occasion
Message of Shradh
The various rituals performed during Shradh or Pitru paksha are a way of seeking forgiveness from the departed souls. This can also be termed as a way to confess our guilt about the inefficiency to serve our elders. Also if knowingly or unknowingly we had performed actions of hurt or pain for them. Shradh is a period of introspection and overcoming our own weaknesses.
Scientifically we may say that our services in the form of food or pind daan may not be received directly by our ancestors; but our noble intentions for them are surely received. Our humility and love is transmitted to the souls and moreover in order to adore them, we feed the needy and poor people.
By offering charity and donations for the happiness of our ancestors, we make an effort to contribute something for the welfare of humanity. Thus this period of shradh is actually an eye opener where people contribute their time, effort, wealth and even love to those who need it, in the reflection of their dead ancestors.
Moreover performing fast during this period is purely a healthy act of rejuvenation. This reveals that shradh is purely an occasion of performing noble and humble acts, in honour of our loving departed souls.
Religious Ceremonies of Guru Nanak Dev Jaynati
‘Before becoming a Muslim, a Sikh, a Hindu or a Christian lets become a Human first’; this beautiful message of humanity was spread by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who had always inspired to become subservient to God leaving behind your religion, positions and name. The reverent founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on 5th April 1469 at Roi-Bhoi-di Talwandi, presently in Pakistan. His birth anniversary is celebrated with enthusiasm and faith by his devotees on Kartik Puranmashi in the lunar month of November, every year.
Gurpurab:
The term Gurpurab came up at the time of Sikh gurus, where ‘Gur’ means ‘the spiritual teacher’ and ‘Purb’ means ‘Parva in Sanskrit or occasion’; so the holy occasion is to pay homage at the birth or death anniversary of Sikh Gurus.
Prior celebration ceremonies:
Prabhat Pheris i.e. the morning processions are organized few days before the festival, where devotees gather near Gurdwara and begin the procession by singing the devotional hymns and finally moves towards the home that has invited them for religious means. Prashaad is distributed among the sangat after the procession.
Three day festival:
The enthusiastic zestful festival is celebrated for three days in a row. Akhand path is performed in the Gurdwara that lasts for continuous 48 hours. It is also organized at the homes of devotees.
On the second day, a huge procession called ‘Nagar Kirtan’ is organized, led by Panj Piare (five senior and most lovable Sikhs). The Palki or palanquin is decorated with beautiful flowers and is the major attraction. The devotees singing hyms and devotional songs throughout the procession and martial arts are also performed known as ‘Gatka’.
Then finally on the main day, on the birthday date, Asa-di-Var (morning hymns) is began at around 4 am, which is followed by Katha (explanation of scriptures), reciataion of the poems and laurels of Guru. At around 2:00 pm, the celebration is followed by Ardaas and Guru ka langar. At some Gurdwaras, the night prayers are also done in which Rehras Sahib is recited followed by late night kirtan.
The devotees cherish the festival by cleaning and decorating the houses and fireworks are burnt to further rejoice. The festival is mainly celebrated in India, Pakistan and few parts of England.
Personal Occasion Puja: Birthday Puja
Celebrating your birthday? Or the birthday of someone close to you? Done with all the décor and gifting preparations? Decided what you’re going to wear? Done with the guest list? Is the cake on its way?
But Wait!
Your preparations for your ‘Big’ day are yet not complete!
Did you remember to thank the very God who has bestowed his wishes upon you since forever? Have you decided the way to seek his blessings for the coming segment of your life as well?
Every new year in your life is a period of rejoice and new aspirations. We must pray to seek the blessings of almighty to give us success, energy and new aspirations.
Shubhpuja organizes special puja on birthday based on the teachings of our ancient sages that will bring joy and happiness in the coming year of your life.
It is important that we remember and thank god who is our creator on this special day in our life so that his blessings continue to be bestowed on us throughout the year.
Shubhpuja makes it easy for you by sending a qualified pandit trained in Hindu Shastras to conduct puja at your preferred location (home, office etc.) and time (or muhurat time suggested by Shubhpuja).
So what are waiting for?
It’s the perfect time to make the rest of your life, the best of your life!
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