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Vivah Panchami: Marriage Anniversary of Lord Rama & Mata Sita
The epitome of love and an idol for married couple are Lord Rama and Mata Sita. Their marriage is a live example of love, trust, care, misunderstandings and forgiveness; which are experienced by all the married people. In spite of fights or arguments, the couples celebrate their day of love. Similarly Vivah Panchami is the birth anniversary of this holy couple. It is celebrated on the Shukala Paksha Panchami of the Margashirsha month, as per the Hindu calendar.
The auspicious day is widely cherished by people from India and Nepal. Being the birthplace, as Mata Sita was born in Janakpur (present day on border of Nepal) and Lord Rama in Ayodhya. This day is a sign of remembrance of the holy couple of the Treta yug.
The magnificent event known as Ram Vivah Utsav is celebrated by processions, cultural programmes, devotional songs and other rituals. In Janakpur, the wedding ceremony is also performed and people decorate the idols of Ram and Sita as groom and bride. Devotees also take a holy dip at the famous lakes of Mithilanchal like Gangasagar, Dhanushsagar and Argaza pond to perform the Vivah Panchami rituals.
This year Vivah Panchami is on 16th December, 2015 and we hope all the devotees seek the supreme blessings From Lord Ram and Mata Sita.
Salute to Valour: Maharana Pratap Jaynati
The vast cultural and historic occurrences in India have always added to its colourful list of events. Considering the emotions and sentiments of varied communities and religious groups in India, India ranks at the top with 21 public holidays in a year; according to a report by Times of India. Recently even the Uttar Pradesh government is demanding a holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap that falls on May 9. So may be an addition in the list of state holidays for the lucky ones. But anyhow his birth anniversary i.e. Maharana Pratap Jayanti is celebrated every year on 3rd day of Jyestha Shukla phase as a full-fledged colourful festival. This year it is on 21st May 2015.
The renowned patriot is well known for his valour, pride, enthusiasm and love for his motherland. In the entire journey, he was committed and dedicated towards getting the lost Chittor back. The well-known Battle of Halidighati is the epitome of Pratap’s bravery and passion to get his state back. It is said that the yellow coloured soil of Haldighati turned completely red during the battle in 1576. So not only the battle but his intelligence, good conduct and grounded attitude made him praise worthy among all.
Thus to celebrate the victory and courage of this hero, Haldighati festival is also organized every year in Mewar, Rajasthan. The cultural events includes the bright decorations with traditional handicrafts stalls and cultural music; that gives the feel of a mini traditional India. All the stalls are designed as per the local requirements and represent the chivalrous acts of Pratap. Thousands of tourists join this multi-cultural fair to pay homage to the brave ruler and be a part of this colourful celebration.
Special pujas and processions are also organized in other states along with cultural events at Schools to celebrate the victory of goodness over evil. This day acts as an inspiration for Indians to hold that faith and compassion for their motherland and adopt the virtuous attributes like him.
Shubhpuja.com 