Category: Festivals

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Festivals

Feminine Era: Celebrating the Women’s day

International Women’s Day celebrated each year on March 8 remains as a vibrant day in the women’s calendar. In the words of Late Pt Jawaharlal Nehru: “You can’t tell the condition of a nation by looking at the status of its women“.

As we will be celebrating women’s day on 8th March, I feel that it is my duty to express my gratitude to all women in my life, as a mother, sister, friend, and peer to all known and unknown women.

International Women’s Day (8 March) is an occasion marked by women’s groups around the world. This date is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday. When women on all continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, come together to celebrate their Day.

International Women’s Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. In ancient Greece, Lysistrata initiated a sexual strike against men in order to end war; during the French Revolution, Parisian women calling for “liberty, equality, and fraternity” marched on Versailles to demand women’s suffrage.

The idea of an International Women’s Day first arose at the turn of 20th century, which in the industrialized world was a period of expansion and turbulence, booming population growth and radical ideologies.

International Women’s Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. In ancient Greece, Lysistrata initiated a sexual strike against men in order to end war; during the French Revolution, Parisian women calling for “liberty, equality, and fraternity” marched on Versailles to demand women’s suffrage.

The idea of an International Women’s Day first arose at the turn of 20th century, which in the industrialized world was a period of expansion and turbulence, booming population growth and radical ideologies.

Forbes magazine has made a list of the 100 most powerful women in the world. Magazine looked for women who run countries, big firms or influential nonprofits organization for compiling the list. Their rankings are a combination of two scores: visibility in press and media and the size of the organization or country these women lead.

Top ten ladies selected for year 2010 are

1. Michelle Obama (First Lady Michelle Obama,U.S.)

'Operation Gratitude' at Rfk Stadium in Washington, D.C., America - 19 Jan 2009

2. Irene Rosenfeld (Chief Executive, Kraft Foods)

3. Oprah Winfrey (Talk show host and media mogul)

oprah

4. Angela Merkel (Chancellor, Germany)

5. Hillary Rodham Clinton (Secretary of State, U.S.)

6. Indra Nooyi (Chief Executive, Pepsico, India)

7. Lady Gaga (Singer and performance artist)

8. Gail Kelly (Chief Executive, Westpac)

9. Beyoncé Knowles (Singer and fashion designer)

10. Ellen DeGeneres (Talk show host)

The list of dedicated dynamic women personalities of Udaipur are

  • Ms.Girija vyas( Chairperson of National Women Commission)

  • Rajni Dangi (Sabhapati of Muncipal corporation)

  • Mrs.Padmaja Kumari (Jt. Managing Director, HRH Group of Hotels)

  • Mrs. Anshu Kothari (Secretary General of Udaipur Chambers Of Commerce and Indust)

  • Mrs.Shradha Gattani( Managing Director, Oriental Palace Resorts)

  • Dr. Sweety Chhabra(Managing Director, NICC)

  • Mrs. Alka Sharma (Founder, Central Public School (CPS)),

  • Mrs.Meera Ranawat (Chairperson of Techno India NJR Inst. of Technology)
  • DR. Sudha Kothari (Gynecologist)

and many more like them working in their respective field with hats off confidence and grace.

Women are often not thanked or shown gratitude. I doubt if a man can ever do what a woman does and manage both the career and family with the patience and zeal of a woman. A man too takes care of both but there are many aspects that a woman is capable of doing but a man is not. It’s not to put down the men, but we have all witnessed this at our place and elsewhere, so I take the liberty in saying these powerful statements.

Honouring Gratitude from Team UdaipurBlog to all Women across the globe.

You May Also Check : It’s our day – It’s Women’s Day

– By Chetna Purohit

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About the author – Chetna Purohit is a young Udaipurite pursuing her Engineering in Computer Science (2nd Year).

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Festivals Photos and Videos

Eid-Milad-un-Nabi fete transcended Udaipur

Today Udaipur Saw massive Eid-Milad-un-Nabi celebration where Muslims celebrated the birth of Prophet Mohammed. Milad-un-Nabi  is also known as Barawafat or Mawlid.

Eid-Milad-un-Nabi

The Birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet is remembered on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal of the Islamic lunar calendar year by all Muslims. The Holy Quran was revealed by the Holy Prophet Muhammad. The same day marks the death anniversary of the Holy Prophet.

In India the Biggest Processions of Sunni Muslims are celebrated. Today more than 1 Lakh people gathered and covered almost 10-15 Kms of Udaipur City. The Procession was started from city centre from Anjuman passing through Ghanta Ghar, Hathi Pole, Silawat wadi, Chandpol, Ambavgarh, Mulla talai and finally ended at the Shrine of Hazrat Maulaana Zahirul Hasan Saahab Rehmatullah Alaih.

To celebrate the event whole city was decorated by Green flags and Lightning’s. In Procession people enjoyed the various dishes like Kheer, Mutton Pulao, Gajar Ka Halwa, Ice Creams, Sharbat, Badaam Shake etc.

Important facts:

  • It is one of the biggest Procession of India celebrated by Sunni Muslims.
  • Approx 1 Lakh people participated in the traditional Milad-un-Nabi procession, which was described as the biggest-ever.
  • Procession of Milad-un-Nabi is continuously celebrated from 1965.
  • The procession starts from Anjuman and ends at Shrine of Hazrat Maulaana Zahirul Hasan Saahab Rehmatullah Alaih.
  • Procession covered the 10 Km city area.

Here are few snaps of Procession:

eid-milad-un-nabi-1


eid-milad-un-nabi-2



eid-milad-un-nabi-2




Article contributed by :

Raza Rahil Hussain.

Categories
Festivals

India: Where we stand on our 62nd Republic Day

UB republic day

How we reached so far: from Independent to a Republic country

The foundation of independence laid before 150 years in 1857, which is described as First war of Independence got success after 100 long years of struggle and on 15th August 1947 when a new democratic country which has taken over the attention of the world with it’s principles of non-violence and peace.

India obtained its independence but did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead, its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935. On 28 August 1947, the Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar as chairman. A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Assembly on 4 November 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. . This committee finally drafted with 395 Articles and 8 Schedules and it was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949.  After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on 24 January 1950. On this day Rajendra Prasad was elected as first President of India. After two days i.e on 26 January 1950 the Constitution of India came into effect, a date celebrated annually as Republic Day in India. 26 January 1950 is one of the most important days in Indian history as it was on this day the constitution of India came into force and India became a truly sovereign country.

On 26 January 1950 India developed into a democratic republic with a president, prime minister and a council of ministers, all who are elected by the public. India’s full title is The Republic of India and today it is the largest full democracy in the world.

 

India – Development since 1950

 

Agriculture

Before independence India was a country which relied heavily on agriculture. After independence this remained much the same, even today India ranks second worldwide in agricultural output. Agriculture and allied sectors like logging, forestry and fishing accounted for 15.7% of India’s GDP in 2009, employed 60% of the total workforce and despite a steady decline of its share in the GDP, is still the largest economic sector in the country. India has always been a major grower of cash crops such as tea, tobacco, coffee and spices while also being a world leader in exporting many varieties of fruit. Although India has developed many modern and innovative means of farming the agricultural sector in India remains synonymous with poverty. The majority of India’s farmers earn less than $2 (USD) per day growing rice on tiny family-owned plots.

 

Services


The services sector employs 23% of the Indian workforce and began its rapid development in the 1980s, this is in comparison with approx.4.5% in the 1960s. The stimulus for the spurt in growth in the services sector came from two main areas: a substantial stepping up of public investment and also the emergence of a highly educated Indian workforce who were willing to work for far lower wages than their European counterparts. The services sector accounted for 63% of Indian GDP in 2008-09 and as per the Central Statistical Organisation this figure has continued to grow.

 

Industrialization


Before independence India was a largely agriculture-based country. Post-independence, the Indian private sector began attempts to expand. It has since handled the change by squeezing costs, revamping management, focusing on designing new products and relying on low labour costs and technology. Technology has been one of the main cornerstones of India’s industrial development. Information Technology sector accounted for 5.9% GDP. Mining and other energy exploits have also been one of the main areas which have pushed the industrialization of India since independence. India has the third largest coal reserves in the world. Nuclear power is a very large source of electrical consumption in India. As of 2010, India has 19 nuclear power plants in operation generating 4,560 MW while four other are under construction and are expected to generate an additional 6000 MW. This recent development has coincided with further industrialization of many of India’s cities.

The development of India since independence has changed it into a democratic, industrial country at the forefront of becoming a big global power. However due to this rapid change and urbanization, India faces many problems. The country is facing many sustainability issues in the near future which will be discussed below.

 

India and Future Sustainable Development

Poverty

Poverty is an everyday sight in India but something which must be addressed or it will negatively affect the country’s future sustainability. According to a 2005 World Bank estimate 42% of the Indian population fall below the international poverty line. Although this is a major increase on the figure of 87% in 1980 it is still a shocking statistic. If India is to become a truly developed country it must develop a form of social welfare scheme, this means that at current poverty levels close to 240 million people would be availing of welfare benefits. This is a figure which is simply not viable, therefore if India is to sustain development into the future it must do something to lower poverty levels.

 

The Environment and Pollution

Although India is low on the carbon emissions scale compared to countries such as America its carbon levels are still very high and steadily increasing. India is emitting 1.17 tonnes of CO2 per person per year and this is an ever-increasing figure. Most of these carbon emissions are coming from factories and industry. India’s main fossil fuel is coal (a very high polluter) means that air pollution levels will probably continue to increase. However there have been some encouraging signs in recent years as the government and legislators have begun a major drive to invest in clean technology and recycling facilities.

 

Water

India has huge problems with water pollution. The river Ganges is considered to be one of the world’s dirtiest rivers and still an estimated 2 million people bathe in its waters everyday due to Hindi beliefs and culture. Some sources even say that India’s water pollution problem is so bad that 70% of available water in India is contaminated. Indian officials must act to create sewerage treatment plants in order to reverse the country’s unprecedented levels of water pollution.

Another Sustainability issue which India faces in the future is the problem of water availability. According to World Watch Institute, Indian demand for water in urban areas is expected to triple by 2025. Another big problem is that actual water reserves look set to deteriorate due to global warming. 80% of India’s water comes from the Himalayas, either from rainwater or melting glaciers. If current projections are correct global warming will melt many of the Himalayan glaciers away by 2030 and this would result in the level of many of India’s main rivers dropping further pushing water demand.

Poverty and the Environment

The links between poverty and pollution and environmental-damage can be seen everywhere in India. The use of rivers as sewers is common to Indian slum areas. However to blame India’s poor for the environmental degradation would be a huge mistake. It is the lack of resources and facilities provided to the poor which results in the level of damage occurring in India. However there are many methods which the Indian government could use to tackle both problems i.e. reduce poverty by tackling environmental degradation.

  • Strengthen participation by the poor in decision-making related to access to environmental resources: People in India’s poorest areas should be involved in deciding where sewerage should be provided and how best to provide clean water as their local expertise would be vital.
  • Employ only local people in the building of environmental resources in their slum areas: This would boost the local economy and also create a sense of pride in environmental resources within the community.
  • Expand the natural asset base of the poor: By providing free plots of land to the countries poor India could promote a sense of environmentalism and a respect for nature while also providing economic assistance to the poor.

 

Conclusion

India has developed from an agricultural country into an urbanized, industrialized country. However this has led to many problems for the country including poverty and environmental damage. However it is not too late for India to fix its problems and hopefully in the future we will see this happening.

“Mother Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need but not every man’s greed”

– Mohandas Gandhi.

Appeal to people of India

We the people of India should participate in development of Indian directly or indirectly. Instead of always finding negative things and only talk over that, we should work together to eradicate the negative things and polish positive things.

 

Team UdaipurBlog wishes all the readers a very Happy Republic Day

– By Monika Jain

Categories
Festivals

Happy Makar Sankranti : Uttarayana 2011

Makar Sankranthi, or Sankranti is a popular Indian festival. It is celebrated in many parts of the country and also in some other parts of the world with great zeal and enthusiasm. It is a harvest festival which is basically celebrated in the Hindu communities. In Indian, the states of Bihar, Bengal, Punjab, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu celebrate the festival with great fervor and gusto.In Tamil Nadu the festival is known as Pongal, in Assam as Bhogali Bihu, in Punjab, as Lohiri, in Gujarat and Rajasthan, as Uttarayana.

The festival of Makar Sankranti marks the day when the sun begins its northward journey as scientifically said that around December 21-22 is the shortest day of the year. After that the day span usually gets longer. Hence, Winter Solstice actually begins around this date when the tropical sun moves into the Makar rashi or Capricorn zodiac sign and enters the sign of Makar (the Capricorn) from the Tropic of Cancer. It is like the movement of sun from Dakshinayana (south) to Uttarayana (north) hemisphere.This day falls on the 14th of January every year according to the Hindu Solar Calendar. The festival is considered to be a day from where onwards all the auspicious and ritualistic ceremonies can be solemnized in any Hindu family.This is thus considered as the holy phase of transition.

Makar Sankranti holds special significance in the solar calendar as on this day, the duration of the day and night remains equal. There are several important legends and myths associated with the origin of Makar Sankranti. The special significance of this day was recognized even by the Aryans and they largely celebrated the festival of Makar Sankranti. Warrior-hero Bhishma Pitamah even after being offended in the Mahabharata war lingered on till Uttarayana set in. Death on this day is set to bring Moksha or recovery for the deceased.

Since the festival is celebrated in the mid winter, the food prepared for this festival are such that they keep the body warm and give high energy. Laddu of til made with Jaggery (Gul)is specialty of the festival.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated all across the country with great zeal, vigor and fervor. India being such a diverse country, all states celebrate this festival in their own individual style, tradition and culture.For the people in the Indo Gangetic plain, the day begins with taking dips in the Ganga and offering water to the Sun God. The dip is said to purify the self and bestow punya. Special puja is offered as a thanksgiving for good harvest. According to folklore, girls who take the holy dip get handsome husbands and boys get beautiful brides.

While in the Western part of the country like in Gujarat and Rajasthan (including Udaipur) people offer prayers to the Sun God. They do this by flying beautiful kites.While in mewar junction of Rajasthan (including Udaipur) people also play Sitoliya (a game with 7 marble pieces and a ball). Although Kite flying festivals are organized throughout the country it takes place mostly in western India.

In rural places, cock fight is organised by the people. The villagers make merry by eating the cock which loses the competition.On this day, Saraswati, Goddess of Knowledge, is also paid respect.In South India, Makar Sankranti is a four-day long festival, each day signifying something important.People decorate their houses with mango leaves. Sesame sweets are prepared as a part of the festive feast.A dish made of rice called “Pongal” is relished on Sankranthi. This is the main delicacy of the festival in the south.

The festival of Makar Sankranti ties up states as flowers into a scared thread of joy and affection. Just like tying up many color flowers to one thread to increase its beauty. This festival also increases the dignity of nation by tying the states together so wish you all have a bombastic and joyfull Makar Sankranti.

Udaipurblog Team wishes you all a Very Happy Makar Sankranti !!! 🙂

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Festivals

Tulsi Vivah – A Start to Marriage Season

tulsi pooja

OM Tulsayei Vidmahe
Vishnu Priyayei Dhimahi
Tanno Vrinda Prachodayat.

The celebration of Tulsi Vivah festival takes place on a grand scale in India every year.Tulsi Puja is dedicated to Tulsi, the sacred plant. Tulsi Vivah is the other name for celebration of Tulsi Pooja.

Tulsi vivah is conducted on the next day after Kartiki Akadashi.As a part of festivity celebration, tulsivrindavan is adorned like a bride. Along with tulsi the plants of amla sugarcane and tamarind are planted.Special feast is prepared consisting of delicious vegetarian dishes.A full meal consisting of puri rice sweet potato kheer moongachi gathi red pumpkin vegetable is offered to Tulsi Vrindavan in the afternoon time.The ceremony of wedding takes place during evening.Several dishes made from poha are served to Lord Vishnu. Prasad is then distributed amongst all.This ceremonial day marks the beginning of the auspicious marriage season for Hindus.

Tulsi Vivah—: Tulsi vivah is a grand festivity that has a lot of significance for Hindus.There is an interesting legend behind the celebration of Tulsi vivah festival.Tulsi is considered to be an incarnation of Maha Lakshmi who was born as Vrinda in her previous birth.Tulsi was married to a demon king Jalandhar.She offered prayers to Lord Vishnu to protect her husband from being harmed by any God.Several Gods approached Lord Vishnu and requested him to take the form of Jalandhar and live with Tulasi without letting her know about the truth. To know the complete story read on. Lord Vishnu agreed to the request and did as told by other Gods.After the death of Vrindas husband when truth was known to her she cursed Lord Vishnu and converted him into a stone i.e.Shaligram and after that she collapsed.From her body came out a tulsi plant.It is due to this reason that Vishnu puja is regarded incomplete without the presence of Tulsi leaves.Since then every year Tulsi is married to Lord Vishnu and the event is known as Tulasi Shaligram Vivah.It is said that the person who performs the custom of giving away Tulsi to Lord Vishnu considering her to be his own daughter is considered to earn the credit of performing kanyadan. Tulsi vivah is conducted on the next day after Kartiki Akadashi.As a part of festivity celebration, tulsivrindavan is adorned like a bride. Along with tulsi the plants of amla sugarcane and tamarind are planted.Special feast is prepared consisting of delicious vegetarian dishes.A full meal consisting of puri rice sweet potato kheer moongachi gathi red pumpkin vegetable is offered to Tulsi Vrindavan in the afternoon time.The ceremony of wedding takes place during evening.Several dishes made from poha are served to Lord Vishnu. Prasad is then distributed amongst all.This ceremonial day marks the beginning of the auspicious marriage season for Hindus.

Tulsi Pooja
In Udaipur Tulsi Vivah is celebrated at Jagdish Temple. On this day early in the morning  Mangle Aarti is performed then devotees performed the Panchamrit Snan – (bathing of the Lord with 5 auspicious liquids). They are – Milk, Curd ,Ghee, Sugar and Honey,after that god is being dressed in Orange color cloth  and decorated as a bride.Vivah ceremony took place late in the evening according to custom.large numbers of devotees gathered over there. During Vivah ceremony, women did performed songs about Tulsi Vivah and song for Tulsi and god as well.this year this celebration was most remembering celebration as the day was full of rain so things were totally different this year and devotees enjoyed the festival and from now onwards marriage season is on …………….!!!!!!!

A Post By Monika Jain

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Festivals

EID – UL – ZUHA

Eid Ul Zuha

EID-UL-ZUHA also called EID-UL-AZHA  in arabic and BAKRA-EID  in indian subcontinent , because of  tradition of sacrificing a goat or ” bakra” in urdu.

The word eid is derived  from the arabic word  ” iwa ”  means  festival  and ”  zuha ”  comes from ”  uzhaiya ”  which translates to sacrifice . On this day , muslims sacrifice a goat or bakra to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim , who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of god .

This festival coincides with Haj pilgrimage in Mecca . Prayers are offered in the mosque and sacrificed meat is then distributed after the eid prayers . Special delicacies are prepared  and served among family and friends . This famous festival is celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in India . Muslim people generally wear fresh new traditional dress that is white kurta pajama on this day . Usually people wear white dresses on this day because white is the symbol of peace .

The path which leads to god is of  love , peace and devotion . There is a small story which forms the basis of celebrating this festival .

The festival of bakra-eid is a commemoration of  Hazrat Ibrahim ‘s great test of obedience of allah , who ordered him to sacrifice the person dearest to him . Ibrahim then decided to sacrifice his son Ismail , at Meena near Mecca .  As the great religious leader was on the point of applying the sword to the throat of  his dear son Ismail , it was revealed to him that the exercise was merely a test of  his faith in allah and that he could sacrifice a goat instead.  Since from then bakra-eid is celebrated on the tenth day of  Zil Hijja that is the month of  the lunar  Islamic  calendar .

By  – SHEEBA PARVEEN

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Festivals Photos

Chhath puja

Meaning of Surya Mantra:-Through out the dusky firmament advancing, laying to rest the immortal and the mortal, Borne in his golden chariot he cometh, Savitar, God who looks on every creature.

Festive season is on, so this week is being celebrated by The devotees offer their prayers to the setting sun and then the rising sun in celebrating its glory as the cycle of birth starts with death. It is seen as the most glorious form of Sun worship. for worship of sun through.This is the only holy festival which has no involvement of any pandit (priest)..Chhath puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya, the chief solar deity, major festival of  Bihar, Jharkhand .

This major festival is also celebrated in the northeast region of India, M.P, U.P, and parts of Chhattisgarh. Even in south region the migrants from the north celebrate Chhath puja beside the sea beach. Hymns praying to the sun can be found in the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism

Basically Chhath Puja is A Festival Which is Celebrated in Mainly Bihar. But Now a days Chhath Puja is celebrated in almost all part of the India.

Chhath puja is performed on Kartik Shukala Shashti, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu Calendar, exactly 6 days after Deepawali. This falls typically in the month of October or November.

It is also celebrated in the summer (March- April), on Chaitra Shashti, some days after Holi; this event is called Chaiti Chhath. The former is more popular because winter is the usual festive season in North India, and Chhath, being an arduous observance, requiring the worshipers to fast without water for more than 24 hours, is tougher to undertake in the Indian winters. Chhath puja is four days festival

First day:-

Is called Nahakha (literally, bathe and eat): On the first day of Chhath Puja, the devotees take a dip, preferably in the holy river Ganga, and carry home the holy water of the river Ganga to prepare the offerings. The house and surroundings are scrupulously cleaned. The follower allows themselves only one meal on this day.

Second day:-

Kharna (the day before Chhath): On Panchami, the day before Chhath, the followers observe a fast for the whole day, which ends in the evening a little after sunset. Just after the worship of earth, the offerings of Rasiao-kheer (rice delicacy), puris (deep-fried puffs of wheat flour) and bananas, are distributed among family and friends. From this day onwards, for the next 36 hours, the follower goes on a fast without water.

Third day:-

Sandhya Arghya(evening offerings): The day is spent preparing the prasad (offerings) at home. On the eve of this day, the entire household accompanies the parvaitins to a riverbank, pond or a common large water body to make the offerings (Arghya) to the setting sun. It is during this phase of Chhath Puja that the devotees offer prayers to the setting sun.

The occasion is almost a carnival. Besides the followers, there are friends and
family, and numerous participants and onlookers, all willing to help and
receive the blessings of the worshiper. Ritual rendition of regional folk
songs, carried on through oral transmission from mothers and mothers-in-law to
daughters and daughters-in-law, are sung on this occasion.

Fourth day:-

Parna(the day after Chhath) Bihaniya Arghya (next morning offerings): On the final day of Chhath Puja, the devotees, along with family and friends, go to the riverbank before sunrise, in order to make the offerings (Arghya) to the rising sun. The festival ends with the breaking of the fast by the followers and friends visiting the houses of the devotees to receive the prashad. Witnessing Chhath being celebrated at the crack of the dawn on a river bank is a beautiful, elating spiritual experience connecting the modern Indian to his ancient cultural roots.

In our city udaipur chhath puja is being done at Dudhtalayi near pichola lake. Most of the devotees during this puja were basically from U.P and Bihar region which has settled in udaipur now, so they have given me information about this puja. As my personal, experience with chhath puja was totally different as last year during this festival i was there in Bihar and that celebration was really awesome what  crazy people they are that was the only devotion i found towards worship the Sun God.

“The higher the sun arise, the less shadow doth he cast; even so the greater is the goodness, the less doth it covet praise; yet cannot avoid its rewards in honors.”

Post and Photos By Monika Jain and Abhishek Singh

Categories
Festivals

Dusshera Diwali Mela Schedule

Here is a Visual for The Dusshera Diwali Mela that is to Start From 27 October onwards Every Evening. 🙂 Enjoy With your Family And Friends.

Venue:  Town Hall, Udaipur

Categories
Festivals

Dussehra: Victory of Good over Evil !!

Picture of Gandhi Ground by Rahul Bhatnagar

Struggle between the forces of good and evil, and the eventual victory of good over the evil, is the basic theme of Ramayana. Now u might have understood why I am telling all this here and now , yes because friends today’s the festival of Dussehra, which you all know symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is being celebrated throughout the country including Udaipur with immense joy and delight. Do you know Dussehra also symbolizes the triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasur.

The Dussehra festival celebration is unique in its perception and significance. I hope everyone knows the story behind one of the greatest era of Ramayan but for the people who are not aware about the preceding section let me yet again reprise the episode in brief on this conspicuous Occasion of Dussehra. On the day of Dussehra / Vijay Dashmi, Lord Ram, killed the great demon Ravan, who had abducted Ram’s wife Sita to his kingdom of Lanka. Ram, who was a devout believer of Durga, the Goddess of War, prayed to her for the first nine days of battle and killed the evil Ravan on the 10th day along, with his brother Lakshman follower Hanuman, and an army of monkeys fought a great battle to rescue Lord Ram’s divine wife Sita. He shot Ravan with a bow that pierced his navel and Out flowed the nectar of immortality that was stored in a pot in his navel, thus destroying his invincibility. Sita had been returned to her husband Ram and they now make their way to Ayodhya in triumph and glory.

So in the months of Ashwin and kartik, we Hindus observe a 10-day ceremony of fast, rituals, celebrations and fests to honor the mother Goddess Durga and triumph of Lord Ram over demon Ravan. It is a ten-day celebration, during which Ramlila, which is based on the epic story of the Ramayana, is staged at various places in most of the cities and towns in northern India with elaborate rituals. The idols of Devi Durga after the Navratri celeberation is immersed in various rivers, lakes and ponds and on the last day i.e, Vijay Dashmi (today) the dummies of Ravana, kumbhkaran and Meghnath are buried at various places by the stars of the night – Rama, Sita and Lakshman taken around in huge chariots. Crowds of people shouting Jai Shri Ram (Victory to Rama) joins the procession…

In Udaipur also, the effigies of three Ravana, kumbhkaran and Meghnath are burnt at Gandhi Ground, in presence of thousands of individuals with performances of Ram leela in existence of colossal fireworks celebration.

narayan seva ravan udaipur
Picture of Ravan @ Narayan Seva
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Festivals

Bengali Celebration of Durga Pooja Starts Today

Durga puja

Durga puja

Durga Pooja is an iconic perception of victory of good over the evil. Durga, the beautiful, but fierce goddess rides her mount of the lion, killing the demon Mahishasura. In each of her ten hands she holds one of the god’s special weapons like Vishnu’s discus, Shiva’s trident, Varuna’s conch shell, Agni’s flaming dart, Vayu’s bow, Surya’s quiver, Indra’s thunderbolt, Kuber’s club, a garland of snakes from Shesha, and as a charger a lion from the Himalayas. A fierce battle raged between Durga and Mahishasura, but finally she killed him with a spear.

The Durga Pooja is celebrated by the Bengali community and is the grandest festival of the community, celebrated with great excitement and festivity and huge puja pavillions, with ten-armed Durga, are set up. It is a spectacular view and environment all around with the continuous thump of “Dhaki” and blow of “Shankh”.

The celebration fever begins from the day before the navratri, known as “Mahalaya”. But, it is celebrated for four days from “Shashti”(6th day) to “Navmi” (9th day) and the grand “Visarjan” on the 10th day or Vijaya Dashmi. It is believed that the Goddess comes to her “Maayka” for these four days.

Udaipur celebrates Durga Pooja with great zeal and vigour with the people who started this festival in Udaipur, who are the Bengalis and have settled in Udaipur before many years and since then is followed by the next generations.

Every Year the artisans and greatly skilled craftsmen and sculptors are called from Bengal who carve out the Goddess’ idol, which is established and worshipped.

The day is devoted to the “Pushpanjali” and worship and evening plays out with the staging of cultural programmes after the “Sandhya Aarti” and the famous “Dhunuchi Dance”.

Bang Samaj udaipur 2009
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The Durga Pooja is celebrated at community level at these places in Udaipur-

  • Bindu Bhavan: Durga Pooja ceremony was first started at Udaipur by late Shri Nripendralal Bhattacharya, at Bindu Bhawan, 49,Shastri Marg, Udaipur, in the year 1956. Since then it is being celebrated there every year with spirits of great enthusiasm, zeal, and spirituality, and the culture is inherited by generations.
  • Bang  Samaaj :-  Durga Pooja is being celebrated here since the last successful 49 years. It was started at the famous Chatterjee Bungalow for few years, then shifted to Durga Mandir for two years, then to Maharashtra Bhawan for next two years, and now it is celebrated from many years at the Bang Bhawan in Bhupalpura.
  • Bengali Kalibari Society :- Celebrates Durga Pooja since 1992 at Hiran Magri, the venue recently shifted to Brahmin Samaj Seva Samiti, Hiran Magri sec.4 since 2006. Also the Shyama(Kali) Pooja and Saraswati Pooja on Basant Panchmi are too celebrated at these places.

Also, the Durga Pooja is celebrated at a grand level at these places also:

  • Town Hall (by the Swarnakaars)
  • Zawar Mines