Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2015, 6 (2),83-99

Scientific Approach to Celebrate Festivals in in - A Conceptual Study

Review article

Manisha G Dunghav1*

1. Associate Professor, Department of and Siddhanta, DY University, School of , Nerul, Navi Mumbai

Abstract

Festival celebration is an inseparable event from the lifestyle of Indians. This study is proposed to explain the scientific approach towards the Indian festivals to promote good health and to overcome the wrong beliefs of mythological stories to particular festivals. Indian culture is having great diversities in traditions and customs.It could be due to geographical distribution .Maharashtra also follow its own customs & traditions and celebrate festivals for the acceptance of this environmental changes to mentain sound health rather than follow rituals and beliefs on mythological stories. So, while celebrating festivals one should follow the regimen of sandhi according to desha (land).

Key Words: Festivals, Ayurveda seasonal regimen and festivals, Ayurveda and festivals, definite relation between festivals and principles of Ayurveda of seasonal regimen.

Introduction: This study explains the relation between India is known as the land of festivals festivals and principal of Ayurveda of which are no more confined to the seasonal regimen. boundaries of our nation but also being celebrated by the different communities Aims and objectives: around the world. So celebration of  To study the scientific approach of festival is the indivisible part of Indian various festivals celebrated in people’s life. Festival is the joint which Maharashtra. brings together with loving bond. It is  To explain the relation between observed that sometimes some festivals and seasonal regimen mythological stories and sometimes some according to Ayurveda. atmospheric reasons are behind the celebration of festivals. Materials & methods: Ayurveda texts like Brihattrayee, Laghutrayee were used which are related *Corresponding Author: to seasonal regimen. Manisha G Dunghav Various texts on festivals were used which Associate Professor was available . Department of Sanskrit Samhita & Siddhanta, Conceptual study: D.Y.Patil University, School of Ayurveda According to Hindu and English Nerul, Navi Mumbai calendar one year is divided into 12 Email Id– [email protected] months. According to Ayurveda one year

83 Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 Manisha G Dunghav et. al., A Scientific Approach towards Festivals of Maharashtra in India is divided into six . One Sharada () and Hemanta (Early comprises of two months and also whole ) comprise . year is divided into two Ayana i.e. ADANAKALA: During this period, the (the period when is seen sun is above the north of equator, the earth traversing to the north of equation) and has decreased moisture content, and the air Dakshinayana (the period when the sun is becomes dry. The atmosphere changes, seen traversing to the south of the equator). affect human body causing a gradual (1). decrease in vitality and strength. Since it Uttarayana is also called as takes away strength, the period is known Adanakala (period of extraction). as Adanakala (2). Adanakala takes away human strength day VISARGAKALA: During this period sun by day. Three consecutive seasons is seen moving in southern direction from Shishira (Extreme winter), Vasanta east to west and hence called () and () comprise Dakshinayana. Uttarayana. Dakshinayana is also called During this period, Sun is above the south as Visargakala. (Period of discharge) of the equator. The earth is blessed with .Visargakala gives back vitality and increase in the moisture content, the body strength or body gains strength during this will be supple and strong. Thus it is held period.The seasons of Varsha (Rainy), that this period is Visarga Kala, as the sun “lets out” strength to the organism. (3)

Table No.1 Showing Seasons, Hindu Months, English Months, Festivals and Diet According To Seasons SEASONS HINDU ENGLISH FESTIVALS TASTE OF DIET MONTHS MONTHS ACCORDING TO SEASONS Shishira Mid January- Mahashivaratri Madhura (Sweet) (Extreme Mid Amla (Sour) winter) February Rangapanchami Lavana (Salt) Mid February- Mid March Vasanta Mid March- , Katu (Pungent) (Spring) Mid April Tikta (Bitter) Vaishakha Mid April- Kashaya Mid May (Astringent) Grishma Mid May- Vata Pournima Madhura (Sweet) Mid June (Summer) Mid June- Mid July Varsha Mid July- Madhura (Sweet) (Rain) Mid August Gokulashtami Amla (Sour) Bhadrapada Mid August- ShravanaPournima Lavana (Salt) Mid (Rakhi/Narali September Pournima) Bail Pola Chaturthi

84 Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2015, 6 (2),83-99

Sharada Ashvina Mid Pitra Madhura (Sweet) (Autumn) September- Tikta (Bitter) Mid October Dassera Kashaya Kartika Mid (Astringent October-Mid Kojagiri Pournima November Hemanta Margashirsha Mid Geeta Jayanti Madhura (Sweet) (Early November- Amla (Sour) winter) Mid Lavana (Salt) December Mid December- Mid January

Shishira ritu means extreme winter Mid August and Bhadrapada is from Mid season and comes in Magha and Phalguna August to Mid September. Nagapanchami, months of . Magha is Narali Pournima, Gopalakala, Pola and between Mid January to Mid February and Ganesha Chaturthi are the festivals which Phalguna is from Mid February to Mid come in Varsha Ritu. Madhura, Amla and March. Mahashivaratri, Holi and Ranga Lavana rasas are prevalent in Varsha Ritu. Panchami are the festivals which come in Sharada Ritu means autumn season this Shishira Ritu. Madhura (sweet), Amla .Ashwina and Kartika are the two months (sour) and Lavana (salt) are the tastes which come in Sharada Ritu. Ashwina is prevalent in Shishira Ritu. from Mid September to Mid October and Vasanta Ritu means spring season Kartika is from Mid October to Mid and consists of two months Chaitra and November. Navaratri, Dasshera, Kojagiri Vaishakha. Chaitra is from Mid March to Pournima and Diwali are the festivals Mid April. Vaishakha is from Mid April to which come in Sharada Ritu. Madhura, Mid May. Gudi Padwa is the festival Tikta and Kashaya rasas are prevalent in which comes in Vasanta Ritu. Katu, Tikta Sharada ritu. and Kashaya rasas are prevalent in Hemanta Ritu means early winter Vasanta Ritu. season .It consists of two months Grishma Ritu means summer season Margashirsha and Pausha. Margashirsha and has two months Jyestha and Ashadha. is from Mid November to Mid December Jyeshtha is from Mid May to Mid June. and Pausha is from Mid December to Mid Ashadha is from Mid June to Mid July. January. Gita Jayanti is the festival which Madhura is prevalent in Grishma comes in Hemanta Ritu. Madhura, Amla Ritu. and Lavana Rasa are prevalent in Hemanta Varsha Ritu means rainy season. It Ritu. consists of two months Shravana and Bhadrapada. Shravana is from Mid July to TABLE NO.2: SHOWING RELATION BETWEEN RITU AND DOSHA Dosha Sanchaya Prakopa Prashamana (accumulation) (aggravation) (mitigation to normalcy) Vata Grishma Varsha Sharada Pitta Varsha Sharada Hemanta Kapha Shishira Vasanta Grishma

85 Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 Manisha G Dunghav et. al., A Scientific Approach towards Festivals of Maharashtra in India

According to Hindu calendar first month Application of concentrated Collyrium, of is Chaitra. One cycle of Concentrated Nasya (nasal administration season is completed in this month. New of medicine) and Application of paste of Year will be supposed to good Sandal (Santalum album) and Agaru atmosphere, status of body strength, status (Aquilaria agollocha Roxb.) powder of Doshas in the body and festivals. should be done. VASANTA RITU (SPRING SEASON) LIFESTYLE-One should move along HINDU MONTHS: Chaitra, Vaishakha. river side to get cold, fragrant breeze of air. ENGLISH MONTHS: Mid March- Mid One should get up early in the morning April, Mid April-Mid May. before sunrise and do after STATUS OF ATMOSPHERE: Ruksha elimination of Urine and Stool. (Dryness) . DON’TS: STATUS OF DOSHAS: Aggravation of DIET-New grains, cold, unctuous, sour Kapha Dosha, Alleviation of Vata Dosha. and salty food, curd, Black gram (Vigna STRENGTH OF PERSON: Medium. Mungo), Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), SHAMAN (PALLIATIVE Onion (Allium cepa L.), Sugarcane THERAPY): Deepana (Carminative), (Saccharum officinarum), new , Pachana (Digestive) . Buffalo and water chest nut (Trapa SHODHANA KARMA natans L.) . (ELIMINATION THERAPY) : LIFESTYLE-Sleeping in day time, and (Emesis) . consuming sweet, oily and heavy to digest Accumulated Kapha in Hemant Ritu gets food. liquified because of hot Sunrays from FESTIVALS OF VASANTA RUTU: Vasanta Ritu which leads loss of fire and In the month of Chaitra so Kaphaja diseases can occur in this “Gudhipaadwaa” is celebrated as the first season. day of Hindu New Year. On this day a pole DO’S: named Gudhi is erected in front of the DIET- Barley (Hordeum vulgare L), house. A new cloth is tied on the Gudhi; a Wheat (Triticum spp.), Madhu (Honey) metal vessel is put on to it. Mixture of and meat of Jangala (dry, arid land) Neem (Azadirachta Indica) leaves, Guda animals and birds should be partaken. (Jaggery) and Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) Grains likeJawara (Sorghum Bicolor), can be used to eat on this special day. (4) Bajra (Pennisetum glaucum Corn), Pulses In Ayurveda, properties of Neem like Green gram (Phaseolus aureus), leaves and Jaggery have been very well Brown skinned lentil (Lens Culinaris), explained. The leaves, flowers, stem of Pigeon pea (Pisum Sativum), Chick pea Neem tree are useful as medicine. Cumin (Cicer Arietinumb), Carrot (Daucus is carminative, digestive and useful in carota), Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes Urinary disorders. (5) cucumerina), Mustard (Brassica juncea), In the spring season increased heat Fenugreek leaf (Trigonella fornum- of the body subside by bathing with water graecum), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), with Neem leaves to prevent skin diseases Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and like eczema which is custom. (6) Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) ‘Akshaya Trutiya’ is the second should be partaken. festival celebrated in this season in the MEDICINE-Rasayana (rejuvinative) month of Vaishakha. The word "Akshaya" drugs and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) means the never powder with Honey. Exercise, Medicated diminishing in Sanskrit and the day is powder massage over the body, Med believed to bring good luck and success. It icated smoke inhalation, Gargling, is believed that if you do charity on this

86 Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2015, 6 (2),83-99 day you will be blessed. It is observed that (alcohol) with mixed water according to on Akshay Tritiya, worship of Mrutika constitution and strength of the body. (soil/earth) was custom. (7) So on this day LIFESTYLE-Move in gardens, Bathing earthen pots are offered to the needy as twice in a day. charity. (8) DON’TS: According to Ayurveda, during these DIET-Hot, spicy, dry, salty food, meat days atmosphere becomes hot. So one gets and fried items .Food items prepared from frequently thirsty. That is why everyone is Maida (flour of Listea glutinosa) or Besan needed to drink cold water so the idea of (flour of Cicer Arietinumb), Intake of wine earthen pot charity was implemented ..But and pungent, sour and salty taste . in ancient time earthen pots were used to LIFESTYLE-Sunrays, exercise and keep water cool. exhaustion should be avoided. Wearing synthetic clothes and visiting contaminated water and place like fair GRISHMA RUTU (SUMMER should be avoided. Sexual intercourse SEASON) . should be avoided. HINDU MONTHS: Jyestha- Ashadha. FESTIVALS OF GRISHMA RITU. ENGLISH MONTHS: Mid May- Mid On the full moon day of the month June, Mid June- Mid July. STATUS OF of Jyeshtha, Vata Pournima is celebrated ATMOSPHERE: Very Dry. in this season. On this day women worship STATUS OF DOSHAS: Accumulation of Vata () tree and seek for Vata and alleviation of Kapha their husbands for long and healthy life. STRENGTH OF PERSON: Less (9) strength. Vata (Banyan- Ficus Bengalensis) is SHAMANA KARMA (PALLIATIVE considered as a holy tree. It is a huge tree THERAPY) : Vataghna medicine. with strong roots and long life. Vata SHODHANA KARMA Pournima is celebrated according to (ELIMINATION THERAPY) : . On this day Savitri was In this season sun takes away moisture successful in bringing her husband from the atmosphere and air becomes very Satyawaana from the web of death under dry. During this season; trees, animals and this tree. So from this day, Vata Pournima birds get affected with severe heat. Water is celebrated by women for their husband’s from the river gets absorbed. Everywhere long ivity. dryness can be seen. According to Ayurveda, DO’S: Panchaanga (five parts) of this tree is used DIET-Sweet, oily and cold food .Drink as medicine. 11% tannin is seen in its liquids like milk, Lassi and twaka (skin/outer surface) . It is cold in Buttermilk.Drinkfruit juices potency acts as Graahi (constipative), likePomegranate, Lemon, Sugarcane, Mutrasangrahaniya (urine retention) and Watermelon, Muskmelons, water Vrana ropaniya (heals the wound) . and Cumin . Drink water in Because of its cold potency people used to Muhurta (early in the morning i.e .before come under this tree to take rest. Its taste sunrise) . is astringent so it acts as Raktastambhak MEDICINE-Sweet and cold mantha (Haemostatic) . Sticky substance of leaves (cold infusion), meat soup of Jangala (dry, is used in the symptoms of Scorpio poison. arid) animal & birds, , milk, rice Hot paste of its leaves can be applied on should be partaken and increase the Arthritis. (10) strength of a person..Intake of Madya

87 Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 Manisha G Dunghav et. al., A Scientific Approach towards Festivals of Maharashtra in India

VARSHA RUTU- RAINY SEASON. should be used. Boiled water is best. Water HINDU MONTHS- Shravana, from well, pond and river can be used for Bhadrapada drinking after mixing Alum. After getting ENGLISH MONTHS- Mid July to Mid wet in rain bath with clean water is August and Mid August to Mid September necessary. STATUS OF DOSHAS IN THE BODY- MEDICINE-Arishtas (alcoholic Accumulation of pitta and Alleviation of bevarages) should be used as medicine. vata. Mastu (Whey) mixed with Souvarchala PROPERTIES OF ATMOSPHERE- (Sochal salt-unaqua sodium chloride) or Snigdha (Unctuous) Panchakola powder which contains five STRENGTH OF PERSON-Less ingredients- Pippali (Piper longum), strength Pippalimula (root of Pipper longum), SHODHAN KARMA (ELIMINATION Chavya (piper brachystachyum), Chitraka THERAPY) - Emesis, Purgation, (Plumbago zylanica), Nagara (Zingiber Medicated Enema officinale) should be used as medicine. During period of Adankala strength DON’TS: and (digestive fire) becomes weak. In DIET-Rice (Oryza sativa L.), Potato Varsha Rutu, weak digestive power is (Solanumtuberosum L.), ladies finger further deteriorated as dark clouds gorged (Abelmoschus esculentus), heavy food and with water blanket the horizon, the wind steal food should be avoided. Well, pond blows with water droplets causing the and river water should be avoided. Curd, vapours rising from the earth generate fish, meat, liquid food and wine should be amlavipaka. Thus the turbid water even avoided. the weak digestive fires are all responsible LIFESTYLE-Walking without footwear for vitiating doshas. should be avoided. Body should be Thus, in this season when the doshas scented with perfumes. Clothes should be vitiate reciprocally, it is advisable to adopt scented with fumigated drugs. Preferably regimen that does not vitiate doshas and stay in upper floor of a building free from those that increase digestion. moisture, cold and mist. Avoid river water. Sleeping during day time and sleeping in DO’S: open space should be avoided. Exertion, DIET-Old cereals, seasoned meat soup exercise and sun bath should be avoided. and meat of Jangala (dry, arid land) FESTIVALS OF VARSHA RITU animals, soup of Green grams (Phaseolus “Naga Panchami” is the first aureus), old wine, sour, salty and oily festival of this season. On this day, farmers food, old rice and Barley should be and women or people worship snake by consumed. Ghee and Milk during meal offering milk to them. Snake is considered should be taken. Bajra (Pennisetum as farmer’s friend. Snake prevents glaucum) or corn (Zea mays var. everta.) destruction of crops from the rats by with buttermilk should be consumed. killing them. To preserve the greenery and Vegetables likered pumpkin (Cucurbita to show the gratitude to them people maxima), Brinjal (Solanum melongena), worship snake with wholeheartedly on this Snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina), day. Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) and According to Ayurveda, skin of Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) should snake is used for dhupana chikitsa be consumed.Ginger (Zingiber (fumigation by medicinal plant) in piles officinale Roscoe), Fenugreek leaf and difficulty in delivering baby in (Trigonellafornum-graecum), Garlic women. In ascites, bite of snake opens the (Allium sativum) and clean water to drink

88 Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2015, 6 (2),83-99 blockages of channels so that distention of is good to cure skin diseases. Milk of abdomen can be subsided. coconut acts as tonic to weak person and Second festival of this season is after the surgery. (11) To show gratitude to “Gokulashtami” or “Gopalakala”. This it, coconut is worshipped by people on this day is considered as a birthday of Lord day. . People eat curd specially on this In the month of Bhadrapada on the day because of belief that Lord Krishna in (darkest moonless night) after his childhood used to play with his friends the rainy season “Bail Pola” is celebrated. and after playing they used to eat curd and This is another festival of farmer. In the butter always. life of farmer Bail (Ox) is has most According to Ayurveda, sour and important place. After the agricultural sweet taste is advisable for decreasing vata work done by ox during rainy season because taste of curd is sour and vipaka of farmer shows gratitude towards ox on this curd is also sour. day and so farmers worship ox on this day. Third festival of this season is ‘’ is celebrated on “Shravana Pournima”. Shravana fourth day of Shukla paksha in the month Pournima is also known as “Rakhi of Bhadrapada, during rainy season. This Pournima” or “Narali Pournima”. This day is considered as birthday of Lord festival is celebrated in this month on the Ganesha. And on day of full moon. On this day sisters tie (eleventh day after Ganesha Chaturthi) Rakhi made of threads on the wrists of the idol of Ganesha is drowned in to the their brothers for their long and happy life pond (visarjana) . Ganesha word is and their brothers vow to take care and derived from two words; one is Gana protect their sisters. This is the festival of which means group and second is Isha celebrating the bond of love between a which means leader. So, Ganesha is brother and sister. On this day special supposed to be leader of one group. Narali bhat (coconut rice) is prepared in According to Ayurveda or in every house. Sanskrit grammer root word of Gana is During the rainy season, the sea is derived from guna. Guna means qualities ferociously restless so, the fishermen which are Satva, Raja and Tama. Ganesha celebrate Narali Pournima to calm the sea means the controller of the three qualities. by offering the auspicious coconut fruit. So, Ganesha is considered as God of According to Ayurveda, Coconut intelligence and quality. To worship lord (Cocos nucifera) is called as Mahavruksha Ganesha people offer twenty one durva or Kalpavruksha because it has multiple (Cynodon dactylon) to him. uses in kitchen and medicine also. During the month of Bhadrapada, Coconut oil is used in cooking and durva grows rapidly and it absorbs heat of medicine. Coconut is having sweet taste, the body. In this particular month or aphrodisiac, gives strength, makes stout season, pitta gets accumulated in the body and cleans the urinary bladder. Coconut and so Durva makes its strength low. (12) water is cold in potency, relieves thirst and In Ayurveda, Durva is described as increases urine and decreases fever. Oil of medicine. Durva is said to have many it is used as tonic for hair and act as good medicinal properties and health benefits wound healer. Wine prepared from it is including antimicrobial and antiviral used to subside burning sensation, gives properties. Recent research at university of strength and cleanses bladder. Root of it is in India has shown the glycemic astringent in taste, used in urinary potential of cynodon dactylon extract has calculus, diabetes and menorrhagia. By significant hypoglycaemic as well as burning hard cover of it, we get oil which antidiabetic effects. (13)

89 Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 Manisha G Dunghav et. al., A Scientific Approach towards Festivals of Maharashtra in India

Drink clean water or alum mixed with water. Vegetables like Bitter gourd SHARADA RUTU (AUTUMN (Momordica charantia), snake gourd SEASON) (Trichosanthes cucumerina), Fenugeek HINDU MONTHS- Ashwina, Kartika leaf (Trigonella foenum-graecum), bottle ENGLISH MONTHS- Mid September- gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), spinach Mid October, Mid October- Mid (Spinacia oleracea), Radish November (Raphanus sativus), Water chestnut STATUS OF DOSHAS IN THE BODY- (Trapa natans L.), Carrot (Daucus Accumulation of pitta carota), Cabbage (Brassica oleracea or PROPERTIES OF ATMOSPHERE- variants) and grapes (Vitis vinifera), Unctuous. tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), drink STRENGTH OF PERSON: Medium fruit juices like lemon (Citrus × limon) Strength. juice and eat dry fruits especially dried SHODHANA KARMA grapes and coconut. Eat vegetables (ELIMINATION THERAPY) - without spices. Drink water before sunrise. Virechana (Purgation) . MEDICINE- In Varsha Ritu, the body is Chyavanaprasha, Amalaki accustomed to the cold atmosphere and Rasayana, Brahma rasayana etc. can be hence pitta is accumulated but fails to consumed after the consultation of Doctor. aggravate Kapha due to frigid atmosphere Administration of Tikta Ghrutpana (Bitter when the sunrays become hot in the Ghee) is good in this season. Eat Triphala ensuring Sharada ritu, the body becomes churna, Nishottha Churna and Amaltas. suddenly hot and by this, the accumulated Eat green gram and black gram pulses. pitta aggravates. LIFESTYLE- In this season digestive fire Perform regular oil massage, increases. Water heated by besieged rays regular exercise. Those who are unable to of sun during day time and cooled by do exercise, they can do morning walk. Do moon rays at night detoxified by the star take sleep in room. Wear clean and light (the star anapus) rising in this clothes. Bath in swimming pool and pond. season and is pure and clear, capable of pacifying tridoshas which is neither DON’TS: abhishyandi (secretory) nor ruksha DIET- (causing dehydration) . It is as good as Food prepared with maida (flour of divine elixir and known as Hamsodaka . Listea glotinosa) should not be consumed. (Hamsodaka word derived from two Hot, pungent, spicy and oily food, Fatty words: : Swan, Udaka: Water.Sun and salty and sour diet should be avoided. and Moon are considered as Hamsa Fish should be avoided. Guava (Psidium (Swan) .) Purified water by the rays of sun guajava) in excess and stem vegetables and moon or the water which can be should be avoided. capable to drink by swan is Hamsodaka. Vanaspati Ghee and unripe Swan always drinks clean water. Water Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) should be which can be drink which is purified by avoided. rays of sun and moon. (14) DO’S: LIFESTYLE- DIET- Sweet, light, cold and pungent taste Sleeping in day time should be avoided. diet, rice (Oryza sativa L.),), barley Do not cover mouth while sleeping and not (Hordeum vulgare L.) . to sleep under sky in open space.

90 Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2015, 6 (2),83-99

FESTIVALS OF SHARADA RITU: made up of triguna (Satva, Raja and “Pitra paksha” (Cermony of Tama) which is originated from Prakriti. fifteen days to remind the departed In Navaratri power of nine goddesses are ancestors of family) is specially observed worshipped. Among these some are of by hindu people in the month of Ashvina. mild quality which denotes Satva quality The period of the festival extends over the and some are of aggressive quality which dark fortnight of the month. People denotes Raja quality. And we can consider celebrate the festival with religious fever. this festival is a symbol of worship of the It is celebrated to pacify the souls of qualities of triguna. deceased ancestors. On each day of the “Dassehera”is a festival which festival, the eldest son of a family celebrates the victory of good over evil. It performs certain ceremonies. He offers has mythological aspect. It falls on the oblations (rice balls etc.) and water tenth day in the month of Ashwina. Its for the departed souls. (15) other name is “Vijaya Dashmi”. The battle In Ayurveda three basic desires are between Goddess (Good) and mentioned by the name Pranaeshana, (Evil) were fought for nine Dhanaeshana and days. On the tenth day Durga killed Paralokeishaa.Praanaeshana means Mahishasura and that is why this tenth day desire to live long, Dhanaeshana means is celebrated as Vijaya Dashmi. This day is desire to earn money and Paralokaeshana also celebrated as the victory of Lord means desire to get happy life after death . who killed and defeated the These three desires belong only to such powerful ruler of Lanka, the ten headed persons as are after enjoyment of during period of . happiness in this world and the world Another mythological story is also beyond. Desire to perform virtuous acts is behind the celebration of Dassehera related to the desire to attain happiness in during period of . On this life after death. While discussing this day had relieved the cows of king issue, topic of rebirth is explained. And to from the Shami (Prospsis get salvation, Pitra paksha is observed. cineraria) tree where the weapons of battle ‘Navratri’ is celebrated after were kept or hidden. performing religious act like Pitra Paksha Above stories had happened in as second festival of this season. Nine holy different periods but on the same day of days in the month of Ashwina are Vijaya Dashmi. So this day is celebrated as celebrated as Navaratri. This festival is the symbol of victory. And people worship dedicated for goddess which is symbol of Goddess Durga by offering leaves of women empowerment. To salute women Shami-Apta (Prodopis spicigera) and empowerment this festival is celebrated all instruments also. over India with full of enjoyment. (16) According to Ayurveda Shami-Apta Either on the eighth or ninth day, The (Prodopsis Spicigera) is a holy tree. It ladies of house prepare delicious food alleviates Raktapitta (bleeding disorders) . offering as Prasada.For nine consecutive Ash of skin of this tree is rubbed over days the ladies keep fast. On the festival particular area to get rid of excess hair, It day they give food to nine girls. It is is Garbhasthaapaka (to establish and symbolic act of worshipping the goddess maintenance of pregrancy) . (18) in the virgin form. This is abserved “Deepawali/Diwali” falls on the generally in Northen India. (17) darkest moonless night of Amavasya, the According to Ayurveda, Prakriti and fifteenth day of Krishna paksha in the Purusha are the root cause of evolution of month of Kartika after , universe. Every particle of the universe is This festival is celebrated for five days.

91 Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 Manisha G Dunghav et. al., A Scientific Approach towards Festivals of Maharashtra in India

Deepawali or popularly known as Diwali On this day people worship cow has got great mythological, religious and which is definitely an auspicious thing cultural importance. Dipa in Hindi or which gives milk and is the symbol of Diwaa in Marathi means lamp. Deepawali wealth. is the festival of lights. We forget our Ayurveda has described qualities of sorrows and a bit in the light. Light is the milk and specially cow’s milk and so symbol of act of fulfillment and mysteries. people show the gratitude to cow and calf During this period we get the yields from by worshipping them. the farms. Rains are over and atmosphere “Dhantrayodashi” is the second day becomes pleasantly cool. For the farmer of Diwali. It is al also known as Dhana crops is their wealth so they get reason to Terasa. Dhana means "wealth" and celebrate their happiness in the form of Trayodashi means "13th day”It is also festivals like Diwali, Vasubarasa, celebrated as birthday of Lord Dhanatrayodashi, , who propagated the science Bali Pratipada and Bhaubeej and these are of Ayurveda. Dhanvantari is an six events which are celebrated during (incarnation) of lord from Diwali. During these six events people the hindu tradition. He appears in wake up early in the morning and bath the and as the physician of with oil massage and application of the god and the God scented powder all over the body. of Ayurvedic medicine. It is common In Ayurveda benefit of bath, oil practice in for worshipers to pray massage is very well explained. But to Dhanvantari seeking his blessings for especially people perform this act during sound health for themselves and/or others this season or festival because of coldness especially on Dhanterasa .Due to this or winter season. Due to coldness, vata science life of human being becomes aggravation can be subsided by oil healthier in the country by worshipping massaging and luke warm water. Scented Lord Dhanvantari. So his birthday is powder is the combination of different celebrated by the practitioners medicinal drugs which are helpful to of Ayurveda every year on Dhanterasa, destroy bad odour of sweat and it also There are many legends revealing improves the skin complexion. different stories about this day. One legend “Vasubaaras” is the first day of says when gods and demons churned the Diwaali. Vasu Baras or Bagh Baras (Vagh ocean to get nectar, Dhanvantari emerged Baras) or Govatsa is the twelfth carrying a jar of the elixir from it. (19) the light of day of the Krishna Paksha of On this day Coriander seeds are Ashwina calendar month which is worshipped by people. During this season dedicated to the cow and calves. In hindi coriander grows more. And to prevent the language Govatsa derived from two words aggravation of Pitta people drink water of Go and vatsa where as Go or Vasu means Coriander with Khadi sakhara (sugar ‘cow’ and ‘vatsa’ means calf. cubes) which mitigate Pitta. Indian people exceptionally inside Ashwina Krishna Chaturdashi rural areas symbolically think that the cow means “Naraka Chaturdashi”. This day is represents motherhood. In urban India fourteenth day of the month of Ashwina cow is the individual economic source of considered as the victory on demon thousands of families. Hence married Naraka sura who was killed by Lord women worship them.Images of cow and Krishna.Broadly this signifies the victory calf are decorated with (Curcuma of good over evil. On this day people take longa) and kumkum (Crocus sativus) bath before sunrise and cleans houses, lights lamps then they crushed the bitter

92 Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2015, 6 (2),83-99 fruit called Karita (cucumis melo var used. In the treatment for plantar lesions agrestis) by first toeof right leg which that tend to occur on the feetmarigold is represents the head of demon king useful. Health benefits and therapeutic . (20) and then the entire uses of marigold flowers as well as the family sits down for a joint breakfast of leaves of the marigold is very well savouries called Farala (sweet explained .It is beneficial in minimizing preparations) . the number of tumors in the case of breast Fifteenth day in the month of cancer as well as in the prevention of the Ashwina is no moon day and so it is development of new cancer cells. Besides darkest and celebrated as “Laxmi Pujana breast cancer, Marigolds are also known to “after Naraka Chaturdashi . This ritual is be effective against colon, leukemia and made on the dark day because after every melanoma cancer cells, effective against black night bright light will destroy the painful mouth and stomach ulcers as well darkness. So after the darkest moon night, as colitis. The petals of the marigold Goddess Laxmi who is the symbol of flowers are also used in sitz baths as they cleanliness, beauty, light and wealth is are effective in healing vaginal infections, worshipped. This is considered as an bladder infections, healing of stitches post auspicious day for women. child birth as well as haemorrhoids. To or the worship of the goddess of wealth is prepare a sitz bath the petals of the the main event on Diwali in North and marigold flowers should be boiled for West India. It is popularly believed that some time and then added to the warm Lakshmi likes cleanliness and will visit the bath water. (23) cleanest house first. Hence broom is “Bali Pratipadā” is the fifth day worshiped with offerings of turmeric of Deepavali (Diwali), the Hindu festival (Curcuma longa) and kumkum (Crocus of lights. It is celebrated in honour of the sativus) on this day. Lamps are lit in the notional return of the Daitya (demon) - evening to welcome the goddess as they king Bali to earth. Bali Pratipadai falls in are believed to light up her path. On this the months October– day, a supported light of knowledge is said November. It is the first day of the Hindu to dawn upon humanity. This self- month Kartika and is the first day of the enlightenment is expressed through the bright lunar fortnight (day after new twinkling lamps that illuminate the abode moon day) in the month. It is also called of the worshippers. It is believed that on the Akashadipa (lights of the sky) . It is this day, the goddess walks through the celebrated as the first day of the Vikram green fields and loiters through the by- Samvat calendar in Western India. lanes and showers her blessings on According to Hindu mythology, Bali mankind for glory and prosperity. (21) Pratipadacommemorates the victory of Marigold (Calendula officinalis) godVishnu in his dwarf incarnation i.e (22) flowers are offered to Goddess Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Laxmi.Marigold is grown mainly in March theDashavatara (ten major incarnations of and April and is known to grow rapidly. Vishnu) defeating Bali and pushing him to They are known to be a rich source of the nether world. But Bali was bestowed a flavonoids and vitamin C. They have no boon by Vishnu that on this day he (Bali) fat content and therefore aid weight loss. It be honoured and people celebrate his is used in the treatment of minor burns devotion and noble deeds to his people . when used in the form of ointments or a (24) tincture. Marigold has anti-inflammatory This is first day of the month of properties. In the treatment of allergic Kartika which is symbol of love and reactions, eczema and bruising it is being affection. In Maharashtra it is celebrated

93 Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 Manisha G Dunghav et. al., A Scientific Approach towards Festivals of Maharashtra in India as Padva or Bali Pratipada. The day is Ashvina (September–October) . It marks linked to worship of king Bali. On this day the end of . There is a traditional wife prays for long and healthy life for her celebration of the moon and is also called husband . To enhance the bond of love the 'Kaumudi celebration', Kaumudi between the married couples they means moonlight. exchange gifts . This event is celebrated by Sixth day of Diwali is “Bhaubeeja”. observing sacred Kojagiri Pournima The celebrations of this day are similar to for Goddess Laxmi and Lord . To the festival of Raksha Bandhana. On this welcome her houses, temples and streets day sisters pray for a long and happy life etc. are illuminated. A light is lit outside for their brothers by performing one’s house to let Goddess Laxmi, the the Aukshana (Tika) ceremony. On this Harbinger of wealth and prosperity while day in contrast to Raksha Bandhana sisters going on her rounds to overlook and pause present gifts to their brothers. According to boost her blessings. Some people to a popular legend in Hindu mythology believed that on this night Goddess Laxmi after slaying the evil demon Narkasura, visits every house asking, “Ko Lord Krishna visited his Jaagarati?” means “Who is awake?” and sister who gave him a warm shows her pleasure on those she finds welcome with sweets and flowers. She awake. Hence the night is spent in festivity also affectionately applied tilak on and various games of amusement in Krishna's forehead. Some believe this to honour of the goddess. So people sit in the be the origin of the festival.This day is moonlight singing songs or keep celebrated by brothers and sisters. By themselves entertained in some other way. wearing clean and new clothes with They observed fast and take only fluids ornaments sister does Aukshana like coconut water or milk. Milk is boiled (Aukshana means the ceremony in which till it thickens and a mixture of dry fruits is wet kumkum is applied on forehead of added to it and offered as delicacy. There brother in vertical line and the plate with is also a tradition to have milk with rice small lamp and sweets is rotated from left flakes on this night. It is a harvest festival to right by sister for five times. The lamp and is celebrated throughout the country, is the symbol of light which destroys the particularly by Maharashtrians. (25) darkness) to her beloved brother and this In Ayurveda, in this season is done to protect the brother from the moonlight is enjoyed atop terrace of white darkness which is the symbol of bad things mensions and moonlight gives maximum and to increase the longevity and healthy strenghth and cooling effect to the body, life. To add charm to the occasion, of Bhau Moonlight detoxified by the star Agastya beeja gifts are exchanged between (the star canopus) rising in this season and brothers and sisters as a token of love and is pure and clean.So milk drink at this appreciation. moonlight gives maximum strength. Milk So in short, Diwali is the festival of is included in Kshira which is sweet love, affection and lights .It enhances the in taste, purgative and mitigates Pitta. relationship between the family members Boiled milk is to be made cold in the and the community as whole. presence of moonlight. This milk is good The full moon day of Ashwina is for drinking. Almond, Cashew nuts are called the “Kojagari Pournima”. added to this drink which makes it tasty as The Sharada or well as nutritious which is the need of this Kojagari Purnima or Kumar Purnima is season. (26) So people gather on this night a harvest festival celebrated on the full and drink milk with almond and cashew moon day of the Hindu lunar month of nuts.

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HEMANTA RITU (EARLY WINTER) The “Gita Jayanti “or the day when ENGLISH MONTHS-Margasheersha, Gita (A sacred book on ethics) was Pausha revealed to the world is celebrated ENGLISH MONTHS- Mid November- traditionally on the eleventh day of the Mid December Shukla Paksha (bright half) in the month Mid December- Mid January of Margasheersha. The pious Gita is a STATUS OF DOSHAS IN THE BODY- composition of the thoughts exchanged Aggravation of pitta and alleviation of between Krishna and Arjuna, just before vata the Mahabharata war. Later it was PROPERTIES OF ATMOSPHERES- integrated in Mahabharata by Veda Cold . It is composed of more than one STRENGTH OF PERSON- Highest hundred thousand shlokas. strength On Gita jayanti special Puja SHODHANA THERAPY (rituals) and rendition of the Bhagvad Gita (ELIMINATION THERAPY) - Basti is performed. People prey to Lord Krishna (Medicated Enema) to shower his grace on all his devotees. In Hemanta Ritu due to the cold breeze the (28) body temperature is obstructed and enters In Ayurveda, causes of all diseases deep into the body and increases digestive are very well explained. Bhagvad Gita is a fire in the strong persons and is able to holy book which gives the wise words to digest hard food substance also. (27) live strong and peaceful life.Ayurveda also DO’S: described 10 sins which should not be DIET-Unctuous, sweet, heavy meals committed by the body, the gab or the should be consumed. Oil, ghee and hot mind. meal should be consumed. Nutritious (1) Himsa (violence), Laddoo (ball-shaped sweets) and modaka (2) Steya (theft), (sweet rice dumpling) should be (3) Anyatha (infidelity), consumed. .New Shali should be (4) Paishunya (tale bearing), consumed. Dry fruits should be consumed. (5) Parusha (abuse/being rude), LIFESTYLE-Bath with oil massage (6) Anrut (speaking untruth/lying), should be done. Application of dry powder (7) Sasmbhinalpa (uttering rubbish), all over the body should be done. Woolen (8) Vyapada (tendency to harm), and dark colored clothes are to be worn. (9) Abhidya (longing for other’s One should wear socks and shoes. One belongings) and should use lukewarm water to wash hands (10) Drgviparyaya (atheism) . (29) and legs. MEDICINE-Ashwagandha Paka, Methi The only festival which falls on the Ladoo, Chyavanprasha and Brahma same day every year is “Makara Rasayana should be consumed. Sankranti”. It is celebrated on January 15, DON’TS: Shukla Paksha in the month of Pausha. DIET-Cold drinks should be avoided. One Makara literally means “Capricorn” and should consumed less food and watery “Sankranti” is the day when the sun food. passes from one sign of the zodiac to the LIFESTYLE-Sleep in day time should be next. avoided. One should not stay in the place Although geographicallyon this day where wind blows. One should wear sun passes from the Tropic of Cancer to cotton and light clothes. the Tropic of Capricorn. That is the sun FESTIVALS OF HEMANTA RITU : enters the constellation of Makara (Crocodile) and begins to move towards

95 Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 Manisha G Dunghav et. al., A Scientific Approach towards Festivals of Maharashtra in India the north. This day has a very special DO’S: significance because the day and the night DIET-Heavy food, milk should be of Makara Sankranti are of equal hours. consumed. The people of India celebrate the day LIFESTYLE-Oil massage should be by eating “Khichadi” prepared by mixing performed. Atapsevan a (exposure to rice and Dal. On the feast of Makar sunlight) should be done. One should Sankranti Tila (Sesamum orientale Linn.) preferably bath with warm water. One eating is considered as auspicious. The should wear warm and dark colored Tila ladoo is prepared which has nutritive clothes, socks and shoes. One should stay and medicinal properties. Women in places where heater can be used. celebrate this day by applying Haldi MEDICINE-Haritaki (Terminalia (turmeric) - Kumkum on each other’s chebula) and Pippali (Piper longum) forehead. Children make this day even should be consumed.Ashwagandha more colorful by flying kites. During this (Withania somnifera), Musali season Bajra (Pennisetum glaucum) (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Badama grows more which is hot in potency. (Prunus dulcis) and Black gram (Vigna During this season Brinjal (Solanum mungo) should be consumed. Methi melongena) also grows more so in Laddoo (sweet balls prepared with vegetable markets these can be easily Trigonella fornum-gracum) should be available. On thisday special meal is consumed. Lohasava, prepared i.e. Bajra roti with Tila along Ashwagandhaarishta and Drakshasava with brinjal vegetable. should be consumed. During this season people offer Tilagula i.e. Tila (seasame) and Jaggery to DON’TS: each other. Tila is hot inpotency. Makar DIET-One should avoid cold drinks and Sankranti is a festival in which people cold food. forget disputes to celebrate festival by One should not keep feet open. One should offering sweets. not wear light and white clothes. One should eat less food. SHISHIRA RITU (EXTREME LIFESTYLE-One should avoid cold WINTER) breeze. HINDU MONTHS- Magha, Phalguna FESTIVALS OF SHISHIRA RUTU: ENGLISH MONTHS- Mid January- Mid Maha Shivaraatri, Holi and Ranga February Panchami are the three festivals Mid February- Mid March celebrated during this season. “Maha STATUS OF DOSHAS IN THE BODY- Shivaratri” is celebrated during the month Accumulation of kapha, of Phalguna. The festival is principally Mitigation of vata. celebrated by offerings of Bela or Bilva PROPERTIES OF ATMOSPHERES- (Aegel marmelos) leaves to , keeping Dry all-day and jagarana (all-night- STRENGTH OF PERSON- Highest vigil) . All through the day devotees chant Strength " Namah Shivaya", the SHAMANA KARMA (PALLIATIVE sacred of Lord Shiva. Penances are THERAPY) - Deepana (Carminative), performed in order to gain boons in the Pachana (Digestive) practice of Yoga and meditation in order to The intensity of cold increases reach life's highest good steadily and during this season. Moreover, Roukshya swiftly. On this day the planetary positions property (dryness), so characteristic of in the Northern hemisphere act as potent Adanakala is also present in this season. catalysts to help a person raise his or her

96 Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2015, 6 (2),83-99 spiritual energy more easily. The benefits Panchami is celebrated by applying of powerful ancient Sanskrit such different colors to each other. (32) as Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra increase According to Ayurveda, leaves fall greatly on this night. off, arrival of new leaves can be seen. On this day Lord Shiva and his wife Every human being can adopt this change. are worshipped by young girls and This is the example or a learning lesson to even men, in the hope of getting a perfect people that forget all sorrows, clashes and mate for themselves. They offer Lotus live life happily. This festival is the flowers and Bilva (Aegel marmelos) symbol of happy life is ahead in coming leaves. (30) year, be ready for enjoying it. According to Ayurveda, till this day the coldness in the atmosphere becomes Observations: less and people start feeling the increasing The New Year is celebrated by heat in the atmosphere. Worms and flatus erecting a pole by the name Gudhi in front decrease by the use of Bilva leaves. of the house. Just like the end of the year Soaking Bilva leaves in water overnight is celebrated by Rangapanchami. and then using it internally will subside the After minute observations, all these diseases of abdomen. Kapittha (Limonia festivals stand around either on the full acidissima) is also easily available during moon day or dark moonless night. It means this period. Kapittha alleviates Pitta. So that festivals are depend on changes in people should eat chutney (paste) of atmospheres and the status of doshas in the Kapittha with Jaggery. (31) body. “Holi and Ranga Panchami” are Every festival is celebrated by the second festival of this season. This availability of leaves, flowers and festival is celebrated from Pournima (Full vegetables in surrounding area. So that it Moon Day) to fifth day of Phalguna is very important to follow the rules of month. Holi is a spring festival also known Rutu Sandhi according to Ayurveda. The as the festival of colours or the festival of last seven days of a season are included in love Holi celebrations start with a Rutu Sandhi. In this period, one should bonfire on the night before Holi where taper the regimens of the previous season people gather, sing and dance. The next and practice those of the next season in a morning is a free-for-all carnival of gradually phased manner. Immediate colours where participants play, chase and abandoning and adoption of regimens will colour each other with dry powder and cause various diseases due to improper coloured water with some carrying water adaption. (33) guns and coloured water-filled balloons While celebrating any festival for their water fight. Traditionally people should consider the atmosphere of washable natural plant-derived colours that particular area or country and adopt such as turmeric (Curcumalonga), neem diet and seasonal regimen accordingly.Not (Azadirachta indica), kumkum to follow the diet and seasonal regimen (Crocus sativus) were used; but water- only on the basis of month and religion. It based commercial pigments are can be harmful to the health of the person. increasingly used. The festival signifies For example Diwali is celebrated in the victory of good over evil, the arrival of Sharada ritu (Autumn season) in India spring and end of winter .This is a festive where digestive fire is good but in Ausralia day to meet everyone, play and laugh during this period sunrays are more hot so together, forget and forgive and repair tremendous summer can be seen and also ruptured relationships.So, Ranga digestive fire will decrease. If person celebrated Diwali festival in Ausralia by

97 Published online in http://ijam. co. in ISSN: 0976-5921 Manisha G Dunghav et. al., A Scientific Approach towards Festivals of Maharashtra in India eating oily food which can not be digested 9. 9. Shree Sanjay Deshpande Aapale properly and can lead various diseases. San 1ed Pune Aadarsh Vidyarthi Same period in India Diwali celebration Prakashan,,, 2010, 5p gives happiness and same period in 10. 10. K.C. Chunekar Bhav Prakash Ausralia Diwali celebration can lead Nighantu, Vatadi Varga 1-2 Reprint diseases. Choukhamba Vishwabharati, 2004, 513p Conclusion: 11. 11. K.C. Chunekar Bhav Prakash While celebrating festivals, every Nighantu Amradi Phala Varga 41-42 person should follow the regimen of Rutu Reprint Varanasi Choukhamba Sandhi according to desha (land) . Vishwabharati, 2004, 559p Festivals are depends on changes in 12. 12. Mrs. Swati Karve Bharatiya San atmospheres and the status of doshas in the aani Utsav, 1ed, Pune Utkarsha body. Clear the dust of mythological Prakashan 2008, 64p stories from the eyes and religious beliefs 13. www.naturalhomeremedies.co/bermu to celebrate the festivals and accept the da%grass accessed on 11/12/2014 good things which are good for the health. 14. T. Sreekumar Ashtanga Hridaya Vaghabhata Sutrasthan-1 A. References: H.Su.3/51-52, 3 ed, , Harisree 1. Sreekumar T. Ashtanga Hridaya Hospital, 2011January, 94p Vaghabhata Sutrasthan-1A. H. 15. Shyam Dua Famous Great Indian Su.3/4, 3ed Kerala, Harisree Hospital, Festivals, 1edDelhi, Tiny tot 2011January, 83p Publication 2004, 80p 2. Sreekumar T. Ashtanga Hridaya 16. Shyam Dua Famous Great Indian Vaghabhata Sutrasthan-1A. H. Festivals, 1edDelhi, Tiny tot Su.3/4, 3ed Kerala, Harisree Hospital, Publication 2004, 71p 2011January, 82p 17. 17. Shyam Dua Famous Great Indian 1. T. Sreekumar Ashtanga Hridaya Festivals, 1edDelhi, Tiny tot Vaghabhata Sutrasthan-1 A.H. Publication 2004, 71p Su.3/4, 3ed Kerala, Harisree Hospital, 18. 18. K.C. Chunekar Bhav Prakash 2011January, 83p Nighantu Vatadi Varga 72-73, 2. Shyam Dua Famous Great Indian Reprint Varanasi Choukhamba Festivals, 1ed, Delhi, Tiny tot Vishwabharati, 2004, 545-546p Publication 2004, 35p 19. 19. Shyam Dua Famous Great Indian 3. K.C. Chunekar Bhav Prakash Festivals, 1edDelhi, Tiny tot Nighantu, Haritakyadi Varga 84-85 Publication 2004, 23p Reprint Varanasi Choukhamba 20. www.astrospeak.com. Accessed on Vishwabharati, 2004, 31p 16/03/2015 4. Swati Karve Bharatiya San aani 21. 21www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxmi Utsav, 1 ed, Pune Utkarsha Prakashan _Puja Accessed on 16/03/2015 5. 2008, 17p 22. www.ecoindia.com Accessed on 6. 7.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aksha 16/03/2015 ya_Tritiya 23. http://www.home-remedies-for- 7. 8. Shree Sanjay Deshpande Aapale you.com/herbs/marigold.html San 1ed Pune Aadarsh Vidyarthi Accessed on 16/03/2015 Prakashan, 2010, 24. 24..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balip 8. 4p ratipada Accessed on 16/03/2015 25. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharad_ Purnima Accessed on 16/03/2015

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26. Shyam Dua Famous Great Indian 30. 30. Shyam Dua Famous Great Indian Festivals, 1edDelhi, Tiny tot Festivals, 1edDelhi, Tiny tot Publication 2004, 23p Publication 2004, 61p 27. Vidyanath Ashtanga Hridaya A.H.Su 31. Swati Karve Bharatiya San aani 3/7 1ed, Varanasi Choukhamba Utsav, 1 ed, Pune Utkarsha Prakashan Surbharati Prakashana, 2013, 46p 2008, 133p 28. Shyam Dua Famous Great Indian 32. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi Festivals, 1edDelhi, Tiny tot Accessed on 16/03/2015 Publication 2004, 31 p 33. 33. T. Sreekumar Ashtanga Hridaya 29. 29. T. Sreekumar Ashtanga Hridaya Vaghabhata Sutrasthan-1A.H.Su. Vaghabhata Sutrasthan-1A.HSu.2/22- 3/58, 3 ed, Kerala, Harisree Hospital, 23, 3ed, Kerala, Harisree Hospital, 2011January, 96p 2011January, 72 p

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