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Saturday, 20 August 2011
Ramadan Greatness
Ramadan
Although Ramadan is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year, since the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar and the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. This difference means Ramadan moves in the Gregorian calendar approximately 11 days every year. The date of Ramadan may also vary from country to country depending on whether the moon has been sighted or not
As the fundamental aspect of Ramadan is fasting, it is believed the name 'Ramadan' may signify the burning desire for drinking water and food. It may also refer to the belief that fasting with a pure intention and with religious blessings burns away the earlier sins. According to the Muslim faith, observing the fast with absolute faith and unpolluted intentions will confer remittance of all his sins. It is believed that fasting midst the holy spirit of Ramadan is thirty times more potent than fasting any other time of the year.
During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer.
On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr.It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year.
When the fast ends it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals. In some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan. Gifts are exchanged between friends and relatives by just logging on to www.giftagift.com
Although Ramadan is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year, since the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar and the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. This difference means Ramadan moves in the Gregorian calendar approximately 11 days every year. The date of Ramadan may also vary from country to country depending on whether the moon has been sighted or not
As the fundamental aspect of Ramadan is fasting, it is believed the name 'Ramadan' may signify the burning desire for drinking water and food. It may also refer to the belief that fasting with a pure intention and with religious blessings burns away the earlier sins. According to the Muslim faith, observing the fast with absolute faith and unpolluted intentions will confer remittance of all his sins. It is believed that fasting midst the holy spirit of Ramadan is thirty times more potent than fasting any other time of the year.
Constraints During Ramadan
During the time of fasting strict constraints are placed. Smoking, drinking, meat and sexual relations are forbidden during fasting. However, children,elderly, soldiers and the incurable sick are exempted. Telling of lies, slander, false oath, betrayal are considered most offensive during Ramadan and can destroy the goodness of fasting.Significance of Ramadan
Throughout the world, Muslims observe the Ramadan month by fasting and through increased concentration for purification of soul to increase closeness with God. It is a period of worship and contemplation. On the 27th evening, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (Night of Power) with the believe that on this day in 610 AD, the Holy Quran was revealed providing guidance, teaching, direction to all and also judging between wrong and right. Moreover this day is believed to have influenced the course of the year.During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer.
On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr.It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year.
When the fast ends it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals. In some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan. Gifts are exchanged between friends and relatives by just logging on to www.giftagift.com
Ramadan Mubharakh
May the Ramadan bring you
peace and prosperity,
good health and wealth,
and brighten your life forever.
Prasad
On Ganesh Chathurthi we will make ganesh idol with chapathi flour ( atta ) and used pulses ( dals ) as his ornaments. Prasad included Tamarind Rice, Curd(yogurt) Rice, Sooji Halwa, Vada( Lentil Fritters ) and Panchamrutham( Sugar, Honey, yogurt, Milk, Ghee and fruits ).
Legend of Vinayaka Chaturthi
It is not advisable to look at the moon on the Ganesh Chaturthi day. There is a legend behind this. Lord Ganesh, on one of his birthdays, consumed a number of sweets and started to move on his mouse. All of a sudden, the mouse got scared at a snake and so it slipped. Due to this, Ganesh who was on the mouse also fell down. His stomach burst out and the sweets came out. However, the Lord managed to fill the sweets again into his stomach. He caught the snake and tied around his belly. The moon (Lord Chandra), who was noticing all these, started laughing. The annoyed Lord pulled out one of his trunks and threw it against the moon. Ganesha cursed that no one should look at the moon on his birthday and if anyone does he will be punished with bad name or dishonor.
Vinayaka Chavithi 2011
Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi Festival is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated in India. Also known as Vinayaka Chavithi, Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesh, and is observed in the month of Bhaadrapada. Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations starts on the Shukla Chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period) and lasts for 10 days and ends on Anant Chaturdashi. In 2011, Ganesh Chaturthi festival is on 1st September 2011, Thursday.
The elephant-headed Ganesha, considered as the supreme God of Wisdom, is worshipped for prosperity and good fortune. Lord Ganesh is the 'remover of obstacles' and therefore he is called 'Vigneswar'. His vehicle is Mooshak (rat). Lord Ganesha, who is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is believed to grant his presence on the earth on the auspicious occasion of Pillayar Chaturthi .
Though Vinayaka Chaturthi festival is celebrated throughout India, it is celebrated in a grand scale in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Besides, Newars in Nepal and Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka also celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi in a grand manner.
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations in India
It is the custom of the people to get clay models of Lord Ganesha, two to three months much in advance of Vinayak Chavithi festival. With the sizes ranging to over 25 feet, the beautifully decorated models portray the Lord in various poses. People install the statues in their homes. Rituals are performed throughout the ten days, from Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi. Coconut, jaggery, 21 modakas (a sweet dish) and 21 durva (trefoil) blades of grass and red flowers are offered to the deity. A cream made of vermillion and sandalwood paste is smeared over the statue. The statues are taken out ceremoniously in procession around the streets on the 11th day. Accompanied by drum-beats, Ganesha devotional songs and dances, the figures of Lord Ganesh are then immersed in a river or the sea. Modak (modagam or modakam in South India) is the main sweet dish prepared on the day. Some people also make karanji (karjikai in Kannada) for the deity.
Though Vinayaka Chaturthi festival is celebrated throughout India, it is celebrated in a grand scale in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Besides, Newars in Nepal and Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka also celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi in a grand manner.
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations in India
It is the custom of the people to get clay models of Lord Ganesha, two to three months much in advance of Vinayak Chavithi festival. With the sizes ranging to over 25 feet, the beautifully decorated models portray the Lord in various poses. People install the statues in their homes. Rituals are performed throughout the ten days, from Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi. Coconut, jaggery, 21 modakas (a sweet dish) and 21 durva (trefoil) blades of grass and red flowers are offered to the deity. A cream made of vermillion and sandalwood paste is smeared over the statue. The statues are taken out ceremoniously in procession around the streets on the 11th day. Accompanied by drum-beats, Ganesha devotional songs and dances, the figures of Lord Ganesh are then immersed in a river or the sea. Modak (modagam or modakam in South India) is the main sweet dish prepared on the day. Some people also make karanji (karjikai in Kannada) for the deity.
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