Maha Shivratri 2010

Festival Time: 12^th February

Celebration Venue: All over India

Highlights: Performing rituals, observing fast, bhajan & kirtan, prasad distribution.

Maha Shivratri is on 12^th February and only a few days are left to make best preparation for it. With following the Hindu tradition, devotees keep no stone unturned to observe the rituals. Cleaning houses, washing clothes and collecting stuffs for the puja starts a few days prior to the festival. On the very day, ardent devotees keep fast and offer prayer in the sacred Shiv temples . The festivity is greatly celebrated in every nook and corner of India.

Shivratri Puja Preparations

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Maha Shivratri is observed by both men and women of Hindu communities. Performing the sacred bathing rituals and observing fast are main activities on the day. Honey, milk, holy water(Ganga Jal), bilwa leaves, bilwa fruit and flowers are must-offer items. Each offering is performed with chanting mantra- “OM NAMAH SHIVA”.

According to religious Purana, offering bath to the divine Shiva-lingam should be performed after every three hours. While offering bilwa leaves, care should be taken if there is a complete stalk with three leaves and vermillion paste smeared on each one. The puja completes after performing Shiv aarti. Incense sticks and ghee-filled earthen lamps are lighten to let the festive ambiance glow and captivate devotees with holy fragrance.

Celebrating Maha Shivratri

Shivratri is highly followed by female groups. With performing rituals, married women believe to seek blessing for the long-life of their husband. Besides, unmarried lass take part in the festival so as to receive blessing for a perfect soul-mate.

A visit to West Bengal, provides the best scene of festival celebration. Girls dress themselves in beautiful 'Taat Sarees' and keep fast with full dedication. Temple areas get extended and devotees arrange platforms for religious activities such as 'Sangeet Sammelan', bhajan and kirtan. Also, tasty recipes like Laudi Ki Halwa, Kheer, Sago Saboodana, Kaju Barfi etc are prepared for the occasion. They are offered before the lord and are evenly distributed after the fasting session gets over.

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Goa Carnival 2010

February heralds the grand carnival festival at Goa. The streets turns out to be more lively and colorful with the preparations of festival. Though it is a Christian festival yet it is celebrated by people of religions. This event was introduced by the Portuguese who ruled Goa for than 500 years. One can have a glimpse of Konkani culture, in folk dance and music of the region.

The celebration is marked with lively procession, playing of guitars and graceful dance performances. Festive fervor fills the whole ambiance with happiness and joy. Spirit of festivity is spread all over the place just before Easter Sunday. People starts decorating Goa with shimmery items like streamers, ribbons and papers.

Carnival began with a vibrant display of colorful floats. Three days of extravaganza displays exciting events, for instance prize distribution where the best float is rewarded, colossal parades, religious services, music bands and street play on historic themes. Group of masked revelers, dressed in bright colored costumes sing and tap their feet on the tunes of musicians.

The festival becomes more exciting and remarkable by the special arrangements made by the local clubs. It organizes red and black dance, in which people takes active participation. In addition decorated chariots on the streets and dramas depicting the story of King Momo, who introduced the festival in 18^th century are held during the festival celebrations. Goa Carnival is marked with fun and frolic. People throw flour, egg, fruits, water etc on each other and at the passer's by.


By
Nisha Kaur

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