BHAJANS IN THE MONTH OF MARGAZHI

   

 

Devotional singing, known as bhajans or kirtan, can help to quiet the mind so that the heart can open to the divine, allowing us to taste the blissful reality that is our true nature. It is a participatory spiritual practice in which everyone is encouraged to sing and express their inner joy.

In a typical bhajan format, songs are led by an individual or a group of lead singers. The lead singer(s) sing one line at a time, which the other devotees repeat in unison. Each line of a bhajan is sung twice at the first speed and once at the second speed to conclude the bhajan.

Bhajans are an important part of the Margazhi month for several reasons, including:

Reliving ideals: Bhajans in Margazhi are a way to remember the ideals of saints. 

Spiritual awakening: The month of Margazhi is considered a time for spiritual awakening, and singing bhajans is a way to rouse latent spiritual powers. 

Tradition: The tradition of singing bhajans in the streets, called veedhi bhajans, was common a century ago. Sastra Satsangh is reviving this tradition in Chennai. 

Devotion: Men sing bhajans called Namasankeertan to praise the gods. 

Brahma Muhurtam: The hour before sunrise, called Brahma Muhurtam, is considered the most important time in Margazhi. Devotees often sing bhajans, pray, or meditate during this time. 

Here is a glimpse of the bhajan in Margazhi in Chennai- Click the link

LIGHTING CLAY LAMP IN MARGAZHI

During Margazhi month, devotees wake up early in the morning, around 4-5 am, to perform special prayers and rituals.

One such ritual is lighting a clay lamp.

In Hinduism, lighting a lamp is a Vedic tradition that symbolizes knowledge and the dispelling of ignorance. The flame is also associated with Agni, the fire god, and represents his divine presence and purifying power. 

Lighting lamps is a cultural tradition in India with spiritual connotations. The lamp's warm glow is considered auspicious and is said to represent enlightenment, knowledge, prosperity, and wisdom. 

Lighting lamps in Margazhi is a South Indian tradition that is a part of the celebrations to honor deities and begin the month. 

Lighting lamps is a significant part of Margazhi celebrations. Here are some tips for lighting lamps during Margazhi: 

What to draw: drawing a kolam at the entrance.

When to light:  lighting lamps during Brahmamuhurtham, which is the period between 1 hour and 36 minutes before sunrise and 48 minutes before sunrise.

How many lamps to light: lighting two at the threshold.

What to sing or chant:  singing or chanting Thirupalliyezhuchi and Thiruvempaavai at Shiva temples, and Thiruppaavai at Vishnu temples.

Thus lighting a lamp in Margazhi is supposed to bring good luck, wealth, and prosperity into life. Light, in general, is the symbol of prosperity, well-being, and abundance. It has the quality to make us see things clearly. Light also represents knowledge.

 

HOW COW DUNG IS USED IN THE MONTH OF MARGAZHI

  

Cow dung has been integral to Vedic rituals and Ayurvedic practices for millennia. In Hinduism, the cow is considered a symbol of divine purity and motherly qualities. Cow dung is believed to possess purifying properties that cleanse the environment and the soul.

In several cultures, cow dung is traditionally used to coat floors and walls. In parts of Africa, floors of rural huts are smeared with cow dung: this is believed to improve interior hygiene and repel insects.

In many parts of the old world and in the past in mountain regions of Europe, caked and dried cow dung was used as fuel. In India, it is dried into cake-like shapes called up or kanda and used as a replacement for firewood for cooking in challah (a traditional kitchen stove).

 

In the month of Margazhi, cow dung is used in several ways, including:

Smeared at the threshold

A traditional welcome gesture is to smear fresh cow dung with turmeric at the threshold. 

Drawing kolams

Women draw colorful, intricate designs called kolams or rangolis on the ground in front of their homes before sunrise. The area where the kolams are drawn is sprinkled with water mixed with cow dung to sanctify it. 

Keeping Poosanipoo in a cone of cow dung

A pumpkin flower is placed in a cone of cow dung in the center of the drawn kolam in this month which makes the cow dung gain a special place in the month of Margazhi.

Burning cow dung cakes

Cow dung cakes are used for fire sacrifices and other ceremonial activities. They are dried in the sun for a few days and can be used for cooking or in the chulah, a traditional kitchen stove. 

Here the cone of cow dung is dried and used as fuel from the day of the Bhogi festival- the last day of Margazhi.

Spiritual cleansing

Cow dung is considered spiritually purifying and is used in Hindu rituals. The smoke from burning cow dung is said to clear the air of germs and create a pure and holy atmosphere. 

Thus cow dung gains importance in the month of Margazhi.

SIGNIFICANCE OF GARLAND IN THE LIFE OF ANDAL

 

 

Kodhai is the pen name of Andal, a 9th-century Tamil poet-saint who is considered one of the 12 Alvars, the revered Vaishnavite saints of South India. She is also known as "Goda" and is highly regarded for her devotional poetry in praise of the Hindu god Vishnu. She composed two remarkable works, Tiruppavai and Nachiyar Tirumoḻi. 

 In the life of Andal, the garland was a symbol of her devotion to Lord Krishna and her connection to Him: 

Garland-wearing

Andal would adorn herself with a flower garland before offering it to Lord Krishna, checking herself in the mirror to ensure it looked beautiful. This act was an intimate expression of her love for Him. 

Garland incident

One day, Andal's father, Vishnu Chit, discovered a strand of her hair in the garland and was horrified. He rebuked Andal for her actions, but Lord Vishnu appeared to him in a vision and blessed Andal's offerings. 

Lord Vishnu, recognizing Andal's pure love, appeared in Periyalvar's dream and instructed him to dedicate only the garland worn by Andal to Him.

Divine acceptance

The garland worn by Andal was a sign of divine acceptance of her love. Andal became known as the "Chudikodutha Sudarkodi," the lady who wore and gave her garland to Vishnu. 

Garland in rituals

The garland, called Soodi kodutha malai, has been taken to Tirupati &Srirangam from Srivilliputur for rituals such as Brahmotsavam. The garland is decorated with a silk vastram and a toy parrot and is used to decorate the presiding deity of the respective temples.

 

Thus, in the legend of Kodhai-Andal, the garland is a symbol of her devotion to Vishnu and a transgression of ritual. 

TAMIL MONTH MARGAZHI AND THE ROLE OF KOLAM IN IT

   

 

Margazhi is the ninth month in the Tamil calendar, and it occurs from mid-December to mid-January. It starts today, December 16th, 2024.

 The month of Margazhi is special to both Vaishnavites and Saivites. Andal's Thiruppavai is recited in Vishnu temples in Margazhi.

During this month, in the Arudra star, Lord Nataraja showed his divine dance to sages Vyagrapada and Patanjali. Saivites recite Thiruvempavai and Thirupalliezhuchi in Margazhi.

 Other festivities during Margazhi include chanting hymns, listening to classical music, and watching dance performances. 

 At Margazhi month, there will be less daytime and less sunlight. So people will be less exposed to the sunlight. But by performing activities like drawing kolams or walking to temples in the early morning, people can get sun rays that help to get vitamin D which is important for bone and immunity.

 Kolam is a traditional and cultural art form practiced predominantly in South India. The word kolam in the Tamil language means form and beauty.  Kolams are intricate geometric patterns drawn on the floor with rice flour and are a symbol of auspiciousness and divinity. 

The origin of this beautiful art form can be traced back to the Sangam Literature from 300 BCE, where it was mentioned in various places.

A symbol of auspiciousness and divinity, it is made with rice flour, finely ground rice powder /paste (called kola-podi in Tamil), or at times vegetable and mineral-based colored powders on carefully swept grounds and water sprinkled and cleaned grounds.

The month of Margazhi is a sacred time in the Tamil calendar when people draw kolams to welcome the Goddess of Prosperity, Lakshmi, into their homes. Here's some more information about the role of kolams in Margazhi:

Cultural significance

Kolams are a time-honored custom that is embedded in Tamil culture and are mentioned in the Nachiyar Tirumoli. 

Spiritual Significance

Kolams are drawn to welcome Lakshmi into the home and drive away evil spirits. 

Mathematical precision

Drawing kolams involves counting, identifying, measuring, designing, experimenting, and explaining. 

Cognitive benefits

Drawing kolams can enhance the mind's mathematical abilities and reduce anxiety levels. 

Environmental impact

Rice flour is used to make kolams, which also feed ants and other small creatures while keeping them away from households. 

Different types of kolams

There are different types of kolams, including kolams made for festivals, family events, and special days of the week. 

Thus, Kolam has a rich cultural significance and is deeply rooted in the traditions of South India. It is considered a cultural practice that has been passed down through generations, connecting people to their heritage.  Kolam is often associated with religious practices too.

GOALS FOR THE UP COMING NEW YEAR 2025

   

 

 

The first and most important plan for 2025 is:

1. "To take things in a lighter vein" means to approach a situation or topic with a more relaxed and humorous attitude, essentially trying not to take things too seriously; it implies switching to a less intense or somber perspective on a matter.

It will help to have a shift towards a more cheerful or optimistic viewpoint. 

This is one of my three personal goals for 2025. The other two are:

2. Digital detox as a part of daily routine

A digital detox is a time when you abstain from using electronic devices like smart phones, computers, and social media. I plan to make it a part of my daily routine. Knowing how much time I spend on the devices and trying to use them intentionally. 

A digital detox can help me improve my mental health by reducing information overload and screen exposure. It can also help me strengthen my real-world relationships and reconnect with my spiritual practices.

3. Being more eco-friendly in action in day-to-day life.

By Incorporating still more Eco Friendly Habits in Day-to-Day Life for a better life & living.

Simple, everyday eco-friendly habits can make the air, water, land, animals, and all elements of the biosphere healthier! This would, in turn, drastically affect our health and lifestyle – both as individuals and as a society in general.

Moving to 3 creative goals for 2025: 

1. Learning by the heart of the curated list of poems.

2. Being regular to Veena classes

3. Travel plans by joining the band of tour operators

With these 3 personal and 3 creative goals of 2025, I submit the last and the fifth post of #Blogchatterwrapparty2024.

(This blogpost is  a  part  of  #Blogchatterwrapparty.More details here : https://www.theblogchatter.com/campaign-registrations/are-you-ready-to-wrap-up-2024-with-a-bang)

4 FAMOUS BESTIES IN NOVELS

   

Friends play many important roles in our lives, including Emotional support: Friends provide a safe space to share emotions and offer empathy and understanding. They can help us navigate difficult times and celebrate successes.

A true friend maybe someone who accepts you unconditionally, helps you grow, supports you in tough times, and increases your ability to love yourself. You may also do these things for them, showing them they mean as much to you as you do to them and becoming a better friend.

Literature has shown us the ups and downs of friendship time and time again – and in most cases, those relationships have changed characters' lives.

A best friend in a novel can play a significant role in the story, and can be a source of loyalty, support, and conflict: 

Loyalty and support

A best friend can be a confidant and supporter, helping the protagonist through good and bad times. 

Conflict

A best friend can be a source of conflict, especially when the protagonist needs to be saved from themselves. 

Archetype

The best friend archetype is often a mediator or peacemaker who is loyal and driven by a need for harmony. In romance novels, the best friend may be the heroine's brother figure, gay best buddy, or the hero's sidekick. 

Theme

Friendship and loyalty are themes that can be explored through the actions and dialogue of the characters. 

Impact on the reader

The role of friendship and loyalty in a novel can impact the reader, encouraging them to consider their views on friendship and loyalty. 

Here are some novels by Indian authors that feature friendship:

Swami  & Friends

A classic by R.K. Narayan about the friendship between a 10-year-old boy and his four childhood friends, plus a new boy named Rajam

The Room on the Roof

An illustrated classic by Ruskin Bond about Rusty, a 16-year-old Anglo-Indian orphan who lives with his English guardian in Dehra Dun

Life Isn't All Ha Ha Hee Hee

An entertaining book by Meera Syal about three childhood friends in London

Five Point Someone

A book by Chetan Bhagat about three friends, Hari, Ryan, and Alok, set in IIT.

SHOUT OUT TO A FELLOW BLOGGER

   

 

One of the prompts of #Blogchatterwrapparty is :Give a shoutout to a fellow creator, sharing what you like about them

Sreedhar Bhattaram is the fellow blogger about whom I will write this blog post.

Reflecting on Life – An insight into realistic life, is his blog, here is the link https://sreedharb.blogspot.com/

He writes under various labels and has participated in numerous campaigns. He posts his writings in Blogchatter as well as in Indiblogger.

His blog is a treasure house of knowledge. His writing style is quite engaging and every blog post provides a message.

The length of the blog post is also as precise as the content and never demands too much time.

He provides life lessons with interesting anecdotes and practical ideas.

Moreover, he regularly reads my blog post and votes for it.

I take this opportunity to thank him. Thank you, Sir.

 

(This blogpost is a part of #Blogchatterwrapparty. More details here : https://www.theblogchatter.com/campaign-registrations/are-you-ready-to-wrap-up-2024-with-a-bang)

FAVOURITE BOOKS, MOVIES AND SHOWS OF 2024

 

Writing for the #Blogchatterwrapparty2024, second prompt: YOUR FAVOURITE BOOKS, MOVIES AND SHOWS OF 2024

Here I share about three books, movies, and shows that I liked in this year 2024.

BOOKS :

1.     Ruskin Bond’s - HOW TO BE HAPPY; Published by Harper Collins India

It’s a colorful book with colors on pages, fonts, photographs, and illustrations with quite interesting thoughts on identifying happiness in life. It’s a short one and makes a quick read.
HOW TO BE HAPPY by Ruskin Bond is one of the best books of 2024 that I have read.
Ruskin Bond books are for all age groups and are full of life.

 

2.     LATE BLOOMING CHERRIES:  Edited by: KYNPHAM sing Nongkynrih & Rimi Nath, Published by HarperCollins India.

With an endless list of possibilities and properties of engaging poets and readers alike, a book of Haiku by Indian poets titled LATE BLOOMING CHERRIES Edited by Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih and Rimi Nath is one of the best books I enjoyed reading this year

It carries the works of nearly 60 eminent Haiku poets from India. Each piece is distinct and the culmination of them all in one book is a boon for poetry lovers and a rare privilege bestowed upon readers.

 BRAVE INKED EMOTIONS; Presented by: Roma Gupta Sinha and Published: Notion press

 This book highlights the tough battles women fought in their lives. These are real-life experiences shared directly by the strong and brave warriors. The book carries 31 soulful experiences of eminent Indian writers on how life taught them precious lessons in their emotional battles. The book BRAVE INKED EMOTIONS is one of the best books I read in 2024. The book cover emits through her eyes the bravery of the women.

MOVIES:

1.     The Family Star –Telugu movie - if you're looking for a feel-good film with a talented cast and some genuinely funny moments, "Family Star" is a solid choice.

 

2.     Sharmajee ki Beti – Hindi movie - A solid movie about the basic struggle of women in a fun manner.  This film is a celebration of womanhood and women of all ages and is about five women with the surname Sharma who share a common struggle.

 

3.     vadakkupatti Ramasamy – Tamil Movie - Director Karthik Yogi's 'Vadakkupatti Ramasamy', starring Santhanam, Megha Akash, and Tamizh, is a silly comedy that offers sporadic laughs.

 

SHOWS:

1.     KAUN BANEGA CROREPATI: The 16th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati started on August 12, 2024. The latest season will be telecast from Monday to Friday at 9 p.m. exclusively on Sony TV.

2.     NADANEERAJANAM: This is a program dedicated to the fine arts. Prominent artists in Music and dance perform on the Nada Neeranjanam stage in Tirumala every day. The SVBC channel broadcasts it.

3.     FAMILY TABLE Family Table is a food game show on the EPIC TV channel where two families compete to recreate their family's legacy dish. The winning family gets to dine with celebrity chef Ranveer Brar and the celebrity guest. 

(This blog post is a part of #Blogchatterwrapparty. Details here: https://www.theblogchatter.com/campaign-registrations/are-you-ready-to-wrap-up-2024-with-a-bang)

A YEAR IN SIX WORDS

     

  This year was a combination of struggle and tough times. But remembering this quote reached the last month of the year participating in the #blogchatterwrapparty2024

“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Hope:

With lots of hope in my pocket and reading these words every day overcame all the challenges and tough times.

Poetical:

The year was more towards poetry.

Connected with poets through WhatsApp app groups like Chennai and Indian Poetry Circle.

Living a poetic life can mean recognizing and appreciating the world's beauty, interconnectedness, and vitality. It can also mean reawakening the poetic spirit within oneself, enabling one to live to the fullest. 

Submitted poems to certain poetry anthologies that will be published in the coming year.

Social:

Donated books.

After many years of being with those books, it was hard for me to depart from them. But I realized that;

Each book you pass on can ignite the imagination, provide comfort, or offer escape to someone in need. The act of giving books creates a ripple effect of positivity, fostering education and literacy in the community.

 

Recovery:

Recovering from vitamin deficiencies with supplements.  Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.

Recovery can be a positive process that can lead to a high quality of life.

Religious:

Participated in various religious events and turned more of a religious person.

A religious person is someone who has a strong belief in a god or gods and expresses that belief in some way. Some characteristics of religious people include: Being devoted to a deity, Being consistent in prayer, Doing good deeds, and Being conscious of details in their religious practices. 

 

Authentic:

Living authentically often means doing things that feel uncomfortable at first, like expressing our true opinions, setting boundaries, or pursuing passions others might not understand. These moments of discomfort are valuable; they challenge us to expand our limits and grow in ways we never thought possible

.Being authentic means being true to your core beliefs. It ensures that your actions align with your words and thoughts regardless of the circumstances.

An authentic life is one where our needs are met, we feel fulfilled, we experience self-actualization, and we flourish. Authentic living involves a balance between what is occurring within us and how we express and represent ourselves outside.

Finally, I was fearless in being authentic.

 

(This blog post is part of #blogchatters wrap-up party 2024 prompt: summarize 2024 in six words more details here: https://www.theblogchatter.com/campaign-registrations/are-you-ready-to-wrap-up-2024-with-a-bang)

THE CHARM OF LONDON IN DECEMBER

   

 

 

Christmas traditions in London include watching public Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, visiting Christmas markets and the Winter Wonderland, going ice skating, and attending Christmas special plays, musicals, ballets, carols, and movie screenings.

Christmas in London is truly an enchanting time to visit. There's a certain magic that can be felt throughout December. The lights are brighter, smiles are larger, and the city's attractions look even more beautiful than usual.

London. Previously home to the largest lights installation in the country - The Spirit of Christmas - London rightfully earns its place for some of the best Christmas light trails in the UK. From St James and Regent Street to Covent Garden, much of the city is illuminated with lights during the festive season.

London's most famous attractions and monuments such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Wembley Stadium look all the more spectacular during Christmas.

 

London is a magical place to visit in December, with festive lights, seasonal markets, and other winter activities: 

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

A fun fair with rides, food, ice skating, ice sculpture workshops, and circus shows 

Covent Garden

A great place to see the Christmas tree, decorations, and Christmas windows 

Harrods

Visit Santa's grotto and admire the Christmas lights 

Riverfront Christmas Markets

Visit the Southbank Centre's Winter Market for festive food stalls, gifts, and hot chocolate or mulled wine 

Somerset House

A great place for ice skating, with a terrace that offers views over the River Thames 

Christmas at Kew

An after-dark event at the Royal Botanic Gardens with innovative decorations and light shows 

Christmas shopping

London's shopping streets are decorated with Christmas lights 

Tower of London

Take a guided tour to learn about the tower's history, including its use as a prison, menagerie, mint, and armoury.

Christmas markets: A great place to shop for gifts 

Christmas tree lighting ceremonies: A tradition to watch the public tree lighting 

Christmas plays, musicals, ballets, carols, and movie screenings: Attend a Christmas special performance 

Street shopping: Shop at Seven Dials 

Harrods Christmas Shop: Visit the Harrods Christmas Shop 

Christmas Lights Bus Tour: Take a Christmas Lights Bus Tour 

Christmas Lights & Carolers at Trafalgar Square: See the Christmas Lights & Carolers at Trafalgar Square 

Pubs and restaurants: Enjoy mulled wine at the city's pubs and restaurants 

Winter pop-ups: Try something new at a winter pop-up 

 

December in London is typically chilly and wet, with average temperatures of 44ºF (7ºC) - 37ºF (3ºC). Most days are grey and rainy, but storms or heavy downpours are rare. 

The weather in the UK is rarely extreme, but it can change quickly. In just one day, you might experience warm sunshine, rain, cold wind and maybe even snow. Wear several layers so you can put them on or take them off as the weather changes, and always carry an umbrella.