Category: Festivals

Holi – it’s time to rejoice and celebrate

Post author By Drishti Soni
Post date March 7, 2012
2 Comments on Holi – it’s time to rejoice and celebrate

It is the month of Phagun, the last Hindu calendar month. The full moon night (poornima) is celebrated as the end of the year, with beginning of New Year as chaitra, first day of Krishna Paksha. It is a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land; old leaves had fallen, and it is the time for new leaves and new flowers, the season of blooming trees. It signifies the end of winters and beginning of a new season spring, which reflects a hope for new energy in our lives.

Hindus celebrate this in a religious manner as Holika dahan, also popularly called as chhoti holi. The popular tradition is to celebrate with lighting of bonfires on the street corners, people gathering around it, offering of the first Rabi crop to the sacrificing fire with chanting of mantras and shlokas. Everyone rejoice the moments with singing and dancing.

According to the popular mythological belief behind this tradition, Hiranyakashyap was the great king of demons, who was granted with a blessing by Lord Brahma, which made it impossible to kill him. This made the king arrogant who resents his son Prahlada who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, but in spite of several threats from Hiranyakashyap, Prahlada continued with his prayers. The king attempted to kill his son many times, but failed. Finally he ordered his son to sit in a huge fire with Holika, sister of Hiranyakashyap, who was said to have a boon, which would prevent her from burning. But when the fire started, Prahlada survived unharmed, while Holika was burnt to death. The burning of Holika is celebrated as Holika Dahan, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The next morning, people show their joy by celebrating with colors.

This festival also loosens the strains of social structure, including caste and status. The air enchants the lovely music of happiness, brotherhood, integrity and prosperity. It fills up the gaps between and,together, we celebrate and rejoice.

So, let’s begin our new year with new energy and new hopes, burning the old wicks in ourselves. Let’s instill in us a new positivity amidst all social, political, economical and religious down droops in the society.

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Tags festival of holi, holi, story of holi

Festivals

National Youth Day

A salary that can afford a good lifestyle, home sweet home in a good area of city, cars and bikes parked in the parking space, a life at peace with no worries….all this complete the frame of a perfect life. Isn’t it all that we all dream of and for what we struggle for?? Everyone wants an easy life. But today, as we celebrate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand, we need to think over one quote given by him – “Wake up, Rise and Move ahead!!”

Youth have always epitomized passion, strength, power, capabilities, zest and what not. But today only one word describes youth and that is stagnant. We don’t want to discover new horizons, new spheres, new dimensions. Certainly, we do have exceptions but those can be counted on fingers. And this is not enough. We need a revolution – A complete turn over, not only in politics and system but also in the society. We have to drain corruption and dirty politics out of our country, afford at least two times meal, proper shelter and clothes to everyone, make sure that every child gets educated, and end the discrimination made on the grounds of caste, religion and sex. Yes, the list seems to be endless but we have to do it.

This Youth is vigilant – aware about what is going around him; he has that capability to understand the problems that our country is facing. But a mere understanding of the problems, relaxing in your resting chair in your warm and cozy home, is not enough. It is time to “Rise”. Time to move out from homes and burn the streets and roads with a craving to change the world. Show everyone that Yes, we have that violent streak in our blood..!! It doesn’t mean that you start putting a real fire at things; it just means that we must have that heat of fire that can even melt a metal. A single person’s fieriness will not do it; we have to join hands and organize our capabilities and power to make things better and then the best.

I wish that this National Youth Day will stimulate the power lying inside us to spurt up and everyone will see a force rising up that will know no limits, no boundaries; just an enlightened vision for a better world and better society to live in. 😉

Photo Credits: Aneesh Jajodia

Tags Indian Youth, National day, National Youth Day, Youth day india, Youth in India

Festivals

About Muharram: The Month of Sacrifice

Post author By Mujtaba R.G.
Post date November 27, 2011
No Comments on About Muharram: The Month of Sacrifice

Muharram is not a particular day, but a whole month that marks the beginning of Islamic New Year. It is one of the 4 months that are defined as holy month in Islamic calendar and the other three are Dhul-Qa’adah, Dhul-Hijjah and Rajab. Muharram derived from the word ‘haram’, which means ‘forbidden’. Hence, it is considered unlawful to fight during this month. Fasting is advised in the month of Muharram. It is believed that The Prophet has said: “The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram.” Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. Fasting on the tenth day of Muharram, called Ashura, is particularly important, as it supposed to lead to great rewards. A person does not have to fast for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit.

The month of Muharram is also associated with many auspicious events in Islamic history. Some of them are:

Allah is supposed to have created the heavens and the earth on this blessed day.
On this day He give His infinite blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and delivered them from the clutches of their enemies.
Allah created Hazrat Adam (First man on the earth) in this month and pardoned him of his mistake.
Hazrat Noah’s Ark landed successfully on Mount Judi during this time centuries ago.
Allah is also said to have saved Hazrat Ibrahim from fire and
Allah rescued Hazrat Musa from the Pharaoh during the month of Muharram.

One must be wondering what there is to mourn about then?

The tenth day of Muharram or Youm-e-Ashura is of supreme importance for Shia Muslims as they commemorate the death anniversary of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. While talking about Muharram how one can forget the tragedy of Karbala. In the month of Muharram many centuries ago, (approximately 680 A.D.), an event took place in Iraq at a place known as Karbala.

Imam Husain’s martyrdom at Kerbala represents a conscious confrontation with anti-Islamic forces and a courageous resistance for a sacred cause. The tragedy was that the one who stood up to defend Islam was cut down in so cruel a manner. It is for this reason that the death of Imam Husain is mourned annually in the Muslim world.
During these days their are regular lessons about how a man can follow good path and people are taught about the Martyr of Karbala.

Peace & Many Blessings Towards All…. ♥

Tags about moharram, about muharram, About Muharram: The Month of Sacrifice, details of muharram, know about muharram, what is muharram

Festivals Photos

[Pictures] Durga Puja 2011: Celebration by the Bengali Community began today

Post author By Prasun Bannerjee
Post date October 3, 2011
4 Comments on [Pictures] Durga Puja 2011: Celebration by the Bengali Community began today

Heartiest Greetings on the occasion of Navratri! Today is the 6^th day of the Navratri, and as many of you all might know, the Bengali community begin their celebration of the year long awaited festival, Durga Pooja from today. In Udaipur, this occasion is being celebrated from more than 5 decades by the people from Bengali community who are proud residents of this wonderful City of Lakes.

I, being a Bengali, remain too excited for the arrival of the season throughout the year. And now when the season has arrived, the adrenaline rush is to the extreme, and so is the enthusiasm and happiness of all the Bengalis. The celebration will continue till the 9^th day of Navratri, followed by Visarjan on the day of Dusshera, or Vijaya Dashmi.

For the first day, I bring you few clicks from the prime locations of celebration of Durga Pooja in Udaipur by the Bengali community. Every idol carved magnificently, every decoration was just spectacular. Do not miss to witness the culture and see the holy idols in the season of Navratri. There’s still a lot more coming from your very own UdaipurBlog.com on the occasion of Navratri, so stay tuned.

I would also like to wish you on behalf of Team UdaipurBlog.com a very ‘Happy Navratri‘ and may Goddess Durga shower her blessings on all of us 🙂

Pictures From Bang Samaj, Bhupalpura

Pictures From Bindu Bhawan, Ashok Nagar

Pictures From Swarnkar Samiti, Town Hall

Pictures From Hiran Magri Sec. 4

Tags 2011, bang samaj, Bengali, bhawan, bindu, celebration, community, dandiya, durga, durga pooja, durga puja, dusshera, garba, Hiran Magri, navratri, pooja, prime locations, samaaj, Town hall, udaipur, viajaya dashmi, visarjan

Festivals

Exotic celebration of Rath and Kshama vani parv

Post author By Palak Jain
Post date September 14, 2011
No Comments on Exotic celebration of Rath and Kshama vani parv

Rath yatra | Paryushan | UdaipurBlog.com

The days during Paryushan have been at their best when people tried to restraint their desires and try to bond up with their ‘aatma’. The parv ended with a message to continue one’s expedition for finding permanent happiness and to swim through the river of ‘karmas’ to reach the island of eternity.

The day following paryushan, that is 13^th of September on Ashwini Krishna Ekam, was a day of jubilation. Idols of god from every temple were taken in a ‘Ratha’ or ‘Palki’ for a round in the city with huge pomp and show. Men and women, children and aged move in the ‘Ratha Yatra’ dancing, playing traditional dance forms of ‘Garba’ and ‘Ghoomar’. Everyone was drenched in the euphoria of coming a step closer to their inner self during these 10 days. Here are a few glimpses of it where you can feel the colors of high-spirit and ecstasy aviating in the atmosphere.

At the evening, ‘Pooja’ is conducted in every temple when people pray for peace in the world. Praying is made to bestow god’s grace on everyone so that each one is granted with knowledge and a judgment to distinguish right from wrong. In the end, people ask forgiveness from each other for their wrong intentions, words or deeds that have harmed anyone or have hurted the feelings and emotions of someone. The air around, along with the hearts, becomes pure with sounds like “Micchami Dukdam” and “Uttam Kshama”. As been said in an ancient saying “The one who forgives is always bigger than the one who asks forgiveness”, everyone exculpate the mistakes of others.

I, on behalf of Udaipur Blog team, bow in front of Udaipies and ask your forgiveness for any wrong action or deeds that have hurted one’s sentiments or personal faith and opinion. We will be trying our best not to repeat them in the coming years. 🙂

Photos by: Gaurav Bhattacharya

Location: Jain Temple, Keshav Nagar

Tags digambar, jain, jain temple, mahaveer, pajusan, palki, paryushan, Rajasthan, rath, samvatsari, shwetambar, udaipur, yatra

Festivals

All you need to know about Paryushan

Post author By Guest Author @UdaipurBlog
Post date September 2, 2011
No Comments on All you need to know about Paryushan

Money does not pay nor name; fame does not pay nor learning. It is love that pays; it is character that cleaves through the adamantine walls of difficulties! Non-violence is the supreme religion (Ahimsa parmo dharma) and Jainism is one of the oldest religions of India.

Paryushan Parva is the king of all festivals and hence is known as Parvadhiraj – well recognized festival of jain community when every jain follows the basic principles of Jainism that is Right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct, all the three are most essentials for attaining liberation, the 8 days festival ends with a samvatsari day, followed by sampana day or the kshamayachna divas. We understand the word by breaking it in two, pari means to recollect yourself and vasan means at a place that means to know yourself recollect your own self at a place in your spirit.

Due to our daily routine we spend almost out of ourselves basically due to eating out, going to places, working day in and out etc but these are the days to introspect in our own selves. Our nature is full of “me” and “mine” but during these days the holiness fills us with the feeling of us-the transformation needed in today’s world. The Jains treat it as a festival of tyag and tapasya.

Traditionally, the Samvatsari is celebrated on the Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi or Panchmi. Paryushana is the most prominent festival (lasting eight days for Svetambara Jains and ten days for Digambars) during the monsoons. The monsoon is considered the best time for fasting due to lenient weather. However, a Jain may fast at any time, especially if he/she feels some mistake (negative karma generally known as paap or ‘papa’) has been committed. Variations in fasts encourage Jains to do whatever they can to have self-control. Fasting is one of the main tools for practicing external austerity. It helps to keep the demands of the body under check and assists in the focus on the upliftment of the soul.

Depending on the capacity of an individual, there are several types of fasting:

Complete fasting: giving up food and/or water completely for a period.
Partial fasting: eating less than you need to avoid hunger.
Vruti Sankshepa: limiting the number of items of food eaten.
Rasa Parityaga: giving up favorite foods

During fasting one immerses oneself in religious activities such as worshiping, serving the saints (monks and nuns & to be in their proximity), reading scriptures, meditating, and donating to the right recipients. However, before starting the fast Jains take a small vow known as pachkaan.

Lord Mahaveera started a yearly festive of samvatsari for the inner spiritual development and a check on it. On this day through various ways described in the religion people try to remit the mistakes committed throughout the year by recalling them asking sorry for them, feeling guilty for the mistakes committed, and through Dhyan (meditation), Swadhaya (self evaluation) and Tapasya(paining oneself to acquit from the various mistakes). On this day people chant

hyms devoting them to the Tirthankar’s, visit their Guru and listen to their preaching and vow not to repeat the mistakes and hurt any living form knowingly and unknowingly. Many jainis depending on their health fast all day long, go for samayik and recite the Namokar mantras.

Khamatkhamana is a important part of this day. It includes asking sorry from every one and forgiving them as well for hurting them knowingly or unknowingly. The process continues the next day where people visit there friends and relatives and all the known and ask forgiveness.

This day marks the end of ego and spread of love and humanity.

“Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture, or kill any creature or living being.”

Article By: Himani Sethiya

Edited by: Chani Soni

Tags himani sethiya, micchami dukkadam, paryushan, samvatsari

Festivals

Ganesh Chaturthi: Sneak Peak about the Holy Day

Post author By Prasun Bannerjee
Post date September 1, 2011
No Comments on Ganesh Chaturthi: Sneak Peak about the Holy Day

Ganesha Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the widely celebrated religious Hindu festivals. This festival is observed as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the bestower of Wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. This festival is observed on the Shukla Chaturthi of the Hindu month of Bhaadrapada. The above date usually falls between mid-August to mid-September. The Vinayak Chaturthi generally lasts for 10-12 days with Anant Chaturdashi as its last day. This auspicious festival becomes spirited with the joyous indulgment of devotional songs, dances, lively drum beats and various other performances like lazium, cultural programs etc. Another common tradition includes chanting the vedic hymns, recitation of Ganapati Atharva Shirsha.

Pre-Festive Preparations:

The preparations for this festivity are observed Two to three months prior to Ganesh Chaturthi, apart from moulding and creating artistic clay models of Lord Ganesha in various poses preparations include decoration of homes, creating huge ‘Mandapas‘, preparing sweet dishes etc. The size of these statues may vary from 3/4 of an inch to over 25 feet.

Celebration:

Ganesh idols are installed in colorfully decorated homes and the temporary specially designed structures “Mandapas” (Pandals) in various localities. These Pandals are beautifully decorated either by flower garlands, lights, etc. or are theme based decorations. The most popular sweet dish during this festival includes the modak (A dumpling prepared from rice or wheat flour stuffed with fresh or dry-grated coconut, jaggery, dry fruits and other condiments).These Modaks or Modakam are either steam-cooked or fried. Another popular sweet dish includes Karanji which is quite similar to the modak in taste but it has a semicircular shape.

Ganesh Chaturthi is widely celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, A.P, Tamil Nadu and many other parts of India. Vinayak Chaturthi got major exposure by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, the great Maratha ruler, who promoted this festival in order to promote culture and nationalism. Apart for Shivaji Maharaj this festival became an epicenter of attraction of various well renowned personalities. Lokmanya Tilak (a freedom fighter) played a major role in its revival; he promoted and encouraged Ganesh Chaturthi in order to spread the message of freedom struggle and to defy the Britishers who had banned public assemblies. This festival developed a feeling of unity and revived the patriotic spirit and faith among the Indians. This public festival created the background for various leaders who delivered speeches in order to inspire people against the Western rule. The festival is so popular that the preparations begin months in advance.

Poojas (prayer services) are performed daily. The artists who make the idols of Lord Ganesh compete with each other to make bigger and more magnificent and elegant idols. The gigantic idols may even reach 10 to 30 meters in height. After the rituals, these statues are carried to be immersed in the sea, generally after one, three, five, seven or ten days. Thousands of processions converge on the beaches to immerse the holy idols in the sea. This procession of immersion is accompanied by drum- beats, devotional songs and dancing.

Mythologically, it is still forbidden to look at the moon during these days as according to an old Story, The Moon God once mocked Ganesha when he fell from his “Mushak” or his vehicle and thus Moon God was cursed by Lord Ganesha.

There are many devotees of Lord Ganesha in Udaipur, few of the prime locations for the celebration and the worship being Bohra Ganesh ji, Maharashtra Bhawan, etc. Team UdaipurBlog wishes everyone a very happy Ganesh Chaturthi. Enjoy with the spirit of devotion and the joy of the season. Ganpati Bappa Moriya

Tags Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Utsav, Vinayak Chaturthi

Festivals

Eid: A Festival of Breaking Fast

Post author By Mujtaba R.G.
Post date August 31, 2011
No Comments on Eid: A Festival of Breaking Fast

Muslims across the country ended their Ramadan fast on Wednesday and began the festivities to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr. This Festival marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, and the celebrations mark the conclusion of the twenty nine or thirty days of dawn-to-sunset fasting , which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramazan with sighting of the moon on Tuesday night.

Thousands of Muslims visited mosques across the Lake City on Wednesday morning to celebrate the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. People gathered at Paltan Masjid, Dholibawadi Masjid, Khanjipeer Masjid and other mosques in different parts of the city to offer prayers. People dressed in the best offered special namaz at the mosque.

About Eid-ul-Fitr :

The day of Eid-ul-Fitr truly symbolizes holiness, tolerance, courage and godliness.

Arabically Eid means ‘Festival’ and Fitr means ‘Breaking Fast’ considered as one of the major festival for Muslims. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated by feasting on several varieties of ‘sevaiyan’ (vermicilli).

Socially, Eid-ul-Fitr reminds us of the noble human feeling to share the festivities besides embracing people from all walks of life.

Another important aspect of Eid ul Fitr lies in the distribution of charity on the day. Every Muslim who has some means must pay Zakt-al-Fitr, a sum to be donated for the month of Ramadan, to serve Humanity. It has never said that a non-follower of Islam be not helped or sympathized for the simple reason as Allah is not the God of Muslims alone but He is Rehmatullil Aalameen, meaning that He is the God of all people irrespective of their faith, caste, color or creed. It can either be in the form of cash or basic foodstuff, including wheat, barley, dates, raisins etc. It is done to spare a thought to the plight of the poor and is different from the normal Zakat, which is given to purify one’s wealth. Holy Quran recommends giving donation to the poor on this auspicious day, the best time for which is before going to the mosque in the morning, to offer prayers.

Id-ul-Fitr is also a festival that cultivates brotherhood and connections, as people visit each other on this days. Friends, relatives and loved ones are greeted and offered sweets. Gifts are given to children, mostly in the form of money. Sisters and daughters also receive gifts on this occasion. Some Muslims also pay a visit to the graveyard, a custom which is known as ziyarat-al-qubur, to pay homage to the departed souls. Some scholars also believe that the month-long fasting is undertaken to acknowledge the superiority of the spiritual realm over the physical realm. Nevertheless, the spirit of conviviality surrounds the celebrations of Eid ul Fitr throughout the Islamic world.

This day of happiness is also a day of introspection for Muslims who should spare at least some time to see if their actions and character can be assessed favourably in the light of Islamic teachings as to whether they have contributed to the well-being of their fellow beings, non-Muslim brethren and the nation above all.

TEAM UDAIPUR BLOG wishes everyone EID MUBARAK.

Tags Eid, eid udaipur, festival udaipur, ramzan udaipur, udaipur festival

Festivals

Rakhi – The Thread of love

Post author By Guest Author @UdaipurBlog
Post date August 13, 2011
No Comments on Rakhi – The Thread of love

Finally, the festive season has begun and after the monsoon greenery, its time to see the festive colors all around. The market is lad in colors and is ready to welcome you with every possible thing which makes your festival a complete one.

India is considered rich in culture not only because we have so many festivals marked in our calendar, but because here every relation is a festival in itself. It s not about celebrating these festivals but it is about thanking God for each and every relationship He’s bestowed us with.

The forthcoming and the most awaited festival RAKHI is on its way to start with the spat of Indian festivals. It is considered as one of the most beautiful relationship in this world- a relationship of a brother and a sister. The endless small fights and the never ending love between a brother and a sister makes it pure as an elixir. You find a care of a father, a scolding of a mother and an advice of a friend in this relationship.

Thanks to UB that I got a chance to write something on this heavenly festival which means more then a world to me.

This RAKHI is very special to me as after this my bro will not be with me for the next four years. Bro no matter how much the distance between us, but I know you’ll be there with me as always whenever I’ll need you. I’ll miss you a lot and this was the best possible way I could express my love for you. It is an unconditional bond of love. The essence it carries and the aroma it creates is like a meditation to the soul. No matter what happens, no matter how badly you get into trouble, you know that your bro or sis will be always there to stand by you. You can share all your secrets with them , of course, with a little tension that they might come out of their mouth if you happen to fight with them but still with a trust that they won’t let it out.

Cheers to such a crazy, funny and a lovely relationship of a bro and a sis. I feel blessed to be a part of it. Thank you God and thanks mum and dad for this precious and ever-lasting gift. I still remember how badly I used to crave for it above all my dolls n toys.
A very Happy Rakshabandhan to all the Udaipies.

Enjoy and have fun and a special note for every sis- Don’t leave your brother without the gifts. 🙂

A Post By – Ipra Jain

Tags Rakhi Udaipur, udaipur celebrations, udaipur Festivals

Festivals

Hey! Happy Friendship Day Guys…

Post author By Prasun Bannerjee
Post date August 7, 2011
6 Comments on Hey! Happy Friendship Day Guys…

Today morning I woke up from the bed, and found about 20-30 unread messages in my inbox. So what’s so special about the day? I guess nothing much special, as if it would have been any special day, there would be no messages at all due to telecom companies charging more money per message. Still I opened my inbox, checked the messages, and recalled, “Damn! This is the first Sunday of August. How did I forget?”

So what’s there too special about the first Sunday? Yes of course it’s the friendship day. Time to greet friends, plan great stuffs, parties, hangouts, gifting them, friendship bands, movies, and all the celebration. So this is not only a story of mine, but probably all of yours. So what are you doing today? What can be the possible plans?

Okay starting with a day plan with a good movie with friends, a good party can be thrown in the evening at any good location, or even at residence. Or we can also have the option to join few friendship day parties being organized for the public. All you need is to just get the passes and take your masti gang to the venue.

The other plan can be to have a day out plan till late evening to any cool location, badi, nandeshwar ji, thoor ki paal, and many more, and having the spirit of an udaipie, as a regular custom, end the hangout ceremony with a kulfi or bread pakoda at fateh sagar. A coffee at Vinod Ji Fatehsagar can also be a good option indeed. And surprisingly, if you find any rock show being performed at the Fatehsagar paal, don’t be confused, they too are friends amongst us, taking initiative to befriend the nature.

Or the day could also be spent by having a burger at McDonald’s, and window shopping, or some serious shopping for the day.

So I have recited ample of plans for the rocking day. All you can do is pick up a good one which suits you out of these, or create some new idea to celebrate the day. If you have a better one, do share it here. So take your time to plan out, meanwhile I would like to leave, as I have to wish and apologies everyone for forgetting the day, and plan out something cool too.

And yeah ofcourse, I on behalf of UdaipurBlog.com Team would also like to extend my heartiest greetings on this occasion of the wonderful day.

Tags Friendship day, happy friendship day, udaipur parties