Pushkar Fair

This fair is held at Pushkar town, 11 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan for twelve days annually. This cultural and trade cum religious fair is an attractive and lively spectacle with Rajasthani men and women in their colourful traditional attire, saffron-robed and ash smeared Sadhus (holy men) and thousands of bulls, cows, sheep, goats, horses and camels in richly decorated saddles. Perhaps the largest cattle fair in the world, it attracts more than one lakh people, and from all over Rajasthan as well as tourists from different parts of India and abroad.

Reasons to visit Pushkar fair:

• It is the world's largest Camel Fair.
• Pushkar has the world’s only temple for Lord Brahma.
• Pushkar has the world famous Sarovar with 52 Ghats surrounding it.
• Pushkar offers around 400 temples to see.
• Pushkar Fair is all encapsulated with numerous cultural activities.
• Ethnic shopping items from all over the state are on sale during fair.
• It’s a rare combination of religious fervor and cultural vibrancy in Rajasthan.
• One of the most interesting and attractive feature of the fair is the opportunity to meet and see numerous different cultural folks. 

History:

Pushkar has the world famous Brahma temple and Sarovar.

According to a popular myth Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place to perform a 'Yagna' (a fire sacrifice) while contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from that place.

One of the places where the Yagna was performed was Pushkar.

The famous Pushkar sarovar (Lake) has 52 ghats surrounding it. During a visit to the holy city of Pushkar it is considered to be very sacred to take a dip in the Lake.

On the full moon day of Kartik Purnima thousands of devotees throng the place to take a holy bath in Pushkar Sarovar.

Major Attractions of Pushkar Fair:

The annual fair held at Pushkar in the month of Kartik is the largest cattle fair in the entire Asia. Visitors and tourists from all over the world gather here to witness the participation of numerous camels, horses, cows, mules, goats and sheep along with their masters, which is one of its kind spectacles. Some of the major attractions at this colorful occasion are:

• The first five days of the fair is dedicated to buying and selling of cattle. This process normally takes a lot of days as initially the sellers lure customers by praising their animals and when there is a deal there are lots of negotiations that take place. After the cattle are sold it is decorated and ornamented.
• One of the major attractions especially for women is shopping. Some of the most exquisite and awesome varieties of ornaments, accessories and other jewelry is available at different stalls. These craftsmen engage in this craft for the whole year and wait for the fair to make some profits. Numerous stalls of trinkets, silver ornaments, chains, nose rings, necklaces, waistbands, anklets, toe rings, hairpins and the ivory bangles worn from wrist to shoulder are what attract the women in the fair. Garments and tattoos are also very popular among womenfolk.
• On the last two days of the fair many cultural and amusement activities are organized for the visitors to have loads of fun and frolic. Camel Races, Musical Chairs for Camels, Camel Beauty Contest and Laadoo Oonth are some of them. These activities are for every age group and indeed there is something to enjoy for every visitor to the fair.
• The main ceremony of ritual bath in the Pushkar Lake is done on the Full moon day of Kartik punima. Pushkar Lake is believed to posses some medicinal properties.
• Camel races are very popular among visitors from across the world. On the full moon days, a tented city is created around the Pushkar Lake, where these races are held. Spectators and participants both have a gala time during the races.
• Necklaces of glass beads from Naguar, pottery, printed textiles from Jodhpur and Ajmer are all on sale here
• Pilgrims flock from all over India to be in Pushkar at this auspicious time. They also believe that all the 330 million Gods and Goddesses are present at Pushkar Lake during the occasion.

Main Events:

The department of Tourism, Rajasthan organizes many activities and events for the tourists. These activities are sliad for the entire period of the fair.

Significance:

Pushkar fair has since ages been a constant source of amusement and attraction for tourists and visitors from all over the world. The fair and the city of Pushkar both offer infinite sources of significance to many religious communities.

For Hindus, Pushkar is one of the five Dhams or pilgrims which have always been held high in esteem.

Mythologically it is believed that battle Lord Brahma when fought a battle with demon Vajra Nabh with a lotus flower, the leaves of the flower fell down at three places on earth. All three places are around Pushkar and it is also believed that these three places have resulted in lakes. At one point in history the Pushkar Lake was surrounded by 500 temples and 52 palaces.

One of the most significant features of the city of Pushkar is the temple of Lord Brahma, which in fact is the only Brahma temple on earth.

How to Reach Pushkar:

The nearest city to Pushkar is Ajmer which is about 11 Kms from Pushkar. The various sources of connectivity to Pushkar are:

• Air:  To travel by air, the nearest airport from Pushkar is Jaipur. Jaipur is about 131 Kms from Pushkar.
• Rail: The nearest railway station from Pushkar is Ajmer, which is well connected to all major stations of India.
• Road: For the road travelers who want to take a bus to Pushkar, there are two Bus-stands in Pushkar. One is the Marwar bus stand that is situated to the North of the town. This stand has buses to some major cities like Delhi, Jodhpur and Bikaner.The second stand is situated to the East of Pushkar and buses running to Jaipur and Ajmer.

Where to Stay:

Pushkar has always attracted wide range of tourists from all over the world and thus the department of Tourism has pitched in large number of tourist accommodation and other facilities. In Pushkar one would find large number of both public and private hotels in every range and amount.

Many people prefer staying at the RTDC, government hotels. Rajasthan tourism Development Corporation, RTDC has wide range of hotels in Ajmer namely Khadim and Sarovar. In Pushkar Tourist Village is the only hotel by RTDC.

Although throughout the year various tariffs right from luxury, Deluxe to moderate are available, many hotels charge exorbitant prices during the Pushkar fair in leau of Business profits.

One can also find many hotels just around the fair ground by many private companies. There are also some special tour packages offered by both government and private sector that include fares for accommodation, food, travel etc at some nominal prices.

Pariyanampetta Pooram

Introduction:

Pariyanampetta Pooram is a seven day fest held at Pariyanampetta Bhagavathy Temple, Kattukulam in Palakkad district of ‘God’s own country’, Kerala. The Pariyanampetta temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, the Goddess of 14 Desams.

 
The image of goddess is drawn on floor and songs are sung along with it; this ritualistic drawing is called Kalamezhuthu Pattu and is performed on all the seven days of the festival.

Religious and folk arts like Kaalavela (bull motif display) and Kuthiravela (horse motif display), Poothanum thirayum etc are demonstrated in the procession on the last day.

A cultural celebration is also held on the occasion in which there are performances of the famous Kathakali and Chakyarkoothu. The ancient folk art of shadow puppetry called Tholpavakoothu, is performed at night on all festival days.

The pooram day is on the 7th of month of Kumbam according to the Malayalam calendar. It falls approximately on the second week of February. A procession of 21 caparisoned elephants is a spectacular on the last day of the festival.

Elephants are considered holy in holy in Kerala; so people hoard around the procession to seek blessings from them. The elephant and traditional musical performances are inherent parts of religious festivals in South India- Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The traditional folk and traditional performances like the Tholpavakoothu, Kalamezhuthupattu, Pootham, Thira, Karivela, Kaalavela, Kuthiravela, Kathakali, Chakyarkoothu brings a cheerful smile to the faces of people.

  

Time to celebrate

 

The pooram day is on the 7th of month of Kumbam according to the Malayalam calendar, which corresponds to 19th February every year.

 

How to reach
 

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Palakkad which is about 45 km away from Kattukulam where the festival is to be held. Palakkad Junction is a Broad Gauge railway junction on India's Southern Railway network.

By Road

Palakkad is well connected by roads. The National Highway 47 from Salem to Kanyakumari and the Palakkad - Kozhikode National Highway 213 pass through the district. Another important road is the Palakkad - Ponnani which connects NH 47 and NH 17. The nearest city is Coimbatore in Tamilnadu which is well connected to Palakkad with broad gauge trains and buses.

By Air

Nearest airport is Coimbatore in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu which is about 55 km from Palakkad. Coimbatore airport has connecting flights to Singapore, Sharjah, Colombo, apart from major Indian cities.

 

Paripally Gajamela

Introduction: 

Every celebration is regarded incomplete without the participation of elephants in Kerala. Elephants are worshipped as an incarnation of the elephant headed god Ganesha.

Elephants tamed in some of the temples in India bear the images of the gods in temple processions on some special days. Elephants hold important place as they have the privilege of escorting the numerous gods and goddesses.

In early days rich and affluent families in Kerala used to house an elephant and were considered a family member. The people of Kerala keenly observe elephant pageants on their special day.

 
Paripally Gajamela has the popular and unique elephant pageant that is held as a part of annual festival at Kodimootil Sree Bhadrakaali Temple in Paripally, Kerala.

The word ‘Gajamela’ is composed of two words- ‘Gajam’ and ‘Mela’. Gajam is another word for elephant in Malayalam and Mela means fair.

An annual elephant parade in which more than 50 elephants take part is held in Paripally town of Thiruvananthapuram on tenth day of the festival is very popular among masses.

The devotees dedicate the elephants at the temple of goddess Bhadrakali in the hope that it will bring in prosperity and affluence during the procession. The ritual is called ‘nerch’. The procession presents a spectacular view of a string of caparisoned elephants.

The pooram and vela festivals are the best events to gaze at the majestic tuskers in all their caparisoned brilliance. Mahouts atop Colourfully decked up elephants holding high tinseled silk parasols (muthukuda) and swaying white tufts (venchamaram) and peacock feather fans (aalavattom) to the rhythm of the temple orchestra.

The elephant pageant is accompained by the musical harmony of five traditional instruments (panchvadyam) which forms a passionate element of the kudamattam ritual (the synchronised changing of the parasols atop the tuskers). Cultural programmes are held every night all the way through the festival days.

Time for celebration:

One of the Kerala's most impressive temple festivals is Paripally Gajamela. The festival is celebrated every year in February-March. In 2010, the Gajamela will be held on 7th March.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Kollam which is about 23 Kms from Paripally.

Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 54 km from Paripally.

 

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.