Karwa Chauth is a festival
that provides an opportunity for all married women to
get close to their in-laws. All married
women observes fast that ensures the well-being,
prosperity and longevity of their husbands. This Hindu festival has a
cultural and social significance and all Indians celebrate this festival
with great enthusiasm.
The
festival of Karwa Chauth is celebrated mostly by North India.This event is
growing bigger with each passing day. In addition to the traditional items
such as henna, beauty products and fashionable clothes, the demand of
special eateries are also gearing up. Nowadays, Karwa Chauth is more of fun
than a serious festival.
Karva is another word for diya (a small earthen oil-lamp)
and chauth means 'fourth'
in Hindi (a reference to the fact that the festival falls on the fourth day
of the dark-fortnight, or krishna
paksh, of the month of Kartik).
It is uncertain how the festival originated and how it came to be
celebrated only in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. One
hypothesis is that military campaigns and long-distance travel usually
resumed around the time of the festival, as the area dried and numerous
rivers of the region subsided from the effects of the monsoon. Women
observed the fast to pray the Moon for the safety of their husbands at this
time as they ventured away from home. The festival also coincides with the
wheat-sowing time (i.e. the beginning of the Rabi crop cycle). Big earthen
pots in which wheat is stored are also sometimes called karvas, so the fast may also have
begun as a prayer for a good harvest in this predominantly wheat-eating region.
Karwa
Chauth is an occasion that encourages people to gather and socialize with
friends and family, exchange gifts and share home-cooked meals. The gifts
exchanged on this occasion reflect joy, splendor, brightness and happiness
of a married life.
Sargi
Sargi and Baya are
the two most important gifting items, as without them the festival of Karva
chauth is incomplete. These gift items are very traditional and are supposed to
bring good luck in the lives of the married couple. It is Mother-in-laws who
gift 'sargi' for their daughter-in-laws. This 'sargi' is a collection of
sumptuous food consists of various types of sweetmeats and sometime clothes.
'Sargi' is given to the married woman so that she can eat them before sunrise,
as the fast starts before sunrise and ends only after worshiping the moon at
night. It is a tough fast, as the women do not take any food or water.
Baya
In the afternoon, mothers of newlywed girls gift 'Baya' to the
parents of their son-in-law. This Baya contains few Mathris, Almonds and some
gifts. This gift pack should reach the girl's house before evening. A small
pooja to Gaura Ma or goddess Parvati is performed. Married women sit around
Gaura ma and pray to her for the well being and long life of their husbands. A
small pitcher or Karva with some water is placed in the center. While the story
is being narrated, ladies circulate their Baya thalis. Apart from traditional
gifts, nowadays there is a norm of showering various designers’ clothes,
bindies and jewelries, especially to a newlywed woman.
“COVID 19” – the word has changed the World around us! It just
has shaken the World and all the systems, we have been following since birth. Mid of January
2020, my husband told me about the disease, when it became fatal in China. I
was then not so much worried, because I couldn’t imagine that it could spread in
India, too. After that day, one after one news were coming from our friends, who
are settled in foreign countries like America, Italy, Germany etc. And finally,
COVID 19 arrived in India, was first reported on 30 January 2020. The situation has deteriorated day by day. Prime Minister of India, Sri Narendra Modi, announced 'Janta Curfew', a 14 hour voluntary public curfew on 22 March; and ordered a nationwide lockdown for 21 days, on 24 March, 2020.
I live in Malda, in West Bengal, with
my husband and rest of our family lives in Burdwan, another district in West
Bengal. I was very scared for my parent and in-laws, they all are aged; at the
same time, I was afraid of the situation, we have to face. We were compelled to grant paid leave to our
househelps from mid of March. I was just puzzled then. I didn’t understand
how to manage all the daily chores! Here came my husband with his hands to help
me out of this situation. I’m quite lucky I guess! Generally my
hubby remains very busy with his works, but in this lock down period, he was
instructed to do his works from home. So, he is sharing my loads happily. I
really consider myself lucky and blessed, getting such a man as my buddy!
As the days go by, I discover we are getting closer. We
enjoy the life by sharing domestic chores. I never can imagine my hubby to cook
anything; but he now prepares breakfast daily! He helps me in so many work,
that he never does before. But, I am really surprised, when a very morning, I
find him front of washing machine with dirty clothes and Ariel Matic to do
laundering!
He was smiling, said – ‘why do always you take the responsibility to
clean the dirty cloths both of us? I #ShareTheLaundry
from now, so we can enjoy more time together!’ Although I
felt emotional to hear the words, but I wanted to load the washing machine,
because I was afraid about my cloths! But he did it all alone with the
instruction, written on the packet of Ariel.
After
washing the cloths, when my husband open the machine and showed me the cloths;
I was surprised! I think, he did it better than me and I congratulated him
loudly! My husband was smiling like a king, who just won a battle!
The smile of my hubby
made me smile; and I felt, the World around me became happier! I felt, that #ShareTheLoad makes relations better, happier and closer. All the lock
down period, we leave together without any stress; because, we share our thoughts
during work together. This lock down teaches me #ShareChoresMultiplyLove!
I will #ShareTheLoad and help in household
chores in association with Ariel India and BlogAdda.
The Urs festival is held at Ajmer, Rajasthan every year at
the tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti,
commemorating his symbolic union with God. The Urs, commemorative celebration
is held in the solemn memory of Khwaja Muin-nddin Chisti, a sprightly respected
Sufi saint fondly revered as the benefactor of the poor, popularly known as
Gareeb Nawaz. The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the place where the Saints mortal
remains lie buried and is the site of the largest Muslim Fair in India.
The Khwaja came from Persia and established the Chishtia order of fakirs in
India. He is popularly known as Gharib Nawaz (protector of the poor) because he
dedicated his entire life to the service of mankind. His spartan life spanned
almost a hundred years and he embraced death in solitude while he had withdrawn
to his cell for six days, asking not to be disturbed.
The shrine
The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the site of the largest Muslim fair in India.
More than five lakh devotees belonging to different communities gather from all
parts of the subcontinent to pay homage to the Khwaja on his Urs (death
anniversary) during the first six days of Rajab (seventh month of the Islamic calendar.) Pilgrims from all over the world gather to pay
homage. Qawalis (poems) are presented in the saint's honor and religious
assemblies (mehfils) and 'fatihas' (mass prayers) are held. The lakeside town
of Ajmer also called Ajmer Sharif (holy) comes alive during the Urs which
attracts thousands of devotees irrespective of caste, religion etc. The largest
Muslim fair in India that springs up at this time displays religious objects,
books, rosaries, embroidered carpets and silver ornaments and much more.
Pilgrimages are carrying Chadar to the shrine
The Urs is initiated with the hoisting of a white flag
on the dargah by the Sajjada Nashin (successor representative) of Chishtis. It
is done on the 25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir (sixth lunar month), with the
accompaniment of music. On the last day of the sixth month, the Jannati-Darwaza
(gateway of heaven) is flung open early in the morning. People cross this gate
seven times with the belief that they will be assured a place in heaven. On the
1st of Rajab, the tomb is washed with rose water and sandalwood paste and anointed
with perfumes. This ritual is called ghusal. The Sajjada Nashin then covers the
tomb with an embroidered silk cloth.
The shrine receives a number of Chadars, Ghilaph and Neema,
which are votive offerings from several hundred thousand devotees. These are
brought by devotees on their heads and handed over to the khadims inside the
sanctum. Outside the sanctum of the dargah, professional singers
called qawwals in groups sing the praises of the saint in a characteristic
high-pitched voice. People gather around them and listen attentively, sometimes
clapping to the rhythm of their instruments.
Flow of devotees
Ajmer is 132 kms. Southwest of Jaipur and 198 kms. East of Jodhpur.
It is connected by road to Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur and Kota. Ajmer is
a railway junction on the Delhi-Ahmedabad section of the Western
Railway. During the Urs, special buses ply from cities all over India
carrying people to Ajmer and back.
Love is the feeling that joins two souls and brings two
hearts together; and, the day of love - we call Valentine's Day! When it comes to romantic times of the year, Valentine’s Day is number one on
many people’s list. Traditionally, everyone goes all out to let their special
someone knows how much he/she is appreciated on this day and every day. Some
will say it with flowers while others will bring on the bling! Others will get
creative with customized dates while some will play it low-key with an at-home
dinner date and together time. I can
suggest you, this year, go for an outing to a totally romantic and calm place;
and Express the wonderful feeling of love to your partner on the Valentine's
Day!
Baranti
If
you ever want to get away from urban life, try ‘Baranti’ for a refreshing
change. Baranti is a small picturesque hamlet surrounded by hillocks. It is situated
in Purulia district, West Bengal. It takes just 4-5 hours to reach there from
Kolkata.
Baranti, due to its effortlessly serene and peaceful environment has
become one of the most famous gateways for people who seek to indulge in the
virginity of nature and rejuvenate their souls by becoming one with the Mother
Nature. It is a perfect spot for a short break from the hustle and monotony of
city life. This place is one of those very few locations which remain fresh and
evergreen in the memories of people who witness its beauty.
Baranti
is located in the midst of two hills; Panchet hill at one side and Biharinath
on the other. A water reservoir has been constructed by erecting a small
earthen dam between Muradi Hill and Baranti Hill. The tribal village is named
after the Baranti hill and the lake is named after the Muradi Hill. The water
of the reservoir look like a large blue painted glass mirror reflecting the
vast expanse of sky over it.
The view of the sunset at the lake is awesome. The area is shrouded with trees like Sal, Mahua, Piyal, Palash etc. the
lake is filled with seasonal birds in the winter.
The hilly forest often
transforms into different colours during the change of seasons. It is intensely
thrilling to hear the wild cries of nocturnal birds wafting out of the hills in
the dead of night. A walk through the villages like Jibanpur and Dandahit is a
pleasant experience.
If you have some extra time, visit
some interesting places near Baranti:
Joychandi
Hills
It is About 12 km away from Baranti. The hills provide good terrain for
a moderate trek. The hills were where a portion of Satyajit Ray’s ‘Hirok Rajar
Deshe’ was shot.
Garh
Panchokot
Panchkot was a part of an ancient East Indian kingdom known as Rajchakla
Panchkot, locally known as Panchet. Damodar Sekhar, established Panchkot Raj
probably during early 90 AD with the help of Sardars of Jhalda and expanded his
kingdom over several other parganas. To give recognition to the main five
(panch) clans (khunt) of the locals, the kingdom assumed the name Panchkot. A group
of temples are still standing as mute spectators of the rise and fall of the
dynasty. The Pancharatna temple still carries some depleted but exquisite piece
of presumably pre-muslim period terracotta work on its arches and pillars.
Maithon Dam
Maithon also known as
'Kashmir of Koyalanchal’. The Dam is Independent India's first Dam Project (one
of Nehru's dreams). The Dam is the biggest dam of damodar valley corporation
and was built for flood control and power generation. It is a very famous
picnic and weekend destination.
Kalyaneshwari Temple
The Kalyaneshwari
Temple is famous as the “Temple of the Lady of Fulfillment”. It is a 500 years old centre of Shakti
worship. The present temple, however, is not very old and was constructed by
Panchakot Raj. The temple of Goddess Kalyaneshwari is believed to fulfill the
wishes of childless women. The worshipped deity in the temple is Maa
Kalyaneshwari, who is present in the form of Shakti or Goddess Kali.
Also, you can visitsome more places like Panchet Hills,
Panchet Dam, Susunia Hills, Kashipur Rajbarij (palace), Raghunathpur Tasar
Silpa.
It
is surprising that this unique tourist spot is not much known to tourists, even
though it is located so close to Kolkata. If you are a nature-lover, you must
have a trip to Baranti
How
to reach:
By Train:
At
first, reach Kolkata by train or flight. Then reach Asansol by any train from
Howrah/Sealdah/Kolkata Railway Station. You can find so many cabs at Asansol
Railway station. Hire one of them to Baranti. Also, you can go to Muradi
Station and reach Baranti village either by Cycle Rickshaws or by hired
vehicles.
By
Bus:
Many buses are available from Kolkata to Asansol.
They depart either from Dharamtala or Salt Lake Bus Stand (Karunamoyee) to
Asansol in the morning. Tourists can avail either Volvo service or any other
Express bus service to reach Asansol within 4 hours and can proceed described
above.
