DOCSLIB.ORG

Navratri ~ Nine Sacred Nights > > the Festival of Victory by R Ām Lingam

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Navratri ~ Nine Sacred Nights > > the Festival of Victory by R Ām Lingam Navratri ~ Nine sacred nights > > The festival of victory By R ām Lingam These days we hear a lot about expensive workshops that help harness the powers of our own mind. Our Indian culture offers the same transformation but only if we understand the deep significance and true meaning of our festivals, invocations and the accompanying rituals etc, with guidance of a Guru. The Hindu festival of Navratri is one such integrated festival which offers a tuning to the higher powers of our own minds and that too with a punch of celebration and is absolutely free. During Navratri the Supreme reality i.e. God is adored, emphasized and invoked as the mother for her to grace us with the realization of the hidden wisdom in ourselves. In Hindu culture, celebration of life and gratitude to the universal powers around us is integral. And when it comes to festivals the celebrations take a deeper significance. The word Navratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit and Hindi; ‘Nava’ meaning nine and ‘Ratri’ meaning nights. During these nine nights of Navratri God is worshipped in the form of the Mother Goddess in Her various forms such as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. This festival of nine nights has three days each devoted to the worship and invocation of Mother Durga, the Goddess of power and valor, Mother Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Mother Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge. The following tenth day is called Vijayadasami. Vijaya means "victory", the victory over our own minds that can come only when we have invoked the powers of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati in ourselves. Spiritual significance of Navratri Navratri lasts for nine whole days with each day having its own special significance and celebration. The following is what the Navratri festival signifies according to the Hindu masters of the knowledge tradition. A renowned Vedanta master Swami Tejomayananda explains “Night-time is generally the time when we go to sleep, so the spiritual message is, "You have lived long enough in the sleepy ignorance of tamoguna (intellectual inertia and laziness). It is time to wake up now. Please wake up!" For a p ūja, unfortunately, we are never willing to stay up late and so we ask, "What time will it end?" For a party, we never ask this question. If the party ends at 10.00pm, we say "What! The party is finished?! What kind of a party is that?!" Yet we find it difficult to stay awake for a pūja! Navr ātri is a time to first remove all negativities by invoking Mother Durga; then purifying the mind and cultivating positive virtues by invoking Mother Lakshmi; and finally gain spiritual knowledge and transcend all limitations by invoking Mother Saraswati. Goddess Durga ~ the source of action and energy To gain noble virtues, all evil tendencies in the mind must be destroyed. This destruction is represented by the Goddess Durga. Durga is ‘durgati harini’: "She who removes our evil tendencies." She is also called Mahishasura Mardini, the destroyer of Mahishaasura (demon), mahisha meaning "buffalo” which stands for tamoguna, the quality of laziness, darkness, ignorance and intellectual inertia. In the Puranas the story of Mother Durga killing the demon Mahisha symbolises the destruction of the inertia and self-stagnating habits (tamoguna) within Navratri - Nine sacred nights.doc © 2012 indiasutra.co.nz. All Rights Reserved www.indiasutra.co.nz ~ A blog by Ram Lingam Page 1 of 2 us that is very difficult to destroy. Invocation of mother Durga and her divine qualities in our own minds destroys the dullness of mind. Goddess Lakshmi ~ the source of peace, plenty and bliss For knowledge to dawn within us, we have to prepare our minds. The mind must be pure, concentrated, and single-pointed; this purification of the mind is obtained through the worship of Lakshmi Devi. In the core books of Hinduism i.e. the Upanishads, the Rishis never asked for the fleeting material wealth alone. The rishi of Taittriya Upanishad first asks to have all the noble virtues fully developed in them. "Having gained the ‘noble virtues’, thereafter Lord please bring wealth to us" . Our wealth of virtues is our true wealth (Lakshmi) and not just fleeting money or investments. These virtues are important because our goal is victory over our minds to be peaceful in the midst of every change that takes place in our lives. This victory comes only when the mind is prepared, and this mental preparation is the symbolism of the Lakshmi Puja. Goddess Saraswati ~ the source of knowledge: This knowledge is not about how to earn a living, but how to "live" a deep and purposeful life. Victory over the mind can be gained only through knowledge, through understanding; and it is Goddess Saraswati who represents this highest knowledge of the truth – our divine self. Prayers are offered to her, seeking spiritual knowledge which is said to free us from our bondages. Vijayadashami : The divine gift (prasad) of this 9 day festival is the real victory of our minds – ‘Vijaya’ on the tenth day. The celebration on Dassera signifies the rediscovery of the Divinity within celebrated with the dance of joy - ritualistically performed at night, in some parts of India, around a ‘Garbho’ pot, to signify our spiritual awakening from intellectual idleness. The word ‘Garbho’ in the Gujarati Garbha folk dance seems to have originated from the word 'Garbha Deep', meaning a light in the inner sanctum of the temple. The word “Garbha” literally means “womb”, and in this context the lamp in the pot, symbolically represent the spark of life (GOD) within us. The theme of the entire Vedas is thus reflected in the Navratri festival which is: Purify the mind by removing all negativities; cultivate positive virtues; gain spiritual knowledge and transcend limitations to be victorious. Navratri - Nine sacred nights.doc © 2012 indiasutra.co.nz. All Rights Reserved www.indiasutra.co.nz ~ A blog by Ram Lingam Page 2 of 2 .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Bengali Association of Greater Rochester (BAGR) Presents Its Annual Bijoya Celebrations Which Comprise of Equally Enthralling Programs
    Bengali Association of Greater Rochester September 30th2016 2015 Bengali association of greater Rochester www.bagrusa.org ♦ [email protected] On sixth day of Navratri, we get new touch, on seventh filled with mist in air, on Executive Committee eighth we offer flowers, on ninth day we have fun, and on tenth day, we enjoy sweets. 2016-2017 Hope Durga Puja is fun-filled for all. Anindita Biswas President Elo Sharad, Somoy Sharodotsab Er Email: [email protected] Over the last year, there has been a lot going on in our personal lives, our Krishna Chakraborty communities and throughout the world. Whether it is the economic crisis, Secretary Email: [email protected] political issues or natural calamities all over the world, we all have a lot of Shusanta Choudhury worries occupying our minds and hearts. But with the advent of autumn or fall Treasurer all those thoughts, worries are pushed to the back of our mind and a strange Email: [email protected] nostalgic feeling grips our hearts. It takes us back to the bylanes of our Anusri Sarkar hometowns back in India and brings up memories of crowded bazaar with Member people frantically finishing last minute Puja shopping. At the same time Uttara Bhattacharya neighborhood clubs collecting chanda (donation) for Puja and folks setting up Member bamboo scaffoldings desperately trying to finish pandal set up which Nandita Maity ultimately will resemble the White House or Victoria Memorial. Member Durga Puja, the most widely celebrated festival of the Bengalis can be enjoyed Padmini Das by its spurt of fanfare on all the four days of the Durga Puja festival visible Member throughout India, and particularly in Bengal.
    [Show full text]
  • BHAKTI Temple Hours Mon to Fri: 9 AM – 12:30 PM & 4 PM – 8:30 PM January 2011
    Greater Cleveland Shiva Vishnu Temple A Non-profit 7733 Ridge Road Organization P.O. Box 29508 US POSTAGE Parma, OH 44129 PAID Cleveland, OH Permit No. 03879 Phone (440) 888-9433 www.shivavishnutemple.org A Non-Profit Tax-Exempt Organization REGULAR WEEKLY & MONTHLY PUJA SCHEDULE Sunday 9:30 AM Shiva Abhishekam; 11 AM Vishnu Puja st rd 1 Sunday 12:30 PM Jagannath Puja 3 Sunday 12:30 PM Jain Puja Monday 10 AM Shiva Abhishekam; 6 PM Jagannath Puja Tuesday 10 AM Ganesha Abhishekam; 6 PM Hanumanji Puja Wednesday 10 AM Ram Parivar Puja 6 PM Aiyappa Puja; Thursday 10 AM Radha Krishna Puja; 6 PM Shrinathji Puja: Friday 10 AM Parvati Puja (Abhishekam 1st Fri 7:15 p) 6 PM Lakshmi Puja: 6:30 PM Durga Puja 7:15 PM Abhishekam for Sridevi 2nd Fri for Bhudevi 3rd Friday (7:15 p) Saturday 11 AM Vishnu Abhishekam 10 AM Aiyappa Puja 1st Sat 5 PM Karthikeya Puja 6 PM Saraswati Puja; 6:30 PM Navagraha Abhishek 11 AM Venkateswara Abhishekam 2nd & 4th Sat Puja 1st &3rd Sat NITYA PUJA (Monday – Saturday ) 10 AM Shiva Abhishekam; 10 AM Vishnu Puja Highlights of Feb 2011 events Date Day Time Description Feb 2 Wed Amavasya Feb 5 Sat 10 a Sri Aiyappa Puja Feb 7 Mon 10 a Vasant PanchamiSri Saraswati Puja Feb 8 Tue 6 p Sukla Shashthi, Murugabhishekam Feb 17 Wed 7.15 p Pournima, Satyanarayanpuja Feb 20 Sat 6 p Sankatahara Chaturthi,Ganeshabhishekam Mar 2 Wed 6 p Mahashivaratri Visitors are requested to wear appropriate attire in the Temple premises 10pm Mini Aarati Bhajan,Prasad Greater Cleveland Shiva Vishnu Temple BHAKTI Temple Hours Mon to Fri: 9 AM – 12:30 PM
    [Show full text]
  • RE Curriculum Skills Progression
    RE curriculum skills Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4 Term 5 Term 6 Vocabulary EYFS Talk about members of their Recognise some similarities and differences between life love, harvest, immediate family and community. in this country and life in other countries. thank you, trust, Name and describe people who are Explain some similarities and differences between life in generosity, familiar to them. this country and life in other countries, drawing on knowledge from stories, nonfiction texts and (when courage, Bible Understand that some places are appropriate) maps. Christmas, special to members of their Bethlehem, community. Opportunities: Mary, Joseph, Life in other countries donkey, inn, Recognise that people have different Easter beliefs and celebrate special times in shepherds, Star, different ways. stable Easter, Talk about the lives of the people disciples, Palm around them and their roles in Sunday, cross, society. tomb, risen Know some similarities and friend, differences between different friendship, religious and cultural communities in trust, this country, drawing on their Church, experiences and what has been read Holy, in class. Temple. Pray, Opportunities: prayer, Family photos christening, Our environment baptism, Festivals and celebrations – Harvest, wedding, Bonfire Night, Diwali, Christmas, celebration, birthdays birthday Year 1 Describe simply some Christian beliefs Identify Identify some ways Christians Recognise and name some Harvest, about God special celebrate symbols of belonging from their Harvest Describe simply some Christian beliefs objects and Christmas/Easter/Harvest/Pentecost own experience, for Christians Festival, about Jesus symbols and some ways a festival is and at least one other religion, Christian, gift, Retell a story that shows what found in a celebrated in another religion (A1).
    [Show full text]
  • List of Holidays 2018.Pdf
    LIST OF HOLIDAYS AND VACATIONS TO BE OBSERVED BY WEST BENGAL JUDICIAL ACADEMY IN THE YEAR 2018 Name of Holidays English Dates Days of the week Number of days New Year's Day January 1st Monday 1 day Saraswati Puja January 22nd Monday 1 day Netaji's Birthday January 23rd Tuesday 1 day Republic Day January 26th Friday 1 day Shivratri February 14th Wednesday 1 day Doljatra March 1st Thursday 1 day Holi March 2nd Friday 1 day Good Friday March 30th Friday 1 day Easter Saturday March 31st Saturday 1 day Rabindranath's th Birthday May 9 Wednesday 1 day Monday Summer Vacation May 21st to 25th 5 days To Friday Id-ul-Fitre To be notified To be notified To be notified later later on later on on Independence Day August 15th Wednesday 1 day Id-Uz-Zoha (Bakrid) To be notified later on To be notified later on To be notified later on Muharram September 21st Friday 1 day Gandhiji's Birthday October 2nd Tuesday 1 day Mahalaya October 8th Monday 1 day Annual Vacation (Including Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, October 15th To Monday To Friday 26 days Kali Puja, November 9th Pratipada & Bhatridwitiya) Jagadhatri Puja November 17th Saturday 1 day Fateha-Duaz- st Daham November 21 Wednesday 1 day Guru Nanak's Birthday and November 23rd Friday 1 day Parswanath's Rathajatra December Monday Christmas Vacation th st 8 days 24 to 31 To Monday Note 1 : Traditional Court Holiday on account of Chaitra Sankranti which coincide with Public holiday on account of Birthday of Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • The Charles B. Wang Center and the Mattoo Center for India Studies Stony Brook University Present Diwali: the Indian Festival of Lights
    The Charles B. Wang Center and The Mattoo Center for India Studies Stony Brook University present Diwali: The Indian Festival of Lights Compiled by Prof S.N. Sridhar, 2019 (from many sources) Diwali, The Indian Festival of Lights Significance • The biggest Indian festival • Diwali (or Deepavali) means “a row of lights” • Symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance • Brings together stories from 3 incarnations of God – Rama, Krishna, and Va:mana, as well as the most popular goddess, Lakshmi • Celebrated over 3 to 5 days, all over India and abroad Deepavali: Row of Lights Sweets exchanged with friends 5 Days of Deepavali 1: Dhanteras: most Indian business communities begin their financial year 2: Naraka Chaturdas’i: God Krishna killed the demon Naraka and freed 16,000 women. God Rama was welcomed by citizens of Ayodhya after defeating demon Ravana. 3: Lakshmi Puja: Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, is worshipped 4: Bali Padyami: God Vamana overcame demon Bali 5: Bhai Duj: Sisters invite their brothers to their homes How it is celebrated • Homes are cleaned, painted and new utensils are bought • Welcoming Rangoli designs are drawn on pathways, including the goddess' footprints, to mark the arrival of Lakshmi. • People buy and wear new clothes, gold jewelry • Families, friends and business associates visit, greet, and treat, and gift one another • Special worship services are held: In the evening, lamps are lit and Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed into the house. Aartis (offerings of light) are made to the image or picture of Lakshmi; devotional songs are sung in praise of Lakshmi.
    [Show full text]
  • Full Text: DOI
    Rupkatha Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities (ISSN 0975-2935) Indexed by Web of Science, Scopus, DOAJ, ERIHPLUS Themed Issue on “India and Travel Narratives” (Vol. 12, No. 3, 2020) Guest-edited by: Ms. Somdatta Mandal, PhD Full Text: http://rupkatha.com/V12/n3/v12n332.pdf DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v12n3.32 Representing Kolkata : A Study of ‘Gaze’ Construction in Amit Chaudhuri’s Calcutta: Two Years in the City and Bishwanath Ghosh’s Longing Belonging: An Outsider at Home in Calcutta Saurabh Sarmadhikari Assistant Professor, Department of English, Gangarampur College, Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal. ORCID: 0000-0002-8577-4878. Email: [email protected] Abstract Indian travel writings in English exclusively on Kolkata have been rare even though tourist guidebooks such as the Lonely Planet have dedicated sections on the city. In such a scenario, Amit Chaudhuri’s Calcutta: Two Years in the City (2016) and Bishwanath Ghosh’s Longing Belonging: An Outsider at Home in Calcutta (2014) stand out as exceptions. Both these narratives, written by probashi (expatriate) Bengalis, represent Kolkata though a bifocal lens. On the one hand, their travels are a journey towards rediscovering their Bengali roots and on the other, their representation/construction of the city of Kolkata is as hard-boiled as any seasoned traveller. The contention of this paper is that both Chaudhuri and Ghosh foreground certain selected/pre- determined signifiers that are common to Kolkata for the purpose of their representation which are instrumental in constructing the ‘gaze’ of their readers towards the city. This process of ‘gaze’ construction is studied by applying John Urry and Jonas Larsen’s conceptualization of the ‘tourist gaze’.
    [Show full text]
  • About Deepawali - the Social Significance
    About Deepawali - The Social Significance Deepa means a lamp and avali means a row. The word literally means a row of lights. We normally think that Deepawali is about a lamplight, a deepa. In fact, Deepawali is not about a single deepa, it is about many. It is about a collective, an organization, a formation of lamps. It is about the relationship between one lamp and the rest of the lamps in the collective. The secret message of deepawali is hidden in its very name. Let us begin with a short prayer that sums up the essence of this remarkable festival. Deepawali Prayer Om Asato Maa Sat Gamaya Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya Sat means the truth and a-sat is its negation or falsehood. So the first line means: lead me from Falsehood to Truth. Tamas is darkness or ignorance. And jyoti is light. So the second line means: lead me from darkness or ignorance to light or knowledge. The third line means lead me from death (mtriyu ) to immortality (amrita). Deepawali is the festival of lights symbolizing the lighting of the lamp of knowledge and removing ignorance, in our lives, and in those of others. It is this deeper message of social consciousness behind the glamour of Deepawali that this article attempts to convey. The Diya - Lamp The central theme behind deepawali rests on the concept of the Diya, the lamp. In Hindu tradition Ishwara or God is the "Knowledge principle," the Reality, the source of all knowledge. The light enables one to see the reality that is ever present.
    [Show full text]
  • Level 3 Patashala 201516 Curriculum Outline: Week Beliefs & Practices
    Level 3 Patashala 2015­16 Curriculum Outline: Week Beliefs & Sages & Epics & Temple Values Practices Saints Puranas Deities & Festivals 1 Meaning of Om Origin of 32 forms of Privilege of ​ Ganapathy Ganesha; praying Ganesh Chaturthi 2 Symbolism of 3 types of prayer Ganesha’s form 3 Hinduism:Intro Sage Major Durga,Laksh Value of praying duction VedaVyasa Scriptures mi & Saraswathi; Navarathri 4 Saguna Valmiki Stories of Devi Durga, The female Brahman: & Navaratri Lakshmi & principle of ​ ​ ​ Iswara and The Saraswathi; Isvara Trinity; Navarathri The Feminine aspects of the Creator 5 Stories of Lakshmi puja Diwali 6 Basic Hindu Patanjali Patanjali Yoga Diwali (contd) Ashtanga Yoga: ​ Beliefs: Sutra 8 steps, Introduction to Pratyahara, Yama, Niyama, Dharana, Asana & Dhyana & Pranayama Samadhi 7 Yamas: The Significance of Lord Muruga; Ahimsa, Satya, ​ Dont’s 5 Skanda Skanda Discussion restraints Shasti Shasti 8 Yamas: contd Asteya, ​ Brahmacharya and Aparigraha, Discussion 9 Niyamas: Basic Stories of Ayyappa; Introduction to ​ rules Ayyappa Ayyappa Cultivation of puja Inner strength & Commitment to a moral life 10 Niyamas: contd Shiva, Discussion on ​ ​ Dakshinamurt Saucam, hy(Seat of Santosham Knowledge); Ardra Darshanam 11 Niyamas: contd Andal Vishnu/Krishn Tapas, ​ a/Rama; Svadhyaya Significance of Margazhi, Vaikunta Ekadasi 12 Hinduism and Jesus Christ; Christianity Christmas Religious Comparison 13 Isvara as Vedas Pancha Significance of Elements Bhutas worship of elements 14 Planetary Sastras; Navagrahas; Respect for Deities Jyotisha Pongal planets 15 Values: Ramayana: Respect and Through Epic Rama and Righteousness. characters Bharatha Discussion 16 Values: Ramayana: Forbearance, Through Epic Seetha, Firmness in characters Hanuman and Resolve, Lakshman. Absence of Ego Role play 17 Values: Ramayana: Friendship and Through Epic Guha, Truthfulness.
    [Show full text]
  • Save the Dates!
    FALL 2012 Bhakti patra The Fall season! – Brilliant foliage! Halloween? Thanksgiving? For Hindus all over the world, it is time for prayer and rejoicing! Starting with Navratri to Diwali, Hindus everywhere pray and rejoice with friends and loved ones. The Hindu Temple of Tristates wishes everyone a Season of Bountiful Prosperity, Joy, and Peace! SAVE THE DATES! All events celebrated at 77 Knollwood Rd., White Plains, NY 10607 $501 SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE FOR THESE EVENTS CALL 914-289-1988 NAVRATRI POOJA MATA KI CHOWKI & RAAS GARBA Thursday, Oct. 18 Sunday, Oct. 21 7:00 PM 4:30 PM KARVA CHAUTH POOJA DIWALI POOJA & DINNER Friday, Nov.2 Wednesday, Nov. 14 4:30 PM 7:00 PM FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE EVENTS PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT www.hindutempleoftristates.com FALL 2012 Bhakti patra Navratri Calendar of Pooja Events Navratri Day 1 – October 16, 201 Ghatsthapana Navratri Day 2 – October 17, 2012 Chandra Darshan Navratri Day 3 – October 18, 2012 Sindoor Tritiya Navratri Day 4 – October 18, 2012 Varad Vinayak Chaturthi and Lalit Panchami Navratri Day 5 – October 19, 2012 Upang Lalita Vrat Navratri Day 6 – October 20, 2012 Saraswati Awahan in some regions Navratri Day 7 – October 21, 2012 Saraswathi Puja - Maha Lakshmi Puja Navratri Day 8 – October 22, 2012 Saraswathi Puja ends – Mahashtami - Annapoorna Parikrama Navratri Day 9 – October 23, 2012 Saraswati Visarjan – Mahanavami October 24, 2012 The tenth day is celebrated as Dasara or Vijaya Dashami. Vidyarambham in Kerala. THE NAVRATRI THALI In India, Navratri is celebrated twice- once in Chaitra as Chaitra Navratrai and then in Ashwin as Shardey Navratri.
    [Show full text]
  • Government of West Bengal Finance (Audit) Department Nabanna, 325, Sarat Chatterjee Road Howrah-711102
    Government of West Bengal Finance (Audit) Department Nabanna, 325, Sarat Chatterjee Road Howrah-711102. I No. 3100 -F(P2} Howrah, the 5th November, 2020 \ NOTIFICATION In exercise of the power conferred by the explanation to Section 25 of the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881 (XXVI of 1881), read with Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Notification No. 20/25/56-pub(I) dated the s" June, 1957 the Governor is pleased to declare the days as specified at List I below to be Public Holidays during the year 2021. 2. The Governor is also pleased to notify that the offices under the Government of West Bengal with the exception of the offices of the Registrar of Assurances, Kolkata and Collector of the Stamp Revenue, Kolkata shall be closed on the days as specified at List II below which are not declared to be public holidays, during the year 2021. 3. Further, the Governor is pleased to declare that the days as specified at List Ill may be observed as Sectional Holidays in the year 2021 for the employees of different communities mentioned against the day. List I (Public Holidays in 2021 under the N. I. Act) Birth Day of Swami Vivekananda iz" January, Tuesday ** Birth Day of Netaji 23rd January, Saturday Republic Day 26~Januar~Tuesday Saraswati Puja[Sree Panchami] 16th February, Tuesday Good Friday 02nd April, Friday Birth Day of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar ia" April, Wednesday Bengali New Year's Day(Nababarsha) is" April, Thursday ** May Day : 01st May, Saturday ld-UI-Fitar : ta" May, Friday Buddha Purnima : zs" May, Wednesday ld-Ud-Zoha( Bakrid)
    [Show full text]
  • Simple Dipawali Lakshmi Puja
    Simple Dipawali Lakshmi Puja Puja Items (all items available in local grocery stores) Agarbatti / Flowers Dhoopsticks Turmeric Haldi some Kumkum Powder Chandan Powder 4 aggarbatti sticks 1 spoon 1 spoon 1 spoon Camphor Dhoop Kalash Bell Oil lamp Ghee Lamp patra (if available) Camphor 1 pkt Raw Rice 1 cup Panchpatra Peetham (optional) Puja Plate Achman Milk 1 cup Curd 1 cup Ghee 1 cup Honey 2 spoon Sugar 1 cup Paper roll Ganesha Idol Mahalakshmi Idol Lakshmi coins 5 Dollar or picture quarters Few spoons Few paper plates Cotton wicks to Betel nuts 1 paket light lamp Betel leaves (5) Red or white cloth Home cooked sweets (towel or blouse prasadam piece) Banana 1 dozen Simple Dipawali Lakshmi Puja 1. Face East 2. Place peetham in front of you, and spread red cloth or unused small towel on top 3. Place Goddess Lakshmi’s picture on top of the red cloth. 4. Put oil lamps on both side 5. Put Aggarbatti on the right hand side of the picture 6. Prepare a plate with kumkum, chandan, turmeric power, coins, betel nuts, and leaves. 7. Place banana on side 8. Place Prasad on side 9. Take 1 cup of raw rice, mix couple of pinches of turmeric powder, mix it really well and sprinkle couple of water drops and mix it again this is called akshata. 10. Place flowers on your right hand side and put akshata (prepared above) in the same plate 11. Keep water filled kalasha ready to your left 12. Place panchapatram or a cup filled with water and spoon in your front 13.
    [Show full text]
  • Title of Unit
    RE Today / SACRE 2014 © Worship and Festivities: How and why do Hindus celebrate Divali? Year Group 3 Gemma and Manisha have created works of art on the This unit of work for Religious theme of the triumph of light over darkness, using their Education provides non-statutory learning from the traditions of Divali to do so. exemplification of some good teaching and learning for any school to use. 1 RE Today / SACRE 2014 © Worship and Festivities: How and why do Hindus celebrate Divali? YEAR GROUP 3 ABOUT THIS UNIT: This unit uses active learning styles and strategies to help pupils aged 7-9 to understand the place of celebration and festivities in Hindu life, making links to their own experience of religious or family celebrations. It provides opportunities for discussion and debate about the place of festivals in religion, and encourages pupils to look below the surface of religious practice to think about religious beliefs and ideas as well. It provides opportunities for pupils’ own spiritual and cultural development through looking at themes of good and evil, light and darkness and unity and diversity in practice. The unit has a global dimension: Hindu festivals in India and in the UK are celebrated in ways that are similar and different. Appendix: there is a chart of progression activities on the last page of this unit. Where this unit fits in: This unit will help teachers to implement the requirements for RE by providing opportunities to learn about Hindu religion and learn from its celebrations for themselves. The study unit gives scope for the development of understanding of religious diversity and of some key Hindu beliefs and concepts (e.g.
    [Show full text]