Category: Festivals

5 September, 2023, Tuesday

Teacher’s Day is celebrated in various countries around the world to honor and appreciate the important role that teachers play in shaping the lives of students and society as a whole. In many countries, including India, Teacher’s Day is observed on September 5th each year, which marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, an eminent philosopher, scholar, and the second President of India.

Teacher’s Day is a special occasion to express gratitude, respect, and admiration towards teachers for their dedication, knowledge, and guidance. It provides an opportunity for students and communities to acknowledge the contributions and impact of teachers in their lives.

Here are some common ways in which Teacher’s Day is celebrated:

1. Appreciation Events: Schools, colleges, and educational institutions organize special events and programs to honor teachers. These events often include speeches, musical performances, skits, and various cultural activities organized by students to express their appreciation and gratitude.
2. Gift Giving: Students often present their teachers with gifts, cards, flowers, or other tokens of appreciation as a gesture of gratitude. These gifts symbolize the students’ respect and acknowledgment of the efforts and contributions made by their teachers.
3. Student-Teacher Interactions: Teacher’s Day provides an opportunity for students to interact with their teachers in a more informal setting. Students may engage in open discussions, share personal experiences, and express their thoughts and aspirations.
4. Inspirational Messages: Students often write and recite poems, essays, or speeches expressing their admiration for their teachers. These heartfelt messages highlight the positive influence and impact teachers have had on their lives.
5. Awards and Recognitions: Educational institutions may present awards or certificates of recognition to outstanding teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and excellence in their teaching profession.
6. Community Participation: Teacher’s Day celebrations extend beyond the school or college premises. Local communities, educational organizations, and government bodies may also organize events, seminars, or workshops to promote awareness about the importance of quality education and to honor teachers in the wider society.

Teacher’s Day serves as a reminder of the vital role teachers play in shaping the future by imparting knowledge, values, and skills to the younger generation. It is an occasion to express gratitude and appreciation, fostering a sense of respect and recognition for the teaching profession.

2 September, 2023, Satur

Kajari Teej, also known as Kajali Teej or Badi Teej, is a Hindu festival primarily celebrated by women in the northern states of India, particularly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. It is observed on the third day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August.

Kajari Teej is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Parvati, seeking her blessings for marital harmony, well-being, and the prosperity of the family. The festival derives its name from the word “kajari,” which refers to the special songs sung during this time that depict the longing and separation of a woman from her beloved.

Here are some key aspects and customs associated with Kajari Teej:

1. Worship of Goddess Parvati: Women observe fasts and offer prayers to Goddess Parvati on Kajari Teej. They visit temples dedicated to the goddess, seeking her blessings for a happy and prosperous married life. Married women pray for the well-being of their husbands, while unmarried women seek a suitable life partner.
2. Special Puja Rituals: Women perform puja (ritual worship) in the morning, typically after taking a ritual bath. They dress in colorful traditional attire and adorn themselves with jewelry. The puja involves the chanting of mantras and offering fruits, flowers, and sacred items to the deity.
3. Swing Ritual: Swinging on beautifully decorated swings is a common practice during Kajari Teej. Women enjoy swinging while singing traditional songs and hymns, expressing their joy and devotion. The swings are often adorned with flowers, colorful fabrics, and decorative elements.
4. Kajari Songs and Folklore: Kajari Teej is known for its unique musical tradition. Women sing Kajari songs, which are folk songs expressing emotions of longing, love, and devotion. These songs often narrate the tales of Radha and Lord Krishna, emphasizing their divine love and the pangs of separation.
5. Fasting and Vrat: Women observe a day-long fast on Kajari Teej as a mark of devotion and penance. They abstain from consuming food and water until they offer their prayers and break the fast in the evening after sighting the moon. Some women observe Nirjala Vrat, which involves fasting without even drinking water.
6. Exchange of Gifts: Kajari Teej is also a time for exchanging gifts among family and friends. Married women receive gifts from their parents, in-laws, and husbands, symbolizing love, blessings, and appreciation.
7. Cultural Celebrations: Kajari Teej is celebrated with enthusiasm and cultural fervor. Women participate in various activities, including dancing, singing, and organizing cultural programs showcasing the local art forms and traditions.

Kajari Teej celebrates the beauty of marital relationships, devotion, and the power of women. It is a time for women to express their love, devotion, and longing through rituals, songs, and celebrations. The festival brings communities together, fostering a sense of unity and joy among the participants.

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Onam, also known as Thiruvonam, is a vibrant and significant festival celebrated in the South Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the most cherished and widely celebrated festivals in the region. Onam marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali, who is believed to visit Kerala during this time.

The festival falls in the month of Chingam (August-September) according to the Malayalam calendar and lasts for ten days. The main day of celebration is known as Thiruvonam, which is considered the most auspicious day of the festival.

Here are some key aspects and traditions associated with Onam/Thiruvonam:

1. Floral Rangoli (Pookalam): One of the prominent features of Onam is the creation of intricate and colorful floral designs called Pookalam. These designs are made using various flowers, petals, and leaves arranged in beautiful patterns on the floor, typically in front of the house. Pookalam symbolizes prosperity and is a visual treat during the festival.
2. Traditional Attire: Onam is a time when people wear traditional attire. Men wear Mundu (a white cloth wrapped around the waist) with a Kasavu (golden border), and women wear traditional sarees like Kasavu sarees, which are off-white with golden borders. The traditional attire adds to the festive ambiance.
3. Onam Sadhya: The grand Onam feast, known as Onam Sadhya, is a significant part of the celebrations. It is a sumptuous vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf. The Sadhya typically includes a variety of dishes such as rice, sambar, avial (a mixed vegetable curry), thoran (stir-fried vegetables with coconut), pachadi (a yogurt-based side dish), and payasam (sweet dessert). The Sadhya is enjoyed with family and friends.
4. Vallamkali (Boat Race): Vallamkali, the traditional snake boat race, is a major attraction during Onam. It takes place in the backwaters of Kerala, where teams of rowers paddle in unison, accompanied by cheering spectators. The most famous boat race is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in Alappuzha, drawing participants from across the state.
5. Kaikottikali and Thiruvathirakali: These are traditional dance forms performed by women during the Onam festivities. Kaikottikali is a group dance where women form a circle and dance rhythmically clapping their hands. Thiruvathirakali is a graceful dance performed by women in a circular formation around a lamp.
6. Pulikali: Pulikali, also known as the Tiger Dance, is a vibrant folk art form that is performed during Onam. Men paint their bodies to resemble tigers or other animals and dance through the streets, showcasing their creativity and entertaining the spectators.
7. Onapottan: Onapottan, also known as the King Mahabali impersonator, is an integral part of Onam celebrations. A person dressed as King Mahabali visits households, distributing sweets and blessings to the residents.

Onam is a time of joy, cultural pride, and togetherness in Kerala. It showcases the rich traditions, art forms, and cuisine of the region. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, bringing people together to honor their cultural heritage and create lasting memories.

21 August, 2023, Monday

Nag Panchami is a Hindu festival celebrated in India to honor and worship Nagas, the serpent deities. It falls on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravana, typically occurring in July or August. Nag Panchami holds significant cultural and religious importance, particularly in regions where snakes are revered.

The festival is observed to seek protection from snake bites and to invoke the blessings of the serpent gods for the well-being and prosperity of the family. Snakes hold a special place in Hindu mythology and are associated with Lord Shiva, who is often depicted wearing serpents as ornaments.

On Nag Panchami, devotees, particularly women, worship snakes and offer prayers at snake temples or makeshift snake pits in their homes. They create snake images using cow dung, turmeric, or silver and adorn them with flowers and vermilion. Milk, honey, and other offerings are made to the snake idols as a mark of reverence.

The main rituals and customs of Nag Panchami include:

1. Snake Worship: Devotees visit snake temples or set up temporary altars at home with snake images. They perform puja (ritual worship) to the snake deities, offering milk, water, flowers, fruits, and other traditional items. Mantras and prayers dedicated to snakes are chanted during the puja.
2. Fasting: Some individuals observe a partial or complete fast on Nag Panchami as a mark of devotion and penance. They abstain from consuming food and water until they have completed their prayers and rituals.
3. Protecting Homes: People draw snake images or footprints using cow dung paste or turmeric near the entrances of their homes to ward off evil and bring blessings and protection.
4. Folklore and Legends: Various mythological stories associated with snakes and their significance in Hinduism are shared during Nag Panchami. The tales of the serpent deities, such as Sheshnag and Vasuki, are narrated, highlighting their role in Hindu mythology.
5. Symbolic Offerings: Devotees offer milk, honey, and other traditional items associated with snakes as a symbol of reverence and gratitude. The offerings are believed to please the serpent gods and seek their blessings.

Nag Panchami is not only a religious festival but also serves as a way to create awareness and respect for snakes. It promotes harmony with nature and encourages the protection of these creatures. The festival is celebrated with joy and devotion, emphasizing the cultural beliefs and customs associated with snakes in different parts of India.

19 August, 2023, Saturday

Hariyali Teej is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily by women in various parts of India. It falls on the Tritiya (third day) of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravana, which typically occurs in July or August. The festival holds great cultural and religious importance, particularly in the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.

The term “Hariyali” translates to “greenery,” referring to the lush monsoon season when Teej is celebrated. The festival is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing marital bliss, prosperity, and the well-being of married couples. It is primarily observed by married women, although unmarried girls also participate to seek blessings for a prosperous married life in the future.

During Hariyali Teej, women dress in vibrant traditional attire, often wearing green-colored clothes and adorning themselves with jewelry and henna designs. They gather in groups to sing and dance, expressing joy and celebrating the arrival of the monsoon season. The swinging of beautifully decorated swings, often hung from trees or specially constructed frames, is a popular activity during this festival.

The main rituals and customs of Hariyali Teej include:

1. Fasting: Married women observe a day-long fast on Teej as a symbol of their devotion and love for their husbands. They abstain from consuming food and water until they offer prayers and perform the evening rituals.
2. Worship: Women visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, where they offer prayers, perform traditional rituals, and seek the blessings of the divine couple for a blissful married life.
3. Swing Ritual: Swinging on decorated swings is a central aspect of Hariyali Teej. Women, particularly newlyweds, enjoy swinging while singing traditional Teej songs. The swings represent the playfulness and joy associated with married life.
4. Mehndi (Henna): Applying intricate henna designs on hands and feet is an integral part of the festival. Women adorn their hands with beautiful mehndi patterns, symbolizing love, beauty, and fertility.
5. Feasting: After the day-long fast, women break their fast by consuming a special meal prepared with various traditional delicacies and sweets. Families and friends come together to enjoy a festive feast, sharing joy and happiness.

Hariyali Teej is not only a celebration of the monsoon season but also a time to strengthen the bond between married couples and seek divine blessings for marital happiness and prosperity. The festival encapsulates the spirit of love, devotion, and togetherness, and it holds cultural significance as it is deeply rooted in the traditions and customs of various regions in India.

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. The term “Raksha Bandhan” translates to “bond of protection” or “bond of love.” It is a joyous occasion that celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters.

The festival typically falls in the month of August, on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar calendar. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread, known as a Rakhi, around the wrists of their brothers as a symbol of love, protection, and goodwill. The Rakhi thread represents the sister’s prayers for her brother’s well-being, while the brother, in turn, offers gifts and promises to protect and support his sister.

The rituals and customs associated with Raksha Bandhan vary across regions, but the essence remains the same. Here are some key aspects of the festival:

1. Rakhi Ceremony: Sisters prepare for the festival by selecting beautiful Rakhis, often adorned with colorful threads, beads, and embellishments. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters perform a short prayer or aarti for their brothers’ well-being. Then, they tie the Rakhi around their brothers’ wrists while chanting prayers and reciting blessings.
2. Exchange of Gifts: Along with the Rakhi, brothers give gifts to their sisters as a token of their love and appreciation. The gifts can vary, ranging from traditional items such as sweets, clothes, or jewelry to more modern options like gadgets or personalized presents. This exchange of gifts signifies the strengthening of the bond between siblings.
3. Festive Celebrations: Families come together to celebrate Raksha Bandhan. They dress in traditional attire, offer prayers, and share a meal. The atmosphere is filled with joy, laughter, and familial love. It is a time for siblings to reconnect, reminisce about childhood memories, and strengthen their bond.
4. Symbolism of Protection: Raksha Bandhan holds deep symbolic meaning. Sisters tie the Rakhi around their brothers’ wrists to seek their protection and blessings. It signifies the brother’s lifelong commitment to safeguard and support his sister, both physically and emotionally. The Rakhi thread is believed to have the power to ward off evil and protect the brother from harm.
5. Celebration of Sibling Bond: Raksha Bandhan goes beyond the biological relationship of brothers and sisters. It celebrates the broader concept of siblinghood, including cousins, close friends, and even relationships where there is no blood relation. The festival emphasizes the importance of unconditional love, trust, and support among siblings.
6. Cultural Significance: Raksha Bandhan reflects the rich cultural heritage of India. It promotes the values of love, respect, and unity within families. It also showcases the unique bond between brothers and sisters, reinforcing the importance of familial relationships in Indian society.

Raksha Bandhan is not limited to a specific age group or gender. It is a festival that transcends boundaries and brings people together, reinforcing the idea of love, protection, and unity among siblings. It is a cherished occasion that strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters, creating lifelong memories and a sense of belonging within the family.

 

Raksha Bandhan is typically celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana, which usually falls in the months of July or August. The exact date of Raksha Bandhan varies each year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. To find the specific date of Raksha Bandhan for a particular year, it is best to consult a reliable Hindu calendar or check online resources that provide updated festival dates based on the lunar calendar.

next raksha bandhan dated Wed, 30 Aug, 2023