Satyanarayan Katha

Sindhis believe in performing Satyanarayan Katha from time to time for the betterment of family.

Shri Satyanarayan katha (narrative) comes from the Skandha purana, Reva kaanda. Suta Puraanikji  narrated these stories, in Neimishaaranya to the Rishis who were performing a 1000 year yajna for the benefit of mankind lead by Shounakji.


For those who are not familiar with the katha (story). Let us now go into it:


Once Naradji went to the Lord to ask Him for a panacea for the miseries of the world. Sri Satyanarayan told Naradji that there is a fast which can be performed by anyone. The fast would result in the fulfillment of his desires and also liberation from the cycle of birth and death.


Sri Narayana told Naradji how a poor, old and ailing Brahmin as well as an impoverished woodcutter, had all their wishes fulfilled, became prosperous, and ultimately attained salvation by the correct and devotional performance of the Sri Satyanarayan fast and puja.


The 2nd story consists of a childless merchant who asked a king the correct procedure of the Satyanarayan fast. After learning the same, the merchant and his wife decided to perform the fast if they get a child. Sometime later his wife Lilavati became pregnant and she delivered a girl who they called Kalavati. Lilavati reminded her husband about his promise to keep the fast, but the merchant postponed it saying that he would do so when the daughter is ready to be married. The merchant did not fulfill his promise when Lilavati, the daughter is wedded. The Lord decided to remind the merchant of his promise.


The merchant and his son-in-law went to a city called Ratnasara in connection with some business. There, a theft took place. As the thief was being chased by the concerned authority, the robber threw the booty where the two merchants were resting, and escaped. The merchant and the son-in-law were arrested. Meanwhile Lilavati and Kalavati also lost their belongings due to some thefts and were rendered beggars. While trying to get some food, Kalavati saw a Satyanarayan puja being performed and told her mother about it. Lilavati remembered that she had not performed the promised puja and hence she was facing all these difficulties. She decided to perform the fast and the Puja. The king was informed in a dream, that the merchants were innocent so he released them after compensating them with a lot of wealth.


The merchants decided to come home to their wives. The Lord decided to test them again and came in the guise of a mendicant and asked what kind of load they were carrying on their ship. The merchant mentioned that they had only dried leaves. The mendicant said: "So be it" When the merchant saw that there were only dried leaves aboard, he asked the pious man for forgiveness. The ever merciful Lord forgave them one more time.
As the ship approached the city, the merchant sent word to his wife and daughter about their arrival. Lilavati rushed to meet her husband while telling her daughter to complete the puja. Kalavati performed the puja, but in her haste to meet her husband she did not take the parsad. When she eagerly arrived to meet her husband, she could see neither the ship nor the inmates.


The merchant realised that all the obstacles that they were facing were due to the fact that he had not kept his promise of performing the Satyanarayan puja. He decided to do it. As he was performing it, he got an insight that it was due to the neglect of Lilavati taking the parsad, that they were going through further difficulties.


Kalavati rushed back home and respectfully partook of the parsad. The family was then re-united and they lived a long, happy and prosperous life never forgetting to thank the Lord for all that they received. After their death they got the ultimate gift: 'Moksha' (Liberation from the cycle of life and death).


Suta continuing his narrative, tells the Rishis, the story of a king called Angadwaja. Once, as King Angadwaja was returning from a hunting expedition, he stopped to rest under a tree for a while. Nearby a small group of cowherd boys were playing the game of doing puja. They offered their humble parsad to the king, who out of pride left it untouched. Subsequently the king suffered great losses and realised that that was due to the contempt he had shown for those children's puja. The king returned to the spot where he had met the cowherds, and with great faith performed the puja with them. The king regained all that he had lost.


Suta now told the Rishis that the Satyanarayan fast was very effective during Kaliyuga and that whoever read or heard this story would  be rid of all sorrows and difficulties.

Sindhi Mantras and Prayers

Everyone of us may or may not be familiar with 'Mantras'.

In the World Book Dictionary,  the meaning ascribed to Mantras is: A prayer or Invocation, sometimes held to have magical power'

The repetition of Mantras or God's Name is called 'Japa'

Japa triggers a Spiritual centre in ones psyche that otherwise may be inactive.

We all have heard of the power that 'Om' is supposed to bestow. It is considered the most powerful Mantra.
 

It is believed that the vibrating sound of the "Om' encompasses the Universe. Sages claim that if one chants it continuously with a certain technique then one can be put in tune with the Cosmos. Almost all other Sanskrit Mantras start with the word "Om'. It is almost like the word 'Om' makes the prayer come alive. 

The equivalent of 'Om' in English is I Am' "I AM" is the shortest  and the most powerful sentence in the English language. Since there is magic in the vibrational content of the word 'Om' and/or 'I Am' One must not to use any negative word after it For e.g.: One must not say I am sick, poor, lonely, afraid, etc. If one must,   use the suffix   "I feel..."

In the 'Magic of Mantras' I shall be introducing you to Sanskrit Mantras which may be used for different wants reasons and situations. I believe that they work even if one does not understand the meaning. However understanding them, and/or chanting them correctly makes them more effective as one is then able to infuse more feeling into it. So let us enter together into the Magic World of Mantras.

For mantras please visit:  http://www.dalsabzi.com/Mantras/mantras_intro.htm

Sindhi Marriage Rituals

Sindhi Marriage Rituals are similar to any other Hindu wedding, but set on a highly enthusiastic and lavish scale. Amongst the Sindhi community, there are special priests known as Mehraj who specialize in matchmaking and a Guryanni whose main job is to carry horoscopes of eligible boys and girls from house to house.

PRE WEDDING SINDHI RITUALS

Janya/Janeu

Janeu is a consecrated thread that is worn by each and every Sindhi Brahmin of India. This holy thread of 'Janeo' suggests the development of a male, from a young boy to a man. It is believed that a boy cannot be surmised as "Dvija" (twice born) until he wears the janeu.

Brahmins celebrate the development of a boy through "Janeu/Upanayanam" (sacred thread ceremony). The ceremony is generally observed between the ages of seven and fourteen. In case the ceremony could not take place due to any reason all through this age period, then it is required to be done before the marriage. The purpose of thread ceremony is to prepare a young man to share the responsibilities of elders. The thread is worn by the man in the company of a group chant of 'Gayatri' mantra. The thread is twisted in upward direction to make certain that 'Sattwaguna' (good quality of truth) prevails. The ceremony also suggests that the wearer of 'Janeu' can participate in the family rituals, from now onwards. 

'Janeu' thread shall be made of cotton with three strands. These three strands of 'Janeo' have been studied many a times and different personalities gave several opinions regarding this tradition. To some people, the three strands stand for the Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Others interpreted it as symbolical of Mahasarasvati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali. Many people believed it to be related with past, present and future.

A number of persons stated it to be representative of three qualities - sattva, rajas and tamas. A few considered the three strands as sign of three states-wakefulness, dream and deep sleep. Some of them mentioned it to signify three dimensions of Heaven (swarga), Earth (mrityuloka) and Nether Regions (pataloka). Out of all opinions, the most logical is janeu's account with Ida, pingala and susumna nadi, through which the 'kundalini' (hidden) energy reveals in 'prana' and realization.

Janeu is a not an ordinary thread, its sanctity is regarded to get disturbed if it is not worn properly. Any ceremonial observence remains ineffectual unless the thread is put on. Nowadays, many sindhi brahmins do not wear the janeo always as expected since they feel the sanctity of the thread cannot be maintained. However, they ensure to wear it during any poojas or havans performed. 

Here are given different methods to wear Janeu at different occasions:

• To attend or perform any auspicious ceremony, one should wear 'janeu' hanging from the left shoulder (Upaviti).
• For attending or performing inauspicious event, one should wear 'janeu' hanging from the right shoulder (Prachnaviti).
• In case the person wears 'janeu' round the neck like a garland, then, he is called as 'Niviti'.
• While going for daily ablutions or doing impure tasks, the holy thread must be raised and its upper part ought to be put behind ear.
• Following a birth or death in the family, 'janeu' should be removed and again a new thread ought to be worn after 15 days of event.
• One must replace the old or broken thread with a new thread.

Kachchi misri

The Kachchi Misri refers to the informal engagement between the groom and the bride, where they are given coconuts and mishri as a symbolic acceptance that she/he is the one who belongs to the other family. On this day, shaguns (token gifts) are exchanged by the groom and the bride's families. Generally, the shagun consists of five types of fruits and kharchi (money) for the bride and groom. Additionally, the girl's family sends five kilos of mithai (sweets), five coconuts, a basket of fruit, some kada prasad, and a small token amount of money to the boy's family. On this day, suji sheera is cooked that is later served as prasad. During the main ceremony, the boy's sister covers the girl's head with a red-coloured duppata and feeds the suji sheera to her future sister-in-law. This is followed by other relatives feeding suji sheera to the prospective bride.

Pakki mishri

This refers to the formal engagement ceremony where rings are exchanged between the couple either in a temple or home, but in the presence of the priest. First Ganesh Puja is conducted, which is followed by an Ardas. The groom's family places a basket full of fruits, clothes, cosmetics or ornaments on the girl's lap to signify that she has been accepted and to wish her happiness. Then the groom's sister and sister-in-law put on the girl's makeup with the new cosmetics that have been specially brought by them. Similarly the girl's family also brings five kilos of misri in a clay pot that is opened by the boy's mother. Afterwards, seven married ladies use red powder to make a Ganesha sign on the pot as a way of requesting Lord Ganesh to bless the couple. The ritual of Varmala takes place as the prospective husband and wife exchange garlands while the groom's family gives a verbal promise of marriage and feeds misri to the girl's family to confirm the engagement

Berana

Berana refers to a satsang that is held in the name of the Sindhi God, Jhulelal (Varun devta). It signifies the start of the ceremonies for the forthcoming wedding and is usually organized ten days before the wedding.

Dev Bithana 

Dev Bithani refers to the installation of a totemic deity of chakki (stone grinder) in the homes of both the bride and the groom during which a priest perform a ritual called Banwa. Tilak is applied to the chakki by the family members. After this ceremony, which is usually conducted five-six days before the marriage, the couple is not encouraged to leave their homes and ainars (marriage guards) are appointed for them who are generally their brother - in- laws.

Lada

This ceremony involves the groom's family inviting all the women in the neighborhood to for a night of fun and merriment where they all sing and the traditional wedding songs to the accompaniment of dholak beats.

Tih

The ceremony of Tih is conducted a day before the marriage where a priest, sent over by the girl's family and carrying a small bag of rice, a coconut, nine dates, 21 sweet nibatas, which are bars of sugar candy one to two inches in size, sugar, cardamom, cloves and a skein of green silk yarn with him, conducts puja along with the groom to pay obeisance to Lord Ganesha and all the planets. He also ratifies and sanctifies the time of the lagna by chanting some holy verses.

Saanth/Wanwas

Conducted separately in the homes of the bride and the groom a day before the wedding, the Saanth ritual involves a puja performed by a priest who ties a challa or anklet around the right foot of the groom/bride. Later seven married women pour oil in the center of the head of the groom/bride after which they are supposed to wear a new shoe on their right foot and try to break an earthern lamp with it. If the groom/bride succeeds, it is a good omen. 

Mehndi

The mehndi night is an occasion for party and merriment where the ladies of the bride's house sit together and beautify the bride. Professional mehendi artists are called who apply intricate designs in henna on the hands of the bride and other female members. Sounds of music and dancing fill the air.

Sangeet party

It is like a like a bachelor-cum-maiden party that is usually celebrated after the mehendi night. Professional entertainers are called to regale the guests with great music and dance.

Saagri

This ritual involves showering the bride with flowers as a form of blessing. The groom's family members- usually married sisters, cousins and small children go to the bride's house with jewellery made of mogra and adorn the would-be-bride with them who wears a silk saree. The purpose of the ceremony is so that the bride and her new family get acquainted. In the night, the groom visits the bride's house, where he is showered with garlands.

Ghari puja

This puja, quite a long procedure, is supposed to be held simultaneously at the respective homes of the bride and the groom. During the Ghari puja, a prayer is conducted by the priest who uses rice, coconut, wheat grains, oil, betel nuts, turmeric, and a number of other spices. Simultaneously, the married women of the house grind wheat that is a symbol that the home will always remain prosperous. The mothers of both the bride and the groom dress up and carry a clay pot full of water outside the house assisted by her son-in-law. The role of the son- in- law is that of an ainar who is supposed to protect his mother- in-law. After the clay pot is brought back in the house, everyone offers garlands to the parents of the bride/groom while the clay pot is placed in the place of worship. The son-in-law, or ghor as he is now addressed, gives money to the priest after circling it around the pot of water and the bride or the groom. For the bukhi, five kilos of wheat is brought, which the bride and groom (separately in each home) cup in their hands and offer to the pujari 21 times each. The entire quantity of wheat should be finished within the stipulated 21 actions.

Navgrahi Puja

The Navgrahi puja refers to the worship of Ganesha Puja, Omkar Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Kalash Puja followed by the nine planets. The gods are welcomed as guests in the houses of the couple; they are offered milk, food, water, and light. Performed on the morning of the day before the marriage, this Sindhi ritual requires the presence of the maternal uncle, paternal uncle and brother of the bride. And these pujas can only be conducted in the girl's house after the navgrahi puja gets over at the groom's house.

WEDDING DAY SINDHI RITUALS

Haldi ceremony

A ritual followed by both the bride and the groom, this involves the family members pouring oil and haldi all over the groom's/bride's bodies and hair as a form of purification. After the ceremony, the couple cannot leave the house.

Garo Dhago

A red thread is tied on wrist of the bride/groom, their parents and all the family relatives would take part in the wedding ceremony later on.

Preparing the groom

A ribbon is tied to the groom's hair by the priest to protect him from the evil eye. Then a red cloth is placed around his neck that contains a coconut tied to an end. Another white cloth is also placed whose one end is tied up in a bundle comprising of with karchi (lucky money), rice, and elachi. Afterwards, the bride's brother and other female relative go to the groom' s house to accost him and his family to the wedding venue.

Baraat 

The groom is placed on the horse and a sehra is tied to his forehead. However, in today's times this is not really followed. The groom's mother holds a lamp lit for the household deity, makes oblations of grain to the crown worn by the groom. Then they set forth for the marriage venue along with a band of musicians.

Swaagat

Swaagat refers to the welcome accorded by the bride's family to the wedding entourage. As the barrat is being received, the bride gazes at the groom's turnab form a window of the house but is careful not to look at his face. The women in the barat entourage are welcomed by vermilion. The bride comes out to receive the groom where he places his foot on hers to denote his dominating strength in their future life together.

Paon Dhulai 

The bride's brother conducts the ritual of washing the feet of the bride and the groom. It is believed that due to all the prayers that have preceded this moment, the groom is an embodiment of Lord Vishnu on this wedding day. The couple is then seated with a screen between them so that they cannot see each other. Their feet are then washed in a bronze thaali with raw milk. The priest then measures the feet of both the groom and the bride with a thread kept by the bride.

THE SINDHI WEDDING CEREMONY

After the Pao Dhulai ritual is over, the couples face each other and exchange garlands. Then the white cloth that was placed around the groom's neck is put around the bride's while being tied to the groom's red cloth. Simultaneously their right hands are tied together with a sacred thread as the couple prays to God for lifelong happiness and strength. As the holy fire is ignited, the priests starts chanting a series of holy verses prayers taken from the Holy Scriptures to God. It includes prayers to Lord Ganesh, Laxmi, and the 64 devis to bless the couple. Then the couple walks around the fire. A Sindhi wedding involves only four pheras. After the pheras are over, kanyadan is performed by the bride's parents, which is denoted through the holy water flowing from the parents' hands into the groom's hands through the bride's. The last of the Sindhi wedding rituals, Saptapadi is performed when the couple places their right foot on seven small piles of rice. Afterwards, they touch the feet of the elders to seek their blessings.

POST WEDDING SINDHI RITUALS

Vidai

After the wedding, the bride and the groom are entrusted to the care of the bride's brothers, and the baraat leaves for the groom's house. Gifts are given at the time of Vidai by the bride's father. The newlyweds arrive separately by different routes. As they approach the house, drums are beaten to announce their arrival. The women of the house receive them.

Datar
Datar is a welcome ceremony of the bride in the grooms house post marriage. When the couple has entered the house, a sensitive ceremony is performed by the parents of the groom wash the feet of the bride.  this is the beginning the of the ceremony. Then the bride sprinkles milk drops through the house. Then her head is covered by the in-laws and salt is given in her husbands palm and exchange of the salt takes place and it has to be done so without spilling it. This is done first with the husband and then with the other members of the family.


It is believed that this salt is later used in cooking provide a characteristic taste to the food cooked by the daughter in law. It is also believed that there will be no arguments between the couple if this ritual is performed.

Chhanar/ Dev Uthana 
The ritual of Chhanar involves the removal of the chakki that was instated during the Dev Bithana ritual before the wedding. Conducted a day after marriage, in this the couple pray before the household Gods after which they are fed feeds seven mouthfuls of rice, sugar, and milk.

Reception/ Sataurah
The boy's family holds a reception on the evening following the wedding. Some families tend to have the reception and the wedding on the same day. Traditionally, after a short visit by the bride's father to her in-laws' house, the couple, at an auspicious time fixed by the priest, pays a visit to the paternal home of the bride

Sindhi Festivals and Beliefs

Some of the most important festival celebrated by Sindhi's are:

Adhik Maas

The Adhik Maas comes once in ( more or less) 2 and a 1/2 years to achieve a balance between the Lunar months and  Solar months both of which govern the Hindu calendar.The solar year has 365 days whereas the lunar has less, because each month is roughly 29 and a 1/2 days only. To bring the two in sync, the Adhik maas (Extra month) is added to the year once in approx 2and 1/2 years. This is the month when the moon is not near any stellar constellation (nakshatra) and the Sun has not entered any rashi or sign of zodiac.

Complicated as this is, it is easy to remember that the Adhik maas balances the lunar and solar calendars. Also because the earth's rotation around the sun is slightly slower during the months of July-October, the Addhik maas come in this period.Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwin are the common Adhik Maas months. This month is considered very auspicious and is especially dear to Lord Krishna’s heart. Once upon a time, it so happened that all the 12 months of the year felt very burdened, by the sins committed by mankind.

Following is the story connected with Adhik Maas:

"Once upon a time, it so happened that all the 12 months of the year felt very burdened, by the sins committed by mankind.  The ‘12 months of the year’ went to Lord Krishna (Who is an Avataar of Lord Vishnu) and complained. The 12 months begged the Lord to redeem them of this horrible weight (of sins). Lord Vishnu blessed them and said: “I shall create an extra month to carry the burden.

This extra month (Adhik Maas) came to be known as ‘Mal Maas’: The ‘Unclean Month’.

Naturally no festival would take place during this month.‘Mal Maas’ also felt very sad and took his plight to Lord Krishna.“Why me?” he cried.

Lord Krishna, was filled with compassion. He said “I bless you. Henceforth you will be named after me. You will be known as the Month of Purushottam.(Purush means ‘man’ Uttam’ means ‘Great’. It refers to the High Being, who you may call ‘God’)

The Lord further stated: “Whosoever shall pray, fast, chant, sing…during the month of Purushottam, will be specially blessed, and get maximum recognition by me…

Akshaya Tritiya/Akshatrij/Yugaadi Triti 

Akshaya is a Sanskrit word meaning one that never diminishes nor perishes.It occurs on the third day of the bright half of Vaisaakh and is considered to be one of the most auspicious days of the Vedic Calender. On this day the Sun and Moon are at their peak of brightness. 

It is believed that Satya Yuga, Golden Age and Treta Yuga started on this day.New beginnings like weddings, business ventures, new deals, new audit books, business trips are considered to bring luck. Valuables bought on this day, such as gold is deemed auspicious. It is believed that gold multiplies if bought on this day. Goddess Vijaya Chamundeshwari killed Asura on this day. On Akshay Tritiya the writing of Mahabharata was started by Ganesha dictated by Ved Vyasa. It is believed that Lord Narayana comes visiting on this day, so offer something to whoever comes as a guest to your home. It  is also believed that prayers havans done on this day reach the Creator of the Universe-Lord Brahma. It is believed that chanting of the sacred Gayatri Mantra 108 times on Akshaya Tritiya is very auspicious.

Parshurama, the personification of Valour and the sixth Incarnation of Vishnu was born on Akshay Tritiya, also known as Aksha Teej.

Lord Krishna gave Draupadi a bowl called Akshaya Patram. This bowl gave infinite amount of food to the Pandavas when the latter were in exile. This is probably one of the reasons that one brings home Goddess Laxmi in the form siver, gold, platinum...On Akshaya Tritiya the Pandavas unearthed weapons, which helped the latter to gain victory over the Kauravas.

One of the numerous beliefs associated with Akshay Tritiya, is that of Sudama or Kuchela visiting Lord Krishna in Dwarka with a handful of puffed rice (poha). Story goes that Kuchela, a poor Brahmin and schoolmate of Sri Krishna, visited Him with the intention of asking some financial favour, and had only beaten rice to offer the Lord. On reaching the palace of Krishna at Dwarka, Sudama was ashamed to give the ‘poha’ to Krishna. However, the ever-playful Krishna noticed the small bag in the hands of his schoolmate and soon grabbed it and ate up the ‘poha’. Stunned that a King had given him such honour of devouring his humble poha, and overwhelmed with Krishna’s love and hospitability, the poor Brahmin forgot to ask Krishna for the financial aid he had actually come to ask for, and returned home empty-handed. On reaching his village, Sudama saw that a palace had replaced his old hut, and his wife and children were adorned in rich clothes. Hence, the day of Sudama and Krishna’s meeting is observed as Akshay Tritiya, the ever-auspicious day.

Akhan Teej

On this day new earthen pots of water(matkas) were kept and everyone was offered clean and cool water. The significance of this day was to offer water to the thirsty. Hence at every nook and corner, sharbat , with pieces of apple in it, was offered to passersby along with 'prasad' . On this day, it was also customary to send new earthen pots and fruits to priests.

AUnn-Matyo

In the month of Sawan, on the Baaras of Krishna Paksha, cereals were changed in food, i.e. instead of wheat and rice, chapatis made of gram flour (Besan) were eaten.

Basant Panchami

Basant means Spring and Panchami means the fifth day.This Spring Festival is celebrated during February on the fifth day of the waxing moon as a celebration of the onset of Spring. Yellow mustard flowers start to bloom, therefore the day denotes fertility. Yellow is also the color of the Sun. The Deities in the temples and women wear shades of yellow on this day. One offers yellow flowers, fresh shoots of sprouting grass symbolizing new life and growth.

Many new projects begin, weddings take place, and one enjoys the strains of the Vasanta Raga. Baisaakhi is devoted to Mother Saraswati and people pray for knowledge. Books are placed at Mother Saraswati’s feet for blessing. The prasad offered to the Goddess are nutrients that increase the potential of the brain. The parsaad (food offering) consists of Misri (sugar) nuts, cardammon, nodes of the bamboo shoot and lotus seeds.

Cheti Chand

Celebration of the birth of Water god (Varun Devta) Sai Uderolal, popularly known as Jhulelal . So much has been said and written about it that it would be superfluous to repeat the event. In Sindh the beginning of the New Year was considered Cheti Chand . Some businessmen opened new account books; many however, did that on the eve of Diwali. On the full moon day, people used to go to a river or lake and offer 'Akho' with a pinch of rice mixed with milk and flour. If there was no river or 'Darya' , the ritual was performed at a well.

Dussehra

On Dussehra Sri Ram killed the great demon Ravana, who had abducted Sri Ram's wife Sita to his kingdom of Lanka. Sri Ram was a great believer in the powers of Goddesss Durga, and He prayed to Her for nine days before He Himself entered the battlefield on the 10th day.

It is believed that Ravan had 10 faces. They are probably symbolic of the 10 evil facets of his character. The word Dussehra comes from the word 'Dus' meaning 'Ten' and 'Hara', meaning 'annihilated'. So Dussehra is the day in which the 10 facets of Evil were destroyed. On Dussehra day, people worship weapons. Mother Goddess has been worshipped during the preceeding Navratras and She is the Epitome of 'Fight against Evil'.

Dhanteras

Dhanteras is celebrated 2 days before Diwali. The 13^th day of  the dark half or Krishnapaksha of the lunar Hindu month of Ashwin. During Ashwin Amaavasya(Diwali) one performs the Lakshmi Puja. It is the only new moon night in the year which is festive. It is said that the atmosphere, because of the change of season, is heavy with magnetic particles on that night, and this is auspicious for the human mind and body. The magnetism in the atmosphere on that day attracts Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth of all kinds - hospitality, lustre, gracious behaviour, sharing, beauty and enjoyment of all creations of god with detachment.

Dhan means wealth and Teras means 13. Dhanteras is called ‘Yama- deep- daan’(Gifting of lamps to the God of Death). Yama is the God of death and I am about to tell you a story connected with him. 

A young maiden drove the God of Death (Who came disguised as a serpent to kill her husband) away from her husband by keeping lamps lit throughout the night. 

Keeping the lamp lit through the night on Dhanteras is considered so auspicious that even the God of Death returns to his home without laying a finger on his victim. It is considered more auspicious to light oil or ghee diyas (earthen lamps) rather than to switch on an electric light. A lit diya is a ‘witness’ to our life. According to the Rigveda, the origin of the diya is the Sun. During ‘Satyug’, Earth was closest to the purifying rays of the Sun.During Kaliyug the earth is farthest removed and hence the intellect becomes toxic, and is not able to function in a morally upright fashion. The deep reflecting light of the sun is helpful in creating the right vibration, wherever it is shining and does not allow the harmful residues to remain in our minds.Therefore one can say that the light of the lamps brings in prosperity, health and long life.

The original name Dhantrayadoshi has come to be known as Dhanteras. This is the trayodashi, the thirteenth day of the churning 0f the milk ocean by the gods and asuras when Lord Dhanvantari god of healing and medicine arose with the golden amrut kalash, the pot of immortality, in his hands...So on Dhanteras it is a good idea to pray to Lord Dhanvantari for good health and a long life.

Diwali/Deepavali

Diwali is a short name for Deepavali.Deepavali is the festival of Lights. The word 'Deepavali' is made up of two simple words. 'Deepa' means light and 'Avali' means a row. Hence 'Deepavali' means a row of lights. 

The festival is associated with many legends and beliefs. One of them is to commemorate the killing of Narakasura, a notorious demon, by Lord Krishna.  Narakasura, because of his previous store of virtue, had been granted a boon at the moment of his death. He asked that his death might ever be, commemorated as a day of feasting. Hence Deepavali is known as 'Naraka Chaturdasi' .It is believed that Narakasura lived in a place called Pragjyotishapura, which is known as 'Assam State' today.

What is interesting to know is that when Krishna wanted to wage war against Narakasura, Krishna's wife Satyabhama, who was adept in archery, wanted to join her husband...and she did.

The fireworks that are burst during Deepavali symbolize the use of fiery weapons used during the war that Krishna waged against the demon. Amongst the North Indians it is believed that Deepavali is the day on which Sri Ram returned from His 14 years of exile in the forest, after having got rid of various demons who made life hell for the sages and common people. Deepavali symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and it celebrates the triumphant return of Sri Ram to His Kingdom. People rejoice by burning earthen oil lamps  to welcome Sri Ram back to His throne.

During Deepavali, spring cleaning is done as it is believed that the Goddess of Wealth Laxmi would enter a clean and cheerful house. Plenty of long-lost items are found and a lot of dirt is removed from the house.

Fasts

Hindu Sindhis observe Ekadashi or Gyaaras by fasting on that day Ekadashi means Ek +Dus=11   Gyaaras comes from the word gyaarah which means 11  It refers to the 11th day of a fortnight belonging to a lunar month--the bright and the dark. The moon influences the tides, and also the moods of man. We have energy centers in our body called 'chakras'. The moon's influence on the body has an influence on the chakras, which tells upon the mind ultimately. On Ekadashi the mind finds itself in its own abode which is the 'eye-brow center' (chakra) and the 'heart' center (chakra). So the mind gets concentrated and collected easily on these days. Seekers take advantage of these two days and try to practice deep meditation. Hindus treat Ekadashi as a very holy day and observe fast on that day.

Ganesh Chaturti

Lord Ganesh was born on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of the month of 'Magh'. 'Chatur' means 4. He controls the 8 directions of the Cosmos. 'Gana' means to count. One worships Ganeshji before the start of anything auspicious. He is resourceful. Ganeshji offered to write the Vedas as Ved Vyaasji dictated. But there was a condition to fulfill. Ganeshji could not stop writing...It so happened that Ganeshji's pen broke as he wrote. Without a moment hesitation he used his broken tusk as a pen...So we hope that Ganeshji will always be there as and when an obstacle arises.

The broken tusk symbolically means that Ganpatiji is beyond duality. Ganpatiji sits with one foot on the ground and the other folded up, above the ground. This posture means that while we must operate in the world one must be constantly aligned to our spiritual nature.Lord Ganesh's big ears denote that He can hear and understand Vedantic Truth. His big head reminds us that we are Spiritual Creatures so we must 'Think Big'. His small mouth denotes that He talks less. (So must we: Talk less and Listen more) His small eyes urge us to 'focus'. Besides small eyes denote a subtle vision.The long trunk of an elephant has the quality of being able to uproot a tree, and at the same time pick up a tiny needle from a haystack. This is again a quality attributed to the Lord, as we believe that in spite of His great power, the tiniest creature does not pass unnoticed by Him. The mouse though small can play havoc. Ganeshji has him under His control. The prasad offered to Lord Ganesha symbolises material and spiritual wealth.

One generally breaks a coconut during a Ganesh puja. The 3 eyes of a coconut are said to correspond to the 3 eyed Shiva. It is believed that Shivji once told Ganesha: Whoever sacrifices a coconut is sacrificing Me, and this is the highest sacrifice. When you circle the coconut around your head, it energetically absorbs the lower vibrations in your aura. When smashed the energy holding back your progress is forcefully disseminated. Breaking coconuts before Ganesha is a symbolic act of sacrificing ones own life for renewal.

Lord Ganesh's large belly denotes prosperity and that He digests all the good and bad in the world. The planet Mars and Ganpati are considered to have the same complexion. On Ganesh Chaturthi frequencies from Mars and Ganesh reach the Earth.Ganeshji holds in His 4 hands:

An axe to cut off evil and worldly attachments and old karmas.

A Rope pulls His disciples closer to the Spiritual Path.

The Rosary beads remind one to continuously strive towards the Real Knowledge.

The last hand is held up in a posture of blessing.

Geeta Jayanti

Geeta Jayanti is the anniversary of the day, when the Divine Song (Bhagavad Geeta) was sung. On this day Shri Krishna spoke to Arjuna, on the battlefield in Kurukshetra. The Bhagvad Geeta was transcribed into words by Veda Vyasji. The Gita consists of 700 shlokas (verses)divided into 18 chapters. The teachings of the Gita do not apply only to inner and outer conflicts in the battlefield, but to the combat zone (of good and evil) that lives within us.

Guru Purnima

GururBrahmaa GururVishnuhu, 

GururDevo Maheshwaraha,

GururSakshaat Param Brahma, 

Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha.

The enlightened Guru is no other than Brahmaa the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the destroyer.  Guru is truly the Almighty Brahaman; our salutations to Him, the Divine Spiritual Master.

Dhyaana Moolam Guru Moorti,

Pooja moolam Guru padam

Mantra moolam Guru Vaakyam

Moksha moolam Guru Kripa

Guru's form is the root from which dhyaana takes form. The Lotus feet of the Guru is the root from which sprout pooja or/and any other kind of austerity Guru's word is the root from which sprouts Mantra.Guru's blessings are the root from which liberation (for the disciple) sprout.

Hunuman Jayanti 

Hanumanji was born on the full-moon day of the month of Chaitra, in a cave on the Rushyamuk mountain. In order to destroy the demon Ravan, Vishnu took birth as Rama. What I am saying is that Lord Vishnu incarnated as Sri Rama. Hanumanji is the son of ‘Vayu’ the wind God.

The mother of Hanuman was Anjani who initially was a very famous courtesan in heaven named Punjikasthala. Punjikasthala was cursed by a sage, who she had insulted and so she was born as a female monkey named Anjani. Anjani performed penance in order to beget a powerful and swift son, which she did and who came to be known as Hanuman.

When Hanuman was a child, he flew, pushed Rahu and Ketu aside and caught the Sun. Lord Indra hit the child with his powerful weapon ‘Vajra’. Hanuman lay still on the top of a mountain.When Vayu came to know what had come to pass, he stopped blowing. The world was in trouble with the sun in captivity and the wind refusing to blow. 

Finally Indra blessed Hanuman with the boon, that the latter would be able to choose his time of death and would be able to become big or small in stature at will. All was well. The pleased father, Vayu’ started to blow gently, much to the relief of the living beings

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Holi

The festival of colours in which all the young and old join together to express their joy at the change of season. ‘Holi' comes from the word ‘hola' which means sacrifice and the festival is a reminder that we must live our lives in a spirit of service and sacrifice.Holi heralds the advent of Spring.Holi commemorates the death of Holika, a demoness, denoting the victory of benign forces over evil ones. The burning of wood and rubbish reminds us of the fact that Holika was consumed by flames.

Janamashtami

Krishna was born on Janmashtami. Krishna is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Since Krishna was born after midnight, on Janamashtami , bhajans and kirtan are held in temples till midnight.

Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri is the longest and darkest night of the month. It is the night on which Shivji and Parvati tied the knot and became 'One'.  Hence it is symbolic of the meeting of the Soul with the Almighty. Shivratri is also called Shiv Jayanti which means: The Birth night of God'.

On Shivratri people have a special drink called 'Thaadhai', after making offering of it in the Mahadev temple. In the villages and cities, big pots of 'Taahri' (sweet rice) are prepared and distributed among all.

Nandhi and Vaddi Thadri 

Both of these take place in the month of Sawan. On the day before Thadree  day, people cook lola (sweet flour cakes) and rote (fried cakes) because there has to be no lighting of fire in the house on the Thadree day. The lolas and Rotes are eaten with curd or pickle. On that day drops of water are also sprinkled on the cooking fire to appease Sitladevi Mata.

Naag Panchami

'Panchami' comes from the word 'paanch' meaning 'five' and Naag means 'serpent'. 'Panchami' comes on the 5th day after the full moon or the new moon. Naag Panchami is celebrated during the bright half of the month (Shrravan). Naag Panchami is a harbinger of Lord Ganesh's Utsav (Celebrations) which occur almost a month later. A Snake offered to be the girdle of Lord Ganesha. The best known serpent is Shesh Naag because Lord Vishnu reclines on him. Laxmana (Sri Rama's brother) and Balrama (Sri Krishna's brother) are considered 'Avtaars' (Incarnations) of Shesh Naag.

During those days whenever the snake charmer brought snakes, they were given some Dakhshna and also milk for the snakes. Nagpanchami is also called Gogro .

Raksha Bandhan

During the Purnima of Sawan month sisters tied a Rakhi to their brothers. This day is called "Rakhree Bandhan'. Even the near cousin sisters used to put Rakhis on cousin brothers . Sisters used to come from far off places and towns to specially tie Rakhis to their brothers. There was so much affection and love. Those cities and places where there were rivers or sea, people used to offer coconuts and milk to the God of Waters 'Varun Devta so that those who were traveling in ships and boats should have a safe and sound journey.

Ram Navmi

The birth of Lord Rama, the seventh Incarnation of Lord Vishnu, in the Tretayuga is celebrated on the day of Ramnavmi which is the ninth day in the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra. Navmi means the number 9.

Skanda Sashti

Lord Muruga or Karkiteya is the older son of Shiva and Parvati and sibling of Ganesha. The conclusion of the six day worship of Kartikeya falls on the 6th day after Diwali and is called Skanda Sashti.

Shraadh

Just as in India the month of September 'Bado' was meant for Krishna Paksha as Pitar Pakhiya. Any member of the family who had died on particular (tithi) day and date, a Shraadh was offered for the solace of the deceased's soul. The Brahmins were given food and Dakhshna.

Teejri

This festival takes place in the month of Sawan when married women and girls paint their hands and feet with Mehndi , go on fast for the whole day, during which they used to play games , swing in Jhulas and sing love songs. Orthodox or strict Sindhi women do not even drink a sip of water until they break their fast. In the night after making an offering to the moon, they would break the fast. This is also referred to as the Sindhi version of Karwa Chauth

Tirmoori/Utraan/Makar Sankranti

The Sindhis refer to 'Makar sankranti' as "Utraan". Though the dates of all Hindu Festivals always vary every year, 'Utraan' always falls upon the 14th of January. The Word 'Makara' corresponds with the Zodiac sign 'Capricorn', and during 'Makar Sankranti' the Sun enters the 'Makara Raasi' i.e. the Zodiac sign of Capricorn. 'Uttar' means 'North'. during this time, the Northward Revolution of the Sun begins. Hence Sindhis call it 'Uttraan'. Because the direction of the wind changes, it is traditional to fly kites on this day. Flying kites is symbolic of Spiritualism. You remain on the ground, while the kite in your hand soars towards the Heavens. 

During sankraanti, one uses 'Til' or Sesame seeds in a variety of ways, the most popular being the distribution of 'Til laddus', which Sindhis call 'Bhorindas'. It is cold during this time,and sesame seeds have a warmth giving quality, According to Ayurveda, The intake of sesame seeds  facilitate smooth Spiritual Practice.  On this festive day parents send ladoos & chiki ( Laaee ) made of Tils to their married daughters. 

'Utraan' is considered an auspicious time. Bhishma, the hero of the Mahabharata had the boon that he could choose the time of his death. Even though he lay on a bed of arrows, he chose to die after Utraan.