This festival comes on Shukla Paksha Dwadasi, in the month of Karthik. This happens to be the last day of chatur maasa . On Uthana Dwadasi day Lord Vishnu is supposed to get up from sleep. It is said that a year in a humans life is one day to the gods. On Uthana Dwadasi day Lord Vishnu is stirring from his sleep. There are some stories connected to this too.
On this day, Saligrama puja is important and Tulasi puja.
In most houses Saligrama puja is performed and brahmin couples are given festival food and Tulasi Vivah is performed in the evening. After food, this couple are given thamboola and a minimum of blouse piece if not sari and shelya is presented along with Kheer Dhana ( along with the cup made of pithal or whatever is available)
For the evening naividya, 4/5 different kind of laddus and sweets are made, and also a flavored milk boiled well with sugar saffron and cardomom added. Koshambari is also made.
An arathi is prepared as follows. On a plain silver or pithal plate draw a rangoli design with honey using a matchstick or a new toothpick. Over this sprinkle some GUSGUSA all over and then gently tap out the extra gusgusa. You will now have a beautiful decoration on the plate.
Over this arrange 5 amlas and wicks soaked in ghee over the amlas.
In the Tulasi vrindavan a small branch of amla is kept, a few amlas have also to be in the branches.
Decorate the front of the house with mango leaves and rangoli.
Decorate the tulasi vrindavan , draw rangoli in front of the vrindavan. If there no place in the back yard for this , one may keep the pot or a small vrindvan with a tulasi plant near the god, for the puja.
Keep a small idol of Krishna in the Vrindavan, next to the plant and perform puja.
Light as many lamps as possible.
You will need to get ready the naividya, the arathi, sweet smelling flowers, a pair small garlands.
Decorate the tulasi and put a few abharana( jewels, like we would decorate a bride]. Sing songs and stotras to tulasi and krishna and lakshmi. and perform the puja. (If a purohith comes he will conduct the puja like he would a real wedding.)
After the puja and before the various arathis , offer to the Lord and Tulsi, a sari and blouse and pair of dhotis , offer haldhi kumkum and on to plate do the vonti bharna for Tulasi, then the naividya and the arathis. Puja is to performed with haldhi kumkum etc as , we perform Lakshmi puja.
The second half of Ashwija maasa and Kartic maasa are the darkest months of the year. Before the times of kerosene lamps and electric lights, it would have been very difficult to sight a village. When lamps are lit and kept in front of the houses in the evenings and early mornings the travellers could easily sight the village.
Amlas are given importance, as the coming months are cold with fog, which will cause cold etc. Eating amlas gives a person vitamin C,(nowadays it is given in tablet form) a preventive for these winter ailments. Amlas contain lot of vitamin C and iron.
In places where a Amla tree is there people go there and worship the tree. It is said that every house must have an Amla tree, a parijatha flower tree and a tulasi plant. Some even say that a house without a tulasi plant, is equal to cemetery.
Growing a tulasi plant is not at all difficult only it needs to be watered every day.The plant has also be planted in a fairly big pot or brindhvan, so the plant will space for the roots to spread.
Any plant for that matter is like child. take care of it and it will grow well. The plant also needs to kept in sunny place. In summer when it is very hot, it can be watered twice or shifted to a shade.
Do grow a tulasi plant where ever you are.
FOR THE AMLAS IN THE ARATHI PLATE TO BALANCE THE AMLAS ,MAKE A DOUGH WITH HALDHI POWDER AND WATER, MAKE EQUAL SIZE BALLS AND PLACE THIS ON THE ARATHI PLATE, ON THIS PLACE THE AMLA AND ON THA PUT A WICK SOAKED IN OIL.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sweets for all festivals.
Even though sweets and eats are readily available, when even a simple sweet prepared at home , comes out well and the family slurps it,women do feel very happy. Above all home made sweets are the best. Here are some recipes traditionally prepared in south indian and desastha homes.
Sweet samosa/ Karjikai/ Phala.
Maida ---- one cup [heaped], Fine Rava ---- 1/4 cup, Salt---- i pinch, Oil for frying.Ghee-- 1 tblsp
Filling:---- Fryied gram powdered coursly ----1/4 cup, Kaju [cut into small peices]---- 1/4 cup,Dry coconut --- 1/2 cup, Powdered Sugar---- one cup or as per taste. Cardamom powder 1/2 tea spoon.
Method:---- Mix Maida, rawa, salt, and the table spoon of ghee well, with enough water mix to get a soft dough. must be a little harder than chappathi dough. Keep aside for 1/2 an hour covered with a wet cloth.
After 1/2 an hour knead again to make soft and pliable dough.
Mix the filling incredents together. the copra is to be scraped and mixed. Make small balls of the dough, and roll out each into thin chappathis. Put a little of the filling mixture in the centre and fold and seal the edges. If you have a mould you can use it too.Do the same all the chappathis and keep covered with a wet cloth. When all the samoasa are ready, in a thick bottomed Kadai, pour oil and heat it. when the oil is heated lower the heat to medium and fry the smosas till golden and crisp. While frying keep splashing the hot oil on samosas, so they will fry evenly.
For the filling variation you can use khova and dry fruits. Or even coconut pooran.
COCONUT BURFI.
One coconut Scrape the white portion of the coconut and measure it. sugar is one and half times of the coconut scrapings.
In thick bottomed Kadai put in the sugar and add just enough water to melt the sugar. When the sugar melts put in the coconut scrapping and keep stiring till the mi xture thickens add a table spoon ghee and cardamom powder. When the mixture starts to leave the sides of the kadai, pour the mioxture on to a well greased tray. Cut into squares or desired shape while it still warm. If desired kaju and kishmish can be added. any colouring can also added but this should be add ed before the the burfi is still in a liquid state. After the burfi is cool it can be removed and stored in air tins. Will last for upto ten days.
MYSORE PAK.
Basen one cup, sugar ----two cups, Ghee---2 to 21/2 cups melted.
Put the sugar in thick bottomed kadai and pour enough water to cover the sugar. Boil till one thread consistancy syrup and now add the flour [basen] stirring well so no lumps are formed keep stirring when the mixture starts to thicken begin to add the ghee little by little stirring all the while when the ghee is over , keep stirring till the mixture leaves the sides and the mixture starts to froth up. At this stage pour the mixture on on to a greased tray and mark the sqares soon after or it will harden and it will difficult to cut it. If there is extra unobsorbed ghee in tray , por the ghee in another plate by tilting the tray to drain the excess ghee.
Badam or Kaju Barfi/cake.
Badam[kaju]----one cup, Milk---one cup, sugar--- two cups, Ghee----one cup.
Soak badam in hot water fer a few hours and peel the skin. Grind to a smooth paste. In a thick bottomed Kadai, put the sugar and pour the milk and when the sugar is melted add the badam paste. Keep stirring , so that the paste does not stick to the bottom. When the mixture starts to thicken add the ghee little by little and when the mixture becomes real thick and leaves the sides of the kadai pour on to a greased thali and when cool cut into squares.
Coconut Poli.
Grated fresh coconut--- Two cups jaggery---one cup, Cardamom--- 1/4 tsp. Maida/ wheat atta/ chiroti rava. [ if chiroti rava is used after mixing the dough let soak for an hour, then in the mixi run the dough fixing the powder blade for a few seconds.]a pich of salt, haldhi powder, oil, water to mix the dough.mix the dough with a pinch of salt a little harder than chappathi dough, pour oil to cover the dough, close with a lid and set aside for at least half an hour.
In a thick bottomed kadai put in he jaggery add water a little to melt the jaggery, seive to remove any sand. Put the jaggery back on the fire and add the coconut paste and keep stiring till done.to test place moist finger on the pooran if it comes clean, its done. Let it cool.Devide the pooran and the dough into equal portions.make sa cup with the dough and place the pooran in it and close. Roll this like for chappathi sprinkling rice flour into rounds. with experience one can roll it quite thin. Roast this on thava pouring a little ghee all arround it and on both sides. do he same with all the dough. Eaten with ghee and milk.
In stead of coconut chana dal can be boiled and ground to a paste mixed with jaggery and made into pooran and poli made the same way as for coconut poli
These sweets can easily be made at home.
Sweet samosa/ Karjikai/ Phala.
Maida ---- one cup [heaped], Fine Rava ---- 1/4 cup, Salt---- i pinch, Oil for frying.Ghee-- 1 tblsp
Filling:---- Fryied gram powdered coursly ----1/4 cup, Kaju [cut into small peices]---- 1/4 cup,Dry coconut --- 1/2 cup, Powdered Sugar---- one cup or as per taste. Cardamom powder 1/2 tea spoon.
Method:---- Mix Maida, rawa, salt, and the table spoon of ghee well, with enough water mix to get a soft dough. must be a little harder than chappathi dough. Keep aside for 1/2 an hour covered with a wet cloth.
After 1/2 an hour knead again to make soft and pliable dough.
Mix the filling incredents together. the copra is to be scraped and mixed. Make small balls of the dough, and roll out each into thin chappathis. Put a little of the filling mixture in the centre and fold and seal the edges. If you have a mould you can use it too.Do the same all the chappathis and keep covered with a wet cloth. When all the samoasa are ready, in a thick bottomed Kadai, pour oil and heat it. when the oil is heated lower the heat to medium and fry the smosas till golden and crisp. While frying keep splashing the hot oil on samosas, so they will fry evenly.
For the filling variation you can use khova and dry fruits. Or even coconut pooran.
COCONUT BURFI.
One coconut Scrape the white portion of the coconut and measure it. sugar is one and half times of the coconut scrapings.
In thick bottomed Kadai put in the sugar and add just enough water to melt the sugar. When the sugar melts put in the coconut scrapping and keep stiring till the mi xture thickens add a table spoon ghee and cardamom powder. When the mixture starts to leave the sides of the kadai, pour the mioxture on to a well greased tray. Cut into squares or desired shape while it still warm. If desired kaju and kishmish can be added. any colouring can also added but this should be add ed before the the burfi is still in a liquid state. After the burfi is cool it can be removed and stored in air tins. Will last for upto ten days.
MYSORE PAK.
Basen one cup, sugar ----two cups, Ghee---2 to 21/2 cups melted.
Put the sugar in thick bottomed kadai and pour enough water to cover the sugar. Boil till one thread consistancy syrup and now add the flour [basen] stirring well so no lumps are formed keep stirring when the mixture starts to thicken begin to add the ghee little by little stirring all the while when the ghee is over , keep stirring till the mixture leaves the sides and the mixture starts to froth up. At this stage pour the mixture on on to a greased tray and mark the sqares soon after or it will harden and it will difficult to cut it. If there is extra unobsorbed ghee in tray , por the ghee in another plate by tilting the tray to drain the excess ghee.
Badam or Kaju Barfi/cake.
Badam[kaju]----one cup, Milk---one cup, sugar--- two cups, Ghee----one cup.
Soak badam in hot water fer a few hours and peel the skin. Grind to a smooth paste. In a thick bottomed Kadai, put the sugar and pour the milk and when the sugar is melted add the badam paste. Keep stirring , so that the paste does not stick to the bottom. When the mixture starts to thicken add the ghee little by little and when the mixture becomes real thick and leaves the sides of the kadai pour on to a greased thali and when cool cut into squares.
Coconut Poli.
Grated fresh coconut--- Two cups jaggery---one cup, Cardamom--- 1/4 tsp. Maida/ wheat atta/ chiroti rava. [ if chiroti rava is used after mixing the dough let soak for an hour, then in the mixi run the dough fixing the powder blade for a few seconds.]a pich of salt, haldhi powder, oil, water to mix the dough.mix the dough with a pinch of salt a little harder than chappathi dough, pour oil to cover the dough, close with a lid and set aside for at least half an hour.
In a thick bottomed kadai put in he jaggery add water a little to melt the jaggery, seive to remove any sand. Put the jaggery back on the fire and add the coconut paste and keep stiring till done.to test place moist finger on the pooran if it comes clean, its done. Let it cool.Devide the pooran and the dough into equal portions.make sa cup with the dough and place the pooran in it and close. Roll this like for chappathi sprinkling rice flour into rounds. with experience one can roll it quite thin. Roast this on thava pouring a little ghee all arround it and on both sides. do he same with all the dough. Eaten with ghee and milk.
In stead of coconut chana dal can be boiled and ground to a paste mixed with jaggery and made into pooran and poli made the same way as for coconut poli
These sweets can easily be made at home.
Monday, October 12, 2009
The Month of Karthik
Lord Shri Krishna says, “Of all plants, the sacred Tulasi is most dear to Me; of all months, Kartik is most dear, of all places of pilgrimage, My beloved Dwarka is most dear, and of all days, Ekadashi is most dear.” (Padma Purana, Uttara Khand 112.3)
Kartik month is popular as Damodara month in Vaishnava calendar. It is said that in this month of Kartik Lord Krishna had His childhood pastime with Mother Yashoda and got the name Damodara. Damodara means the Lord tied with a cord (daama) around His waist (udara).
The holy month of Karthik begins from the first day after Deepavali. Tulasi Vivah is in this month and worship of the Tulsi plant throughout this month is considered very holy.
There is a custom of taking Kartik snaan for the entire month. One takes bath early in the morning before the sun rises. Doing so will accrue a lot of punya.
Throughout this month, lamps are lit outside the house at the doorsteps, windows; both early in the mornings and late evenings and night. Could be because this is known to be the darkest month astronomically.
It is believed that any service rendered to the Lord bears incalculable fruit, even if done contemptuosly or unwittingly during this month.
In this month the above pastime, Damodara Lila is recited. Devotees of Lord Krishna show lamps to the Deties of Lord Krishna bound by Mother Yasoda and recite Damodarashtaka.
lasat-kundalam gokule bhrajamanam
Yashoda-bhiyolukhalad dhavamanam
paramrishtam atyantato drutya gopya
2) rudantam muhur netra-yugmam mrjantam
karambhoja-yugmena satanka-netram
muhu shvasa-kampa-trirekhanka-kantha-
sthita-graivam damodaram bhakti-baddham
3) itidrk sva-lilabhir ananda-kunde
sva-ghoisham nimajjantam akhyapayantam
tadiyeishita-gyeishu bhaktair jitatvam
puna prematas tam shatavrtti vande
4) varam deva mokisham na mokishavadhim va
na canyam Vrine 'ham vareishad apiha
idam te vapur natha gopala-balam
sada me manasy avirastam kim anyai
5) idam te mukhambhojam atyanta-nilair
vrtam kuntalai snigdha-raktaish ca gopya
muhush cumbitam bimba-raktadharam me
manasy avirastam alam lakisha-labhai
6) namo deva damodarananta viishno
prasida prabho dukha-jalabdhi-magnam
krpa-drishti-vrishtyati-dinam batanu
grhaneisha mam agyam edhy akishi-drshya
7) kuveratmajau baddha-murtyaiva yadvat
tvaya mocitau bhakti-bhajau krtau ca
tatha prema-bhaktim svakam me prayaccha
na mokishe graho me 'sti damodareha
8) namas te 'stu damne sphurad-dipti-dhamne
tvadiyodarayatha vishvasya dhamne
namo radhikayai tvadiya-priyayai
namo 'nanta-lilaya devaya tubhyam
Kartik month is popular as Damodara month in Vaishnava calendar. It is said that in this month of Kartik Lord Krishna had His childhood pastime with Mother Yashoda and got the name Damodara. Damodara means the Lord tied with a cord (daama) around His waist (udara).
The holy month of Karthik begins from the first day after Deepavali. Tulasi Vivah is in this month and worship of the Tulsi plant throughout this month is considered very holy.
There is a custom of taking Kartik snaan for the entire month. One takes bath early in the morning before the sun rises. Doing so will accrue a lot of punya.
Throughout this month, lamps are lit outside the house at the doorsteps, windows; both early in the mornings and late evenings and night. Could be because this is known to be the darkest month astronomically.
It is believed that any service rendered to the Lord bears incalculable fruit, even if done contemptuosly or unwittingly during this month.
In this month the above pastime, Damodara Lila is recited. Devotees of Lord Krishna show lamps to the Deties of Lord Krishna bound by Mother Yasoda and recite Damodarashtaka.
Sri Damodarashtaka
1) namamishvaram sachidananda-rupamlasat-kundalam gokule bhrajamanam
Yashoda-bhiyolukhalad dhavamanam
paramrishtam atyantato drutya gopya
2) rudantam muhur netra-yugmam mrjantam
karambhoja-yugmena satanka-netram
muhu shvasa-kampa-trirekhanka-kantha-
sthita-graivam damodaram bhakti-baddham
3) itidrk sva-lilabhir ananda-kunde
sva-ghoisham nimajjantam akhyapayantam
tadiyeishita-gyeishu bhaktair jitatvam
puna prematas tam shatavrtti vande
4) varam deva mokisham na mokishavadhim va
na canyam Vrine 'ham vareishad apiha
idam te vapur natha gopala-balam
sada me manasy avirastam kim anyai
5) idam te mukhambhojam atyanta-nilair
vrtam kuntalai snigdha-raktaish ca gopya
muhush cumbitam bimba-raktadharam me
manasy avirastam alam lakisha-labhai
6) namo deva damodarananta viishno
prasida prabho dukha-jalabdhi-magnam
krpa-drishti-vrishtyati-dinam batanu
grhaneisha mam agyam edhy akishi-drshya
7) kuveratmajau baddha-murtyaiva yadvat
tvaya mocitau bhakti-bhajau krtau ca
tatha prema-bhaktim svakam me prayaccha
na mokishe graho me 'sti damodareha
8) namas te 'stu damne sphurad-dipti-dhamne
tvadiyodarayatha vishvasya dhamne
namo radhikayai tvadiya-priyayai
namo 'nanta-lilaya devaya tubhyam
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Deepavali.
Deepa means light and Vali means rows, so Deepavali means rows of lights. On this day people all over India be they Hindus, Sikhs or Jains, whatever creed or sect light rows and rows of lights in front of their houses, windows, doorsteps etc.
In the southern part of India, Deepavali is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdasi or the day on which Narakasura [the evil demon] was killed by Krishnas wife, Sathyabhama. At the time of his death, it is said, that Narakasura requested Sathyabhama, his death be celebrated by the people as a festival because of his realization of how cruel he had been.
Another story is that King Bali visits the earth to see his subjects during this time. Some people celebrate Balipadyami, on day after Amavasya.
Up North, Deepavali signifies the home coming of Sri Rama from his 14 years in exile, after his victory over Raavana. To welcome Sri Rama and Sita, people of Ayodhya had lit up the city with rows and rows of lamps.
In South India no one calls the festival Diwali as diwali means broke or lost everything.
For Jains, Deepavali marks the attainment of Nirvana by Saint Mahaveera, on 15 th October, 527-BC.
For Sikhs, Deepavali is significant as it marked the illumination of Amrithsar, commemorating the return of Guru Har Gobindh, the Sikh guru who was imprisoned at fort Gwalior by Emporer Jehangir.
Deepavali also marks the celebration of Mahalakshmi rising from the Ocean at the time of Samudra manthan.[churning of the ocean.]
On the 13th day of the second half of the month Ashwija is celebrated as Dhana Trayodasi, to mark the rising of Lord Dhanavantri from the Ocean during the churning of the ocean. On this day it is considered auspicious to buy gold silver and utensils.
What ever the reason, people of India celebrate Deepavali, in grand manner. Plenty of sweets, new clothes and visiting relatives and friends and gifts aplenty.
The evening before Deepavali is called Jalapurna Trayodashi. On this day, the vessel used for hot water for the next mornings bath is cleaned and a yellowed thread with a haldi stick is tied arround the vessel, haldhi kunkum is applied and water filled in it. Rangoli is drawn in front of the vessel and decorated with flowers. This water is used the next day early morning by the entire family for 'abhyanga snana' after an oil massage. Traditionally, besan uptan or chickpea flour and haldi and bath powder is used for a scented bath. Followed correctly, I guess, it is a great day to indulge oneself and the entire family to a oil massage followed by a hot bath with scented oils! A total detox therapy in today's terms!
Trayodashi is also supposed to be the evening when the sons in law, arrive to take part in the festival, especially on the first year of marriage. The dinner is a grand affair. After which the new clothes are kept in front of the god, till the next morning.
On the day of Naraka Chaturdashi or Deepavali in the South , there is a arathi for all the members in the family. All members of the family get an oil massage or at least a little oil is applied on each ones head and the new clothes are given along with pan and supari. All the members are to finish their oil bath before sun rise , so as to attain the punya of having had a Ganga Snan. After the bath, new clothes are worn and the blessings of all the elders sought by performing namaskara to them.
The Arathi is prepared thus.... ina plate with a broad rim pour a little water, put in some haldhi powder and lime ie sunna, this will make the water red in colour in the middle put two oil lights and on either side of the light keep two haldhi sticks. Before the Arathi, On a mat/ jhamkhana members of the family all sit except two women.Apply kumkum to all of them, give in each persons hand pan/supari, give the new clothes to which a little kumkum has allready been applied.Then apply a little oil with a flower on the middle of the head. then the arathi is performed the plate is turned in front of the members first clock wise three times then anti clock wise three times. THE HAVE TO BE LIT. then with the haldhi is taken on in each hand and just as it was done for the arathi it turned arround three times clock wise and three tines anti clock wise. Th same prosedure is done for the left out in the first round. When the arathi is being performed money is given to the Arathi performers.This ARathi shown to God first before performing the family. HOT WATER AND SEEGEKAI POWDER is to be kept for god too.
Amavash or Deepavali day in the north is Lakshmi puja in the evening. The Goddess of Wealth is worshiped.
In the North, Goddess Mahalakshmi is worshipped along with Ganesha to bring prosperity.A special sweet preperation is made. Coins and jewelry are kept alongside and all members of the family participate. For certain people it is also the new year and for some businesses, this day heralds the new year for accounts.
The next after Amavasya is celebrated as BaliPadyami. It is the first day of the month of Kartik, the darkest month of the year. this is a day of festival in honour of the king Bali Chakravarthy and is celeberated with kheer and festive food.
The following day is BHAU BHEEJ; the sisters invite the brothers to their home , perform arathi, cook food, which is the brother's favorite and gift him with clothes or some gift.
On the trithiya day it is the brother who invite the sisters to his house and give her food sweets and gift of clothes etc.
Deepavali is the day when friends, neighbors and relatives exchange the sweets and eats made in their houses, and also visit each other and wish each other.
In todays world where no one has time to meet relatives this festival is an occasion when the relation ships can be renewed. The children will also know who is who in the family. This tradition has to be kept up by the parents; if not, relatives, even the close ones, will become strangers; the chidren will grow up, into adults not knowing uncles aunts or cousins.
In the southern part of India, Deepavali is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdasi or the day on which Narakasura [the evil demon] was killed by Krishnas wife, Sathyabhama. At the time of his death, it is said, that Narakasura requested Sathyabhama, his death be celebrated by the people as a festival because of his realization of how cruel he had been.
Another story is that King Bali visits the earth to see his subjects during this time. Some people celebrate Balipadyami, on day after Amavasya.
Up North, Deepavali signifies the home coming of Sri Rama from his 14 years in exile, after his victory over Raavana. To welcome Sri Rama and Sita, people of Ayodhya had lit up the city with rows and rows of lamps.
In South India no one calls the festival Diwali as diwali means broke or lost everything.
For Jains, Deepavali marks the attainment of Nirvana by Saint Mahaveera, on 15 th October, 527-BC.
For Sikhs, Deepavali is significant as it marked the illumination of Amrithsar, commemorating the return of Guru Har Gobindh, the Sikh guru who was imprisoned at fort Gwalior by Emporer Jehangir.
Deepavali also marks the celebration of Mahalakshmi rising from the Ocean at the time of Samudra manthan.[churning of the ocean.]
On the 13th day of the second half of the month Ashwija is celebrated as Dhana Trayodasi, to mark the rising of Lord Dhanavantri from the Ocean during the churning of the ocean. On this day it is considered auspicious to buy gold silver and utensils.
What ever the reason, people of India celebrate Deepavali, in grand manner. Plenty of sweets, new clothes and visiting relatives and friends and gifts aplenty.
The evening before Deepavali is called Jalapurna Trayodashi. On this day, the vessel used for hot water for the next mornings bath is cleaned and a yellowed thread with a haldi stick is tied arround the vessel, haldhi kunkum is applied and water filled in it. Rangoli is drawn in front of the vessel and decorated with flowers. This water is used the next day early morning by the entire family for 'abhyanga snana' after an oil massage. Traditionally, besan uptan or chickpea flour and haldi and bath powder is used for a scented bath. Followed correctly, I guess, it is a great day to indulge oneself and the entire family to a oil massage followed by a hot bath with scented oils! A total detox therapy in today's terms!
Trayodashi is also supposed to be the evening when the sons in law, arrive to take part in the festival, especially on the first year of marriage. The dinner is a grand affair. After which the new clothes are kept in front of the god, till the next morning.
On the day of Naraka Chaturdashi or Deepavali in the South , there is a arathi for all the members in the family. All members of the family get an oil massage or at least a little oil is applied on each ones head and the new clothes are given along with pan and supari. All the members are to finish their oil bath before sun rise , so as to attain the punya of having had a Ganga Snan. After the bath, new clothes are worn and the blessings of all the elders sought by performing namaskara to them.
The Arathi is prepared thus.... ina plate with a broad rim pour a little water, put in some haldhi powder and lime ie sunna, this will make the water red in colour in the middle put two oil lights and on either side of the light keep two haldhi sticks. Before the Arathi, On a mat/ jhamkhana members of the family all sit except two women.Apply kumkum to all of them, give in each persons hand pan/supari, give the new clothes to which a little kumkum has allready been applied.Then apply a little oil with a flower on the middle of the head. then the arathi is performed the plate is turned in front of the members first clock wise three times then anti clock wise three times. THE HAVE TO BE LIT. then with the haldhi is taken on in each hand and just as it was done for the arathi it turned arround three times clock wise and three tines anti clock wise. Th same prosedure is done for the left out in the first round. When the arathi is being performed money is given to the Arathi performers.This ARathi shown to God first before performing the family. HOT WATER AND SEEGEKAI POWDER is to be kept for god too.
Amavash or Deepavali day in the north is Lakshmi puja in the evening. The Goddess of Wealth is worshiped.
In the North, Goddess Mahalakshmi is worshipped along with Ganesha to bring prosperity.A special sweet preperation is made. Coins and jewelry are kept alongside and all members of the family participate. For certain people it is also the new year and for some businesses, this day heralds the new year for accounts.
The next after Amavasya is celebrated as BaliPadyami. It is the first day of the month of Kartik, the darkest month of the year. this is a day of festival in honour of the king Bali Chakravarthy and is celeberated with kheer and festive food.
The following day is BHAU BHEEJ; the sisters invite the brothers to their home , perform arathi, cook food, which is the brother's favorite and gift him with clothes or some gift.
On the trithiya day it is the brother who invite the sisters to his house and give her food sweets and gift of clothes etc.
Deepavali is the day when friends, neighbors and relatives exchange the sweets and eats made in their houses, and also visit each other and wish each other.
In todays world where no one has time to meet relatives this festival is an occasion when the relation ships can be renewed. The children will also know who is who in the family. This tradition has to be kept up by the parents; if not, relatives, even the close ones, will become strangers; the chidren will grow up, into adults not knowing uncles aunts or cousins.
navarathri cont
During all the nine days food is offered to the the god after Saligrama puja. For one reason or other the Salgrama puja cannot be performed, do so at least for the last 3/4 days.Even if food cannot be offered to god, do make a Kheer for lunch. If one wishes a sweet could also be made.
For saraswathy special Naividya (Prasadh), in some houses Sweet Dosa is made, some make Panch Kajaya and some Rava laddu.
On any one of the 9/10 days do invite ladies and give haladhi kunku, pan supari coconut or a fruit with dakshina and flower.On other days do give, Haldhi kumkum and Vidach pan supari to any Savashni who comes to the house.
On Maha Navami day the great saint Madhava was born, so this day is celebrated as Madhava Jayanthi by the Madhava comunity.
On the day of Dashara after puja etc all the young in the family have to seek the blessings of the elders in the family. Some visit the temple.
Ayudha Puja ---- Puja to all the Ayudha, meaning Arms for war etc. The Kshatriyas this is important. It is said the the Pandavas, removed their Arms on this day and prayed to them before the Mahabaratha War, This tradition is continued even today with most of us performing to all the Gatgets we own. It is important we wipe, dust and clean the the things we want to do Puja to. After all the Gatgets, Vehicles, grinders all, have to serve us, for whole ear and not give any trouble.
For bramins Sarawathy Puja is very important . Saraswathy is the godess for knowledge, Music etc. apart from books, all Musical instruments are kept for Puja . Saraswathy is worshiped for three days, on Vijaya dasami day the student visits the guru to seek his/her blessing and also gives a gift. This is the tradition.
For saraswathy special Naividya (Prasadh), in some houses Sweet Dosa is made, some make Panch Kajaya and some Rava laddu.
On any one of the 9/10 days do invite ladies and give haladhi kunku, pan supari coconut or a fruit with dakshina and flower.On other days do give, Haldhi kumkum and Vidach pan supari to any Savashni who comes to the house.
On Maha Navami day the great saint Madhava was born, so this day is celebrated as Madhava Jayanthi by the Madhava comunity.
On the day of Dashara after puja etc all the young in the family have to seek the blessings of the elders in the family. Some visit the temple.
Ayudha Puja ---- Puja to all the Ayudha, meaning Arms for war etc. The Kshatriyas this is important. It is said the the Pandavas, removed their Arms on this day and prayed to them before the Mahabaratha War, This tradition is continued even today with most of us performing to all the Gatgets we own. It is important we wipe, dust and clean the the things we want to do Puja to. After all the Gatgets, Vehicles, grinders all, have to serve us, for whole ear and not give any trouble.
For bramins Sarawathy Puja is very important . Saraswathy is the godess for knowledge, Music etc. apart from books, all Musical instruments are kept for Puja . Saraswathy is worshiped for three days, on Vijaya dasami day the student visits the guru to seek his/her blessing and also gives a gift. This is the tradition.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Navarathri or Dhashara.
Navarathri as the name defines is a festival of nine nights and ten days. This festival is celebrated on all ten days. Some believe that Lord Rama defeated the Rakshasha king Ravana after a war , during these ten days, so celebrate it as good overcoming evil.
In Bengal and some places Godess Durga is worshiped as she is supposed to have killed the evil demon Mahishasura. On Vijaya dasami day the Pandavas , it is believed remove their weopons[Astras], hidden in the tree called BANNI. Clean it and get them ready for the war with the Kouvravas.In south India many houses ,they display dolls on three or five or seven steps. Dolls made of clay, wood depicting the Ramayana/ Srinivasa kalyana or a village are displayed.
In some houses every day saligrama puja is conducted and a oil lamp lit and made to burn 24 hours for all ten days. From moola star day another ghee lamp is lit and made to burn 24 hours till Vijaya dasami day. For lighting the lamp -- Salect aproper place , as the Lamps cannot be moved for 10 days. Place a plank --Mane/ Phat draw a rangoli a Padma and Sri on it. The lamp must washed well, Silver or brass, Apply kumkum on it, Tie a flower arround it.-- the lamp. and place it in the proper place on the plank.On the first day of Navarathri early in the morning . check out the Rahu Kala Nad Yama Ganda, Do Puja to the lamp and then light it. The same method is followed for the Ghee lamp.Thse lamps SHOULD be allowed to burn 24hours a day non stop. Oil or ghee can be poured, without touching it. In the evenings one can wear clean clothes or wear a madi clothes and adjust the wick.
Srinivasa Kalyana is read ond Sundara kanda may also be read.Godess of learning Saraswathi is worshiped, by keeping books and covered with white silk, from Sapthami day.Durga is also worshiped from Durga ashtami day.On the nith day Ayudha puja is performed to the car, tv and all the gadget each family own.
Apart from the all the stories connected with this festival, this was prabably an nice way for the women to socialise and to show their hand work in arts and rangoli etc, and to meet other ladies.
In Bengal and some places Godess Durga is worshiped as she is supposed to have killed the evil demon Mahishasura. On Vijaya dasami day the Pandavas , it is believed remove their weopons[Astras], hidden in the tree called BANNI. Clean it and get them ready for the war with the Kouvravas.In south India many houses ,they display dolls on three or five or seven steps. Dolls made of clay, wood depicting the Ramayana/ Srinivasa kalyana or a village are displayed.
In some houses every day saligrama puja is conducted and a oil lamp lit and made to burn 24 hours for all ten days. From moola star day another ghee lamp is lit and made to burn 24 hours till Vijaya dasami day. For lighting the lamp -- Salect aproper place , as the Lamps cannot be moved for 10 days. Place a plank --Mane/ Phat draw a rangoli a Padma and Sri on it. The lamp must washed well, Silver or brass, Apply kumkum on it, Tie a flower arround it.-- the lamp. and place it in the proper place on the plank.On the first day of Navarathri early in the morning . check out the Rahu Kala Nad Yama Ganda, Do Puja to the lamp and then light it. The same method is followed for the Ghee lamp.Thse lamps SHOULD be allowed to burn 24hours a day non stop. Oil or ghee can be poured, without touching it. In the evenings one can wear clean clothes or wear a madi clothes and adjust the wick.
Srinivasa Kalyana is read ond Sundara kanda may also be read.Godess of learning Saraswathi is worshiped, by keeping books and covered with white silk, from Sapthami day.Durga is also worshiped from Durga ashtami day.On the nith day Ayudha puja is performed to the car, tv and all the gadget each family own.
Apart from the all the stories connected with this festival, this was prabably an nice way for the women to socialise and to show their hand work in arts and rangoli etc, and to meet other ladies.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
PitruPaksha
Pitrupaksh comes in the second half of Bhadrapada maasa. All the fiftten days food is offered to the pitrus [ancessters] and relatives of the parents who have passed on, and relatives who have no one to offer the yearly food called the Pinda. On these fifteen days pind is offered to even the wifes relations and friends who have passed on, and have no serving sons and brothers to offer them the pind.
It is said When Karna of mahabharath passed on there was a plenty of gold and silver and no food. when Karna asked for the reason for this , he was told by the Yama dhoothas that that he had made dharma in gold and silver and had not offered food to anyone. So he requested Yama that he sent back to earth for 15 days during the pitru paksh, which Yama granted. Karna came down to earth and fed as many people as possible. And he was given a place in heaven.
Usually during the fifteen days men who have no fathers eat once a day and have pala ahara in the evening . They also dont eat onion, mooli,drumsticks and the like. Even if feeding cannot be done in any one of the fifteen days, one can feed two bramins on Mahalya Amavasya day.
It is said When Karna of mahabharath passed on there was a plenty of gold and silver and no food. when Karna asked for the reason for this , he was told by the Yama dhoothas that that he had made dharma in gold and silver and had not offered food to anyone. So he requested Yama that he sent back to earth for 15 days during the pitru paksh, which Yama granted. Karna came down to earth and fed as many people as possible. And he was given a place in heaven.
Usually during the fifteen days men who have no fathers eat once a day and have pala ahara in the evening . They also dont eat onion, mooli,drumsticks and the like. Even if feeding cannot be done in any one of the fifteen days, one can feed two bramins on Mahalya Amavasya day.
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