Eid ul Fitr also referred simply as Eid is a Muslim holy day that symbolizes the end of the month of Ramzan (Islamic holy month of fasting). ‘Eid’ in Arabic means festivity, while ‘Fitr’ implies "to purify"; and so this day represents the purification of soul after carrying out the fasting for the whole month of Ramzan.
During the month of Ramzan, Muslims observe rigorous fast and take part in various pious actions such as charity and alms giving. Ramzan is time of pure spiritual replenishment for all the followers of Islam. At the end of Ramzan, Muslims all over the world observe a three-day celebration called Eid ul-Fitr. It is the period of fasting, prayers and Divine worship.
The people greet each other on this day with greeting ‘Id Mubarak’ meaning Blessed Eid. In many countries, people have their own greetings in their local languages and according to their own traditions.
On this holy day, Muslims wake up fairly early in the morning; invariably, before sunrise; offer Salat ul Fajr, clean one's teeth, take a bath after Fajr and put on clean clothes. Then they have a small breakfast of sweet dish or fruits before performing ‘Salah’ (special Eid prayer).
The prayer is performed in a congregation in open areas or in mosques. The prayer is followed by the sermon (Khutbah) and then a Dua (supplication) asking for absolution and mercy. After this, it is customary to embrace the individuals sitting on either side of you, at the same time greeting them. Gifts (Eidi) are generally distributed to everyone. Children are given small sums of money. Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramzan.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
The Festival of Janmashtami
Janmashtami is one of the main festivals of Hindus, which is celebrated with great fervour and zeal all over India. The festival is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna and fall on the Ashtami (eighth day) in the month of Savan. Lord Krishna is the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu (He is considered as the Preserver in the Holy Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer of the Universe).
Janmashtami is actually celebrated twice, the first occasion coinciding with Lord Krishna's birth in Mathura, and the discovery of the newborn Krishna in Yashoda's house in Gokul. People celebrate this festival by singing spiritual songs and bhajans and enjoying traditional Indian cuisines in the evening. Apart from this, people enjoy tasty delicacies. Cultural programs are also arranged as part of the festivities. To mark the birth of the Lord Krishna, the idol of the baby Krishna is bathed in milk and is cradled at midnight. Devotees then celebrate the birth by singing bhajans and dancing. Afterward, mouth watering dishes and sweets are served to the devotees.
Places associated with Lord Krishna such as Mathura, Vrindavan and Dwaraka are the celebrate Janmashtami with great enthusiasm. Special mythological drama known as “Raslila” is performed at these places. Happenings from Shri Krishna's life, particularly from his childhood, are portrayed in the Raslila. Furthermore, a special function 'Dahi Handi' is organized in which the pot carrying buttermilk or curd is broken by the youths.
Homes and Temples are lighted up on this happy occasion. Cradles and other exhibits depicting the life of Krishna are arranged all over the India. People fast until midnight at which time Lord Krishna is said to be born. Pujas (prayers) are performed in homes and temples to welcome the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight amidst singing of bhajans. Prasad is distributed to everyone at midnight. Then, it is time for everybody to break their fast with a hearty vegetarian meal.
Janmashtami is actually celebrated twice, the first occasion coinciding with Lord Krishna's birth in Mathura, and the discovery of the newborn Krishna in Yashoda's house in Gokul. People celebrate this festival by singing spiritual songs and bhajans and enjoying traditional Indian cuisines in the evening. Apart from this, people enjoy tasty delicacies. Cultural programs are also arranged as part of the festivities. To mark the birth of the Lord Krishna, the idol of the baby Krishna is bathed in milk and is cradled at midnight. Devotees then celebrate the birth by singing bhajans and dancing. Afterward, mouth watering dishes and sweets are served to the devotees.
Places associated with Lord Krishna such as Mathura, Vrindavan and Dwaraka are the celebrate Janmashtami with great enthusiasm. Special mythological drama known as “Raslila” is performed at these places. Happenings from Shri Krishna's life, particularly from his childhood, are portrayed in the Raslila. Furthermore, a special function 'Dahi Handi' is organized in which the pot carrying buttermilk or curd is broken by the youths.
Homes and Temples are lighted up on this happy occasion. Cradles and other exhibits depicting the life of Krishna are arranged all over the India. People fast until midnight at which time Lord Krishna is said to be born. Pujas (prayers) are performed in homes and temples to welcome the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight amidst singing of bhajans. Prasad is distributed to everyone at midnight. Then, it is time for everybody to break their fast with a hearty vegetarian meal.
The Festival of Janmashtami
Janmashtami is one of the main festivals of Hindus, which is celebrated with great fervour and zeal all over India. The festival is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna and fall on the Ashtami (eighth day) in the month of Savan. Lord Krishna is the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu (He is considered as the Preserver in the Holy Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer of the Universe).
Janmashtami is actually celebrated twice, the first occasion coinciding with Lord Krishna's birth in Mathura, and the discovery of the newborn Krishna in Yashoda's house in Gokul. People celebrate this festival by singing spiritual songs and bhajans. Apart from this, people enjoy tasty delicacies. Cultural programs are also arranged as part of the festivities. To mark the birth of the Lord Krishna, the idol of the baby Krishna is bathed in milk and is cradled at midnight. Devotees then celebrate the birth by singing bhajans and dancing. Afterward, mouth watering dishes and sweets are served to the devotees.
Places associated with Lord Krishna such as Mathura, Vrindavan and Dwaraka are the celebrate Janmashtami with great enthusiasm. Special mythological drama known as “Raslila” is performed at these places. Happenings from Shri Krishna's life, particularly from his childhood, are portrayed in the Raslila. Furthermore, a special function 'Dahi Handi' is organized in which the pot carrying buttermilk or curd is broken by the youths.
Homes and Temples are lighted up on this happy occasion. Cradles and other exhibits depicting the life of Krishna are arranged all over the India. People fast until midnight at which time Lord Krishna is said to be born. Pujas (prayers) are performed in homes and temples to welcome the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight amidst singing of bhajans. Prasad is distributed to everyone at midnight. Then, it is time for everybody to break their fast with a hearty vegetarian meal.
Janmashtami is actually celebrated twice, the first occasion coinciding with Lord Krishna's birth in Mathura, and the discovery of the newborn Krishna in Yashoda's house in Gokul. People celebrate this festival by singing spiritual songs and bhajans. Apart from this, people enjoy tasty delicacies. Cultural programs are also arranged as part of the festivities. To mark the birth of the Lord Krishna, the idol of the baby Krishna is bathed in milk and is cradled at midnight. Devotees then celebrate the birth by singing bhajans and dancing. Afterward, mouth watering dishes and sweets are served to the devotees.
Places associated with Lord Krishna such as Mathura, Vrindavan and Dwaraka are the celebrate Janmashtami with great enthusiasm. Special mythological drama known as “Raslila” is performed at these places. Happenings from Shri Krishna's life, particularly from his childhood, are portrayed in the Raslila. Furthermore, a special function 'Dahi Handi' is organized in which the pot carrying buttermilk or curd is broken by the youths.
Homes and Temples are lighted up on this happy occasion. Cradles and other exhibits depicting the life of Krishna are arranged all over the India. People fast until midnight at which time Lord Krishna is said to be born. Pujas (prayers) are performed in homes and temples to welcome the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight amidst singing of bhajans. Prasad is distributed to everyone at midnight. Then, it is time for everybody to break their fast with a hearty vegetarian meal.
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