sign in sign up
<<
Home , Adhik Maas, Indian national calendar

Divya Darshan

Contributors; : Publisher Pt Narayan Bhatt Hindu Heritage Society Smt Lalita Singh ABN 60486249887 Issue 83 Medley Avenue Pt Jagdish Maharaj Liverpool NSW 2170

Na tu mam shakyase drashtumanenaiv svachakshusha I

Divyam dadami te chakshu pashay me yogameshwaram

Your external eyes will not be able to comprehend my Divine form. I grant you the Divine Eye to enable you to behold Me in my Divine . Gita Chapter 11.

This issue includes; -About Mata Saraswati - -Makar Sakranti -Maha Shivratri - -The -Ram Navmi -Hindu Luner and Solar New

Year

 Next Issue May-July Goddess Saraswati

Guru Purnima Issue | ||

Salutations to the Supreme Goddess Saraswati, whose face is fair as a jasmine flower, luminescent like the and delicate as a snow flake; who is dressed in brilliant white (shubhra-) garments (vastraa-). She holds the musical instrument (vina-) in her hands to bestow boons (varada.nda-) to her disciples as she sits on her white (shveta-) lotus (padma-) throne (aasana-). She is dressed in white – the symbol of purity – and rides on a white swan – symbolizing Sattva Guna or purity and discrimination.

Vasant Panchami is a festival full of religious, seasonal and social significance and is celebrated by all over the world with verve and new sense of optimism.

1 | P a g e

About Mata Saraswati and Vasant Panchami.

The Mythological History:

In the , Saraswati was a water deity and was revered for purifying, fertilizing and enriching powers. The next stage in Saraswati's mythological history was her identification with the holy rituals performed on the banks of river Saraswati. She is said to have invented Sanskrit, the language of the , of scriptures and scholarship. It is also believed that it was her who discovered soma or amrita in the Himalayas and brought it to the other gods. Later myths diminished the powers of Saraswati. She was said to be identical with Viraj, the female half or being created out of the substance of Purusha or Prajapati and thus the instrument of creation. As 's wife, she provides the power to execute what Brahma has conceived with his creative intelligence. She is the goddess of all the creative arts and in particular of poetry and music, learning and science.

Vasant Panchami:

Vasant Panchami heralds the advent of spring (Northern hemisphere). This festival marks the first day of spring. “Vasanta” means the spring. The fields are mustard yellow with the ripening of crops. Yellow is an auspicious colour – the colour of spirituality. Vasant Panchami falls on the fifth day of Shukla (Jan - Feb) or the bright half of the moon. Saraswati is the consort of Lord Brahma and is the Goddess of Wisdom and Knowledge. She is the personification of knowledge - arts, science and crafts. She represents , creativity and inspiration and presents herself when the weather is complacent and nature is in its full grandeur. It is a season of inspiration and passion.

Why Pray?

To gain knowledge and mastery in studies, to sharpen the intellect and improve memory. Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge. Puja of Maa Saraswati should be conducted by every student whether in school, college or preparing for exams. If you are sitting in any competitive exam, then you must conduct this puja for Maa Saraswati’s blessings.

“Saraswati Namastubhyam Varde Kamroopani, Vidya Aarambham Karishyami Siddhi Bhavatu May Sada.”

Translation:

Oh! Goddess Saraswati, my humble prostrations unto Thee, who is the fulfiller of all wishes. I start my studies with Thy worship and always pray for success.

Birthday of the Goddess of Wisdom:

"May Goddess Saraswati, who is fair like the jasmine-colored moon, and whose pure white garland is like frosty dew drops; who is adorned in radiant white attire, on whose beautiful arm rests the veena, and whose throne is a white lotus; who is surrounded and respected by the Gods, protect me. May you fully remove my lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance."

As '' – the festival of light – is to - goddess of wealth and '' is to - goddess of strength, might and power, Vasant Panchami is to Saraswati - the goddess of knowledge and learning. 2 | P a g e

She represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. She is the mother of the Vedas and chants to her, called the 'Saraswati Vandana' often begin and end Vedic lessons.

The festival is celebrated every year on the 5th day of the bright fortnight of the lunar of “Magha” (see ) — the day is called 'Vasant Panchami'.

Hindus celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. Temples and households are full of activities on this day. This 'Panchami' is also known as Saraswati Day, because it is believed that on this day the goddess was born.

Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, art and music is the daughter of Lord and Goddess Durga. It is believed that goddess Saraswati endows human beings with the powers of speech, wisdom and learning. She has four hands representing four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness and ego. She has sacred scriptures in one hand and a lotus — the symbol of true knowledge — in the second. With her other two hands she plays the music of love and life on a string instrument called the “veena”. She is dressed in white — the symbol of purity — and rides on a white swan that symbolises “Sattwa Guna” or purity and discrimination. Saraswati is also a prominent figure in Buddhist iconography — the consort of Manjushri.

The colour yellow is given special importance on Vasant Panchami. On this day, Saraswati is dressed in yellow garments and worshipped. People prefer to wear yellow clothes on this holy day. Sweetmeats of yellowish hues are distributed among relations and friends. Some people feed Brahmins, some perform Pitri-Tarpan (ancestor worship) and many worship Kamadeva, the god of love on this day.

However, the most significant aspect of this day is that children are taught their first words on this day, for it is considered an auspicious day to begin how to read and write. Educational institutions organise special prayer for Saraswati. The great Indian guru Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya laid the foundations of the world class academic institution of Kashi Hindu Vishwa Vidyalaya on Vasant Panchami.

Saintly people and individuals inclined towards spiritual progress attach great importance to the worship of goddess Saraswati. As a practice, only educated people and men of principle worship goddess Saraswati, for spiritual enlightenment. In their opinion, there can be no comparison between the king and the learned or the spiritually advanced. The king is honoured within his kingdom, whereas the learned is respected or worshipped throughout the world. has taken into account special significance of seasons and interwoven them with religious festivals. During Vasant Panchami, seasons undergo change and the coming of springtime is heralded. Trees display new shoots and new life is evident in the woods and fields. Nature decorates the trees with new blossoms, wheat and crops enliven with evidence of new life.

Vasant Panchami is a festival full of religious, seasonal and social significance and is celebrated by Hindus all over the world with verve and new sense of optimism. The first faint signals of the forthcoming festival of Holi — the festival of colours — also manifest at Vasant Panchami. She is represented as a graceful woman with white skin, wearing a crescent moon on her brow, she rides a swan or a peacock or is seated on a lotus flower.

The Celebration of Saraswati Puja:

Saraswati puja is a big occasion in West Bengal. The day has been declared a state holiday. The pujas are held in every locality and in a few homes as well. Since Saraswati is the goddess of learning, the students are the most enthusiastic. They give 'Anjali' to the goddess and pray for

3 | P a g e their future. The youngest girl of the family has to wear a yellow ('Basanti') coloured saree as a custom. An essential requirement for the Saraswati puja is the 'Palash' flower without which the puja is considered to be incomplete.

All the young people living in the locality gather in the “pandal” to celebrate the occasion. Music blares in the pandals and the children enjoy themselves. The puja is performed by the 'Pujari' or pundit. After the puja is over, the 'prasad' is distributed among all the people present. In some places, they make it a point to feed all the poor living in the locality.

The Goddess Saraswati is worshipped as the Goddess of Learning, the deity of Gayatri, the fountain of fine arts and science and the symbol of supreme vedantic knowledge. The houses and the houses which enjoy reputation for learning, mainly take the lead in celebrating the festival. The members of other houses in the village attend the ceremony performed in these houses or institutions.

In a well-decorated room, books and granthas (holy books) are tastefully arranged with a picture or an image of Goddess Saraswati in front. Then a Puja is performed to Saraswati during which fruits, beaten rice, roasted paddy (malar), jaggery etc, are offered to Her. These offerings are distributed among those present when the Puja is over. The Hindu festival of Saraswati Puja, also known as Vasant Panchami, is a celebration of the first day of spring—when the crops (especially the mustard crop) in are golden yellow and the countryside is ready to explode with fresh, growing life. It's important to note that in the Hindu faith, yellow is a most positive color. It signifies spirituality in a number of ways and on many levels. According to the Hindu , the festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Magha, which corresponds to late January or early February in the .

Rituals:

There are various rituals that are followed in the worshipping of goddess Saraswati. The ones common to all those worshipping Saraswati are that the idol of the goddess is clothed in white, the other predominant colour in the celebrations is yellow, to indicate the onset of spring and the blossoming of mustard flowers. Flowers and wild berries are offered to the goddess and students place their books before the deity and do not do any reading or writing that day. An elaborate puja, with sandalwood, ghee, joss sticks, and incense is done to the sound of shlokas, conch shells, and drums. A ritual not connected to the worship but equally essential to the celebration is that of flying kites on this day.

Celebrations:

The most significant aspect of this day is that Hindu children are taught reading and writing - their first words on this day - as it is considered an auspicious day to begin a child's education. Educational institutions organize special prayers for Saraswati on this day. The great Indian guru Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya laid the foundations of the world-class academic institution, Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalaya on Vasant Panchami.

Saintly people and people inclined towards spiritual progress attach great importance to the worship of goddess Saraswati. As a practice, only educated people and men of principle worship goddess Saraswati for spiritual enlightenment. In their opinion, there can be no comparison between the king and the learned or the spiritually advanced. They believe that the king is honoured within his kingdom, whereas the learned are respected or worshipped throughout the world.

4 | P a g e

108 Names of Goddess Saraswati

Goddess Saraswati is the most powerful hindu goddess for knowledge and wisdom. She is considered as the personification of all knowledge like arts, sciences and other skills. Goddess Saraswati is the consort of Lord Brahma. The name Saraswati came from the words "saras" which means flow and "wati" which means a woman, therefore Saraswati is symbol of knowledge; the flow is like a river and knowledge is supremely alluring, like a beautiful woman. Goddess Saraswati is considered to be the "mother of the Vedas". Saraswati Pooja is done by devotees every year to seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati and make the upcoming year successful and prosperous.

Goddess Saraswati is worshipped through the recitation of her 108 names as shown below.

1. Sarasvatyai Namaha 50. OM GOMatyai Namaha

2. OM Mahaabhadraayai Namaha 51. OM Shivaayai Namaha

3. OM Mahaamaayaayai Namaha 52. OM JaTilaayai Namaha

4. OM Varapradaayai Namaha 53. OM Vindhyaavaasaayai Namaha

5. OM Shriipradaayai Namaha 54. OM Vindhyaachalaviraajitaayai Namaha

6. OM Padmanilayaayai Namaha 55- OM ChaNDikaayai Namaha

7. OM Padmaaxyai Namaha 56- OM VaishhNavyai Namaha 57- OM Braahmayai Namaha 8. OM Padmavaktrakaayai Namaha 58- OM BrahmaGYaanaikasaadhanaayai Namaha 9. OM Shivaanujaayai Namaha 59- OM Saudaamanyai Namaha 10. OM PustakabhRite Namaha 60- OM Sudhaamuurtyai Namaha

11. OM GYaanamudraayai Namaha 61- OM Subhadraayai Namaha 62- OM Surapuujitaayai Namaha 12. OM Ramaayai Namaha 63- OM Suvaasinyai Namaha 13. OM Paraayai Namaha 64- OM Sunaasaayai Namaha 14. OM Kaamaruupaayai Namaha 65- OM Vinidraayai Namaha

15. OM Mahaavidyaayai Namaha 66- OM Padmalochanaayai Namaha 67- OM Vidyaaruupaayai Namaha 16. OM Mahaapaataka naashinyai Namaha 68- OM Vishaalaaxyai Namaha 17. OM Mahaashrayaayai Namaha 69- OM Brahmajaayaayai Namaha 18. OM Maalinyai Namaha 70- OM Mahaaphalaayai Namaha

19. OM Mahaabhogaayai Namaha 71- OM Trayiimuurtaye Namaha 72- OM TrikaalaGYaayai Namaha 20. OM Mahaabhujaayai Namaha 73- OM TriguNaayai Namaha 21. OM Mahaabhaagaayai Namaha 74- OM ShaastraruupiNyai Namaha

5 | P a g e 22. OM Mahotsaahaayai Namaha 75- OM ShaMbhaasurapramathinyai Namaha

23. OM DivyaaNgaayai Namaha 76- OM Shubhadaayai Namaha 77- OM Svaraatmikaayai Namaha 24. OM Suravanditaayai Namaha 78- OM Raktabiijanihantryai Namaha 25. OM Mahaakaalyai Namaha 79- OM ChaamuNDaayai Namaha 26. OM Mahaapaashaayai Namaha 80- OM Ambikaayai Namaha

27. OM Mahaakaaraayai Namaha 81- OM MuNDakaayapraharaNaayai Namaha 82- OM Dhuumralochanamadanaayai Namaha 28. OM Mahaa.nkushaayai Namaha 83- OM Sarvadevastutaayai Namaha 29. OM Piitaayai Namaha 84- OM Saumyaayai Namaha 30. OM Vimalaayai Namaha 85- OM Suraasura namaskRitaayai Namaha

31. OM Vishvaayai Namaha 86- OM Kaalaraatryai Namaha 87- OM Kalaadharaayai Namaha 32. OM Vidyunmaalaayai Namaha 88- OM Ruupasaubhaagyadaayinyai Namaha 33. OM VaishhNavyai Namaha 89- OM Vaagdevyai Namaha 34. OM Chandrikaayai Namaha 90- OM Varaarohaayai Namaha

35. OM Chandravadanaayai Namaha 91- OM Vaaraahyai Namaha 92- OM Vaarijaasanaayai Namaha 36. OM Chandralekhaavibhuushhitaayai Namaha 93- OM ChitraaMbaraayai Namaha 37. OM Saavityai Namaha 94- OM Chitragandhaayai Namaha 38. OM Surasaayai Namaha 95- OM Chitramaalyavibhuushhitaayai Namaha

39. OM Devyai Namaha 96- OM Kaantaayai Namaha 97- OM Kaamapradaayai Namaha 40. OM Divyaala.nkaarabhuushhitaayai Namaha 98- OM Vandyaayai Namaha 41. OM Vaagdevyai Namaha 99- OM Vidyaadharasupuujitaayai Namaha 42. OM Vasudaayai Namaha 100-OM Shvetaananaayai Namaha

43. OM Tiivraayai Namaha 101-OM Niilabhujaayai Namaha 102-OM Chaturvargaphalapradaayai Namaha 44. OM Mahaabhadraayai Namaha 103-OM Chaturaanana saamraajyaayai Namaha 45. OM Mahaabalaayai Namaha 104-OM Raktamadhyaayai Namaha 46. OM Bhogadaayai Namaha 105-OM Nira.njanaayai Namaha

47. OM Bhaaratyai Namaha 106-OM Ha.nsaasanaayai Namaha 107-OM NiilajaNghaayai Namaha 48. OM Bhaamaayai Namaha 108-OM BrahmavishhNushivaatmikaayai Namaha 49. OM Govindaayai Namaha

6 | P a g e

Daily Archana :- Offer a flower / tulsi leaf / akshata, for each name of the goddess:

1. OM Saraswatyey Namaha

2. OM Mahaa bhadraayey Namaha

3. OM Mahaa maayaayey Namaha

4. OM Vara pradaayey Namaha

5. OM Padma nilayaayey Namaha

6. OM Padma akshyey Namaha

7. OM Pustaka bhrutey Namaha

8. OM Janana mudraayey Namaha

9. OM Kaama rupaayey Namaha

10. OM Mahaa vidhyaayey Namaha

11. OM Mahaa paathaka Naashinyey Namaha

12. OM Vidhyaadhara Supujitaayey Namaha Mata Saraswati Aarti

JAI SARASVATII MAATAA, JAI JAI HE SARASVATII MAATAA SADGUNA VAIBHAVA SHAALINII, TRIBHUVANA VIKHYAATAA

Glory, glory, all glory to you, O Mother Saraswati; you are renowned throughout the three spheres as the treasure-house of all great noble virtues. Let all sing to the glory of your name!

CHANDRAVADANII PADMAASINII DYUTI MANGALAKARE SOHE SHUBHA HANSA SAVARE, ATULA TEJADHARE

O infinitely radiant Goddess, you are beautiful and right as the moon and are seated in lotus posture; you are lustrous in appearance and source of all blessings; your vehicle, the auspicious swan, looks elegant.

BAAYE KARA MEIN VIINAA, DAAYEN KARA MAALAA SHIISHA MUKUTA MANI SOHE, GALA MOTIYANA MAALAA

In your left hand, O Mother Saraswati, is the lute (Veena) and in the right a wreath; on your head lies a splendid coronet of gems and around your neck a string of pearls.

DEVII SHARANA JO AAE UNAKAA UDDHAARAM KIYAA PAITHI MANTHARAA DAASII, RAAVANA SANHAARA KIYAA

7 | P a g e O Goddess, whosoever sought refuge in you was released from the cycle of birth and death. By perverting the mind of Kaikayee’s dull-witted handmaid, Manthara, you became instrumental in the destruction of Ravana.

VIDYAA GYAANA PRADAAYINII, JAGA MEIN GYAANA PRAKAASHA BHARO MOHA AURA AJNAANA TIMIRA KAA JAGA SE NAASHA KARO

O bestower of learning and skill, illumine the world with light of knowledge and dispel the darkness of ignorance and infatuation.

DHUUPA DIIPA PHALA MEVAA MAAN SVIKAARA KARO GYAANA CHAKSHU DE MAATAA, JAGA NISTAARA KARO

O Mother, pray accept my gift of incense, light, both green and dry fruits and endowing the world with eyes of knowledge ferry it across the ocean of this phenomenal world.

MAAN SARASVATII KII ARATII, JO KOII JANA GAAVAI HITAKAARII SUKHAKAARII GYAANA HAKTI PAAVAI

Whosoever sings this hymn to Mother Saraswati becomes a recipient of knowledge and devotion, both of which are beneficial and yield great happiness. Forth coming festivals

In the Vedic/Hindu tradition, there are many festivals that are observed throughout the year. There are major festivals and numerous minor ones, as well as those that are celebrated on a local or regional basis, which are celebrated differently according to the location, or even named differently. There are different festivals to celebrate the various incarnations of God, as well as those that honor the seasons, harvests, relationships, and certain principles of the Vedic culture. Here are few major festivals falling in month of January, February and March.

Makara :

Hindus consider the king of the planets. Sankranti is the celebration of the sun's journey to the Northern Hemisphere. It is celebrated in mid-January. It is known as Lohri in the north and in South India. It is celebrated with a feast that includes a dish made of green gram, rice and jaggery. People bathe in holy waters and worship the sun.

Maha Shivaratri:

Shivaratri is celebrated sometime during February-March. It is believed that , the wife of Shiva, prayed, meditated and fasted on this day for the well being of Shiva and hoped to ward off any evils that may fall upon him. Though, both men and women celebrate Shivaratri, it is an especially auspicious day for women. Married women pray for the well being of their husbands and sons, while unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, who is considered to be the ideal husband.

On Shivaratri, devotees awake at sunrise and bathe in holy water (like the River) and wear new clothes. On the day of the festival, people will fast and spend the day focused on Shiva, meditating and chanting "Om Namaha Shivaya." Thus, offering their obeisances to Lord Shiva, the mind is held in such single-pointed concentration throughout the day. Then they flock to the temples carrying holy water to bathe and worship the Shivalingam. This bathing of the Shivalingam symbolizes the cleansing of one's soul. Next, the Shivalingam is decorated with flowers and garlands. It is customary to spend the entire night awake singing the praises of Lord Shiva.

8 | P a g e Shivaratri is a festival that is held in the typical pattern of preparation, purification, realization, and then celebration. Then at the stroke of midnight Shiva is said to manifest as the inner light of purified consciousness. Thus, this climax at night represents our overcoming the dark ignorance and reaching the state of purified spiritual knowledge. Therein we conquer the influence of the mind and senses, exhibited by staying awake all night, and enter the state of steady awareness wherein there is spiritual awakening. If one can follow this process, then he or she can experience the real meaning of Shivaratri.

Holi:

Holi is a major festival and celebrates the onset of spring, along with good harvests and the fertility of the land. It is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March. This festival is known best for the way people throw brightly colored powder and water over each other to celebrate the advent of spring. Then they bathe and cleanse themselves after which they distribute sweets amongst friends and relatives. Vibrant processions accompanied by folk songs and dances are also a characteristic of Holi celebrations. Holi is a very popular festival amongst the youth. Holi also commemorates the burning to death of Holika, the aunt of Prahlada. Huge bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi for this reason. Holi is celebrated with great vigor in the north, but is hardly celebrated in southern India.

HOLI

By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA

IN DAYS of yore, there were communities of cannibals in India. They caused much havoc. They threatened the lives of many innocent people. One of them was Holika or Putana. She took immense delight in devouring children. Sri destroyed her and thus saved the little children. Even today, the effigy or figure of Holika is burnt in the fire. In South India, the clay figure of Cupid is burnt. This is the origin of the great festival of Holi.

It begins about ten days before the full moon of the month Phalgun (February-March), but is usually only observed for the last three or four days, terminating with the full moon. This is the spring festival of the Hindus. In the spring season all the trees are filled with sweet-smelling flowers. They all proclaim the glory and everlasting beauty of God. They inspire you with hope, joy and a new life, and stir you on to find out the creator and the indweller, who is hiding Himself in these forms.

Holi is known by the name of Kamadahana in South India, the day on which Cupid was burnt by Lord Siva.

Another legend has it that once upon a time an old woman's grandchild was to be sacrificed to a female demon named Holika. A Sadhu advised that abuse and foul language would subdue Holika. The old woman collected many children and made them abuse Holika in foul language. The demon fell dead on the ground. The children then made a bonfire of her remains.

Connected to this legend of the demon Holika is Bhakta Prahlad's devotion to Lord Narayana, and his subsequent escape from death at the hands of Holika. Prahlad's father, Hiranyakashipu, punished him in a variety of ways to change his devotional mind and make him worldly-minded. He failed in his attempts. At last he ordered his sister, Holika, who had a boon to remain unburnt even in fire, to take Prahlad on her lap and enter into the blazing flames. Holika did so. She vanished, but Prahlad remained untouched and laughing. He was not affected by the fire on account of the Grace of Lord Narayana.

This same scene is enacted every year to remind people that those who love God shall be saved, and they that torture the devotee of God shall be reduced to ashes. When Holika was burnt,

9 | P a g e people abused her and sang the glories of the Lord and of His great devotee, Prahlad. In imitation of that, people even today use abusive language, but unfortunately forget to sing the praises of the Lord and His devotee!

In North India, people play joyfully with coloured water. The uncle sprinkles coloured water on his nephew. The niece applies coloured powder on her aunt's face. Brothers and sisters and cousins play with one another.

Huge bundles of wood are gathered and burnt at night, and everywhere one hears shouts of "Holi- ho! Holi-ho!" People stand in the streets and sprinkle coloured water on any man who passes by, be he a rich man or an officer. There is no restriction on this day. It is like the April Fool's Day of the Europeans. People compose and sing special Holi songs.

On the festival day, people clean their homes, remove all dirty articles from around the house and burn them. Disease-breeding bacteria are thereby destroyed. The sanitary condition of the locality is improved. During the festival, boys dance about in the streets. People play practical jokes with passers-by. A bonfire is lit towards the conclusion of the festival. Games representing the frolics of the young Krishna take place joyously around a fire.

On the last day of Holi, people take a little fire from this bonfire to their homes. They believe that their homes will be rendered pure, and their bodies free from disease.

Nowadays, people are found indulging in all sorts of vices in the name of the Holi festival. Some drink intoxicating liquor like toddy and fall unconscious on the roads. They indulge in obscene speech as a result of drinking. They lose respect for their elders and masters. They waste their money in drink and dice-play. These evils should be totally eradicated.

Festivals like Holi have their own spiritual value. Apart from the various amusements, they create faith in God if properly observed. Hindu festivals always have a spiritual significance. They wean man away from sensual pleasures and take him gradually to the spiritual path and divine communion. People perform havan and offer to the gods the new grains that are harvested.

On such holy occasions there should be worship of God, Satsangs, and Kirtan of the Lord's Names, not merely the sprinkling of coloured water and lighting of bonfires. These functions are to be considered most sacred and spent in devotional prayers, visiting holy places, bathing in sacred waters, and Satsang with great souls. Abundant charity should be done to the poor. Then only can Holi be said to have been properly celebrated. Devotees of the Lord should remember His delightful pastimes on such happy occasions.

All great Hindu festivals have religious, social and hygienic elements in them. Holi is no exception. Every season has a festival of its own. Holi is the great spring festival of India. Being an agricultural country, India's two big festivals come during the harvest time when the barns and granaries of our farmers are full and they have reason to enjoy the fruits of their hard labour. The harvest season is a festive season all over the world.

Man wants relaxation and change after hard work. He needs to be cheered when he is depressed on account of work and anxieties. Festivals like Holi supply him with the real food and tonic to restore his cheer and peace of mind.

The religious element in the Holi festival consists of worship of Sri Krishna. In some places it is also called the Dol Yatra. The word dol literally means "a swing". An image of Sri Krishna as a babe is placed in a little swing-cradle and decorated with flowers and painted with coloured powders. The pure, innocent frolics of little Krishna with the merry milkmaids—the Gopis of

10 | P a g e Brindavan—are commemorated. Devotees chant the Name of Sri Krishna and sing Holi-songs relating to the frolics of little Krishna with the Gopis.

The social element during Holi is the uniting or "embracing" of the great and the small, of the rich and the poor. It is also the uniting of equals. The festival teaches us to "let the dead bury the dead". We should forget the outgoing year's ill-feelings and begin the new year with feelings of love, sympathy, co-operation and equality with all. We should try to feel this oneness or unity with the Self also.

Holi also means "sacrifice". Burn all the impurities of the mind, such as egoism, vanity and lust, through the fire of devotion and knowledge. Ignite cosmic love, mercy, generosity, selflessness, truthfulness and purity through the fire of Yogic practice. This is the real spirit of Holi. Rise from the mire of stupidity and absurdity and dive deep into the ocean of divinity.

The call of Holi is to always keep ablaze the light of God-love shining in your heart. Inner illumination is the real Holi. The spring season is the manifestation of the Lord, according to the . Holi is said there to be His heart.

TheYuga:

The ancient Hindu seers have had a comprehensive study of time. The minute details covered by those fantastic minds in reckoning time, is bewildering. The is based on the age of Bramha, the Creator. The life span of Creator Lord Bramha is 100 years. His age now is 51 years. Each day of Lord Bramha is designated by a . Each Kalpa comprises of 14 Manus and each Manu consists of 71 Mahayuga. 1000 such Mahayugas completes Lord Bramha's 1 day. At present, we are in the 28th Mahayuga. One Mahayuga comprises of:

1. Krutayug = (432,000 X 4) years (also Satyug). 2. Tretayug = (432,000 X 3) years 3. Dwaparyug = (432,000 X 2) years 4. Kaliyug = (432,000 X 1) years

We are passing the Kaliyug today, which started in the year 3102 B.C.

The Yugas are further sub-divided into 60 year cycles. The current cycle began on March 27, 1987 and will end in April 2047. Each year (called the Samvatsar, Shaka or Samvat), normally consists of 12 except when there is an (Additional Month). The religious ritualistic activities are mainly based on the Lunar Calender. However, some regions of Bharat follow the Solar Calender.

The Lunar Calender:

Each month consists of 29 to 30 days and is based on the phases of the moon. Each month is divided into two fortnights (paksha). Shukla Paksha (Sudi) ends with a Poornimaa (full moon) and Krishna Paksha (Vaadi) ends with an Amaavasyaa (New Moon). In some regions, eg. Uttar Pradesh, the month starts with Krishna Paksha following Poornimaa but for most regions of Bharat, the month starts with Shukla Paksha following Amaavasya.

The twelve months of the lunar year correspond to the following calendar months and make up the six seasons ():

1. : (March-April) 2. Vaishakh: (April-May) Vasanta Rutu (Spring) 3. Jyeshta: (May-June) 11 | P a g e 4. Aashaadh: (June-July) Greeshma (Summer) 5. Sharaavan: (July-August) 6. Bhadrapad: (August-September) Varsha (Monsoon) 7. Ashwin: (September-October) 8. Kaartik: (October-November) Sharad (Autumn) 9. Margasheersh: (November-December) 10. Paush: (December-January) Hemanta (Winter) 11. Maagh: (January-February) 12. Phalgun: (February-March) Shishira (Dewey) Adhika: (Purushottam) Maas (Every third year and it bears the name of the month that it precedes.)

Since the calendar is based on the phases of the moon, the twelve as above take 354 days, 8 hours and 34.28 seconds. This creates a difference of 10 days, 21 hours and 35.16 seconds from the actual solar year (365 days, 6 hours, 9.54 seconds)

When the accumulated difference exceeds 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.865 seconds, an adjustment is made with an extra month (Adhika Maas), which carries the name of the previous or the next month, depending on the proximity of the month. Normally, seven extra months occur in 19 years.

Shalivahan Saka:

The Shalivahan Saka is based on the lunar calendar and the new year starts with Chaitra Maas (Shukla Paksha). The current year (2070) will start on Thursday April 11th, 2013. This calendar is believed to have been initiated by King Shalivahan in the year 78 A.D.

Vikram Samvat:

The Vikram Era started with Raja Vikramaditya of Ujjain, following his victory over the Saka in 56 B.C. The new year begins with the first day of following Deepawali Amaavasya. The current is 2070. (The Yudhisthir Shaka, which started approximately around 5500 B.C. is not very popular today.)

The :

This begins with Vernal Equinox, on or about March 21. The twelve months, known as the Saur Maas, correspond to the entry of the Sun into the signs of the Rashi.

The Twelve Rashi (Zodiac Signs):

1. Maysha (Aries) The Ram 2. Vrushabha (Taurus) The Bull 3. (Gemini) The Twins 4. Karka (Cancer) The Crab 5. Simha (Leo) The Lion 6. Kanya (Virgo) The Maiden 7. Tula (Libra) The Scales 8. Vrishchika (Scorpio) The Scorpion 9. (Saggitarius) The Bow 10. Makar (Capricon) The Crab 11. (Aquarius) The Pot 12. Meena (Pisces) The Fish

12 | P a g e The first month of the lunar calendar, Chaitra, corresponds to the solar month Maysha. Maysha begins on or close to 12th day of April and this day is celebrated as the New Year Day known as Vaishakhi or Yugadhi.

Makar Sankranti, which corresponds to the entry of the Sun into Makar Rashi, occurs on January 14 every year.

Hindu New Year: Hindu New Year is celebrated according to the Hindu Lunar Calendar- Panchanga. The popular name of the Hindu New Year is Vikram Samvat. In the Indian Calendar, seasons follow the sun, months follow the moon and days both sun and moon. This era of Vikram Samvat began in 57 BC. To correspond with the solar calendar, 57 years are subtracted from the Hindu Year. Thus, the New Year begins with the first day of Kartik Maas following Deepawali Amaavasya.

History of Vikram Samvat:

The Vikram Samvat had descended continuously with historical times, along with the Saka era. The reckoning of the era pointed out that it originated from 58 B.C. The Vikrama Era also became an alternative of the Saka era or Sakabda in Central and Western India . In 5th century A.D., Chandragupta II or Vikramaditya ousted the Sakas from the region. But he had no connection with the Vikrama era whatsoever, because Vikrama era started in 58 B.C., which was long before the ascension of Chandragupta II as a king. In 8th century A.D., with the development of the legend of Sakari Vikramaditya, the Vikrama era became associated with the name of Vikramaditya.

Authentic facts are not available till date about the origin of the Vikrama era. Historians are in utter confusion regarding the origin and founder of the Vikrama era. However there are several theories approached by the scholars which shed some light regarding the origin of the Vikrama Era.

Tradition runs that a very powerful and accomplished king named Vikramaditya of Ujjaini founded the era of Vikrama Samvat. Jain writer Merutunga supported the tradition and had explicitly stated that Vikramaditya recaptured Ujjaini by defeating the Sakas and commenced the Vikrama Samvat era in his name. The Vikrama Samvat era was introduced by Vikramaditya in 58 A.D. But the Jain tradition was refuted by most of the scholars on the ground that it provided a corrupt account. Moreover modern historians have pointed out that king Vikramaditya was a mythical king. Jain tradition could not provide any strong facts about the identity of king Vikramaditya. There is no other evidence regarding the fact that the king named Vikramaditya defeated the Sakas and established the Saka era in 58 B.C. Modern scholars have also pointed out that the Vikrama Samvat era was not originally named so. Rather it was named as the "Era of the Malavas". The earliest association of the name "Vikrama" was recorded in 898 of the era and not in 58 B.C., according to modern researches.

The origin of Hindu New Year relates to the legendary Hindu King Vikramaditya in 57 BC. According to the legend, King Gardabhilla (in 12th century CE) abducted a nun by the name of Saraswati. She was the sister of the famous Jain monk Kalakacharya. The helpless monk sought help of the Saka ruler in Sakasthana to defeat Gardabhilla. He was defeated and captivated by the Saka King. Though later released but Gardabhilla retired to the the forest where he was killed by a tiger. His son, Vikramaditya (brought up in the forest) later invaded Ujjain and pushed out the Sakas. Thus, to celebrate this event, he commemorated a new era called Vikram Samvat.

13 | P a g e Hindu New Year Celebrations: Multifarious religions are practiced in India and so are the celebrations of various festivals. Hindu New Year is celebrated with gaiety and pomp all over India . Verve of the festival can be seen mostly among the people of North India and . New Year in Southern India also emphasizes the Hindu New Year but the date and New Year traditions vary.

 Punjab : New year starts on 13th April.  Assam : New year starts on 14th or 15th of April.  Bengal : New year starts on 14th or 15th April.  Gujarat : New Year starts on Karthik Shukla Pratipada.  Kerala : New year starts in the month of Medam (on the day when the Sun enters in the constellation Leo).  Andhra Pradesh: New Year falls on Chaitra Shuddha Prathipada.  Karnataka: New Year falls on Chaitra Shuddha Prathipada.  Sikkim : New Year starts on 18th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.  Maharashtra : New Year starts in the month of Chaitra  Tamil Nadu: New year starts on 13th or 14th of April.

Ramnavami - in Honor of Lord .

Ramnavami or the birthday of Lord Rama falls on the 9th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April). (See calendar)

Ramnavami is one of the most important festivals of the Hindus, particularly the Vaishnava sect of the Hindus. On this auspicious day, devotees repeat the name of Rama with every breath and vow to lead a righteous life. People pray to attain the final beatitude of life through intense devotion towards Rama and invoke him for his blessings and protection.

Many observe a strict fast on this day. Otherwise, it is an extremely colorful ceremony, highly inspiring and instructive too. Temples are decorated and the image of Lord Rama is richly adorned. The holy '' is read in the temples. In Ayodhya, the birthplace of Sri Rama, a big fair is held on this day. In the south of India the "Shri Ramnavami Utsavam" is celebrated for nine days with great fervor and devotion. In temples and at pious gatherings the learned narrate the thrilling episodes of the 'Ramayana'. The Kirtanists chant the holy name of Rama and celebrate the wedding of Rama with on this day.

How to Celebrate this Parva:

•The sacred Mantras "Om Shri Ramaya Namah" or "Om Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram" are chanted.

•Devotees read the whole of the Ramayana, either the Sanskrit version of Sage Valmiki or the Hindi version of Saint Tulsidas, during these nine days.

•Those who cannot recite the entire epic may read this single verse which contains in a nutshell the story of the Ramayana:

Aado Ram Tapo vanaadi Gamnam; Hatva Mriga Kaanchanam; Vaidehi Harnam; Jatayu Marnam; Sugriv Sambhaashanam;

14 | P a g e Nirdalam; Samudra Tarnam; Lanka Puri Daahnam; Pashchaat Ravan Kumbha Karna Hananam; Yedati Ramayanam.

Traslation:

"Formerly, Sri Rama went to the forests, where sages did penance and killed the illusive deer. Sita was carried away and Jatayu was killed. Rama met Sugriva, killed Vali and crossed the ocean. The city of Lanka was burnt by . The demons, Ravana and Kumbhakarna, were then killed. Thus is recited the holy Ramayana".

•Devotees greet one another with "Shri Ram" or "Jai Ram-ji-ki".

•Those who have adopted Lord Rama as their favorite deity observe a fast, taking only milk and fruit for all the nine days. Some fast only on the Ramnavami day itself.

•On the final day of Ramnavami, a grand worship of Lord Rama is organized in the gorgeously decorated temple. All the Vedic rituals including Laksharchana are performed.

•A "havan" or sacred fire ceremony is also performed.

•From four in the morning to late at night, there devotional music and chants of Rama are played.

•Leaflets, booklets and books relating to Lord Rama are distributed.

•Special meetings are held in the evening at which discourses on the life and teachings of the Lord are delivered. Although the is the official calendar for the Hindus, regional variants still prevail. As a result, we have a host of “new year” festivities that are unique to the particular regions on this vast country. Characteristic of the Indian cultural mélange, Hindus in various states of India celebrate the new year in their own ways. And not all of these fall on the same day!

The Hindus of Kashmir start their new year - - in mid March. At the same time, the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh begin their new year - . The Marathas celebrate their new year and the Sindhis observe , the coming of new year, during the same time. Usually, the Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Kashmiri and Sindhi New Year falls on the same day - the first day of the month of Chaitra, heralding the advent of spring.

Ugadi in Andhra & Karnataka!

The Telugu and the Kannada New Year falls on the first day of the month of Chaitra (March-April). People in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka states in the South of India believe that Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe on this auspicious day of Ugadi. People prepare for the new year by cleaning and washing their houses and buying new clothes. On the Ugadi day they decorate their houses with mango leaves and "rangoli" designs, and pray for a prosperous new year, and visit the temples to listen to the yearly calendar - "Panchangasravanam" as priests make predictions for the coming year. Ugadi is also an auspicious day to embark on any new endeavor.

Gudhi Padwa in Maharashtra & Goa!

In Maharashtra, the new year is celebrated as Gudhi Padwa - a festival that heralds the advent of spring (March-April). Early on the morning of the first day of the Chaitra month, people finish their ablutions, wear new clothes and decorate their houses with colorful "rangoli" patterns. A silk 15 | P a g e banner is raised and worshipped, and greetings and sweets are exchanged. People hang "gudhis" on their windows on this day to celebrate Mother Nature's bounty. A "gudi" is a decorated pole with a brass or a silver vessel placed on it.

Cheti Chand - the Sindhi Thanksgiving Day!

The Sindhis celebrate Cheti Chand on their New Year day which coincides with Gudhi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Cheti Chand falls on on the first day of the month of Chaitra, also called 'Cheti' in Sindhi. This day is observed as the birthday of Jhulelal, the patron saint of the Sindhis. On this day, Sindhis worship , the water god and observe a number of rituals followed by feasts and devotional music, such as and aartis.

In mid-April, the Bengalis usher in the new year with the Poila Baishakh celebrations, the Assamese in the northeast with festivals, and the Tamils in the South with . Around this time, Hindus in Punjab get agog with Baisakhi, the springtime harvest festival marking the beginning of their new year, and the people of Kerala in the south of India welcome their new year - .

The Bright Baisakhi of Punjab

"Baisakhi", traditionally a harvest festival, is celebrated on the 13th of April every year, marking the Punjabi New Year. People celebrate the joyous occasion by performing Bhangra and Giddha to the pounding rhythm of the dhol and rings in the New Year. Baisakhi also marks the founding of the Khalsa brotherhood by Sikh Guru Govind Singh.

Shubho Naba Barsha on Poila Baishakh in Bengal!

The first day of the Bengali new year falls on the 13th or 14th of April every year. Called "Poila Baishakh," it's a state holiday in the eastern state of West Bengal and a national holiday in Bangladesh. To welcome the new year or "Naba Barsha", people clean and decorate their houses and invoke Goddess Lakshmi, the bestower of wealth and prosperity. All new enterprises begin on this auspicious day, as businessmen open their fresh ledgers with "Haal Khata"- a ceremomy in which Lord is summoned and customers are invited to settle all their old dues and offered free refreshments. The people of Bengal spend the day feasting and participating in cultural activities. Read more

The Boisterous Bohaag Bihu of Assam

The northeastern state of Assam ushers in the new year with the spring festival of Bohaag Bihu or Rongali Bihu, which marks the onset of a new agricultural cycle. Fairs are organized where people revel in gay games. The celebrations go on for days together, and it's a good time for young people to find a companion of their own choice! Young belles in traditional attire sing "Bihugeets" and dance the traditional "Mukoli Bihu". The festive food of the occasion is the "pitha" or rice cakes. People visit each other's houses, exchange gifts and sweets and, greet each other a Happy New Year!

Kerala, Wish You a Happy Vishu!

"Vishu" is the first day in the first month of Medam in Kerala, the beautiful coastal state in southern India. The people of this state - the Malayalees - begin the day early in the morning by visiting the temple and seeing any auspicious sight, which they call "Vishukani." The day is full of the 16 | P a g e elaborate traditional rituals with tokens called "Vishukaineetam", usually in form of coins, being distributed among the downtrodden. People wear new clothes - "Kodi vastram" - and celebrate the day by bursting firecrackers and enjoying a variety of delicacies at an elaborate lunch called the "sadya" with family and friends. The afternoon and evening is spent in the "Vishuwela".

Tamil New Year: Varsha Pirappu / Puthandu Vazthukal

The Tamil speaking people across the globe celebrate 'Varsha Pirappu' or 'Puthandu Vazthukal', the Tamil New Year, in mid-April. It is the first day of Chithirai, the first month in the traditional . The day dawns by observing Kanni or viewing auspicious things such as gold, silver, jewelry, new clothes, new calendar, mirror, rice, coconuts, fruits, vegetables, betel leaves, and other fresh farm products. This ritual is believed to usher in good fortune. It is followed by a ritualistic bath and almanac worship called Panchanga Puja. The Tamil , a book on New Year predictions, is anointed with sandalwood and turmeric paste, flowers and vermilion powder, and is placed before the deity. Later, it is read or listened to either at home or at the temple.

On the eve of Puthandu, every household is thoroughly cleaned and tastefully decorated - the doorways are garlanded with mango leaves strung together and Vilakku Kolam decorative patterns adorn the floors. Donning new clothes, the family members gather and light a traditional lamp, the kuthu vilakku, and fill niraikudum, a short-necked brass bowl with water and embellish it with mango leaves while chanting prayers. Then they visit neighboring temples to offer prayers to the deity. Traditional Puthandu meal consists of pachadi - a mixture of jaggery, chillies, salt, neem leaf or flowers, and tamarind; green banana and jackfruit preparation and a variety of sweet 'payasam' dessert.

17 | P a g e