When is Puri Rath Yatra 2012 Date
August 22, 2011
When is Puri Rath Yatra in 2012 – Well the Puri Jagannath Ratha Yatra in 2012 will be on June 21 i.e on Thursday.
The popular and well-known “temple chariot festival”, known as Rath Yatra takes place in Puri, Orissa, to offer prayers to Lord Jagannath Puri. The chariot of Lord Jagannath is 23 cubits in height and consists of 18 wheels. The huge chariots are pulled by thousands and thousands of ardent devotees.
Legend of Rath Yatra
Lord Jagannath Puri had a desire that he should be taken to his birthplace every year for about a week. For this reason the deities are taken to the Gundicha Mandir on a yearly basis.
Another legend is that sister Subhadra visited Dwarka to meet her parents. She was taken to that place by her brothers. The festival is held to commemorate that event.
Based on the Bhagvad Purana, it was on this particular day that Krishna alongwith Balaram went to Mathura for a wrestling match on invitation of Kansa.
Some Hindus hold the belief that Lord Jagannath is incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Another legend is that a poisonous arrow had accidentally killed Lord Krishna and his body was left under a tree. Later someone cremated him and placed the ashes in a box. Lord Vishnu directed Indradyamuna to request Vishwakarma, the divine artisan, to create am image from the holy relics. Vishwakarma agreed to do so provided he was not disturbed by anyone till its completion. After several years, Indradyamuna went to see how work was progressing. Vishwakarma got angry and left the work incomplete. Indradyamuna ordered that a temple should be constructed to house the image. He also ordered a chariot to carry the image to the temple. At that place Brahma breathed life into the created image.
Celebration of Rath Yatra
On the initial day, temple images are carried throughout the city in a grand procession consisting of three massive thundering chariots. Nine days later similar journey is again repeated, but this time in the opposite direction. The festival is full of gaiety and fervor. Every year the deities of Lord Jagannath, brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadara, who are enshrined inside the Jagannath Puri temple are carried in bright and colorful procession for 21 days in the evening to the Narendra Tank, where they are taken on cruise in brightly decorated boat.
On the day of full noon of the month of Jyestha (June), the Sananjatra (bathing festival), the deities are brought out for the public to see. After the bathing festival is over the deities stay in seclusion for 15 days and are repainted and re-decorated for the Car Festival. The Car Festival is held on second day of the brighter fortnight of the Ashadha months (June-July). The deities travel for 3 kms in chariots that are beautifully decorated in the vicinity of Gundicha Ghar till the Car Festivals come back after 9 days. After returning to the abode again, the chariots are broken and the bits of wood are used in the kitchen or sold as relics to the pilgrims.
It is a public holiday on the Chariot Festival in Orissa. Children can be noticed carrying the miniatures images of the chariots. Houses and shops are decorated with flowers, rangolis and lights. Special food items are prepared. Most of the devotees avoid non-vegetarian food.
Rituals of Jagannath Ratha Yatra
Devotees wake up early and offer prayers to Lord Jagannath. The Puri Jagannath Ratha Yatra chariots stand in front of the temple. The King of Puri in a ceremonial way brings the deities to the respective chariots. Devotees offer prayers to the deities. The descendants of the King are heralded by decorated elephants. Then the descendants sweep the platforms of the chariot with a broom which has a handle made of gold and sprinkle scented water to show that all are equal in the eyes of God. Devotees also shower the deities with abuses as they feel there was an incestuous relationship between Lord Jagannath and his sister Subhadhra. This is done when the images are placed for public viewing.
The yatra symbolizes that God is brought down from the pedestal of glory to a human level. Only the King of Puri and King of Nepal are allowed to touch the idols as they hail from the Chandravanshi dynasty, the same dynasty that Lord Krishna belonged. Then the devotees line up and pull the chariots. After the chariots reach the summerhouse, the idols are kept there for a while and a week later, the journey back to the abode begins, which is known as Phera Rath Yatra. The chariots are broken every year and new chariots are constructed. The deities’ images are preserved. The change of images takes place when one Ashadha month follows the other.
The Rath Yatra is indeed a great event in Orissa. It is indeed an auspicious occasion. Devotees leave no stone unturned to pay their respects to Lord Jagannath Puri.
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When is Maha Shivratri 2012 Date
August 22, 2011
When is Maha Shivaratri 2012 – Well the Date for Maha Sivaratri 2012 is Monday 20th February.
Maha Shivaratri(महा शिवरात्रि) is also known as the “Night of Shiva”. It is celebrated in praise of Lord Shiva. It occurs on the 14 night of the moonless day of the new moon in the month of Phalgun, which happens to be sometime in February – March according to the English calendar.
Legends of Mahashivaratri
It is considered to be the auspicious occasion when Lord Shiva and Parvati got married. Some believe that Lord Shiva performed the tandava on this night. This is the dance of preservation, primal creation and destruction. Another legend is based on Linga Puranan, which states that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of linga. Hence, this is considered to be an auspicious day and is celebrated as Mahashivaratri.
Celebration of Mahashivarathri
The celebration takes place all throughout the night. The bells of the temple ring loudly and “Om Namaha Shiva” is read loudly. Hymns and devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva are sung. The devotees perform Jagaran, staying awake the whole night. They fast the whole day and break the fast only in the morning hours. Shiva temples are thronged by people and it is difficult to get a glimpse of the Lord Shiva.
Ritual of Maha shivaratri
Day and night fast is held. Some go on diet of fruits and milk, whereas others do not even consume a drop of water. The fast ends by taking Prasad (religious food offering) the next morning. Devotees feel that worshipping Lord Shiva sincerely would rid them of the cycle of birth and death. For women this is a sacred day. Married women pray for the well-being of their husbands and unmarried woman seek a husband like Lord Shiva.
Devotees wake up early and have their ritual bath, preferably in the river Ganges. Then they wear new clothes and visit the Shiva temple to give bath to the Shiva Lingam with honey, milk and water etc. Sandalwood paste is applied on the linga. Priests give the Shiva Lingam the ritual bath with milk, water and honey every three hours.
Mahashivaratri is the day when Lord Shiva is worshipped in all sincerity for prosperity and well-being. Devotees visit the Shiva temple to seek the Lord’s blessings. The rituals are performed very religiously on this occasion.
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When is Teacher’s Day Date – Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Birthday
August 22, 2011
When is Teacher’s Day Date – Well Teachers Day will be celebrated on 5th of September in 2011 and every year it falls on the same day.
In India, September 5th is celebrated as Teacher’s Day. This special occasion is dedicated in the honor of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was a scholar of repute as well as a great teacher. He also was President of India. September 5th happens to be the birthday of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Origin of Teacher’s Day
Dr. Radhakrishnan was approached by some of his students, who wanted to celebrate his birthday. He suggested that instead of just celebrating his birthday, they should celebrate it as the Teacher’s Day. Dr. Radhkrishnan loved teaching
Celebration of Teacher’s Day
On this day teachers are respected and the children at school show their fondness for their teachers presenting them with flowers or gifts or greeting cards. It is not a holiday, but a day for celebrations. They thank the teachers for all the support they are extending in their moral and educational development.
Students dress up as teachers and give lectures that their teachers are assigned to do. Throughout the day they carry out tasks performed by teachers. The senior students conduct classes for the junior students.
Cultural functions are organized on the school premises by the students to entertain their teachers. Teachers enjoy dance and music sessions held by their students. Picnics are organized. On this day the teachers and students have a healthy interaction with each other.
Teachers on this day are given prizes by their respective governments for their performances. In other words, their work and contribution to student community is much appreciated.
World Teacher’s day is held on 5th October. This is the day when the world community at large appreciates the work done by teachers in guiding the infants, children as well as the youth and adults. Of course, Teachers Day is held on different days in various countries depending upon its national importance.
Teacher’ Day is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in schools and colleges. It is the day when teachers are shown their due respect. This is a time when both students and teachers understand and appreciate each other better.
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When is Sadbhavana Diwas Date
August 19, 2011
Sadbhavana diwas is celebrated every year on August 20 which happens to be the birth anniversary of Shri Rajiv Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India. The word Sadbhavana means good feelings. This day is celebrated throughout India to promote communal harmony, peace, national integrity, love and affection among people of India beyond the feeling of caste, color or creed.
On this special day people take a pledge for the country which goes like this -
Sadbhavana Diwas English Slogan
“I take this solemn pledge that I will work for the emotional oneness and harmony of all the people of India regardless of caste, region, religion or language. I further pledge that I shall resolve all differences among us through dialogue and constitutional means without resorting to violence.”
Sadbhavana Diwas Hindi Slogan
“मैं यह पवित्र शपथ लेता हु कि मैं भावनात्मक एकता और भारत के सभी जाति के लोगों की एकता और सद्भाव के लिए क्षेत्र, धर्म या भाषा की चिंता किये बिना काम करूँगा | मैं यह प्रतिज्ञा भी लेता हु कि मैं हिंसा का सहारा लिए बिना बातचीत और संवैधानिक साधनों के माध्यम से हमारे बीच सभी मतभेदों को दूर करूँगा. ”
Rajiv Ratna Gandhi (20 August 1944 – 21 May 1991) became prime minister of India in 1984 after his mother Indira Gandhi was assassinated on 31 October 1984. He was sixth Prime Minister of India between 1984-1989. He became prime minister of the country at the age of 40.
Rajiv Gandhi was eldest son of Feroze Gandhi and Indira Gandhi. He married Italian-born Sonia Gandhi whom he met while in Cambridge. He came into politics after the death of his younger brother Sanjay Gandhi in 1984.
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When is Dhanteras in 2011 and Dhanteras 2011 Date
August 18, 2011
When is Dhanteras 2011 – Well the (धनतेरस, ધન તેરસ) Dhanteras 2011 Date is Monday 24th of October. There is a bit of confusion over the dates this year. Dhanteras 2011 is also celebrated on 25th of October at some places. Do check out from the people in your community as to when they are celebrating this festival.
Dhanteras is the beginning or the first day of 5-day Diwali celebrations. It is also called as Dhantroyodasi as the day is 13th lunar day of dark fortnight(Krishna paksha) of Ashwin month. On this day, some people worship Dhanvantri while some begin the auspicious celebrations of Diwali.
Dhanteras is made out of 2 words i.e Dhan and Teras. Dhan means wealth and on this day people worship Goddess Laxmi who brings peace, well being and prosperity to people. The 2nd part Teras means 13 as this is celebrated on the 13th lunar day of Krishna paksha in the month of Ashwin according to Hindu calendar.
The day is also called as Dhantrayodashi and Dhanvantari Triodasi
Dhanteras 2011 Preparations
On the day of Dhanteras, houses, stores and business premises are cleaned, renovated and decorated. The entrances to the houses are made colorful with nice rangolies. Interior designing manifests itself on the occasion of Dhanteras. The walls are decorated with designs and on ceilings one can see decorations with laces and balloons. To indicate the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi small footprints are drawn with colorful powders all over the house floor.
The Legend of Yamadeep on Dhanteras Celebrations: The first Diwali diya is lit on the day of Dhanteras. It is called Yamadeepam. There is a legend connected to this:
Once upon a time there was a king by name Hima. He was just sixteen years old and his horoscope said that he will die on the fourth day of his marriage by a snake-bite. His good wife was very scared by knowing this, after all this was a test of her devotion to her husband. She got a plan not to allow Yama, the death god, come near her husband.
The young wife of Hima laid all her jewelery into heaps on the entrance of the room and lighted many diyas all over the place. When Yamadutas came to take Hima, they could not enter into that dazzling light. Again Lord Yama came himself at the spot and by that time she started telling stories and singing songs. Lord yama could climb the heap but by hearing the stories, he soon fell asleep. When it was morning it was the time to go. Yama had to leave the place. In this way she could save her husband’s life.
Dhanteras 2011 Celebrations
Dhanteras is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People observe various rituals on this day. They lit Yamadeepam and hear the legends connected to Dhanteras. In villages cattle are worshiped by the farmers. People go for shopping for Diwali on the day of Dhanteras.
Wishing all readers a very Happy Dhanteras!
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