Bhartiya Cultural Center Education Committee: November 2015

Sunday, November 29, 2015

PEACE AROUND THE WORLD in PENN MUSEUM Saturday 05 December 2015,Time 11:00AM - 4:00PM

PEACE AROUND THE WORLD

Date: Saturday 05 December 2015,Time 11:00AM - 4:00PM; 3260 South St.Philadelphia, PA 19104; LOCATION: Penn Museum; Bharatiya Temple and Vidyalaya will present Yoga, Meditation, Rangoli, Garba, Saree Wrapping and display for Navratri Holiday.; Family Holiday Celebration

Penn Museum’s international galleries are the perfect setting to ring in the holiday season with hope and joy at the 20th annual Peace around the World celebration! At this free event, designed for guests of all ages, visitors receive a “Passport to Cultures,” featuring “itineraries” to visit countries and explore diverse holiday traditions from around the globe. The day includes choral performances, storytelling, Middle Eastern drumming workshops, henna hand art, sari-wrapping, face painting by the renowned troupe Peanut Butter, and special “Celebrations of the World” family gallery tours, plus balloon art and free treats for children! All guests are invited to join in a Tibetan flag-inspired community craft to be hung in the museum, representing a shared spirit of unity. Free admission.

The 20th Annual Peace around the World holiday celebration provides visitors the chance to spread goodwill beyond the Museum’s galleries throughout the region and around the world. Peace Day Philly welcomes families to craft peace cranes that will be sent to children affected by the earthquake in Nepal earlier this year. Guests can discover meaningful ways to inspire youth through the programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA. The Penn Ice Rink invites families to extend their fun on the University of Pennsylvania campus by joining a public skate session (separate admission required). The Walnut Street West branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia joins in the celebration, with a display of holiday traditions books for children and adults, and the opportunity for Philadelphia residents to sign up for a library card.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Dilip, Rita and Kishan wish you all HAPPY DIWALI...INDIAN FESTIVAL HOW THEY CELEBRATE ACCORDING TO MY BEST KNOWLEDGE

INDIAN FESTIVAL -" DIWALI" HOW THEY CELEBRATE ACCORDING TO MY BEST KNOWLEDGE

Diwali is the most significant religious festival among Hindus. Diwali, which is also known as Deepavali, is also known as the festival of lights. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair-misery. At most places Diwali is celebrated for five days. New moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. In the Gregorian calendar. Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists observes Diwali

How to celebrate Diwali:

The word Diwali has been derived from Dipawali which in turn is formed by dipa + avali (row). Dipawali is thus a line or a row of lamps. During Diwali, lamps are lit everywhere. It is celebrated on five consecutive days - the thirteenth day (Dhanatrayodashi), the fourteenth day (Narak chaturdashi) and the new moon day (amavasya) [Lakshmipujan] of the dark fortnight of Ashvin and the first day of the bright fortnight of Kartik (Balipratipada). Fifth day is Bhai duj. and is, like Raksha Bandhan, a day dedicated to the love between a brother and sister. Bhai Dooj is also known as "Bhav-Bij" in Marathi and "Bhai-Tika" in Nepal.

Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi :

Worship : Lord Ganesh, Vishnu, Laxmi, ( Three form of Ma Laxmi+ Saraswati +Kali)- and Kubera

Dhan Teras (धनतेरस) falls two days before Diwali. The word “Dhan” means wealth and “Teras” means 13th day of lunar fortnight. God Yama is worshipped on this day to provide prosperity and well being.

Dhantrayodashi that is also known as Dhanteras is the first day of five days of Diwali festivities. On the day of Dhantrayodashi, Goddess Lakshmi came out of the ocean during the churning of the Milky Sea. Hence, Goddess Lakshmi, along with Lord Kubera who is the God of wealth, is worshipped on the auspicious day of Trayodashi. Lord Kuber, who is considered treasurer of the riches of the world, is worshipped along with Sri Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Devotees can worship statue of Shri Kuber (murti or idol of Lord Kuber) for Puja. Devotees can also worship money chest (Tijori) or box of Jewelry for Kuber Puja. Money chest or jewellery box represents Lord Kuber and is worshipped.

Invoke the blessings of Lord krishna, Ganesha, Maa Laxmi, Maa Durga, Maa Saraswati and God Kuber, chant the following mantras on the eve of Deepavali festival.

GANESH MANTRA:

"Vakratunda Mahaakaaya Suryakotee Sama Prabha

Nirvighnam kuru mey Deva

Sarva kaaryeshu Sarvadaa"

Meaning

O Lord Ganesha who has a large body, curved trunk and brightness of a million suns, please remove all obstacles in my work always.

Ganesh Mula/Bija Mantras

Aum Gam Ganapataye Namah

LAXMI MANTRA:

ओम ह्रीं अष्टलछ्म्यै दारिद्र्य विनाशिनी सर्व सुख समृध्दिं देहि देहि ह्रीं ओम नमः ||

Mantras, Jaap, on Diwali to bring prosperity, wealth, and happiness in life

Dhyana (ध्यान)

First of all one should meditate and remember Shri Kuber with following Mantra.

“Manuj–Brahma–Viman–Sthitam,
Garuda–Ratna–Nibham Nidhi–Naykam।
Shiva–Sakham Mukutadi–Vibhushitam,
Var–Gade Dadhatam Bhaje Tundilam॥“

Mantra Translation - I pray magnanimous Shri Kuber, Who mounts on human-form chariot, Who is master of all Nidhis (treasures) like great Garuda, Who is friend of Lord Shiva, Who is adorned with crown and other Jewelries and Who has one hand in Var-Mudra and carry Gada in the other hand.

Dhanteras Puja is also known as Dhantrayodashi. The day of Dhanteras is also observed as Dhanwantari Triodasi or Dhanvantri Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the God of Ayurveda. Yam deep is another ritual on the same Trayodashi Tithi when the lamp for the God of death is lit outside home to ward off any untimely death of any family members.

As such this day has a great importance for the community of North & Western India . Houses and Business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colourful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli rangolee designs to welcome the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.

Celebrations include shopping of new clothes, jewelry, new utensils, sweets and beautiful lanterns, especially for Dhantrayodashi . On the occasion, corporate and any enterprise find it the perfect time to gift their employees. Gift hampers are marked with corporate name and logo; also used for promotional handouts.

As per a legend, when the gods and demons stirred the ocean for Amrit (the potion which makes one immortal), Dhanavantri – physician of the gods – who is also supposed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu emerged from beneath the waters carrying the jug containing the potion.

WHY YAM DEEP?

STORY: Legend, King Hima’s sixteen-year-old son was predictable to die on the third day following his marriage because of snakebite, according to soothsayers. On the critical day, his wife illuminated the house by lighting up numerous lamps. She took out all the ornaments and gold and silver coins piled them up at the entrance of her husband’s room. She related tales to the people gathered at their house and also sang songs through the night.

Yama (god of death) arrived at the fated time in the guise of a serpent. However, the bright lighting in the house dimmed his vision. He couldn’t sight the prince’s chamber. So he made himself comfortable by seating himself on the pile of ornaments and coins. As he sat there, he could not help, but get enchanted by the songs rendered by prince’s wife. At daybreak on the following day, he left the place with his mission unfulfilled. Thus, the wife was successful in saving her husband’s life. It became a sacred day, and Dhanteras also came to be referred as “Yamadeepdaan” . So on Dhanteras lamps are aflame throughout the night for the worship of Lord Yama.

Narak chaturdashi: The fourteenth day (chaturdashi) of the dark fortnight of Ashvin

The “Kali Chaudas” where Kali means dark (eternal) and Chaudas means fourteenth, this is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark half of Kartik month. This is the second day of the five-day-long festival of Diwali. The Hindu mythology narrates that the Asura (demon) Narakasura was killed on this day by Krishna,

Satyabhama and Kali. In some regions of India, Kali Chaudas is the day allotted to the worship of Mahakali or Shakti, and is believed that on this day Kali killed the asura (demon) Narakasura. Hence also referred to as Naraka-Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas is day to eliminate laziness and evil, which create hell in our life and shine light on life. It also known as Choti Diwali, Roop Chaturdashi, and Roop Chaudas

According to Shrimadbhagvat Puran on this day Shri Krishna slayed (Destroy) Narkasur. A powerful demon called Bhoumasur or Narkasur formerly ruled a place named Pragjyotishpur. He began harassment of both deities and people. This cruel demon began to harass women. He kept sixteen thousand princesses of marriageable age whom he had won over in battles, in prison and planned to marry them. This created chaos everywhere. When Shri Krishna heard this, along with Satyabhama and Kali He attacked the demon, slayed him and set the princesses free. The dying Narkasur asked Shri Krishna for a boon, "On this date (tithi) let one who takes an auspicious bath (mangalsnan) not suffer in hell". Shri Krishna granted him that boon. Consequently, the fourteenth (chaturdashi) day of the dark fortnight of Ashvin also came to be known as Narak chaturdashi and on that day people started bathing before sunrise. On this day when Krishna returned home at dawn, after slaying Narkasur, adorning a spot (tilak) of Narkasur's blood on His forehead, Nanda gave Him an auspicious bath. The women expressed their joy by moving lit lamps about His face ( (Ovalani Chaturya Katha).'

In Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and parts of Karnataka, Deepavali is traditionally celebrated on Naraka Chaturdasi day while the rest of India celebrates it on the new moon night, which is the next day. People get up earlier and celebrate with oil baths, pooja, and festivals. Firecrackers are usually lit on Deepavali . Some Tamil homes observe "nombu" and doLakshmi Puja on this day. In Karnataka the festival of Deepawali starts from this day i.e Naraka Chaturdashi and extends till Bali Padyami. In Goa, paper-made effigies of Narakasura, filled with grass and firecrackers symbolising evil, are made. These effigies are burnt at around four o'clock in the morning and then firecrackers are burst, and people return home to take a scented oil bath. Lamps are lit in a line. The women of the house perform aarti of the men, gifts are exchanged, a bitter berry called kareet is crushed under the feet in token of killing Narakasura, symbolising evil and removal of ignorance. Different varieties of Poha and sweets are made and eaten with family and friends.

Yamatarpan (offering to Shri Yama)

After a bath with an oil massage one should make an offering to Shri Yama to overcome untimely death (apamrutyu). This ritual of offering (tarpan) is explained in the religious almanac (panchang). One should consult the religious almanac and then perform it, accordingly. Thereafter the mother moves lit lamps in front of her children's faces (ovaLani). Some break karit (a bitter fruit) with their toes to signify the slaying of Narkasur.

The victory of good over evil
The celebration of courage too
May this Kali Chaudas Day bring
Nothing but the best for you.
Have a festive day and enjoy the festival of Diwali

Diwali is the most significant religious festival among Hindus. Diwali, which is also known as Deepavali, is also known as the festival of lights. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over misery. At most places Diwali is celebrated 3^RD day of the five days celebration.

Diwali Origin and Significance :: Diwali is historically a Hindu religion festival having its origin in the more than 1,00,000 years old... Era of Lord Rama or probably even before that at the time of churning of milky ocean when Goddess Lakshmi came out as the boon to the Gods and whole humanity. Hinduism, being the oldest religion whose history goes back to thousands of years, it is not surprising that numerous legends are associated with Diwali.

Diwali Deity(s) :: Various deities are worshipped and appeased during five days Diwali festivity. However On Diwali, during Amavasya day, Lord Ganesha and Maha Lakshmi - the Goddess of Prosperity are worshipped. Apart from Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, Kuber Puja and Bahi-Khata Puja (बही-खाता पूजा) are also done. On this day Hindu merchants in North India open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year.

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Shri Lakshmi Ganesha Puja during Diwali

“Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmyai Namah॥“

मन्त्र अर्थ - हे धन और सम्पत्ति की देवी लक्ष्मी, आपको मेरा नमस्कार है।

Mantra Translation - I salute Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and Prosperity.

(Mantra brings about state of resonance between the individual and the depths of his inner being. They allow the individual to unleash inner cosmic powers, forces and knowledge. The sound patterns of the mantra stimulate a certain effect on the mental and psychic nature of an individual. Each mantra will create, or draw out, a specific symbol within one’s psyche. If you change the succession and order of the sounds, the mantra ceases to be a mantra. If you translate the words you may have a very beautiful prayer, but not a mantra.)

Bali Namaskar Mantra (बलि नमस्कार मन्त्र)

“Baliraja Namastubhyam Daityadanavavandita।
Indrashatroamararate Vishnusannidhyado Bhava॥
Balimuddishya Diyante Danani Kurunandana।
Yani Tanyakshayanyahurmayaivam Sampradarshitam॥“

मन्त्र अर्थ - दैत्य तथा दानवों से पूजित हे बलिराज, आपको नमस्कार है। हे इन्द्रशत्रो, हे अमराराते, विष्णु के सानिध्य को देने वाला हो। हे कुरुनन्दन, बलि को उद्देश्य कर जो दान दिये जाते हैं वे अक्षय को प्राप्त होते हैं। मैंने इस प्रकार प्रदर्शित किया है।

Diwali Observance :: Numerous rituals are followed during Diwali. These rituals vary from state to state and within a state region to region. However, cleaning and decorating homes usually by giving new whitewash or fresh paints, buying new clothes and jewelry, buying new household items either big or small, preparing traditional home-made sweets, worshipping numerous deities, lighting Diya(s) and decorating home with blinking electric lamps, bursting firecrackers, visiting relatives and family friends, distributing sweets, dry-fruits and gifts, calling distant family members, relatives and friends to exchange Diwali wishes are the most common activities during Diwali.

Diwali Regional Variance:: Diwali celebrations are more extravagant in north Indian states. In South India like Holi, Diwali is a not as spectacular as that of North India. If one wants to enjoy spectacular fire-work at night then Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai are the most suitable metros to be in during Diwali. Diwali celebrations are moderate in Chennai and Kolkata. In Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Narak Chaturdashi is more significant than Lakshmi Puja and in Kolkata, West Bengal, devotees worship Goddess Kali rather than Goddess Lakshmi on the third day of Diwali.

Diwali Public Life :: Most of the public places function as normal during Diwali. On the eve of Diwali most restaurants, pubs, metro trains, buses, taxies, cinema halls and shops, emergency and critical services at hospitals function as normal. However, at most commercial places more than half of the staff would be on leave.
As most Businessmen perform Chopda Puja and Lakshmi Puja on the day of Diwali, most shops and private offices are open due to this reason. Stock Exchanges in India, although being closed due to Diwali holiday, are opened only for an hour for Muhurat trading in the evening. Muhurat trading is a symbolic ritual which is considered auspicious among traders and getting performed for years now.
For most big and small businesses Diwali, like Christmas in western countries, is the peak season when maximum sales are record. Many Bollywood blockbusters are planned and released during Diwali. However Diwali, being marked as Gazette Holidays, all government offices and closed. Most schools and colleges are closed during Diwali.

Diwali in other Religions::

The homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with earthern oil-lamps. The best and finest illuminations are to be seen in Bombay and Amritsar Diwali is historically a Hindu religion festival having its origin in the Era of Lord Rama or probably even before that. However, Diwali is also celebrated in Sikhism and Jainism but for separate reasons. Sikh celebrates Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas on the same day, marking the liberation of the Sixth Guru from prison. Jain celebrates it as a day to commemorate Mahavir. The famous Golden Temple at Amritsar is lit in the evening with thousands of lamps placed all over the steps of the big tank. Vaishnavites celebrate the Govardhan Puja and feed the poor on a large scale. Buddhists also celebrate Diwali remembering Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism.

Diwali is an official holiday in Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago,Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji etc.

Gujarati new year:

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Annakoot There is a story in Shrimad Bhgwat that Shri Krishna Stopped the worship in Indra in Braj. Indra Showed his curs on Braj and the whole Braj mandal began to float in heavy rain. It was saved by Krishnas Govwerdhan leela all the gwaal baals who had taken protection of goverdhan ate all the grains united.

Annakoot is the recollection of this event. Although it is the aim that God should be served with as possible good and testy food on this occasion but its aim is to have a social harmony also. Various kinds of eatables are prepared in the temples and are distributed among all in the form of Prasad Devotees also prepare many kinds of eatables in their houses also. Actually the eatables and riches received from Mahalaxmi should be distributed with love along all is the aim of this festival. This idea should come to our minds that we should all remain together remain united eat together and we all eat the eatables of all the houses. This is the emotion of celebrating Annkoot.

Bhratri Dwitiya- (Bhaia Dooj)- After Annkoot on Kartik Shukl Dwitiya the celibration of Bhai Dooj denotes the sacrificial love relation of brother and sister and helps in making it strong. That day sisters bless their brother and put Tilak on their fore head. This festival has not any old and Shashtra supported base but it is the festival of pure sacrificial relation of love between the brother and sister. Sister pray for the welfare of their brothers and their families. Brothers make their sisters happy with lovely presents.

Besides this Depawali or Mahalaxmi worship has its social and behavioral importance. After the rains cleaning of houses starting of various trades by the various sections of the society (as preparation of lamps items of decoration utensils clothes etc) have common feasts gift presentations etc. are the specialties of Mahalaxmi worship.

Deepawali may not remain just a social display on this occasion we according to our customs pay our gratitude to the God who gives us happiness and riches. Diwali is also a celebration in which we worship Maha Lakshmi, the Divine Feminine, the Goddess of Prosperity, and Abundance. However, it is common for many to mistakenly perceive Maha Lakshmi as the Goddess of tangible wealth, to whom we pray when we want financial improvements in life. However, true Wealth is not merely the number written on our bank statements or on our income tax balance sheet.

True Wealth is the light which shines forth from within us; over with love, compassion, gratitude and joy. Diwali significance and spiritual meaning is generally “the awareness of the inner light”. The festival symbolizes the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness.

Puja does not only mean that which we do sitting in our mandirs; it is how we live our lives. Arpan (offering) is not done only in the midst of a religious ritual; it teaches us how to live. Let every minute and every moment be an opportunity to perform puja for Maha Lakshmi. Let everything we do be an offering to her.

Each lit diya not only brings individual light, but it also can be used to light others! One single burning candle can light innumerable other candles. On this Diwali, let us not only light the oil lamps but also let us become the lamps, which bring light and then light others. Instead of throwing fireworks into the sky, causing air and noise pollution, let us become the fireworks, illuminating this world through the goodness of our deeds and the selflessness of our actions. Make the resolution, and launch a new era of light in which all may relax. The lights of our lamps will continue to burn not only for a few hours but also on and on throughout the year and for years to come. With much love and blessings to you all and all your loved ones.

Bhartiya Cultural Center Education Committee

Sunday, November 29, 2015

PEACE AROUND THE WORLD in PENN MUSEUM Saturday 05 December 2015,Time 11:00AM - 4:00PM

Family Holiday Celebration

Peace around the World: Free Family Holiday Celebration

Time for the programs

http://www.penn.museum/information/press-room/press-release-events/1019-20th-annual-peace-around-the-world

Activities Galore

A Daylong Passport to the World

Face Painting, Treats, Sweets

Partners at the Event