Aavani (Fifth Month) The Festivals in Aavani - Part II
Aavani (Fifth Month) The Festivals in Aavani - Part II
On the occasion of the Ganpati festival, a large number of idols are made of clay or metal in all possible sizes; sometimes even up to twenty feet.
People buy idols of Lord Ganesha and install them in their houses and worship the idol for one to ten days, after which the idols are taken out ceremoniously, through the streets of the town (especially in Maharashtra) and immersed into the river, sea or well.
A cultural feast is held to coincide with Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra especially at Pune. Classical dance, music performances, poetry recitations, folk dances, theater and film festival are the main features of this festival.
Aavani
Moolam
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the 4th day of the bright half of Bhadrapad. This festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesh. Lord Ganesha or Ganpati is one of the most popular deities in the Hindu religion worshiped by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Even Buddhists and Jains have faith for Ganpati. He is considered to be an avatar of both Shiva and Vishnu.
On the occasion of the Ganpati festival, a large number of idols are made of clay or metal in all possible sizes; sometimes even up to twenty feet.
People buy idols of Lord Ganesha and install them in their houses and worship the idol for one to ten days, after which the idols are taken out ceremoniously, through the streets of the town (especially in Maharashtra) and immersed into the river, sea or well.
A cultural feast is held to coincide with Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra especially at Pune. Classical dance, music performances, poetry recitations, folk dances, theater and film festival are the main features of this festival.
Anant Chaturthi (or Anant Chaturdashi)
Anant
Chaturthi (orAnant Chaturdashi) is the last day of the"Ganesh
Chaturthi" festival celebrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat,
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is the tenth day after Ganesh
Chaturthi which falls on the 14th day of the bright Bhadrapada (the
sixth month of Hindu calendar). The day follows the immersion of the
idols of the beloved Lord but to be welcomed the next year with equal
fervor. Some people observe a vow in honor of Lord Vishnu, which
if kept for 14 years is supposed to bring wealth.
Legends
Hindu
Mythology tells that, there was a Brahmin named Sumant. From his wife
Diksha he had a daughter named Sushila. After the death of Diksha,
Sumant married Karkash who was not caring to Sushila. She gave a lot
of trouble to her. Sushila married to Kaundinya and decided to leave
the house to avoid the nuisance of her step mother. On the way,
Kaundinya went to a river to take bath and Sushila joined a women
group who were worshiping "Lord Anant." Sushila was very
curious to know the reason of worshiping. The women explained her,
the purpose of this vow to obtain divinity and wealth, and are kept
for 14 years.
Sushila decided to take the "Anant Vow"
and slowly they became very rich. One day Kaundinya, noticed a string
(Anant string) on Sushila's left hand. This string is usually tied on
the left hand by women to observe the vow. When Kaundinya heard the
story of the Anant vow, he was displeased and said that they had
become rich, not for Anant but for his knowledge and efforts. He then
took the Anant String from Sushila’s hand and threw it into the
fire.
Soon after this incident, they were reduced to extreme
poverty. Kaundinya realized the effect of the Anant and hence decided
to undergo rigorous penance until the appearance of the God himself.
He went into the forest. There, he saw tree full of mangoes but was
covered with worms. He asked the tree if he had seen Anant but he got
a negative reply.
Then he asked lakes, cow, donkey, elephant
but nobody could respond him positively. At last he prepared a rope
to hang himself. But suddenly Anant appeared in the form of an old
Brahmin and advised Kaundinya that if he made the 14 years vow, he
would get back all his wealth and happiness. Lord Anant also
explained the incidents occurred during the course of his way to meet
him.
Celebration
On
the day of Anant Chaturdashi, the idols of Lord
Ganesha installed at home and various "Mandapas"
(display place) are taken to a pond, lake, river or a sea in great
procession with slogan: "ganpati bappa morya, agle baras to
jaldi aa" (meaning: "father Ganpati, come again next
year"). On this day, people travel to the water front with the
idols, big and small, dancing and singing in large procession. The 10
day long festival comes to an end after the immersion ceremony is
over.
Rishi Panchmi
Rishi
Panchmi is celebrated with great joy and festivity in different parts
of India as well as in Nepal. Different places have distinct
significance for the festival. Mainly, the festival is celebrated in
honor of Sapta Rishis.
According to Hindu calendar, Rishi Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha (Waxing Phase of moon) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August - September).
In India, people pay their homage to the Sapta Rishis – the seven sages – Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadhvaja, Vishvamitra, Gauthama, Jamadagni and Vashishta on the occasion of Rishi Panchmi while in some parts of Kerala the day is also observed as Vishwakarma Puja.
According to Hindu calendar, Rishi Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha (Waxing Phase of moon) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August - September).
In India, people pay their homage to the Sapta Rishis – the seven sages – Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadhvaja, Vishvamitra, Gauthama, Jamadagni and Vashishta on the occasion of Rishi Panchmi while in some parts of Kerala the day is also observed as Vishwakarma Puja.
Few Indian communities like Maheshwari community also celebrate the Rishi Panchmi as the festival of Raksh bandhan while in some North Indian regions, Rishi Panchmi is considered the final day of fasting. North Indian women observe Hartalika Teej Vrat(fast) for three days, starting from Hartalika Teej, the third day of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. Rishi Panchmi marks the last day of this Hartalika Teej Vrat.
Rishi Panchmi is also celebrated in Nepal, the day is considered sacred and auspicious and dedicated to worship of Lord Shiva. Men and Women observe fast on this day and worship Lord Shiva. Few rituals are also associated with this day like women have holy bath on this day using special Datiwan herb. Few people install sanctified kalash on this day at their home and visit Lord Shiva temples.
Aavani
Moolam is a unique festival observed in Tamil culture on the Moolam
Nakshatram day in Aavani month (August – September). In 2017, the
date of Aavani Moolam is August 31. Aavani Moolam festival is
dedicated to Lord Shiva. The most important Aavani Moolam festival
and rituals are held at theMadurai Meenakshi Temple.
Special
processions are held on the day in Madurai Meenakshi Temple. The
festival is basically dedicated to the reenactment of a famous
incident involving Lord Shiva. Also known as Puttu festival, Aavani
Moolam is based on a local legend and is referred as the sport of
carrying soil for the wages of rice pudding.
An
important legend in which Lord Shiva sends his Ganas as horses to
keep the promise of Saint Manikkavasagar is believed to have happened
on Avani Moolam day.
The Story behind Aavani Moolam
Manickavasagar was a Brahmin by birth. He took his birth in Tiruvadavur seven miles from Madurai on the banks of Vaigai river. He secured the friendship of the king of Madurai, Arimardana Pandyan, and became his chief minister. He was also known by the name Vadavurar.
The Pandya king sent Manickavasagar with a lot of money to purchase horses for the State. Manickavasagar started on his journey. On his way, he heard the Kirtan of Siva in a garden in Tiruperundurai. Lord Siva assumed the form of a Siva Yogi and seated Himself , underneath a tree with His Siva Ganas as disciples. He came here to initiate Manickavasagar in Siva Jnana.Manickavasagar fell at the feet of the Lord and surrendered himself. Lord Siva initiated Manickavasagar into the mysteries of Siva Jnana.
Manickavasagar spent
away all the money he had brought, in the construction of temples and
feeding Siva Bhaktas. He renounced everything, wore a Kowpin (loin cloth) and
became a Sanyasi. The matter was reported to the king.
The king sent a letter to
Manickavasagar and ordered him to see him at once. Manickavasagar did
not pay any attention. Lord Siva said to Manickavasagar: “I will
bring the horses on Avani Moolam. You go in advance. Give this diamond
to the King”. Manickavasagar proceeded to Madurai, gave the diamond
to the king and said: “The horses will come here on Avani Moolam”.
The king became impatient. He did not get any information about the
horses till two days before Avani Moolam. He thought that Manickavasagar
had cheated him. Therefore, he put Manickavasagar in jail and
tormented him severely.
The horses came in the
morning of Avani Moolam. Lord Siva assumed the form of a groom. How
merciful is the Lord towards His devotees! The king was highly
pleased. He released Manickavasagar from jail and made an apology to
him. Through the Leela of the Lord, actually jackals had come in the form of
horses. All the horses were turned into jackals in the night. The king became
terribly angry. He again tortured Manickavasagar. He made him stand
in the hot sand-bed of Vaigai river at 12 noon. At once the Lord
caused flood in the river to cool His devotee. The whole town was
inundated.
The ministers told the king that this calamity had happened on account of his ill-treatment of
the great Manickavasagar. The king at once released Manickavasagar. He
prostrated before him and requested him to stop the flood. As soon as
Manickavasagar marched on the bank, the flood subsided. The king ordered all the subjects to put one basketful of mud on the bank of
the river. All the breaches were made all right except that portion
of the breach given to an old woman Vandi. She was in distress. Lord
Siva Himself had out of compassion appeared as a labourer before that old
woman and offered His services to her in return for a handful of
rice-flour. He was simply playing a prank to teach the king a lesson. He kept the mud in His hands. The king came to know that the labourer of Vandi did not do any work. He
became very angry and beat the labourer with a stick. The blow was felt
by the king himself and everyone in the town. The labourer(Lord Siva in disguise) vanished. The king came to know that this was the Leela of the Lord Siva. He then recognised
the glory of Manickavasagar also. The jackals were turned back into horses.
That then is the story behind the Avani Moolam Festival. The day the jackals in the form of horses were delivered.
Thereupon Manickavasagar
met Lord Siva. The Lord ordered him to visit all places of pilgrimage
and then go to Chidambaram. Manickavasagar visited Tiruvannamalai,
Kanjivaram and other places, sang his Tiruvasagam and lastly went to
Chidambaram. Tirukoovai was written by him here.
Then Manickavasagar entered
into discussion with a Buddhist teacher and defeated him. Goddess
Sarasvati made the Buddhist teacher and his disciples dumb. Then the
Buddhistic king approached Manickavasagar and said: “You made my
teacher and all his disciples dumb. If you can make my dumb daughter
speak, I and my subjects will embrace Saivism”. Manickavasagar then
put some questions to the dumb daughter of the king. She began to
speak. Then the Buddhistic king and all his subjects became Saivites.
Manickavasagar then made the Buddhistic teacher and his disciples
speak.
Then Lord Siva approached
Manickavasagar in the form of a Brahmin. Manickavasagar repeated the
whole Tiruvasagam to the Brahmin. The Brahmin wrote down everything
on the palmyra leaves and wrote in the end: “Manickavasagar
repeated this, Tiruchittambala Udayar wrote this”. The Brahmin kept
this in the step of Panchakshara of the Chitsabhai. Then the Brahmins
of Chidambaram showed this to Manickavasagar and requested him to
tell the meaning of the verses. Manickavasagar said: “This Tillai
Nataraja is the purport of these stanzas”. He at once merged
himself in the feet of Nataraja at the age of thirty two.
The poems of Manickavasagar
are fifty two in number. They are all collected together under the
title of Tiruvasagam. They are most beautiful, sublime and inspiring.
They contain ornamental poetry. South Indians sing Tiruvasagam daily.
The hearts of those who hear these hymns melt at once.
Onam Festival
Onam is the most popular and important festival in Kerala in. Onam 2017 date based on Malaylam Calendar in Kerala is given below. The Thiruonam festival of Malayalis rises above all barriers of religion, caste, creed and financial status. Thiru Onam 2017 date is September 4, Monday It is believed that during the four days of Onam festival, the legendary Asura King Mahabal(Maveli) comes to visit his subjects. Malayalis prepare floral carpets, sumptuous foods and sweets to welcome Mahabali. First Onam is on September 3.
Onam is celebrated over four days -
Onnam Onam or First Onam is on September 3.
Second Onam or the most important day of Onam is the Thiruonam and it is on September 4
Third Onam or Munnam Onam is on September 5.
Fourth Onam or Naalam Onam is on September 6.
Second Onam or the most important day of Onam is the Thiruonam and it is on September 4
Third Onam or Munnam Onam is on September 5.
Fourth Onam or Naalam Onam is on September 6.
Meaning of Onam
The
word ‘Onam’ or 'Thiruvonam'
is
derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Shravanam.’ Thiruonam is one
among the 27 nakshatras or constellations and in Sanskrit
‘Thiruvonam’ is known as ‘Shravanam.’ The passage of time and
local language usage saw the word Shravanam becoming Onam. The word
‘Thiru’ is used to address places and activities associated with
Lord Vishnu in South
India.
Thiruvonam is also believed to be the Nakshtra of Lord Vishnu, who
appeared as Vamana to push Mahabali into Pathalam.
The
Origin of Onam is popularly associated with the legend of the great
King of Kerala Mahabali or Maveli coming to visit his land. The
popular myth is that Lord Vishnu took the Vamana incarnation to help
Devas (demi gods) to get rid of Demon King Mahabali who had become
the ruler of the universe. Dwarf Vamana was offered three paces of
land during a yagna by King Bali thinking that the little Vamana
could not take much land using his foot. But soon Vamana became
Narayana and in one step took earth and in another step heaven and
there was no more space left to keep the third step.
Mahabali
bowed with great humility before Narayana and asked him to place the
third step on his head. But before leaving earth Maveli asked for a
favor – that he be allowed to visit his beloved people on earth
once a year. And this annual visit is Onam, when the land is fresh
with new green vegetation, that the great king of Kerala comes to
visit his land.
This
is believed to have happened during the Thiruonam nakshatram day in
Malayalam month Chingam and therefore the day is celebrated as Onam.
There are also people who believe that Thiruonam is the birth star or
janma nakshatram of Vishnu and King Bali was therefore allowed to
visit on this day.
Onam Myth
Onam, the most popular festival in Kerala, is the day when the legendary Asura king Mahabali visits his subjects. Mahabali had turned his kingdom into a virtual paradise on earth and the ‘devas’ could not tolerate this and they sought the help of Lord Vishnu to eliminate Mahabali or Maveli. Onam is perhaps a rare Hindu festival in which Lord Vishnu, the vanquisher, is the villain and the vanquished King Mahabali the hero.
Vamana approached Mahabali who was conducting a yajna. King Bali asked Vamana to choose anything that he wanted from his kingdom. Vamana asked for just three steps of land. And the king agreed readily.
Suddenly, the dwarf sized Vamana grew into the skies and with one step covered the earth and with another step the heavens. With no place to keep the third step, Mahabali offered his head, which was pushed by Vamana into the netherworld or pathalam.
But before sending Mahabali to the netherworld, Lord Vishnu gave Bali the boon that he can visit his subjects once in a year. The day Mahabali visits his subjects is celebrated as Onam.
The story in detail can be found in the 8th canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam.
Numerous attempts have been made in Hindu scriptures to bring shades of villainy into Mahabali’s character. Some wanted to portray him as a womanizer and others found reason in arrogance. But common man was never impressed by these explanations and they still believe Mahabali was unjustly overthrown.
Perhaps the real truth lies in the Aryan – Dravidian conflict.
Whatever be the reason, the Vamana avatar of Vishnu is remembered primarily due to the great King Mahabali. And in a rare instance an Asura or demon wins the heart of people over a God.
Whatever be the reason, the Vamana avatar of Vishnu is remembered primarily due to the great King Mahabali. And in a rare instance an Asura or demon wins the heart of people over a God.
Strangely, Kerala, the land associated with this unusual Hindu mythology, elected the first communist government in the world.
The Preparartions for Onam
The preparation for Onam begins on the Atham Nakshatram Day in the Malayalam Chingam month (August – September). Atham falls around 10 days before Thiruonam.
During these ten days children and women prepare the floral design called Ona-pookkolam in front of their houses to welcome King Maveli. Today there are Pookalam competitions organized by various organizations.
New clothes, known as Onakodi, are exchanged by family members. Preparation for the grand feast on Onam begins in advance.
On the Tiruvonam day members of the family gather together, usually at the ancestral home, for Onasadya (traditional Onam feast) served on plantain leaves. The significance of the Ona Sadya is established from the popular Malayalam saying “kanam vittum onam unnanam” - Onam feast should be prepared even if one has to sell all the seedlings that are kept to sow for next harvest.
Onam is traditionally a harvest festival and earlier the people of Kerala used to entirely depend on agriculture.
After the Onasadya, women and children engage in folk games, songs and dances like Oonjalattom (soaring high on the swing), Thumbithullal - a traditional folk dance, Kaikottikkali or Thiruvathirakali.
Onam is also time for snake boat races (Vallam Kali) and there are numerous competitions including the famous Aranmula Vallam Kali.
Apart from this there are other traditional rural arts and games like Pulikali, Kummati kali, Ona Thallu etc take place during the period.
Malayalis are today spread around the world and Onam transports each Malayali to their home in Kerala.
Each malayali has sweet memories of Onam and it is dusted out and remembered with a nostalgic smile on every Onam.
Thrikkakara
Appan
It is believed that Vamana had sent Mahabhali to Patalam at Trikkakara. The place where the holy feet (Trikkal) of Vishnu touched came to be known as Trikkalkara. This later became Thrikkakara.
Thrikkakara Appan structure is made using clay or mud and generally it has four faces with a flat top. In some places the structure is in the shape of a cone. Nowadays ready-made Thrikakkarappan structures are available for sale during Onam festival.
While welcoming King Mahabali to the homes, people place Thrikkakara Appan on a bed made of rice flour and is decked with flowers and pujas are performed. It is also placed along with the Athapookalam – the special floral arrangement done during Onam.
Some people believe that the unique shape of Thrikkakara Appan – the four faces – represents the four stages in the life of a man.
Usually, people place three structures which represent the three steps of land asked by Vamana to King Mahabali.
This
is believed to have happened during the Thiruonam nakshatram day in
Malayalam month Chingam and therefore the day is celebrated as Onam.
There are also people who believe that Thiruonam is the birth star or
janma nakshatram of Vishnu and King Bali was therefore allowed to
visit on this day.
There are numerous other
legends also regarding the origin of Onam. There is a belief that
even before Onam became a festival, the day was celebrated in the
Vamana Temple in Thrikakara. It is believed that the Vamana murti was
installed here on this day. Thiruonam also used to mark the end of
month long temple festival here.
Another
belief is that Onam was celebrated during the reign of King Mahabali
and it was a popular festival. After King Mahabali departed from
earth, people chose this day to remember their ruler.
Athapookalam
or Onapookalam is the flower bed or flower arrangements done during
Onam in Kerala. It is a distant cousin of Rangoli in North
India and
Kolam in Tamil Nadu. Traditionally, the making of the Pookalam begins
on the Atham day, ten days before Thiruonam.
Originally, the Pookalam consists of ten small round steps. The ten
steps or rings are believed to represent ten different deities in
Hinduism. There is also a belief that the floral carpet symbolically
represents the fight between Asuras (demons) and Devas (Demi gods).
Each
day of the 10-day
Onam festival used
to be represented on the Pookalam. On the Atham day, there will only
be a single ring, the next day which is Chithira there will be two
rings and finally on the Thiruonam day there will be 10 rings. On the
first day only a single color flower is used, second day two colors
and on the final day 10 different colors of flower is used.
In
some places, each nakshatram of the day used to be marked on the
Pookalam. For example, the Moolam day was represented by giving
prominence to four corners of the Pookalam. Thriketta was represented
by making a protrusion on the circle in the form of a hand.
Symbolically
the ten rings or steps represent the ten deities in the Hindu
pantheon. First step is Ganesha, second is Shiva and Shakti, third is
Shiva, fourth is Brahma, fifth is Pancha Boothangal, sixth is for
Shanmughan or Muruga, seventh step is for Guru, eight1h
step is for ashta digpalakar, ninth is for Indra and tenth is for
Lord Vishnu.
Today,
the tradition is rarely followed and importance is given to design.
People even use Rangoli and artificial colors to make Pookalam.
Onam Sadya
The
preparations for traditional onasadya or onam sadya begin well in
advance. Pickles, ‘sarkara varatti’ and ‘upperi’ (banana
chips) are made in advance. Some items like ingipuli and pachadi the
day before Thiruonam. The number of vegetarian delicacies in an
Onasadya today ranges from five to 12. Earlier it used be between 16
and 24 and in some traditional onam sadya it used be eight varieties
of eight items that is a whopping 64. But nowadays the number of
items is limited and non-vegetarian fare has also entered into the
menu list.
Serving
the onasadya is an art in itself. And eating the onasadya is an even
bigger art. The traditional method of eating helps in digesting such
a huge vegetarian fare.
Onasadya
is served on banana leaves and it is laid on the table or ground and
the narrow part of the leaf should always be on the left side.
Serving
begins from the bottom left half of the leaf. In some areas a pinch
of salt is kept on the leaf but some people avoid it.
- Next Pappadam (In some places later with the parippu curry)
- Then sarkara varatti (jaggery coated banana chips) and upperi (banana chips)
- Next from the top left half of the banana leaf ‘big lime curry’
- then, pickle
- Inchicurry or inchipuli
- Thoran (dry vegetable with coconut)
- Olan
- Avial
- Pachadi
- Kichadi
Now
the plantain leaf is filled with all the side dishes and most people
will have dipped their fingers in some of the delicacies to have a
taste.
- The rice is served at the bottom center of the banana leaf.
- First, parippu curry is served along with ghee.
- Next rice is served with Sambhar.
- Next Kalan or Rasam
- Then comes the most anticipated part the Ada Pradaman (payasam or sweet).
The
right way is to eat it on the banana leaf along with some small lime
pickle. But sadly nowadays most people prefer it in cups.
Most
people stop with the sweet but the traditional onasadya is not over
yet.
- Some people take some more rice along with puliseri or mooru (curry from curd).
Do not miss the next edition - "Purattasi the Sixth month" to be published on 2nd June.
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