All about Easter
There are many belief as to origin of the word Easter. But best is that it means, ‘the season of growing Sun’ or ‘season of new birth’.
The celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from his tomb on 3rd day after his crucifixion is Easter. It is commonly believed that remembering the resurrection of Jesus is a way to renew daily hope that we have victory over sin.
Easter is said to be only Christian festival where the date keeps changing unlike Christmas or Valentine Day. It is stated that the death of Jesus occurred after the Jewish Passover that is traditionally held on first full moon following vernal equinox. As full moon varies in every time zone, it was decided by the Church that 14th day of lunar month would be celebrated as Easter Day and the following as Easter Sunday.
Christians all around the globe celebrate Easter on Sunday as it was the day Jesus rose from dead after being crucified on Friday. In western Christianity, following Gregorian calendar, Easter usually falls on Sunday between March 22nd and 25th April. This year it was celebrated on 1st April.
Although Christians in India accounts only for about 2.5% of population. But Easter Friday is a Government declared holiday. There is elaborate Easter celebration in western part of India, Goa and north-eastern part. People take part in carnivals, street plays and dance dramas. They exchange gifts like chocolates, eggs, colorful lanterns and flowers.
I, as a kid grew up cherishing the Easter holiday. The gifts were an extra bonus and initially I was bit reluctant to exchange my chocolates with anyone.
Mahavir Jayanti
The birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the last Trithankara or the spiritual teacher and founder of Jainism. It is celebrated on 13th day of month of Chaitra. According to Gregorian calendar it falls in the month of March or April.It was celebrated on 29th March.
Mahavir was born in the princely state of Vaishali,(in Bihar few miles from present day Patna) to Queen Trisala and King Siddhartha in 5th century B.C. He ruled his kingdom for over 30 years before denouncing it all for enlightenment. He preached love, non-violence and respect to all living beings, from tiniest micro-organisms to the largest multi-cellular creatures.
This day is considered to be auspicious for Jains across the world. People following Jainism take out huge procession. The idol of Lord Mahavira is placed on a chariot and people in the procession chant various religious hymns in praise of Lord Mahavir. The idol is given a ceremonious bath called ‘abhishek’.
As Lord Mahavir preached non-violence, equality Jains indulge in huge amount of charitable work. They visit temples and special prayer meetings are organised. Monks and priests conduct religious lectures and prayers to preach the teachings of Mahavir.
The followers of Jainism are found throughout the world. Vaishali in Bihar, has special significance in this celebration. The other important places are Gujarat and Rajasthan. Gujarat is said to have maximum number of Jain shrines and also has highest number of Jains residing. Palitana and Girnar are some of the significant place of worship in Gujarat.
As a little girl, I remember watching huge colorful procession. Lord Mahavira’s idol is placed in a chariot and is taken throughout the neighborhood. We visit temples and donate money, fruits and other necessities to the needy. Not to forget the delicious, rice pudding or kheer, we would get as Prasad.
Hanuman Jayanti
The birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman or Monkey faced God is celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti. It is celebrated on a full moon day that is 15th day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra that is April May. This year it was celebrated on 31st March.
Hanuman, is an ardent follower of Lord Rama. His unconditional devotion and love for Lord Rama has been depicted in various stories of Ramayana– the sacred book of Hindus.
According to Hindu mythology Hanuman is considered as a symbol of strength and immense power. He is the eleventh Rudra avtar or manifestation of Lord Shiva. He is known by various names like ‘Sankat Mochan‘ or the one who averts ill-effects. He is also known as ‘Pawanputra’ or the son of God of Wind.
It is believed that Hanuman was born at sunrise. So celebrations begins early in the day. Devotees decorate the temples with Lord Hanuman’s favorite fruits and sweets. Indians all over the world perform special prayers to wade of evil from their life. Hanuman is said to posses magical powers.
Prayers and hymns are sung in praise of the deity in various temples and home. Devotees offer vermillion with ghee to the idol of Hanuman. Red hibiscus flowers, rui leaves, with areca nut, fruits like bananas, apples, mangoes and sweets are offered.
Devotees chant the very famous ”Hanuman Chalisa” and perform ‘arti’. It is a popular belief that chanting ”Hanuman Chalisa” for 108 times will stop any harm coming your way.
Growing up in a Hindu family, I was introduced to Hanuman Chalisa early in my life, by my grandmother. Since then, till this day it has become a part of my daily ritual. To me, Lord Hanuman’s birthday hold special importance as to his other devotees. I go to the Hanuman temple and perform the puja. At home prayers start early in morning. We chant the Hanuman Chalisa and perform arti. Fruits and sweets are offered to the deity which is given to devotees as Prasad.
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Colorful life 