Thrissur Pooram

Pooram is the most colourful of all the temple festivals of Kerala. It is celebrated in Thrissur at Vadakkumnathan temple in the month of Medam (April) where the regaining deity is Lord Shiva. Situated on a hillock right in the centre of the city, the spaciously laid out 'kshetram' or temple attracts thousands of devotees from all over the land during the Pooram festival.

It is a magnificent spectacle with fireworks, umbrella showing competition and a splendid elephant procession.
   
The best elephants of the state from the various temples in Kerala are sent to Thrissur to participate in the Pooram festival.At 3' 0 Clock in the night spectacular display of fireworks begins. It lasts till 6' 0 clock in the morning. By afternoon the festival ends.

Thrissur Pooran, the pooram of all Poorams, falls in April every year. It is intrinsically a people's festival in all respects. It is different from other national festivals like the Kumbha Mela of Uttar Pradesh, the Vijayadashami pageantry of Mysore or the Rath Yatra of Orissa. Pooram is participated and conducted by people cutting across all barriers of religion and caste.

The unique catholic nature of Pooram could be traced to its genesis two centuries ago when Sakthan Thampuran (1751-1805), the very architect of Thrissur, became the ruler of the erstwhile state Kochi.

He took up the renovation of the Vaddakkannathan temple complex which was enclosed by high walls. The four massive gopurams of the temple have been ascribed to him. At a time when nobody would have dared to look straight at the almighty Namboodiris, Sakthan Thampuran stripped of their powers and took over the administrationof the temple that claimed an antiquity of more than three centuries.

It was he who made the sprawling Thekkinkadu Maidan the major venue of Thrissur Pooram. Again, he entrusted the onus of holdingthe festival to the two public temples- Tthiruvampadi and Paramekkavu temples that had never been under the control of the Namboodiris. He himself is said to have drawn up the 36-hour hectic schedule of the Pooram festival.

Thrissur Pooram, the mother of all temple festivals in the state, is essentially one of spectacles. The two devaswams- Thiruvampadi and Paramekkavu- explore and exploit every source at their command to make this annual festival a memorable one. It is celebrated with a colourful procession of caparisonedelephants, parasol exchanges; drum concerts, display of pyro-techniques and refreshing scenes of public participation.

During the festival season, Thrissur, popularly known as the temple town turns into a town of colour, music and mirth. The Pooram programmes extending about 36 hours begins with the ezhunellippu of the Kanimangalam Shasta in the morning and is followed by the ezhunnellippu of the other six minortemples on the Pooram Day.

The ezhunnellippu programme, which is considered to be a ritual symbolizing the visit of the Devi from the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambaditemples to the Vadakkunnathan temple. A major event of the Pooram festival is the Panchavadyam in which about 200 artistes from the disciplines of Thimila, Maddalam, Trumpet, Cymbal and Edakka participate.

Another major event of the pooram begins with the setting off of the 'Pandemelam'at noon in which about 200 artistes in the disciplines of drum, trumpets, pipe and cymbal participate. The grand finale of this festival of colour, music and fire works would be marked with a function of bidding farewell to the deities of the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Devaswams in front of the Western Gate of the Vadakkunnathan Temple.

A noteworthy feature of the pooram festival is the participation of large numbers of people andelephants . The pachyderms emerge out in all their regalia with newly fabricated caparisons. They make their way through the milling crowds drawn from all religions, castes and creed to the accompaniment of ecstatic percussion ensembles. The exhibition of the paraphernalia of elephant decorative, commonly known as 'Aana Chamayal pradarsanam', the spectacular show of 'Kudamattom' in which parasols of myriad numbers, designs and colours are exchanged by the people atop theelephants.

The Pooram festival is concluded with a spectacular fire works display, which is held in the wee hours of the day after the Pooram. The Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Devaswams present many innovative patterns and varieties of fire works, which make spectators going into raptures. This famous and mighty exhibit of the magnificent display offireworks add to the popularity of the Pooram festival.
   
The most striking feature of the Thrissur Pooram is its very secular nature. The Muslim and Christian Communities actively take part in it and they play a very prominent role in the very conduct of the festival. Most of the pandals are the craftwork of the experts from the Muslim community.

For the two days of the festival, the CMS High School, owned by the North Kerala Diocese of CST Church and located on the western part of the Swaraj Round, becomes virtually the Headquarters of the Thiruvampadi Devaswam. The templeelephants are tied in the school compound. The 'Aana Chamaya pradarsanam' is also held here.

The parasols for the 'Kudamattom' are offered by the churches and their members. At a time when the secular fabric of the Indian Society is slowly disintegrating, one cannot be myopic to the relevance of Thrissur Pooram, the conduct of which should become worthy of emulation to other festivals in the country.

Pandharpur Temple Festival

Legend:

Lord Vishnu is worshipped at the temple of Vithoba, Pandharpur. The legend is derived from the Puranas and amplified by Vaishnava saints of Maharashtra and Karnataka though 13th and 17th centuries. Various legends are associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu in this temple. The story revolves round the love and respect a Brahmin named Pundalik showered upon his parents. Moved by Pundalik’s devotion, Lord Vishnu visited Pundalik’s house at Pandharpur in the incarnation of Krishna. Pundalik was serving his parents when Vishnu visited him and he threw a brick at the visitor since he was interrupted while serving his parents. However, another version relates that since he was too busy with his parents, he did not have time to pay attention to the visitor, so he just threw a brick for the God to rest on. However, despite the treatment, he was too pleased with the saint’s sense of duty towards his parents and he stayed put in Pandharpur. Since then, the image of Vishnu stands at Vithoba. Devotees, who throng Vithoba, identify themselves as the brick under God’s feet denoting complete self-surrender. Vithoba is revered as the form of Vishnu or Krishna , his eighth incarnation.

History of the Festival:

The festival was first started by Narayan Baba, the youngest son of Tukaram in 1685. Narayan Baba introduced the palanquin or the palkhi in this festival as a sign of social respect. The rituals at the festival are quite elaborate which only the Warkaris or followers of holy ritual can appreciate. Since then, the palkhi has become a unique part of the festival. The palkhi which starts in the month of Jyeshtha is decorated with padukas and masks of saints, Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram. Nearly sixty palkhis take part in the procession. The celebrations last for three weeks. The palkhi of Dnyaneshwar sets out from Alandi, while that of Tukaram from Dehu. The palkhi reaches Pandharpuron the 11th day of Ashadh. During this time, the whole area of Vithoba temple gets flooded with Warkaris and the air is filled with Jai Jai Vithoba –Rakhumait Jai Jai Vithoba – Rakhumail.  

Month:

The festival starts in the Hindu month of Jyestha. Three feasts are annually held in the months of April, July and November.

Place and Community:

Pandharpur, a small town in Solapur in Maharashtra is home to the temple of Vithoba on the banks of Bhima. This shrine holds a lot of significance for the Maharashtrians. 

Palm Sunday

Description

Palm Sunday is a moveable feast which celebrates the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the days before his Passion. A moveable feast in Christianity is a holy day in the Christian calendar which falls around Easter. The particular day is fixed in accordance with Easter. Some other moveable feasts include Lazarus Sunday, Triumph of Orthodoxy, Ash Wednesday and All Saints Day.

Many a time it gets difficult to procure palms on that day to celebrate the occasion. It is then substituted with boughs of other native trees like willow or yew. The Sunday is therefore given names like Yew Sunday or the more general Branch Sunday. The feast finds mention in all the four Canonical Gospels, namely Mark 11:1-11, Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19.

The Roman Catholic Church originally called this Sunday, the Second Sunday of the Passion and later changed to Passion Sunday which led to a lot of confusion as the name was fixed for the previous Sunday or the fifth within Lent. It is now called as Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion.

The palm fronds or the other native trees are blessed with holy water on the occasion of Palm Sunday. This occasion takes place in Roman Catholic, Anglican Church and even in Lutheran churches. Outside the church building, a procession enters re-enacting the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem while palm fronds in Oriental Orthodox churches at the sanctuary steps. Here in India, marigolds are strewn in the sanctuary itself. The procession of singers pass through and outside the church. The celebration style is slightly different in Lutheran churches where children are given palms. They also take part in the procession while adults remain seated. Many churches save these palms to be burned and used as ashes for Ash Wednesday. The color of the vestments are that of blood indicating the sacrifice of Christ. 

Place and Community

Palm Sunday is celebrated by Christians all over the world. It falls on the Sunday before Easter.

Dates for Palm Sunday from 2007-2020

Dates for Palm Sunday, 2007-2020
Year	Western	Eastern
2007	April 1st
2008	March 16th	April 20th
2009	April 5th	April 12th
2010	March 28th
2011	April 17th
2012	April 1st	April 8th
2013	March 24th	April 28th
2014	April 13th
2015	March 29th	April 5th
2016	March 20th	April 24th
2017	April 9th
2018	March 25th	April 1st
2019	April 14th	April 21st
2020	April 5th	April 12th

Pious Pachyderms

The Thrissur pooram festival is regarded as the biggest festival and attracts a large number of tourists from India and abroad every year. The festival is famous for elephants decorated with golden 'thalapattam' i.e. golden plates covering the entire portion from head to trunk, which is a specialty in Kerala. About ninety elephants assemble in the temple. In old days rich landlords used to gift elephants to temples called 'nadayiruthal'. Even now, the Guiruvayoor Devawam is said to have a herd of forty-one elephants.

Elephant and Kerala are indivisibly related. Kerala must be the only place where a statue has been erected in the memory of an elephant, Guruvayoor Kesavan, who served the presiding deity of Guruvayoor for several decades. To add more an elephant race is conducted every year at Guruvayoor. Temples are very large in number in Kerala and no festival in the temples is complete without an elephant. It is a great delight to see the pachyderms standing majestically with men on its back holding 'kodai' (umbrellas) waving 'venchamarams' and 'alavattams' and crescendo of panchavadyam' which goes on uninterrupted in front. Mounting on an elephant and sitting on its back for hours together calls for tremendous patience and stamina. The Thrissur pooram festival which is regarded as the biggest festival which attracts a large number of tourists from India and abroad every year is famous for elephants decorated with golden 'thalapattam' i.e. golden plates covering the entire portion from head to trunk which is a specialty in Kerala. About ninety elephants assemble in the temple. In those days rich landlords used to gift elephants to temples called 'nadayiruthal'. Even now, the Guiruvayoor Devawam is said to have a herd of forty-one elephants. It’s a wonder since Keralites treat elephants as domestic animal and give them human names. Stories about elephants having children in distress and their own master or mahouts from impending dangers. During off seasons elephants are put to work in timber depots. The tusker's tail is said to protect one from evil spirits if worn in a golden ring. "Anapindam" i.e. elephant droppings is said to possess a medicinal effect for arthritis. It is described by many that, "A jumbo dead or alive is equally valued." In olden-day wars of the four types of armies also called 'chaturangasena' the Aana Pada (elephant army) was said to be the most advanced. A poem in Malayalam on "the sorrow of a mahout", on the death of his long time companion is an apt tribute paid to a tusker and a testimony of Malayalees' affirmation to the elephant.

Raslila

Place and community:

Raslila is a famous dance form in India. Though this dance form is performed almost everywhere in India, its origins like in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh. Devotees of Lord Krishna and Radha take part in this dance. 

Description:
 

Raslila is a famous art form originating in Braj in Uttar Pradesh in north India. This folk art has elements of classical music, dace and drama.

Raslila is associated with Radha and Krishna and their divine love. It is a joyous circular dance of Sri Krishna and his playmates

Today we have villagers in India taking part in Raslila and depicting various stories of Radha and Krishna through dance, music and drama.

It also portrays Krishna’s association with the milkmaids or gopis of the village. It shows how Krishna casts a spell on the gopis who wanted him to be their dance partner.

Raslila has a basic script which has to be followed, but it has enough scope for improvisation as well. Though the emphasis of Raslila is on ‘darshan’ or the visual appeal, it is important to capture the ‘bhava’ or the sentiment. This is done through music, dance and drama enacted by the actors.

The various ‘raasas’ or dramatic flavors like friendship, conjugal love, parental love, amazement, compassion, humour, chivalry, fury, fear and dread are expressed through this traditional folk form.

The range of the villagers who perform raslila is quite vast. They perform legends that portray different stages of Krishna’s youth. In some areas of Uttar Pradesh raslila is performed only by Brahmin boys in the age group of 13 to 14 years.

Even now, many roles of sakhis or mother of Radha and Krishna are performed by men disguised as women. Raslila is also performed by mobile troupes moving from village to village. A traditional raslila usually lasts for three and a half hours.

 

Rose Festival

The biggest Rose Show in the country is held at the famous Rose Garden at Chandigarh. Varieties of magnificent roses are on display during this two-day festival.

The Festival of Gardens popularly known as Rose Festival is celebrated at Rose Garden in the month of February end or beginning of March. Initially called the Rose Festival it intended to encourage people to stroll through the Rose Garden and enjoy the sight of the blooms.

Each year the festival grew: now it includes performances of music and dance, both classical and folk, flower shows, events for children, exhibitions by local artists, photographers and craftsman and a wide range of amusements. Since 1997 it is known as the Festival of Gardens and is included on the national calendar of festivals. The city pulls out all the stops for this celebration, reminiscent of ancient India's Vasant Utsav in honor of spring.

 

Pitr Paksha

The dark fortnight of Ashvina (September-October) is known as Pitr Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha. This is an occasion to perform rites for the departed ancestors to keep their souls indebted for years. Pitra Paksha is performed for the departed immediate relatives usually up to 3 preceding generations.

Pitra Paksha is performed from the 1st day / tithi of the Ashwin month and goes up to the following New Moon (Amavasya) day. Each of these 15 days is dedicated to the Sraddha of those ancestors who had met eternity on that particular day/tithi.

 For this purpose “Shraddha” is performed with a belief that the dead ones would alive amongst us. Yamaraja, the Lord of death allows the souls to come down to the earth and receive offers from their descendants. This practice is made to the dead “pitris”. The last day of this period, the new moon day, is considered as the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and rites.

History:

One of the very important personalities of Mahabharata, Karn (supposedly brother-like to Pandavas) who is fondly remembered as “Daanveer Karn” made lots of charity in form of jewels, money, land etc. When he died and ascended to heaven, he got all that he gave in form of charity in multiples.

But, he didn’t get food as he did not give food-charity. He starved for days and finally asked the “Yamraj” if he could get a chance to make for this deficiency. Yamraj allowed him and granted a period of 14 days to go back to the earth and make for it. These 14 days were used by Karan to give numerous food-charities.

Thus, in Hindus it is considered very auspicious to donate food in form of Shraad to poor, as whatever donated is supposed to reach directly to one’s ancestors. During these days and especially on the day of new moon it is believed that the soul of the dead ones (Atmas), are permitted by Yamaraj to reach earth and receive the benefits of these rites from their children.

According to Lord Krishna “The soul never dies”, it only transforms from one external form (body) to another, Thus it is believed that in whatever form our ancestors exist, the charity during this time surely reaches them.

The sons performing the rites of Pitra- Paksha are free of any Pitr-dosh and are eligible for Pitr-lok. It lasts for a fortnight and the day to perform the rituals depend on the Tithi, calculated according to the Hindu calendar...

Rituals:

According to Hindu mythology and beliefs, there are three main debts - Devarina (Debt to the gods), Rishirina (Debt to the Guru) and Petranina (Debt to the forefathers). Although most people prefer to perform Shraddhas at their homes but performing Shradhas at holy places like Gaya, Varanasi, Haridwar and some other holy places like Badrinath also has been accorded much greater significance. Many Hindus perform the Sraddha or Pitr Paksha at these places also.

Generally Shraddha is performed by the eldest son or some other elder male member of the family who in honor of the dead offers oblations. Part of the food offering is also given to the cows and the crows.

After the Shraddha is performed, the deceased attains a position among the Petris or Divine Fathers in their blissful abode called Pitri-loka. Shradhha is generally performed by a son and is considered to be more efficacious. Ritual of Shraddha should be performed for one's grandfather, father on the paternal side and the mother etc on the maternal side.

Hindus residing in India and abroad observe this dark fortnight by taking bath thrice, with partial fasting, etc. Brahmins are also fed and gifts are offered to the poor. Pindas or balls of rice and meal are offered to the dead relatives by the surviving relatives.

Many hindu families perform Shaddha or the Pitr Paksha by offering specially made sweets and food to the departed soul through “Tarpan”, offering food to Cow, Swan (dog), Crow and Keet (insects). After the Tarpan food is offered to Brahmins and finally the Brahmins are offered new clothes and Dakshina. The head of the family remains on fasting till this whole process is completed and only after this the entire family takes the same food as Prasada.

Shraadh:

During the period of Pitr-Paksha, children- specifically the sons of the family are supposed to perform the ritual of “Shradh” on the “tithi” of the death of their fathers and mothers.

The food and prayers offered during this time is believed to reach directly to the ancestors. It is during this fortnight in the entire year that the Atmas of our ancestors transcend to earth with the permission of “Yamaraj” to give blessings to their children and receive their offerings.

• In making the offering of Shradh”, the first offering should be made to the Deity of fire(agni), as by making this offering the Rakshasas are not able to do any disturbance to the process of “shrad.”
• The cake offered during Shraadh Puja, is supposed to be offered to the descended father first, then the grandfather and finally to the great grand-father. These offerings would reach to one’s ancestors only if done with true intensions and devotion. During the offering of the cake, Savitri mantra should be chanted and other mantras as guided by some religious practitioners.
• Tarpan, that is offering of water, an important ritual for the entire Pitr-Paksha, should be performed.
• Gifts and clothes are then distributed to the Brahmin, as a part of the Shraad ceremony.
• This performance of Shraad and Tarpan, relieve the ancestors from hunger and provide peace to their soul.

These collective rites of a son towards his father are known as “Sapindi Karana”.

Tarpan:

In the memory of their ancestors Hindus offer religious offerings of water called Tarpan during Pitr-Paksha. These offerings are made to the Gods, Rishis, Devas, and especially to one’s ancestors. “Tarpan” is offered during all 15 days in Pitr-Paksha. As this rite is very religious and has specific significance thus, there is a fixed manner to offer Tarpan, which as follows:

• In a dish of half filled water add some milk, sugar, honey, a few grains of barley, a few drops of ghee, and flowers petals
• Now face east and keep 3 pieces of Kush grass across both palms forming a cup and offer this water in the dish – NOT on the ground – in the name of as many deities as possible.
• Then face north and offer water in the name of the Rishis
• Then face south and now add till (Sesame seeds) into the water and offer this in the name of the Pitrs (forefathers).
• Only after all offerings have been completed then the dish of water is dropped on a plant.
• This can be repeated as many days as one desires in the 15 days.

Why Pitr Paksha:

Across the Hindu religion it is believed that after death, the soul incarnates into a new form and embodies as animal, bird, reptile, human or any other form depending on the Karmas (deeds) in one’s past life.

Thus, as one’s ancestors would have attained a new form after death, many people believe that why is Pitr-Puja necessary.

It is obligatory in Hindu tradition:

In Hindu tradition the 13th day after the cremation is termed as “Sapindi”, or “Tervi”. It is after these 13 days of ceremonies that Pitr-Puja becomes must for every son. There are three debts that every human being is supposed to pay, which are: 

Indebt ness towards the Supreme lord.

Indebt ness towards Rishis.

Indebt ness towards one’s forefathers/ ancestors. 

As according to Bhagwad Gita: 

"Just as one removes old clothes and puts on new ones, so does the Jivatma abandon an old body and obtain a new one" 

Thus, it is only the house and body that the soul changes, but whatever we as children are indebted to our ancestors should be repaid, because the soul never dies. The pitr-Puja performed by the sons and grandchildren in memory of their ancestors, is preceded with the thought that: "O Pitrs in whichever form you may be, wherever you may be, we wish to remember and pray for your peace and welfare".

The Puja reaches to one’s ancestors only if it is performed with due dedication and intensions. Various mantras are also chanted during the Puja.

Pitr Dosh:

According to ancient Vedic Scriptures everyone is indebted to one’s ancestors. Shraadh performed during the month of Pitr Paksha is a way to pay homage to one’s ancestors and receive their blessings. Although funeral rites are considered inauspicious, Shraadh is very auspicious and sacred especially in Hindu religion.

It is believed that during Pitr Paksha the departed ancestors leave their abode of Yama and come down to the earth to take rites from their descendants.

In Hindu tradition the 13th day after the cremation is termed as “Sapindi”, or “Tervi”. It is after these 13 days of ceremonies that Pitr-Puja becomes must for every sPitr-Pakshaon.

hen there is Pitr-dosh in somebody’s horoscope it is normally observed that, the family faces some financial, health related problems.

There seems to be a negative energy all around that stops the growth and development of the person or family.

Reasons behind Pitr dosh occurrence:

Pitr Dosh occurs when the souls of one’s ancestors are not in peace due to any of the following reasons:

Certain wishes, that are not fulfilled and are remained attached with the soul of the ancestors.

If someone fails to remember and honor the ancestors properly.

Bad deeds (bad karma) of children, knowingly or unknowingly, are embarrassing the soul of ancestors.

A sudden and unnatural death of any relative ancestors in early age.

Bad deeds (bad karma) of our ancestors in earlier life, knowingly or unknowingly, are embarrassing their souls.

Lack of fulfillments of parental desires of our ancestors, etc…..

Ways to identify Pitr Dosh:

The exact nature of Pitr Dosh can only be identified after some astrological calculations using one’s horoscope. Although for a common man, these calculations are hard to understand, and thus, there are some common problems associated with Pitr-Dosh.

• Repeated illness of children. Problem in conceiving a child.
• Regular Miscarriages.
• Quarrels in the family creating mental stress without a reason.

 Common remedies: 

• Make balls of rice and ghee and feed them to cows and fish every Sunday.
•  Charity and services to poor, beggars, old age people, one’s parents.
•  Worshipping Lord Vishnu is a well known remedy of Pitr Dosh Nivaran.
• If possible, performing Kanya daan (to perform the marriage of a girl) of a Brahmin Kanya.
• Perform Rudrabhishek (Rudra Abhishek) in the name of the KUL or ancestors.

Dedicated rituals for Pitr Dosh Nivaran:

There are some Pujas that are especially prescribed for Pitr Dosh Nivaran. These Pujas are performed at particular places in India only.

One such puja is “Narayan Nagbali Pooja”, which is performed at:

• Trambakeshwar in Nashik
• Chandod near Vadodara in Gujarat
• Kala Hasti in Tamil Nadu
• Haridwar

Significance:

The day of Pitr Paksha or Mahalaya Amavasya has great significance and importance for all Hindus residing in India and abroad. It is the annual festival for propitiating the spirits of our ancestors, with devout prayers for peace. Hence performing the rites of Shraddha on this day would gratify the souls of our ancestors for years.

According to Hindu religious belief, on the Mahalaya Amavasya, there is a conjunction of the sun and the moon and that the sun enters the sign Virgo (Kanya). On this day, the departed ancestors leave their abode of Yama and come down to the earth to take rites from their descendants.

The most vital difference between Funeral rites and Shraddha is that, while funeral rites are considered inauspicious, Shraddha is considered auspicious and gratifying.

Pitra Paksha Time:

Pitr-Paksha or Mahalay Paksha is the dark fortnight which falls during the Hindu calendar months of Ashvin and Bhadrapad (September to October). According to the Hindu mythology, during Pitr-Paksha deceased ancestors from Lord Yamaraja's region visit their homes on earth during this time.

This fortnight is a time for performing rites, Shraaddha, to deceased ancestors to keep their souls gratified for years. It is obligatory in Hindu tradition for a son to perform Shraadh for their ancestors as it is a form of paying regards to them.

Also it is believed that whatever offering is made during this time, directly reaches to one’s forefathers. It is only after the Shraddha, that a son attains a position among the Petris or Divine Fathers in their blissful abode called Pitri-loka

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Deccan Festival

Deccan Festival - Hyderabad - Andhra Pradesh:

Every year gracious Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan Festival. There are cultural programmes with ghazal nights, qawalis and mushairas, typical of the city. A pearl and bangle fair displays creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles that are local specialities. A food fest serves the best of Hyderabad's famed cuisine to visitors.

Organised by the Department of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh, the Deccan Festival is celebrated in Hyderabad every year in February/March. This five-day festival reflects the culture of the Deccan and highlights Hyderabad's arts, crafts, culture and the famous Nawabi cuisine. 

During the festival, many cultural programmes are organised; these include ghazal, qawwali and mushaira, (poetry sessions), which are typical of the city. Renowned singers and dancers are invited for performances, making the Deccan Festival a must-see for every visitor.

This festival also includes Pearls and Bangles fair, displaying creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles that are local specialties, and a Food Fair, with items covering both Andhra and Hyderabadi cuisine. This festival comes alive with food stalls and arts and craft shops.

Gudi

Gudi Padwa or Ugadi:

Introduction:

This festival marks the beginning of New Year in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka.

This festival is known as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It has become a custom to hold Kavi Sammelans (Poetry recitals) this day.

 

Gudi Padwa is considered one of the four most auspicious days in the year when people start new ventures.

It is believed that Lord Brahma, created the world on this day and so he is worshipped specially at this time.

Lord Vishnu too is said to have incarnated as Matsya, the fish, on this day.

A gudi (banner) with a swastika -marked metal pot and silk cloth is raised to announce victory and joy. In Maharashtra, it is reminiscent of the valiant Marathas returning home from their successful expeditions of war. Maharashtrian take the opportunity to honour their favourite leader, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

People prepare for the New Year by cleaning and washing their houses and buying new clothes. On the festival day they decorate their houses with mango leaves and 'rangoli' designs, and pray for a prosperous new year, and visit the temples to listen to the yearly calendar 'Panchangasravanam' as priests make predictions for the coming year.

Traditionally bitter leaves of the neem tree with jaggery were given as Prasad of Ugadi/Gudi Padwa.

Gudi Padwa is considered as an auspicious occasion to buy ornaments, house and other new things.

The festival is celebrated when the heat of sun began intensifying and the time of harvesting the crop has come. The fragrance of ripening Mangoes, Jackfruit and other seasonal fruits fill the air with sweet smell and are ready to be sold to the marketplaces. Shrubs and trees are blooming with flowers.

Gudi Padwa, also known as Ugadi, is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra shukla Padyami, which corresponds to end of March or beginning of April according to the Gregorian calendar. This festival marks the beginning of 'Vasant' or spring.

Indian society is largely dependendent on agriculture and e celebrations and festivals are often linked with changing seasons and to the sowing and reaping of crops. The word 'padwa' is a Sanskrit word for crop, which literally means 'Pradurbhu.' This day also marks the end of one harvest and the beginning of a new one, which for an agricultural community would signify the beginning of a New Year. Gudi Padwa is celebrated at the end of the Rabi season.

Celebrations:

People in villages rise early in the morning and take an oil bath. The courtyards of the houses in village are swept clean and plastered with fresh cowdung on the festive day. Women and children draw intricate and beautiful patterns of rangoli designs by paste of rice grains, turmeric paste, vermilion powder, chalk and limewater on their doorsteps to welcome guests. The vibrant colours of Rangoli mirror the splash of colour of the season, spring. The strikingly colourful patterns brighten up the festive ambience. 

Everyone dresses up in new clothes especially bought up for the day and all family members gathers together to enjoy and rejoice the occasion.

Early in the morning of the festival day, people wear new clothes and offer oblations to God, and also prays for a prosperous new year.

Special delicacies made on the day, like soonth panak and chana usal are eaten on this day.

Traditionally, families are supposed to begin the festivities by eating the bittersweet leaves of the neem tree. 

Sometimes, a paste of neem leaves is prepared and mixed with ajwain, gul, tamarind and jaggery. All the members of the family consume this paste. It is believed that this neem paste will purify the blood and strengthen the body's immune system against diseases.

The hoisting of the "Gudi" is the main ritual of the festival.

'Gudi'

A 'gudi' is a bamboo pole on top of which an upturned brass or silver pot called a kalash is placed. The gudi is covered with a bright green or yellow silk cloth adorned with brocade (zari) and decorated with coconuts, marigolds and mango leaves that symbolize rich harvest. An empty, inverted jug of water (tambya), made of brass, copper or silver and held up to the sky over it.

On Gudi Padwa, you will find gudis hanging out of windows or displayed in traditional Maharashtrian households as they are expected to ward off evil and invite prosperity and good luck into the house.

Some believe that the gudis are a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of the Maratha forces lead by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

On the festival day, people erect gudis to the right side of the main entrance of their houses.

On a Gudi Padwa day Lord Brahma created the universe. After the Gudi is set up, everyone worships it and performs a prayer in honour of Lord Brahma. A gudi with coconut is hung from a rope atop which a person has to break the coconut by climbing the pyramid formed by the boys and young men of the locality.

Feast involves traditional delicacies of shrikhand and Poori on this day. Other special dishes as Pooran poli, soonth panak and chana are also made. In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, a special kind of sauce known as Ugadi Pachchadi made up of neem, jaggery, raw mango and tamarind juice is prepared.

Gudi Padwa is considered to be an auspicious day to start new business and ventures. Gold ornaments are also bought on this day. Farmers plough their field and distribute food to laborers.

Legend 

There are various legends described in Hindu religious scriptures giving the reason to celebrate the sacred and joyous festival, Gudi Padwa.

According to Brahma Purana Lord Brahma recreated the world after a devastating flood and time began to tick from this day forth. An era of truth and justice- Satyug is believed to have started on this day. Gudi Padwa is said to be one of the 3 and a half days in the Indian Lunar calendar called "Sade-Teen Muhurt".

Any new venture can be started on this auspicious day. The word ‘padwa’ is derived from Pratipada, the first day of a lunar month or the first day after no-moon day (Amavasya).

Gudi Padwa is dedicated to the worship of Lord Brahma. Hence, special flags known as “Brahmadhvaj” or flag of Brahma is raised in honour of Lord Brahma. Some also refer to it as ‘the flag of Indra’ (Indradhvaj).

Everyone worships the Gudi and offers a prayer in honour of Lord Brahma.

According to another legend, hoisting the "Brahmadhvaj" commemorates the coronation of Rama after his return to Ayodhya from 14 years of exile. The setting up of the 'Gudi' on the main entrance of every house symbolizes expression of happiness of the people of Ayodhya on return of Rama back to his own kingdom after winning over Ravana.

The 'Gudi' stood as a victory flag for the people of Ayodhya. Gudi Padwa is said to mark this happy incident, an occassion of great significance for religious Hindus. On this day, Rama attained victory over King Bali.

The festival marks the invasion of the Maratha forces led by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Maharashtrians admires and regards Shivaji very much for fighting bravely to establish a Maratha kingdom free from Mogul domination.

According to this legend, the "Gudi" is redolent of the brave Marathas returning home from their successful mission of war. The festival is thus, a celebration of victory and prosperity.

Another firm belief is that the displaying of the Gudi keeps off the evil and brings prosperity and good luck into the house.

Gudi Padwa Recipes:

There are special foods prepared for this festival. In the southern states, puliyogare-a sour tamarind rice dish, bobbatlu, holige or pooran poli-sweet stuffed bread and Ugadi Pachadi made of jagerry, raw mango pieces, neem flowers and tamarind is prepared. In Maharashtra, shrikhand -a fragrant yogurt dessert, with poori-fried puffy bread is prepared.

Time to celebrate
This festival marks the beginning of New Year in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka. This festival is known as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Gudi Padwa, also known as Ugadi, is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra shukla Padyami or first day of Marathi Calendar which corresponds to end of March or beginning of April according to the Gregorian caledndar.

 

 

National Science Day

Introduction:

  

Rashtriya Vigyan Evam Prodoyogiki Sanchar Parishad (RVPSP) (National Council for Science & Technology Communication) of the Ministry of Science and Technology celebrates National Science day (NSD) to popularise the benefits of scientific knowledge and pratical appropriation.

 Various activities are organized on the day like debates, quiz competitions, exhibitions, lectures, etc., in which college students, school students and teachers too participate.

Every year a different theme is selected and all the forth programmes and activities are based around that theme.

The day is celebrated to honour Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman for his invention of the ‘Raman effect’ on 28th February 1928. 

Whole nation takes the honour of thanking all the scientists for their remarkable contributions and dedication on this occasion. 

The day attracts many young minds and motivates to take up science as their career.The celebrations of this day include showcasing the country’s competence in the field of science. 

Science has played very important role in transforming society. The events on this day reminds the importance of science; thus inspire people of all ages to work in the field of science, engineering and technology.

Sir C. V. Raman was honoured with the first prestigious Nobel Award in Physics for the country in 1930. Hence the National Science Day holds great significance for Indian Science and scientific community.

National Science Day brings an opportunity to focus on issues related to science centre stage. The activities organized on the occasion bring public face to face with the issues of great concern. People interact with the science fraternity for mutual benefit.

National Science Day is observed to spread the message of importance of science and its application among the people and to accelerate the pace of development. Science has contributed a lot towards welfare of humanity.

Raman Effect

Raman effect or Raman scattering as it is popular known as is an inelastic scattering of a photon.

When light is scattered from an atom or molecule, most photons are elastically scattered with almost the same energy (frequency) and wavelength as the incident photons. But a small fraction of the photons is scattered by excitation. The frequency of scattered photons is lower than the frequency of the incident photons.

History:

All the National Science Day activities are planned according to the pre-decided theme by Rashtriya Vigyan Evam Prodoyogiki Sanchar Parishad. Some of the recent themes are as follows:

2000: Recreating Interest in Basic Science
2001: Information Technology for Science Education
2002: Wealth from Waste
2003: 50 years of DNA & 25 years of IVF – The blue print of Life
2004: Encouraging Scientific Awareness in Community
2005: Celebrating Physics
2006: Nurture Nature for our future
2007: More Crop Per Drop
2008: Understanding the Planet Earth
2009: Expanding horizons of science

Time to celebrate

Every year National Science Day is celebrated on 28th February to honour our Nobel laureate Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman for his invention of the Raman effect.

Central Excise Day

Introduction: 

Central Excise Day is celebrated all over India on 24th February. Different states of the country conduct various types of programs on this day. The day marks the day of enactment of the central excise & salt act, 1944.

The program on the day rewards few of the most sincere and good employees for their matchless sincere duty towards the government. Along with the award ceremony, many other activities are also planned for the Central Excise Day ceremony. Different awareness programs, workshops and seminars are organized on this day 

About Central Excise: 

The Central Excise duty is levied in terms of the Central Excise Act, 1944 and the rates of duty, ad valorem (on value) or specific, are prescribed under the Schedule I and II of the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985. The taxable event under the Central Excise law is ‘manufacture’ and the liability of Central Excise duty arises as soon as the goods are manufactured.

The Central Excise Officers are also entrusted to collect other types of duties levied under Additional Duties (Goods of Special Importance) Act, Additional Duties (Textiles and Textiles Articles) Act etc. The Central Excise law is administered by the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC or Board) through its field offices, the Central Excise Commissionerates.

For this purpose, the country is divided into 10 Zones and a Chief Commissioner of Central Excise heads each Zone. There are total 61 Commissionerates in these Zones headed by Commissioner of Central Excise. Divisions and Ranges are the subsequent formations, headed by Deputy/Assistant Commissioners of Central Excise and Superintendents of Central Excise, respectively.