CHILDREN'S DAY
"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see." - John W. Whitehead
Children's Day is celebrated on different days in different parts of the world. But it signifies one thing everywhere. It is the celebration of our children to lead this world into the planet we dream of. It is celebrating the importance of providing food, shelter, healthcare and education to our children. It is the pledge to provide them a war free love filled environment to blossom to the fullest.
No matter when or where we celebrate Children's Day, Children and their presence in our lives should be celebrated every single day. They are such beautiful blossoms in our Life's garden that without their heart warming smiles, twinkling eyes and ringing laughter our lives would be like an empty canvas, colourless. It is therefore very important that every single child should get the very basic amenities of food, shelter, health and education. Never be a miser in giving them love cause the more you love them the more they will flourish. Let therefore everyday be their day and every single child in every corner of our world be our celebration of a beautiful life.
KARTIK PURNIMA
Today 6th November 2014, KartikPurnima is celebrated all over India. It's a gorgeous full moon night
with varied rituals being performed in the different states of India.
with varied rituals being performed in the different states of India.
️In the State of Orissa which was the erstwhile Kalinga, a prosperous ancient Indian Kingdom with thriving trade and commerce, it is recorded that on the day of Kartik( denotes the month in the Hindu Calender) Purnima(Full Moon) the traders would load their goods on boats and sail to Indonesia to sell them. As they set sail in huge groups their families would gather on the river banks and pray for their safe journey.
️Today the trade and commerce scene between India & Indonesia is a modernised thriving sector but this hamlet in the eastern part of India still continue to celebrate this day by floating paper boats on the same river from which the merchants would set sail in ancient times. This is done at the break of dawn followed by fireworks. It is an amazing sight to behold.
Boita ( Boat ) Bandana ( Worship ) in Bindusagar Lake in Bhubaneshwar near the famous Lingaraj Temple , Odisha, India
Boita(Boats) Bandana (Worship) literally an ancient custom in the erstwhile thriving Kingdom of Kalinga, now Odisha located in the eastern part of India. On the day of Kartik ( a month in the Hindu Calender) Purnima(Full Moon) the age old tradition of praying for the safe journey of the boats setting sail for trade to Indonesia is observed to this day but only as a token and festive commemoration. This day is also marked by the opening of a huge Fair named "Bali Zatra/Yatra" (Journey to Bali) in accordance to the actual journey undertaken to Bali, Indonesia for trade in ancient times.
My heartfelt thanks to https://www.facebook.com/WanderersOdisha for the magnificient pictures that I have posted below. I plan to capture the Boita Bandana festivities in Odisha someday soon through my own lens. Till then do enjoy their excellent Images.
The Boats today are made with thermocol so that they are buoyant the minute they touch the water. Kids especially are very excited and choose after much pondering their favourite boat.
This is how the river banks look after they are flooded with multitudes of thermocol boats.
DIWALI / DEEPAVALI :
Deepavali or Diwali is a festival of lights symbolizing the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. The word “Deepavali” refers to rows of diyas, or clay lamps. This is one of the most popular festivals Celebrated by Hindus throughout the globe. It is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartika(month in the Hindu calendar).
According to the mythological epic "Ramayana" this festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile. The Goddess Lakshmi who symbolizes wealth and prosperity is also worshiped on Diwali. This festival is celebrated in West Bengal as "Kali Puja".
DIWALI is celebrated by lighting small oil lamps in every corner of the House. People make a special effort to clean their homes and yards before DIWALI with the belief to sweep out all the negative energy from their homes and hearth. Usually fragrant oils are used to bathe, new clothes are adorned and after performing Puja/worship gifts of sweets, crackers etc. are presented to family members, close friends and business associates. Electric lights are used to decorate homes from outside and the night sky lights up with fireworks. Melas (fairs) are held in many towns and villages. Overall there is festivity and celebrations all around.
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