The journey of M.F. Husain - "The Picasso of India"

Always barefooted and brandishing an extra-long paintbrush as a slim cane, M.F. Husain popularly known as the Picasso of India was one of the most celebrated and internationally recognized Indian artists of the 20th century. He also received recognition as a printmaker, photographer, and filmmaker. Maqbool Fida Husain commonly addressed as M.F., was born on 17th of September 1915 at Pandharpur in Maharashtra, India. Husain who was a self-taught artist initially painted cinema hoardings in Bombay (now Mumbai) for a small amount of money. With his savings M.F. went to Surat, Baroda and Ahmedabad to paint landscapes. M.F. also worked in a toy factory, where he designed and built toys. 

His first shot to fame as an artist was in the late 1940s. In 1947, M.F. joined the Progressive Artists' Group, founded by Francis Newton Souza. The first solo exhibition of his work was held in Zürich and slowly his work was widely seen in Europe and the US.  He was a special invitee along with Pablo Picasso at the Sao Paulo Biennial in the year 1971.

Husain later became the highest paid painter in India. In the year 1986 Husain was also nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

Awards : 

1955 - Padma Shri 

1973 - Padma Bhushan 

1991 - Padma Vibhushan

2007 - Raja Ravi Varma award by the government of Kerala.

Films:

"Through the Eyes of a Painter", was Husain's first film in the year 1967. This film was shown at the Berlin Film Festival and also won a Golden Bear in the Short Film category. 

He was the producer and director of the movie "Gaja Gamini". The protagonist of the movie was Madhuri Dixit, also his muse and was the subject of a series of his paintings which he signed Fida. Later he made "Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities".    

Controversies : Nude painting of Hindu deities:  In 1996 a Hindi monthly magazine named "Vichar Mimansa" published Husain's nude paintings of Hindu deities which were created by him in 1970 in an article headlined "M.F. Husain: A Painter or Butcher". Which in turn led to eight criminal cases being filed against him. However, the Delhi High Court in 2004, dismissed these complaints of "promoting enmity between different groups by painting Hindu goddesses – Durga and Saraswati, that was later compromised by Hindus".                                                                                                                  

In 1998 Husain's house was attacked and his art works 

were vandalised by Hindu groups like Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena. Protests against Husain led to the closure of an exhibition of his work in London, England.                   

                                                   

Later in February 2006, Husain was charged with "hurting religious sentiments of people" for his nude portraits of Hindu gods and goddesses.                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                               

Bharatmata (Mother India) : Husain's painting of a nude woman posed across a map of India with the names of Indian States on  parts of her body was published in a national English weekly, India Today in an advertisement titled "Art For Mission Kashmir". This was protested by the Hindu Jagruti Samiti and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) as the painting was displayed on the websites and even in exhibitions in north Europe. Husain later apologized and promised to withdraw the painting from an auction, but it was later sold for Rs 80 lakh in the auction. Later this painting appeared on Husain's official website.

Meenaxi - A Tale of Three Cities : This film was pulled out of cinema after some Muslim organisations like the Milli Council, All-India Muslim Council, Raza Academy, Jamiat-ul-Ulema-e-Hind and Jamat-e-Islami objected to the Qawwali song "Noor-un-Ala-Noor" in the movie. They claimed that the song was blasphemous and had words taken from the holy book Quran. The film recieved critical accalmation and won many awards. 

Qatar nationality :

A series of cases were brought against Husain and a court case related to the alleged obscene depiction of Hindu goddesses in his paintings resulted in issuing a non-bailable warrant against him after he failed to respond to summons. 

Husain, who left India stating that "matters are so legally complicated that I have been advised not to return home", and spent rest of his life abroad in self-exile since 2006. Reportedly he also received many death threats. 

Husain expressed a strong desire to come back, despite fears that he may be arrested in connection with the cases against him. Later a recent Supreme Court order suspended an arrest warrant for Husain. In absence of dual citizenship, Union Home Secretary, GK Pillai, said that MF Husain was free to come back and would be provided security if he requested it.

Qatari nationality was conferred upon him at the instance of the modernizing Qatar’s ruling family and thereafter he lived in Doha and spent his summers in London. In Qatar he was working on two large projects, the history of Indian civilization and the history of Arab civilization, the latter was commissioned by Qatar’s first lady – Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al Missned, wife of the Qatar’s ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The works are to be housed in a museum in Doha.

Husain's supporters and critics :

His supporters points out the fact that - one has to know the differene between nudity and nakedness. Nudity is natural while nakedness is obscene. Husain's paintings should not be taken as obscene, as nudity is natural. Husain also justified his nude paintings by stating - 'In India nudity means purity'. Krishan Khanna, one of Husain's contemporaries, stated that "It's not just Husain's but the entire artist community's lives which are at stake. Anybody and everybody can file a case against us now. Anyone can infringe upon our lives".

Salil Tripathi, a writer based in London wrote in the International Herald Tribune that Hindu goddesses have regularly been portrayed in the nude by Hindu artists. Tripathi asserted that, “It is hypocritical to place curbs on Husain's artistic freedom. What's more shameful is that a government that claims to be the secular alternative to Hindu nationalists is threatening to prosecute Husain. This does not do India proud; it adds to India's disgrace."

Satish Gujral, an Indian artist expressed criticism by stating that whether Husain will be bold enough to treat icons of Islam in the same manner. Gopal Adivrekar, a senior Hindu artist and former President, Bombay Art Society, stated - ''Nothing is bad in being creative but the artists should not go for such artwork, which may hurt the sentiments of a segment of the society."

Politician Shashi Tharoor supported the petition of Husain's admirers to the government to grant Husain the Bharat Ratna, India's highest award. He said ''Husain's life and work are beginning to serve as an allegory for the changing modalities of the secular in modern India – and the challenges that the narrative of the nation holds for many of us. This is the opportune and crucial time to honour him for his dedication and courage to the cultural renaissance of his beloved country."

Talking about his self-imposed exile and death outside of India painter Akbar Padamsee said that it was a "pity that a painter as important as Husain had to die outside his own country because of a crowd of miscreants".

Demise :

Maqbool Fida Husain breathed his last on 9 June 2011, at Royal Brompton Hospital in London, following a heart attack. He was 95 years old and was buried at Brookwood Cemetery on 10 June 2011. The Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh said his death was a "national loss", and the President of India  Mrs. Pratibha Patil issued a statement that Hussain's death has left a void in the world of art.

To view M.F. Husain's paintings, please visit : http://www.mfhussain.com/

Raksha Bandhan

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The word  "Raksha" in hindi means protection and "bandhan" means bound or binding. Around mid-August, on Shravan Purnima (of the Hindu calendar), Hindus all over celebrate Raksha Bandhan. The festival has a tremendous social and cultural significance. It is the celebration of the love amongst siblings.

On this day brothers and sisters reaffirm their bonds of affection. Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their brother's wrists as a mark of affection. The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts.

The festival of Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi has a rich background and has several stories related to its existence.

The most famous of them are-

Yama and Yamuna: According to Hindu Mythology,Yamuna  the sister of Lord Yama (the God of death) tied a sacred thread (Rakhi) to Lord Yama on every "Shravan Purnima" (Full Moon Day of the Hindu month of Shravan or Monsoon). Thereafter, it was considered a tradition for sisters to tie a Rakhi or the sacred thread to their brothers on this day. In return, the brothers bestow blessings on their sisters and promises to protect them from all the problems and difficulties that they might ever face.

King Bali and Goddess Laxmi: According to another Hindu mythology, a King called Raja Bali who was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu(a Hindu God) made Lord Indra (the king of Heaven) feel insecure and threatend. Indra worshipped Lord Vishnu and asked the Lord to help him save his throne. Vishnu accepted Indra's prayer and overthrew King Bali. Later, Lord Vishnu gave King Bali the boon of immortality and also promised to take care of his kingdom. To keep his promise, Vishnu left his residence, 'Vaikunthdham', and went to safeguard Bali's kingdom.

Later Goddess Laxmi, wife of Lord Vishnu, went to meet  Raja Bali, dressed as a poor Brahmin lady, and requested him for shelter. She regarded Raja Bali as her brother and tied a Rakhi to his wrist, on the 'Shravan Poornima' day. When Bali wished to give her some present, she revealed her true identity and the reason for her arrival. She asked Bali to send Lord Vishnu back to Vaikunthdham. Raja Bali immediately requested Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi to return.

King Porus and Alexander's Wife:The ancient history of India tells us that when Alexander the great came to India, to make it a part of his kingdom, resistance was offered by the brave King Porus. The bravery of Porus led Alexander's wife to doubt the safety of her husband. Therfore she sent Porus a Rakhi and became his sister. And it is believed that it was the reason why Porus never harmed Alexander.

Maharani Karnawati and Emperor Humayun:

Medieval Indian history, narrates the tale of Maharani Karnawati and Mughal Emperor Humayun. Maharani Karnawati was the queen of the Rajput Kingdom, Chittor, in Rajasthan. When her kingdom Chittor was threatened by Bahadur Shah of Mewar, the Maharani sent a Rakhi to Humayun, the Mughal Emperor of Delhi, requesting him for help. Humayun who was very well aware of the significance of Rakhi in the Hindu community, immediately accepted her request to protect her.

This year the festival of Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 13th.

Pushkar Camel Fair

A major tourist attraction, is one of India’s most fascinating and a typical traditional travel experience. Held in the month of November every year around the full moon in the Hindu lunar month of Kartika, in Pushkar a small desert town in Rajasthan, India this is a spectacular event. It is also believed to be the world's largest camel fair. It is also an occasion for Hindu pilgrims to converge for a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake to "wash away the sins of a lifetime".

This fair was originally held for business purpose by attracting local camel and cattle traders. It’s a treat to the eyes of the visitor as one gets to witness colorfully dressed up and shaved Camels being paraded, raced, and traded. One can treat their taste buds with traditional food and can also buy typical and traditional Rajasthani garments, handicrafts items, jewellery etc. There are also other entertainments in store with a throng of puppet shows, cattle auctions, dancers, acrobats, musicians, magicians, carousel rides and snake charmers this fair captures the vibrancy of the colorful Rajasthan and also guarantees its visitors an unforgettable experience.

The Pushkar Camel Fair 2011 will be held on 7th, 8th and 9th November the activities and preparation will be started from 31st October 2011 onwards.

For more information about how to get to Pushkar, Accomodation etc. please visit the website : http://www.pushkarcamelfair.com/

International Mango Festival, Delhi

This 2 days event was held this year on Friday, 1 July 2011 to Sunday, 3 July 2011. This festival has been held annually in Delhi since 1987. This festival gives an interactive platform to present the 'King of fruits' to more than 50 mango growers from across the country. In this mango extravaganza the visitors get to know about the huge variety of the fruit grown and numerous possibilities of using mango in cuisine. This festival is a two-fold approach, to promote Mango export as well as tourism. One can see that buyers from all over the globe make their presence in this event, as it also encourages vigorous trading of the fruit . According to a report BBC, India exports about 40,000 metric tons of mangoes to 80 countries and the annual revenue generated from exporting mangoes and mango products reaches about $85 million.

Organized by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, the International Mango Festival is a great opportunity to relish the eleven hundred varieties of mangoes for free.  Some of them are - Alphonso Mango,  Himsagar Mango, Langda Mango, Dasheri Mango, Bombay Green Mango,  Mallika Mango, Sindheri Mango, Malda Mango, Amrapali Mango, Fasli Mango etc. Also notable chefs from different parts of the country demonstrate the preparation of assorted mango recipes.

The event is not only about eating mangoes, mango eating competitions, mango quiz, children’s shows, mango slogan writing, a demonstration of mango carving, a magic show and mango folk performances make this fête an extremely entertaining event.

Image source: http://www.google.co.in/search? hl=en&q=international+mango+festival+delhi+2011&gs_sm=c&gs_upl=104345l11089

                                          

Ooty - Summer Festival

 

The evergreen Ooty in Tamil Nadu is all the more welcoming, during the summer season. Famous for its Summer Festival held in the month of May every year, the beautiful hill station of Ooty is thronged with visitors, who come to be a part of the summer festival.

The venue of this festival is the famous Botanical Garden in Ooty. The Flower show at the Botanical Gardens, Fruit shows, Boat Races, Cultural Programmes, fashion parade, adventure sports are a few of the many interesting events of the Summer Festival.

Tourists also prefer to go trekking in Kodaikanal, Yercaud or Elagiri Hills, the other beautiful Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu, during this festival.

All these festivals are a joint effort of the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu & Ministry of Tourism, and Government of India.

Ooty Summer  Festival 2011: First or second week of May (tentative)

For more information, please visit:

http://www.incredibleindia-tourism.org/weekend-gateways/ooty.html

Mount Abu - Summer Festival

This cultural fiesta, organized by the Rajasthan Tourism, Municipal Board, Mt.Abu & District Administration is held every year during the summer season. A Ceremonial procession of folk performances of Rajasthan and Gujarat kicks off the festival from the RTDC Hotel Shikhar to Nakki Lake Chowk. This festival is held for 3 days, a ballad is sung, followed by folk dances called Gair and Ghoomar on the very first day absorbing the spectators. With lots of folk and classical music, regional folk dancing, the festival manages to give us an outlook of the tribal life and the vivid culture of Rajasthan.

The steep rocks, serene lakes, scenic locations and the lovely climate of Mount Abu make it a perfect location for the festival. The festival also showcases the warmth and cheerfulness of the locals, who are very welcoming, cheerful and also very hospitable. Events such as the boat race on the Nakki Lake, Horse Race, and Tug of War etc. also draw a lot of attention from the visitors. However, the much awaited event is it “Sham-e-Qawwali” meaning an evening of Qawwali, a musical extravaganza featuring some of the most renowned qawwals (the singers) from different parts of India who delight the audience. The last day of this colourful and lively event concludes with a display of dazzling fireworks.

This year the Festival will be held from 15^th of May to 17^th of May, 2011.

If you would like to be a part of this colorful celebration, please visit : http://mountabu.nic.in/sumfest.htm

Moatsu Mong Festival

During the first week of May every year, Nagaland an immensely beautiful hilly region in the Northeastern part of India comes alive with feasts, song and dance, and merry making. The Moatsu Mong festival marks the ending of the planting season and is celebrated for 6 days at a stretch. 

Cleaning of village ponds, decorating, cleaning, repairing and construction of houses, sowing of grains, cows, pigs and poultry are well fed and fattened for the festivity and beer (made from Rice) is brewed in huge quantities. The main attraction of this festival is Sangpangtu, an activity wherein man and women dress up beautifully, sit around huge bonfires and relish on meat and wine. Also eulogies are sung in praise of traditional heroes. One of the most awaited events is Naga Idol, a hunt for the local district hero. 

This festival is vastly promoted by Nagaland Tourism as a National event and Chuchuyimlang village is the main platform for the promotion of this festival. This place is known for its hospitability and visitors get an inside view of Naga life. One can also find tourist lodges with cultural programs, in almost every village of interest. Tourism is still a very new conception for the Naga tribes and they're astoundingly warm and welcoming.   

Moatsu Mong 2011: This year the festival is anticipated to be celebrated around first week of May.

For more information, please visit: http://www.north-east-india.com/nagaland/

Image source : http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/4088665241_86fb29e3cd.jpg

Tulip Festival

This festival is held in the month of Spring, the busiest season for gardeners, the most beautiful, and most colorful, of all seasons. It’s in this season of Spring when Kashmir is at its most picturesque. 

Spring is the season for flowering Tulips. Tulip festival is held annually at Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Siraj Bagh Cheshmashahi , Srinagar, Kashmir, which is the home to Asia's largest tulip garden.  The Garden is located in the foothills of Zabarwan range, overlooking the legendary Dal Lake. Many varieties of Tulips are grown in the garden which spreads over 5 hectares of land.

The sprawling Tulips in full bloom with speckled colours are a charismatic, arresting and a memorable sight.

Along with this scenic beauty, the festival also treats its visitors with cultural programs, Kashmiri folk songs, sale of local handicrafts, and a taste of traditional Kashmiri cuisine.

Festival date 2011: 5^th of April to 15^th of April (tentative).

For more information please visit : http://www.jktourism.org/

Diwali/Deepavali

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This festival is popularly known as the “Festival of Lights” and is an important five-day festival in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism occurring between mid-October and mid-November. The name "Diwali" is a contraction of "Deepavali", which translates into "row of lamps"

For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. People lit oil lamps, burst firecrackers, wear new clothes and make sweets at home. 

Hindu Mythologies associated with Diwali : 

Lord Rama’s arrival to Ayodhya: Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and Lakshman, from his fourteen-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. One day during their Exile the king of Lanka, Ravana, kidnapped Sita from the jungle. In order to free Sita from Ravana, Lord Rama attacked Ravana and this was followed by a war, in which, Ram defeated Ravana and released Sita from his custody. This is also termed as victory of Good over Evil and when Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya, people welcomed them by lighting rows of clay lamps, in honor of Rama's victory over Ravana. This is the most popular belief behind the festival Diwali. 

The Defeat of Narkasur by Lord Krishna: Lord Vishnu in his 8th incarnation as Krishna destroyed the demon Narkasura on this day who kidnapped beautiful young women and force them to live with him. Lord Krishna defeated the five-headed monster who guarded the demon's home and then killed Narkasur. Some also believe that Krishna provoked his wife Satyabhama to kill Narkasur.

Krishna and Mount Govardhan: In the village of Gokula it was believed that “Indra” (Lord of Heaven) sent the rains which in turn made their crop lands fertile. Krishna then enlightened the villagers that farming was their real “dharma (religion)” and  their duty and concentration should be on farming and protection of their cattle, praying for a natural phenomenon like Rain would not help them. This angered Lord Indra who sent sent thunder and torrential rain down to the village of Gokula. In order to protect the people and the cattle's of Gokula, Krishna lifted and held up Mount Govardhan. Lord Indra finally accepted his defeat. The offering of food to God on this day of Diwali to Hindus is about realizing the importance of food and they offer their gratefulness to God for the bounty of nature. 

King Bali and Vamana: This is the story of a demon King called King Bali. Once Lord Vishnu came down to earth dressed as priest in the form of a Vamana(dwarf) and approached King Bali. The Vamana asked King Bali if the King could give him some space that he could cover with three strides, King Bali laughed and mocked the priest as he was sure that the dwarf would not be able to not cover much ground. King Bali agreed to the Vamana’s request and then dwarf changed into Lord Vishnu and his three strides covered the Earth, the Skies and the whole Universe. Which in turn lead to King Bali being sent to the underworld. 

Significance of Diwali in Jainism,Buddhism and Sikhism :

In Jainism : Deepavali was mentioned in Jain books as the date of the nirvana of Mahavira. This occasion is celebrated as the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira who established Jainism. According to Jain traditions, it is believed that the chief disciple of Mahavira, Ganadhara Gautam Swami also attained complete knowledge (Kevalgyana) on this day, thus making Diwali one of the most important Jain festivals.

In Sikhism : In Sikhism Diwali is termed as “Bandi Chhorh Diyas”. It celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 other princes from the Gwalior Fort in 1619. To commemorate Guru Har Gobind’s undying love for Sikhism, the people lit the way to Harmandhir Sahib (referred to as the Golden Temple), in his honour and this tradition continues even today.

In Buddhism : Though it is not a large occasion in Buddhism some Buddhists including Newar (the indigenous people of Nepal's Kathmandu Valley) Buddhists celebrate Diwali. Mantras are chanted and the great Emperor Ashoka is remembered on this day. It is believed that Ashoka converted to Buddhism on this day, and therefore Buddhists term the festival as Ashok Vijayadashami. Temples and Monasteries are well decorated and Lord Buddha is worshiped.

5 Days of celebration  :

1. Govatsa Dwadashi or Vasu Baras: The legend associated with this day is -King Prithu who was the son of the tyrant King Vena. Due to the terrible atrocities of King Vena, a famine stuck the Earth and it was no more fertile. King Prithu is then believed to have chased the earth, who is usually represented as cow, and ‘milked’ her, meaning that he brought prosperity to the land.  

2. Dhan teras or Dhanvantari Triodasi: Regarded as the birth Anniversary of God Dhanvantari, the Physician of Gods, this day is considered as an auspicious day for buying utensils and gold.

3. Naraka Chaturdashi : This day is celebrated as the day of defeat of the demon King Narkasur by Lord Krishna. A special puja with offerings to Krishna or Vishnu is performed on this day. People meet family and friends and lit firecrackers heralding the defeat of the demon. 

4. Lakshmi Puja : This day is of great significance particularly in the Northern part of India. On this day the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi and the God of auspicious beginnings, Lord Ganesha is worshipped. Streets and Homes are lightened with lamps to welcome prosperity and well-being.

However, in Assam, Orissa and West Bengal on this day Goddess Kali is adored. Kali is considered the goddess of time and change. Hindus worship Goddess Kali on this day at home at Kali Temples or at temporary shrines. She is worshipped at night and offerings of red hibiscus flowers, animal blood in a skull, sweets, rice and lentils, fish and meat are made. Animals are ritually sacrificed on Kali Puja day and offered to the goddess.

5. Govardhan Puja and Bali Pratipada : In Northern part of India this day is celebrated as the defeat of Indra by Lord Krishna by the lifting of Mount Govardhana to save his kinsmen and cattle from rain and floods. In Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, this day is celebrated as Bali Pratipada or Bali Padyami, the defeat of the demon King Bali by the Lord Vishnu.

The Sixth day is often celebrated as Yama Dwitiya or Bhaiduj in many parts of India. On this day brothers meet their sisters and express their love an affection for each other, brothers also give gifts to their sisters. This day is known as Yama Dwitiya as it is believed that on this day Yama, the Lord of death visited his sister Yami (the river Yamuna).  Yami welcomed Yama with an Aarti and they had a feast together, thereafter Yama as a token of appreciation for his sister presented her with a gift. 

This Year the festival will be celebrated on this following days:

23 October, 2011 – Vasu Varas

24 October, 2011 – Dhanteras

25 October, 2011 - Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi

26 October, 2011 - Main Deepavali / Baddi Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)

27 October, 2011 - Padwa & Govardhan Puja / Pratipat

28 October, 2011 - Bhai Duj / Bhhaya Dooj / Bhai Be

Image source :http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Karthigai_Deepam.jpg

Ujaan Festival

Ujaan Festival is a 3 day event comprising of Music and Art. This event brings together popular musicians, travelers, thinkers and Fund raising organisations. The main purpose of this event is to help raise funds in aid of the people and ecology of the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is facing a major threat of disappearance due to climatic change. 

This festival attempts to unite people with same passion for a cause- to help preserve this highly fertile delta Sundarbans, which is the largest mangrove forest in the world, spreading across parts of Bangladesh and West Bengal, is home to app. 4 million people and is immensely rich in Flora and Fauna.

Ujaan Festival is held at Frasergunj-Bakkhali, away from the Forest Reserve in the Sundarbans,district, West Bengal. It is a 7 Km stretch of Beach lined with Casurina trees. For more information on accommodation and events, please visit the festival website :http://www.ujaanfestival.org/index.html

Festival dates 2011 :10th, 11th and 12th of March.

Holi - The Festival of Colors

Lots of bright colors, fun, music, dance and joy is what this festival is all  about. Holi is celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna(February/March), (Phalgun Purnima), which usually falls in the later part of February or March. It is believed that Holi glorifies good harvest and fertility of the land.

This year the Festival will be celebrated on 19th and 20th of March.

Significance of this Festival :  According to Hinduism there existed a demon King “Hiranyakashyap” who once won over the kingdom of earth. Due to his long penance he was granted a Boon by Lord Brahma. His demands for the Boon was – that he be not killed during the day or night; inside the house or outside it, not on earth neither on sky; neither by a man nor by an animal; neither by astra nor by shastra (arms or weaponry). With the power of the Boon he grew arrogant and wanted to be worshipped by everyone in his kingdom, but to his great disappointment, his son, Prahlad who was a true devotee of Lord Naarayana, refused to worship him.

“Hiranyakashyap” attempts to kill his own son “Prahlad”, but fails as “Prahlad” is saved every time by Lord Naarayana. At last, the King asks his Sister “Holika” to kill his son. “Holika” who had a boon which prevent fire from burning her, coaxed young “Prahlad” to sit on her lap and thereafter she takes a seat in a blazing fire. “Prahlad” kept chanting the name of Lord Naarayana and was unharmed by the fire and came out safe and to everyone's amazement “Holika” was burned to death. “Holika” was not aware that the boon would work only when she enters the fire alone. Thus, Holi derives its name from “Holika”  and is a celebration of victory of good over evil.

Later Lord Naarayana disguised himself and came down to Earth in the form of Narasimha (half-man and half-lion) and killed “Hiranyakashyap” at dusk (which was neither day nor night), on the steps of the porch of his house (which was neither inside the house nor outside it) by restraining him on his lap (which is neither in the sky nor on the earth) and mauled him with his claws (which are neither by astra nor by shastra).

Celebration of this Legend : In several parts of India, specially in the Northern region huge bonfires are lit and effigies of “Holika” are burnt in it.

The next day this victory of good over evil is celebrated by playing with bright colors called Gulaal in Hindi and also by squirting colored water on each other. The colours are believed to represent energy, life, and joy.

Happy Holi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Image source : Wikimedia commons

Namaste

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A form of greeting that originated in India is also a common way of greeting in Nepal. This is done by hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest, accompanied by a small bow. 

This gesture is seen as a sign of respect and is also known as Añjali Mudrā or Pranamasana. Añjali is Sanskrit stands for "offering", "a gesture of reverence", "benediction", "salutation" and Mudra means "seal" or "sign". Thus, Añjali Mudrā stands for “salutation sign”.

"Culture" - A trait or an Identity?

“Culture” - A behavioral  pattern that is exclusive to a particular tribe, race, region or nation. This way of behaving, thinking, doing things and way of living ones life is actually governed by an inherent trait common to human beings born or brought up in the particular region.

So what happens when people living in a particular region move to a different part of the globe in search of greener pastures? Do they continue to follow the culture and tradition of the country they were born in or do they imbibe the values and traditions of the new land and get assimilated in the new ways of life?

Well most people would reiterate the adage - “When in Rome do as the Romans do”.

But is it so easy to let go of something that you have held so close to your heart all your life. The things that define you, things that you have been taught to do right from the time you were born and most importantly things that are unique to you and your clan, how do you detach your self from all those. But being the master of adaptability these migrants manage to lock all the memories of their motherland in a small corner of their heart and get on with their new life. And the greatest irony of all, when their children grow-up they in turn find it extremely hard and confusing to relate to the culture and traditions of their ancestors, whereas their parents still find it hard to let go of their roots.