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HINDU COUNCIL OF KENYA

HINDU DEEP

A NEWS LETTER FROM HINDU COUNCIL OF KENYA AUGUST 2018 ISSUE

ARTICLES DIRECTORATES ACTIVITIES

MESSAGE FROM OUR NATIONAL TREASURER Namaskar

Its my pleasure to write this message for this edition of Hindu Deep. Hindu Council of Kenya has been working for the betterment of many. Being supportive to many member institutes we are carrying

out work related to Hindu Marriage Certificates and getting the certif- icates issues in time. Being the Treasurer for Hindu council my work involves in ensuring the funds are distributed and used for the right purpose. I am happy to say that funds raised by the community is being utilized properly and many have been supported. Thanks to you all for supporting the same. Rakshabandhan – Mantram to recite while tying This coming year we have 15 directorates to work in various fields. Rakhi Please utilize the services of HCK where ever possible we shall try to help. Rakshabandhan mantra or the mantram or sloka to recite On behalf of Hindu Council of Kenya, we appreciate your continued while tying Rakhi is associated with the legend of King support as always. We also urge whoever is not receiving our e-mails Bali and Goddess Laxmi about . Sisters etc. or not on our social media platform please inform them to send recite Rakshabandhan mantra while tying Rakhi on to their contact details to our e-mail address [email protected] so that we brothers hands. Here is the mantra or of Raksha communicate to you directly such as this news letter or any other Bandhanam. important circulars and information etc. Our special thanks to our Member Institutions, our Branches, and well -wishers, please keep on sending your activities report so that we can accommodate them in our next issue of Hindu Deep.

क्षाबन्धन मन्रः National Treasurer येन ब饍धो वली राजा दानवेन्रो महाबलः । Lalji Varsani तेन 配वा प्रततबध्नामम रक्षे माचल माचल

Yenabaddho Baleeraja Daanavendro Maha- balaha Thethathwa mabhi badhnami Rakshamachala maachala

Meaning of Rakshabandhan Stotram – “On the request of all the Gods, tied up the strong and powerful De- mon King Bali with his strength. I am tying the power of the Vishnu , in the form of Raksha, on to you hand. With the force and energy of this sacred thread, all the Gods will stand at your side and keep you healthy and wealthy forever.”

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 1 Background The struggle for 's Independence began in 1857 with the Sepoy Mutiny in Meerut. Later, in the 20th century, the Indian National Congress and other political organizations, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, launched a countrywide inde- pendence movement. Colonial powers were transferred to India on August 15, 1947. The Constituent Assembly, to who power was to be trans- ferred, met to celebrate India's independence at 11pm on Au- gust 14, 1947. India gained its liberty and became a free coun- try at midnight between August 14 and August 15, 1947. It was then that the free India's first prime minister Pandit Ja- waharlal Nehru gave his famous "Tryst with Destiny" speech. People across India are reminded of the meaning of this event - that it marked the start of a new era of deliverance from the Independence Day in India British colonialism that took place in India for more than 200 years. India celebrates Independence Day on August 15 each year. India became an independent na- Symbols tion on August 15, 1947, so a gazetted holiday The sport of flying symbolizes Independence Day. The is held annually to remember this date. skies are dotted with countless flown from rooftops and fields to symbolize India's free spirit of India. Kites of various India's Independence Day is celebrated nationwide on August styles, sizes and shades, including the tricolor are available in 15.©iStockphoto.com/Anantha Vardhan the marketplaces. The Red Fort in Dehli is also an important Independence Day symbol in India as it is where Indian Prime

th Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru unveiled India's flag on August 15, Community Representatives on 9 June 2018 What Do People Do? 1947. Independence Day is a day when people in India pay homage India's national flag is a horizontal tricolor of deep saffron to their leaders and those who fought for India's freedom in (kesaria) at the top, white in the middle and dark green at the the past. The period leading up to Independence Day is a time bottom in equal proportion. The ratio of the flag's width to its when major government buildings are illuminated with strings of lights and the tricolor flutters from homes and other build- length is two to three. A navy-blue wheel in the center of the ings. Broadcast, print and online media may have special con- white band represents the chakra. Its design is that of the tests, programs, and articles to promote the day. Movies wheel which appears on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital about India's freedom fighters are also shown on television. of Ashoka. Its diameter approximates to the white band's The president delivers the '"Address to the Nation" on the eve width and it has 24 spokes. of Independence Day. India's prime minister unfurls India's flag and holds a speech at the Red Fort in Old Dehli. Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs are held in the state capitals and often involve many schools and organiza- tions. Many people spend the day with family members or close friends. They may eat a picnic in a park or private garden, go to a film or eat lunch or dinner at home or in a restaurant. Other people go kite flying or sing or listen to patriotic songs.

Public Life Independence Day is a gazetted holiday in India on August 15 each year. National, state and local government offices, post offices and banks are closed on this day. Stores and other businesses and organizations may be closed or have reduced opening hours. Public transport is usually unaffected as many locals travel for celebrations but there may be heavy traffic and increased se- curity in areas where there are celebrations. Independence Day flag raising ceremonies may cause some disruption to traffic, particularly in Dehli and capital cities in India's states.

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 2 UPCOMING EVENTS

Community Representatives on 9th June 2018

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 3 HCK BRANCHES– MOMBASA

Community Representatives on 9th June 2018

HCK MOMBASA BRANCH CELEBRATED INTER- NATIONAL DAY AND LOT OF PARTICIPANTS ATTENDED.

HCK TEAM PARTICIPATED DURING JAGANATH RATH YATRA CELEBRATIONS IN MOMBASA

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 4 Varalakshmi

Guards against evil powers Helps achieve success Gives immense knowledge, wisdom Health disorders are addressed Blesses one with patience and courage Goddess Varalakshmi -

The ‘Boon Giver’, Grants Wealth and Riches Varalakshmi Homam on Varalakshmi Vratham day is propitious to invoke the blessings of the goddess who gives us all that we want. She fulfils the desires of her devotees and generously en- dows everyone with material wealth, good har- vest, power and strength, off springs, prosperity, victory, comfort and luxury, success and good fortune. Her role is that of a mother who keeps Varalakshmi Havan- her followers free of worries and provides them Promises Wealth and with abundance of everything.

High Rewards Dhanalakshmi — August 24, 2018 Fulfils All Desires Varalakshmi homam begins with the Haridra Ga- Varalakshmi Vratham: Im- napathy puja followed by Dhanalakshmi puja and get the benefit of abundance in their homes. By mense Blessings Are Sure To this, all your desires are fulfilled and peace, Come Your Way wealth and prosperity reign supreme. Community Representatives on 9th June 2018 Varalakshmi Vratham is an important ritual fol- lowed by women, especially married. The god- Sri Sukhta Homam - Removes dess grants ‘varam’ or boons to her devotees who fast (vratham) on this day, 24th August, Sufferings and Grants Wealth 2018. This is a very powerful yagya performed for at- This popular festival is celebrated on the Friday tracting wealth and prosperity. It is a boon for before the in the Tamil month of Aadi, those facing financial crunches and greatly seek- month of Sawan and English mid July to ing wealth. The almighty divine mother is pleased mid August. Venerating the most popular God- when the Sri Suktham is recited. It is a glorious dess Maha on this day means blessings prayer dedicated to Yagya Narayana who is none are sure to come your way manifold because it is other than Lord Vishnu. The verses adulate the equivalent to worshipping Ashtalakshmis for the beauty, radiance, and glory of all forms of Maha wealth, nature’s bounty, learning, love, fame, Lakshmi. She is greatly satisfied with this divine progeny, pleasure, strength, success etc. chanting and homam and showers her blessings upon her devotees. It is also a means to remove The splendour and significance of this grand fast- sufferings and problems in one’s life. ing is narrated by Lord in the Skanda Pura- na and Vedicfolks is performing Varalakshmi Homam on the day.

Benefits of Varalakshmi Homam on Varalakshmi Vratham day

Bestows - Dhan (wealth), Dhanyam (food grains), Arogyam (health), Sampath (property), Sathsanthanam (virtuous offspring) and Dheerga saumangalyam (long life of husband)

And also - Imparts one with all sorts of wealth Provides relief from poverty and debts Showers one with healthy progeny

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Ayurveda is the ancient science yet very mod- life. ern. Ancient wisdom of health and healing. Ayur means life while Veda means knowledge, Every lifestyle change starts with baby steps, hence it is the science of life. here are a few tips to begin with: In ayurveda, health is much moreth than absence Community Representatives on 9 June 2018 Maintain a vegetarian diet of disease. It is a dynamic integration of body, mind, spirit and environment. Herbal medica- tions offer gentle approach to enhance this in- Avoid combining different grains in one meal. tegration and correct the subtle imbalances in our body. Avoid fried foods. Ayurveda is the art of living daily in harmony with the laws of nature. It is a holistic system Avoid eating yogurt with pulses. of healing. Our Aahaar (Diet), Achaar (Actions) and Vichaar (Thoughts) all affect our health and well being. Milk and cereals should be avoided to be taken together.

Ayurveda does not support herbal allopathy in Carbohydrates and tomato should be avoid- which one particular herb is used to relieve one ed to be consumed together. particular symptom for all. Without knowing the cause of the underlying imbalance. Herbs Go for a walk everyday. are used as a part of a complete plan for the mind and body balance. Do regular panchakarma or detox.

We should be consciously be aware of our diet, Eat only when hungry time of meal intake, types of meal intake, life- style discipline, spiritual (Prayers), exercise (Yoga) to maintain a healthy meals and a happy

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 6 HARTALIKA

en observe Swarna Gowri Vratha to seek bless- ings of Goddess Gowri for happy married life.

Teej festivity is observed with much fanfare by women in North Indian states, especially in Ra-

jasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Three famous Teej(s) which are celebrat- ed by women during Sawan and Bhadrapada months are -

1. Hariyali Teej 2. Kajari Teej 3. Hartalika Teej

Other Teej festivals like Akha Teej which is also 2018HartalikaTeej known as and Gangaur Tritiya

are not part of above three Teej(s). Hartalika Teej Vrat is observed during Shukla

Paksha Tritiya of Bhadrapada month. On this day, makeshift statues of Lord Shiva and God- dess are made with the sand and wor- th shippedCommunity for marital Representatives bliss on and 9 June progeny. 2018

Hartalika Teej is known by this name due to the legend associated with it. Hartalika word is combination of "Harat" and "Aalika" which means "abduction" and "female friend" re- spectively. According to the legend of Hartalika Teej, the friend of Goddess Parvati took her to the thick forest so that her father can't marry her to Lord Vishnu against her wish. Haritalika Teej is celebrated during Shukla The morning time is considered good to per- Paksha Tritiya of Bhadrapada month. Haritalika form Hartalika Puja. If morning Puja is not pos- Teej comes one month after Hariyali Teej and sible due to some reason then Pradosh time is most of the time celebrated one day before also considered good to perform Shiva-Parvati . During Haritalika Teej Puja. Teej Puja should be done after taking ear- women worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Par- ly bath and getting dressed up with fine vati which are made of clay. clothes. Sand made Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati should be worshipped and legend of Hartalika should be narrated during the Puja.

Hartalika Vrat is known as in Kar- nataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and it is a significant festival to get blessing of God- dess Gowri. On the day of Gowri Habba wom-

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Raksha Bandhan similar inner significance. The tying of a Rakhi is not confined to a brother and sister. It could also be tied by a wife to her husband, or by a disci- ple to the . This bond does not have to be between blood relatives – a girl might adopt a boy as her brother through the tying of a Rakhi. This ritual not only strength- ens the bond of love, but also transcends the boundaries of the family. When a Rakhi is tied on the wrists of close friends and neighbors, it underscores the need for a harmo- nious social life. This helps to broaden ones’ vision beyond the borders of ones own family to the entire earth (vasudha) as one family – Vasudhaiva kutumbakam. According to Indian religous lore, Lord Siva is considered as the Father and Goddess Parvati as the Mother. The devo- tees of the Lord are my relatives, and I belong to all the three worlds. RAKSHABANDHAN-26-AUG-2018 mata cha parvati pita devo mahaeswara Rakhi: its meaning and significance baandhavah siva bhakthascha swadesho bhuvana-trayam Raksha Bandhan is a popular festival celebrated across the country. Irrespective of caste and creed people from all माता च पार्वती देर्ी पपता देर्ो महे�र्रः walks of life participate in this festival. It is celebrated on बाꅍधर्ाश ् शशर् भ啍ता�च र्देशो भर्नत्र्यम ् the full moon day of the lunar month (Shravana ु Poornima) which also coincides with Upa- (changing Mythological references the sacred thread for the , Avani Avittom in South – Sachi Devi : As per Bhavishya Purana, Indra the India). King of Devas was advised by Guru Brihaspati to The festival is also called as Rakhi Poornima, Nariyal wear a Rakhi as a protection against enemies (Demons) Poornima and Kajari Poornima in different states and is when he was facing defeat at the hands of Vritra . Ac- celebrated differently.Community Representatives on 9th June 2018 cordingly Sachi Devi (consort of Indra) tied a Rakhi to In- dra. How to celebrate Raksha Bandhan? According to one mythological allusion, Rakhi was intend- On the occasion of this festival sisters generally apply tilak ed to be the worship of the sea-god . Hence, offer- to the forehead of their brothers, tie the sacred thread called ings of to Varuna, ceremonial bathing and fairs at Rakhi to the wrist of their brothers and do arati and pray for waterfronts accompany this festival. Usually fishermen of- their good health & long life. This thread, which represents fer coconut and rakhi to the Sea God Varuna – this festival love and sublime sentiments, is called the ‘Raksha is known as Nariyal Poornima. Bandhan’ means ‘a bond of protection’. The brother in re- turn offers a to his sister and vows to look after Historical References her. Before tying a Rakhi on their brothers hand the sisters It is said that when Alexander was defeated at the hands of first tie a Rakhi on the Tulasi plant and the another Rakhi the great Hindu King Purushottam of , Alexander’s on the peepal tree asking for the protection of nature – wife tied a Rakhi to Purushottam to protect her husband Vriksha Raksha Bandhan. from being slain. Significance During the days of Emperor Humayun, it is believed that The concept of Raksha Bandhan is mainly that of protec- (Queen of Chittor) had sent a Rakhi to em- tion. Commonly we find people going to the priests in tem- peror Humayun in order to get protection from Bahadur ples and getting a sacred thread tied to their hands. We find Shah who was invading her kingdom. Inspite of being of a this in the temple of Kala Bhairava at where peo- different religion, he rushed to her help. ple get a black thread tied to their wrist. Similarly at Sri The Message of Rakhi Vaishnodevi Temple in Jammu, we find people tying red band to their forehead after worshipping the Goddess. Raksha Bandhan symbolizes the unmatched bond of love, care and respect. But in a broader perspective the festival of In Hindu religious functions we observe the preist tying a Rakhi (Raksha Bandhan) conveys an intrinsic message of thread to the wrist of person/s performing the ritual before universal brotherhood and sisterhood. Thus the festival of its commencement. It is believed and said that even Ya- Rakhi conveys a message that has socio spiritual signifi- gnopaveetam (sacred thread across the chest) acts as a cance underscoring the need for nurturing of positive quali- Raksha (protection) to the wearer if one maintains its sanc- ties, purity in thought, word and deed. tity. In the concept of Marriage, Mangala (tied around the neck of the bride) and Kankana Bandhana (a thread tied to the wrist of the bride and groom by each other) also has a

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 8 HCK ACTIVITIES

RAJASTAN ASSOCIATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH HCK ORGANISED PROGRAM ON NUTRITION AND SKIN CARE.AROUND 70 PLUS PARTICIPANTS TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE TALK BY EMINENT NUTRIONIST AND SKIN CARE EXPERTS FROM VLCC

Children Sports Quiz 2018

HCK CONDUCTED COMPUTER COURSE FOR 8 WEEKS , PARTICIPANTS TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE COURSE AND LEARNT BASIC COMPUTER AND ITS APPLICATIONS.

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 9 HCK ACTIVITIES

"

HCK members and HCK Mt Kenya Region members joined Relief & Welfare for the donation at Ruiru Rehab Centre for children

Children Sports Quiz 2018

HCK ORGANISED MEGA LAISION MEET WITH ALL MEMBER INSTITUES AND HCK BRANCHES. THE EVENT WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 150 PEOPLE. THE AGENDA INCLUDED VARI- OUS HCK DIRECTORATE ACTIVITIES AND HOW MEMBER IN- STITUTES CAN INTERACT WITH VARIOUS COMMUNITIES.

HCK TEAM AT KENYA INDIA FRIENDSHIP MEET

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 10 HCK ACTIVITIES

HCK TEAM HAD A LAISION MEETING WITH NON HINDU ORGANIZATIONS AND THE MEETING WAS VERY CONSTRUTIVE

KENYA BENGALEES VISIT PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SOLAI

On Sunday, 10th June, members of the Kenya Bengalee Cultural & Welfare Society (KBCWS) travelled 250 km to visit Nyakinyua Primary School at Solai.

This school was at the heart of the recent Solai tragedy where fourteen of their students lost their lives and the boundary wall was swept away by the raging water. Many children of the school lost their parents and other family members.

KBCWS Welfare Committee members distributed School uniforms including sweaters, Books, Pens, writing stationery for 220 primary students. Kenya Bengalees also distributed blankets, clothes and essential relief materials to a large section of the 500 odd people who had gathered in the school. Food packets were distributed to 300 odd children.

The scale of the tragedy spurned KBCWS to seek donations from its members, other institutions and well placed Indian diaspora in Kenya to hold a Welfare Activity of this scale. We thank all those who donated for this noble cause and to the local representatives for giving us the op- portunity to do so. This would not have been possible without your help and support. The heart rendering scenes at the school, the smiles on the faces of the children, the happiness writ all over on the parent’s faces made our day.

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 11 HCK ACTIVITIES

Children Sports Quiz 2018

HCK WOMENS WING ORGANISED WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PRO- GRAM WHICH WAS WELL ATTENDED BY LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE. THE PROGRAM SAW EMINENT PERSONALITIES FROM VARIOUS BACK- GROUND COME TOGETHER.THE PROGRAM WAS A GREAT SUCCESS.

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 12 HCK ACTIVITIES

Children Sports Quiz 2018

Hindu Council of Kenya, Directorate of Business & Professional team organized a seminar on Kenya Budget 2018. The speaker Mr Asif Kassam from RSM the renowned Tax Expert and Advisor. The program was well attended.

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 13

resolved himself to his fate, lay down at the bot- HCK DIRECTORATEA LESSON—WOMENS FROM WING A FROG TALE tom of the pit, and died as the others looked on in helpless grief. The other frog continued to jump with every ounce of energy he had, although his

body was wracked with pain and he was com-

pletely exhausted. His companions began a new, yelling for him to accept his fate, stop the pain and just die.

The weary frog jumped harder and harder and - wonder of wonders! Finally leapt so high that he A group of frogs were hopping contentedly through the woods, going about their froggy busi- sprang from the pit. Amazed, the other frogs cele- ness, brated his when two of them fell into a deep pit. All of the miraculous freedom and then gathering around other frogs gathered around the pit to see what him asked, could be done to help their companions. When “Why did you continue jumping when we told they saw how deep the pit was, the rest of the you it was dismayed group agreed that it was hopeless and impossible?” Reading their lips, the astonished told the two frogs in the pit that they should frog explained to them that he was deaf, and that when he saw their gestures and shouting, he prepare themselves for their fate, because they thought they were cheering him on. What he had were as good as dead. perceived as encouragement inspired him to try Unwilling to accept this terrible fate, the two harder and to succeed against all odds. frogs began to jump with all of their might. Some This simple story contains a powerful lesson. of the frogs shouted into the pit that it was hope- Your encouraging words can lift someone up and less, and that the two frogs wouldn’t be in that help situation if they had been more careful, more him or her make it through the day. Your de- obedient to the froggy rules, and more responsi- structive words can cause deep wounds; they may ble. be The other frogs continued sorrowfully shouting the weapons that destroy someone’s desire to that they should save their energy and give up, continue trying - or even their life. Your destruc- since they were already as good as dead. The two tive, frogs continued jumping as hard as they could, careless word can diminish someone in the eyes and after several hours of desperate effort were of others, destroy their influence and have a last- quite weary. ing Finally, one of the frogs took heed to the calls of impact on the way others respond to them his fellows. Spent and disheartened, he quietly

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 14

FROM THE EDITORS DESK

Dear Readers

The Hindu Council Management committee and Trustees would like to thank you all for support during the year 2017-18. .

In this edition we have tried to capture activities of various directorates. HCK organized a mega laision meeting with all member institutions and all directorates shared the vision and planned activites for the year . We have captured some of the activities of HCK Branches .

We have included upcoming events during the coming month. month being aus- tipious lot of activities are going to be held by various associations.. We also would like to give us suggestions to improve and also your contributions. If you wish to contribute any article please send it to [email protected].

With Best Regards

Nagaraj Rao

Director and Editor for Hindudeep

Editorial team

Nagaraj Rao

Ravi Kaul

Yatin Joshi

Kalpana Kumar

Divya Haria

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE PLEASE CONTACT: Hindu Council of Kenya, Kusi Lane, Off 3rd Parklands Avenue Nairobi +254 733 809 214 | +254 722 793 920 [email protected] | www.hck.or.ke

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 15