Aavani ( Fifth Month) - The Festivals in Aavani
Aavani (Fifth Month)
The Festivals in Aavani - Part I
The Important festivals in Aavani are
Avani Avittam (Yajur Upkarma)
Gayatri Japam
Krishna Janmashtami
Aavani Moolam
Onam
Rishi Panchami etc.
The list being long I intend to split this in to two parts. I am making it as descriptive as possible but trying my best not to cause boredom reading it.
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Avani Avittam
Avani
Avittam is an important ritual associated with the Brahmin community
in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The day is of great significance to Yajur
Vedi Brahmins. Avani Avittam 2017 date is August 7 and the date
of Gayathri Japam is August 8. On the next day, Gayatri Japa
Sankalmpam is observed. In other parts of , the observance is
known as Upakarma.
Yajur
Vedi Upakarma Aavani Avittam is on August 8 and Rig Vedi Upakarma is
on August 7, 2017.
Sama Vedi Upakarma Aavani Avittam is on August 24, 2017 for certain communities.
Sama Vedi Upakarma Aavani Avittam is on August 24, 2017 for certain communities.
On
the Aavani Avittam, day the sacred thread worn by the Brahmins is
changed and it is usually a community observance and takes place on
the banks of a pond. Aavani is the name of the Tamil month and Avittam
is one of the 27 nakshatras or stars. Chingam is the equivalent
Malayalam month.
Legend
has it that Lord Hayagriva, an
incarnation of Lord Vishnu, brought back the Vedas stolen by Asuras
on this day.
Gayatri
Japam Sankalpam is noted for the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra for
1008 or 108 times. The sequence and the mode of performing the
rituals depend on mutt (Math) affiliation.
Sama
Vedic Brahmins perform the ritual the day after Shravan Amavasi.
Gayathri Japam
Gayatri
Japa Sankalpam, or Gayathri Japam, is observed on the day after
Shravan Purnima. In 2017, the date of Gayatri Japa Sankalpam is
August 8. Brahmins in perform this ritual as part of
the Upakarma and Aavani Avittam ritual.
This annual ritual involves the chanting of Gayatri Mantra. Yajur,
Rig and Sama Vedi Brahmins perform this ritual on the same day.
On
the day, after the initial rituals, Gayatri Mantra is chanted for
1008 or 108 times. The sequence and the mode of performing the
rituals depend on mutt (Math) affiliation. The ritual is performed in
the morning and there is a specific period for chanting it.
Sri Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Jayanti Is celebfrated on two Different Days
Sri Krishna Jayanti or Sri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on two different days in year. In simple words, Lord Krishna has two birthdays. In 2017, Sri Krishna Jayanti or Sri Krishna Janmashtami is on August 14 and August 15. The birthday of Sri Krishna on August 15 is also referred occasionally as Vaishnava Sri Krishna Jayanti. Many Hindu sects in South, West and East India will be celebrating Sri Krishna Jayanti on August 14. Most of North on August 15.
Sri Krishna Jayanti or Sri Krishna Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna. It is also referred as Gokulashtami or Krishnaashtami or Sri Jayanti. Like the numerous names of the festival, Sri Krishna Jayanti is celebrated by different Hindu sects on Two different days.The true significance of Sri Krishna is that he is relevant in the present and even more relevant for the future.
According
to traditional Hindu astrology, Lord Krishna was born when the moon
entered the house of Vrishabha (Taurus) at the Rohini Nakshatram
(star) on the eighth
day
(Ashtami) of the second fortnight of the month of Sravana (this
corresponds to the month of Bhadrapada Krishnapaksha in North India).
All these conditions have to match to celebrate Sri Krishna Jayanti
but most of the time these conditions never match in the calendars of
various Hindu sects.
So
the different sections in Hinduism have adopted their own standards
for celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna. For some sect, it is
the ‘ashtami’ day that is important. For some sect, it is the
star ‘rohini.’ To make it more complex there is the lunar and
solar calendar issue.
The two different dates is because importance is given to Tithi – Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi in certain regions. Like in Maharashtra, Bengal and by some communities in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
The two different dates is because importance is given to Tithi – Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi in certain regions. Like in Maharashtra, Bengal and by some communities in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
In
North India , the date that has Krishna Paksha Ashtami and Moon sign
Vrishabha (Taurus) is given importance.
In Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the date that has Krishna Paksha Ashtami and Rohini Nakshatram is given importance but this date has to be in Tamil Aavani Month and Malayalam Chingam Month.
Celebrating
Sri Krishna Jayanti on two different days is more common in South
India. In North India , to a greater extent there is uniformity.
(Confused!!!
Krishna will be smiling at his
birthday celebrations, all these calendars and confusion created by
it. Krishna in Bhagavad Gita asks to
rise above time, birth and death.)
Don’t
mistake that this two different day celebrations are the result of
difference of opinion among different sects in Hinduism. We feel a
glitch because we think in terms of Hinduism, Hindu and India
but
not in terms of ‘Sanatana Dharma.’
The
term ‘Hindu’ was first uttered two thousand years ago and origin
of Sri Krishna Jayanti celebrations can traced back to thousands of
years before that utterance. There were numerous regional traditions
recognizing Sanatana Dharma in Bharath () before the coinage of the
term ‘Hindu.’ These regional traditions had their own calendars
and methods of celebrations.
The
modern concept of Hinduism gained popularity with the arrival of
European powers to India but the Vedic tradition is inherently
diverse and it recognizes the different ways of celebrations.
How is Krishna Jayanti Celebrated?
A twenty-four hour fast is observed on Sri Krishna Jayanti and this is broken at midnight. The most important mantra recited on the day is ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.’ How to celebrate or perform rituals on Sri Krishna Jayanti can be found below.
Temples and Hindu spiritual organizations conduct special bhjans and kirtan sessions. Processions with children dressed as Sri Krishna, Radha and Gopis are held on the occasion. Stories of Krishna are enacted on the day. In a twenty-four hour time span, we remember Sri Krishna superficially and quite often forget his true teachings.
The significance of Sri Krishna is that he used his life to explain to us the great teachings in Upanishads. In true sense, he is the Upanishad man. He lived in the moment. He was not an escapist from life. He accepted life in its entirety. He made life a celebration. He was the ever smiling god and that smile continues to conquer millions of hearts. Throughout, his life there was music and just before getting killed by the hunter’s bow he was playing the flute. Music and that immortal smile were present in his death.
But what have we done to Lord Krishna. We are unable to accept him in entirety, so we have compartmentalized. Some worship and like the young Sri Krishna, some like the Krishna with Radha, some like the Krishna who is delivering the Bhagavad Gita. This is because we are not used to a God who plays prank, dances, plays flute and solves the mysteries of life.
For many god is a commander, one who grants boons, one who automatically solves problems in life but Sri Krishna will never automatically solve your problems. This he demonstrated in the Kurukshetra while delivering the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna never took up arms but instead gave the right direction to Arjuna. In Kurukshetra, Sri Krishna was trying to make us understand the foolishness in expecting someone above (god) to deliver the goods.
We have to perform the actions and each action will have a fruit.
Sri Krishna is full of life. He showed us the way to live in the modern society. He showed us the concept of Brahman – that life is a continuity. He taught us to remain detached and neutral. Live in the moment and life will be a celebration.
Krishna Jayanti in South Indian Iyer/Iyengar Households.
Lord Krishna’s Birthday is celebrated by Hindus all over the world! In the North this is celebrated as Janmashtami. In the South, the Iyers call this festival Janmashtami or Gokulashtami and the Iyengars celebrate as Srijayanthi or Krisnajayanthi.
In Karnataka, Iyengars place the idol of Lord Krishna in a mandapam and decorate him with the Bhakshanam (Snacks and Sweets in Tamil) they prepare for the festival. Garlands and thoranams are made out of Murrukus and Appams!
A few decades earlier back the children in the household used to decorate a chaparam(mandapam that can be carried on your shoulders), place the image of Lord Krishna in it and carry it around the streets. As a child I remember we too built these chaparams for the lord. My father as usual performed a Aaradanai (a poojai performed for Saligramam which is a divine stone considered to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu) and a variety of Bhakshanams(sweets and snacks) were offered as prasaadam. These days children do a lot of craft work for their school project, but there is no inclination to build a chaparam for the lord.
For children Srijayanthi definitely means a lot of snacking and jolly time for the sweet tooth. Snacks prepared usually have rice flour as main ingredient. Minimum five varieties of fresh fruits are offered. Naval pazham (Syzygium cumini , Skeels, Myrtaceae) the lords favourite fruit is definitely included.
Navaneetham and Sukkuvellam are two items that are prepared only for this festival.
The pooja is performed in the late evening as Krishna was born at midnight. Generally most of the sweets and savouries are prepared on that day only. The front yard is decorated by drawing a kolam (rice drawings on ground), called ezhakoolam. This is done using soaked rice ground to a fine paste and mixed with lot of water. A white cloth is used to soak the paste and make the drawing. Krishna’s feet is drawn from the front yard to the pooja room, indicating that the lord is entering our home. In my home my son has been performing the pooja for the last 5 years. We do the Srikrishna Ashtothra Naamavali (chanting of 108 names of Lord Krishna) for the Pooja.
 |
| Barfi |
 |
| Chukkuvellam |
 |
| Navaneetham(Butter) |
 |
| Cheedai, Appam,Poori |
Krishna Janmashtami or Shri Krishna Jayanti is celebrated in India and around the world. But none of it will be able to match the celebrations held at Mathura and Vrindavan. Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir or the two temples at Sri Krishna Janmashthan, the exact place Shri Krishna was born, is the main center of celebrations in Mathura. It is also known as Brij Bhumi and thousands of people converge here on the day of Lord Krishna's birth anniversary. In 2017, Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura and Vrindavan is on August 15. In Rangnath Temple at Vrindaban the birthday celebrations will be observed on August 15. Then there is the Latta Ka Mela celebration onAugust 26.
The
main Krishna Janmashtami celebrations are held at Mathura ,
Vrindavan, Govardhan and Nandgaon and begin at midnight. The entire
area is also referred as Brij Bhumi or Braj Bhumi.
Idols
of Lord Krishna in the various temples in Mathura, Vrindavan,
Govardhan and Nandgaon will be decorated with new Jardozi cloth and
ornaments. Special bathing ceremony (abhishek) is performed using
milk, curd and herbs, which is accompanied by the ringing of bells
and blowing of Shankh (conch). After the abhishek the idol of Lord
Krishna is placed on a cradle and it is rocked to the chanting of
prayers. Next the ‘prasad’ is distributed among the devotees.
Numerous
plays, tableau and other cultural activities are organized here
during the Sri Krishna Jayanti celebrations.
Krishna
is
the happiest god, the god who always smiles, the god of hope. All
celebrations associated with him are full of joy. And the
celebrations in Vrindavan and Mathura
reach
unimaginable levels. Devotion or bhakti reaches new levels with
devotees virtually weeping in joy.
All You wanted to know about Dahi Hundi
In
Maharashtra,
Janmashtami is noted for the Dahi
Handi
celebrations.
Come
August and the festivities begin. With the month of Shravan bringing
in freshness, celebrations and a joyous ambiance, the entire society
gears up for the various festivals during this time.
Dahi Handi is
one such festival, which is eagerly awaited by all and is celebrated
with lot of gusto and enthusiasm. This day commemorates the birth of
Lord Krishna who is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Also called
as Govinda in Maharashtra, or Gokulashtami in many other parts of the
country this is a day when Lord Krishna is revered and worshipped.
This year in 2017, the celebrations would be held for two days on August 14 and 15. Usually the festival date is decided as per the cycle of the moon.
The Celebrations
Across India, the festival is celebrated with lot of colour and pomp. Mumbai city is the best place to enjoy the celebrations. Visit the lovely and magnificent ISKCON temple lying on the tranquil beachside of Juhu and experience bliss during this time. Mathura in India is a synonym for such celebrations as this is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. This city in the northern part of India is a symbol of peace and harmony with its bright decorations and innumerable displays of scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. There are walking tours in Jaipur and many such programmes in places like Vrindavan and Mathura, which would surely make your Dahi Handi experience a memorable one.
How is Dahi Handi celebrated?
Dahi Handi is usually held on the second day of Gokulashtami celebrations, and is very popular in Mumbai. Clay pots with curd, butter, and money are hung high up on the top and professionals make human pyramids and compete to break the pot. This is a trend that goes back to the time when Lord Krishna as a child used to make such pyramids and break open pots of butter hung up in all the houses. Thus, this festival is a way of reliving the mischief and pranks played by Lord Krishna.
What Does One Do On Janmashtami?
Usually Janmashtami is observed by fasting and devotees pray at midnight offering their respects to Lord Krishna. It is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight, he is worshipped at this time. Temples have baby cradles with a small statue of the Lord in them. People chant the name of the Lord and worship him all night. It is a lovely sight to see little boys and girls dressed up as Lord Krishna and Radha.
Dahi Handi Celebrations Today in Mumbai
With the Government, disallowing children below 12 from participating in the human pyramids, this year the Dahi handi celebrations would see a different approach to the system. Participation of small children was the forte of these celebrations as their light weight was a help to reach the top of the human pyramid. With the best of safe practices adopted and ideal social settings, Dahi Handi is surely necessary see for all and a time to rejoice, celebrate, and enjoy. Experience the feeling of being closer to Lord Krishna and celebrate Dahi Handi with peace and happiness this year. Dahi Handi is a festival that is celebrated across India and is also known by other names like Janmashtami and Gokulashtami.
Do not miss the next edition - "Aavani the Fifth month -Part II" to be published on 26th May.
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