Somewhere amidst all this festivity, something seems to be missing. What exactly is what I can’t quite put my finger on. The participation or anticipation or the sense of belonging? Or just the warmth of human connections.
It’s that time of the year when the calendar is full of festivals lined up every few weeks, the wardrobes spilling with new clothes, the kitchens become the epicentre of aromas and dishes, houses getting a facelift with fresh paints and decorations and rangolis. It’s like a surge of energy passing through the entire country,…
Happy Diwali! Wishing all my readers a safe and prosperous Deepavali. May the lights from the diyas brighten up the lives of all our loved ones! Stay safe and say no to crackers.
Hindu mythologies are full of varying versions of the same stories, yet they all reach the same outcome – the celebration of good over evil. For example, the Navaratri puja is celebrated for different reasons in different parts of the country. In eastern and southern India, this festival is celebrated as Durga puja, to celebrate her vanquishing the demon Mahishasura and emerging victorious. In the northern and western states, Navaratri is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over the asura king Ravana.
In Hinduism, it is believed that Lord Ganesh must be worshipped first before starting any work. He is the remover of obstacles, the god of wisdom. Lord Ganesh has an endearing personality with his elephant head, love for sweets (especially modak) and amazing stories.
The Rath yatra, or the chariot festival as it is popularly known as, is celebrated in the month of June-July early year. As per the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated during the Ashadh, or the rainy season. The Jagannath Rath yatra is an important festival celebrated with pomp and glory in the eastern states of India, especially in Odisha.