Category Archives: Culture

Compilation of my learning of Indian Culture…

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HOLI : HOW AND WHY ??

As we were getting ready to get in the festive moods of Holi , my 8 year old asked why we light fire on Holi and I realized I have to write about this festival 🙂

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“HOLI” a vibrant and colourful festival of INDIA. Generally celebrated around the month of March – April  is also known as “Faag” or “Phagwaa” .

Let’s go first with HOW holi is celebrated.It’s mainly celebrated for 2 days the first day is celebrated by lighting fire in the evening time. People go around the fire seeking blessings. This is called “Holika dahan“. To my understanding this name was derived from the mythological story of King Hiranyakashyap and his son Prahald who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.”Holika” was the name of King’s sister who entered the blazing fire with Prahlad on her lap (with the thought that Prahlad will be killed and since she had a boon to enter fire unscathed she will be saved.) Prahlad was saved by God and Holika was burnt in fire. “dahan” in hindi means burnt(combustion in literal word) ..hence the name “Holika dahan“.

The next day is celebrated in most of the India as “Dhuredi/Dhulandi” or “Rang Panchami“. Apart from making various delicious preparations the way this day is celebrated has transformed a lot, though the basic aspect of “playing with Colors” remains the same. Many other mythological tales related to Holi are about Lord Krishna and Radha, Ogress Pootna and Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and Kaamdeva.The basic moral of these stories is be truthful,honest and fight from evil.

Culturally people believe that this is the day when every one forgets the hatred, misunderstanding etc and makes a fresh start by applying colors to each other and hugging each other. The aim is to bring every one closer and tie them in the thread of “UNITY” through this festival.

Coming to scientific part as to WHY “Holi” is celebrated there are various reasons to it, this is the time when weather changes from cold winter to onset of spring, people are generally lethargic and because of the weather transition there is growth of bacteria in the environment and in the human body, hence when people do parikrima around fire(meaning circumambulate around fire) because of the heat the bacteria within the body and the ones present in environment die.The fun and Frolic associated with Holi, the brisk movements , loud music etc, play a vital role in rejuvenating the Human body.

During olden times people used organic colours basically turmeric & flowers of Tesu/palaash/dhhak/Kinshuk (Butea monosperma) were used to make colours. Turmeric acts as antiseptic and apart from other good elements its loaded with Vitamin,C,E,K etc. hence is a wonderful immunity booster. Similarly Dried flowers of palaash are crushed and soaked in water all night and used to play for holi, this acts as a very good protection from various skin diseases apart from various other medicinal benefits. There is a whole new stream of science called “chromatics” that explains how different colours play different roles in Human life and impact us in various different ways. So hope you enjoyed your Holi with your loved ones in its True spirit “with love and loads of Colors” !!!

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Makar Sankranti

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A very HAPPY LOHRI, MAKAR SANKRANTI, UTTARAYAN, MAGHI, KHICHADI & PONGAL...  Makar Sankranti, probably the only Indian festival that comes on the same date every year as it is based on the Sun’s position as compared to all the other Indian festivals that are based on Moon’s positioning. A festival of harvest , of Sun’s transition to Makar Rashi(Capricorn Astrological sign), a festival to mark onset of spring. Different reasons, different names in different regions in India and neighbouring countries.

I try to explain my kids what every festival signifies and why we do it. Some times the family traditions help or the elders of the family help or sometimes internet helps me in this quest of mine. I don’t want them to accept the things “JUST BECAUSE WE DO IT”, instead I want them to UNDERSTAND why we do it or what we learn out of it.

Lots of material can be found on the internet about its significance as Harvest festival , transition of Sun etc. but how do I explain all of it to my little ones who are not mature enough to understand all of it. Ok, let me take a step back and accept.. I still don’t get the complete picture of it. So how do I explain my kids who are raised in the “WEST” side of the world with something that is done on the “EAST” side of the world of which even I don’t have complete understanding. A mother’s/parent’s dilemma right.. I keep insisting my kids to tap the power and opportunity to learn. Learn from books, from TV, from movie basically from any and everything you do try to learns what you can. One should practice what one preaches right . So I started writing down what I know of this festival and how I can open the learning channel for them.Well I know its the festival of Harvest so I plan to tell them

1) Its the festival to show GRATITUDE to mother nature for her bounty .Appreciate what you have got and be thankful for it.

As it marks the change of season ..

2) CHANGE is part of life, its a way to live and give way to new things in life while appreciating old things. (Isn’t that what I am doing right now for my kids..making them learn old festivals in new perspective). You need to assimilate new things with the old in order to grow.

since we eat sweets made of til(sesame) and gud(Jaggery)

3)Til or sesame seeds are pretty SMALL, so small things have there own significance.Happiness lies in the little things of life. A little hug, splash of water, tiny flower, a little help, a little lullaby, a game of candy land or snake & ladder..that’s where the HAPPINESS is .Try to find and give happiness through small little things.

Jaggery ..

4) Be SWEET(nice) to others, just like when the Ladoos of til & Gud are made and eaten its the sweetness of gud that lingers on our tastesbud..not the til, similarly its the sweetness (kindness) of a person that remains immortal.

Kite flying is also a major activity during Uttrayan

5) Learn from kite… be LIGHT don’t weigh yourself down with pride of what you got or what you are capable of, coz then you will not soar high for sure. To soar High let go off the weight of PRIDE.

6) Face the CHALLENGES that come your way. Do not give up to the obstacles that cross your path. A kite always flies higher AGAINST the wind. Every challenge similarly thrown at you will help you improve , grow better , learn something more. Accept it with open hands and mind.

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Lessons To learn from SunderKand

SunderkandShri Hanuman, is one of the pivotal character in Shri Ramcharit Manas. It’s said that reciting Sunderkand every Saturday is fruitful in many different way.Not Only you can learn Lessons from Sunderkand but it gives you peace too.

We used to recite it but never learnt the hidden meanings behind it. But, this time when we decide to start our New year Weekend with Sunderkand path , I wanted to explain it to my kids (and my friend’s those who were attending) the lessons they can learn from it. This is when, the thought came in my mind, to why not share it on my BLOG too so as it can help all parents like me who might be interested in teaching their kids (and in the process also willing to learn themselves too) a few lessons of life.

Sunderkand is the fifth chapter of the Seven Chapters of Shri Ramcharit Manas. It talks about Realization of power within Shri Hanuman ji, about execution of very difficult tasks & his journey to Lanka as a messenger of Shri Ram.

LESSONS FROM DIFFERENT INCIDENCE :

1)Jamwant making Hanuman ji realize his powers which he had forgotten.

  Lesson :

  • We all have some hidden qualities within us, the need is to Just identify it.Each and every individual has some unique quality all we need is to identify it and tap it.
  • One should have friends (just like Jamwant) and value them as they help one to grow by identifying their hidden potential and  boosting them.

2) Mainak mountain offers help to Shri Hanuman ji to take rest while his journey to Lanka. Hanuman ji declines the help politely.

Lesson:

  • Be focused towards your goal.
  • Don’t give up until you reach your goals, however far they seem. Sometimes there might be temptations mid way to give up your goals but do not fall for those.
  • Be polite even when you have to say no.You don’t have to hurt any ones feeling while turning down their offer.

3) Sursa (the sea serpent) comes in the way of Shri Hanuman and wants to have him as food. Shri Hanuman requests her to let him go and he will later on willingly enter her mouth. Sursa does not agrees to it and starts increasing her size and so does Shri Hanuman. Later he takes a very minute size and keeping his promise enters Sursa’s mouth and quickly comes out and escapes.

 Lesson :

  • Only physical power can not help you all the time its the intelligence too that is important.
  • One should know how to use Strength/power effectively.
  • The powers should be used only when needed.
  • Respect your words and be true to them.

4) After reaching Lanka Shri Hanuman stops on a mountain. He looks carefully in to the city that he has never been to and analyses . He decides to enter the city at night and in a very small form.

Lesson :

  •  Always understand or get overview of your problem.
  •  Look for the details and then make a plan.

5) Lankini notices Shri Hanuman even in the tiny form and restricts him from going in the city. He hits her with a fist and then gets in the city.

Lesson :

  • Your actions should be based on what a situation requires for.
  • Do as needed.
  • Never misuse your power.

6) In the city of Lanka, Shri Hanuman notices Tulsi plant(Holy plant) in a palace and a small temple with signs of Bow and arrow of Shri Ram. Thus he reaches Vibhishan’s house who later helps Shri Hanuman.

Lesson :

  • Pay attention to even small details.
  • Think Logically.

7) Vibhishan explains that he loves and follows the Lord, even though he lives between demons. Just like a tongue is soft and supple though its enclosed by hard and strong teeths, so is he Loving and following the Lord though living amongst demons.

Lessons :

  • Its your actions that makes you the person what you are and not your company.
  • Your company can have least effect on you unless you yourself let that happen.
  • No one can misguide you or lead you to wrong path unless you allow them.

8) Shri Hanuman approaches Sita carefully. He sits on a tree, and sings praises of Lord Ram and then drops the ring of Lord Ram in front of Sita.

Lesson :

  • When a person is in problem, don’t just lead to action/conclusion. Think from other person’s point of view. Living so long, amongst demons if Shri Hanuman would have suddenly appeared in front of Sita ji , she might have considered him too as one of them or got scared….so instead he created an environment of comfort by singing praise of Lord Rama and then gaining her confidence by giving Lord’s ring as proof.

9) After meeting Sita ji and conveying message of Lord Ram, Shri Hanuman takes permission from Sita and goes ahead to have food in Ashok Vatika.

Lesson :

  • Even when you are very busy or have some daunting or fun tasks ahead , still take out time for your daily chores like having food timely and all other activities. These are a must for a healthy body and should not be overlooked for other stuff.

10) When Meghnath sends Brahmaastra, Shri Hanuman ji had enough power to avoid it. Despite of boon from Lord Brahma , Shri Hanuman bows down in front of Brahmaastra.

Lesson :

  • Respect the powers/knowledge of others.
  • Be Humble irrespective of knowledge/power/position you have achieved.
  • There is no need to show off your power/knowledge/position by letting down others.

11)When taken to the court of Lanka, as a punishment to Shri Hanuman his tail is to be set on fire.He enjoys the situation by increasing his tail and amuses people around him.

Lesson :

  • Fun is also important in life.
  • Enjoy the moment of life with some Humour and fun.

12) Shri Hanuman before leaving Lanka burns the important places in lanka.

Lesson :

  • Shri Hanuman knew that later Lord Ram will come with his army ,so to help them out he already destroys the important places that he had carefully studied and noted. Plan ahead and take actions accordingly.
  • Do not wait till the last minute to accomplish a task.

13) Shri Hanuman returns back after completing the task assigned By Lord Ram and gives him message of Sita ji. When Lord Ram priases Shri Hanuman for his exemplary work, Shri Hanuman explains that he could accomplish the task assigned as he kept Lord Shri Ram in his mind and it was because of His grace that he was successful in his mission.

Lesson :

  • Have Faith in the Almighty.
  • Be humble. “I did” should not be the focus, if you are good at something people will realize eventually .
  • When you do good to others don’t keep remembering and reminding them ..I Did this for you…(as this leads to expectations, which can become cause of sorrow or hurt).
  • Goodness/Qualities of a person can never be hidden , it will eventually be realized. It does not needs marketing.

14)After receiving message from Shri Hanuman, the army of monkey’s starts gathering on the other side of sea. Getting this news Ravan holds a meeting on court and asks for suggestions for actions to be taken by his courtiers. They laugh off the information and keep praising Ravan and satisfying his ego.

Lesson :

  • Always be watchful of advice from people around you. The flattery will not lead you to path of growth. Especially three people : DOCTOR, TEACHER and ADVISOR(SECRETARY), if they do not give you the true information/feedback and only try to please you by flattery, your downfall is sure.
  • Always surround yourself with people who will give you true feedback, flattery might please the ears , but it will certainly not help in your growth.

NOTE : This is not to promote religion or culture but the lessons here can be helpful  to all specially for our kids. You can explain the lessons from a kid’s /corporate/individual perspective for teaching.