ramadan

Our city, Udaipur, is known for its diversity and the way we embrace our cultures. And diversity can be seen most during the festivals. And today is the day when we can witness it well.

Today there are not one or two, but five festivals to be celebrated not only in the city but also in the country. Every festival marks its significance and history. The occasions may be divided by religions, but are united by the joy that a festival brings.

That’s why we always take pride in saying that we abide by the saying, “Unity in Diversity”. Be it Fateh Sagar or the streets of the old city you will see a variety of celebrations on the same day. Already intrigued about the 5 festivals?

In that case, give some rest to your fingers, we are here with the list of occasions and a little something about them to know our cultures even better.

HINDU NAV VARSH

This day has been chosen as Nav Varsh by the Hindu community for many reasons. Some of the reasons are that this month marks the onset of spring. Also on this day, Lord Brahma created the universe and Satya Yuga began. Some also believe that this day marks the end of the agricultural harvest and hence the beginning of a new harvest year. People offer prayers on the day for a happy and prosperous year.

CHETI CHAND

Cheti Chand is celebrated mostly amongst Sindhis. And it is also considered a very auspicious day for business. It also marks the start of the new financial year. The birthday of Lord Jhulelal, the key deity of the Sindhi people, also falls on the same day. Moreover, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Cheti Chand is celebrated with fairs, feasts and processions of icons of Jhulelal and other Hindu deities.

CHAITRA NAVRATRI

Chaitra Navratri marks the onset of nine days of Chaitra Navratri. And this festival also celebrates nine colours. Devotees are decked up in the colour of the day and celebrate it with their families, friends and near and dear ones. It is believed that following the colour of the day in mind, brings prosperity and happiness. Each day of these nine auspicious days is dedicated to worshipping nine different avatars of Goddess Durga, that are

Shailputri
Brahmacharini
Chandraghanta
Kushmanda
Skanda Mata
Katyayani
Kaalratri
Mahagauri, and
Siddhidatri

The festival is celebrated in the ninth month according to the Muslim calendar. This is considered to be a holy month where people observe strict fasting, called Roza. The festival is celebrated following the appearance of the moon. This festival lasts for a duration of one lunar cycle which is around a period of 30 days. It is believed that on the last 10 days of Ramadan, God revealed the sacred Quran to Prophet Muhammad.

GUDI PADWA

We can say that Gudi Padwa’s significance is almost the same as Hindu Nav Varsh. This festival is mostly celebrated by the Maharashtrian people. On this occasion, people come together with their friends and families. And organise events where they dance, take part in street processions, and enjoy the various delicacies prepared for the festival. People also take an oil bath, wear new clothes, prepare rangolis with flowers and colours, and put the Gudi at the entrance.

We all know that Udaipur celebrates festivals every day or every alternate day. But celebrating 5 festivals in a day is a big thing. An enormous amount of excitement can be seen in every individual in celebrating these festivals.

Not to forget the delicious food delicacies that are going to be prepared on this day.
So, if you want to catch a vibe of Indian traditions then you must be a part of these festivals.

Facts collected and compiled by Vaishali Jain.

Ramazan, the holiest month of the followers of Islam, has begun. We must have seen our friends and close acquaintances fasting for the entire month. This is the time we know something about this Holy Month of Muslims- Ramzan (or Ramadan); why is it celebrated and what meaning does the month of Ramazan has in the life of a Muslim.

Why is it celebrated?

Ramazan – everything that you need to know — Source: al.kanz

Ramazan is the ninth month of Islamic calendar which is observed by Muslims worldwide. During this time period Muslims practice fasting for an entire month to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The legend says that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by an angel Gabriel which used to recite one teaching to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) at every visit for over 23 years after which the Quran was completed. The holy book was compiled later by Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) followers after his death.

Do’s and Don’ts during Ramazan

Do’s

Every adult Muslim should practice fasting for the entire month of Ramazan.
All the Muslims during fasting consume food and water after sunset and get done with it before sunrise. No food or water is consumed during daylight.
Prayer is compulsory for five times a day. Wherever you are, find a clean place, spread a clean cloth and you can begin your prayers.
Charity is done on a large scale during Ramzan. Zakat is a kind of spiritual tax which you have to pay in these times. The amount of zakat to be paid is dependent on the amount of his possession. The rate varies between 2.5 to 20% depending on the type of goods. It is additional payable on agricultural goods, precious metals, minerals, and livestock.
Since the Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) at this time, it is the best time to read it and understand its meaning and memorize its verses. It is compulsory to read Quran at this time.

Don’ts

Do not eat or drink water during daytime.
Avoid all the activities such as drinking alcohol, smoking, and having any sort of sexual relations.
Avoid blood cupping, blood donating or blood withdrawal.
Do not curse, lie, abuse, backbite, quarrel, or practice any form of speech that is unnecessary and has no benefit, especially if it is hurtful to someone else. Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.” (Al-Bukhari)
Think well. Do not think ill of anybody, do not hold any sort of grudges for anyone, try to spread love and brotherhood everywhere.
Avoid thinking about any sexual fantasy, avoid watching such movies, songs or any other sort of entertainment that distracts your mind from spiritual activities. Ramazan is a holy month and thinking and doing anything which takes you away from Allah is not appropriate.

Eid-al-Fitr

Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. The exact date of Eid depends upon the sightings of the new moon and astronomical calculations. It can also vary according to the place you are in at the time of Eid and when the moon is seen at the particular place.

The festival celebrates peace, happiness, joy, and festivity. This day is for special prayers and extensive forgiveness. It brings together people as companions, friends, family, and relatives are welcomed at homes and offered desserts especially ‘Sewaiyan’. Youngsters are given endowments which are called ‘Eidi’, generally cash. Some Muslims even visit the burial ground, a custom which is known as ziyarat-al-qubur, to pay respect to the left souls. On this day, Muslims gather together at the mosque to ask for blessings, before spending the day with family or friends and wishing one another with the customary ‘Eid Mubarak’ and hugging each other as a mark of brotherhood and love. To know more about Eid-Ul-Fitr, click here.

Myths associated with Ramazan

You are not allowed to consume food and water for a whole month.

It is false. One only need to fast during daylight. After sunset food and water can be consumed as usual until sunrise. Families and friends usually break the fast together with a big meal known as ‘Iftaar’.

You can’t brush your teeth.

Totally not true. You can brush your teeth during Ramazan. The only thing which you have to keep in mind before that is that you do not swallow any water or toothpaste during the process. However, if you think there is a bit risk about swallowing, you can brush your teeth during night time.

If you are a Muslim, you have to fast compulsorily.

Fasting during Ramazan is only for those people who are fit enough and doesn’t suffer from any physical and mental illness. Apart from that young children, elderly people, pregnant women, menstruating women, and breastfeeding women are exempted from fasting. Also, those who are on a long journey or whose occupation is such as those in the army can have food and water as normal. People in these categories can make up these days after Ramazan if the conditions allow them to do so.

You are not allowed to swallow your own saliva.

Apart from being untrue, it is also not possible even if you try to do so. Saliva is a natural thing which needs to get swallowed. Ramazan is not supposed to be unrealistic, unattainable and unreasonable.

If you forgetfully eat or drink something, you have ruined your fast.

If you forgetfully sip something or munch something, you have not ruined your fast. However, you should stop right at the moment when you become aware of it. And after that, you can continue your fast, as usual, remembering it for later times.

Ramazan in Udaipur

Ramazan in Udaipur is celebrated on a huge scale. Muslims from all over the city have been spreading love and festive feel for a long time. There are different mosques around the city where people gather to recite their prayers of the day. A usual crowd can be seen at Paltan Masjid situated at Chetak Circle. This masjid can be called as the central masjid of the city. At the time of ‘iftaar’, a large amount of food is prepared here as Tabarruk (a blessed offering to people in the form of food) daily which is majorly shared amongst poor people and is even consumed by rich people as an offering. Various roadside stalls serve great snacks during the evening from where all the Muslims can take home dishes and snacks to enjoy their iftaar.

Here’s everything about Ramazan in a nutshell.

Ramazan Mubarak to all the readers out there. May Allah grants all your wishes and blesses you with good health and future.