Sharad Purnima

The Sharad Purnima or Kojaagari Purnima or Kumar Purnima is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin (September–October). It marks the end of monsoon. There is a traditional celebration of the moon and is also called the 'Kaumudi celebration', Kaumudi meaning moonlight.

At night, goddess Lakshmi is worshiped and night vigil is observed. According to a folk-tale, once a king fell on evil days, and was in great financial straits, but then his queen observed this fast and night vigil, and worshiped the goddess of wealth, Laxmi. Consequently, they were blessed by the goddess and they regained their prosperity.

It is also believed that on this day as moon and the earth are very close to each other, the moon rays have certain healing properties of nourishing the body and the soul.

Raas Purnima:

On the magnificent night of Sharad purnima Lord Krishna invited Gopis to play the Maha Raas with him. Shri Krishna played his bansari and the sacred Maha Raas began. When Lord Shiva heard this mesmerizing sound of flute, he thought of being the part of this divine happening. Lord Shiva followed the transcendental sound of Krishna’s flute and reached Vrindavan. Shri Krishna recognized Lord Shiva instantly and gave Him the name of Gopeshwar which means – the Lord of gopis.

On the occasion of Sharad purnima 2013, temples across India and exclusively in Vrindavan organise many religious programmes. Special puja and beautiful decoration are done. Krishna bhakt from all over the world gather to seek blessings on this pious night. You can also get benefit of prasad. Click here and get prasad from Banke Bihari temple, Vrindavan.

Kojaagari Poonam:

In Sanskrit, `Ko jaagarti’ means, ‘ who is awake? It is believed that on this night, Goddess Lakshmi moves around asking `Ko jaagarti’. She searches for people below who are awake and gifts them wealth and prosperity.

Rituals for Sharad purnima:

1. The main ritual is worshiping Lord Krishna, Moon and Maa Laxmi.
2. You should keep vigil at night to seek the blessings of Maa Laxmi.
3. Prepare Kheer and keep it in moonlight to get the divine essence.
4. In Gujarat, people perform Garba, Raas and eat rice flakes with milk.
5. Bengalis call it Lokkhi Pujo, they arrange several bhog and worship maa Lakshmi.

Raas 

Raas Purnima

Bakri Id

Bakr-id, to be rightly called Id-ul-Azha, is one of the most important Muslim festivals. This festival is observed and celebrated as a Festival of Sacrifice by Muslims all over the world. It falls on the 10th of Dhul-Hagg, the last month of the lunar year. Bakrid is celebrated in commemoration of Abraham's willingness to offer his only son as a sacrifice at God's command. On this day, goats are sacrificed as an offering. Bakrid is celebrated with great enthusiasm and vigor among Muslims. Men and women dress up in new clothes and go to mosques. They offer special prayers or 'Dua' for the peace and prosperity of all Muslims. After the prayer, sacrifice is done. Muslims greet one another 'Eid Mubarak' and share their warmth. They visit relatives and friends and exchange gifts. Special delicacies and dishes are prepared and served amongst family and friends.


History

The history of Eid-al-Adha/ Bakrid dates back to the times of Ibrahim. On the day of Bakrid, Muslims observe animal sacrifice to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him). Ibrahim dreamt of being commanded by God to sacrifice the person dearest to him to check his obedience. Ibrahim decided to sacrifice his only son Ismail who was just 13 years old at that time. When Ibrahim revealed to him about God's command, he was surprised to see the boy not defying the fact of being sacrificed. When Ibrahim was about to sacrifice the boy, Allah voiced stating that he need not carry out His order, as he had passed the test of devotion. He was further instructed to sacrifice a lamb instead of his only son. Ibrahim, by the Grace of Allah was blessed with another son, Is-haaq (Isaac). The history of Hajj pilgrimage revolves around the surrender of Ibrahim and his family to Allah. Bakrid is a celebration of ardent faith of the believers in Allah and His word Quran. It is recommended that the sacrifice is made in the name of Allah. The offering that is sacrificed is divided into three portions: One being set apart for personal consumption, another part to be distributed amongst friends and relatives and the third part to be given to the poor and needy. 

Celebrations And Rituals

Eid-al-Adha/ Bakrid holds animal sacrifice as one of the most significant aspects in its celebration. In order to honor the event of Ibrahim's attempt to sacrifice his son, Muslims commence animal sacrifice, so as to conform to Allah's command, and Allah's mercy in substituting a lamb for the child. A goat, a sheep or a cow is sacrificed according to the laid down rules. One third of the meat is retained for family, while another third is distributed among friends and relatives and the remaining one third is given in charity for the poor and the needy. People wear new clothes on this occasion. They offer their prayers in a gathering in an open area called Eidgah or a mosque. People engage in animal sacrifice, performed duly in tune with the religious laws. Muslims make it a point to see that everybody becomes a part of the Eid feast. They chant Takbir loudly before and after offering their Eid prayers; the sacrifice is made and distribution of meat takes place. The sacrificed animal needs to meet somecertain age and quality standards as otherwise the animal would be considered inappropriate for sacrifice.

Commonly Celebrated

Bakri-Id, also known as Eid-al-Adha is extremely important to Muslims and thus, they celebrate it with great zeal and enthusiasm. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the 12th month, Dhu a-Hijjah. It occurs after the Hajj pilgrimage, which is the fifth pillar of Islam, undertaken by the Muslims. It is celebrated with ritualistic fervor in Andhra Pradesh and in particular, the old city of Hyderabad.    

Dussehra Messages

Today is the Day whn truth prevail ovr all Evils. 

May God removes all Evils from ur life & fill ur life with joy & prosperity. 

Happy Dussehra

May God bless you with all success on the auspicious occasion 

of Dussahra and you may be capable of defeating all evils of your life. 

Happy Vijaya Dashami.

Happy Vijayadashami – Wish this Dussehra bring 3 high in your life. 

High Devotion, 

Determination 

Dedication 

which will take you to dream destination.

May this Dussehra, 

Light up for you. 

The hopes of Happy times, 

And dreams for a year full of smiles! 

Wish you Happy Dussehra.

Why we celebrate Dussehra? 

bcoz ADHARM per DHARM, 

JHOOTH per SATYA, 

ANYAY per NYAY 

or 

BURAI per ACCHAI ki vijay ho… 

*Happy Dussehra*

Burai par acchai ki jeet !! 

Dussehra lata hai ek ummed…. 

Ravan ki tarah hamare dukhon ka ant ho…. 

Ek nai shuruat ho ek naye savere k saath… 

*Happy Dussehra*

Good Health And Success 

Ward Off Evil Lords Blessings 

Happy Dussehra Yummy Dussehra 

Triumph Over Evil 

Joyous Festive Season 

Spirit Of Goodness… 

Happy Vijaya Dashami!

An auspicious day to start with any good work 

It was today that good won victory over bad

May this day clear all hurdels of your life and 

start new era of well being. 

*Happy dussehra*

JAI SRI RAM May God shower 

His choicest Blessings on you 

and you win over every hurdle in life! 

Happy Dussehra!

Fortunate is the one 

Who has learned to admire, 

But not to envy. 

Good wishes for a joyous Dussehra, 

With a plenty of peace and prosperity. 

Happy Dussehra.

Troubles-as light as Air; 

Love-as deep as Ocean; 

Friends-as solid as Diamonds; 

And Success-as bright as Gold! 

These are the wishes for you and your family on this auspicious day of Dussehra! 

Happy Dussehra!

I PRAY THIS DUSSEHRA SHOWERS UPON YOU.. 

1. SHANTI 

2. SHAKTI 

3. SAIYAM 

4. SAMMAAN 

5. SARALTA 

6. SAFALTA 

7. SAMRIDHI 

8. SANSKAAR 

9. SWAASTHYA. 

*Happy Dassara*

Troubles as light as Air, 

love as deep as Ocean, 

Friends as Solid as Diamonds, 

and Success as bright as Gold… 

These are the wishes for you and 

your family on the day of DUSSEHRA. 

Happy Dussehra!

Celebrate The Victory Of 

The Force Of Good Over Evil. 

Lets Celibrate An Auspicious 

Day To Begin New Thing In 

Life. 

Happy Dussera.

Long live the tradition of Hindu culture, 

as the generations have passed by, 

Hindu culture is getting stronger and stronger 

lets keep it up. 

Best Wishes for Dussehra….

As the candlelight flame 

Your life may always be happy, 

As the mountain high 

You move without shy, 

As sunshine creates morning glory 

fragrance fills years as Flory, 

All darkness is far away 

As light is on its way. 

Wishing You all a very 

Happy Dussehra.

@@@('_')@@@ <) )__/ _/ \_ 

Meine Ravan Bhej Diya Hai 

Ab Aap Apne Mobile Mein 

Patakhe Laga Ke Aag Laga Dena. 

"HAPPY DUSHERA.

Aptyachi Pan, Fulancha Vas, 

Aaj Ahe Divas Khup Khas, 

Tula Sarv Sukh Labho ya Jagat, 

Premane Bhetuya apan Ya Dasryat. 

Wishing You Happy Dussehra!

RAWAN ke dus Sar, 

bees Aakhein, 

par Nazar Ek hi ladki par, 

Aapka Sar ek, 

Aankhein do, 

par Nazar har ladki par. 

Ab batao ki……? Asli Rawan kaun? 

Wish u Happy Dussehra!

As Shri Ram kills Ravana 

And comes back to people he loves, 

As Maa Durga kills Mahish-asura, 

And prepares to go back to her heavenly abode, 

May these gud-over-evil stories, 

Inspire you towards your own victories! 

To meet great targets!Aspire & Stretch! 

Tide over bad-times! 

Make the best of your good-times! 

And just enjoy! 

Wishing U and your family 

A Very Happy Vijaya Dashami & a Happy Dussehra.

May Saraswathi play on your tongue & lips,

Laxmi play on your palms, 

Parvathi in your heart, 

Durga on your arms, 

Wish you a *HAPPY DUSSERA*

This Dusshera, I wish you to develop all the qualities of Lord Rama. 

May you be an ideal son, a perfect brother and an idyllic husband! 

Happy Dusshera!

Dusshera signifies the victory of good over evil. 

May all the evils in and around you vanish by the virtue of the goodness in and around you. 

Happy Dusshera!

This Dusshera, I wish you to develop all the qualities of Lord Rama. 

May you be an ideal son, a perfect brother and an idyllic husband! 

Happy Dusshera!

Dusshera signifies the victory of good over evil. 

May all the evils in and around you vanish by the virtue of the goodness in and around you. 

Happy Dusshera!

Good Health And Success 

Ward Off Evil 

Lords Blessings 

Happy Dussehra 

Yummy Dussehra 

Triumph Over Evil 

Joyous Festive Season 

Spirit Of Goodness… 

Happy Dussehra.. !

An auspicious day to start with any good work.. 

It was today that good won victory.. 

over bad May this day clear all.. 

hurdels of your life and start.. 

new era of wellbeing 

Happy Dussehra….!!

May Lord Rama always… 

keep showering his blessings upon you…. 

May your life be prosperous and.. 

trouble free throughout. 

Happy Dussehra.

Dussehra

 Dussehra

Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami, Dasara, or Dashain) is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is a gazetted holiday in India, which is marked on the 10th day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Ashvin (Ashwayuja), according to the Hindu calendar.

The name Dussehra is derived from Sanskrit Dasha-hara literally means removal of ten referring to Lord Rama's victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana. The day also marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demons Mahishasur. The name Vijayadashami is also derived from the Sanskrit words "Vijaya-dashmi" literally meaning the victory on the dashmi (Dashmi being the tenth lunar day of the Hindu calendar month).

As the name suggests Vijayadashmi or Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the month of Ashwin according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar which corresponds to September or October of the Gregorian calendar. The first nine days are celebrated as Maha Navratri or Sharada Navratri (the most important Navratri) and culminates on the tenth day as Dasara.

In India, the harvest season begins at this time and so the Mother Goddess is invoked to start the new harvest season and reactivate the vigor and fertility of the soil. This is done through religious performances and rituals which are thought to invoke cosmic forces that rejuvenate the soil. Many people of the Hindu faith observe through social gatherings and food offerings to the gods at home and in temples throughout Nepal and India.

Victory of God Rama over Ravana

On this day in the Treta Yug, Rama, also called Shri Ram, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, killed the great demon Ravana who had abducted Rama's wife Sita to his kingdom of Lanka. Rama, his brother Lakshmana, their follower Hanuman and an army of monkeys fought a great battle to rescue Sita. The entire narrative is recorded in the epic Ramayana, a Hindu scripture.

Rama had performed "Chandi Homa" and invoked the blessings of Durga, who blessed Rama with secret knowledge of the way to kill Ravana. On the day of Ashvin Shukla Dashami, Rama's party found Sita and defeated Ravana. Thus it is termed as Vijaya Dashami. Based on the inferences from Valmiki’s Ramayana, Kalidas’s Raghuvans, Tulsidas’s Ram Charit Manas, and Keshavdas's Ram Chandra Yas Chandrika as well as common perception in India, Rama, Sita, and of Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya on the 30th day of Ashvin (19–20 days after Vijayadashmi). To mark the return of Lord Rama, in the evening, the residents of Ayodhya lit their city with millions of earthen lamps (called Deepak). Since then, this day is celebrated in India as Deepawali or Diwali.

Many people perform "Aditya Homa" as a "Shanti Yagna" and recite Sundara Kanda of Srimad Ramayana for 5 days. These Yagna performances are thought to create powerful agents in the atmosphere surrounding the house that will keep the household environment clean and healthy. These rituals are intended to rid the household of the ten bad qualities, which are represented by 10 heads of Ravana as follows:

Kama vasana (Lust)
Krodha (Anger)
Moha (Attachment)
Lobha (Greed)
Mada (Over Pride)
Matsara (Jealousy)
Swartha (Selfishness)
Anyaaya (Injustice)
Amanavta (Cruelty)
Ahankara (Ego).

Some householders perform Yagnas thrice daily along with Sandhya Vandana, which is also called Aahavaneeya Agni, Grahapatya Agni or Dakshina Agni. In addition, the Aditya Homa is performed with the Maha Surya Mantras and the Aruna Prapathaka of the Yajurveda. These mantras are believed to keep the heart, brain and digestive functions in balance in the absence of adequate sunlight in the winter months.

Victory of Durga Mata over Mahishasura

Some of the demons, or Asuras, were very powerful and ambitious and continually tried to defeat the Devas, or Gods, and capture Heaven. One Asura, Mahishasura, in the form of a buffalo, grew very powerful and created havoc on the earth. Under his leadership, the Asuras defeated the Devas. The world was crushed under Mahishasura's tyranny, the Devas joined their energies into Shakti, a single mass of incandescent energy, to kill Mahishasura.

A very powerful band of lightning emerged from the mouths of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and a young, beautiful female virgin with ten hands appeared. All the Gods gave their special weapons to her. This Shakti coalesced to form the goddess Durga. Riding on a lion, who assisted her, Durga fought Mahishasura. The battle raged for nine days and nights. Finally on the tenth day of Ashvin shukla paksha, Mahishasura was defeated and killed by Durga.


Hence Dasha-Hara is also known as Navratri or Durgotsav and is a celebration of Durga's victory. Durga, as Consort of Lord Shiva, represents two forms of female energy – one mild and protective and the other fierce and destructive.

Navratri Garba

Navratri Garba Dance

In Gujarat, Garba is performed on festive occasions like Navratri, Sharad Purnima, Vasant Panchami and Holi. When the folk dance is performed during the nine nights of Navratri, it symbolizes the worship of Goddess Jagdamba. The dance is performed by generally women, but men also take part nowadays. The performers stand in a circular form, to perform the dance. The word 'Garba' is derived from 'Garbha Deep', a lamp placed inside a perforated earthen pot or Garba. The perforated pot is illuminated by the lamp inside it, which represents the embryonic life. According to the legends, Usha, the grand daughter-in-law of Lord Krishna, popularized Lasya Nritya, which is today known by the name - Garba. 

In the primitive form of Garba dance, the women place the pot 'Garba', with lamp on their head and move in a circular motion. They sing and clap their hands simultaneously and synchronize their circular steps, very gracefully. The dance is accompanied by folk instruments. The pot is filled with a betel nut and a silver coin. On top of it, a coconut is place, giving it the appearance of a holy 'Kumbh'. In the interiors of Gujarat, there exists a tradition, according to which, women place the perforated earthen pot (with the lamp inside it) at the center on a stool and dance around it, by clapping their hands and singing songs in the praise of Goddess Jagdamba. 

During the festive season of Navratri, Garba dance performances begin at the night. The performances are arranged by different clubs and cultural committees. During the 'Garba night', the participants gather at an open space, a club or at street corners. They stand in a circle, around an idol or photograph of the goddess that is kept in the center. The dance begins with beats in slow tempo. As the dance proceeds, the energy level of the participants is heightened due to the fast beat and tempo of the music. The music is synchronized by a drummer, who sits in the center of the dancers.

Navratri Garba is the most colorful form of the dance. The performers, both men and women, would clad themselves in colorful and magnetically attractive traditional attire. The most chosen attire for the dance is sari, worn in the typical Gujarati style. In Saurashtra region, the performers would wear magnificently embroidered petticoats (Ghaghara) with a backless choli (kapdu), accessorized with a head cover (odhani). They would adorn themselves with lots of silver jewelry on their head. Their male counterpart would wear kediyum (shirt) and vajani (trouser), with a rumal (printed headpiece). Drum, harmonium and naal are the musical instruments usually used for Garba dance.

Navratri History

History of Navratri

Navratri is a very important Hindu festival celebrated in India, which is devoted to Goddess Durga. The festival is celebrated with great reverence and faith across the country. It stretches over a period of nine days, with each of the nine days being dedicated to one of the nine forms of the Goddess. Talking about the history of Navratri festival, it can be explained through the stories mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. In case you want to know more about them, explore the information given below

History & Origin Of Navratri

In different parts of India, different legends describe the history of Navratri:

The legend in North India goes that Mahishasura, the mighty demon, worshipped Lord Shiva and obtained the power of eternity. Soon, he started killing and harassing innocent people and set out to win all the three lokas. The gods in swargaloka appealed to Lord Shiva, to find a way to get rid of the demon. To protect the world from the atrocities of Mahishasura, the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva united their powers and created a divine female warrior, known as Goddess Durga. Mahishasura, when he saw the divine beauty of Goddess Durga, got mesmerized. 

So fascinated was Mahishasura by Goddess Durga's beauty that he approached her with the intention of marriage. The goddess agreed to marry him, but put forth a condition - Mahishasura would have to win over her in a battle. Mahishasura, proud as he was, agreed immediately! The battle continued for 9 nights and at the end of the ninth night, Goddess Durga beheaded Mahishasura. The nine nights came to be known as Navratri, while the tenth day was called Vijayadashmi, the tenth day that brought the triumph of good over evil. 

As per the legend prevalent in East India, Daksha, the king of the Himalayas, had a beautiful and virtuous daughter called Uma. She wished to marry Lord Shiva, since her childhood. In order to win over the Lord, she worshipped him and managed to please him as well. When Shiva finally came to marry her, the tiger-skin clad groom displeased Daksha and he broke off all the relationships with his daughter and son-in-law. One fine day, Daksha organized a yagna, but did not invite Lord Shiva for the same. 

Uma got so angry at her father's rude behavior, towards her husband, that she decided to end her life by jumping into the agnikund of the yagna, where she was united with eternity (since then, she came to be known as Sati). However, she took re-birth and again won Shiva as her groom and peace was restored. It is believed that since then, Uma comes every year with Ganesh, Kartik, Saraswati and Laxmi and two of her best friends or 'sakhis', called Jaya and Bijaya, to visit her parent's home during Navratri. 

Yet another legend of Navratri relates to the Hindu epic Ramayana. It goes that Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga in nine aspects, for nine days, in order to gather the strength and power to kill Ravana. He wanted to release Sita from the clutches of powerful demon king Ravana, who had abducted her. Those nine nights became to be known as Navratri and the tenth day, on which Lord Rama killed Ravana, came to be called Vijayadashmi or Dusshera, signifying Rama's (good) triumph over Ravana (evil).

Gandhi Jayanti

Gandhi Jayanti - A tribute to 'Father of the Nation'

 

Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram

Sitaram, Sitaram,
Bhaj Pyare Mana Sitaram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram

Ishwar Allah Tero Nam,
Sabako Sanmati De Bhagawan
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram

Mukhmen Tulsi Ghatamen Ram,
Jab Bolo Tab Sitaram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram

Hathose Karo Gharka Kam,
Mukhase Bolo Sitaram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram

Kaushalyaka Vhala Ram,
Dashrathjika Pyara Ram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram

Bansivala Hay Ghanshyam,
Dhanushya Dhari Sitaram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram

 

Gandhi Jayanti or Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti is observed every year as a national holiday to commemorate the birth of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (October 2, 1869 - January 30, 1948). His non-violence or satyagraha continues to influence political leaders and movements till date. The celebration and essence of Gandhi Jayanti is not restricted within India and also observed by the United Nations as the International Day of non-violence that aims to disseminate his philosophy, principle and believe in non-violence through proper education and public awareness.

Celebration of Gandhi Jayanti is also a moment to relive Mohandas Gandhi's life and contribution in India's Independence. Born in a small coastal town Porbandar in Gujarat, Gandhi married Kasturbai Makhanji at the age of 13. His childhood memories and experiences are vividly depicted by him in his autobiography My experiments with truth. Gandhi at the age of 18 went to England to study law and returned to India in 1915. After his homecoming, he led nationwide stir for achieving Sawaraj, abolition of social evils, empowering women rights and improving economic conditions of peasants and farmers. He further strengthened his movement against the British Raj and led Indians in protesting Dandi March Salt in 1930 that was later followed by the popular Quit India in 1942 calling British to leave India.

At Raj Ghat, New Delhi, and across India, people gather to observe Gandhi Jayanti in innovative ways that includes offering flowers on Gandhi's pictures, statues and singing his favourite devotional song Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram.

The government offices, banks, schools and post offices remain closed on Gandhi Jayanti to pay homage to 'Father of the Nation'. Additionally, as a tribute to this great soul, the Indian government mint rupee notes and also issue postage stamp depicting Mahatma Gandhi's photo. In May 19, 2011 at Geneva, a 1948 10 Rupee Mahatma Gandhi stamp was auctioned for a whopping price of US $205,000 making it a world record as the most pricey modern postal stamp from any country.

Many ardent followers make effort to preserve Gandhi's belongings, works and writings through various means with the support of governments and non-profit organizations. Online portals are also acting as major contributors in preserving and providing information on Mahatma Gandhi and about Gandhi Jayanti celebration.

The significance of Gandhi Jayanti celebration transcends beyond commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's birth and his life as followers renounce violence and entirely devote themselves to Gandhi's philosophy and principles of Ahimsa i.e living a life by following non-violence.

The celebration of Gandhi Jayanti conventionally kicks off by singing prayers, offering flowers, lighting candles and garlanding Gandhiji's photo or statue. Mahatma Gandhi's life and principles has inspired lives of all ages. And if you are enthusiastic to explore more about him and Gandhi Jayanti, then Gandhi Jayanti 2013 is the right time to become familiar with his perpetual and valuable philosophy, and also his role as an architect of Indian Independence.