Raksha Bandhan Festival

Introduction

Sravani is an ancient Vedic festival traditionally associated with the Brahmins on which day they change their sacred thread. Both Raksha Bandhan and Sravani are celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (Au ngust).


Rakshabandhan or Rakhi which is celebrated on a full moon day in the month of Sravan (August) is a day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their bonds of affection. It is usually a festival of the Hindus though today people from different religions participate as well.

Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their brother's wrists. The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts. Around mid-August, on Shravan Purnima, Hindus all over celebrate Raksha Bandhan. "Raksha" means protection, "bandhan" means bound or binding. The festival is also known as Balev.Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different forms in different areas and it is also known by the names like rakhi, rakhri and saluno.

Sisters tie a special band on their brothers' wrist on the day of Rakhi as a mark of affection. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the 'Rakhi'.

It is a way of telling your brother that you will never forget how he teased you about everything, yet fought with those who spoke a single word against you and how you bid him farewell with a smile, and only he saw those tear drops in your eyes.


As per the traditions, the sister on this day prepares the pooja thali with diya, roli, chawal and rakhis. She worships the deities, ties Rakhi to the brother(s) and wishes for their well-being. The brother in turn acknowledges the love with a promise to be by the sisters' side through thick and thin and gives her a token gift. Raksha Bandhan tightens the bond of love between the sister and brother.

The practice of tying thread was prevalent among the Rajputs and our history is full of instances related to the significance of this tradition. At the time of war when the brave Rajput soldiers prepared to go to the battlefield, the women folk followed the ritual of tying a thread around their wrist after applying a dash of vermilion powder on their forehead. This was considered a sign of good omen and the ladies believed that it would protect their men from the enemy's blow and bring them victory. Today children and women all around the country filling the soldiers with the zest to protect them against the dangers of the enemy tie Rakhi on the wrists of soldiers.

 Rakshabandhan if taken in true sense has a much broader perspective; the festival encompasses true sense of peace and brotherhood. The values propagated by the occasion if inculcated by all human beings can bring the much-needed relief from the ongoing violence and mistrust.

The rich Indian mythology provides a religious reason to celebrate the day in a specific way. Many epics are related to the day and the origin of Raksha Bandhan. The festival finds a mention in most of the epics and its origin can be traced back to the mythological Pouranik times.

Legend

Origin

The Shravana or the monsoon month carries all hues and shades of nature and emotions. Religiously speaking Shravan is a pious month and full moon of this all-important month is considered to be a very holy day. It is celebrated in different ways for different reasons almost throughout the country.

For the siblings it is the eternal tie of love, for Brahmins the day to take the pledge of Brahmanik rites and for those who depend sea and monsoon,it is the beginning of the new season. 

Indian festivals are based on the weather changes and their significance in the lives of people but they do have a story to support the celebrations. The rich Indian Mythology provides a religious reason to celebrate the day in a specific way. Many epics are related to the day and the origin of Raksha Bandhan. The festival finds a mention in most of the epics and its origin can be traced back to the mythological Pouranik times.

The legend in the Bhavishya Puran

The legend refers to a war between the Gods and the Demons. The demon King Brutra was advancing and the Gods lead by Lord Indra, were on verge of defeat. The king of Gods, Indra approached Guru Brihaspati to find a solution to the situation. Brihaspati asked Indra to tie a sacred thread on his wrist, powered by the sacred mantras on the Shravan Purnima. Lord Indra's Queen Sachi also called Indrani, empowered the thread and tied it on to his hand on the decided day. The power of the sacred thread called Raksha helped the Gods to victory.

The legend of King Bali and Goddess Laxmi

According to another legend Demon King Bali was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu had taken up the task to guard his kingdom leaving his own abode in Vaikunth. Goddess Laxmi wished to be with her lord back in her abode. She went to Bali disguised as a Brahmin woman to seek refuge till her husband came back.During the Shravan Purnima celebrations, Laxmi tied the sacred thread to the King. Upon being asked she revealed who she was and why she was there. The king was touched by her goodwill for his family and her purpose and requested the Lord to accompany her. He sacrificed all he had for the Lord and his devoted wife.

Thus the festival is also called Baleva that is Bali Raja's devotion to the Lord. It is said that since then it has been a tradition to invite sisters in Shravan Purnima for the thread tying ceremony or the Raksha Bandhan.

Yama and the Yamuna

It is said that the Raksha Bandhan was a ritual followed by Lord Yama (the Lord of Death) and his sister Yamuna. Yamuna tied rakhi to Yama and bestowed immortality. Yama was so moved by the serenity of the occasion that he declared that whoever gets a rakhi tied from his sister and promised her protection will become immortal.

In the Epics

Raksha Bandhan finds a mention in Mahabharata when Lord Krishna advised Yudhishthir  to perform the ceremony to protect himself and the army from the dangers of the war. It is said that Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas tied rakhi to her grandson Abhimanyu and Draupadi to lord Krishna. 

Significance 

Though now it is considered as a brother and sister festival, it was not always so. There have been examples in history where in rakhi has just been a raksha or protection. It could be tied by wife, a daughter or mother. The Rishis tied rakhi to the people who came seeking their blessings. The sages tied the sacred thread to themselves to safe guard them from the evil. It is by all means the 'Papa Todak, Punya Pradayak Parva' or the day that bestows boons and ends all sins as it is mentioned in the scriptures.

Rakhi for many centuries encompassed the warmth shared between the siblings but now it goes way beyond it. Some tie rakhi to neighbors and close friends signifying a peaceful co-existence of every individual. Congregations like Rakhi Utsavs, popularized by Rabindranath Tagore, promote the feeling of unity and a commitment to all members of society to protect each other and encourage a harmonious Social life.

 The day has a deeper perspective in today's scenario. The occasion holds for a life long pledge to practice moral, spiritual and cultural values. The values and the sentiments attached to the rituals of this festival are worth inculcating by the whole human race, the sentiments of harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Raksha Bandhan assumes all forms of Raksha or protection, of righteousness and destroyer of all sin. The rakhi tying ritual has become so much a part of the families that come what many brothers and sisters try to reach out to each other on this particular day bringing back the oneness of the family, binding the family together in an emotional bond. 

Celebrations

It is not the rituals, customs and traditions that change over the time but the celebration styles and perspectives that become contemporary. For centuries this festival has been celebrated in the same way. The traditions are followed with the same enthusiasm. The gaieties have only blown up to a large scale. It is the celebration of the chaste bond of love amongst the siblings.

The preparations begin much in advance. Some twenty days ahead of the festival you can see colorful rakhis in the market. Girls start the shopping and preparations quite early. The shop for new clothes and buy rakhis specially the ones that have to be sent to the brothers staying far. The sweet shops, the garment shops, gift shops, all are flooded with things to attract people.

Congregations like Rakhi Mohotsavas were started by Rabindra Nath Tagore in Shantiniketan. He started this to propagate the feeling of brotherhood amongst people. This invoked trust and feeling of peaceful coexistence. The festival for them is a symbol of harmony. The tradition continues as people tie rakhis to the neighbours and close friends. It is a festival denoting National sentiments of harmony.

Regional Celebrations

Rakhi which is an important festival in India is observed differently in various parts of the country. Though it is a festival celebrated largely in North and Western India, it holds special significance in other parts of the country as well.

Nariyal Purnima :  

Coconut Day festival or Narali Purnima is celebrated each year with loads of fun by the people of Maharashtra namely the fishermen on the full moon day in the month of Shravan. The festival coincides with Rakhi Purnima and is celebrated mostly by the fishermen.

Avani Avittam / Upakarmam :  

Oakhi Purnima is known as Avani Avittam in southern parts of India i.e. in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and even in parts of Orissa. It is an important day for the Brahmins as they change their holy threads on this day. Brahmins take a holy dip and wear the holy thread called Yajnopavit or Janeyu. The first step is the 'prayashchita', which is performed as an atonement of all the sins. Mantras are read out at both times when the thread is worn and when it is taken out to be replaced with a new one.

Kajari Purnima : 

Kajari Purnima is celebrated on the same day as Rakhi mostly by the people of Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and parts of Uttar Pradesh. The rituals of this day are performed by women who are blessed with a son. It holds a lot of significance for the farmers as it marks the beginning of the sowing season of wheat and barley.

Pavitropana : 

 This is mostly celebrated by the people of Gujarat who are devotees of Lord Shiva. On this day water is offered to the Lord and people pray and ask for forgiveness.

Puja

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on full moon day Poornima of the Hindu month of Shravan.

According to legend, once when Krishnaji had hurt his hand, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and tied it on the wrist of Krishnaji. Krishnaji said that he will always protect her. Since that time, on the day of Raksha Bandhan, brothers take a vow to protect their sisters. To mark the ceremony, sisters tie Rakhi on the brother’s wrist..
 

Preparation for the Puja

Rakhis of different types are kept for different relatives

For married brother plain rakhis made of simple silk threads 'Sadi Rakhi'.

For unmarried young brothers and cousins, another type of rakhis known as "Chakaliya' are made.

For bhabhis (sisters-in-laws) and girls ‘lumbas' are ordered.

Coconut to be given to the brothers

Dry coconut / gut for bhabhis

Sweets

Aarti thaali with roli, rice, sweet, water, Deepak

If the brother is residing in another city, all the rakhis along with roli, chawal, mishri are sent in advance to him, the bhabhi and the nephews and nieces. Some people like to send token gifts also.

If the brother stays in the same city, the programme is fixed a few days in advance and a suitable time and venue is fixed. The sister goes to the brother's house to tie the Rakhi.

Vidhi / Method of performing the Puja

Sister applies tolak to the brother.

She ties rakhis on the right wrist of the brother.

A coconut is given to the brother and the sister also makes him eat some sweet.

According to his wish, the brother places a gift or cash on the aarti ki thaali.

Then the sister applies tilak to bhabhi.

On the bangles of the left hand the sister ties the Lumba.

The Bhabhi is given gut and some sweets to eat. The Bhabhi gives some Pagalagai to the sister (nanad).

Then the sister applies tilak to the nephews and nieces.

Rakhis-chakaliyas are tied. Sweets and some gifts are given.

Janeu puja is done in the morning for people who wear janeu. If you are unable to do the puja, then after bath just wear a new janeu.

The Maheshwari community celebrates Raksha Bandhan on Rishi Panchami which falls on the 5th day in Shukla Paksh in the month of Bhadon.

Soon (Shagun) Maandana

Soon Maandana denotes making auspicious symbols. Making auspicious symbols outside the door before the festival of Raksha Bandhan brings well being. Two days before Rakhi Purnima, on both sides of the doors of the
house, we make a tikki (dot) either with cow dung water or with mud.

The day prior to Purnima we smear chuna on this tikki and make Soon (shagun) with red clay (geru). These designs could be either a swastik, Ram Ram, Radhe Krishna or any motif. On the day of Purnima when there is no Bhadra, sprinkle this with water, roli and chawal and we stick a piece of moli thread with little laddu on it.

 

Nehru Trophy Boat Race Festival

Nehru Trophy Boat Race - Kerala

Alappuzha is famous for its annual boat race, held on the second Saturday of August every year. The long elegant snake boats, with crews of over hundred men vying to win the coveted trophy, attract spectators from all over.

This was started in 1952 when India's first Prime Minister, Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Alappuzha, and inaugurated the function in which the gigantic snake boats with over 100 rowers in each raced one another.

It is called a Snake Boat Race as its 135 feet length has since been overtaken by Vellankulangara snake boat, which is 140 feet long.

Origin of Snake Boat Race of Kerala In the year 1952, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited the erstwhile Travancore-Cochin. On his way to Alappuzha district from Kottayam he was given a roaring reception by the people of Alappuzha, escorted by the huge snake-boats. Having gone through the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake boat popularly known as Chundan he donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner of the Snake Boat Races to be held every year.

The trophy is a replica of a snake boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru the first prime minister of India are inscribed above his signature. "To the winner of the boat-race, which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore-Cochin". This was later christened, 'Nehru Trophy'. From then onwards, year after year, the boat race has grown into Alappuzha`s most important event. The Legend The Rajas of Yore The story of these battling boats goes back 400 years in history when the rajas of the erstwhile principalities of Chempakasseri (Ambalappuzha), Kayamkulam, Thekkumkoor (Changanacherry) and Vadakkumkoor (Kottayam) in the old Travancore area, which were part of the present Alappuzha district and Kottayam district, frequently, crossed swords on the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Chempakasserry troops suffered heavy casualties at the hands of the superior navy their rivals commanded. It soon dawned on the Chempakasserry Raja that the real defect was with his war boats, which were sluggish and cumbersome. He called all the boat architects in the land to his court and told them of his desire to have better and faster boats for the troops. After days of hard labour, a man who was reputed to be the best boat architect in Chempakasserry, Koduppunna Venkitanarayanan Asari, came up with a specimen which satisfied the raja’s requirements. It had speed, manoeuvrability and capacity to carry 100 able-bodied warriors on board and its eel-like construction was most ideal for launching an ambush since it could be easily kept concealed behind the overhanging bushes on the river banks. The Asari was generously rewarded and in the subsequent battles, the Chempakasseri Raja emerged victorious. The Deceit The story goes on to tell how the defeated Kayamkulam Raja sent a spy to Chemp akasserri to learn the secret of the new war boat. The spy, a handsome youth, succeeded in sedu cing Asari’s daughter. The girl’s mother was overjoyed by the prospect of getting him as her daughter’s bridegroom and persuaded her husband to teach him the construction of the boat. Needless to say, the deceitful youth disappeared the moment he thought that he had learnt the secret. Asari was imprisoned by Chempakasserri Raja for treason. But he was released and showered with many honours when the snake boats built by the Kayamkulam Raja proved to be no match for the war boats of Chempakasserry in the next battle. The subtleties of the snake boat’s design are hard to pickup and even today it requires years of apprenticeship under a master boat architect before one could independently undertake the construction of this ancient boat. When a village decides to have a new snake boat, a committee is formed to raise the Rs.6 lakhs; it requires now to build the boat. The boat architect is summoned and the search for the “anjili” (which is the common name or the familiar name for this) tree of the required size often takes the villagers to the high ranges of Kerala. As the snake boat takes shape out of the huge trunk, the ‘asari’ relies mainly on his instinctive estimates. Of late, the boat builders’ prime concern is to make the snake boat as long as possible so as to seat more and more rowers for speed. The Nedumbhagom snake boat recently entered the Guinness Book of Records as the longest rowing boat in the world. Celebration The celebrations that mark this annual event include music and folk dance performances and of course the boat race. The Nehru Trophy boat race is organized every year on the second Saturday in the month of August. The drum beats and boat songs called vanchipattu that complement these boat races almost work the spectators and the oarsmen into a frenzy of activity and adds a sense of thrill to the entire boat race. So come and visit Alappuzha with the site Kerala Backwaters during the time when the Nehru Trophy boat race takes place. This adventure filled water sport is definitely worth a visit during your Kerala backwaters tour to Kerala, India. Today the Boat Race has grown into Alappuzha's single most important tourist event with boats being sponsored by different villages. Competition is severe as the boats with over 100 rowers in each, race to finish to the accompaniment of rousing music. The Trophy The title Nehru Trophy Boat Race was assigned after Pt. JawaharLal Nehru. The Trophy named as Nehru Trophy earned its title from Panditji as it was donated by the late Prime Minister of India, to the winners of the first race which was an impromptu one conducted in Punnamada Lake in honour of Panditji who visited Alappuzha district in Kerala State in 1952. The trophy is a replica of a snake-boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words of Panditji are inscribed above his signature. This Snake Boat Race is an aquatic festival that fosters a sense of unity and fraternity and sports man spirit event and attaching foreign tourists also. The Myth goes that on Panditji’s way to Alleppey from Kottayam the people of Alleppey, escorted by the huge snake-boats, gave him a roaring reception. Having gone through the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake-boat popularly known as Chundan, Jawaharlal Nehru donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner.

Tarnetar Mela - Saurasthra, Gujarat

An exciting and unique three-day fair held annually at Tarnetar in Saurashtra, Gujarat. The Tarnetar fair is one of the most colourful events in the state of Gujarat. The fair coincides with the festival at the Trineteshwar temple (three-eyed god Shiva), celebrating the wedding of the legendary 'Mahabharata' (epic) hero, Arjuna with Draupadi. The Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair popularly called the Tarnetar Mela is an exciting and a unique fair held annually at Tarnetar in Saurashtra.

In the first week of 'Bhadrapad' (August-September) Tarnetar is transformed into a whirl of colour and excitement. The Tarnetar fair is one of the most colourful events in the state of Gujarat.

There is a 'kund' (reservoir) here and it is popularly believed that a dip in its waters is as holy as a dip in the sacred River Ganges. The reservoir is also known as 'Papanshu' (the destroyer of sins).

The temple heavily renovated in the 19th century, is believed to be the site where Arjuna won the hand of Draupadi in an archery contest. The popular belief associates the village with the 'swayamvar' (marriage) of Draupadi after Arjuna performed the 'Mastsyavedh', an incredible feat of archery.

Villagers from all over Saurashtra, dressed in their traditional costumes and exquisite jewellery throng Tarnetar in there thousands for the fair.

Tarnetar Visitors

The small hamlet of Tarnetar, about 75 kilometres from Rajkot is the site for one of Gujarat's most well known annual fairs, the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair popularly called the Tarnetar Mela. Like all-important tribal fairs, it is attended by tribes from the adjoining areas of Koli, Bharwad, Rabari, Khant, Kanbi, Kathi, and Charan who indulge in dancing, competitive sports and other such forms of entertainment. There are over 300 stalls selling food, refreshments, exhibiting embroidery and cattle shows.

The tribal youth visit the Tarnetar Mela to find them suitable brides. They are elegantly dressed in colourful dhotis; embroidered jackets and eye-catching turbans come to be chosen by village belles dressed in colourful finery.

The bachelors are usually identified by their large umbrellas (Chhatris) with intricate embroidery and mirror work.

Celebrations

 

The special feature of the fair primarily created to fulfil social needs for members of Bharwad community, is that their matrimonial alliances are struck here (hence the reason for gorgeous traditional costumes worn by the people), a time-honoured ritual that is still practised. The temple courtyard resounds with devotional music.

This fair is primarily a 'marriage mart' or 'Swayamvar' for the tribal youth of today who still visit Tarnetar, to find them a suitable bride. The tribal youth elegantly dressed in colourful dhotis, waistcoats and eye-catching turbans come to be chosen by village belles dressed in colourful finery. The fair is a kind of marriage market for the local tribals - the Kolis, Bharwads and Rabaris who visit Tarnetar to find suitable brides. Tradition holds that if the girl stops to talk to one of the men, it is a sign that she has found the man of her choice. Rhythm of Folk The beauty of this fair is in its impulsiveness with which the people joyously break into folk songs and folk dances to the rhythmic accompaniments of drums and an assortment of folk instruments. The young, men and women, swing and sway in gay abandon to the throbbing rhythm of the 'ras garba' and the 'hudo' dance. Lively folk songs and dances-garba, ras, hudo and the rasada, the captivating folk dance performed by hundreds of women moving gracefully in a single circle, dancing to the accompaniment of drums and flutes are the special attractions of the fair, besides the wonderful Tarnetar "Chhatris" - umbrellas with intricate embroidery and mirror work. There are also exhibitions of rural handicrafts, a cattle show, and competitive sports. The most thrilling sight of all is the 'rasada', the fascinating folk dance performed by hundreds of women, moving gracefully in a single circle. Dancing gaily to the accompaniment of four drums and 'jodia pava' (double flutes.) their gorgeous traditional costumes and captivating dances makes the Tarnetar Fair a unique synthesis of folk art. An added attraction of the fair is the lively folk dance performances such as ras-garba and hudo dance and the rasada, the fascinating folk dance performed by hundreds of women.    Tarnetar Chhatri Another distinctive feature of the fair is the 'Tarnetar Chhatri' (umbrella). These umbrellas are a delightful treat for the connoisseur of art. The umbrellas meticulously embellished with mirror work, intricate embroidery and enchanting lacework are worth seeing.

 

Fairs and Festivals of puri

Puri offers a number of colourful fairs and festivals such as Chandan Yatra, Snana Yatra (Bath festival), Anavasara festival and Nava- Kalevara etc., but it is the Chariot Festival, an annual sojourn of the three deities riding their lofty chariots, that hits the bull's eye. During the Chandan Yatra in April, the deities are taken to a boat ride in the Narendra sarovara after they are bathed in sandalwood scented water. During the Snana Yatra, the main deities are brought to the Snana-Mandapa in a procession calles Pahandi, where around mid-day 108 pots of water are poured on them. During the Anavasara festival, it is said that Lord Jagannath suffers from fever and hence an infusion of medicines is offered in the form of soups and fruit juices. Nava-Kalevara is when Lord Jagannath , gets a new body. This takes place whenever a double Ashar occurs in a year which usually happens in every 8, 11 or 19 years.

Parsi New Year-Jamshed-e-navroz

Place and community

Jamshed-e-Navroz is a festival celebrated by Parsis all round the world.
Month

Jamshed-e-Navroz is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Zoroastrian year. The new year of the Parsis corresponds with vernal equinox or with the advent of spring. The time is decided in Iran which is then passed on to the world of Zoroastrians.
Legend

Jamshed-e-Navroz is mentioned in the Persian ‘Book of Kings’ or Shah Nemeh by Firdausi. This festival was first celebrated by King Jamshed after whom the festival is named. It is celebrated to commemorate the ascent of the King on the day of Navroz. ‘Nav’ means ‘new’‘roz’ means ‘day’.

The day coincided with that of vernal equinox meaning equal day and equal night. The day also marks the transition from winter to summer. Named after King Jamshed, Jamshed-e-Navroz is a pagan pastoral festival celebrated by the Parsis with lots of gusto. On this day it is customary for the king to be weighed in gold and silver which is later distributed among the poor.
and Rituals and Traditions

Navroz is celebrated on a grand scale. Although Parsis are westernized, they are quite traditional when it comes in celebrating festivals. Parsis dress in new clothes and wear gold and silver kustis and caps. Jamshed-e-Navroz is a festival symbolizing the spirit of friendship, happiness and harmony. They decorate their houses with auspicious symbols like stars, butterflies, birds and fish. They welcome guests by sprinkling rose water and rice and by applying tilak.

Food forms an important part of their festivities. The most traditional drink during this time is falooda prepared from milk and flavored rose water. They also have ‘Ravo’ for breakfast which is prepared from suji, milk and sugar.

People visit Fire Temple or Agiary for a special thanks giving prayer called, 'Jashan'. After the ceremony people greet each other by saying, 'Sal Mubarak'.

Lunch is also special for the Parsis which consist of pulao. It is traditional for the people to keep a copy of the Gathas, a lit lamp, a bowl of water containing live fish, an afrigan, a shallow earthenware plate with sprouted wheat or beans for prosperity, a silver coin for wealth, flowers for colour, painted eggs for productivity, and sweets and rosewater in bowls for sweetness and happiness on a table. The spread should also contain seven foods beginning with ‘sh’ and‘s’ symbolizing creation.

People exchange gifts on account of Jamshed-e-Navroz. Parsi festivals bring people from all classes together which is a sign of equality.

 

 

 

Amarnath Yatra Festival

One of the most important events during July/ August is Amarnath Yatra to the Holy Pilgrimage. This is an annual event when thousands of Hindus from different corners of the Globe visit Amarnath caves. The pilgrims trek from Pahalgam to these caves and worship the great ice Lingam.

Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath. Unknow to them, a pair of mating doves eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode.Many pilgrims report seeing the doves-pair when they trek the ardous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva). 

This is an event you certainly will talk about for the rest of your life. 

July is time for the annual Amarnath Yatra one of the most sacred and popular pilgrimages to the holy snow-clad cave shrine of Lord Shiva in the beautiful northern Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. Of all Hindu pilgrimages, Amarnath situated at an altitude of 3,880 metres in the southern Kashmir Himalayas is considered one of the holiest.

Darshan at the Holy Cave is generally open from early July (Ashad Purnima) to early August (Sharvan Purnima). In 2001, the pilgrimage started on July 4, and in its first week drew more than 10,000 pilgrims for the darshan of the naturally-formed ice Shiva Lingam at the holy cave shrine, according to official records. Since July 2 onwards, 3,500 pilgrims set off daily from the base camp in Jammu to Amarnath. The yatra or pilgrimage that year concluded on August 4, the day of the "Raksha Bandhan" festival. 

 

 

 

Teej Festival

Introduction:

According to Hindu mythology, on the 3rd day (teej) after the new moon in the month of Shravan Goddess Parvati went to the house of lord Shiva, her husband and was united with him.

Teej is celebrated in India especially by women in the months of July-August marking the advent of monsoons. It has great significance in Rajasthan as it is observed to provide relief from the scorching heat of summer. Thus, it is popularly called the Sawan Festival.

History of Teej

The festival of Teej symbolizes reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Teej teaches us the sacrifice of wife to win the heart of husband. It is said that Parvati reborn and went through stringent fasting for 108 long years to prove her dedication, devotion and unconditional love towards Lord Shiva. Finally, 108 years of long sacrifice paid off and Lord Shiva accepted her as his wife. Till today, the festival of Teej is celebrated to honor the devotion of Goddess Parvati – popularly known as TEEJ MATA. On this day, both married and unmarried women seek her blessings for their happy marital life.

Types of Teej

In the state of Rajasthan three kinds of Teej are celebrated and worshiped by the local public in the region. Broadly,

On Haryali Teej :     The moon is prayed to.

On Kajari Teej :       women gather to sing songs and a pooja of neem is performed.

On Hartalika Teej :  Fast for 3 days without any water on the second day.

This festival is more famous amongst the people of Rajasthan and thus the celebration of Teej remains exclusive to the Jaipur region. Teej holds a special place in the heart of the people of Jaipur as a time for rejuvenation and revival of spirits after the punishing summers. The festival is made into an even more memorable experience if it rains on this day.

Legend

The legend behind the celebrations is Goddess Parvati’s hard-core Tapasya, before her union with Lord Shiva, for which she took 108 births on the Earth. The Myth goes that she failed to have Lord Shiva as her Life Partner till 107th Birth. But this divine union happened, when she again took birth for 108th time.(DOU 14082007)

Rituals

Teej Rituals/ What to do?

1. Teej preparation:

The festival of Teej encapsulates energy, happiness, vigor and happiness. Days before Teej, women shop sarees, jewellary, groom themselves for their husbands. They apply mehndialta.

and 2. Teej Fast:
 
One of the most difficult fasts, the NIRJALA fast is the soul of the day. It is a pre-day fast, and so all women of a family, neighbors, and relatives gather to have a gulp of food at mid-night, as they are not supposed to take water or food the entire day. It is very popular in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Punjab and compulsory for woman of kayastha community. As it is a difficult fast so women engage themselves in games, swings, songs, movies and other forms of entertainment taking a day off from regular house-hold activities.

It is advised that pregnant or sick women do not take up this fast as it can affect their health, or they should supplement their diet with juices and milk.

3. Teej Puja

Women observe the fast, usually gather in a temple or at a common place, with mehndi on hands and beautifully dressed. They offer the Katha to Goddess Parvati in the daytime with the complete procedure, then see moon in the night, and offer prayers to it, to complete their puja and then finally take meals.
The complete process with necessary ingredients is as follows.

• Lighting oil Lamp: 

It is supposed to be a purification act, where an oil lamp is lit throughout the night. If oil lamp puts out or flickers, it is supposed to be a bad-omen

• Shrinjhara (Gift Pack) : 

It is customary for married women to return to their parent’s home. They receive a gift pack from their in-laws called the Shinjhara derived from “Shringaar”. This pack contains all items for shringaar of their bahus. Right from Leherai sarees, Heena, Lac bangles to sweets like ghewar.

• Baya (Gift Pack): It is normally given to newly wed daughter-in laws by their mother-in laws. Baya is normally given to women observing fast comprising of sweets, mathris, clothes and jewellery.

• Swings :  To engage themselves on a hard fasting day of teej, women enjoy swings, songs and other sorts of entertainment.

• Mehndi : It is traditionally a norm to apply mehndi on this occasion.


Importance of Mehndi:

Mehndi application is one of the important rituals in Teej . Not only married women but young girls also apply mehndi on this occasion. These days many kinds of mehndi are famous and preferred by different women. Beauty parlors are full and booked for this purpose. Earlier women used to apply alta to decorate their hands, but today there are many varities of mehndi that when washed can be removed , which is preferred by working women.

Arabic Mehndi,
Pakistani Mehndi,
Indian Mehndi
Hands Mehndi
Foot Mehndi
Tattoo Mehndi Styles
Mehndi Painting,
Glitter Mehndi
Fashion Mehndi

Celebrations

Marking the start of monsoons and happiness, this festival is celebrated with great joy and colorful customaries throughout northern India.

Jaipur in Rajasthan especially organizes a fair for tourists and people coming from all over country to get a glimpse of all the customs and traditions associated with it.

Women buy beautiful sarees and jewellary, apply mehndi, offer prayers to goddess Parvati and enjoy the monsoons with swings and songs. There are also processions running throughout many cities that become a means of dance and fun for children and other people.

On the occasion of Teej, Dandia dances are arranged by professionals and performed in courtyards at home and in public places.
    The young girls of the house who dress up in colourful saris, lehangas and chunris, also perform these dances.

The colourful dandas (sticks) moving in rhythmic beats, with each swing of the hands and feet, hitting either at one's own danda held in the other hand, or at the one held by the other dancers, are really beautiful to watch.

Girls with Henna on their hands and feet run about joyously and are excused from household chores on this day. Special Mehndi motifs also called laheria and ghewar are applied to match the mood of Teej. 

On Teej, it is a must for the girls to receive clothes from their parents. Gifts comprising of set of heavy clothes, eatables, dry fruits, bangles, which is called as baya, for the first year after marriage is given to the newly weds. Girls engaged to be married, receive gifts from their future in-laws a day before the festival. The gift, called Shrinjhara derived from the word shringar (adornment), consists of henna, lac bangles, a special dress of laheria (tie and dye fabric) and a sweet called ghewar. The pooja is performed in the morning. The baya which consists of a variety of foodstuff is placed on a thaali (plate) at the place of worship where a chowk (square) has been decorated, an idol or a picture of Parvati is installed. The evenings are set aside for singing and dancing.

Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls and women colourfully attired, swing on them and sing songs in praise of the goddess and the monsoon. The gracefully ornamented and colourfully dressed women celebrate the day adding fun and frolic to it through their local gatherings. The hands crafted with Henna add into the beauty of the ladies and a popular belief that goes with it is that the darker the Henna the more a man loves his woman.

The colours of the month of Sawan, lilting songs - specific to the festival, are sung to accompany the application of henna, creating an aura of romance. This atmosphere of Teej is celebrated with the fullest of life to make it the most memorable day of the year and for the reason it is the much awaited festival amongst the girls of India.

The tie-and-dye chunri in green, red, and yellow with its zari and gota along with green, yellow and red bangles, becomes a feast for the eyes.

The rituals allow one to pamper and enjoy themselves, to fast and feast, to dress the best with best of cloths, finery and jewellery. The festivities end with exchange of gifts and the arrivals of husbands to fetch their wives. The wives then leave then leave their parent’s home like Parvati.

Teej shopping:

Teej is one festival where women like to pamper and beautify themselves, and hence shopping becomes an integral part of all its preparation. Women shop for sarees, jewellary, cosmetics, footwears and other varieties of  attractive accessories. 

Significance/Importance of Teej:

Teej is a women oriented festival, and its significance comes from two main reasons, first, the advent of monsoons and second, the union of Shiva- Parvati.

• As per Hindu mythology, this day is associated with the victory of a wife’s devotion towards her husband. Women across India, especially in Rajasthan, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh observe a Nirjal Vrat for their husbands.

• Teej means advent of monsoons, thus, women enjoy this break from heat and daily chores with swings and songs.

• Married women generally visit their parents place and receive gifts from their in-laws and spouse.

• On the day of Teej, women pay special attention to their appearance by wearing colorful Leheria Sarees and applying henna on their hands

When Is Teej 

There are 3 different forms/types of Teej celebrated on different days and with different customs:  

	Haryali Teej	Kajari Teej	Hartalika Teej
Date of celebration	4th August’2009	19 August’2009	2nd September’2009
symbolises	Greenary,good harvest,onset of monsoons	Onset of Bhadra	Devotion to husband
Deities observed	Krishna Radha	Parvati	Parvati
Customs associated	Women pray to moon, offer milk.	Pooja neem	Nirjala vrat by women, sing songs and enjoy swings.

Teej Fair  

To celebrate Teej as a community festival, the state of Rajasthan organizes The “Sawan Mela” every year in the months of July/August. It is like a mirror to Indian traditions and customs to the tourists from outside. Many attractions in the fair are:

• Mehndi for ladies.

• Swings

• Music

• Dance

• Puppet shows.

• Traditional folk dance.

• Display of state handicrafts and other unique varieties

• Indeed, an encapsulation of all traditional customs with areas of attraction for every generation

 Teej Katha 

Complete puja process:

Necessary ingredients:

Prepare a thali with Flour, Agarbatti, kumkum, and some coins (not copper). Place or draw a symbol of god, for eg: Swastik or Om. Then prepare a swing (jhula) with cotton cloth or available sources. Rest the thali on the swing and narrate the following prayer, with the idol of Goddess Parvati in front of you. 

‘LAKSHMICHAND NALE HIKRO SETH DHANI AIN DHARMATMA HO

HUNAKHE HIKRI KANYA AE BA PUTTA HUA

HUNA PEHNJE KANYA JO VIVAH DOORDESH ME KARAYO HO

HUNA BAI PUTTA ANYA NANDDAA HUA

SETH LAKSHMICHAND KHE YAGNA KARAR JO VICHAR THIYO. UNA LAYE BRAHMAN
KHA

MAHURAT KADAE PEHENJE BINI PUTTAN KHE PEHENJE KANYA KHE VATHI ACHAR LAYE MOKLIO

BAI BHAURA PEHNJE BHERA JE GHAR PAUTA AE HUNA KHE GADJI VATHI VANYARCHAYO,

PARA UNAN JE BHERA KHE TEEJRI JO VIRT HO.

JIYE TA BHAURAN KHE TEEJRI JE BARE ME KHABAR KONA HUI, HIK BHAV VAR TECHARI KARE PEHNJE BHERA KHE THALI DEKHARE CHAYO 'DIS CHAND NIKTO THAI'

RUPWANTI THALI KHE CHAND SAMJHI ARG DEI BHOJAN KAYO AE VIRT TORIYO
VIRT JE BANG THIAR JE KARE, RUPWANTI TO MURS GEHRI NIND ME HALI VIYO.

JADE RUPWANTI KHE KUCHH BHI SAMJARME KONA PIYO ACHE, UNAN JE
BHAURAN UNA KHE SABH SACH BUDAYO.

RUPWANTI PEHNJE SUHAAG KHE GOD ME SUMARE SAJO SAAL SEVA AE PUJA
KANDI RAHI.

VARI JADE SAWAN JO MEHNO AYO, TADE TEEJRI JO VIRT RAKHI RAAT JOCHANDRAMA KHE KACHE KHEER ME KHAND VIJI ARG DINAI.

JADE BACHAL KHEER PEHNJE MURS JE VAAT ME VIDAI, TADE UNAJO MURSCHAAK CHANNO BHALO THI VIYO.

JEKO BH PREMI SACHE NISCHAYE SAN TEEJRI JO VIRT RAKHI KATHA PREM SAPARANDHO YA BUDANDHO, HUNANJU SABH MANOKAMNAUN SIDH SAKARTHINDIYUN.

When you have seen a good view of the moon you can now make an offering to it. This is an offering to Chandrama. To do this Place on your thali a steel glass, with a mixture of milk Place another glass which just contains water Add money to the thali (no copper coins) you can light an agarbatti too Offer to Chandrama Sprinkle sugared pani (water).

Now recite:

' Teejri aye khumbra vesa kare aayon jo
goryon lotu kheer bare''.


Recipe of Teej 

Special Teej Sweetdish
The festival of India is incomplete without sweets. Ghewar is specially famous in Rajasthan and associated with Teej recipes. It is a round shaped sweet that is served with specially prepared toppings.

Ingredients

Flour : 3 cups
ghee : 1 cup
Water : ½ cup
Milk : ½ cup
Ice cubes : 3-4 pcs
Yellow food color : ¼ tsp
Ghee : 1 cup (for deep frying)
Kewra essence : 5-6 drops

For syrup:

Sugar : 1 ½ cups
Water : 1 cup

Topping

Cardomum powder : 1 tsp
Chopped almonds : 1 tbsp
Pistachios : 1 tbsp
Milk with saffron : 1 tbsp

Method of Preparation

1. Add sugar to the boiled water to prepare sugar syrup.

2. Take ghee in a large bowl.

3. Add milk, flour and 1cup water. Mix together to make a smooth batter.

4. Dissolve some color in the water with Kewra essence and to the batter. Add more water if required.

5. Batter should be very smooth and thin.

6. Take an aluminum cylinder or a long cylindrical container with height 12 inches and diameter 5-6 inches.

7. Fill half the container with ghee and heat.

8. When ghee is hot, take 50ml glass full of batter and pours it slowly in the centre of the ghee.

9. Allow foam to settle. Similarly, pour one more glassful in hole formed in the centre.

10. When foam settles again, loosen Ghevar with an iron skewer inserted in the hole.

11. Place ghevar on the wire mesh to drain excessive oil.

12. Pour hot sugar syrup in the flat bottomed container to fit in ghevar.

13. Put ghevar in it and drain excessive syrup.

14. Cool it for a while, cover with silver foil.

15. Splash a few drops of saffron milk and sprinkle some pistachios and almonds with cardamom powder.

16. Ghevar is ready to serve.

Teej Dance 

Dance, music is an important part of teej celebrations. There are different forms of dance associated with different states and communities. Ladies generally assemble at a common place to celebrate this festival, they sing songs, specially related to brides and marriages, they dance to their traditional tunes, enjoy swings , indeed there is an atmosphere of joy all around.

• Across Rajasthan: Being the state of colour, artists personify different mythological stories, tales, folk tales associated with the festival. Ladies can be seen wearing colorful costumes and jewellery.
  
• Across UP: Women gather in gardens and courtyards and perform dandiya. Its an extremely colorful and joyous moment to watch them perform.

• Across MP: Mainly the tunes that women dance to are related to bride’s home-coming and related to marriage.
  
• Across Gujarat: Being closer to the state of Rajasthan, Gujarat has a common tradition for the festival of teej , with folk music rich in atmosphere.
  
• Across Punjab: Teej is one of the most important festivals of Punjab, that is celebrated with great enthusiasm by women and young girls. They even perform gidda(their traditional dance form) for their husbands.

Teej Gifts 

Teej being a women centric festival , there are many gift options for husbands, in-laws, parents to present to their wives and daughter in laws. As on the occasion of teej every women tries to look good , jewellary and sarees remain the best gift items. Some of the options are:

• Sarees:         Leheria saree is the most popular outfit for teej as it symbolizes monsoons and energy.
• Jewellery:    Traditional Lac bangles are are also a preferred choice as teej gift.
• Cosmetics:   Getting ready and to look beautiful is the attraction for every women ,thus, to gift cosmetic products of wife’s choice is a good idea.
• An outing:   The best gift to any married woman is the company and love of her husband, so, men should try to take their wives for an exclusive outing.
• Cards:          There are special cards available for every occasion today, therefore, it remains a good idea to express one’s feelings on this auspicious occasion.
• Flowers:        It’s the surest way to bring smile to a woman’s face.
  

  Teej Puja  

Akshay Tritiya / Aakha Teej 

Akshay Tritiya falls on the third day of the Shukla Paksh in the month of Baisakh. On this day the doors of the holy temple of Badrinath Dhaam are opened for the pilgrims. On this auspicious day only in Vrindavan, pilgrims have the good fortune of having the darshan of the charan of Shri Bihariji (Shri Krishna). This day the shringaar is done with sandalwood. This darshan can be done only on this day in the whole year.

A holy dip in Gangaji on Aakha Teej releases a person from the effect of all his wrong doings. This is an auspicious day to start any important work for it is believed that a work started on this day will be fruitful. This day is considered as Anbujh muhurt. Marriage, birth of the child, any celebrations can be done on this day without consulting the panchaang

Preparation for the Puja

Moong daal, rice Khichidi, amlaana made of tamarind Seedha, matka with water, sugar, rice, daal, salt, ghee, sugar, vegetables, imli / tamarind and dakshina, fan and shoes Tulsi leaves, mishri, soaked chana dal, lime shikanji and sherbet

Vidhi / Method of performing Puja

In the morning moong daal, khichdi and amlaana is prepared. Shikanji and sherbat are offered to people. On this day neither papads are roasted nor is any food item deep fried.

Seedha is given to the Brahmin. Offering shoes and fans have special significance.

Badrinarayanaji (Shri Vishnu) ki puja is done by offering tulsi leaves, mishri and soaked chana daal.

People put Pyaavo outside their houses for people to drink water in summer
Aarti is performed.

“Om jai jagadish harey, swami jai jagadish harey...”
 

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