Baisakhi or Vaisakhi which falls on April 13 is one of the most important festivals of the Sikh Community. It is also celebrated as the harvest festival and and is being celebrated across India as well as world with a lot of enthusiasm and spirit. Sikhism, was established by Shri “Guru Nanak Dev.” On this day people sing, dance and trained Sikhs perform the acts of martial arts.
Legend behind celebrations
The 10th Guru of the Sikh community, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, in 1699 established the Khalsa. The Khalsa (Sikhism) was established to protect the mankind from the atrocities of Mughals. In his address, he asked, whether the people were ready to sacrifice their life. Initially, hearing this statement, none emerged from the crowd, but a young boy said that he was ready for the sacrifice. By seeing his courage, 4 more men emerged from the crowd. Since then, these 5 were named as the “Panj Pyare” (the beloved ones), the ones who could die for the sake of humanity.
The Panj Pyare are the crucial part of Baisakhi celebrations. Post this, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji sprinkled “Amrit” (the holy water) on these 5 beloved ones and himself. They were then the “baptised Sikhs”, who were given the name “Khalsa”. Since then, the festival of Baisakhi is being celebrated in the entire world by the Sikh community. The real significance of this festival and Sikhism can be best understood with Sikh’s pledge towards “the 5 holy Ks.” The 5 holy “Ks” are: Kesh (Hair) - the first “K” signifies growing one’s hair, the second signifies Kanga (Comb), the third Kada in one's hand, the fourth “Kachhera” (the undergarments) and the fifth Kirpan (sword).
New year in Tamil Nadu, Kerala
April 14 is celebrated as new year days in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In Kerala, it is known as Vishu and in Tamil Nadu it is being celebrated as Puthandu or New Year Day. Similarly, in Orissa, it is given the name Naba Barsha (New year). In the eastern part of the country, especially in Bihar, Lord Surya (Sun) is worshipped and the occasion is named as Vaishakha. Similarly, in Assam, it is the time of the new beginning of the year and rice is sowed during this time. Hence, this is the time when Rongali Bihu is celebrated.
Many people in Tamil Nadu also celebrate Puthandu as the day when Lord Brahma - Hindu God of Creation started creation. People of Tamil Nadu celebrate Varusha Pirappu in a big way by merrymaking and feasting.
Puthandu Rituals
Early in the morning, womenfolk adorn the entrance of their house with colourful Kolam patterns. Centre of the Kolam is decorated with a lamp called kuthuvillakku in a belief that it would dispel darkness. It is also customary for people in Tamil Nadu to pay visit to temple and invoke divine blessings for the coming year. A popular custom of Puthandu is 'kanni' which means the auspicious sight. Following the ritual, people start the Puthandu day by watching auspicious things like gold and silver jewellery, betel leaves, nuts, fruits and vegetables, flowers, raw rice and coconuts.
Ram Navami – birthday of Lord Ram
Ram Navami marks the birth of Lord Ram, Lord Vishnu's seventh incarnation on earth. Born to King Dasarath and his wife Kaushalya on the 'navami' or the 'ninth day' of Chaitra month, Ram Navami is celebrated in the spirit of a festival in March/April. According to Hindu belief, Lord Rama came on earth invested with the divine qualities of Lord Vishnu- with purity of soul, beneficence and humility. From the mythological perspective, Lord Rama is seen as eternally blissful and in his earthly form came to exemplify the perfect man, referred to as 'Maryada Purushottam'. It is this aspect that is recalled during the Ram Navami festival. Lord Rama's dutifulness, integrity and magnanimity are detailed out through the various episodes of the epic 'Ramayana'.
In 2016, Sri Ram Navami falls on 15th April. Ramayana is a very instructive tale and Lord Rama along with brother Lakshman, wife Sita and devotee Hanuman represent various divine aspects in their earthly journey of life. The situations in their life have echoes in today's life as well where man is accosted with unforeseen events that test his ego and moral sense of duty and humaneness. Thus, recitations and discourses from the Ramayana help us to take cues from Lord Rama's demonstration of integrity and courage in order to triumph over evil motives and selfish desires. Thus, Ram Navami festival is for all those who want to imbibe these qualities in thought and action. It is with this spirit that Ram Navami is celebrated in all parts of the country, with instances of full nine-day celebration and fasting rituals to seek Lord Rama's grace throughout the crest and troughs of life.
The rituals in the observance of Ram Navami include recitations from 'Ramayana' or Tulsidas's 'Ramacharitmanas', long renditions of bhajans and kirtans and awe-inspiring puja and arti. The bhajans are very uplifting as they eulogize the virtues of Lord Rama, Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman. Hanuman is known for is his devotion to Rama, and a lot of devotees recite 'Sunderkand' that strengthen qualities of courage and dedication.
In Rishikesh, which is an important seat of Ram worship, special payers dedicated to Lord Rama, japas and constant chantings invoking Lord Rama's name is a common practice. Mantras like 'Om Sri Ram', 'Jai Sri Ram' raise the higher energies around the place. One can opt to fast from sunrise till sunset on the Ram Navami day itself. On the final day of the Ram Navami festival, Lord Rama is adorned beautifully as well as temples are bedecked majestically with lights. Devotees listen to discourses which are supplemented by ample leaflets, booklets and books on Lord Rama's life and teachings.
Mahavir Jayanti
People in Jainism celebrate Mahavir Jayanti and consider this day as the most important religious occasion. Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth of the Mahavira who is believed to be the last Tirthankara. Tirthankar is a virtuous term which is used by Jains to describe a person who came on earth for the betterment for humanity. A Tirthankar is believed to abolish the things that pollute humanity and liberate the soul from all evil boundaries.
Mahavira was the 24th and the last Tirthankar in Jainism. Jains follow the path shown by Mahavira till date and his principles will be followed till eternity by the firm believers of Jainism. Mahavira was a royal prince by birth as he took birth as a son of King Siddhartha and queen Trishala. But, at the age of 20 he abandoned all the luxuries of life and for the next 12 years he lived as a hermit. The original name for Lord Mahavira is Vardhmaan and he earned the name Mahavira with his bravery. There were some stages through which a person had to pass to be known as a Tirthankar. These 12 years of Mahavira's life made him the Arihant of Jainism. Not all the Arihants get to become the Tirthankara.
The first thing to be done on Mahavira Jayanti is the 'Abhishek' of the idol of Mahavira which means that the idols of Mahavir are bathed early in the morning.
