When Desara is celebrated all over the India for 10 days, Keralites do differently. Though Navaratri pooja is celebrated in many homes and temples by making clay sculptures and idols placing them in pooja room for worship, Keralites associate themselves most with Saraswathi pooja and Vidyarambham. i.e. Goddess Saraswathi is worshipped more than Durga during this celebrations. Normally Desara celebrations fall on the month Kanni according to Malayalam official calendar. But often, according to stars, if celebration starts in the last week of Kanni, it may be extended to Thulam month also. Navarathri celebrations starts on Chithira star of Kanni and lasts for 10 stars till it reach Avittam star. That’s why, even if celebrations start on last week of Kanni month, completes in Thulam.
Beginning worship of Saraswathi on Durgashtami
On Durgashtami evening, all books, pen, official files etc are placed before Devi Saraswathy for pooja. Even a PC or laptop can be placed. Those items will be taken back on Vijayadasami morning. If we place our books for pooja, we can’t read books, magazines or even use computer for next two days till the whole ritual is completed. Doctors, Engineers, carpenters etc do Ayudha pooja the next day, Mahanavami by placing their tools and instruments before the deity.
Vidyarambam at temples
Since the last day of Navarathri celebrations is fully dedicated to Goddess Sarawathy, Hindus begin their studies on this day. Though kids learn many things through speech and observations, they start learning with pen or pencil on this day only. So, every parent wants to ritually initiate their kid’s studies from a temple seeking Goddess Saraswathy’s blessing, seeing it as symbol of fortune and wisdom. Then only, they start learning through writing. Thousands of kids are learning their first letters on this auspicious occasion and almost all temples of Kerala will be crowded. It’s normally conducted in the morning in front of Saraswathy's idol, where Saraswathy pooja is done. ‘Vidhya’ means education and ‘aarambham’ means beginning. That’s why Vijayadesami is also known as Vidyarambham. Normally kids between two and three are taken to temple to perfume this ritual. Sometimes, they need to take a long queue waiting for hours to finally get their turn.
‘Ohm Harishree’ – the first syllables a kid learn
Since Ohm is considered as the most holy word of Hindu religion, a child enters the formal world of letters through this word. It’s believed before starting any good ceremony or deed, we should pray Ganapathi. Otherwise, it may not end well. So, the sloka
“Ohm Harisree Ganapathaye Namah
Avikhnavasthu Saraswathiye Namah”
is used to perform writing. Through this sloka, a kid is writing the names of three deities – Hari, Ganapathi and Saraswathy. Written language is, of course Malayalam.
How Ezhuthiruthu is performed
Normally a plate of rice grains is used for writing Harisree. Sometimes, sand is also used. Rituals will be performed inside the temple. The kid will be seated in either parent’s or the person’s lap who is performing the ritual. Then that person will take kid’s hand in his hands and make him write the mantra. Normally, seeing strangers and huge crowd, kids cry. Very often, it’s very difficult to write the sloka in rice. Parents can give him Dakshina before doing this. After that, with a golden stick or ring, the person will write Harisree in the kid’s tongue. Thus the ritual is completed by adding something to kid’s writing and speaking talents. ‘Ezhuthu’ means writing and ‘eruthu’ means ‘made seated’. Since this ritual is performed by seating kid in the lap of elders, it’s called so. After that, kids will be given palm leaves, slates, pencils etc from temples. Very often, parents rub their kid’s tongue with sandalwood, honey, vayamb etc on Vijayadasami day as it’s believed to increase intelligence of the kid and make his words sweeter.
Thunchanparamp is most famous
Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan is known as the father of Malayalam literature. He is the first person to translate both the epics to Malayalam. So, Thunchanparamb of Malappuram - the place where he was born, is spiritually connected with this ritual. Every year thousands of kids are learning first Malayalam letters from the place where he is born. Also, the persons who do this ritual are great contributors of Malayalam literature, social life and politics. Other famous temples are Mookambika Saraswathy temple, Guruvayur Sri Krishna swamy temple, Vadakkan Paravur temple Ernakulam, Attukal Bhagavathi temple, Panachikada Saraswathi temple, Chottanikkara devi temple, Thiruvullakkavu Sree Dharma Sastha Temple Thrissur, Vailoppilli Sanskriti Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram etc. Popular newspapers of Kerala also organise this function in their main offices in front of Goddess Sarawathi.
Harishree given famous personalities related to arts and literature
It’s believed that if first letters are taught by an intelligent and good person, that child will surely exhibit such features in future. So, people related to literature, social life, films, politics etc are mostly invited by temples to perform this ritual. They do ‘Harisree’ as something good transmitted to the next generation. Most famous people related to literature - M.T.Vasudevan Nair, Sugathakumari, Alankode Leela Krishnan, K.P.Shankaran etc and honorable Chief Minister teach first lessons to kids on this auspicious day. In the picture, you can see Jnanapeetam winner M.T.Vasudevan giving his wealth of knowledge to a kid.
This function observed by Christians too
Earlier it was seen as a ritual related to Hinduism. But nowadays, people of all castes and religions are performing this ritual in their own means, particularly among Christians. While Hindus write "Hari Sree Ganapathaye Namaha" in praise of Lord Ganesha, Christians write on rice or sand, "Sree Yesu Mishihaye", hailing Jesus Christ. i.e. Christians are entering the magical world of alphabets writing the name of Jesus Christ. It’s widely practised in Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts, the place where Christians reside more. It’s normally conducted in churches, prayer halls and done by main priests. In Wyanad districts, it’s written “Thampuran Thunai” meaning God bless you.
Ezhuthiruthu of my daughter
It was my wish to do her vidyarambham in Sree Krishna temple Neyyattinkara. She celebrated her third birthday just a few days before Vijayadasami and surprisingly, she was born on a Mananavami day. Since cameras were not allowed inside the temple, we couldn’t capture that beautiful moment. Her ezhuthiruthu was done by Mayor of the town. She cried a little seeing the big crowd and being seated in the lap of a stranger. Yet, we managed somehow. Along with her, her cousin sister of same age also learned her first words in front of Lord Krishna. They got a few palm leaves, some papers, pencil etc from the temple.
It’s true Vijayadashami signifies the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Vidyarambham underlines the power of knowledge and its win over darkness of ignorance. Yes, true knowledge is the real power and of course, pen is mightier than a sword.
Vijaya Dasami
Vijay Dashmi or popularly known festival Dashehra is one of the most important festivals of Hindus. There are several stories related to this particular festival but the most popular of them related to Ram, the king of Ayodhya who killed Ravana the demon king of Lanka. Ravana also known as Dashanan or Dashashisha with ten heads on his shoulders although my personal belief says that he had all these names because he was a wise man equal to ten wise men therefore he was known as man with ten head.
However, this festival is all about Ram killing Ravana the symbol of victory over evil on this day and came back victorious to his kingdom. People of Ayodhya celebrated the occasion and welcomed their beloved king back. Ram, according to popular belief as per the Hindu mythology known as ideal of truth, knowledge and complete man equal to gods where as Ravana was considered false, foolish, untrue and arrogant. Therefore, the victory of Ram over Ravana celebrated as victory over evil. Ram started his campaign against Ravana worshipping goddess Vijya therefore; the festival has the name ‘Vijaya Dasami’ also.
Beliefs related to Vijya Dasami
Another popular story associated with Vijya Dasami according to religious books state that the stars rising time on the tenth day of month of Ashvin –Shukla, is best time to gain victory over most difficult jobs therefore, this particular time related to success. As they believe that if a person begins his work with proper methods of fasting and worshiping all ten directions on this particular time and day, he is most likely to achieve his targets with best results.
According to another religious belief, the river Ganges that destroys ten major evil found in humankind came to earth through the hair of Lord Shiva on this very day to bring the heavenly water to purify the earth. According to Varah Puran, the Ganges the purest river came down on earth on tenth day. Although, there are disputes about the month of its coming down on earth but every source confirms that this was a tenth day so Dashehra is associated with river Ganges as well.
There is a quote in Bhavishya Puran that reads that ‘if a person chants the following mantra ten times standing in Ganga, he gets the best results and never becomes poor.
Here is the Mantra for your kind consideration please- “Om namo Bhagwati hili hili mili mili Gange ma pavay pavay swaha”
According to Skand Puran the importance of holy dip in a river and donation to poor and Brahmins has special mention and Ganges being the holiest of the rivers has special significance. Although, this is not possible for every one to take a dip in the Ganges on this day therefore, any river or pond nearby can solve the purpose. The persons who follow the rituals as mentioned in the holy books keep away of all sins to stay clean and pure.
The importance of festival
Festival of Dashehra has more significance related to all communities especially Kshatriya who worship their arms and Vaish who worship their ledgers and balances with keeping records of expenses and prices of the commodities in a register to update it every year. People in different states have different ways to celebrate the festival but in most places, the festival is celebrated in the following manner.
How do we celebrate Vijya Dasami
People generally decorate their houses with flowers and lights and worship their respective gods as Hindus are known to have their own choices of deities but most people worship Ram on this particular day along with Goddess Vijya because Ram won the battle with the blessings Goddess Vijya. In some parts of the country, worship the tree of Shami also known as Banni, Vanni and Jand etc in different languages. The tree of Shami known for power and fire makes a good symbol for self-motivation. Some people even worship the effigy of Ravana made of cow dung with his ten heads symbol of his knowledge on different subjects.
In the evenings, people gather to watch effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran being burnt by the arrows of Ram at the schedule time at fixed places in every city, towns and villages and congratulate each other after the same. The whole atmosphere of such places takes the shape of big public gatherings with all kind of temporary shops catering to the needs of the crowd. Children find the atmosphere of the same as big source of enjoyment where they find swings and toys sellers. Chat sellers take this as big opportunity doing a fantastic business on this day. In fact, this turns out into one big fun gathering where people enjoy the evening.
Puranic value of the day
Once Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva the importance and significance of Dashehra , the answer given by Shiva cleared every point in detail as to why people should choose this particular day to begin their campaign against the evil and enemy. He said “ The best time to fight against your enemies start with the rising of stars on the occasion of tenth day of Ashvin Shukla. That is why Ram took the opportunity to attack Lanka to kill the demon king Ravana.”
P.S. -
People pronounces this festival with different ways therefore, you can find the spelling of Vijaya Dasami in different forms. Also, we call this festival with different names in different parts of our country therefore, please do not find it confusing if some one from a distant place giving you a different version of the festival, spellings or description of this festival. I wish you a happy festival season ahead.
For Keralites, two harvest festivals are most celebrated. They are Onam and Vishu. Though Onam is known as the state festival of Kerala, Vishu celebrations are also not far behind. While Onam is celebrated by all Keralites, Vishu is restricted to Hindus only. Vishu is somewhat related to Lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna is worshipped on this day. The word ‘Vishu’ means ‘equal’ in Sanskrit. So, it denotes equality of all people. Though Chingam is considered as the first month of official Malayalam Calender, still people are there in Malabar who believe Vishu to be the beginning of astrological new year. As annual astrological predictions are done in the month Chingam, Vishubhalam is also done every year by famous astrologers assuming Vishu marks a new year. According to Malayalam calendar, Vishu is celebrated on Medam 1st, the 9th month of Malayalam calendar and it normally falls on April 14 of Gregorian calendar. Very rarely it falls on April 15 too. Same day it’s celebrated as Puthandu (New year) in Tamil Nadu, Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Baisakhi in Punjab, Ugadhi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and Bihu in Assam. The start of the Zodiac New Year, when the sun enters into Sidereal Aries, Ashwini star is celebrated as Vishu. Of all rasis, Meda rasi is the first.
Story behind Vishu
There are many stories behind Vishu. But all of them are focused on either Krishna or Vishnu. In Indian astrology, Vishnu is considered as Kaala Purusha, the God of Time. As Vishnu marks the first day of this calendar, he is worshipped by Hindus. Of all the stories about Vishu, one told about a small boy is most famous. Once there lived a Brahmin boy named Unni who was a great adorer of Unnikannan (Krishna in the childhood days). His widow mother brought him up with great difficulties. Every day his mother used to tell him stories of Unnikannan and gradually a great desire began to grow inside him – to see Unnikrishnan once. Then he began to pray in the nearby Krishna temple telling him the desire to see him once. Krishna’s mind melted and one day he gave ‘darshan’ to Unni in the form of Bal Krishna. Seeing Unni’s innocent love and Bhakthi, he can’t keep himself away from giving his ‘Kaasi waist chain’ made of gold. Kaasi means shape of small coins. Earlier, simplest of all coins was 'kaas'. Unni returned home with great happiness of seeing Kannan once, with the waist chain in his hand.
Next day when Poojari opened the temple, he was shocked not to see Murthy’s waist chain (Aranjaanam). News of theft spread like a forest fire and very soon Unni was caught as a thief. Even though he told the truth crying, no one believed him. In anger, he threw that chain to the nearby tree. As soon as the waist chain touched the tree branches it changed to yellow flowers closely resembling to golden coins. Seeing this, everyone believed the poor boy’s truth. This flower is known as ‘Kanikonna’ or ‘Konna’ in Malayalam and is offered to Krishna as pooja flowers. Surprisingly, through the months from February until April (sometimes in May too), these trees blossom all over Kerala. So, it’s really a spectacular scene to view in Kerala during this season.
Significance of Kanikonna
No one can even imagine Vishu without Kanikonna/Konna/Konnapoo. It’s known as golden shower cassia in English. Its scientific name is Cassia Fistula. ‘Kani’ without ‘Kanikonna’ is something like spring without flowers. Vishu conveys the message of auspiciousness and prosperity. It’s marked with the blooming of these golden flowers everywhere. Roadsides filled with this tree are really seen as a bride, when this prosperous season commence. Similar to Onam, Vishu is also a harvest festival related to Malayalam month Makaram. ‘Makarakoithu’ is famous for rice harvesting. Also, similar to Chingam, it’s a month of vegetables. That’s why everything related to fruits and vegetables are given as offerings on this day. When Vishukani is prepared these flowers can’t be avoided. So, just a day before Vishu itself, almost all trees of Kerala bearing these flowers will be attacked and afternoon, it’s rare to see cassia trees with flowers. Also, it’s sold in wide quantity.
Significance of Vishukani
Since it’s considered as new year as per astrology, at dawn break, everyone wishes to see the best things and pray to God to keep them prosper like that. So, a ritual arrangement of best things consisting of fruits, vegetables, new silk dhoti, money – both currency notes and coins, gold ornaments etc placed in a bronze vessel in front of Lord Krishna. i.e. Whatever you wish to see the whole year is to be placed as Vishukani. ‘Kani’ means sight. So Vishukani means Vishu sight that is to be seen early morning first before anything else.
How preparations are made for Vishukani
The elder most female of the family is given the power to decorate Krishna. Due to some reasons if she can’t, then the second elder female member or males can do this. She has to remain a strict vegetarian while doing this. All the things needed for Vishukani are to be collected one day before. Also, no other family member can view what she is doing. They can view Kani next day morning only. So, normally she prepares Kani after everyone is asleep. She wears a garland made of tulsi or jasmine flowers around Krishna’s idol. Other flowers are also used. Then take a bronze vessel known as ‘Uruli’ in Malayalam and all the offerings are placed inside it. Raw cucumber is always Krishna’s favourite. Other ingredients include jack fruit, apple, grapes, mango, orange, banana, pine apple, pumpkin and we can include fruits of any type. Jack fruit, cucumber and raw mango can’t be avoided at any cost. Some people place coconut as a whole, while some others break it into equal halves. Some people do pour oil in both halves and light it as an offering. If so, it is to be done just before the morning, when members are going to see it. Mirror is always seen as luck and hence it’s placed just before Krishna’s idol. In front of the mirror, gold ornaments, coins and money are placed on the top of Kerala set sari or dhoti. It should be a new one and hence called ‘kodi mund’. Image of all these things should well reflect in the mirror. Then Holy Ramayana, Kajal and Sindoor are also placed. Some people prefer to fold set sari like a fan and place it before Kannan. Everything is our preference. Never forget to add ‘Konnappoo’ on the top of everything.
More you add more beautiful Krishna looks. Jasmine flowers, tulsi leaves and nerium flowers can also be placed according to artistic mind. A heap of rice is placed in a ‘naazi’ – a container used for measuring rice in the early days. Rice should overflow, showing the prosperity. Akshatam, a mixture of rice and turmeric is also placed. Anything cultivated from own soil can be given as offerings. Betal leaves along with aracanut are also placed. Last, but not the least, a deepam is lit and kept burning till next day evening. Not only homes, each and every temple of Kerala prepares Vishu kani. Also, temples like Sabarimala and Guruvayur are most crowded on this auspicious day. Devotees do visit the temples early mornings to see ‘Vishu kani kaazhcha’ and get Vishu kaineettam from temples.
Vishukani in the early morning
It’s the duty of the lady who prepares the offerings, to show it to all. So, early morning as soon as she wakes up, she closes her eyes and goes to pooja room. Then she opens her eyes to see Krishna’s face well-lighted in front of Deepam and other offerings. She prays for the family and lit agarbathi. Agarbathis are normally pierced in the well ripened banana. Then she burns camphor and light coconut filled with oil if she desire so. Then she wakes up each and every member of the family and brings them to pooja room with their eyes closed. It’s really nice to see nice things in the early morning of a new year. Then, each member should see their face reflected in the mirror with happiness to double their joy and pleasant things of life. After that, you can sit there for a little while and read Ramayana. It’s believed that the page that you open that time is the mirror image of next one year to come, good or bad.
Vishu Kaineettam – Coins of prosperity
Soon after you have seen Vishu kani, it’s the duty of master of the family to give coins as blessings to all his family members. Earlier, coins were given as kaineettam. But now, days of coins have gone. Currency notes are preferred. Yet, giving coins as kaineettam is really nostalgic. Earlier, people were very poor and hence they used to treasure the Vishu coins they got, the whole year. That’s why kids love such coins a lot. It’s believed that, those coins should be kept the whole year, as it can bring prosperity and wealth. Not only at homes, Kaineettam is given in each and every temple of Kerala early morning. Every devotee visiting the temple on Vishu will be given a coin as kaineettam.
Vishu kani tying raw cucumber
In olden days of poverty, people didn’t have enough money to buy offerings for Kannan. So, they used to tie small raw cucumbers in the front of their homes and seeing them as Vishukani. Now also, in some places, this ritual is practised though seen very rare.
Kannan at every home
In temples, they use to decorate a small boy as Kannan and take him to the nearby houses. It’s known as ‘Kani kaanikkal’ meaning ‘showing kani’. In return, people do offer coins or money in return, as their offering.Small cucumbers may be tied at the door steps.
Vishu sadya and Vishu kanji
Similar to Onam, Vishu is famous for its vegetarian food, Kerala Sadya. It consists of different varieties of side dishes and curries like thoran, avail, kichadi, pachadi, parippu, sambar, pulissery, olan etc. Payasam is also made. Mango pulissery is a typical side dish prepared for Vishu. It’s a time for traditional pickles made in traditional clay containers known as ‘bharani’. Vishu Kanji made of rice, coconut milk and spices is normally prepared during this auspicious occasion. Vishu katta is another Vishu dish made from rice.
Time for crackers
Not only Diwali, but Vishu is also celebrated by crackers and fireworks. It’s seen Vishu is most celebrated in the middle regions of Kerala, particularly Thrissur. It may be due to the magic of Guruvayoorappan. People of Thrissur celebrate Vishu grand than Onam. Similar to Diwali, during previous evenings and early mornings children enjoy the festival with crackers. But this practice is not widely followed in the southern regions of Kerala. People used to wear new clothes and present gifts to kids. Since it’s summer vacation, kids enjoy it a lot.
Christmas the day Jesus was born
Christmas is one of the most important days celebrated allover the world, the date of birth of Jesus Christ born in Bethlehem on December25 2012 years before. There might be some discrepancies about his exact date of birth but December25 is the day when every one celebrates his birthday. Jesus Christ the son of a shepherd Joseph and mother Mary.
Jesus Christ gave the world the message of peace and to his followers a new religion known as Christianity. He faced many difficulties during his lifetime but emerged the ultimate winner establishing himself as ‘son of God’ therefore; God is known to be his father as well.
The Christmas
Whatever the disputes about date of birth of Jesus Christ the Christian community celebrates Christmas on December25. In fact they begin the celebrations much before the by decorating their homes, shopping malls and Churches. Followers of Christianity consider this day as the biggest day of their lives and celebrate it in grand style. They try to exchange goodies with friends of relative with much fanfare and lots of shopping involved well in advance.
Christmas tree, the pine tree or fir decorated with colored light bulbs, bells, Chocolates and toys is one the essential parts of the decorations along with lighting done with candles, stars and Kandeels the multidimensional paper lanterns with bamboo strips to support the frame of different size and colors give the whole new look to the residential and shopping areas
Santa Claus- the much-awaited person with bag full of gifts
Most parents make their children believe that Santa Claus comes with gifts in the night before the Christmas for good children. Children love to wake up in the morning with different gifts waiting for them under their pillows, in their rooms on the table and other places as hidden in the garages, socks, basements of the house and many other places. Parents enjoy the happiness of children by making them believe that Santa considered them as good children who deserved the gifts.
The Christmas Eve
Depending on the tradition of their churches, different Christian communities go to churches for a mass prayer in the evening and then they come back to their homes to celebrate with family and friends in a grand style. However, the Christmas Eve is celebrated in different ways in different countries and different parts of the world with one thing common that they enjoy the occasion to the best of their capacities.
Generally there are two different masses the prayer sessions, the candle lit prayers and the mass taking place at midnight that is the official welcome of Christmas. ‘Merry Christmas’ as people wish each other with handing gifts and celebrating the occasion with drinks especially planned for the night. The merry making turns in full swing with people dancing, singing, drinking and eating delicacies prepared for the evening.
The Christmas day
Finally, the big day, people go to attend prayers in their respective churches with friends and family to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ the son of God- Himself, known as savior of the world. Not only Christians but also people from other communities participate in prayers and exchanging gifts. I have personally attended the prayers and Christmas Eve parties with my friends and enjoyed as much as we enjoy our own festivals with traditional style and with exchange of gifts.
Christmas is celebrated in different ways and styles in different countries with local touch adding a different look to the festival. I remember that while I was in south India especially in Kerala it used to be very different from what we have in north India although traditions and way of celebrations are same. There is another very crucial aspect of the festival although not associated with any religious importance but Christmas being one of the most gift exchanging festivals the business community is affected in a big way.
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