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Kumari Puja: Significance, Rituals, Offerings
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11 Oct 2024, 10:56
Photo: Sunil Sharma/Xinhua
Kumari Puja/Kanya Puja is an important ritual observed during Navratri or Durga Puja. This year Kumari Puja is observed today (Monday, October 11).
During Kumari Puja, an unmarried teenage girl is worshipped symbolically as a goddess. Kumari puja is held at the end of Mahastami puja, but can also be held on the day of Navami puja. Kumari puja may also be held during kali puja, jagaddhatri puja, Annapurna puja and Shakti puja.
According to Hindu scriptures, Kumari puja commemorates the killing of Kolasur by the goddess Kali. According to legend, Kolasur had once occupied the heavens and the earth. The helpless deities approached Mahakali for help. Responding to their appeal, she was born again and, in the form of a maiden, killed Kolasur.
The rituals of Kumari puja and its significance have been described in detail in Yoginitantra, Kularnavatantra, Devipurana, Stotra, Kavacha, Sahasranama, Tantrasara, Prantosini and Purohitadarpana.
Significance
As per religious belief, the Kanya Puja must be done on all nine days of Navratri. However, many opt to perform Kumari Puja on either Ashtami or Navami. As for the Bengalis, Kumari puja always takes place on Ashtami of Durga puja.
Worshipping these young girls is believed to bring good fortune, wealth, and happiness into people’s lives as Mother Divine resides with them. The girls, aged between 2 and 10, represent various forms of Maa Durga, which include Kumarika, Trimurti, Kalyani, Rohini, Kali, Chandika, Shambhavi, Durga, Bhadra or Subhadra.
According to the Bhagavad Purana, the ninth day of Navaratri is believed to fulfill devotees’ wishes. Those who fast for nine days and worship young girls at the end of Navaratri are said to receive blessings. Worshipping a kumari (virgin young girl) is believed to bring good luck, two girls symbolize insight and salvation, while worshipping three girls is associated with virtue.
Rituals
- Devotees invite nine young girls (between 2 and 10 years old) to their homes. Then, they wash the girls' feet with water, wipe them, and place them on a pedestal.
- Now, a holy thread, known as Kalawa or moli, is tied around their wrists, while vermilion is applied to their foreheads.
- Following this, they are offered a variety of special dishes such as poori, chana, ghee halwa, coconut, sweets, and kheer.
- People also offer money or gifts such as new dresses, bangles, and study materials.
- Lastly, devotees ask for their blessings by touching their feet.
Offerings
To mark the occasion and conclude the nine-day-long festival, a puja is performed in which flowers, incense sticks, lamps, and other sacred objects are offered while chanting mantras in honor of Goddess Durga. Then, young girls or kanjaks are given Dakshina (money), gifts, and prasad (holy food) as a token of appreciation and attain the blessings of all the divine forms of Maa Durga. The holy food includes halwa-chana, kheer, poori, coconut, fruits, and sweets.
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Dhanteras 2024: Date, Puja Timings, Significance, and Historical Origins
Dhanteras, The day is especially linked to the story of Lord Dhanvantri, who emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) carrying the pot of Amrit, the elixir of life, symbolizing health and vitality.
Dhanteras 2024 date
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is the auspicious first day of Diwali, celebrated with vibrant rituals and devotion to Lord Kuber, the god of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantri, the god of health and Ayurveda. This year, Dhanteras falls on October 29, marking a day dedicated to welcoming prosperity and well-being.
Dhanteras 2024: Prime puja timings and dates
Trayodashi Tithi Begins on October 29, 2024, at 12.01 am.
Trayodashi Tithi Ends on October 30, 2024, at 2.45 am.
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: October 29, 2024, from 7.27 pm. to 9.16 pm.
Pradosh Kaal: October 29, 2024, from 6.37 pm to 9.16 pm.
Vrishabha Kaal: October 29, 2024, from 7.27 pm to 9.19 pm.
Significance and history of Dhanteras
The roots of Dhanteras trace back to ancient Hindu mythology. The day is especially linked to the story of Lord Dhanvantri, who emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) carrying the pot of Amrit, the elixir of life, symbolizing health and vitality. Thus, Dhanteras is celebrated as a day to honor health and wellness, while invoking Lord Kuber for wealth and prosperity.
Over generations, Dhanteras have grown in importance as the primary occasion for buying gold, silver, and household items, which are believed to bring good luck and financial stability. The lighting of lamps and the arrangement of rangoli designs add to the festive spirit, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Celebrations and observances
Families across India mark Dhanteras with prayers and offerings, and homes are decorated with diyas and fresh flowers. This day also marks the beginning of five days of Diwali festivities, which conclude with Bhai Dooj. Dhanteras serves as a reminder of the values of prosperity, health, and family unity, setting the tone for the joyful days that follow.
Source: FE
Diwali 2024 / Tips And Decor Ideas For The Festival Of Lights
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time for joy, celebration and renewal. As families gather to honour traditions and share happiness, home decoration becomes a key aspect of the festivities. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31, with the puja muhurat scheduled from 5:36 pm to 6:16 pm, according to Drik Panchang.
Epic Ramayana established Diwali as the homecoming of Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years of Vanvaas and the defeat of Ravana. Lighting Diyas and candles are a sign of the internal light that safeguards against evil or spiritual darkness.
Decorating your home for Diwali can elevate the festive atmosphere, creating a vibrant, welcoming space that embodies the spirit of the occasion. Whether you prefer traditional motifs or modern touches, there are endless options to transform your home into a glowing celebration of light and happiness.
Aside from the symbolical connotations, lights bring out the perfect holiday mood and people feel happier and more energetic for the celebrations.
Here are some Diwali Decoration Ideas for 2024 to celebrate the most memorable Diwali.
Traditional Diya Displays
The Diwali festival is known for the illumination brought by ‘Diyas, or oil lamps. Place diyas on the floor, on the windows, in every corner of the house, or in front of each door – bring some order and form patterns of various shapes. For a more contemporary look choose brass or terracotta Diyas with exquisite patterns on them.
Ethnic Cushions and Throws
Add the ethnic flavour back on the inside with ethnic cushions and throws. Select supple textures and colours of solids and prints that cover more space-age vellum, silk, velour, and satin. Place these across the sofas, chairs, and beds, to give that dreamy look and feel.
You can add Macrame Throw Pillows from Folkulture for a calm and aesthetic look.
Rangoli Art
When you are greeted with a colourful rangoli at the entrance of your home, it puts you in a festive mood. Try decorating with beautiful coloured powders, and flower petals, or use rice and grain. One can add some diyas or candle holders to make them look brighter. You can use different methods to decorate your small spaces.
Golden Accents
The Diwali decorations should also be rich and luxurious, so try using gold in accents throughout your house. Place gold candle holders, vases, or gold framed pictures on areas of the home. You can also include golden cutleries and crockeries on the dining table to emphasize the concept of luxury even further.
Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are commonly used during Diwali, to make the home sparkle. Hang them in different ways with ropes or strings on walls, windows, and around plants and trees. Preferably, you can go for the traditional warm yellow light strings, or you can opt for multi-coloured strings for a colourful feel to your decorations.
Scented Decor
Sensitize your sight by having some component of your decorations with the aroma. Go for African herbal scented items such as candles, incense, or potpourri in the likes of sandalwood, jasmine, and rose. These scents will complement the mood and turn the atmosphere of the rooms into a spiritual one.
Floral Arrangements
One cannot think of Diwali without flowers, and it must be noted that the flowers must be fresh. Arrange marigolds, roses, and jasmine in pleasing ways for good and beautiful floral arrangements. Use flowers by placing hangers at the doors of the premises, bowls with flowers on tables, or as decorations on the table.
Statement Candle Holders
Candles are among the main Diwali accessories that are used to decorate homes and temples, as well as to light the night during the ceremony. Select statement candle holders with metallic hues such as gold, silver, and copper. Place them on mantels, coffee tables, or dining tables to create classy lighting in your home.
India Lights Up for Diwali Amid Festive Traditions
Millions across India are celebrating Diwali, known as the festival of lights and one of Hinduism’s most cherished events.
The annual celebration usually occurs between October and November, though the exact date shifts each year due to the Hindu lunar calendar.
This year, Diwali falls on Thursday, though some regions will observe it on Friday.
On this day, people light oil lamps and candles to represent the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
In preparation for the festival, homes are thoroughly cleaned and organized, new clothes are purchased, and friends, family, and neighbors exchange sweets and gifts.
Many people create rangoli, intricate patterns made with colorful powders, outside their doors to invite luck and positivity.
Families also worship Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, on Diwali, leaving windows and doors open and lighting lamps to guide the goddess into their homes.
Fireworks are traditionally part of Diwali festivities, but in recent years, several state governments have restricted or banned them as northern states struggle with intense air pollution.
In Delhi, firecrackers are completely banned, while states like Haryana, Punjab, and Karnataka permit their use only during specific hours on Diwali evening.
(Source: BBC News)
Bangladeshi Muaz Wins First Place in Turkey’s International Quran Competition
Hafeez Muaz Mahmud from Bangladesh has secured first place in the 9th International Hifzul (Memorization) Quran Competition held in Turkey. This victory marks Bangladesh’s second time achieving the top honor in this prestigious competition, with the previous win occurring in 2016.
On Wednesday, October 30, after the local Dhuhr prayer, Muaz received the honorary crest and award from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
In the selection round of the competition, organized under the supervision of the Islamic Foundation at the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, Muaz outperformed hundreds of talented Hafeez participants across the country. This achievement led to his selection as the sole representative from Bangladesh in the International Hifzul (Memorization) Quran Competition in Turkey.
Additionally, on August 21 of this year, Bangladesh secured first place among 123 countries in the 44th International Hifzul (Memorization) Quran Competition held in Mecca. At that time, Hafeez Muaz Mahmud won first place in the 15 'Para' category.
Hafeez Muaz is a student in the Kitab department at Markazu Faizil Quran Al-Islami, located in Mirpur-1, Dhaka. After completing his memorization of the Quran from this institution, he is now pursuing higher studies in the Kitab department.
Want to Build A Beautiful Country With All Religions: Army Chief
Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has expressed the hope of building a beautiful country with people of all religions.
He stated this on Friday (November 8) afternoon at the capital's International Buddhist Monastery of Merul Badda on the occasion of 'Kothin Chibor Dan and Buddhist Great Convention.'
Army Chief said, " We want to build a country of harmony. This is the main motto of Buddhism. We want to build a beautiful country with people of all religions.
He also said, "Many people have come here from the hilly areas. We want the day to be celebrated like this every year. We will provide all kinds of assistance for this."
Waker-Uz-Zaman said, "The hill region is a great asset of our country. So I will do whatever is necessary for the peace of the hill region."
It should be noted that according to Buddhist scriptures, this religious ritual was introduced during the lifetime of Lord Gautam Buddha about two and a half thousand years ago. It is termed 'Kothin Chibor Dan' as it is done within 24 hours from spinning the thread to weaving, sewing, and dyeing the cloth and giving it to the Buddhist monks.
Pilgrims Flock to Kuakata Sea Beach
Pilgrims flock to Ras festival in Kuakata. Hindu devotees started coming to Kuakata to celebrate the Ras festival from yesterday afternoon. A lot of devotees gathered at Kuakata Beach and Sri Sri Radhakrishna Temple on the festival of Ras.
On Friday (November 15), people encroached on an area of 2 km to the east and 1 km to the west, starting from zero point in Kuakata. Since morning, people of the Hindu religion have started to take seats around Sri Sri Radhakrishna Temple to perform religious rituals.
Kuakata Raspuja celebration committee president Kajal Baran Das said that Kuakata beach is bustling with thousands of pilgrims on Purnima Tithi.
At this time, he also said that the full moon started at 5:43 am today and will remain until 3:32 pm on Saturday (November 16). Therefore, like every year, on this full moon day, Hindu religious men and women will bathe in the sea at Kuakata in the hope of getting rid of their sins.
Engineer Nihar Ranjan Mondal, general secretary of the Kuakata Raspuja celebration committee, said, after the formal opening of the puja this evening, Naam Kirtan, Bhagwat reading, and Aarti will continue throughout the night. India's Kabita Ghosh will participate in Leela Kirtan of Sri Krishna.
At this time, he said, the Ras festival has started since yesterday. Tomorrow (Saturday) before sunrise, devotees will descend on the sea beach Kuakata in the hope of absolving their sins, according to Ras Purnima Time. On the same day, many people will perform different vows on the beach by bringing priests. People of different religions and races will also meet in Ras Puja, a sea-bathing ceremony.
Soumir, who participated in the Ras festival, said, "I wait for this day all year long." I come to bathe for 5 years and offer my vowed puja to Ganga so that Mother Ganga blesses me.
Kuakata Tourist Police Region Assistant Superintendent of Police Habibur Rahman said that since yesterday, the entire Kuakata has been covered with strict security. I am vigilant so that no miscreant can cause any trouble.
Upazila Executive Officer Mohammad Rabiul Islam said, we expect lakhs of people to gather on the occasion of Ras Purnima and holy bath, which have been going on for hundreds of years. To ensure the safety of the pilgrims coming for the holy bath in Kuakata, a security cordon has been created in coordination with the district, upazila, and municipal administrations. Apart from this, around 500 law and order forces including full-time police, Bangladesh army, tourist police, and village police are working for security.
