Just another Day?
Om Namah Shivay! (sigh)
Amidst the Periodic Tests, 23rd February came as a blessing in disguise as everybody got a day more to study for the remaining tests. All thanks to Lord Shiva.
Well, if it has still not clicked, let me remind you that the holiday was on behalf of Maha Shivaratri. How many of us can claim to have celebrated the day as it should be? Or, rather, how many of us even thought of celebrating it?
Now, it becomes my duty to update you all on the origins, beliefs and rituals of the night of the Hindu God of Destruction. Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Lord Shiva, occurs on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna. Shivratri (Sanskrit 'ratri' = night) is the night when he is said to have performed the Tandava Nritya or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.
India’s festivals have celebrated humanity; but now-a-days, they are looked upon as the most-sought breaks from our mundane but hectic routine. Are we avoiding our traditions in the excuse of our work and life?
It is really bad to use ‘You live only once’ as an excuse to throw life away. Yes, indeed, you live only once. So, make the most of your life: celebrate each day as it comes.
Origin of Shivratri:
According to the Puranas, during the great mythical churning of the ocean called Samudra Manthan, a pot of poison emerged from the ocean. The gods and the demons were terrified as it could destroy the entire world. When they ran to Shiva for help, he in order to protect the world, drank the deadly poison but held it in his throat instead of swallowing it. This turned his throat blue, and since then he came to be known as 'Nilkantha', the blue-throated one. Shivratri celebrates this event by which Shiva saved the world.
A Festival Significant for Women :
Shivratri is considered especially auspicious for women. Married women pray for the well being of their husbands and...