Archives

Rath Yatra

Jul13

Puri in Orissa, Kolkata and other places in West Bengal celebrated the Rath Yatra today. Thousands of Kolkatans came out on the streets to participate in Rath Yatra. Salt Lake too participated in the festival. The Rath (The Chariot) was pulled along the Broadway of this township. Many pulled the chariot of Lord Jagannath while the rest stood along the way to catch a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra. Traffic was stopped enroute Rath Yatra. Prasad was distributed to the people while moving the Rath.

ISKCON, like every year, this year too organized Rath Yatra which started from the Park Circus Maidan, went through the central Kolkata streets and journey ended at Ganga Sagar Mela ground near Babughat. The Rath will be parked there till Ulta Rath, on the eighth day, when it will be back to the place of origin.

<- Rath Yatra at Puri Orissa

Devotees of the ISKCON from different parts of the world participated in the festival. Kids dressed as Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra enjoy themselves on the ISKCON Rath.

Pictures coutesy : Times of India

Deepavali or Diwali

Oct17

Diwali 2009

In a rare gesture to Indians worldwide as much as to showcase his — and America’s — multicultural affections, US President Barack Obama on Wednesday lit a ceremonial Diwali lamp at the White House to “symbolize victory of light over darkness”. Although it was the Bush administration that began celebrating Diwali in the White House in 2003, Obama became the first President to personally grace the ceremony.

Deepavali is the celebration of the Light over darkness,  goodness over evil, knowledge over ignorance. Lights are lit on the auspicious day of Deepavali not just decorate the homes but also to communicate this profound truth about life. Light the lamp of wisdom and love in every heart and bring a radiant smile on every face.

On this auspicious occassion, Laxmi, the goddess of wealth is also worshiped. In this festival, sweet is distributed which symbolises the dispelling of the bitterness of the past and renewal friendship.

Wish you all a very happy Diwali. May Diwali bring all happiness, prosperity in your life in the year ahead.

Mahalaya : Invocation of Maa Durga

Sep18

Ekdalia 2009

Like every year, this year too Durga Puja is at our doorstep. All around atmoshphere in the nature and everywhere reminds us the festival. Today is Mahalaya. Seven days before Durga Puja, “Mahalaya”, an auspicious occasion, is observed. This auspicious occasion heralds the coming of Maa Durga and begins the festivity to welcome her on this earth. It’s a kind of invitation (or we should say invocation) to the mother goddess to descend on earth and thats why we chant saying – ‘Jago, Maa Jago’. Invocation of Mother Durga is done through the chanting of mantras, singing devotional songs and scriptural verses from “Chandi”. Since early 1930s, the early morning Radio program ”Mahishasura Mardini” of Akashbani Kolkata on the Mahalaya day became a part of Bengali culture and the tradition is still continuing and nothing could change its originality as well as its popularity.

The story line goes like this : due to increasing cruelty of the demon king Mahishasura against the gods, the Gods pleaded Vishnu to annihilate the demon. The Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara (Shiva) come together to create a powerful female form with 10 arms – Maa Durga or Mahamaya, the Mother of the Universe, who embodies the primeval source of all power. The Gods then bestow upon this supreme creation their individual blessings and weapons. Armed like a warrior, the goddess rides a lion to battle with the Mahishasura. After a fierce combat the Durga is able to slay the asura king with her trident. Heaven and earth rejoice at her victory.

Another seven days to go to start the festival.  To read more about the festival, please go to my another post named : Durga Puja

<<<<<>>>>>