~ Hindu Festivals ~

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Pongal Dance

Pongal is one of the most important festivals in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is the only Hindu festival that follows a solar calendar and is celebrated on a fixed date i.e. the fourteenth of January every year. It is a harvest festival and celebrated in North India as Makar Sankranti. It also has an astronomical significance as it marks the beginning of Uttarayana i.e. the movement of sun in the northern hemisphere. This festival is celebrated for four days in all the Tamil families around the globe. Apart from feasting, people sing and dance on this occasion to express their elation and a beginning of the phase of prosperity and riches. Several kinds of popular Tamil folk dances are performed on this occasion in the temples or at community gatherings. Here in this article, we have discussed few of the dance forms performed on auspicious occasions like Pongal. Read more to know in detail.

Folk Dances On Pongal

Karagaattam
Karagam is a folk dance of Tamil Nadu. It is basically a rural dance which is done along with music either individually or in a pair of two. It is basically a performance of balancing a pot on the head. It is of two types- Aatta Karagam and the other 'Sakthi Karagam'.

Kummi
Kummi is one of the most popular dances that are performed on the occasion of Pongal. It is also one of the most ancient dances of Tamil Nadu and it is said that it evolved as a dance form even before music. It is a group dance in which women stand in a circle and dance clapping their hands rhythmically to lifting songs.

Mayil Attam
This is also one interesting kind of dance performed by the girls of the state on auspicious occasions. In this dance, the dancer is supposedly dressed as a peacock, with peacock feathers and a sparkling head-dress complete with a beak.

Oyil Kummi
Oyil Kummi is an ancient folk dance form of the state. It is very popular in Trichi, Salem, Dharmapuri, Coimbatore and Periyar districts. This dance is performed exclusively by men without any musical instruments except the ankle-bells. This is popularly performed during all the temple festivals.

Kali Attam
Kali Attam is a folk dance of Tamil Nadu that is performed by both men and women during auspicious days, weddings and joyous festivals like Pongal. Kali literally means joy or fun and games and the dance of Kali Attam is very much a reflection of its name. It is performed along with a stick and is very much an exhibition of quickness and alertness.

Puli Attam
Puli Attam is another Tamilk folk dance that is performed on temple festivals and auspicious occasions like Pongal. This is an entertaining dance form with the main dancer dressed like a lion.

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Pongal Date

The word Pongal literally means the boiling over of the rice in the cooking pot. It is considered to be an auspicious activity in the southern parts of India. Though there is not much known about the history and origin of Pongal, it is assumed that it is a Dravidian harvest festival that is being celebrated from hundreds of years. It is a four days festival in Tamil Nadu, which is celebrated with extreme zeal and fervor throughout the state. Feasting and celebrations form a vital part of the Pongal celebrations. The celebrations of Pongal festival have now also become global with lots of Tamilians residing in various part of the world.

Pongal is celebrated in the month of Thai according to the Tamil calendar. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season or spring. The date of the Pongal festival remains the same as it is considered according to the solar calendar compared to the other Hindu festivals which are decided according to the lunar calendar. According to the Solar calendar, when the sun enters the Makaram Rashi or the Tropic of Capricorn from the Tropic of Cancer, it marks the beginning of a very auspicious phase in the Hindu culture. It is the phase when sun begins its journey northwards (Uttarayan) for a period of six months as opposed to southwards (Dakshinayan) movement.

According to the Gregorian calendar, the Pongal festival has a fixed date of beginning i.e. 14th January. As per Tamil calendar, it celebrated for four continuous days beginning from the last day of Tamil month of Maargazhi (December-January) and lasting up to the third day of Thai. The second of Pongal celebrations is treated as the main Pongal day of Surya Pongal, which marks the beginning of Tamil month of Thai. Apart from socio-geographical significance, the festival also holds scientific as well as eternal significance to it. Scientifically, the festival brings respite to the people as this day onwards the warmth and length of the day increases and that of the night shortens in the Northern Hemisphere. Eternally, as the festival is related to Sun God, this festival has divinity and wisdom attached to it.

On the first day, i.e 14th of Januray, the festival starts with the Bhogi Pongal. On this day, the celebrations are limited to the house. On this day, basically the evil spirits are driven out of the home and the entire home is cleaned and whitewashed. All the dirt and waste materials collected from home is burnt into bonfire. On the second day, Surya Pongal, there is commemoration of the Sun god. This is the main day of the celebrations when people wear new clothes and cook food with newly harvested cereals in new pots on new stoves. The third day is Maattu Pongal, which is meant to honor cattle. Pets like cows, buffalo, ox and bullocks are bathed with clean water and worshipped for their contribution in farming and related activities. The festival ends with the fourth day celebrations of Kaanum Pongal.

Pongal 2012

Bhogi Pongal: 14th January.
Surya Pongal: 15th January
Maatu Pongal: 16th January
Kaanum Pongal: 17th January

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Pongal History

Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated with religious fervor across Tamil Nadu, a southern state of India. Thai Pongal, as it is popularly called, is synonymous to Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival celebrated in various regions of India, on 14th of January, every year. Pongal is typically celebrated from 13th of January to 16th of January, every year. The merrymaking starts with Bhogi, the first day of Thai Pongal. Observed as thanksgiving occasion to Lord Indra (the God of Heaven), Bhogi is the day when people burn the old and unwanted materials, like clothing and furbishes. The next day is observed as Surya Pongal, the day dedicated to honor Sun God.

The third day of Pongal is known as Mattu Pongal, wherein people worship farm animals. The fourth day is observed as Kaanum Pongal, which is also known by the name of Karinaal or Thiruvalluvar Day in few places. Sarkarai Pongal is offered to Sun God, as it is one of the important rituals of the fourth day of the festival. Often referred to as 'Tamil Thirunal' (the festival of Tamils), Pongal removes the barrier of caste and religion. People, irrespective of their community, celebrate the festival with gusto. Pongal boasts of a vibrant history, which dates back to many centuries. Go through the following lines to get information on the history and origin of Pongal.

History & Origin Of Pongal Festival
The origin of Pongal can be traced back to Sangam Age, a period extending from 200 BC to 300 AD. The festival was celebrated as Thai Niradal. During the period, unmarried girls prayed for agricultural prosperity of the country and for the purpose, they observed penance during the Tamil month of Margazhi, corresponding (December-January). All through the month, they abstained themselves from the consumption of milk and milk products. They didn't oil their hair throughout the month. The use of harsh words was strictly refrained by them. Ceremonial bath in the early morning was part of the ritual of the penance.

The unmarried women worshipped Goddess Katyayani, one of the nine forms of Ma Durga. They carved image of the deity out of sand. The women broke their fast on the first day of the month of Thai (January-February). It was believed that the fast would bring abundant wealth, prosperity and bountiful crop for the year ahead. Tamil literature has mentioned the celebration of the festival of Thai Niradal and the observance of the penance, known as Pavai Nonbu. Both the festival and the penance were vividly described in Andal's Tiruppavai and Manickavachakar's Tiruvembavai. Chola King Kiluttunga used to present lands to the Veeraraghava temple at Tiruvallur, especially for the celebration of Pongal.

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Pongal Kolam

Pongal, the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu, is celebrated with fun and fervor. It is the time, when farmer thank Mother Nature for blessing them with a bountiful harvest. During the festive season, people ensure that their home and premises are kept spick and span. They would get up early in the morning, offer prayers to their favorite deity and make a beautiful kolam (rangoli) at their entranceway. Kolam is an art of drawing images and geometrical shapes on floor, by synchronizing with dots. Drawing kolam is considered auspicious. In fact, no verandah of a Tamil household is left without kolam. Making both simple and intricate designs of kolam on Pongal is a tradition followed since long. Check out more about Pongal rangoli designs, in the following lines.

Pongal Rangoli Designs
Several types of kolam designs are popular for Pongal. You can draw line kolam, which involves free hand drawing of lines, to make a geometrical pattern. Pulli (dots) are arranged in a specific sequence, which is joined to make the particular kolam design. Apart from drawing lines, people also make twisted chains by linking one loop of the kolam with the next, thereby forming wonderful designs. Such a pattern of kolam is popularly referred to as 'Chuzhi Kolam'. The art is also popular in other states, where it is known by different names. In Bengal, it is known as Alpana, while in Rajasthan, it is popularly known by the name 'Mandana'. People in Andhra Pradesh call it 'Muggulu', while in Maharashtra and Karnataka it is called 'Rangoli'.

Although the designs may vary, the basic idea of kolam remains the same - to draw beautiful designs on floor, using dry colors of rice flour. The tradition of making kolams on Pongal is not new to the Tamil people. Its history can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization in 2500 BC, when people used to make elaborate designs of kolam are made using white and other color powders and rice flour. According to the legends, Gopis used to make rangoli to lessen their pain for not having Lord Krishna with them. Since a long time, kolam has been made in ceremonious occasions in Tamil Nadu.

Significance
When it comes to making kolam in Pongal, the drawing art deserves special mention. During the festive occasion, people indulge in making the aesthetic art of kolam at their veranda. Rice flour is used to make different patterns of kolam for Pongal. It is a popular belief that the bright red color, which is used to border the kolam, wards off evil spirits. Not only the women, but also the rest of the family members get engrossed with the task of making beautiful kolam designs, for the festival. Apart from the households, kolam is also made outside shops and offices, on the festive occasion of Pongal.

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Pongal Legends

Pongal is one of the most awaited harvest festivals of South India. The festival signifies a period of plenty, peace and happiness. It lasts for a period of three days, with each day having a special meaning and reason behind it. Almost every festival in India has some stories and legends associated with it and Pongal is no exception to this. The festival also has some interesting stories and legends related to it, two of which have been mentioned below.

Legend of Mount Govardhan
The first legend is associated with the first day of the festival i.e. Bhogi Ponga. It is related to Lord Indra, the God of Clouds and Rains, and Lord Krishna. The honor given by people to Lord Indra made him proud and arrogant. He started considering himself as the most powerful of all beings. When Lord Krishna came to know about this, he thought of teaching Indra a lesson. He convinced his cowherd friends to worship Mt. Govardhan rather than Lord Indra. This angered Lord Indra and he sent the clouds to generate non-stop thunder, lightning, heavy rains and flood the land where Krishna lived.

Lord Krishna had other plans in mind and he lifted up the Govardhan Mountain on his little finger, to protect village people and their cattle. The rains continued for three days. At last, Indra realized his mistake and divine power of the young boy. He promised humility and begged Krishna's forgiveness. Since then, Krishna allowed Bhogi (first day of Pongal) celebrations in honor of Indra. Since then, the festival of Pongal came into being. In other words, this day gave the starting point to the Pongal celebration and the festival got another name of Indran, from this legendary story

Legend of Lord Shiva
Another legend is associated with Mattu Pongal (the third day of Pongal). It involves Lord Shiva and his mount, Nandi the bull. It is said that once Shiva ordered Nandi to go to the Earth and deliver his message to the people that they should take oil bath every day and eat food once a month. However, the dozing Nandi could not hear the message right and told the people to eat everyday and take oil bath once a month. Shiva was furious, as due to Nandi's mistake, there will be lack of grains on earth. Now, Nandi would have to remain on earth to help humans plough the fields. Since then, 'Mattu Pongal' came to be dedicated to cattle and other domestic animals.

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Pongal Preparation

Pongal is one of the most important festivals for Tamilians all over the world. It is basically a harvest festival being celebrated in the Dravidian clan for ages. It is one of the few Hindu festivals which is decided according to the solar calendar and celebrated on a fixed date i.e. the fourteenth of January every year. Scientifically, Pongal marks the transitions of the Sun in the northern hemisphere making the days longer and warmer in this hemisphere. It also marks the end of winter and marks the arrival of a new harvest season. It is celebrated for four days in all the Tamil families all around the world. On this occasion, Tamilians all over the world engage in feasting, people sing and dance on this occasion to express their elation and a beginning of the phase of prosperity and riches.

The preparation of Pongal festival is very elaborate and starts days before the actual festival arrives. In Tamil Nadu, it is one of the most awaited days of the year. On this occasion, people all over the state engage in merry making and joyous celebrations. It is the festival when people do not wait for the day of celebration to begin the decorations of their home; rather whitewashing and painting begin months before the festival arrives. As the Pongal comes closer, all the dirt, filth and unwanted materials of the home are thrown out and burnt in he bonfire. Preparations for deciding rangoli pattern also begin much before Pongal arrives.

While preparing for the arrival of Pongal, the houses and courtyards of the home are cleaned and the house is decorated with new torans made of a new string of fresh mango leaves on the entry gate of the house. New clothes are brought for all the members of the family. Also, the preparation of traditional sweets begins at home before the arrival of Pongal. People also engage in buying new furniture items, curtains, bed sheets and interior decoration pieces for the home. Last but not the least, gifts for all the near and dear ones are bought for this occasion, days before the celebrations.

People also buy new cereal grains, new utensils and new stoves as it is a tradition to make food with new grains in new utensils on a new stove on the Pongal day. Even the homes of the cattles are cleaned and cattles are bathed properly as the festival arrives. Not only human beings but cattles are also included in these celebrations as they are regarded as the faithful companion of the successful harvest season. The Pongal festivities begin from the day of Bhogi Pongal which is basically an extension of the cleaning and decoration procedure and gain climax at the second day, the Surya Pongal which is the actual day for festivities.

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Pongal Songs

Pongal is the most important festival of Tamilians all over the world. It is celebrated all over the state of Tamil Nadu in India with immense joy and fervor. Feasting and joyful celebrations are vital part of Pongal celebrations. On this occasion, people engage in merry making and sing and dance to exhibit their elation. There are lots of popular Pongal songs that are sung on this occasion. These songs consist of the literary and artistic quality of the Tamil culture, and are at very striking and characteristic.

Based on the themes of love and war, wealth and poverty, mythology and religion, these songs reflect the history and the traditions of Tamil culture. Every Village in Tamil Nadu has hundreds of popular Pongal songs and every temple in the state has a specific Pongal song of its own. These songs represent the individuality of the area and their traditions of worship. If you are interesting in exploring more about these Pongal songs, the lyrics of few of them are given below.

Popular Pongal Songs

Pongalo Pongal
Pongalo Pongal!
Thai pongal!
karumbu soru yarukku
yenakku
sarkarai satham yaruku
ungalluku
Pongalo Pongal!
Mattu Pongal!
nandasoru yaruku
mattuku
Pongalo Pongal!
yenna machan
paal pongiyacha
pongalo pongal
Contributed by: Srinivasan

Thalaivar Pongal
Podhuvaaha en manasu thangon
Oru poattiyinnu vandhuputta singon
Unmaya solvaen nallatha seiven
vetri mel vetri varum...
aaduvom paaduvom kondaaduvom
aanandham kaanuvom ennaalumae

Vandhaendaa paal kaaraen
adadaaaaa
Pasumaatta paththi paada poaraen
Oru paattu katti aada poaraen
Pullu kuduththaa paalu kudukkum
unnaala mudiyaathu thambi
Hey Paadhi pulla porakkuthappaaa
Pasumbaala thai paala nambiiii

Sakalakalavallavan
'amman kovil kizhakkale
anna vayal merkale
namma ooru naduvale nikkuthadi
nathu sanam nammai kandu sokkuthadi

angala ammanukku
adiyile pongal vacha......'

Thanda Nana
Thanda nana....
Thanda nana...
Thanda naa naa..aaa.. hoi

Bogi idhu Bogi idhu nandha laalaaaa... hoi...
Bogi idhu Bogi idhu nandha laalaaaa... hoi...

katukuyilu manasukkulla paatukonnum panjamilla paadathaan
kavalaikattu vittuputtu thavilaith thattu thullikittu aadathan
ellorum moththathile sandhosha saththathilea
onnaana naerathile ullasa nenjathilae

Podaa ellam vittuthallu pazhasaiyellam suttuthallu
pudhusaa ippa porandhomunnu ennikollada

[MysteRy]

History of Rakhi Festival

Hindu scriptures and mythology is the source of all the Hindu rituals and festivals. In fact, one can find explanations for all the Hindu traditions and customs in the religious epics. Even the origin of Rakhi celebrations is rooted in the Hindu mythology. There is no confirmed date and time available about the history of Rakhi festival, but the stories are many. Started as the 'different tradition' of tying the thread to the husband, it has evolved to having the sisters tying the thread to their brother. The different stories related to this festival, which explain the history behind it, go as follows...

In the Vedic period, on a 'Shravan Poornima' day (Full Moon Day of the Hindu month of Shravan), the deities and demons were fighting a battle against each other. Unfortunately the demons were in a stronger position, as compared to the deities. The king of the deities, Lord Indra, was very much worried about the result of the battle. His wife Indrani (also known as Shashikala) could not see him worried and prayed to the almighty to help her husband. Indrani was a religious lady, so she prepared a talisman with her religious power and tied it around Indra's right wrist.

Indrani believed that her talisman will safeguard Indra from the attack of demons. Eventually, she proved right, as that day, the deities won the battle and Lord Indra escaped unhurt. As the talisman had the power of protecting the person who wore it, it came to be known as 'Raksha Sutra' and the ceremony of tying it was called 'Raksha Bandhan'. Since this particular act of tying the talisman took place on 'Shravan Poornima' day, it has become a tradition to celebrate 'Raksha Bandhan' on the 'Shravan Poornima' day every year. With time, the festival came to comprise of brother-sister duo, rather than husband-wife.

It is said that when Alexander invaded India in 326 B.C., his wife tied a Rakhi to the king Porus and in return, Porus promised to protect her and her husband. We also have various such examples of tying knots or threads, especially in the history of Rajputana. The most famous of them is the story of the Queen Karnavati of Chittor, who sent a Rakhi to the Mughal emperor Humayun, to save her kingdom from the invasion of Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. That particular day of Purnima was celebrated as Raksha Bandhan first in Marwar and then, all over Rajasthan. Finally, it came to celebrated all over India.

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How to Make Rakhi

Rakhi is the sacred amulet that not only comprises of a sister's love and emotions, but also reflects her good wishes for her brother's long life and well-being. By tying a rakhi at the wrist of their brother, sisters pray for their long life and in return, they get a promise that their brother will always help them when they are in need. A more intimate touch can be added to this amulet by taking a little pain and making a homemade rakhi for your beloved brothers. So, this year, try this simple and easy method of Rakhi making and impress your brothers with your creativity.

Homemade Rakhis

Anmol Handmade Rakhi

Materials Required

1 Silk Thread Reel (color of your choice, preferably red or green)

1 Cotton Thread Reel (matching to the silk reel color)

1 Toothbrush (an old one)

Scissors

Glue

10-12 small Artificial Pearls

Method

Take the silk thread reel and cut its 20-25 pieces, each one around 25 inches long.

Hold all the pieces in such a way that both of their ends meet each other and then fold the entire bundle of threads at the mid point.

Take the cotton reel and tie the bundle with the help of cotton thread just 4-5 inches below the mid point.

Divide the longer portion of the thread bundle into two equal parts.

Plait both the divided portions separately and tie a small piece of cotton thread at both the ends leaving a margin of 2 inches. Thus the longer portion makes the string part of Rakhi.

The smaller part of the Rakhi is still in loops because of the fold. Take the scissors and cut the loops right at its center. This will make the central part of the Rakhi.

Take the toothbrush and comb that central part in all the directions in such a manner that a circle of the tiny threads is prepared.

Both the ends of the strings must also be brushed. Brushing the threads will make it even softer and give it a feathery look.

Finally stick the small pearls on the central part of the Rakhi with the help of glue.

Special Remarks

The pearls stuck in a random way will appear as dew on the flower with the red silk thread background.

While the same pearls stuck on green silk thread background will look like dew on the grass.

This central part of the Rakhi can be decorated in various creative ways with different decorative materials.

[MysteRy]

Rakhi Customs

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on 'Shravan Purnima' (full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan), which generally falls in the month of August, every year. The auspicious day commemorates the unique bond between a brother and a sister. This festival reflects the pure love of brother and sister for each other. Every brother, even if far away, tries to reach his sister on this special day. It is a truly religious festival, which inculcates the performance of customs that are followed since ages. In many parts of India, sisters would tie Rakhi on their brothers' wrist on a 'Shubh-Muhurt', the auspicious time of the day to perform the custom. Read on to know more about the customs of Raksha Bandhan.

Raksha Bandhan Traditions

On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, sisters would decorate a puja thali (a plate). All the necessary pooja items including roli (for tilak), akshat (rice grains for tilak), diya or deep (for performing the aarti of their brother), sweets and the Rakhi are beautifully arranged in the thali. First, the sisters would put tilak on the forehead of their brother and then stick some of the akshat to the same tilak. Thereafter, they would perform an Aarti of their brothers. After that, they tie the Rakhi on the right wrist of their brothers. While performing the ritual, sisters generally chant the following 'mantra':

"Suraj shakhan chhodian, Mooli chhodia beej
Behen ne rakhi bandhi / Bhai tu chir jug jee"

This is the blessings of a sister for her brother, which means:

"The sun radiates its sunlight; the radish spreads its seeds, I tie the Rakhi to you O brother and wish that may you live long."

After her prayer for a long life for her brother, she says that she is tying the ever-protective Raksha to her brother's wrist and chants the mantra:

"Yena baddho Balee raajaa daanavendro mahaabalah
tena twaam anubadhnaami rakshe maa chala maa chala"

This is a 'mantra' mentioned in the 'Hindu Shastras' and means:

"I am tying a Rakhi on you, like the one on mighty demon king Bali. Be firm, O Rakhi, do not falter."

After tying the Rakhi, the sisters sweeten the mouth of their brothers with sweets. Then, it is brother's turn to give some gifts to their sisters in return of the beautiful Rakhi. This gift can be either in cash or in kind. Sometimes sisters also give return gifts to their brothers. Thus, on the festive occasion of Rakhi brothers and sisters wish happy long life, success, prosperity and health to each other. At last they seek the blessings of their parents and other elderly people in their family. After that, they went to visit their relatives to enjoy this special festival with them.

[MysteRy]

Rakhi Celebrations

India is the only country where the love of a brother-sister duo is respected so much that a festival, called Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan, is especially dedicated to it. Rakhi is celebrated with a lot of fun and frolic in India. Besides tying Rakhis on the brother's hand, gift exchange, relishing tempting and mouth watering sweets, lots of other elements are also a part of the festivities. These acts make the Rakhi festival all the more interesting and one is always looking forward for this day to arrive. Let us know all about Rakhi celebrations in India.

Rakhi Celebrations In India

Mehendi
Ladies in India have always been fond of putting Mehendi on their hands. However, on the festival of Rakhi, the tradition has special importance. On the day, women decorate each others' palms with different styles of mehendi, such as Marwadi, Shekhawati or Mumbaiya style. As married women apply mehndi on Karwa Chauth, unmarried girls apply mehndi on the occasion of Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan. In fact, mehendi has now also become a part of the Rakhi festival.

Traditional Dressing
On the auspicious day of Rakhi, guys usually prefer to go for traditional outfits like kurta-pajamas. At times, they wear formal outfits as well, like shirt with trousers or shirt with jeans, depending on their choice. On the other hand, sisters, if married, mostly love to tie designer saris, with light or heavy work. The unmarried sisters go for salwar-kurta, chudidaar-kurta, saree, lehengas, and other traditional apparels.

Cards
In modern times, when a large number of brothers and sisters stay away from each other, due to their educational, job or married life responsibilities, they send Rakhi cards to each other. They express their feelings towards each other with the help of these cards, available in the market. The sisters, who are not able to reach their brothers on this auspicious day, send the Rakhi for their brothers through postal or courier services.

Markets
On the festive occasion of Rakhi, the markets are decorated profusely. Wide variety of colorful and beautiful fancy and designer rakhis is available in the market. These are made of resham or zari threads and decorated with different items, like beads, semi-precious stones or imitation jewelry. Sometimes, these rakhis are also decorated with silver and gold. The price of rakhis varies according to the materials used in making them. However, one thing remains the same in every rakhi, the love and blessings of the sister for her brother.

[MysteRy]

Rakhi in India

Rakhi is one of the very important festivals celebrated in India. Eagerly awaited by the Hindu community in India and abroad, it surely marks an auspicious occasion. Rakhi comes in the month of Shravan, which falls between July and August, and is celebrated with much eagerness and joy all across the world. The festival of Rakhi communicates the message of brotherhood, as it is the day on which a sister ties a rakhi thread on the wrist of her brother and he, in return, vows to protect her from all troubles. The festival is of great importance in the Hindu culture and is celebrated all over the country, though the ways of celebration vary from one region to the other. The name of this festival also changes as soon as one enters into a new region. Let use know about celebrating Rakhi in different parts of India.

Raksha Bandhan In India

North India
Rakhi festival is popularly called 'Raksha-Bandhan' all over the country. However, it is known by one more name in some parts of North India and that is 'Kajri-Poornima'. In northern parts of the country, this day is propitious because marks the day farmers start sowing the grain seeds, in their farms. Since a new beginning is there, people worship 'Goddess Bhagwati' on this day.

East India
In the eastern part of the country, the significance of Raksha Bandhan is indicated by the cultural richness of famous institute 'Shanti-Niketan.' The founder of this institute was the great Nobel Laureate Rabindro Nath Thhakur. He initiated the 'Rakhi Utsava' (Rakhi tying ceremony) there long back. But the custom is continued till date by the pupils of the 'Shanti-Niketan'.

South India
In some parts of the South India, Rakhi is celebrated by the name of 'Avanee-Avittum', whereas in other parts, it is known as 'Opakramam'. This day has special significance for the Brahmins, as they tie the sacred string on their patron's wrist and in turn, the patrons offer them gifts in cash or kind. 'Shravan Poornima' is yet another name of Rakhi in this part of the country.

West India
In the western region of India, Raksha Bandhan is popularly known by the name of 'Naariyal Poornima' (the 'Coconut Full Moon Day'). Since ancient times, it has been believed that people worship Lord Varuna (the God of Sea) on this day. They offer the 'Naariyals' (coconuts) to the Lord, by proffering them into the sea.

[MysteRy]

Rakhi Legends

Rakhi is a popular festival of India, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. The festival has a tremendous social and cultural significance. It is the celebration of the love amongst siblings. There are various legends associated with the origin of this festival. In fact, the festival has a rich background and has several stories related to its existence. Some of the popular ones have been given in the lines below.

Indra and Indrani:
In the Vedic period, on a 'Shravan Poornima' day (Full Moon Day of the Hindu month of Shravan), the deities and the demons were fighting a battle against each other. Unfortunately, the demons were in a stronger position then the deities. The king of the deities, Lord Indra, was very much worried about the result of the battle. His wife Indrani (also known as Shashikala) could not see him worried and prayed to the almighty. She prepared a talisman with her religious power and tied it around Indra's right wrist, to safeguard Indra from the attack made by the demons. The talisman kept her belief and on that particular day, deities won the battle and Lord Indra escaped unhurt.

Yama and Yamuna:
Yamuna was the sister of Lord Yama, the God of death. On every "Shravan Purnima", Yamuna used to tie a sacred thread (Rakhi) to Lord Yama. Since then, it has become a tradition for sisters to tie Rakhi to their brothers on this day. In return, the brothers bestow blessings on their sisters and promise to protect them all the problems and difficulties that they might ever face.

King Bali and Goddess Laxmi:
According to the mythology, Raja Bali was such a great devotee of Lord Vishnu that Lord Indra felt insecure. Indra worshipped Vishnu and asked the Lord to help him save his throne. Vishnu accepted Indra's prayer and overthrew Bali. Later, Vishnu gave Bali the boon of immortality and also promised to take care of his kingdom. To keep his promise, Vishnu left his residence, 'Vaikunthdham', and went to safeguard Bali's kingdom

Soon, Goddess Laxmi, wife of Lord Vishnu, went to Raja Bali, as a poor Brahmin lady, and requested him for shelter. She regarded Bali as her brother and tied a Rakhi on to his wrist, on the 'Shravan Poornima' day. When Bali wished to give her some present, she told him her true identity and the reason for her arrival. She also asked Bali to send Lord Vishnu back to Vaikunthdham. Raja Bali immediately requested Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi to return.

King Porus and Alexander's Wife:
The ancient history of India tells us that when Alexander the great came to India, to make it a part of his kingdom, he was resisted by the brave King Porus. The bravery of Porus led the Alexander's wife to doubt the safety of her husband. Soon, she sent Porus a rakhi and became his sister. This is the reason why Porus never harmed Alexander.

Maharani Karnawati and Emperor Humayun:
In the Medieval Indian history, the tale of Maharani Karnawati and Mughal Emperor Humayun relates to the tradition of Rakhi. Maharani Karnawati was the queen of the Rajput Kingdom, Chittor, in Rajasthan. When Chittor was threatened by Bahadur Shah of Mewar, the Maharani sent a Rakhi to Humayun, the Mughal Emperor of Delhi, and called him for help. Humayun was aware of the significance of Rakhi in the Hindu community, so he immediately accepted her request to protect her.

[MysteRy]

Rakhi Significance

Rakhi is a festival dedicated to all the brothers and sisters In India, symbolizing the love and emotional bond shared by them. The graceful relationship between brothers and sisters has so much regard and magnitude for Hindus that an entire day of the year is devoted by them for the celebration of this pious relationship. Hindu community celebrates this special day like a festival and calls it 'Rakhi' or 'Raksha-Bandhan'. The literal meaning of 'Raksha-Bandhan' is 'the bond of protection'.

On Rakhi, it is a custom for the sisters to tie a scared thread, called Rakhi, on their brother's wrist. The brothers, in turn, promise their sisters to protect and safeguard them against all the evil forces. Though Rakhi festival has special importance for the brothers and sisters, it is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm by the entire family. Thus, the festival of Raksha Bandhan represents not only the siblings' emotional bond, but also an occasion of family get-togethers and reviving relationships.

There are several examples that show that Rakhi has a much broader connotation. The sacred thread of Rakhi is not just limited to brothers and sisters, but can be tied by wife, a daughter or mother. Rishis also used to tie the sacred bond to the people who came to seek their blessings, thus signifying protection from any evil. The festival of Rakhi also signifies peaceful coexistence, which is obvious when neighbors and friends tie Rakhi on each other's wrists. Rakhi also holds an oath of practicing moral, spiritual and cultural values.

The values and the sentiments attached to Raksha Bandhan show the traditional as well as broader significance of the festival. Since the ancient times, Rakhi has been a symbol of seeking help or protection from the powerful ones, by the weaker souls. In due course of time the moods of this festival's celebrations have changed, a lot but the basic idea of 'a bond of protection' has remained unchanged. Even in the modern times the festival is beyond the difference of caste, race, religious, haves and have-nots, and even national boundaries.

[MysteRy]

Rakhi Thali Decoration

Rakhi is celebrated with pomp and gaiety by Hindus in different parts of India. The ceremonious occasion commemorates the strong bond between brother and sister. On the festival of Rakhi/Raksha Bandhan, sisters would conduct an aarti and apply tilak on their brothers' forehead, before tying the Rakhi (sacred thread) on their brothers' wrist. All the puja items are beautifully arranged on a plate, which is called puja thali. The materials commonly placed in the pooja thali may include a diya (earthen lamp) for performing the aarti, sweets, roli (sacred color used for tilak), rice (for Akshat) and Rakhi. The beautifully decorated Rakhi thalis gives an impression of the sister's love and care for her brother. While the basic puja items remain the same, the puja thali can be decorated in a number of ways. In the article, we have given few ideas for Rakhi thali decoration.

Rakhi Thali Decoration Ideas

Floral Thali
Place the puja items including diya, rice and roli and sweetmeat in a bronze or stainless steel thali in which petals of flowers are arranged as the base. You can decorate the puja thali with an assortment of fresh colorful flowers. Either fill the entire thali with the flowers, or decorate them only on the thali's rim. The thali can be decorated by single color flowers also. Instead of an entire flower, make use of only the petals of the flowers, so that the thali looks pretty.

Dry-fruits Thali
Decorate your puja thali for Rakhi with dry fruits like cashew nuts, chestnuts, raisins, cocoa nut, pistachio or almond. One after another, many circles of different dry- fruits can be made in the thali, which gives a colorful look. Another idea is to make an entire base of mixed dry fruits in the thali, and then place the puja items. For the purpose, you may make use of a stainless steel thali.

Roli-Turmeric Thali
Roli-turmeric thali is one of the basic types of puja thalis for Rakha Bandhan. Take a bronze thali. Now, mix roli with turmeric powder, so that it becomes a thin paste. The red and yellow combination of these two would give a traditional look to your pooja thali. Smear the thali with the fresh roli-turmeric paste. After the paste is dried, place the puja items in the thali, including diya, sweetmeat and rice.

Collage Thali
You may make use of different colorful paper cuttings your Rakhi puja thali decoration. Although the thali will wear a look of collage painting, it is definite that it would look unique and catch the immediate attention of your brother. Make use of paper cut outs from a magazine or newspaper, for the purpose. The papers used in such decoration could be plain papers with single color or the printed papers containing some or other pictures on them.

Choco-Toffee Thali
This Rakhi, come up with unique ideas for the puja thali decoration and please your brother, on the auspicious occasion. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, then go for choco-toffee thali decoration. Divide the area of the thali by drawing lines of chocolates and toffees. In every division, place one puja item. This would look very different from the traditional puja thalis.

Sweets Rakhi Thali
Sweets can be used as decorative items for pooja thali. Either put full pieces of the sweets in a decorative manner in the thali, or put small pieces of sweets by cutting them into different shapes. You can also use a combination of both the ideas. Place the puja items in between the sweets.