Raksha Bandhan: Hindu festival honors sibling love, special relationships

August 18, 2016 by Leave a Comment

NEWS 2016: This year, UK armed forces have celebrated Raksha Bandhan across Britain; India Times presents a list of nostalgic memories slideshow for anyone who grew up with a sibling; Amazon India delivers a heartfelt message in this year’s Raksha campaign, #DeliverTheLove; and, read all about how rakhis are helping to empower a local economy.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18: Today’s festival of Raksha Bandhan—celebrated across India and in Hindu communities worldwide—honors the sacred bonds between brothers and sisters. Over many centuries, the rakhi (from Sanskrit, “the tie or knot of affection”) has evolved from simple, handspun threads into bangles adorned in jewels, crystals, cartoon characters and even political figures.

The simple gift expresses renewed love between siblings and sometimes between others who share a bond of brotherhood. More than a century ago, the famous Indian writer Rabindranath Tagore suggested that Muslims and Hindus exchange rakhi as signs of peace and unity as Indians.

Typically, today, women present a rakhi to men and, in return, the men promise to protect the women who offer them a bracelet. (Learn more from the Society for the Confluence of Festivals in India.) Although usually associated with Hinduism, Raksha Banhan has reached a wider cultural status—often celebrated by Jains, Sikhs and even some Muslims across India, Mauritus, parts of Nepal and Pakistan.

A DAY IN THE LIFE:
THE RITUALS OF RAKSHA BANDHAN

Weeks before the culmination of Raksha Bandhan, Indian shops offer a bright palette of threads for women making their own rakhi. Shops also are stocked with colorful premade rakhi. The bracelet may be as plain or as opulent as the woman wishes, although most are adorned with some type of decoration at the middle. Men also shop market stands, searching for a token of love for their sisterly Raksha Bandhan companion.

Interested in making your own rakhi? Find simple instructions here.

The morning of the festival, brothers and sisters greet one another in, if possible, the presence of other family members. The sister ties a rakhi on her brother’s wrist, reciting prayers for his well-being and applying a colorful tilak mark to his forehead. The brother promises, in return, to protect his sister under all circumstances—even if she is married—and the two indulge in sweet foods. The brother presents the sister with a gift, and everyone present rejoices in the gladness of family. When a brother and sister cannot be together on Raksha Bandhan, they often send each other cards and gifts for the occasion.

NEWS: INDIA TO HOST FIRST ‘INTERNATIONAL RAKSHA BANDHAN’

A first-of-its-kind International Raksha Bandhan festival will be held on August 17 in New Delhi, according to news sources. Aside from more local attendees and families, organizers are anticipating visitors from almost 40 countries to attend the festival. According to one representative, “Raksha Bandhan is a festival which can provide way for answers to many global problems.”

Vesak: Buddhist lanterns and ceremonies celebrate the sacred ‘triple gem’

May 21, 2016 by Leave a Comment

SATURDAY, MAY 21 and SUNDAY, MAY 22: Millions of glowing lanterns shine brightly in Buddhist communities worldwide, as the collective birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha is observed with the holiday of Vesak. Known also as Visakha Puja or Wesak (spellings vary), Vesak begins before dawn in many regions, with ceremonies, decorated temples, shared vegetarian meals and deep meditation. In 2016, Vesak is commemorated on May 21 in most regions of India, Sri Lanka and Cambodia; in Indonesia, this year’s Vesak occurs on May 22. This holy day is greeted by devout Buddhists across Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh, the Phillippines, Thailand and several other South East Asian countries—along with various other locations across the globe.

Did you know? Some Buddhists informally refer to Vesak as “Buddha Day,” or “Buddha’s Birthday.”

Buddhism has been practiced for millennia, but it wasn’t until 1950 that the official decision was made—at the first conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists—to observe Vesak as the Buddha’s birthday. Today, devotees bring offerings to temples—such as flowers or candles—in representation of the objects of this world that fade away. Monks provide lectures, and laypersons wear white clothing. It is expected that Buddhists will try to bring some happiness to the unfortunate on this significant day, and review the Four Noble Truths.

Did you know? The design of the Buddhist flag is based on the six colors of the aura believed to have surrounded Buddha after his enlightenment. It is used in almost 60 countries, especially during Vesak.

In commemoration of three major events—the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the historical Buddha—Vesak is recognized by all Buddhist sects. It acknowledges the peace that Buddha brought to the world through the “triple gem”: Buddha himself, the Dharma (teachings) and the Sangha (Buddha’s disciples). Most Buddhists today use candles and small lamps to illuminate temples, streets and homes, representing the light of Buddha’s teachings. In Japan, legend has it that a dragon appeared in the sky on Buddha’s birthday and poured soma (a ritual drink) over him.

Interested in making your own Vesak lantern? Check out this site’s DIY instructions, which include using everyday materials such as drinking straws and tissue paper.

Ram Navami: Hindus celebrate righteous reign of ancient king Sri Rama

April 10, 2016 by Leave a Comment

FRIDAY, APRIL 15: The story of Lord Rama has been read, recited, acted out in passion plays and reviewed by Hindus worldwide, during a period known as Ramayana Week—all leading up to today’s climactic festival, Ram Navami. (Spellings vary; Ramanavami and Ramnavami are also common spellings.) Celebrated as the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, Ram Navami recalls the righteous, peaceful and presperous reign of the ancient kingdom under Sri Rama. The epic Ramayana, read during Ramayana Week, tells the exciting and thrilling adventures of Rama and the widespread anticipation of the long-awaited heir of King Dasharath of Ayodhya. Many Hindus believe that listening to the story of Rama cleanses the soul.

Did you know? According to studies, some consider the birth of Rama to have been in January of 4114 BCE.

Legend has it that Rama was born at noon: Rama’s dynasty has been linked with the sun, and at noon, the sun is at its brightest. At home, Hindus set pictures of Lord Rama, his wife (Sita), Hanuman and Lakshman in places of importance; puja is performed with joy. It is common to fast from onions, wheat products and several other foods on Ramanavami, and community meals free of these foods share the gaiety of the festival. In temples, fruits and flowers, Vedic chants and mantras are offered to Sri Rama. In South India, the wedding of Rama and Sita is ceremonially recognized, while in parts of North India, chariot processions attract thousands of visitors.

Did you know? Gandhi said that Ramrajya, the peaceful reign of Lord Rama, would be the ideal state of India following independence.

AN ALTERNATE BIRTHDAY: SWAMINARAYAN JAYANTI

While the majority of India is celebrating Sri Rama, many Hindus also recall the birthday of the founder of the Swaminarayan tradition within Hinduism. In stark contrast to the millennia-old commemorations of most Hindu deities, this jayanti marks the birth of an 18th-century figure who lived into the 19th century. Lord Swaminarayan was born in North India and traveled across the country as a social and moral reformer. Today, his devotees sing, fast and offer food at temples, with a late culmination at 10:10 p.m.—the documented time of his birth.

NEWS: RAM EVENT AIMS FOR WORLD RECORD

In India, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has planned an awareness drive for HIV/AIDS to mark the centenary of a Ram Navami shobhyatra (procession). Organizers hope to inspire a record number of youths in taking an oath to prevent HIV/AIDS and spreading awareness—in a number that will break the current record for most participants in an event taking an oath for a social cause. (Read more here.) As one organizer explained in the Times of India, “Lord Hanuman is famous as a bachelor while Lord Ram as monogamist. HIV/AIDS will be eradicated if people follow the two Lords before and after marriage.”

Ugadi: Hindus in India, worldwide embrace New Year with spring festivals

April 08, 2016 by Leave a Comment

FRIDAY, APRIL 8: Spring in India brings the sweet scent of ripe mangoes, aromas of calming jasmine and the Hindu New Year: Ugadi, also known as Yugadi. Hindus in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka have been cleaning their homes for nearly a week, and in celebrating regions in India and around the world today, devotees gather for Ugadi poetry recitals, dance festivals, sports and youth essay contests. New Year predictions announced by Brahmin priests, and traditional prayers are offered. Across India, many homes are adorned with mango leaves and women braid fresh jasmine into their hair, toiling over special New Year dishes in anticipation of shared feasts with family and friends.

Did you know? One of the most popular dishes on today’s menu is Ugadi Pachadi, a dish containing several tastes that symbolize the many emotions of life. Unfortunately, this dish isn’t easily replicated in the U.S. or outside of India; ingredients such as neem buds and jaggery can be difficult to find.

Millions of men and women across India base the start of the Saka, or Indian national calendar, on an ancient system that balances both lunar and solar cycles. This year, the Saka calendar places Ugadi (literally, “the beginning of an age”) on April 8. Many also believe that Yugadi marks the anniversary of our current era—known as Kali Yuga.

Netherlands celebrates Ugadi: Festivals for Yugadi are popping up worldwide, such as in the Netherlands, where this year the Telugu Association of Netherlands will present cultural performances, an array of authentic foods and more for a Ugadi event on April 9. (The Hindu reported.) The customs and language of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will be brought to Amsterdam as part of the event expected to draw approximately 500 families.

Sri Ramakrishna Jayanti: Hindus honor modern mystic, teacher

March 7, 2016 by Leave a Comment

THURSDAY, MARCH 10: Across India and in Hindu communities worldwide, today marks the 180th birth anniversary celebration for Sri Ramakrishna—a Hindu mystic whose movement redefined modern Hinduism. Many Hindu legends date back thousands of years, but it was during a modern time of Western influence that Ramakrishna made an impact: as true Hindu devotion was eroding, Ramakrishna warned, it was time to revive the faith.

Many accounts verify the God-like essence that surrounded Ramakrishna, and his God-consciousness is described in books including works on psychology. However, despite his mission to unify India, this mystic and teacher also taught an appreciation for other religious traditions. Ramakrishna’s small room in the Dakshineswar temple garden was frequently filled with men and women, young and old—atheists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians—all anxious to see and hear him. Ramakrishna became renowned for explaining the mysteries of God in the language of the common man.

As Hindu holidays are based on the lunar calendar in India, Ramakrishna’s birthday is on February 18—but, in translation to the Gregorian calendar, that date this year on the Gregorian calendar is March 10. Worldwide, devotions and programs are held for Sri Ramakrishna.

Care to read more?

International peacemaker and author Daniel Buttry profiles Sr. Ramakrishna (1836-1886).

Maha Shivaratri: Hindus chant, pray for Lord Shiva

February 28, 2016 by Leave a Comment

MONDAY, MARCH 7: Millions of Hindus worldwide chant, worship and fast for Lord Shiva before heading into a nighttime vigil of devotion, for the auspicious Hindu holiday of Maha Shivaratri. (Dates vary by region.) A member of the divine Hindu Trinity, Lord Shiva is associated with a multitude of legends and is held in regard as the ideal husband. Hindu tradition tells that Lord Shiva generates, sustains and dispels the universe in infinite cycles, and that on this holy day, the deity performed the Tandava—the cosmic dance of creation, preservation and destruction. Maha Shivaratri is the principal festival for Lord Shiva.

THE LEGENDS OF LORD SHIVA

As Maha Shivaratri is celebrated across India, Nepal, Trinidad, Tobago and other parts of the world, legend tells that Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati, were married on this day. Many married women pray for their own husbands today, and single women pray that they will find a husband like Lord Shiva. Another legend tells that Lord Shiva manifested in the form of a Linga on Maha Shivaratri, and thus the day is considered especially auspicious.

RITUALS: MEDITATION AND MILK BATHS

On most holy days, Hindus practice yoga and meditation, and on the night of Maha Shivaratri, many devotees meditate or sing devotional songs throughout the night. During much of the day, temples are visited and holy ash from sacred fires is worn on the foreheads of Shiva devotees. Statues of Lord Shiva are bathed in milk, honey and water, and bilva, or bael, leaves are offered to the supreme deity.

India: Festivities culminate with Makar Sankranti and Maghi Mela

December 15, 2016 by

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15: Snow may still be covering many regions of the world, but in India, thoughts of spring are in full swing: Today begins Makar Sankranti, a festival signaling the migration of the sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn. Makar Sankranti is considered highly auspicious, beginning a Hindu period of enlightenment, peace and happiness—although cultures across this huge country bring a variety of customs.

Throughout India and the Hindu world, some things are almost universal: Devotees feast on warming sweets, fly kites and take a dip in sacred waters. (Hungry for an authentic Makar Sankranti recipe? Try one from the Times of India.)

And the variations? In some regions, cattle are decorated; in other regions, decorative designs called rangolis are brightly displayed in front of homes; ancestors are honored. (Wikipedia has details.) During the sub-festival of Kale Kauva, sweetmeats of flour, sugar and butter are formed into shapes and strung onto a necklace.

The darkest days of the calendar year—calculated by Hindus as lasting from mid-December through mid-January—mark an inauspicious phase, and that phase ends with Makara Sankranti. Many traditional stories are associated with this festival, and even the most ancient epics mention its significance. Among the stories, Hindus share that Maharaja Bhagiratha liberated his ancestors from a curse, merging the Ganges with the sea, and to this day, millions enter the waters at Ganga Sagar (the point where the Ganges River meets the Bay of Bengal) during Makara Sankranti.

KITE FLYING

Perhaps the most widely recognized symbol of Makar Sankranti is the kite, as kites are flown in several regions throughout India as a symbolic outreach to Surya, the Sun god. Kite designs can be traditional, but most visualize popular culture and figures; movie stars, political leaders and activists are most common.

Still, warnings go out concerning Makar Sankranti kite flying, too: animal welfare activists have launched campaigns throughout India to raise awareness of the hundreds of birds killed each year with manja, glass-coated kite strings. Volunteers will offer public lessons on flying kites with regular strings, while other volunteers will offer help in caring for any injured birds.

There are intriguing interfaith connections as kites soar for Makar Sankranti. This particular activity extends beyond the majority Hindu community. Many of the craftsmen who create the kites are Muslims from Uttar Pradesh, and some of the most expert young flyers are Muslim.

MELA MAGHI: SIKHS HONOR ’40 LIBERATED ONES’

For Sikhs, Makar Sankranti signals another commemoration: Maghi, the anniversary of the sacrifice of the 40 “Immortal” Sikhs who defended Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1705. Though they had previously deserted 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, the Chali Mukte (40 Liberated Ones) returned to battle and defended their leader with their lives. The massive imperial Mughal army was forced to retreat, and following their martyrdom, Guru Gobind Singh declared the ‘40 Liberated Ones’ as having reached mukti (liberation).

In gurdwaras worldwide, Sikhs gather for recitals of the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy book), while participating in religious divans for Mela Maghi.  In Mukstar (Punjab), a three-day celebration draws pilgrims with fairs and the opportunity for worship at various shrines.