of taking dips on Kartik full moon day in the sacred waters of Pushkar is considered auspicious that bestows salvation. Prior to the sunrise with Brahmin priest (Pandas), pilgrims starts climbing the ghats and offer coconut, flowers, and cash to the lake and the priests.
• Brahma Temple:
  People worship this temple after taking a ritual bath. Built in marble, it is ornamented with silver coins. The temple’s floor holds a silver turtle. Lord Brahma is in a Palthi position in this temple. It is believed that Lord Brahma’s lotus flower’ leaves fell in three different locations in Pushkar.

• Parikrama:
  Some people visit the Jyeshtha Pushkar, while some visit all the three Pushkars known as the Panch-Kosi-Parikrama. However, many opt to worship all the shrines in seven days at Pushkar that is known as the Chaubis-Kosi-Parikrama.
• Floating Lamps (Deep Dan):
  There is a custom to float lit earthen lamps on the lake after putting them on plates made of leaves. This leaves you with a sparkling effect at night on the waters. Aarti (offering lit diyas with religious hymns) is done at the lake at dusk and dawn.
• Camel Safari:
  This is a way to sit on camels and enjoy the terrain of Great Indian Desert of Sahara landscape. The view of the Aravalli Range here is among the world’s oldest ranges that offers sandy fields, small sand banks, attractive hills, and attention-grabbing sunrises and sunsets. The camel safaris also will make you come across small villages and agricultural fields that of visited during crop harvesting, is simply breathtaking.

• Varaha Temple:
  This temple is dedicated to Varaha, the third reincarnation of Vishnu, as a boar. His aim was to defeat the demon Hiranyaksha who had dragged the planet to the bottom of the cosmic ocean. The fight lasted for thousand years after which Lord Varaha finally achieved his aim. Lord then pulled the Earth from the ocean between his tusks and reinstated in the universe.
• Savitri Temple:
  This shrine is committed to the Godess Savitri, one of the Brahma’s wives. Due to its location on the highest hill, a series of steps are present that are approachable to the shrine from where you can an eye-catching view of the Pushkar Lake and sand banks.

Besides Punjab and Haryana, Baisakhi is also observed in different manner across India. For the people of Kerala, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Nepal; it marks the onset of the Hindu solar year. In Himachal Pradesh, the Hindu Goddess, Jwalamukhi is revered on this day, whereas in Bihar, the Sun-god Surya is worshipped. In Assam, it is celebrated as Rongal Bihu, whereas in Naba Barsha in Bengal and Tripura. In Tamil Nadu, it is marked as the Tamil New Year (Puthandu) and Vishu in Kerala.

For many people, it is the day of custom bathing in holy rivers such as the Ganges and Yamuna.

Legends

Legends of this colorful festival instigate the celebration not only for the Sikhs, but also for Hindus and Buddhists. Today, it is widely celebrated by the people of all communities in Punjab with enthusiasm and fervor.

• Harvest Festival
  The festival indicates the time for harvesting Rabi (winter) crops that brings joy to the people of Punjab wherein agriculture is the principal occupation. To rejoice, people wear beautiful colored dresses, dance by performing bhangra on the beats of the dhol (rural drums), and have a grand feast. The harvest actually starts the next day.
• Birth of Khalsa
  The day remembers the birth of Khalsa Panth, the Order of the Pure Ones. On this day in history, a meeting was arranged at Anandpur Sahib, in 1699. Here, Guru Gobind Sigh created the Khalsa Panth whose members were the five people who upon the order of the guru became ready to sacrifice themselves to protect the community against Mughals irrespective of the religion and caste. The Guru called these five men as the Panj Piara or ‘Beloved Five’ who were a shopkeeper, a farmer, a calico printer, a water-carrier, and a barber. It was on this day the Sikhs received the surname of ‘Singh’ meaning Lion by their sacred Guru depicting them as ‘Martial Community’. Besides, the Guru gave amrit (nectar) to these first five disciples making them Singhs. By doing so, he gave the divine message to eradicate the discrimination of high and low and consider all humans equal. After this ceremony, the Guru asked the Sikhs to stop revering Gurus and consider the Granth Sahib – the Holy book of the Sikhs, as the lifetime guide. Lastly, he also asked the Sikhs to have long hair, comb, dagger (Kripan), shorts, and a bracelet.
• Day of Guru’s Blessings
  In 1567 on this day, the Sikh Guru Amar Das had declared Baisakhi as a special day of seeking guru’s blessings at Goindwal.
• Establishment of Arya Samaj
  For Hindus, in 1875 on this day, Swami Dayanand Saraswati discovered the Arya Samaj. This is referred to an improved division of Hindus who seek spiritual guidance through the Vedas; instead of the idol worship.
• Nirvana of Gautam Buddha
  It is said that on this fortunate day, Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment (Nirvana) under the Mahabodhi tree in Gaya. This is the reason why this day is also marked as Buddha Purnima in different regions of the country.
• Astrological Significance
  The festival comes on April 13 annually and on April 14 after every 36 years. This change in date is due to the calculation made according to the solar calendar. The date of Baisakhi will be that date when sun enters into the Aries (Mesh) zodiac sign. Therefore, Baisakhi is also known as Mesha Sankranti.

Celebrations

• Thanksgiving Day
  Farmers thank God for plentiful harvest and loads of cash as the fruits of hard work. They pray for good fortune and prosperity for the new year. On this day, people get up early, bathe in rivers or ponds, and visit the Temple or Gurudwara (temple of Sikhs). Some people also go for charity.
• Joyful Celebrations
  Men and women go to their fields to celebrate the festival by shouting “Jatta aayi Baisakhi” as the day goes ahead. Traditionally, men wear colorful lungi, kurta, and pagdi; while women dress in salwar kameez or lehenga and jewellery. Men and women together perform the vigorous bhangra and gidda dances in groups on the fast beats of drums. These dancers depict daily farming episodes of sowing, reaping, winnowing, and gathering crops through dynamic steps. In addition, people give greetings to their relatives and friends and enjoy the legendary Punjabi food.

• Baisakhi Fairs
  In these fairs at many places in Punjab, the major attractions are the bhangra and gidda dances, recreational activities, shopping, and eating at the stalls.
• Rituals at Gurudwaras
  The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs, is ritually taken out and is offered a cleansed bath of milk and water. Then, it is sited on its throne after which it is read to the people in the gurdwara. Recalling each action of Guru Gobind Singh in the meeting of 1699, five priests chant verses, amrit or holy nectar is made in an iron vessel, and the nectar is given to all people gathered after the reciting the sacred verses. Traditionally, followers take the nectar five times and promise to serve fellowship, the Khalsa Panth. In the utmost desire of spiritual upliftment, religious songs (kirtans) are sung after drinking the nectar. At noon, the Karah Prasad (sweetened semolina) is placed in front of the guru to seek his blessings and then distributed to the worshippers. Lastly, the devotees go for a special guru-ka-langar (the community vegetarian lunch) wherein they sit in line forming rows with their heads covered on the meal being served.
• Baisakhi Processions
  The sacred Guru Granth Sahib is taken in a procession accompanied by men, women, and children fronted by the Panj Piaras resembling the journey of the five brave disciples from their residences to Anandpur for undergoing baptism. Moving through major localities, the procession is celebrated by bhangra and gidda dances, mock contests, drum players, bands playing religious tunes, followers reciting religious songs, and men swaying swords. One can hear the chants of ‘Bole so nihal’, ‘Deg teg fateh’, ‘Sat nam’, and ‘Wahe guru’. Differently, some men will have the headgear of Guru Nanak, while others of Guru Gobind Singh. Lastly, Sikh leaders encourage the feeling of charity among people to remember the message of Guru Gobind Singh.

The day that precedes the fortnight of the festival, the last day of the previous fortnight called as Pitri Pokkho (Fortnight of the Forefathers), is known as the Mahalaya. This is the beginning of the festival that ends on Kojagori Lokkhi Puja (Worship of Goddess Lakshmi on Kojagori Full Moon Night).

During the Durga Puja festival, Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva (Perpetuator of Truth), Mata Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), Lord Ganesha (God of Wisdom and Fortune), Mata Saraswati (God of Music and Truth) and Lord Kartikeya (Elder Son of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati) are worshipped along with Goddess Durga. The huge idol of Mata Durga is placed in decorated public pandals where people perform the daily puja, a ritual of offerings to the Mother of the Universe.

In Bengal, this festival is also known as called Akalbodhan – ‘untimely awakening of Durga’, Sharadiya Puja – ‘autumnal worship’, Maha Puja – ‘grand puja’, Maayer Pujo – ‘worship of the Mother’. It is referred as Navratri Puja in Gujarat, Punjab, Kerala, and Maharashtra. In a nutshell, it is widely celebrated in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, United States, U.K., Australia, and Europe.

Legend/History

• Story of Goddess Durga’s Creation
  Goddess Durga is a symbol of united divine forces of all gods and goddesses as against the evil forces. Lakhs of years ago, the living beings of the Earth, the nether world, and the heaven were tormented by the demons, especially Mahishasur. This demon was blessed of not being killed by any male named weapon of this universe. To ensure protection, the gods in heaven requested Vishnu (the perpetuator of life) to do something about it. He asked to give birth to an almighty female being to kill the demon king. On this, a stunning light emerged from the hearts and mouths of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (the trinity Hindu God) that gave birth to a splendid 10-handed divine lady. All gods were just amazed to see this lady and gifted her with ornaments, lion as a vehicle, and some unique weapons. Continuously fighting for nine days, the mother killed the demon king and gave the message of ‘Victory of good over evil’ – meaning kill your inner enemies of anger, pride, attachment, and greed to seek your soul.
• Story of Pandavas
  According to Mahabharata, Pandavas who were exiled for 12 years, went to the court of King Virat in some other form (not as Pandavas) to spend their last year. However, before entering the court, they hung their weapons on a Shami tree. After a year marking their completion, on Vijayadashmi (Dusshera), they revealed their identity and brought down the hung weapons. To mark this, people exchange Shami leaves on Dusshera as a carrier of success and prosperity.
• Story of Lord Rama
  According to Ramayana, Lord Ram performed the Maa Chandi puja and obtained the blessings of Mother Durga so that he can defeat the demon Ravana who was the ten-headed Lanka king and had seized Sita, Ram’s divine wife. Due to this puja, Durga revealed the secret as to how Ram would kill Ravana.
• Story of Kautsa
  Kautsa was the son of Devdatt and had demanded his guru Varatantu to take gurudakshina (a traditional gift). After much insistence, the guru asked for 14 crore gold coins for 14 subjects. Kautsa approached the most generous king Raghuraj. However, he had given all money in the coffers to Brahmins. Therefore, he asked Lord Indra for gold coins. Lord Indra asked Lord Kuber (God of Wealth) to shower gold coins on the ‘shanu’ and ‘apati’ trees around Ayodhya. On this rain of gold coins, King Raghuraj gave all of them to Kautsa, who in turn, gave 14 crores coins to the guru. Still left behind, Kautsa distributed the coins to the people of Ayodhya. This was the day Dusshera.

Significance

The meaning of the name Durga is, ‘The one who is incomprehensible or tough to conceive’. Goddess Durga is a form of Shakti who holds infinite power of the universe and is known to be the terrific destroyer of evil. She is also known by different names, such as Parvati, Ambika, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Kali. As Parvati, she is divine consort of Lord Shiva and the mother of three children, Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Jyoti. As Lakshmi, she is the wife of Lord Vishnu and as Kali, she is the destroyer of the past demons. On the festival’s (9 days of Navratri and the following day of Dusshera) first three nights, Durga is worshiped; on the next three, Lakshmi and on the last three nights, Saraswati Devi. The last 10th day is Vijayadashami meaning victory over owns mind that is possible on worshiping the three devis namely, Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

Implications Of The Idol

The complete idol of Goddess Durga depicts destroying  evil and protecting the truth. It marks that if one wants to become divine, he/she should control its animal-like instincts. This means that worshiping Goddess Durga is to make your mind pure and invoke divinity by killing the evil desires ruthlessly. In addition, Goddess Durga is also worshipped to unfold love, gentleness, humility, wealth, and power.

Connotation

ln West Bengal, Goddess Durga attends the people offerings for nine days. On the other hand, in South India, a stepped platform decorated with small idols of gods, animals, birds, and other beings is worshiped, which is known as Kolu. This is to mark the event wherein all gods and goddesses gave their power to Maa Durga to kill Mahishasur. It is on the last day, a child starts learning the alphabets in a rite of aksarabhyasa. This is because this day marks the advent of knowledge.

The Rituals of Durga Puja for Bengalis

The advent of festival is Mahalaya, which is the fortnight of the waxing moon of Ashwin month. During these days, people perform Tarpan wherein they pray to their ancestors at the river banks. On the sixth day called Mahashasthi, the Goddess is inaugurated. The main puja exists for the following three days, wherein the rituals are long and complicated including the reciting of Mantras, Shlokas (sacred texts from holy books), Arati, and offerings. This actually requires a priest and so the puja is held in public pandals due to decreasing number at homes.

• Mahashashthi
  On this sixth day, it is believed that Goddess Durga, with her children, comes on the Earth from her heavenly residing place. People welcome her with much enthusiasm and zeal through music and religious songs. Therefore, on this day, the Durga’s idol is unveiled as a ritual.
• Mahasaptami
  This is the first day of Durga puja wherein the Kola Bow or Nabapatrika is taken for pre-sunrise bath. In addition, nine types of plants are worshipped together that represent the goddess.
• Mahaastami
  This starts with reciting Sanskrit hymns in public puja pandals. Kumari puja, meaning worshipping small girls believing them to resemble mother goddess is a special household ritual that forms the part of the puja. At last, Sandhi puja, which commemorates the link between the Mahaashtami and Mahanavami, is done.
• Mahanavami
  This is the last day wherein the main Navami puja follows after the Sandhi puja. In the puja, the Navami Bhog (sacred food) is offered to the goddess that is distributed as prasad among the devotees.
• Vijaydashami (Dusshera)
  This day witnesses a tearful farewell to goddess. The send-off arrangements are really great wherein the processions are carried out holding the idol in a suitable vehicle to take it to the nearby sea or lake for immersing.

The festival is not limited among the brothers and sisters having blood relationship. In fact, a female can adopt any male as a blood brother by tying a rakhi. Such males could be their cousins, friends, or could be even deities such as Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, or Lord Ganesha in temples. The rakhi can also be considered as a symbol of team spirit and understanding. This was evident at the time of the Indian independence movement.

The India’s ancient time is sated with women tied rakhi to men who neither had any blood relationship nor were Hindus too. This is marked by the unique legendary story of the widowed Queen Karnavati of Chittor and Mughal Emperor Humayun. The story says that the 15th century was the wartime among the Rajputs, Mughals, and Sultans. During this medieval era, Rakhi was a symbol of spiritual unity and protection. The queen sent a rakhi to the Emperor Humayun when she realized that she could not protect herself and the kingdom from the attack of the Gujarat Sultan, Bahadur Shah. Such a trustful act of the queen touched Humayun who then discarded a military campaign to rescue the queen as the top priority.

Legends

This festival has many legends associated with it and traces the relationship of famous brothers and sisters (blooded and non-blooded) according to the Hindu mythology and Indian history.

• Vritra-Indra
  This is the story of the Indra’s battle fight with Vritra where Indra was defeated. It is said that Indra’s wife tied a thread on his wrist to bestow divine powers for Indra’s victory in the next battle.
• Krishna and Draupadi
  This is a story from the Mahabharata wherein Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, torn a strip from her silk sari and tied it to block the blood coming out of the Krishna’ wrist. This touched Krishna and he promised to reimburse the debt. Draupadi also used to trust Krishna fully despite being the wife of five Pandavas. During Vastra haran (meaning “clothing theft”) of Draupadi in the assembly of King Dritrashtra that was happening due to Yudishter’s (her husband) loss in gamble, Krishna infinitely elongated her sari to maintain her pride by not allowing the remover remove the sari. This is how Krishna kept his promise towards the tied rakhi.
• King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi
  The Demon King Bali, a disciple of Lord Vishnu, had given refuge to a disguised Brahmin woman who wished so until her husband was back. She was actually Goddess Lakshmi. Lord Vishnu, her husband, had gone to protect his kingdom leaving his own dwelling place of Vaikunth. In her desire to stay with her husband, during the Shravan Purnima celebrations, the goddess tied a sacred thread to the Bali and revealed the truth. The king, being touched, requested Lord Vishnu to stay with her and sacrificed everything for the beloved Lord. Thus, the festival is also known as Baleva, meaning Bali’s devotion. Since then, it is a custom to invite sisters on Raksha Bandhan.
• Yama and the Yamuna
  Yamuna, the sister of Yama (Lord of Death) tied rakhi and granted immortality. Being moved and touched, Yama declared that anyone who gets a rakhi tied and vowed the sister’s protection would become eternal.
• Porus and Alexander’s Wife
  Alexander, the king of Greece, marched into India in 326 B.C and married an Indian woman named Roxana (Roshanak). His wife sent a holy thread to Porus requesting of not harming Alexander in the war. In full respect of the rakhi, Porus did not give the final blow to Alexander personally on the battlefield.

Celebrations

The day of Raksha Bandhan is commemorated in different ways in different parts of India. However, they might not have any relation with rakhi or Raksha Bandhan.

• Rakhi Purnima
  This is celebrated in North and South India and is also referred as Raksha Bandhan.
• Nariyal Purnima
  This is celebrated in the western India including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa. In this celebration, a coconut (nariyal) is offered to the sea in order to honor Lord Varuna, the God of Sea. This commemorates the advent of the fishing occupation wherein the fishermen pray to Lord Varuna for good income from the sea for their living. In addition, ceremonial bathing and fairs at the coast are other activities.

• Kajari Purnima
  This is celebrated in Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkand, and Bihar mainly by the farmers and women having sons. Right from the ninth day before the full moon, the arrangements of this festival started taking place and it is known as the Kajari Navami. From this day to full moon, various rituals are performed by women who have sons.
• Pavitropana
  This is celebrated in many parts of Gujarat wherein people worship Lord Shiva and conduct the grand puja. It is actually considered as the culmination of the entire year’s prayers.

Wholesome Motive of Raksha Bandhan

Rakhi is aimed at eradicating societal tension, instigating the feeling of brotherhood towards all the sisters of the country, expressing love and care, and bringing the times of joy in our humdrum lives. Therefore, the actual motive is to:

• Open the door of permanent happiness (do what pleases others but in a rightful manner)
• Demolish all the evils done till today (do not misbehave with anybody)
• Welcome and hold only the good towards humanity (Encourage only right things and do only those)
• Shed away distress (Avoid hurting others)