Today is a very auspicious day- The Dwadasi of Bhadra i.e. "the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Bhādra" is celebrated as "Bamana Janma" & "Onam."
Today is the tithi birthday of my father, Shri A.K.Sabat Finance Guru - CA AK Sabat.
Papa was born on this day (& not date).
May Mahaprabhu bless him with great health and happiness and fulfill all his wishes🙏
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| Papa at the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Agara, Bengaluru |
Guru Padmasambhava is revered across the world. He is also called Guru Rinpoche.
There are several texts about him. Udiyana or Oddiyana is believed to be his birthplace.
While looking for Udiyana and Oddiyana, the above image and the following posts on X (Twitter) were accessed:
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara organized a two-day International Conference, "Exploring the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava."
This conference was held on 28th and 29th August 2024 at Nalanda, Bihar.The two-day International Conference on "Exploring the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava" is scheduled for August 28-29, 2024, at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara in Bihar, India. Organized by the International Buddhist Confederation in collaboration with @nnmnalanda under the… pic.twitter.com/HZZeKHg3Qo
— International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) (@IbcWorldOrg) August 27, 2024
Ikat is a technique of tie-and-dye of handlooms.
Some Indian states have the Geographical Indication (GI) tags for their own unique and special Ikat.
This includes-
Odisha- Orissa Ikat, Sambalpuri Bandha Saree and Fabrics, Khandua Saree and Fabrics;
Telangana- Pochampally Ikat; Telia Rumal;
Gujarat- Patan Patola
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| Can you identify this Ikat? |
The popular Quiz-show Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by the inimitable Sri Amitabh Bachchan has found its first Crorepati for its latest season- KBC-15.
Jaskaran Singh answered all the questions he knew and bagged one crore.
He could not answer the last question though.
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| Courtesy: Sony TV |
Regular viewers know how tough it is to first make it to the show, then the hot-seat, and thereafter, answer all the questions correctly and consistently thereby securing such a huge amount.
Some highly intelligent persons have faltered after crossing and reaching such levels and lost all the amount "won".
"Patachitra is the cloth scroll painting tradition from Odisha, dedicated to mythological and religious themes in Indian art. Bold, strong outlines, vibrant colours like white, red, yellow and black with decorative borders."Apart from cloth & other materials, a locally-prepared canvas called Pata/Patta is also used for this amazing art style.
It is great to see the interest and excitement of general public regarding Geographical Indications (GIs) now.
I recollect the time when many Odias considered even the discussion regarding GIs as a waste of time and effort, and rather chose to remain mute spectators while some of us were passionately championing Odisha Rasagola and other potential local products as GIs. (Some still do).
After the grant of the last 2 GIs- especially Odisha Rasagola GI, many became aware and producer groups started demanding GI for their own community's products.
Note- NOT ONE Odisha GI application was filed between 2011-2017.
Now, how many GI applications have been filed from year 2018 onwards?
While it gives immense pleasure to see many being "vocal for local" and "vocal for GI", the wrong information being shared is a matter of great concern.
This afternoon, it was quite perplexing to find many sharing that "Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal" has earned the GI Tag!
When I checked, it was showing as "Examination" stage.
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi Purnima is a festival of the Indian subcontinent that celebrates the bond between siblings - especially sisters and brothers.
Raksha Bandhan : Meaning
Raksha means Protection
and
Bandhan means Bond.
Raksha Bandhan means- the bond of protection, love and care.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on Rakhi Purnima.
Purnima means "full moon night".
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the tithi of the last day of the Hindu calendar month of Shravana- the full-moon of Shravana month.
It usually falls in the English calendar month of August.
Today, I found a request post in a Facebook group that I am a part of.
Usually, many of us are part of many online groups, but unable to participate in group-discussions.
I do not even check the group activity most of the times. I chanced across the said post a short while ago and now that I think of it, this was for a reason.
White letters on a pink background always look pretty and attractive.
But, after reading the words expressed, I am left wondering and pondering about life.
I am sure this mother's son, who has been an active member of the FB community and who has posted this message, has his own reasons. Perhaps, it is their family's joint decision.
We all have our reasons for acting or behaving in a certain way. Nobody and no way is perfect.
Agree that we cannot judge anyone without wearing their shoes or knowing what they are going through.
Social media does not give the full picture.
Today is Samba Dashami.
It is a unique festival of Odisha, India.
Samba Dashami is celebrated on the 10th day of the Shukla Paksha of Pausha Masa i.e. during the waxing phase of moon in the Odia calendar Pausha month (December – January) tithi.
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| Konark Stone Carving- Sun God Source: Wikipedia |
The date varies as per the tithi.
Last year, in 2022, Samba Dashami was on January 12th.
This year, in 2023, the tithi is today- January 1st.
Prayers are offered to Sun God.
It may be noted that “Kumar Purnima” is another unique festival of Odisha where Moon God is worshipped.
On Samba Dashami, women pray to the Sun God for the health and good life of their children.
Tasty Odia food with traditional dishes are prepared.
Why Sun God?
Science treats Sun as a star.
In our culture, Sun is much more.
Sun is a God- Sun God.
Sun is called- Surya in Hindi & Surjya in Odia.
God- Deba or Debata.
Surjya Debata showers His grace on all.
One of the factors on why life on Planet Earth has been possible is- because we receive the right power of the Sun, and thus we are powered by the Sun and are truly empowered.
Had our planet been closer or farther, we would perhaps not enjoy the status we do now.
The story behind the Samba Dasami celebration:
Samba, the son of Shree Krishna and Jambavati, was afflicted by leprosy owing to a curse by Sage Durvasa.
After the latter's advice, Samba did penance for Sun God at Chandrabhaga, Konark, for 12 years.
Surjya Debata showed mercy and cured Samba completely.
Even today, many Odias and others visit Chandrabhaga, Konark, and offer prayers.
Childhood Memories
I have many memories of Samba Dashami celebration.
When I was small, I remember all members of our joint family- cousins, aunts, uncles etc used to congregate on the terrace in my grandparents’ place at Brahmapur, and used to offer prayers and soak in the solar energy. My grandmother and mother insisted us to roll over on the “gantha”- handmade mats spread on the terrace.
We enjoyed the prayers, rituals and “sun-bathing”.
Vitamin From Sun
Science states that we get Vitamin-D from the Sun.
Exposure to Sun is essential.
During Covid and as a fallout of the pandemic, we had to stay indoors and spend maximum time staying at home. Thus, Vitamin-D deficiency was diagnosed for many owing to lesser outing and minimal contact with the Sun.
Nutrition and Tradition
In our culture, worship of Sun and exposure to Sun is part of our tradition.
Food forms a smart association.
My mother used to diligently pray and observe Samba Dashami.
She used to prepare dishes such as Khechudi, Budha Chakuli, Ghudughudia tarkari etc and offer them to Surjya Debata.
Some celebrate it only in the morning.
While offerings are served three times by some families -
1. At Dawn 5:30 AM 🕠
2. Madhyanna - 12:30 PM 🕧
3. Sandhya - 5:30 PM 🕠
A specific variety of food item is offered to Sun God in the name of and on behalf of each member of the family, especially kids.
Thinking of this, I feel this special offering and connection is a safety blessing for sure with a mother’s love and trust and Sun God’s invocation and power. 🙏
Mothers always want a great, healthy and long life for their children and take great pains to ensure this.
What are festivals without food?
Each festival has its own specialties & rituals.
Pithas like Manda, Kakara, Muduka, Podapitha, Bara, etc and Mitha and other desserts and treats like Rasagola, Khiri, Muan, Gaintha etc are also prepared and offered.
All dishes in the pics have been prepared by my sister-in-law, Sradhasree.
A variety of fruits like Banana, Apple, Orange, Guava etc are also offered.
All the offerings are of course enjoyed by all family-members - both young and old.
Fine celebration to get all the necessary nutrition:
Children learn what they see and are taught.
Did we buy and cut cake 🎂 and celebrate “January 1st - Happy New Year” today?
OR
Did we observe Samba Dashami festival, prayed to Surjya Debata, and celebrated with our traditional Odia food and Pitha and Mitha?
The choice and responsibility is always ours.
Extra images and information in this blog post about our celebration last year in 2022-
Samba Dashami- Festival of Odisha
Did you know about Samba Dashami?
Please share in the comments below.
Ratha Jatra, the anuual journey of Shree Jagannatha and His siblings, is celebrated with great happiness at Puri Dham, Odisha, and in many places worldwide where there are Shree Jagannatha Temples.
It is also called- Rath Yatra and Ratha Yatra.
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| Bahuda Jatra 2022 ; Source- SJTA |
The return journey is called Bahuda Jatra. Bahuda Jatra, also called Bahuda Yatra, was celebrated today.
Many people wrongly think that the deities enter the Temple immediately after they undertake the return journey.
For this year's April A2Z theme, I had been planning some topics.
My last year's theme was #RasagolaA2Z where I had shared posts about Rasagola.
Rasagola is a delectable dessert that originated in Odisha, India. The main ingredients are cottage-cheese and sugar-syrup.
Also called and pronounced in several different ways viz. Rasgulla, Rasagula, Rasogolla, Rosogolla etc., Rasagola is called the 'King of Sweets'.
We have been celebrating a day for Rasagola or Rasagola Day as- "Rasagola Dibasa #RasagolaDibasa" on social media from 2015 Nabakalebara Ratha Yatra onwards.
It helped in creating awareness about the connection of Rasagola with Odisha and also about the centuries-old ritual- Niladri Bije of Odisha. Our celebration and promotion also generated interest for the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Devi puja i.e. Goddess worship is being done for many centuries in India.
During Navaratri, Durga Puja, and Dussehra festivals, many Goddesses are worshipped, especially Devi Durga.
There are Shakti Peethas, where it is believed that the different parts of Devi Sati had fallen. According to the Tantra Chudamani, Sati's navel fell in the Utkala Kingdom.
Maa Biraja Peetha is the Shakti Peetha where the naabhi i.e. the navel portion had fallen. Some Shakti Peethas are present in Odisha.
In his Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha Stuti, AdiShankara describes the goddess as "Girija".
In Tantra literature, the Oddiyana Peetha is located near the Baitarani river. Oddiyana is an ornament worn by a woman around her navel.
Devi Durga is worshipped as Maa Biraja in this Peetha.
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| Image Courtesy- Jajpur District Administration |
Maa Biraja Temple is an ancient temple with a unique Mahishasuramardini i.e. the killer of Mahishasura- idol. The Durga idol has two hands, spearing the chest of Mahishasura with one hand and pulling his tail with the other. One of Her feet is on a lion, and the other is on Mahishasura's chest.
The Mahishasura is depicted as a Buffalo, and not as regular human demon. The crown of Maa Biraja has the symbols of Shree Ganesha, crescent moon, and a Shivalinga.
The Biraja Temple is located in Jajpur that is known as the "ancient capital of Orissa" (Odisha). It is about 125 kilometers north of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha.
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| Courtesy: Wikipedia |
River Baitarani flows beside the Biraja temple. The temple covers a large area and has several shrines dedicated to Shiva and other deities. According to the Utkala Khanda of the Skanda Purana, as this area cleanses pilgrims, it is called the Biraja Kshetra.
The mention of Maa Biraja is also in Brahma Purana, Kapila Samhita and the Mahabharata.
It is said that when cursed Lord Brahma was worshipping, then pleased with his prayers, Maa Biraja appeared. The original temple was built by King Yayati Keshari. However, it was destroyed by invaders. Thereafter, the present temple was built.
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| Entrance- Image Courtesy- Jajpur District Administration |
Maa Biraja is the only Goddess in the world who has Her own Ratha Jatra (Rath Yatra i.e. Chariot Festival) It lasts for 9 days during Durga Puja celebration.
Yes, there is a Ratha Jatra, just like in the ShreeMandira i.e. the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri.
The Shree Jagannatha Ratha Jatra is well-known, but many are yet to know of the Ratha Jatra of Maa Biraja.
ମା ଵିରଜା ରଥ ଯାତ୍ରା🙏🙏#ଯାଜପୁର pic.twitter.com/sD3wrla7K5
— ଶୁଭ୍ରାଂଶୁ (@Subhran89) October 11, 2021
As per the tradition, the chalanti pratima (idol to represent Maa Biraja) is taken for the Ratha Jatra. Lord Brahma is the sarathi (charioteer) of Her Ratha.
During Ratha Jatra, Maa Biraja is offered Rasagola (Rasgulla) as bhog.
What is the meaning of mangalacharanam?
In which place was the Mahabharata composed?
How many seasons have been described by
Kalidasa in his epic Ritusamhara?
What are the four vedas and the four
upavedas?
What does Mrichhakatikam mean?
Are spirituality and religion the same
thing?
Who compiled the Bhagavata Mahapurana?
If these questions teased your
brain-cells, and you are unable to retrieve the answers, it is time to pick up
this informative book about Sanskrit language and texts-
The Beauty of Sanskrit Language and Texts is written by Durga Prasad Dash.
It
is one of the eBooks launched by the Blogchatter EBook Carnival this year.
Sanskrit is one of the most ancient languages of the world. It was the language of the intellectuals of India, prior to the Mughal invasion and reign. India has one of the most manuscripts in the world. Sanskrit texts are treasure-houses of India’s ancient wisdom. However, many of us are unaware. Many Indians have never studied Sanskrit in school. Had the British not interfered with our education system, we would perhaps have devoted more time and interest in studying this.
Republic Day parade showcases India's heritage, diversity and military might. This is a glorious chance to learn more about our incredible India. Lakhs of Indians tune in to watch this event live.
Earning a chance to perform in this august event is a matter of great pride and emotional moment for the artists and the states.
This year 2021, Odisha was the only state from Eastern India to showcase one of its tribal folk dance.
In 2020, Odisha had won the second prize for its Tableaux.
However, unlike last year, this year Odisha did not have a Tableaux.
The selection of Odisha's 'Bajasal' dance performance by Kalahandi folk artists made everyone happy.
Bajasal is a graceful folk dance of Kalahandi, Odisha, that is usually performed during weddings.
'Baja' refers to the instrument- a drum played in the dance and 'Sal' means the place where those instruments are played.
Before the marriage function, many ceremonies are held as per their traditional rites and rituals. Young boys and girls sing songs alternatively, dance to music and tease each other as part of the performance.
Did you know that this folk dance is also called 'Bihasal'?
Last year, OdiArt Museum of Odisha, India, had invited me as a judge of the fashion-cum-personality contest- Ms. Chilika and Mr. Chilika, held during the Shelduck Festival 2019.
I asked some questions, one of which was- "Name at least one art or handicraft of Odisha."
I was surprised to find that my question could not be answered by the contestant to whom it was directed. I tried giving hints, but still the young participant, who had completed high school, could not answer.
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| Source |
Distribution of rice and gur is going on in Nuagada Block. pic.twitter.com/q79Xcmoc9k— Collector Gajapati (@DM_Gajapati) October 16, 2018
It feels great to share the cover of my first #eBook -— anitaexplorer (@anitaexplorer) May 20, 2020
"Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha".
My eBook will be released on 25 May, 2020 during #BlogchatterEBook Carnival @blogchatter site.
Can you identify the #GIs on cover? #OdishaGI #GIsofIndia #KnowYourGI #COMINGSOON pic.twitter.com/aNgnASwacB
