Friday, October 20, 2006

Anadamoyee Maa


Dear readers,

Happy Diwali to all!

Along with Diwali, Anandamoyee Maa Maha Kali is also worshipped during this time.

I miss my ancestral home and my 200 years tradition of Kali pujo like anything this time of the year.

Here's a video of my mother doing "boron" of the Eternal Mother.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SmIUX51VCQ

Jay Maa Kali!

~ Souvik

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Ai Kavi


Dear readers,
Today is Valmiki Jayanti (October 7th., 2006).
From here
The birthday of the Ai Kavi (the first poet), Valmiki is celebrated on the full moon day of Ashvina (September - October). Valmiki is the author of the so-celebrated Ramayana in Sanskrit. He was contemporary of Rama, the hero of the Ramayana. Valmiki himself represented as taking part in some of these scenes he relates. He received the banished Sita into his hermitage and educated her twin sons Kusha and lava. The invention of the "Shioka" (epic meter) is attributed to Valmiki.Originally, Valmiki belonged to a depressed class and was a sort of robber. He robbed and even killed the people passing through the forest, but because of the influence of some sages, he repented and betook himself to a hermitage on a hill in the district of Bonda in Bundelkhanda. There, he is said to have eventually received Sita, when banished by Rama.He got his name "Valmiki" because when immersed in meditation, he allowed himself to be overrun with ants like an anthill. His original name was "Ratnakar". Many depressed classes in the country trace their lineage to Valmiki. On his birthday he is worshipped and prayed and his portraits are taken out in processions through the and streets. Kirtans are also held in Valmiki temples.
From here
The story of Valmiki is steeped in legend. One version has it that Valmiki was originally a dalit dacoit called Ratna who haunted the forests and preyed upon the unwary travellers. One day a sage called Narada passed through the forest. Ratna saw him and immediately attacked him. Narada asked him why he did his foul deeds to which Ratna replied that it was to take care of his family, which consisted of his aged parents, wife and children. The sage then wanted to know if they would be willing to share in the punishment for his misdeeds. Ratna was sure they would but the sage advised him to go and ask them. Ratna tied the sage to a tree and ran home to ask his family if they would share in his punishments. His family replied in the negative, saying that it was Ratna's duty to take care of them and they were not responsible for the path he chose to do so. Disappointed, Ratna returned to the forest and confessed to the sage. The sage told him to repent for his sins and to stop his evil ways and to chant the name of Lord Rama. Legend has it that Valmiki meditated in one place till an ant-hill formed on top of him without him realising it. Hence the name Valmiki (from 'Valmik' which means ant-hill in Sanskrit). Valmiki became a maharishi (great sage).
There is another legend behind his writing the Ramayana. According to this legend, Valmiki was in the forest one day, when a hunter shot a bird. Valmiki was so touched by the pain of the bird that he composed and sang a sad song.
Brahma was greatly moved by the touching song. He appeared before Valmiki and asked him to compose the life of Sri Rama in a similar verse. This is how maharishi valmiki started to write Ramayana
Brahma gave the gift of insight of Sri Rama's life to Valmiki. Valmiki began to compose the great eternal song and poem of the life of Sri Rama—The Ramayana. Valmiki's Ramayana is the very first poem in Sanskrit. Therefore, it is called the Adikavya or "The first poem" and Valmiki is also known as the Adikavi, which means "The first poet".
Legend has it that it was Maharshi Valmiki who offered refuge to
Sita the wife of Lord Rama, and the queen of Ayodhya when she was banished from the kingdom. It was in his hermitage in the forest that Rama and Sita's twin sons Lava and Kusha were born and brought up.
Maharishi Valmik is accepted by many Indian communities as the author of the Yoga Vasistha, this particular piece of work was taught to Rama when he was disillusioned with the world in large . The Yoga Vasistha is an incredible piece of text which discusses a wide array of philosophical issues. Moreover, it appears to have been written over 5000 years ago

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Abhinandan-Shubho Bijoya



Dear readers,

Shubho Bijoya to all!

Here's a small write up on Bijoya.

From here

"

The tenth day or Dashami is also known as Bijoya Dashami, as this was the day on which Devi Durga attained victory over buffalo demon Mahishasura. This day also coincides with Dussehra, the tenth day of Navaratri celebration. Durga Puja is not just a religious celebration. It is a social and cultural celebration. This is the occasion to send invitations and spend some quality time with your friends, family and acquaintances, to let them know your appreciation and wish each other Shubho Bijoya, the common phrase used to wish someone, a blessed bijoya.

This is also the last day of worshipping Maa Durga, this is the day when idol of Goddess Durga will be immersed in the near by river. With colorful and majestic parade accompanied by Dhunuchi dance, a kind of ritualistic dance and beating of the dhaak, the idol is taken to the near by river. With the believers yelling loudly, proclaiming, next year it’ll happen once again, the idol is immersed in the river water. A sense of sadness suddenly overshadows the festive mood as one has to wait for another year to feel the elation associated with Durga Puja celebration.

Several emotional and ritualistic customs take place on Bijoya Dashami before the idol of Maa Durga is taken for immersion. One such colorful and emotional custom is “Sindoor Khela” - “The Game of Vermillion”. This custom is practiced exclusively by the married women. Before the idol of Durga leaves for immersion they put sweet on the lips of the clay idol and wipe the corner of the eyes as someone wipes off the tears before bidding goodbye for a long time. Vermilion which is a symbol of marital bliss is applied on the forehead of the Goddess and among each other. The vermilion powder is applied at the parting of women’s hair which symbolizes to strengthen the marital bond. The sindoor is also applied on the red and white traditional bangles and on the ‘loha’ which is an iron bangle interlaced with gold or silver, presented to the bride by her mother in law as an acknowledgement of marriage. All these rituals are performed along with the
friends and family, though every one can not take part in it but it is a wonderful experience to witness this living theatre of color, life and emotion.

This is also the time to meet up with friends and relatives
living far off places, as they try to come back to their loved ones at this time of the year. In the evening they enjoy a hearty conversation or light hearted chit chats with their friends and family members, whom they missed all year long.

On
Shubho Bijoya people invite others to come to their place and spend joyous time in the spirit of the celebration.They also visit the homes of their friends and acquaintances to thank them for there care and wish them shubho bijoya. Adults embrace each other with warm wishes, exchange gifts and greet Shubho Bijoya to each other, which is known as KolaKuli in Bengali. The children in an expression to show respect toward the elders touch the feet and seek their blessings.

The sumptuous dishes and mouth watering sweetmeats prepared for this special occasion are an integral part of
Shubho Bijoya. Such yummy treats like ‘malpoa’ and probably the most popular snack, ‘Nimki’ are among the regular items in the Shubho Bijoya menu. Nowadays people buy the sweets and snacks straight from the market and don’t go in to all the trouble of making it at home. Friends and family devour these special treats, enjoy the festivity, catch up with friends and soak up the spirit of celebration.

"

~ Souvik

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Ashtami Puja



Dear readers,

Houston Durga Bari is famous for its Durga Puja all over the United States.

I was fortunate to attend and be a part of it this year. Thanks to Tampi and Ani!

Here are some photographs of Maa's Ashtami Puja.






Ashtami sandhya aarati



















Maa's mandap














Chandi paath

Ashtami Dhunuchi Nach



Dear readers,

Yesterday at Houston Durga Bari I participated in a dhunichi dance competetion and won a trophy.

Winning was not at all important but the feeling of performing infront of Jagadambey Maa Durga was very fulfilling experience.

I humbly present the video recording for your viewing.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9TT40bEBXow

Shubho Navami to all!

Dhunuchi nach-some facts:

Dhunuchi Naach - the dance with effervescent smokeIndia is known for her diverse traditions and this diverse tradition is the origin of the folk art. Folk Dances are based on religious and festive occasions. They reflect the basics of life. Folk dances are aimed at providing entertainment and which involves group participation. The dances are very rhythmic and the lyrics and music have the typical overtone of the specific locality or festival.'Dhunuchi nritya' or ‘the dance with effervescent smoke' is a traditional dance form from Bengal,which is performed in front of the idol to the sound of dhak, the traditional drums.In the evenings, an elaborate aaarti is performed. After the aaarti, young men perform Dhunuchi Naach (Dhunuchi Dance) before the Goddess Durga.

In Houston Durga bari due to unavailability of Dhunuchi, dhoop sticks were used to subsitute dhunichi in the dance.

Jay Durga!

Souvik