Guru Nanak Jayanti: Birth anniversary and a sacred festival

Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism. It marks the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. He was the founder of the religion of Sikhism. Guru Nanak was responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sikhs. On the eve of Guru Nanak Jayanti Sikhs celebrate and pray.

He was born into a Hindu Khatri family. When he was born an astrologer was called to write his horoscope. When he came to his house he insisted on seeing the child. Everybody was amazed by his behaviour. When he saw the child he worshiped him and for casted that he would become a great religious personality in the future. Nanak showed his interest in divine subjects from a very young age. In the school the teachers were astonished by his divine knowledge. He used to describe about the unity or oneness of God. There are many incidents which made him a religious personality. In his early age he used to tell that there is no Hindu Muslim thing. All are one. All are the children of one God. God is one. His teachings can be found in Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib

Rai Bular, the local landlord and Guru Nanak’s Sister Bibi Nanaki were the first people who recognised divine qualities in the boy. They encouraged and supported him to study and travel.

He peach that there is one supreme Godhead and he is the doer. He is indestructible. He proposed his disciples to recite or meditate upon the word NAAM which means God. He proposed in his teachings to share the belongings with others and helping those who are in need. He also proposed to Earn a living honestly, without exploitation or fraud. He also proposed to chant the holy name and thus remembering God whenever you get time at least once a day with full devotion. Guru Nanak travelled most parts in the world. During his journey he educated and delivered the message of God to the masses. He spread the message of truth, heavenly love, peace and joy for mankind.

Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated by the Sikh community all over the world and is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar. The celebration usually starts with Prabhat Pheris. Prabhat Pheris are early morning processions that begin at the Gurudwaras. Night Prayer sessions are also held in some gurudwaras which is followed by kirtan till late at night.

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Chhath Puja: Worship of Lord Sun

Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival in which Lord Sun is worshipped. It is the only festival in the world where devotees offer salutations to the setting and rising Sun. Second, this festival is closely related to the environment. The word Chhath denotes the number six. A week after Diwali the festival Chhath is celebrated.

It is a festival in which the devotees do not require to visit a temple. In addition to that it does not require the devotees to dress in their best clothes as it is not compulsory. The banks of a river or pond are the ideal prayer location. Before sunrise, the devotees reach the riverbank again and offer prayers to the rising Sun. Once the prayers are done, the devotees break their fast with the Prasad or the offerings. In addition to that a Goddess named Chhathi Maiya is also worshipped. She is also known as Usha which means dawn.

Chhath is a very colourful festival and new clothes are a must for the devotees. There is much music and a lot of singing of folk and devotional songs.

The offerings characteristically consist of deep-fried and sweet rolls of stone ground wheat flour, grapefruit, whole coconuts, bananas, and grains of lentils. During the Puja, these items are contained in small, semicircular pans woven out of bamboo strips called Soop. The men carry the Prasad in a basket of bamboo weaves. The basket is called Dala. That why this puja is also known as Dala Chhath Vrat. The basket is held high above the crowds’ hands for the fear of it being soiled even by chance with an impure touch. The Prasad is made from all the things obtained from the nature so this festival relates to the environment.

The enormous faith in Chhath Puja has made it one of the most popular festivals. People pray to Sun god for their well-being. It is believed that people get their wishes fulfilled, if they observe Chhath Puja. There is a popular belief that worshipping Surya will help in curing diseases like leprosy and also ensure longevity and prosperity of the family.

First day of Chhath Puja is called Nahay khay which means bathe and then eat. Second day of the Chhath is called Kharna. On the day the devotees take food after offering the prasad to the cow. Third day is called Sanjhiya Arghya or evening offerings. On this day the prasad prepared is offered to the setting sun. On the last day which is called Paarun the devotees go to the riverbank before sunrise to make the offerings to the rising sun. The offering made to the sun is called Aragh.

Chhath is the festival of truth, non-violence, forgiveness and compassion. It is a very sacred festival. It connects modern Indian to his ancient cultural roots.

Muharram: A sacred month

Muharram is the first day of Islamic new year. Muharram is so called because it is unlawful to fight during this month. Muharram is an Arabic word derived from the word haraam, meaning sinful. It is a sober occasion which commemorates the martyrdom of the prophet Mohammed's grandson- Hazrat Imam Hussain. It is observed all over the world by the Muslims especially the Shia community.

There are many events associated with Muharram which includes Prophet Adam was sent to Paradise during Muharram. Second, Prophet Ibrahim was born. Third, Prophet Musa and his followers survived through the river Nile.  Fourth, Prophet Issa was born and he was became alive again. Fifth Prophet Nooha's ship survived on top of the mountain. Sixth Prophet Yunus came out of the fish's stomach after 40 days. Seventh, Prophet Yakoob got his eyesight back. Last, Prophet Yusuf was rescued from the deep well.

 

The Battle of Karbala has a strong relation with Muharram. The story states that Hazrat Imam Hussain was on a voyage during the month of Muharram. He was accompanied by family members and a number of his followers. Suddenly they were surrounded by the forces of Yazid. He was the Muslim ruler of the time.

 Some of the members were killed by the army of Yazid. The remaining were held captive and were deprived of food and water. Many of them were put to death. The incident happened at a place called Karbala in Iraq in 61st year after Hijra. That's why Muharram is sometimes known as Al-Hijra. Muslims all over the world wear black clothes during the month of Muharram. Black colour represents the sorrow and grief suffered by the people captured by the Yazid. 

   

Some Muslims fast during this day. Large prayer meetings, parades and marches can be observed on Muharram. The procession called Tazias are also held during Muharram. It is a public holiday in India.

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Children’s day: Love and Duty towards the welfare of Children

Children’s day is special day for the children. Children's day, in hindi known as "Bal Diwas". It is celebrated annually to honour children all around the globe. It also commemorates the period of childhood. Children are loved by everybody and they win people's heart by their beautiful faces and innocent smile. Every child is precious and deserves a better childhood.

Every year it is celebrated on 14th November. 14th November is an important date in Indian history because on this day the birthday of first Indian prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru falls. After his death his birthday is celebrated on 14th November. He was very fond of children. 14th November is also a tribute for his love to the children. If you go back in the history you would find Pandit Nehru's most famous pictures with children. He stressed the importance of giving love and affection to children. He was also called Chacha Nehru by the children. He though that the childhood greatest time in a person's life is when they are a child because they are protected, carefree and fun loving.

Children's day seems much as a festival in schools. Schools organise special functions for the children. Various activities are organised on this auspicious day. Various competitions like quizzes, fancy dress competitions, elocutions and feasts are organised. The purpose behind these set of activities is to engage the children in fun. Children are also taken for a movie and lunch. Children’s also receive gift from their parents. People also donate books, toys, clothes, food and time and visit orphanages, children's hospitals and NGOs.

The children are the real strength of a country and the very foundation of society. They are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow.

It is also an annual celebration which expresses love and care for children. It aims to promote the wellbeing of children and to uplift their social rights. Desievite is a portal which is dedicated to provide you the best e-cards of Children’s Day. An e-card is equivalent to hundreds of book and a large amount of spoken words. It is a way to express your happiness and joy. It has a nice collection of Children’s Day e-cards. These e-cards would definitely please you friends and relatives if you are separated by distance. Visit www.desievite .com today and send an invitation and e-card to your loved ones today before it is to- late.

Bhai Dooj: Symbol of love between a brother and sister

Bhai Dooj is an annual Hindu festival celebrated on the third day after Diwali. It is similar to Raksha Bhandhan.  This day is also known as Yamdwitya. This festival is a symbol of love between a brother and sister. On this day, sisters pray and wish for the long life, health, wealth and prosperity of their brothers. In return the brother takes the oath to protect her sister.

On this occasion sisters go to their brother house. It is believed that it is dangerous for the brother to go to the sisters house. Sisters putt tika/tilak (vermilion spot) on the forehead of their brother, offer sweets and perform aarti. The tika/tilak signifies the sister's sincerest prayers for the long and happy life of her brother. In return the brother offers gifts to their sisters as an expression of love. The gift expresses the gratitude for sharing such a wonderful relationship.

There are many stories associated with Bhai Dooj. One of them states that when Lord Krishna returned home after killing the evil demon Narkasur he received a warm welcome his sister Subhadra with sweets and flowers. Some people believed that this is the origin of the Bhai Dooj festival.

This year Bhai Dooj falls on November 15^th.

Sister’s pray to God for protection, health and prosperity for their brothers . Bhai Dooj is the time of thanking our brother for whatever they have done till today for us. One of the best and effort less way to wish our dear ones on Bahi Dooj, is to send them an e-card.  Desievite is the portal which has an excellent collection of Bahi Dooj e-cards. In addition to that the process of sending e-cards is very simple. It is a matter of few clicks. Don't think a lot. Just visit www.desievite.com and send an e-card today.

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Bengali Wedding Rituals

Rituals and customs are part and parcels of Weddings in India. Here are some of the rituals followed in a Bengali wedding.

Bor Jatri

All the  friends of the groom including the relatives dress in the best attire and journey to the bride's house where the wedding takes place.

Bor Boron

When the Bridegroom reaches the door of the Bride, the entire family of the groom is welcomed by the Brides relatives. The tradition is to blow Conch shells. An older lady from the bride’s family does aarti for the groom and then touches the plate to the groom’s forehead and then to the floor and back again to the groom’s forehead. The groom is then offered sweets and sherbet and rose water is sprinkled on him as he enters.

Potto Bastra

After the Bor Boron ritual the bridegroom is made to sit at the chadnatolla (wedding altar and canopy).Here the Groom is offered new clothes by the person who will carry out Sampradan. This process is done in the presence of the preist.It is a gift to the groom from the girls side.

Saat Paak

Next ritual after Potto Bastra is Saat Paak. 

The bride is not allowed to see her groom and she has to cover her eyes with betel leaves. In this, the bride who sitting on a wooden surface, is lifted by her brothers and as the name suggests the bride is taken around the groom in seven circles. This signifies that the bride and the bridegroom are tightly winded with each other.

Mala Badal

After the seven complete circles the bride and the bridegroom are again made to sit on the wooden surface called pidi. Now the bride and the groom exchange garlands of fragrant flowers thrice. This signifies that the bride and the bridegroom accept each other.

Subho Dristi

The bride holds two beetle leaves in her palms and holds them in front of her eyes to cover them. The bride and groom look at each other for the first time during the wedding. This ritual is called Shubho Drishti. This is done in front of all the assembled invitees. This signifies that their alliance is accepted by the society and they would be together after sometime.

Sampradan

The bride takes her place at the chadnatolla(wedding altar and canopy) and her father gives her hand in her husband’s. Sacred thread are tied around their hands amongst the chanting of mantras (prayers). Their hands are placed on a brass glass which is covered with mango leaves and a coconut.

Yagna

The bride and groom sit in front of a holy fire while the priest chants prayers.

Saptapadi

The couple take seven circular rounds around the fire.

Anjali

The bride's brother puts puffed rice (khoi) in the hands of the bride, and the groom standing close to her holds her hands from the back and extends their arms forward. They then pour the offering into the fire together.

Sindoor Daan

The groom applies sindoor on the bride's hair-parting.

Dhanteras: A popular festivity of Hindus

Hinduism is the very common religion in India. It covers a wide range of traditions and includes a large number of festivities. One of the very popular festivities is Dhanteras.

It is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm in India. The word Dhan means wealth and Teras means 13th day as per Hindu calender. Diwali starts after Dhanteras. It is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin.  It is celebrated for two days and is an important part of Diwali celebrations.  It is believed to bring in riches, good luck, light and prosperity in everybody’s life.

Lakshmi-Puja  is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. According to spiritual belief Goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and Prosperity. 

People also purchase of precious metals like gold and silver on this day as a sign of good luck and decorate the entrances of homes and offices by making colorful Rangoli designs and diyas are also kept burning throughout the night to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Dhanteras is of great importance to the business community. The owl which is thought as the source of transportation is also worshiped. People also offer sweets to Goddess Laxmi.

Preparation begins a long time ago. It is said that Goddess Laxmi does not reside long with anyone who is lazy and untidy or desire her only as wealth. That is why before the Lakshmi Pooja, people actively clean their home and worship her with immense devotion. Laxmi Pooja begins in the presence of entire family. Dhanteras is also known as Dhantrayodashi in honour of Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu.

It is also an annual celebration of traditional culture and customs.  Desievite is a portal which is dedicated to provide you the best invitation and e-cards on all occasion. An invitation or e-cards is equivalent to hundreds of book and a large amount of spoken words. It is a way to express your happiness and joy. It has a nice collection of Dhanteras invitation & e-cards. These invitations & e-cards would definitely please you friends and relatives if you are separated by distance. Visit www.desievite .com today and send an invitation and e-card to your loved ones today before it is to- late.