Category: Devotional Blog

  • Why Do People Fast on Navratras?

    Navratri is the Hindu festival dedicated to nine avatars of goddess Durga. Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandmata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri are the divine faces of the shakti (power) avatar ‘Durga’.

    When does it fall?

    It’s the only festival that falls twice a year. Whenever the winter replaces summer and vice-versa, this festival occurs. Thereby, it is observed near the autumn equinox (September-October) and spring equinox (March-April). In Hindi language, these seasons are known as Ashvin Navratri and Vasant Navratri respectively.             

    How do people observe this day?

    People celebrate this festival by keeping fast for eight days. The ninth day ends fasting period. All these nine days are dedicated to feminine Devi. Therefore, her nine faces are worshipped with the reverence and traditional method.

    The puja-room is cleaned and decorated before the kick-starting of this festival. The worshipper anoints the images of these goddesses with vermillion & rice. Auspicious ‘Anant jyot’ (indefinite flame) is lighted that is kept illuminating for nine days. Many of them sow wheat in their houses. Within eight days, the seeds sprout and turn into seedlings. On the arrival of ninth day, worshippers dedicate them at the temple. Nine small girls and a boy are fed with halwa, poori, and chhole on this day.

    Scientific reason behind Navratri celebration:

    Have you ever thought why this festival falls on the changing season? It is proven scientifically true that this change influences our immunity system. It goes weak which needs recovery. Therefore, the eight days’ fasting detoxes our body. The toxin gets flushed out of the body when the body does not receive any tamsik food (spicy, non-vegetarian and toxin producing food).

    Tamsik food

    As said above, tamsik food is the food of the beast. Spices, non-vegetarian, garlic and onion-mixed food produces acid that causes indigestion. This indigestion leads to malfunctioning metabolism. Thereby, various diseases make us bed-ridden.

    Conversely, satvik food consists of fruits, dry-fruits, coffee, tea, milk and curd. Intake of these eatables not only satiates hunger pangs but also, removes toxin from the body. Hence, it needs no medication to enhance immunity but to fasting.

    Who eats what?

    Since fasting is a common custom during Navratri, devotees can keep fasting partially or fully. Those who stay on nine-day fast, they munch on nothing but the food meant for vrat purpose. It includes potato chips, sabudana-kheer, fruit chat, fruits, curd and milk etc. They can have any of them once a day.

    But those who prefer to keep it for two or three days, they can have regular meal. It depends on the endurance of the person whether to eat once or twice. But onion and garlic strictly are prohibited during these days.

    The rock salt replaces other iodized salt in the food.

    What to avoid?

    Say no to non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic and alcohol. Their consumption is considered as the food of demon. This kind of food is considered as the breeder of negative approach. Its consumer develops demonic character. The short-temperedness, aggression and arrogance are a few of its negative aspects.

    Shaving, cutting or trimming hair and nails are banned during these auspicious days.

  • Why Basant Panchami is Celebrated?

    Basant Panchami

    When the weather takes a leap, changes takes place in the nature. This is exactly what we lovingly call transformation. The nature puts off its old weathered face. Happiness springs out of its every nook.  Trees turn green. Flowers begin to bloom. The birds seem singing the song of joy. Their melodious chirping calls the sleeping seeds to shoot out of the seeds. All in all, the entire nature seems dressed up with multiple coloured flowers and fruits.

    When does Basant Panchmi fall? 

    Winter says ‘goodbye’ and takes the step back from the fifth day of Magh (Hindi month). It is the very day when Hindus celebrate the festival of crop called Basant Panchmi. ‘Basant’ stands for ‘spring season’ and panchmi identifies the fifth day of Magh. Symbolizing the new beginning, it sends the message to humanity to ‘get back to square one’ and kick-start the new session of life.

    Basant Panchmi is no less significant than Ganpati Visarjan. It is dedicated to the goddess of wisdom, i.e. Saraswati. In 2017, 1st February is the day when this auspicious occasion is celebrated.

    Uproot Ignorance: This day marks the end of ignorance. The darkness of illiteracy is likely to get off with the arrival of this season. The time has come for spiritual awakening. This is why people of Bengal celebrate the birthday of goddess ‘Saraswati’- the goddess of knowledge.

    How do we celebrate Basant Panchmi?

    It’s the most auspicious day for the students. Having taken bath, they kick start their day with the worshipping of this goddess. They drape the goddess with yellow clad. This colour is the apple of her eyes. Therefore, priests and spiritual people prefer to offer her yellow flowers and fruits to appease. In return, they seek the blessing of brilliance, intelligence and bliss.

    Teachers distribute stationery, like pen, pencils and new books and copies to the students. Devotees cook ‘yellow halwa’ as the signature dish of this occasion. After Saraswati pooja, the prasadam is distributed among students and devotees.

    Pitri Tarpan: This day is significant to perform a hindu ritual called ‘pitri-tarpan’. The heirs worship their ancestors on this day to respect and honour them. They recollect their presence and seek their blessings for smooth going in life.

    Kite-Flying: Since ages, Hindus, Muslims & Sikhs get together and cheer the communal harmony.  In Lahore (Pakistan), commoners call it ‘Jashn-e-Bahara’. They fly kites with extreme excitement. But sadly, the government had banned this celebration six years ago. Hopefully, this ban will be lifted up this year.

    For Sikhs, it’s special moment to enjoy the birthday bash of the martyr ‘Ram Singh Kuka’. He sacrificed his life for the sake of his countrymen.

    Sair-E-Gul Faroshan: This festival glorifies secularism in India. People of various religions assemble for the procession. Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan is the traditional practice that has been in the trend before independence. The crowd in the zeal of this festival spins big fans of marigold flowers. Holding the idol of goddess Saraswati decorated with yellow mustard and marigold flowers and clad, devotees walk through the labyrinthine lanes of Chandni Chawk. The procession ends at Gauri-Shankar temple where the idol is placed. The entire atmosphere echoes with the mesmerizing voice of drums (dhol) and tasha (percussion).

    Why do we wear yellow dress on this festival?

    The colour ‘Yellow’ signifies knowledge and intellectual energy. Basant demonstrates joy and celebration. Since ages, it has been popularly defines the presence of mighty god in the form of intelligence. However, we haven’t witnessed the true face of god. This day recounts the power of almighty.

    Muslims celebrate ‘Sufi Basant’

    It’s all in your head if you think Basant Panchmi as the festival of Hindus only. For Muslims, it is the day of ‘Sufi Basant’.  At Ajmer Sharif mosque in Rajasthan, the muslim community also recounts the moment when their beloved saint ‘Nizamuddin Aulia’ cheered.

    The death of aulia’s nephew (Taqiuddin Nooh) locked his happiness inside. He lamented profoundly. Abandoning joy, he chose sorrow and used to spend his day & night at the grave of his nephew. On hearing it, his disciple & renowned poet ‘Amir Khusro’ cracked jokes and played pranks to make him laugh. But nothing bothered him.

    One day, Aulia walked through the fields where he watched women in yellow cloths. It was the season of spring. Amir Khusro wore yellow ‘ghagra’ and ‘chunni’. Veiling his face, he pretended as a woman and began singing a qawwali “Saka Basant Aayo Ri”. Watching him in the disguise, Aulia burst into rapturous laughter.

    This is the reason when Muslims offer yellow mustard and marigold flowers to the Aulia’s dargah.

  • Do You Worship Lord Shiva These Ways for Wealth & Prosperity?

    Lord Shiva is known as the destructor. He is considered as the supernatural power to penetrate balance on the earth. He neither took birth nor can be died. This is why Hindus consider him a deity, a mystical force. It is believed that appeasing him establishes wealth and prosperity in the house.

    But only any but the correct way of worshipping can appease him. Let’s walk through the correct way that priests recommend for revering lord Shiva.
    • Place idol at the bustling place: Since it’s about worshipping, the worshipper must attend clean and keep the place clutter-free. Choose such place where your visit is regular. Avoid isolated or secluded place to establish his idol.
    • Don’t offer turmeric: Avoid worshipping him with turmeric. Since this herb is worldwide famous for its contribution to beauty enhancement. Many cosmetics and beauty products have configured it in their products’ manufacturing. So, it symbolizes beauty which is used in context of females. Conversely, he is a male deity. So, its anointment must be avoided.
    • Avoid vermillion; offer Bael (wood apple) fruit: Vermillion is better known as Sindoor. It symbolizes the husband of a married woman. The wedded women wear it for prolonging the life of their husband. Since lord Shiva is destructive by nature, he must not be worshipped with the accessory that elongates life. He does not like it. Instead, offer bael fruit with Ganges water, sugar, milk and water (Panchamrit) during Shiva puja for getting blessed with long life.
    • Anoint with Sandalwood: Since sandalwood paste soothes and penetrates coolness, Shivlinga should be anointed with it. This practice appeases him.
    • Throw tantrum before shifting: As per Hindu religion, the establishment of any idol requires mandatory rituals. For placing his idol, the priest must throw all the tantrums stated in scriptures. The place where to establish must be clean. Place the idol after pouring some Ganges water with un-boiled milk on it. This process is known as purification.
    • Snake should be coiled in idol: However, his idol should be made of gold, silver or brass. But if the person is incapable of buying it, the idol of bone-china or clay can be a good option. Always remember that the snake must be coiled around his texture.
    • Stream the water over idol: There should have the water streaming over his idol. According to Hindu mythology, he gulped the poison which was as hot as fire. To end that burning sensation, he put on moon-a symbol of coolness.
    According to science, the water is streamed to keep the idol intact and free of cracks. The harsh weather causes cracks with the passage of time. But the flow of water keeps it dewy and moist. Consequently, the cracks and crevices don’t develop.
    • Worship Guari and Ganesha along: The worshipping will not be fruitful until and unless goddess Gauri and lord Ganesha are worshipped with his idol.
    • Offer white flowers: Neither red flower nor yellow ones, he loves white flowers. So, worship him with white flower. Avoid Kewda or Champa flowers since he dislikes them.
    • Don’t eat before worshipping: Pray and worship while starving. Consuming eatables and then, praying could make the deity furious. So, don’t eat before worshipping.

    Hinduism states following rituals as per guidelines mentioned in the scriptures, like vedas and puran. All religious tantrums have scientific aspect also. This is why the method of worshipping each deity varies.

  • How Chhath Pooja is Celebrated?

    Diverse people have diverse beliefs. India portrays its biggest example. In terms of religions and culture, it is the richest of all. Festivals stream the whole year to exhibit its richness. One of such religious riches is the festival of Chhath.

    What is Chhath?

    It’s a Vedic fest that symbolizes the significance and importance of the god ‘Sun’. We all know it’s the life-giver. Our ancestors, too, were well aware of this fact. However, most of the people celebrate it due to its mythological aspect. This aspect influences them to worship Chhathi Maiya-the wife of the Sun.

    Devotees get the spiritual reason to thank the Sun for sustaining life on the earth through this festival.

    When does it fall?

    What a coincidence it is that Chhaths fall twice & follow the biggest Hindu festivals!

    Devotees observe it in summer and winter. During summer, it falls on the Chaitra Shashthi which follows Holi-the festival of colours.

    Every year in the month of Kartika-the Hindi month, or October/November as per Gregorian calendar, the biggest Chhath is observed with reverence. Its occurrence can be forecasted easily since it falls on the sixth day following Diwali-the festival of light, celebration of Govardhan Pooja and Bhai Dooj.

    It is not the one day’s ritual but lasts for four days arduously.

    What’s the reason of celebrating this festival?

    Let’s open the pages of mythology first to know the reason behind its celebration. North Indians dedicate this day to Chhati Maiya. She is the beloved & younger wife of the Sun as per mentions in the Vedas.  Like her, he has two more wives, namely Usha and Pratyusha.

    According to Rig Veda, Usha signifies the first rays of dawn while Pratyusha is its last ray. Both names have Usha in common. This word is considered as the awakening of consciousness. Both provide the sun its energy. This is the concrete reason beneath their worshipping along the sun.

    There is one more extract from Mahabharata exhibiting this fest’s prevalence. Obeying the instructions of sage Dhaumya, Draupadi observed fasting and worshipping the sun. Her all grievances ended afterwards and her husband got dynasty of Indraprastha.

    According to one more account from epic Ramayana, lord Rama and his wife Sita observed fasting on this very day to thank the god Sun for ending their grief of 14 years’ exile. Both restored the peace in life afterwards in their kingdom ‘Ayodhya’.

    How people celebrate it?

    Since it is dedicated to the sun, women keep fast and abstain from water. In return, they want his blessings and long life of their husband and son.

    So, houses, their surroundings and riverbanks are spruced up. They are decorated like a newly-wed bride for performing related tantrum or rituals.

    Nahay Khay/Arwa Arwain:

    As foretold, it lasts for four days. The first day is called Nahay Khay or Arwa Arwain since devotees dip in the river water in the dawn. This way the fasting begins. The Vratins (Women on fasting) can eat dinner on that day.

    Lohanda & Kharna

    It’s the second day when the Vratins keep fasting. Like first day, they have a meal but only after offering it to the sun and the moon in the evening. Puffed pooris, Kheer (of rice) and bananas are eaten as the dinner. It’s the prep prior to the severe fasting of 36 hours long.

    Sandhya Arghya or Pahela Aragh

    It’s celebrated no less than a colourful and pompous carnival. The females with their entire family hurry to the riverbanks for offering Arghya to the setting sun. The folks sing folksongs to chant this occasion’s significance in verses.

    Usha Argyha or Dusra Aragh

    The last day is the most significant as the Parvaitins (fasting women) along with their pan family flock the banks of the water bodies in the dawn. They submerge the water while offering Thekua (Prasad), five different cereals (like parch gram, wheat), fruits and vegetables to the sun.

    They end fasting after distributing the prasad to their neighbours, relatives and friends in the evening.

  • How Hindus Celebrate Govardhan Pooja?

    Festive season brings cheers on the faces of all. Pomp and show attract a lot. Preparations accommodate people and they keep scheduling shopping and gifting frequently. Diwali is the grandest of all festivals of Hindus. It does not fall alone but brings many festivals along. Govardhan Pooja falls next to this pompous celebration.

    In Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and many north Indian states, this festival has its own significance.

    When is Govardhan celebration?

    Govardhan Pooja is also known as Annakut. It falls on the fourth day following Diwali which is the first lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik (as per Hindu calendar).

    What Hindu mythology states?

    As the mythology goes, the demigod ‘Indra’ was in fury. Blinded by his own power of controlling the nature, he cursed the villagers of Mathura. For proving his worth, he caused torrential rain incessantly. The whole Mathura village was on the verve of submerging. It’s all streets were waterlogged. As a rescue ranger, lord Krishna appeared. He directed the folk to the mountain Govardhan. Obeying his instructions villagers followed.

    Then the miracle occurred. The lord lifted the mountain high on his small finger so that the entire folk and cattle could shelter under it. All were scared while seeing the fury of the god of rain. But the rain did not cause any harm to them. Eventually, the demigod bowed down before lord Krishna accepting his defeat.

    To recount that charisma of the lord, this day has been celebrated.

    How to celebrate this festival?

    People carve a structure of a man with cow-dung in the early morning. The small hillocks of dung are also carved out. They are decorated with the branches and flowers. At the navel area, an earthen lamp, fruits, water, Kheel and sweets are kept.

    It is observed in the afternoon or evening. For Annakut, all family members gather at one place. They massage with sesame oil early in the morning before taking bath. Afterwards, all members clad in new dresses. A mound of grains is made. This hillock of grain symbolizes the mountain Govardhan. To recount the miraculous gallantry of the lord, this festival is observed with fervor and whole spirit. The eldest one worships the hillock while circumambulating it. The youngsters follow his footprints while copying the similar rituals.

    Worshipping on this day brings wealth, prosperity, child and happiness to the family. But watching the moon at this night is assumed inauspicious. So, it is prohibited.

  • Spiritual & Scientific Reasons to Celebrate Navratri Fest

    Hindus celebrate Navratri festival every year religiously. Why? There are only a few who clearly know its genuine reason. Most devotees observe it as a customary tradition. And, many have nothing to say but the only excuse, i.e. to follow the footprints of their ancestors blindly.

    Spiritual Reasons:

    • Invoking positivity:

    Our ancestors found reasons for everything. They were scientifically as well as spiritually aware. They saw infallible force in divinity. It’s not hidden from them that solar & climatic changes influence our body profoundly. This is why they took shelter in devotion & meditation to level up energies.

    According to them, Bhadro (in Bengali language) is the month when we notice great dip in our energy level. Sorrow, grief, stress, greed, jealous and hatred overlap our positive energy. To end it, our ancestors invoked lord Ganesha by performing Ganapati Puja for 10 days in the same month.

    Even today, people dedicate these days to the sweet memory of spending good times with ex-grandparents. They don’t forget performing special rites and rituals from anywhere. Let’s say devotees in Brisbane hire priest for Tarpan (a ritual).  It results in bumping positive energy.

    Likewise, the first 9 days of Ashwin month are dedicated to the source of power, i.e. Devi Durga. She killed Mahishasura (a demon) who embodied Kaam (lust), Krodh (anger), Lobh (greed), Moh (attachment), Ahankaar (ego), Darr (fear), Irshyaa (jealous), Jadta (inertia), Nafrat (hate) and Pashchaataap (guilt).  All these negativities low the energy level in a human body. This is why each night of Navratri ends these evils. And when the 10th night falls, people celebrate victory of good (positivity) over bad (negativity) on Dussehra or Durgapuja.

    • Pulling life force:

    Each night of this festival kills an evil thought in us. Why is it observed in night? The actual reason behind it is clear. It’s peaceful. The evil thoughts begin to grip amid such peaceful environment. It’s also believed that negative forces travel at night. This (peace) is the reason. When we light the lamp and meditate, our mind revives and gains focusing power.

    Autumn season ends while leaving several germs and disease-causing microbes. The chanting of mantras (hymns), sound of conch & bells and fragrance of incense kill germs in the air. The aura of devotees improves. It begins to repel negativity. Positivity sweeps it fully within 10 days.

    Apart from these spiritual reasons, there are some facts that confirm its advantages. Let’s catch them also.

    Scientific Reasons

    • Detoxification: Detoxify means free from toxin. Hindus abandon eating spicy food. They swap ginger, garlic, onion, non-vegan food with complete Satvik (fruit diet) food. Since winter onsets with this festival, the body needs detoxification according to Ayurveda. Otherwise, our immunity weakens. For gaining power to fight diseases, it’s better to take off from the routine diet. The fruit diet works as a cleanser & purifies the body.
    • Correct metabolism: Metabolism keeps our body in function. It is our body’s mechanism that can stop working. Careless munching produces extra kilos. Consequently, the fat deposits under skin.

    Fasting helps in shedding those kilos. In the absence of diet, our body breaks down the deposited fat to fuel up. Thereby, extra calories get burnt. Our metabolism gets invigorated.

    • Self-awareness: It’s common to feel like starving now & then. Hunger pangs everyone. But untimely gobbling is the root cause of obesity. Indigestion and acidity can make a person bed-ridden anytime.

    So, fasting is recommended. It’s what the saints advocated for. They entrusted us the secret to inflow the pure thoughts. We receive mindfulness while fasting. It makes us feel good. We feel in love with self. It bestows us a chance to come closer to divinity that dispels negativity. Thereby, confidence boosts up and brain regains sharpness.

    • Self-discipline: Suspending the daily pattern of eating showcases miraculous results. The fasting person learns how to welcome the changes for wellness. It’s a positivity that he embraces. Junk or spicy food is termed as taamasik diet. Eating it regularly incites ego, jealous, anger, hatred, and greed. By accepting satvik food, one sheds demon self and becomes a disciplined person.

    Remember, as you eat as the thoughts come in.