Mongmong Festival in Nagaland.

Come September, the extreme eastern state of India – Nagaland would be the perfect place to visit as these agrarian mountain-folk whose lives revolve and depend on agriculture, celebrate the harvest festival – ‘Mongmong’ which in the local ‘Sangtam’ dialect means ‘togetherness forever’. Mongmong is celebrated week-long during the first week of September.

Mongmong Festival celebrates harvest and friendship that has kept these mountain tribes of Nagaland together always. The festival starts off with the village priest (beburu) announcing ‘Zangnyuo Mongmong Nung Eh-Lehe’ or the commencement of the festival with prayers and rituals at midnight.

·        On the first day – which is called ‘Singkithsa’, the oldest person of the area is asked to perform the festival rituals at the well. The villagers spend the day collecting millets, vegetables and firewood from the fields. Livestock (cows, pigs and mithuns) transactions are closed on this day.

·        On the second day, as the gathering of the firewood and the vegetables continues, meat for the festive delicacies is arranged.

·        On the third day which is called ‘MÜSÜYANGTAP’, people worship their three oven stones in belief that these stones represent God (Lijaba). Families eat food only after this worship is done. Local rice beer dancing, tug of war and other merry-making activities take over next.

·        On the fourth day which is called ‘KIKHA-LANGPI’, the Priest and the men-folk spruce up the village by clearing the weeds; clearing the roads and pathways leading to wells and fields and then head to the Priest’s home where a party awaits for all the men who toiled all day in trying to make the village look neat and nice.

·        On the fifth day which is called ‘SHILANG WUBA NYUMONG’, people visit their families and friends in the same village and in the neighbouring villages and exchange drinks and meat as gifts – pretty much like the Muslim custom of ‘Bakrid’.

·        From the sixth day onwards which is called ‘SHILANG WUBA NYUMONG’ the actual harvesting process begins in the fields. People invoke the blessings of God on their crops and their families and pray for a good harvest and good health.

Among a host of others, Nagaland folk songs, Millet harvesting shows, Paddy sowing shows, fire making, tug of war, war dances and archery competitions are showcased during the festivities. Thousands of people from Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh converge for the festival during these days.

It is a mélange of colourful cultural displays of 15 different tribes under one roof. Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Yimchunger, Kuki and Zeliang being the largest Naga tribes in Nagaland, converge for this harvest festival Mongmong in Kohima – the State Capital of Nagaland.

Kohima is perched atop a ridge at 4200 feet above sea level (same as Kalimpong in WB) with 70% green cover, and is surrounded by lush green mountains and meadows covered endlessly with emerald hued wild grass and wild flowers. The scenic, serene and fresh environs, the salubrious climate and the lovely sunsets would have you anchored to this place for longer than you scheduled. Kohima is perfect for adventure sports such as mountain-treks; para-gliding; rock-climbing and camping. Mix all this with a cultural fiesta and you’ve got yourself a complete holiday package – the best that your money can buy!

The nearest airport to Kohima is in Dimapur in Nagaland at 74 kms northeast of Kohima. Regular flights from Guwahati in Assam and Imphal in Manipur connect Kohima. The nearest railhead to Kohima is in Dimapur. National Highway 39 connects Kohima to Dimapur on the north and Imphal on the south.

If you can’t make it to Kohima for Mongmong festival during the first week of September, then the next best time to visit Nagaland is during the first week of December for the Hornbill Festival.

Peace Out !

Pix courtesy: the hindu, photoblog.nbcnews, northeasttoday, demotix, govisitnagaland.

Krishna Janmashtami

God-child; prankster; quintessential lover; divine hero; and the Supreme Being – all rolled into one – Lord Krishna -  whose birthday is celebrated on ‘Janmashtami’ - which is also known as ‘Gokulashtami’. His flute, blue-ish skin; peacock-feather crown and yellow coloured dhoti makes Lord Krishna stand apart from all other Hindu Gods.

Spanning two days – the commemoration of Lord Krishna’s birth comprises fasting on the first day; partaking in his worship at Temples till midnight when Lord Krishna is said to have been born; lots of fun and frolic at the Janmashtami festivities during the second day when the Hindu communities all over the world perform dances depicting the various events in Lord Krishna's life and the much awaited ‘Dahi Handi’ festivities.

The High-point of the Janmashtami is the ‘Dahi Handi’ – where clay pot filled with ‘dahi’ (curd) and money are strung up 30-60 feet high in the air in an open-air street or grounds and young boys form human pyramids to reach the height of the pots to smash them open. This sport is performed in remembrance of Lord Krishna’s fondness for butter and curd. Forming human pyramids is not as easy as it appears as these pyramids have 3-6 layers and they require sturdiness and strength from each and every player else the whole pyramid comes crashing down and they would have to regroup again. Most times it takes multiple attempts before they get it right.

The dual-essence of Janmashtami can be best experience at:

·         Mathura – the birthplace of Lord Krishna which is in the present Uttar Pradesh State – on the Delhi-Agra Highway. Mathura is also referred to as ‘Braj-Bhoomi’; ‘Shri Krishna Janma-Bhoomi’ and ‘Madhuvan’. Mathura is where the ‘Kesava Deo Temple’ is – which was built over the prison which was believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is said to have been born by divine mental transmission from Vasudeva to Devaki. The current ‘Kesava Deo Temple’ was built by the medieval Rajput King - Raja Vir Sinh Bundela of Orchaa, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The original temple is believed to be built about 5000 years ago Vajranabha, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna. According to the sankrit epic of ancient India – Mahabharata, Mathura was the capital of the Surasena Kingdom which was ruled by King Kansa – the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna. The entire present area of Braj-Bhoomi can be divided into 2 distinct units: the Eastern Part in the Trans-Yamuna zone with places like Gokul, Mahavan, Baldeo, Mat and Bajna and the Western Side of the Yamuna covering the Mathura region that encompasses Vrindavan, Govardhan, Kusum Sarovar, Barsana and Nandgaon.

Govardhan Temple - Braj-Bhoomi.

·         Vrindavan (also known as Vraj) - currently a town but is a site of ancient forests – located about 10 kms from Mathura. Lord Krishna’s playful and loving characteristics and his childhood pastimes are attributed to his life here at Vrindavan. Said to be the most romanntic of all Hindu Gods, Lord Krishna along with his beloved Radha spent all their time in merriment, song and dance on the celestial banks of River Yamuna along with the other Gopis - all of which is called the 'Raas Leela'. It is also said that at Vrindavan, Lord Krishna along with his brother Balaram and his cowherd friends stole butter, pulled pranks and fought with demons. Today, Vrindavan is known for its hundreds of temples – mostly dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Govind Dev Temple in Vrindavan.

Lord Krishna with Radha.

Lord Krishna's Raas Leela.

·         Govardhan – about 15 kms from Mathura is another Holy site of Hindu pilgrimage as it is said that Govardhan houses the ‘Govardhan Hill’ which Lord Krishna used to uphold on his little finger in order to save the Hill from the wrath of the Hindu God of rains – Indra. Govardhan is home to numerous Lord Krishna Temples, the ‘Manasi Ganga’ Lake and the river-ghats. Parikrama and Guru Purnima is what Govardhan is famous for apart from Janmashtami. Hindu pilgrim visit Govardhan during Janmashtami as well as Guru Purnima.

·         Mumbai (previously called Bombay) – where celebrations of epic proportions gyrate to a feverish pitch – like nowhere else in the whole world. Here you get to see the most extravagant and fun-filled festivities of Krishnashtami.

 

·        ISKCON – ‘the International Society for Krishna Consciousness’ is a Gaudiya Vaishnava religious organization which was founded in the New York City in 1966 by His Divine Grace Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Beliefs preached here are based on Srimad Bhagvatam and Bhagavad-Gita – traditional ancient Hindu scriptures. ISKCON today has more than 400 centres worldwide.

On Janmashtami, temples in Mathura install baby cradles with small statues of Lord Krishna (called Baal Mukund) in them and offer prayers, bhajans and recite Lord Krishna deeds. Elaborate rituals are performed on both days of Janmashtami in Mathura. Krishna devotees throng in millions to Mathura for pilgrimage on Janmashtami.

And those who cannot make it to Mathura visit their local Lord Krishna Temples or the ISKCON Temple which is known for spirited worship.

And Ofcourse, Bombay needs no introduction. If you want a mix of both spiritualism and fun on Janmashtami, then it’s Bombay you need to visit this Janmashtami.

Kathakali dancer performing as Lord Krishna.

 Pix Courtsey: Hoparoundindia.com; wallpapers.yah.in; flickrhivemind; topnews; hindustantimes; bombaystreets;

Eid-ul-Fitr

According to Islam, the ninth month of the Muslim or ‘Hijri’ calendar – ‘Ramadan’ is the holiest month of the year. During Ramadan, believers of Islam observe strict fasting from dawn to dusk during which period; they abstain from food and drink and spend the days in spiritual reflection. After 30 days of Ramadan is ‘Shawwal’ – the tenth month according to the Hijri calendar. And the first day of the Shawwal month is ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’ – the joyous festival of breaking the 30-day Ramadan fast. Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations span three whole days when Muslims worldwide meet all their families and friends in person to partake of the Eid celebrations.

From the sighting of the first crescent of a new moon after the eighth Islamic month, the ninth month – Ramadan begins when Muslims observe fasting, reflection, devotion, sacrifice and generosity – the five Tenets of Islam. Not only do the Muslims comply to this imperative, they feel blessed by this compliance.

The five tenets or pillars of Islam are:

1.    Creed or Testimony or ‘Shahadah’ – where Muslims recite under oath, the Islamic creed - "'ašhadu 'al-lā ilāha illā-llāhu wa 'ašhadu 'anna muħammadan rasūlu-llāh", or "I testify there are no deities other than God alone and I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of God."

2.    Prayer or ‘Ṣalāh’ – these are ritual prayers which Muslims perform five times a day at five different periods of the day: Fajr (near dawn); zuhr (noon); asr (afternoon); maghrib (just after sunset) and isha (at nightfall). The Arabic word ‘Salah’ is popularly known by its Persian counterpart – ‘Namaz’ – both of which mean bowing, homage, worship and prayer.

3.    Alms-giving or ‘Zakāt’ – it is an act of voluntary alms-giving of a fixed portion of accumulated wealth to help the poor or the needy. Zakāt is to Muslims what ‘Ma’aser Kesafim’ is to Jews and ‘Tithe’ is to Christians. During Ramadan, Muslims donate 2.5% of their personal wealth after ‘nisab’ (meeting essential needs) is reached.

4.    Fasting or ‘Sawm’ – in order to inculcate ‘taqwa’ or ‘God consciousness’, Muslims abstain from food, drinks and sex from dawn (fajr) to sunset (maghrib) during Ramadan. Fasting or abstinence from any indulgence, helps one to empathize with those less fortunate ones. Abstinence also helps gain control over one’s desires and increases focus on devotion to God. Usage of expletives or thinking evil thoughts is strictly avoided during Ramadan. And even before fasting, it is a practice among Muslims to explicitly express their intention to Fast which is called ‘Niyyah’ or ‘Niyyat’ in Arabic. Infact, without the prior outward commitment – Niyyat, even fasting is not considered valid. The emphasis here is to solidify commitment of the person who is fasting towards this tenet of Islam by outward expression.

5.    Pilgrimage or ‘Hajj’ – every Muslim is to make a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia during the 12^th month of the Islamic Calendar – Dhu al-Hijjah. Mecca is the holiest place of Islam religion as Mecca is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad. Mecca is also where the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad centuries back. Every Muslim on earth who has the financial and physical capability to travel to Mecca needs to perform Hajj at least once in his lifetime. Millions of Muslims perform Hajj at Mecca each year.

Bound by these Principles of Islam, Muslims believe that they are commanded by Allah – as mentioned in the Holy Quran – to observe fasting right up till the end of Ramadan plus pay ‘Zakāt’ before performing the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer.

Typically, on the day of Eid, Muslims wake up before sunrise offer ‘Salatul Fajr’ (the pre-sunrise prayer) then at the time of offering Eid Prayers they walk up to the Mosque reciting the ‘Takbir’ or incantation until they reach the Mosque or until the ‘Imam’ commences worship.

It is forbidden to fast on Eid so a mini-breakfast – mostly made of dry fruits is had before performing the Eid Prayer. The Eid Feast in India – is a lavish spread of dry fruits, biryani and sweet meats which the women-folk prepare at home. People of other faiths visit their Muslim friends – sometimes many households on the same day, to wish them ‘Eid Mubarak’ and partake of their joy and festivities.

Besides four weeks of austere fasting and heightened piety, Ramadan also is the much awaited month for shoppers of the other faiths as some of the most ostentatious, ornate and attractive apparel and jewelry are sold during this month.

Night-bazar trend is another thing to look forward to during the Ramadan season when brightly illuminated marketplaces display their best wares and solid retailing continues till the wee hours of the morning. ‘Qawwalis’ or Sufi songs are heard on music systems everywhere you go in the market. Especially at places like Delhi and Hyderabad, you would see equal number of non-Muslims shopping at nights during Ramadan when these cities’ shopping places come alive after dark. The marketplaces are overcrowded with shoppers and vehicular traffic is diverted during this month.

‘Haleem’ – a wheat and meat delicacy is made and sold only during the Ramadan. Hyderabad is the ‘Haleem Capital’ of India and is visited by countless Muslims and non-Muslims for the sole purpose of eating Haleem during Ramadan. No wonder then that Haleem alone does a whopping business of Rs. 100 crores during Ramadan in Hyderabad.

Popular Mosques of India are:

1.    Cheraman Juma Masjid – located in Thrissur District of Kerala – is the first Mosque of India built in 629 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar.

2.    Jama Masjid – located in Delhi – is the largest Mosque in India, built in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The capacity of this Masjid’s courtyard is 25,000 people at one go.

3.    Makkah Masjid – located in Hyderabad – built by bricks which were made from the soil brought from Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty – Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah commissioned this Mosque which was completed in 1694. Mosque can hold 10,000 worshippers at a time. IT took about 8000 workers to build this Mosque.

Pix courtesy: Wikipedia, dsaravanane@flickr.

Naga Panchami.

Naga Panchami is a unique festival of India. It is the festival of Snakes. This festival of Snakes is celebrated on the fifth day (hence the name Naga Panchami, Naga = Snakes, Panchami = Fifth) after the Amavasya (new moon) in the Hindu calendar month of Shravan; which falls in the months of July / August.

The festival has its origins most probably in the increased human/snake conflict that happens during the Indian monsoon, which starts in June. The monsoon rains flood the Snake nests, forcing them to seek dry ground and hence into human habitation.

Myth and Folklore have added their own color to the festival. According to lore, Naga Panchami is the day that Lord Krishna had conquered Naga Kālia and put an end to his evil deeds.

Though not as popular as the major Indian festivals of Diwali or Dassehra, It is celebrated across country by offerings of milk and oblation to the Snake deities. The most popular places to visit for this festival are:

 * Adiesha Temple - Andhra Pradesh

 * Nagaraja Temple - Kerala

 * Nagathamman Temple - Chennai

 * Hardevja Temple - Jaipur

 * Nagvasuki Temple - Daragunj

 * Nagasthala, Subramanya temple, Kukke about 120 kilometers from Mangalore

 However *the* place to be during the festival of Naga Panchami is the village of Baltis Shirale, which is situated approximately 400 kilometers (approximately 250 miles) from Mumbai, the most outstanding of all the celebrations happens here. Reportedly, the largest collection of snakes in the world can be found in Baltis Shirale.

 By the way, Did I say Naga Panchami is unique to India? Well, not exactly. Check out the "Processione dei Serpari" in Italy. Also, did you know, Thiruananthapuram, the capital of Kerala is derived from the legendary snake ‘Anantha’ - one of the eight great Nagas of Puranic literature!

Pix courtesy: 4to40.

Goa in high 'spirits' !!

Goa – the very name is magical. There are scores of other beachy places in India but Goa is Goa – a class apart as sworn by the 3 million annual visitors – with a majority of them being repeats. This smallest State of India sells the biggest dream-holidays every year. No wonder then that Goa is India’s richest State with Tourism being its primary industry!

Maybe it’s the palm-fringed beaches of white sands and sparkling waters.

Maybe it’s the charm of a 600-year old Portuguese colony with its world heritage architecture of Churches and houses.

Maybe it’s the bio-diverse hotspot that it is.

Maybe it’s the zipping around on rented bikes or lazing and strolling aimlessly on the beaches.

Maybe it’s the addicting flea-markets and hangout beach-shacks.

Could it be about all the sunburn and rave Goa beach-parties and discos with low-duty booze? It must be all of the above and more!

The best way to optimize your visit to Goa is to club your visit with a Goan festival. That’s when you can catch the true essence of Goa.

Countless festivals, events and parties dot the Goa calendar all year. This June, Goa would be buzzing with fun and frolic when it celebrates the onset of monsoons (Feast of St. Anthony on the 13^th); celebrates newlyweds (Sao Joao Festival on the 24^th) and celebrates fishing in the monsoons (Feast of St. Peter & St. Paul on the 29^th).

The traditions that are practiced during these festivals truly smack of Goa – interesting and vibrant and very Portuguese!

The Sao Joao Festival which is centuries old is a lively street festival where the Goan youth go berserk with fun activities. Sao Joao Festival or the Feast of St. John’s commemorates the Christening of Lord Jesus Christ in River Jordan. On this day the youth of Goa jump into ponds and wells in remembrance and play games and sing songs and pray. On this day you will find the Goan youth scurrying on the roads from pond to pond and well to well. The newlyweds are given centre-stage by giving them prominent roles on this day of distributing goodies to the others. Mothers-in-law prepare and layout an elaborate meal for their sons-in-law. There is also an annual boat-parade that is held on this day. ‘Copel’ or a tiara made of fresh flowers is worn by the participants all day. There is also a long procession that meanders through the streets of Goa and leads to a Church. Upon reaching the Church there are fireworks, games and other fun activities held. The Goan locals spend the entire day on the streets participating with gusto in a host of events.

Goa is ever-inviting. Question is.....how would you like Goa served to you!

 Pix courtsey: Top News, Goodreads, Goa tours and travels, Goaindiatourism, Mygoatour, Festivalsofindia, Indianetzone.

Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri.

Also referred to as the Gundicha Jatra, Ghosa Jatra, Navadina Jatra or Dasavatara Jatra, the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra, the most important festival of Lord Jagannath, starts on 21^st June 2012, and lasts 10 days in the beach-city of Puri which is about 65 kms south of the Odisha State Capital – Bhubaneshwar. Puri ranks one of the top places in India for Hindu pilgrimage and religious tourism.

This Rath Yatra is one of the most colourful, elaborate and grand Hindu festivals in India which attracts millions of devotees from all over India as well as abroad as this Yatra occurs just once a year and because this Darshan is considered very auspicious.

The Yatra comprises one of the largest processions of the world with millions of people pulling and following 50-foot high ornate and decorated wooden chariots on which Lord Jagannath – the Lord of the Universe, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are paraded throughout the city to give Darshan to all their Devotees. It is said that those who participate in the Jagannath Yatra in Puri earn their ‘passage’ to heaven.

For 15 days prior to the Yatra, 'Snana Pumima' marks the beginning of the Jagannath festival, when the three deities - Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are given a bath post which they are left in isolation for 15 days - called the period of 'Anabasara' when no public worship is performed. Post 15 days of isolation, the Gods and the Goddess are brought out of the 11^th Century-built Jagannath temple in a colourful and musical procession amidst thousands of devotees to board their respective Chariots and then begins the "Rath Yatra'.

Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra Chariots being constructed.

The Chariots of the Rath Yatra deserve a special mention. The 3 towering and royal chariots resemble Lord Jagannath Temple architecture. Lord Jagannath Chariot, which is called the ‘nandighose’ is 35 feet high and has 18 solid wheels to move this heavy chariot. Lord Balabhadra’s chariot – ‘Taladwaja’ is 33 feet high and has 16 wheels and Goddess Shubhadra’s Chariot – ‘Devadalan’ is 30 feet high and has 14 wheels. New chariots are made each year but with the same ancient chariot-specifications. Thousands of devotees pull the chariots by long ropes and thousands struggle to merely touch the Chariot or pull the rope as it is considered lucky and prosperous for the devotee.

The whole Rath Yatra festival of millions surrounding the 3 deities in a large procession amidst loud beating of percussion instruments, gongs and blowing conch shells is a fascinating experience even for non-Hindus and is also the only chance for non-Hindus to see these 3 deities as non-Hindu devotees aren’t allowed into the Jagannath Temple.

As millions of pilgrim and tourists flood the Puri streets during these 10 days, visitors are to take extreme precautions when on the streets as people and lives are known to be lost in the stampede.

Pix courtesy: The Hindu, Amritasinha, Ludhianatravels.