Why do we celebrate Vasant Panchami?
Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival that commemorates the birth of Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of education, music, arts, wisdom, and learning. It is also known as Shri Panchami and Saraswati Puja in West Bengal. Saraswati Puja is also performed during the Sharad Navratri festival, which is more prominent in South India.
The Importance of Vasant Panchami
Vasant Panchami is significant for worshipping Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, in the same way as Diwali is significant for worshipping Lakshmi, the goddess of money and prosperity, and Navratri is significant for worshipping Durga, the goddess of power and bravery; these celebrations each honour one aspect of Mother Divine.
Goddess Saraswati is celebrated on this day during Purvahna time, which is the time before midday according to Hindu calendar. Devotees dress the deity in white clothing and flowers, as white is thought to be Goddess Saraswati’s favorite hue. Traditionally, milk and white sesame sweets are offered to Goddess Saraswati and distributed as Prasad(holy offering) to friends and family.
Due to the profusion of blossoming mustard flowers and marigold (Genda Phool) at this time of year, yellow flowers are offered to Goddess Saraswati on the auspicious day of Vasant Panchami in north India.
What is Vidhya Arambha, and why is it held on Vasant Panchami?
Vidhya Arambha, the ritual of introducing young children to the world of school and formal learning, falls on Vasant Panchami. On the day of Vasant Panchami, most schools and universities hold a Saraswati Puja. Vasant is the Hindu calendar’s equivalent of spring, and one of the six Indian seasons. Vasant Panchami is a misnomer because the day has nothing to do with the Indian Vasant season. Vasant Panchami does not always occur during Vasant season.
However, in recent years, it did fall during Vasant. Because none of the Hindu festivals are tied to seasons, Shri Panchami and Saraswati Puja are more acceptable names for the day of Vasant Panchami.
Observance of Vasant Panchami
The following are the important ceremonies and activities that take place on Vasant Panchami:
Saraswati Puja for children involves flying kites while dressed in white and yellow and offering mustard and marigold flowers to Goddess Saraswati Vidhya Arambha.
Saraswati Puja is performed at schools and colleges that are starting new ventures, particularly educational institutes and colleges.
Pitri Tarpan (offering to ancestors) for family who have passed away
Regional Variance in Vasant Panchami
Vasant Panchami in Brij
Vasant Panchami ceremonies in Brij are similar to those in Mathura and Vrindavan temples. In Brij temples, the day of Vasant Panchami marks the start of Holi celebrations. Most temples are decked with yellow flowers on Vasant Panchami day. To celebrate the approach of spring, the idols are dressed in yellow costumes.
The famous Shah Bihari temple in Vrindavan opens the Vasanti chamber for worshipers on this day. Priests in Vrindavan’s Shri Banke Bihari temple begin Holi celebrations by tossing Abeer and Gulal on devotees. Holika Dahan Pandal is dug out and a Holi Danda (a wooden stick) is installed, which will be filled with scrap wood and dried cow dung over the next 41 days for Holika Dahan rites.
Vasant Panchami in West Bengal
In West Bengal, Vasant Panchami is known as Saraswati Puja. Saraswati Puja, like Durga Puja, is observed with great devotion and excitement. Saraswati Puja is very popular among students. The girls wear yellow Basanti Saris and the boys wear Dhoti and Kurta, as is customary. Students and artists worship Goddess Saraswati by placing educational books, musical instruments, paintbrushes, canvas, ink pots, and bamboo quills in front of the idol.
Anjali (offerings) is served to Goddess Saraswati in the morning in most homes. Bel leaves, marigold, Palash and Guldaudi flowers, and Sandal paste are used to worship the Goddess.
Saraswati Puja, like Durga Puja, is a communal celebration in which people get together to create Pandals in their neighbourhoods and place the idol of Goddess Saraswati. To please and obtain the graces of the Goddess of wisdom and knowledge, instrumental music is traditionally played.
Kul (jujube fruit, also known as Ber in North India), apples, dates, and bananas are offered to Goddess Saraswati as Naivedhya (offerings) and thereafter distributed to worshippers. Despite the fact that the Kul fruit is available in the market well before the festival, many people do not begin eating it until the day of Magha Panchami, when the fruit is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. On this day, most people look forward to eating the Kul fruit. Topa Kul Chutney, along with Khichuri and Lubra, is a special meal served on Saraswati Puja day.
On this day, in addition to Saraswati Puja, Hate Khori, or the ritual of learning Bengali alphabets, is held, which is called as Vidhya Arambha in other states.
The idol of Goddess Saraswati is transported out of homes or Pandals in the evening and immersed in a water body in a grand procession. The idol is usually submerged on the third day, but many people do it on the day of Saraswati Puja.
Vasant Panchami is pronounced Basant Panchami in Punjab and Haryana. The ceremonies of Basant Panchami have nothing to do with worship. However, this does not diminish the significance of the occasion, since the day is celebrated by a variety of fun and frolic activities to celebrate the entrance of Basant, the spring season.
Flying kites is quite popular on this day. The event is open to both men and women. The sport is so popular that demand for kites skyrockets right before Basant Panchami, and kite producers are extremely busy throughout the festival. The bright blue sky is filled with countless kites of various colours, shapes, and sizes on the day of Basant Panchami. It should be mentioned that kite flying is more popular during Makar Sankranti in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. The schoolgirls indulge in kite flying activities while dressed in traditional Punjabi clothes known as Giddha.
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How do urban areas affect Wetlands?
According to estimates from Wetlands International South Asia, about 30% of India’s natural wetlands have been lost in the previous three decades due to illegal construction, unsustainable urbanization, agricultural development, and pollution.
Chennai has lost 90% of its wetlands due to uncontrolled urbanization, leaving the city with water security and environmental degradation challenges. Between 2005 and 2018, Vadodara lost 30.5 percent of its wetlands. Ineffective waste management, growing pollution, and unchecked urban development contributed to the loss of 55% of Hyderabad’s wetlands.
Mumbai lost 71% of its wetlands, Ahmedabad 57%, Bengaluru 56%, Pune 37%, and Delhi-National Capital Region 38%, owing primarily to building and pollution-induced eutrophication.
This widespread loss can be attributed to a lack of awareness and knowledge of wetlands and their ecosystem functions, in addition to urbanization needs.
In January 2021, the National Mission for Clean Ganga developed a toolbox for managing wetlands and water bodies in urban areas, as well as researching the issues raised by rising urbanization.
Later, on the last World Wetland Day, the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti started a huge scientific and community-based campaign to generate health cards and manage 10 wetlands in each of Ganga’s 50-plus districts (water resources).
In June, the Delhi Development Authority issued a public consultation on Master Plan Delhi 2041 (MPD 2041), which aims to safeguard and develop an interconnected network of ‘green and blue assets’ in Delhi in order to preserve the capital’s biodiversity and microclimate.
The strategy also included ideas for improving public access to nature. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the protection and enhancement of green-blue assets in order to foster community ownership.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has already submitted the proposal for approval to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and it is nearing completion.
All of these are positive developments for India’s urban planning policy.
Gearing up for urbanization: How to safeguard India’s wetlands
Because urbanization is only going to get worse, the country’s wetlands must be protected as soon as possible. Since its inception in India in 1982, the Ramsar Convention, which protects 42 wetlands, has aided some significant locations. However, conservation efforts have largely focused on the notified Ramsar areas, ignoring a number of additional important urban wetlands.
The Cities4Forests global movement, which works directly with cities all over the world to connect them to forests, emphasizes the importance of wetlands and their various benefits in helping cities resist climate change and maintain biodiversity.
Wetlands provide a wide range of vital resources and ecosystem services, including food, water, fibre, groundwater recharge, water purification, flood mitigation, storm protection, erosion management, carbon storage, and climate regulation, among others.
Ways to Improve Urban Wetland Management in India
The current urgent need is to incorporate wetlands ecological services and biodiversity into our development plans and urban planning procedures, including climate change mitigation.
Wetlands provide numerous advantages and services that are critical to achieving the ambitious agenda of developing resilient cities to fulfil our sustainable development goals while allowing for further development and poverty eradication. Mega urban plans such as the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation must include features of wetlands management that are sustainable. Due to a policy vacuum, cities are unable to meet water demand. There is no well-defined ‘National Urban Water Policy’ to govern urban water management.
Damming and water abstraction have a significant influence on wetlands: the Keoladeo Ghana Sanctuary, Loktak Lake, Chilika Lake, and Vembanad Kole are all badly impacted by dams that affect water and silt flows. More scientific data, images, maps, and other relevant tools are also needed to understand the state of wetlands.
From 2006 to 2011, the Indian Space Research Organisation used remote sensing satellites to scan over two lakh wetlands in India for the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment. The states, on the other hand, have made little effort in designating wetlands.
There is also a need for more stringent regulation enforcement. Because regulatory authorities like the Central Wetland Regulatory Authority only have advisory powers, the National Plan for the Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems and the Wetlands Conservation and Management Rules, 2017 (revised in 2020), have had limited influence.
Furthermore, existing rules utterly disregard the involvement of local populations in the governance and monitoring of wetlands. According to Ramveer Tanwar, who regenerated over 20 ponds and lakes in and around Noida, awareness is the first step toward protection. Tanwar’s team begins with awareness campaigns in chosen locations, encouraging residents to join with their time and money, while raising the remaining funds from private firms (costs vary between Rs 3-5 lakh per acre of wetland area).
They employed a five-step wetland restoration method. Hyacinth and rubbish are removed from the water first. The water body is then separated into sections based on its size, with water being drained from each section. They let the bottom dry fully before excavating it if necessary.
A path for plants is built around the region, and then water is reintroduced, rejuvenating the waterbody.
Scalability and replicability can also be investigated in a number of other small-scale undertakings.
Narayan Choudhary’s Talab Bachao Abhiyan has mobilised communities in the Mithilanchal region (north Bihar) throughout the years. The campaign raised awareness about pond encroachment and pollution and urged the government to act.
Since 2017, Shweta Hule’s ‘Swamini’ self-help group of ten women has organised a’mangrove safari’ for tourists in Sindhudurg’s Mandavi creek. This has been recognised as a paradigm for ecotourism-based community conservation.
The state forest department is working to replicate their model in other regions of Maharashtra’s coastal region.
A strong policy can be established to alter the country’s wetlands conditions based on local experiences and skills. Plans like MPD 2041, which focus on water bodies and the land surrounding them, are the urban planning plans of the future. The ‘green-blue policy,’ in which water bodies and land are interdependent and grow with each other while providing environmental and social advantages, is referred as such.
However, the DDA seeks different stakeholders for this project, including the Delhi Jal Board, the flood and irrigation department, and municipal corporations. This will be a difficult undertaking, especially as it has no supervisory authority over these bodies.
ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad and ICAR’s Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) in Kochi will work together to locate and demarcate wetlands smaller than 2.25 hectares along India’s coastline. To create resilience against the impact of climate change, they will conserve water bodies through “coastal livelihood programmes.”
The toolkit’s creation will also assist urban local governments, city administrators, urban planners, and other stakeholders to handle water management concerns by taking comprehensive and integrated action on the ground.
Such smart and new approaches, as well as more space for people to participate in the management and decision-making of their wetlands, are critical for India to construct a climate resilient future.
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5 positions in the Indian Coast Guard
February 1, 2022 marks the 46th Raising Day of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). So, let’s learn everything there is to know about coast guard officer ranks.
The Indian Coast Guard was originally constituted on February 1, 1977, by the Indian Parliament‘s Coast Guard Act, 1978. It is controlled by the Ministry of Defense.
ICG began with just seven surface platforms in 1978 and now has 156 ships and 62 aircraft in its fleet. By 2025, it is expected to reach its target force levels of 200 surface platforms and 80 aircraft.
Ranks in the Coast Guard
Officer levels in the Coast Guard are named the same as those in the Central Armed Police Forces.
The four branches in the Indian Coast Guard are general duty, pilot officer, technical officer, and law officer.
General-Duty Officers and Pilot Officers are two types of positions females can occupy onshore, based in establishments, air stations, and headquarters. They are not posted on marine vessels.
Officers of the Indian Coast Guard are now undergoing Basic Military Training at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, alongside their Indian Navy counterparts.
This facilitates exchange of officers between the two entities. The Indian Coast Guard Academy is being built in Mangalore, Karnataka.
Let us explore these positions within the Indian Coast Guard more deeply.
General Duty Officers
Officers of the General-Duty (GD) branch are the only ones who can command ships at sea.
A General-Duty Officer’s main responsibilities would be to operate guns, sensors, and various types of technology on board of a ship.
The GD officers would be in charge of the ship’s and men’s safety. A GD Officer of the Indian Coast Guard exercises all District Commanders (COMDIS) and Commander of Coast Guard Region (COMCG) posts.
Pilots
The GD branch also includes pilot officers. A Pilot Officer can work at shore air stations throughout the Indian coasts, as well as embark ships.
Fixed-wing aircraft are used by ICG to monitor the Exclusive Economic Zone.
Helicopters are often stationed on Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) to offer local surveillance and conduct search and rescue missions at sea.
Officers in Charge of Technology
Technical Officers are in charge of modern technology and sensor systems on board Coast Guard boats and planes, as well as on land.
They are also in charge of the force’s maintenance wings.
Officers of the law
Law Officers advise their respective commanders on legal matters. They represent the Indian Coast Guard in legal proceedings brought by or against it.
They also serve as trial law officers in Coast Guard courts that hear cases involving delinquent Coast Guard personnel.
The Chief Law Officer is the Directorate of Law of Coast Guard Headquarters, which is led by a Deputy Inspector-General.
The qualifications for being appointed as the Chief Law Officer of the Indian Coast Guard are outlined in Section 115 of the Coast Guard Act of 1978. The Chief Law Officer’s duties are defined in Section 116 of the Coast Guard Act of 1978.
Personnel Enrolled
The Coast Guard has two types of enlisted personnel: yantriks (technicians) and naviks (sailor).
On board Coast Guard vessels and aircraft, Yantriks oversee operating and repairing mechanical, electrical, and aeronautical equipment and systems.
Naviks can also work in the General-Duty or Domestic branches of the military. The General-Duty naviks work as sailors, weapons system operators, communication specialists, divers, and other maritime and aviation support personnel. On board Coast Guard boats, domestic branch naviks work as stewards, cooks, and other positions.
At the naval training complex INS Chilka, enlisted troops of the Indian Coast Guard are trained alongside Indian Naval sailors.
All training received by Coast Guard personnel is identical to that received by Indian Navy sailors.
In the event of an emergency, all workers are trained to operate weapons systems.
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15 Little-known facts about Lal Bahadur Shastri
2022 marks the 100th anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri’s sad demise. He was the second Prime Minister of Independent India, and Mahatma Gandh’s beliefs and teachings had a tremendous impact on his life. He gave the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,” which means “Hail the army, Hail the farmer.”
Let’s take a closer look at Lal Bahadur Shastri’s life.
Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on 2nd of October 1904 in Mughalsarai, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. His parents were Sharada Prasad Shrivastava and Ramdulari Devi is Ramdulari. He was married to Lalita Devi. He was part of the Indian National Congress (INC) political party. Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away on 11th January 1966 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. A memorial in his honor can be found at the Vijay Ghat, New Delhi.
Early Life
Lal Bahadur Shastri attended Mughalsarai and Varanasi’s East Central Railway Inter College. In 1926, he received his diploma from the Kashi Vidyapeeth. Vidya Peeth bestowed upon him the title “Shastri,” which means “Scholar,” as part of his bachelor’s degree award. He was greatly inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and Lokmanya Tilak.
On May 16, 1928, he married Lalita Devi. He became a life member of Lala Lajpat Rai’s Servants of the People Society (Lok Sevak Mandal). He began working for the upliftment of the underprivileged there, eventually becoming the President of the Society.
Shastri ji joined the Indian Independence Campaign in the 1920s, when he took part in the non-cooperation movement. The British imprisoned him for a period of time.
He also took part in the Salt Satyagraha in 1930, for which he was imprisoned for over two years. He became the Organizing Secretary of the U.P. Parliamentary Board in 1937. In 1942, after Mahatma Gandhi delivered the Quit India speech in Mumbai, he was again imprisoned until 1946. Shastri has served a total of nine years in prison. He read books and became acquainted with the writings of western philosophers, revolutionaries, and social reformers during his time in prison.
Achievements in Politics
Lal Bahadur Shastri became the Parliamentary Secretary in Uttar Pradesh after India’s independence. In 1947, he was also appointed Minister of Police and Transport. For the first time as Transport Minister, he appointed female conductors. As the minister in charge of the Police Department, he issued an order instructing officers to use water jets rather than lathis to disperse enraged crowds.
Shastri was appointed General Secretary of the All-India Congress Committee in 1951, and he was successful in publicizing the poll and other election-related activities. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh in 1952. In 1955, as Railway Minister, he installed the first machine at Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory.
Shastri was re-elected as Minister of Transport and Communications in 1957, and then as Minister of Commerce and Industry in 1958. He became Home Minister in 1961, and he established the Committee on Corruption Prevention. He devised the well-known “Shastri Formula,” which included language uprisings in Assam and Punjab.
Lal Bahadur Shastri was elected Prime Minister of India on June 9, 1964. He was a proponent of the White Revolution, a nationwide push to boost milk production. He was also a proponent of the Green Revolution, which aimed to boost India’s food output.
Though Shastri maintained Nehru’s non-alignment policy, he also established a friendship with the Soviet Union. Concerned about the position of Indian Tamils in Ceylon, he struck an agreement with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1964. The Srimavo-Shastri Pact is the name of this arrangement.
In 1965, Shastri paid an official visit to Rangoon, Burma, and re-established excellent relations with General Ne Win’s military government. In 1965, India was attacked by Pakistan again during his presidency. He gave the Security Forces the freedom to react and declared, “Force shall be met with Force.”
On September 23, 1965, the Indo-Pak conflict came to an end. On January 10, 1966, Russian Prime Minister Kosygin volunteered to mediate the signing of the Tashkent Declaration by Lal Bahadur Shastri and his Pakistani counterpart Ayub Khan.
Death
On January 11, 1966, Lal Bahadur Shastri died of a heart attack. In 1966, he was posthumously given the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.
Lal Bahadur Shastri was well-known for his honesty and skill. He was a humble, tolerant man with immense inner power who spoke the common man’s language. He was strongly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings and was also a visionary leader who guided countries toward prosperity.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s little-known facts
- Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister, was born on October 2nd, the same day as Mahatma Gandhi.
2. He was awarded the title of ‘Shastri’ by Kashi Vidyapeeth University in 1926 as a symbol of intellectual achievement.
3. Shastri swam the Ganges twice a day to get to school and wore books on his head because he could not afford to rent a boat at the time.
4. When Lal Bahadur Shastri was the Minister of Uttar Pradesh, he was the first to employ water jets instead of lathi charges to disperse crowds.
5. He coined the phrase “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” and was instrumental in defining India’s destiny.
6. He was imprisoned because he participated in the non-cooperation movement during Gandhi Ji’s Freedom Struggle, but he was released because he was still a minor, aged 17 years old.
7. After independence, as Transport Minister, he mandated the hiring of female conductors and drivers in public transit.
8. He accepted a Khadi cloth and a spinning wheel as a dowry in his wedding. He criticized and protested the dowry and caste systems with his voice up.
9. He took part in the Salt March and was sentenced to two years in prison.
10. While serving as Home Minister, he established the first anti-corruption committee.
11. He had also used the Green Revolution concept to increase demand for India’s food supply.
12. He became involved in the freedom movement in the 1920s and became a senior leader of the Indian National Congress.
13. He had also backed the White Revolution as a means of raising milk output in the country. He established the National Dairy Development Board and backed the Anand, Gujarat-based Amul milk cooperative.
14. On January 10, 1966, he signed the Tashkent Declaration with Pakistan President Muhammad Ayub Khan to terminate the 1965 conflict.
15. He was a self-disciplined individual with excellent morals and self-esteem. After becoming Prime Minister, he did not even buy a car.
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Republic Day of India
India celebrates Republic Day every year on January 26th, and this year will be the country’s 73rd Republic Day, commemorating the day India became a sovereign republic.
While India acquired independence from the British in 1947, the Indian Constitution did not come into effect until January 26, 1950.
Dr. BR Ambedkar, also known as the Architect of the Indian Constitution, authored the Indian Constitution. The date of 26 January was chosen because the Indian National Congress opposed colonial authority and declared Purna Swaraj, or “full liberation from the British,” on the same day in 1929.
The Indian Constituent Assembly enacted the Constitution on November 26, 1949, and it went into effect in 1950 under a democratic governance structure. This marked the end of the country’s transition to an independent republic.
Every year on Republic Day, the defense forces, including the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, police, and paramilitary forces, parade on Rajpath, which is aired on television, in addition to hoisting the Indian flag, singing the national song, and organizing performances and activities.
Stunts on motorbikes, tanks, and other armament systems are also showcased in addition to air shows. They are accompanied by ornately constructed tableaus depicting the diversity and beauty of India’s several states.
Let us bring you a sneak peek at the pertinent details of India’s constitution on this Republic Day.
10 FACTS ABOUT INDIA’S CONSTITUTION:
- The Indian National Congress issued the historic Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) on January 26, 1929, in opposition to British rule.
- On December 9, 1946, the Constituent Assembly convened for the first time in New Delhi, at the Constitution Hall, which is now the Central Hall of Parliament House.
- Dr. B R Ambedkar was appointed as the chairman of a drafting committee charged with creating the Indian Constitution.
- The Constituent Assembly took over three years to finish its historic mission of drafting the Constitution for Independent India (two years, eleven months, and seventeen days to be exact).
- On November 4, 1947, the Indian Constituent Assembly received the proposed constitution. The 308 members of the Assembly convened in public sessions for 166 days over a period of two years and made improvements.
- The Indian Constituent Assembly approved the Constitution on November 26, 1949.
- Finally, the Assembly members signed two handwritten versions of the Constitution, one in English and one in Hindi, on January 24, 1950, paving the way to the status of republic two days later, on January 26th, 1950.
- The Indian Constitution is the world’s longest written constitution. Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of the Indian Union on the same day.
- Under the transitory provisions of the new Constitution, the Constituent Assembly ceased to exist and was replaced by the Parliament of India.
- The Indian Constitution, which replaced the Government of India Act (1935) as the country’s governing document, is hence commemorated on January 26 yearly.
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Diwali – What are its origins? Why do we celebrate it?
What is the origin of the Diwali Festival?
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali does not have the same story across regions of India. In the north, we celebrate the return of King Rama, an incarnation of the God Vishnu, to his kingdom, Ayodhya, after a fourteen-year exile. In the South, a different story is associated with the festival: According to legend, Narakasura, a demon king, tormented people for a long time until the day when the God Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, killed him. The people celebrated the demon king’s defeat and since then the custom has continued. Regardless of the origin of Diwali, Hindus share the idea of celebrating the victory of good over evil, of light over darkness.
How do Indians celebrate Diwali?
Wherever you are in India, prepare yourselves for a splendid day and night – cities are lit up, firecrackers and fireworks are ringing everywhere, paper lanterns brighten the streets, and every household is looking at its best.
The festivities are traditionally spread over 5 days. While traditions and customs differ from region to region, here are some interesting facts:
The 1st day, Dhanteras, is devoted to the preparations. The houses are cleaned, tidied, and illuminated to please Lakshmi, the Goddess governing emotions and refinement, who comes to visit her devotees. People buy new utensils, objects, or jewelry as it is believed that the Goddess will enter homes in the form of new things.
On the 2nd day, Chhoti Diwali, the victory of Shri Krishna over the demon Narakasura is celebrated, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The legend says that Krishna, after killing the demon, took a bath to purify himself. Some Hindu families follow the ritual of taking a bath with natural oils that day before sunrise.
On the 3rd day, Diwali, the festival is at its peak: Mother Lakshmi is celebrated; new clothes are worn, and people adorn themselves with new jewelry. Oil lamps are lit around and inside homes, as well as in the streets. Gifts are exchanged to strengthen bonds with family and friends.
The 4th day, Annakut, is the day of abundance: food is distributed, and offerings are made to the Gods. In temples dedicated to Krishna, the deity is given a ritual milk bath and adorned with his most beautiful clothes and jewelry.
On the 5th day, Bhai Dooj, worship ceremonies, commonly called pujas, are the focal point. This day is also dedicated to siblings. The sisters apply a tilak (a red mark) to their brother’s forehead and pray for a prosperous life, while the brothers bless their sisters with gifts.
Some particularities of Diwali in South India
Firstly, the Southern States celebrate this holiday always one day before the Northern States, and it usually only lasts 4 days. These differences can be explained by divergent beliefs about the origin of Diwali.
The 3rd day of the festival is considered the last of the year, according to the Hindu Vikram calendar used in northern India. And so, the next day is the start of the Hindu New Year. But this is not the case in South India, because another calendar is used, that of Shalivahana.
In Tamil Nadu, on Diwali Day, the oldest family member applies sesame oil on the heads of all family members before sunrise. Then it is an oil bath for everyone, starting with the youngest in the family.
Kerala is the only state in India where Diwali is not a major festival. There are several reasons for this: first because Diwali also represents the end of the monsoons and the start of a new harvest season, but, in Kerala, the agricultural season does not start at that time, so it does not coincide. In addition, the weather is not favorable during this period and it is therefore less easy to turn on lights outdoors or start fireworks. Finally, although there are a considerable number of Hindus, there are also many Christians and Muslims in this state.
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the festivities take place over two days – Naraka Chaturdasi and Deepavali Amavasya. The festivities begin early in the morning. Most of the time, people are engaged in shopping and decorating their homes.
In Karnataka, the festival begins with a religious ceremony called neeru tumbo habba, during which the houses are cleaned, washed, and painted. The next day, Lakshmi puja is performed. On the fourth day, the house, especially the entrance, is decorated with flowers and floor rangolis (drawings of coloured powder or rice powder) to invite the Gods to their homes. A special entrance to the house is built, made of cow dung (gomaya) and sandalwood (siri-chandana).
The common theme of Diwali throughout India is centered around the celebration of abundance and lovingly sharing it with close ones.
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What is Ram Navami?
Ram Navami is a festival celebrated to commemorate Lord Ram’s birthday. This falls on nineth day of the spring Navaratri festival, which is on the Shukhla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of the month of Chaitra as per Hindu calendar. Navaratri is a festival celebrated over nine days, dedicated to Mother Divine. “Nav” means nine and “ratri” means night, which means nine nights. Devotees worship Mother Divine in her aspect of Goddess Durga, which is further subdivided into nine forms. These nine forms are worshiped for nine days by fasting and worshipping, as per the individual’s will and capability.
The spring navratri culminates with the celebration of the birthday of Lord Rama, at noon. Rama is widely worshipped among Hindus and also across the world, where the Indian diaspora is present. He is also known as Seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu as per Hindu mythology. His whole life event has been described and written in the epic RAMAYANA.
Where was Lord Rama born?
As per Ramayana, which was millenniums ago, Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Ayodhya is also known as Rama Janambhoomi( “Janam” means birth and bhoomi means “place”)
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How is Ram Navami celebrated?
People fast for Navaratri and offer oblations to Goddess Durga for nine days consecutively. Navratri is celebrated five times a year. These are named as per month names of Hindu calendar : Chaitra Navratri, Ashadha Navratri, Sharad Navratri , Pausha and Magha Navratri. Chaitra month is basically from March to April. On this day people worship Lord Rama and go to temples to offer prasadam (oblation) of fruits and coconut based sweets called ladoos, kheer (sweet dish made of rice and milk), halwa (a mixture of semolina and milk) etc. This is the beauty of Hinduism, everyone allow their heart to influence their mode of worship. All festivals aim at purification of the self from greed and fasting, which has health benefits of its own. To heal internally as well as physically many such festivals are celebrated all over India and that’s this unity in diversity is popular all over the world.
Maha Shivaratri : Night of devotion and faith
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated mainly amongst Hindus. Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, and its evidence can be found in The Vedas which are 5000 years old written texts. Hindus have settled down all over the world. In India, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on the 11th March 2021, date which differs every year, as the Hindu calendar is based on the luni-solar calendar, differentiating it from the Gregorian calendar. If we break down the Maha-Shiva-Ratri word: Maha means big, Shiva is Lord who is worshipped, personified or impersonified, for this is the energy on which the entire creation rests, and Ratri means night which gives rest and comforts one. Hence this night is about contemplating on physical and mental peace along with spirituality.
Actually, Shivaratri happens every month and Maha Shivaratri, once a year. The festival of Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month as per Hindu calendar.
So why is Maha Shivratri celebrated and what is done during the festival?
As per Hindu mythology Maha Shivaratri celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. There are other stories as well behind this festival, and all over India people have personal beliefs linked to their devotion. Shiva is often referred to as the Lord of destruction while Goddess Pravati is known as Goddess of fertility, love and beauty. Many devotees of Shiva fast on this festival, worshipping him in temples or from their own home, in the form of Shiva Linga, an iconic representation of Shiva, reminding one of the impersonal nature of the divine. Many are those who stay awake and worship him all night long, chanting Har Har Mahaadev or Om Namah Shivay.
Shiva temples are usually busy on this particular day, with devoted souls flocking in with offerings of fruits, flowers, milk, honey and seeds.
Devotees do Rudra Abhishek of Shiva Linga where the linga is bathed with different substances like water, curd, milk, honey, Datura fruit as well as other offerings made to Lord Shiva. An offering of Dhatura, scientifically known as Datura stramonium, or Thorn Apple (Datura) is believed to help one get rid of envy, terror, wicked nature or any other negative tendencies. Offerings are made as per one’s own will and capacity.
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Dussehra: The nine nights of celebration of divine feminine strength
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Why do people fast?
Married and unmarried men and women both worship Shiva and typically fast. Fasting is good for health and has many scientific merits to it, as it allows the body to go into autophagy. Some only drink water; some might keep to a fruit diet while others might have only one meal in the evening. It all depends on the individual and his/her faith. There is no absolute path in the Hindu religion.
How do Indians celebrate when they are not fasting?
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Maha Shivaratri : A day of devotion and patience
This day is an opportunity for people to align with the all-pervasive consciousness by fasting and chanting. Lord Shiva is known as the annihilator of evils and also the first yogi. This is a special day where people pray to seek blessings and perform rituals, which give them immense tranquility and comfort. On this day, we wish everyone a Happy Maha Shivratri and happiness to each and every being on Earth.
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CSR in India
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is taken very seriously in India. In fact, it is the only country to have a mandatory CSR spending law in the world. It was introduced for the first time in India under the Companies Act 2013 under section 135. Its rules were notified in Feb 2014 and came into effect since April 2014.
What is CSR?
The basic principles of CSR: Although the ideals of CSR have a long history in India, its roots can be traced to Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of building a self-sustainable society. Gandhiji was of opinion that concentration of wealth with one group of people is of no good to the welfare of the society. Which is why he formulated the trusteeship model so that wealthy industrialists are obligated to invest in the welfare of society. This was, however, limited to very few activities. After Independence and the subsequent liberalization of Indian economy, globalization ensured global standards were met. Although many industrialists like TATA, Birla and even PSUs (Public sector Units) were doing activities in line with current CSR practice, the CSR laws were proposed in India.
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India still needs to improve in terms of development and CSR can catalyse such endeavors because Indian businesses spend around ₹15,000 crore a year on CSR as per pre-pandemic official estimates.
Corporate social responsibility law
This law is applicable to all companies incorporated in India and have either of these in their preceding financial year:
- Net worth of INR 500 Cr or more or
- Turnover of INR 1000 Cr or more or
- Net profit of INR 5 Cr or more
It has also been clearly mentioned that under this law, pure philanthropy or mere donations cannot be considered as CSR endeavors.
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The list of activities and areas under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are defined clearly under CSR law. All organizations have to spend at least 2 % of their average net profit for three consecutive fiscal years as per CSR law. A lot of development has been happening in this space to make every work accountable. The Indian government keep making efforts for impactful results. Many changes have been happening for FDI (foreign direct Invesment) as there were some reports of fund misuse. As many companies which do CSR are not doing what they should do or NGOs which get funds but not making good use of the money. Recently many changes also happened in the CSR policy with amendments in terms and definitions as notified under the MCA ( Ministry of corporate affairs) notifications 2021. Here’s some of the key changes:
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- The definition of administrative overheads has been introduced and it excludes expenses directly incurred for designing, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of a particular CSR project.
- Now there is compulsory registration electronically with Ministry of corporate affairs so that government knows exactly where and which agencies are doing implementations
- New terms have been included under the international organisation section so that instances like NGOs or any organisation working in this sector can take help from such international organisations in designing, monitoring and evaluation type activities.
- The Impact assessment has been added new in the policy so that any activity done by any the organisation can be verified. It can happen through proper CSR assessment and reporting methodology. To know more about it, view this course, linked below. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell so such content get pushed to you!
We have only covered a few of the many updates in this topic. There are many rules and policies which keep changing acording to time and requirements.
Currently India stands at a low HDI(Human development ranking ) and much more is needed to remove poverty, hunger and many more issues like child malnutrition, education, the fight towards climate change. The CSR structure has the potential to bring together government, NGOs and international organization to work together for the benefit of the society.
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All you need to know: clay in the kitchen
This blog is part of a series on Technological Innovations in Rural India. To read more on how technology is benefitting rural communities across India, read our previous release on Chakda, a promising immediate solution to transportation, and Jhatka, a device preventing wild animals from damaging cultivations by merely scarring them away.
We have come a long way in terms of technology but still whatever research we do or invention we make can’t stand in front of nature. For instance, compare the following: natural air under a tree and acclimated air from air conditioners water from mud pots and from fridges, cooking in clay and cooking in not stick gridles. Natural methods, you will agree, preserve the integrity in taste and does not harm to environment or living beings.
In this blog, we’ll focus on earthen pots and see how this traditional kind of utensil compare to modern industry-manufactured counterparts. We’ll start from the most basic thing used for drinking water, which are earthen pots also known as matka, ghada, paanai(tamil), madike(kannada), kunda(telugu) or surahi, across different parts of India.
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Earthen pot
If we wish to drink cool water, not chilled, which is anyway not recommended by Ayurvedic science, mud pots can help achieve this, without consuming any electricity nor being hazardous to the environment. Made of natural materials, earthenware is a sustainable. But slowly urbanization has led to habits of getting used to cold and chilled water, to the detriment of our personal health, and that of Earth. Many wonder how earthen pots cool water without using any external energy, like fridges. Well the answer lies in the tiny pores in the clay pots through which water evaporates at a slow rate, which is enough to lower the internal temperature of the vessel, and that of the water. This might not be efficient in humid areas due to higher humidity ratio.
With evolution, humans started using copper, steel and plastic as they don’t break and are durable. Nowadays, in rural areas, many plastic pots can be spotted as they are lightweight and easy to carry. Clay pots are, however, at an advantage from a sustainability point of view, as well as for its natural cooling properties.
Clay cooking utensils
Another thing which is now making a comeback are clay cooking utensils, as they propose some health benefits, as recommended by the science of Ayurveda. If we compare the materials used today, like non stick tavas, many people don’t know that the layer which is coated on the metal surface is a carcinogenic timebomb. Clay is a traditional utensil for sure, but properly adapted for our biology.
- Some benefits of clay cooking are: Steam circulation is very good in the clay vessel and this provides adequate moisture, reducing oil needed for cooking
- It keeps the flavour integrity of the food.
- Due to the alkaline nature of clay pots, pH balance of the food is maintained.
- They are of priced competitively.
- They are eco friendly
- It is also said that nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium get added to the food due to their presence within the clay. These are among the essential nutrients for the body.
Next example of such innovation is Mitticool which has been recognized by various organizations at national level in India. The origin of its invention is quite interesting
Source: http://nif.org.in/
Mitticool Fridge
The mitticool fridge is a refrigerator which was invented to tackle the problem of electricity. In 2005 Mansukhbhai-Prajapati- an entrepreneur from Gujarat’s rural area, came up with his fridge called Mitticool. His inspiration stems from the sight of a broken fridge after an earthquake in 2001 in Gujarat. He performed some research for several years and came up with this invention. The National Innovation Foundation also recognized his initiative in 2005. Let’s get an understanding of how it works and how it is different from electric fridges which are widely in use today.
The Mitticool Fridge works on a very basic principle of latent heat of water for cooling. Water from the upper chambers drips down just like in a desert cooler and it lowers the temperature from inside. Water is stored at the top and from there a passage is present to allow circulation of water.
- This fridge is made from a different kind of clay, terracotta clay, which has the unique property of maintaining the cooling effect.
- It does not need any electricity for cooling.
- It can store vegetables and fruits for 2 –3 days and can even be used for cooling water The water won’t be as chilled like in refrigerators but is cool enough for those hot summer days.)
- A person who buys it does not need to worry about rising electricity bill.
- This fridge is portable and can be easily carried.
There are some challenges as well
- Its performance depends a lot on external temperature and humidity.
- Outer body need to be cleaned at 2-3 days interval so that pores are not obstructed.
- It is advised to keep it in ventilated area.
Mitticool is now a brand and sells various items made of clay like drinking water bottle, clay cooking utensils and many more. Even Mansukhbhai has several patents within this theme.
The above three examples portray the simplicity and innovativeness of clayware and their practical implementation in daily life; for instance their prevalence, to date, in many rural locations. The use of clay in modern days is a good example of bringing back practices from the past, which have been tested over centuries and have proved to be sustainable in the long term.
The challenge nowadays is adaptation to current lifestyle. Initially many habitats were nearby pollution-free rivers, but nowadays, the environmental conditions have drastically changed.
The earth is abundant and can cater for our needs. The choice lies in the choices we make: fulfillment of needs and desires, and to what extent.
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