Labh Pancham (By Dinesh Shah)

To day is Labh Pancham (Fifth day of the first Lunar Month of the New Year) . What is its importance ? Dinesh Shah gives a brief information on it in the photo below.

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Diwali Greetings from Haresh Shah & Family

HARESH SHAH & FAMILY

WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

A VERY HAPPY DIWALI

AND

A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Chopda Pujan

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Happy Diwali

Diwali - A Jain View Point

Diwali has a very special significance in Jainism, just like Buddha Purnima, the date of Buddha's Nirvana, is for Buddhists as Christmas is for Christians. Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, attained Nirvana or Moksha on this day at Pavapuri on Oct. 15, 527 BC, on Chaturdashi of Kartika, as Tilyapannatti of Yativrashaba from the sixth century states:

Mahavira is responsible for establishing the Dharma followed by Jains even today. According to tradition, the chief disciple of Mahavira, Ganadhara Gautam Swami also attained complete knowledge (Kevalgyana) on this day, thus making Diwali one of the most important Jain festivals.

Mahavira attained his nirvana at the dawn of the amavasya (new moon). According to the Kalpasutra by Acharya Bhadrabahu, 3rd century BC, many gods were present there, illuminating the darkness[8]. The following night was pitch black without the light of the gods or the moon. To symbolically keep the light of their master's knowledge alive:

16 Gana-kings, 9 Malla and 9 Lichchhavi, of Kasi and Kosal, illuminated their doors. They said: "Since the light of knowledge is gone, we will make light of ordinary matter" ("गये से भवुज्जोये, दव्वुज्जोयं करिस्समो").

Dipavali was first mentioned in Jain books as the date of the nirvana of Mahavira. In fact, the oldest reference to Diwali is a related word, dipalikaya, which occurs in Harivamsha-Purana, written by Acharya Jinasena [9] and composed in the Shaka Samvat era in the year 705.

ततस्तुः लोकः प्रतिवर्षमादरत् प्रसिद्धदीपलिकयात्र भारते |
समुद्यतः पूजयितुं जिनेश्वरं जिनेन्द्र-निर्वाण विभूति-भक्तिभाक् |२० |

tatastuh lokah prativarsham-araat ako
prasiddha-deepalikaya-aatra bharate
samudyatah poojayitum jineshvaram
jinendra-nirvana vibhuti-bhaktibhak

Translation: The gods illuminated Pavanagari by lamps to mark the occasion. Since that time, the people of Bharat celebrate the famous festival of "Dipalika" to worship the Jinendra (i.e. Lord Mahavira) on the occasion of his nirvana.

Dipalikaya roughly translates as "light leaving the body". Dipalika, which can be roughly translated as "splenderous light of lamps", is used interchangeably with the word "Diwali".

The way Jains celebrate Diwali is different in many respects. There is a note of asceticism in whatever the Jains do, and the celebration of Diwali is not an exception. The Jains celebrate Diwali during the month of Kartik for three days. During this period, among the Shvetambaras, devoted Jains observe fasting and chant the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, which contain the final pravachans of Lord Mahavira, and meditate upon him. Some Jains visit Pavapuri in Bihar where he attained Nirvan. In may temples special laddus are offered particularly on this day.

Vira Nirvana Samvat: The Jain year starts with Pratipada following Diwali. Vira Nirvana Samvat 2536 starts with Diwali 2009. The Jain businesspeople traditionally started their accounting year from Diwali. The relationship between the Vir and Shaka era is given in Titthogali Painnaya and Dhavalaa by Acharya Virasena:

पंच य मासा पंच य वास छच्चेव होन्ति वाससया|
परिणिव्वुअस्स अरिहितो तो उप्पन्नो सगो राया||

Thus the Nirvana occurred 605 years and 5 months before the Saka era.

On 21 October 1974 the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsava was celebrated by all the Jain throughout India[1].

Dhanteras

Dhanteras is the first day of the five-day Diwali Festival. Dhanteras Festival, also known as "Dhantrayodashi" or "Dhanwantari Triodasi", falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin (October/November).

In the word Dhanteras, "Dhan" stands for wealth. On Dhanteras, the "Owl" form of the Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. Dhanteras holds special significance for the business community due to customary purchases of precious metals on this day

Legends

A very interesting story about Dhanteras Festival says that once the sixteen year old son of King Hima was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. On that particular fourth day of his marriage his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and lots of silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband's boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs.

When Yama, the god of Death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince's chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat there whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yam, the god of Death.

According to another popular legend, when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit or nectar, Dhanavantri (the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras.

Preparations

To mark the auspicious day, houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.

Traditions

On Dhanteras Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils. It is believed that new “Dhan” or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. "Laxmi-Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny Diyas of clay are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are also sung.

Celebrations

Dhanteras is celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm. "Lakshmi-Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. Bhajans - devotional songs - in praise of Goddess Laxmi are sung and "Naivedya" of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess. There is a peculiar custom in Maharashtra to lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as Naivedya.

In villages, cattle are adorned and worshiped by farmers as they form the main source of their income. In south India, cows are offered particularly special veneration because they are thought of as incarnations of the Goddess Lakshmi.

Diwali Festival Details

Diwali in Gujarat is celebrated From aaso vad Agyaras (11th day from full/no moon) to dev Diwali people lit the diyas (now uses lamp series also) to decorate the house, which protects them from evil spirits as believed.

Agyaras: (Aso vad 11)

Gujaratis begin their Diwali celebrations before Dhan Teras, on the 11th day of aaso. The day is devoted to preparing the choicest snacks and dry fruits, to wish new year to relatives & neighbours.

Vagh Baras: (Aso vad 12)

This is also known as Govatsa dwadashi and Guru Dwadashi. On this day the cow and calf are worshipped. Vagh here refers to repaying one's financial debts. Therefore people clear their account ledgers (khata) today and do not enter into new transactions, using new ledgers until after Labh Pancham. Vagh baras is also celebrated in a unique fashion in some Dhodia villages where, men colour themselves in stripes representing the Vagh and others as plain white or other colours denoting cattle. The tiger chases the cattle. Finally at the end of the sport the village inhabitants eat food together at a common place and celebrate.

Dhanteras: (Aso vad 13)

Most community worship the goddess of wealth called "LAXMI" by performing puja. Material wealth in the form of gold jewelry & money (or old coins/Diamonds) often represent wealth in these worship ceremonies. Gujaratis believe money spent on this day will bring prosperity to their family and home during the coming year.

Kali Chaudash: (Aso vad 14)

Kali means black or mahakali (goddess who wins over black magic). Chaudash means 14. So the natives prepare Vada to Hanumanji and get protection from ghosts & evils spirits. Tantrics go to the crematorium (called samshan in Hindi) to get powerful results.

Diwali: (30th day of aaso)

Aaso Amas

(15th day from full moon day when moon disappears). Celebrated as other parts in India but diwali is the last day of year people go to temple & thank for the delighted last year. Wish Happy Diwali to neighbours & relatives via card (recently SMS/email/calls). The whole day is considered as the last day for prepatation of coming new year. Expensive heavy fireworks during full night. Some native does special puja(worship) of goddess of Wealth Laxmi.House is decorated with diyas specially open space opposite to front door. Rangoli is prepared around diyas.

Bestu Varas (Hindu New year) Kartak sud Ekam(1),

* It is referred at the Hindu new year according to the Indian calendar based on lunar cycles, and 'Kartak' is the first month in this new year while 'Ekam' refers to first day
* People greet each other on this day by uttering, Saal Mubaarak this is an Urdu saying but is said commonly by Gujarati people (Hindi/Gujarati/ Urdu),'nutanvarsh abhinandan'(Sanskrit/ Gujarati) "shub varsh",Happy new year.

The day starts with the heavy fire works, to welcome New Year, in the early morning as Hindu believes morning starts at 4am. The local young boys sells raw salt (collected from Salt evaporation pond) calling it "sabras"means all taste, to make the natives new year prosperous. House is decorated with the aaso palav & marigolds(galgota)/s festoons (toran) & rangoli beside front door. Home made snacks are offered to the guests & neighbors who comes to wish the new year.

* Bali pujan on this day. Lord Vaman asked king Bali for 3 strides of land (ref. Devpodhi Ekadashi for details). King Bali pleased the Lord by offering everything. In remembrance of his devotion, Vamanji gave a boon that this auspicious day will be famed as 'Balipratipadaa' (Skand Puran 24/10).

Bhai Bij (Kartak sud Bij(2))

Kartak sud Bij(2), is the time where in the bond of love between a brother and sister is further strengthened as sister invites brother at her home for dinner/lunch asks God for her brother/s long and successful life while she receives presents from her beloved brother's.

Labh Pacham

Kartak sud pacham(5), the shop owners & most businessmen start their business for the year, which they had closed since diwali. They start new account ledgers(Khatu) by writing "Shubh" means Auspicious, on left & "Labh" means Profit, on right & Sathiya on center, on 1st page. People also go for shopping which is said to be profitable & lucky for whole year.

Dev Diwali

Kartak sud Purnima(full moon day), 15th day of kartak, the belief is that, after leaving king Bali, the lord rejoined on this day. The Gods celebrated his arrival in jubilation. Locals also celebrate the day with the fire works in the morning & wishes all the relatives/neighbours new year wishes whom they could not wished during new year, as it is considered the last day to greet new year.

Dasera

Durga- Katha

‘Durga’, the name literally means fortress. And so is the belief amongst her devotees that Maa Durga would stand as a fortress and guard them against all trials and tribulations. Durga Puja, celebrated through most parts of India, has various names. What is unique about this particular festival is that the entire nation celebrates it together unlike other state specific festivals.While it is known as Durga Puja in Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and other northeastern states, it is Navratri in Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala; and Bommai Kolu in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
A little known fact is that Durga Puja, which generally falls anywhere between September to October, actually has its roots somewhere in March-April.
According to legend, there was a king in Bengal, called Sharad Rajah, a staunch Durga devotee, who changed the period of Durga Puja from April to October. After him came Rama, who, before declaring war on Ravana, had performed this puja sometime during this period and made it popular throughout the nation. Sharad Rajah was forgotten and the story of Rama is being followed till date. Since this period was an untimely awakening of the deity, Durga Puja is also called as Akal Bodhan. From Sharad Rajah, the festival got the name of
Sharadiya Pujo, although those who do not know the story might say sharad means autumn and since the festival is celebrated in autumn, hence the name.
As per another legend, a demon called Mahishasur, had been creating a lot of trouble for everyone in the Trilokas. Since he had received a boon from Brahma that no man can kill him, all the Gods who tried to fight him were defeated. Angered by this, the Gods came together and a divine light emitted from all their bodies came together to form Durga. She went to war with Mahishasur, which lasted for ten days ending on Bijoya Dashami which literally means victorious tenth day. This particular scene has been immortalised in the form of her idol, ever since Durga Puja celebrations came into being. Incidentally, when Rama defeated Ravana, it was the tenth day of war as well. Hence, the last day emphasises on good winning over evil.
The puja has six significant days — the Mahalaya, Shashti, Maha Shaptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Bijoya Dashami.
Before the Mahalaya, it is a period of shradh which is said to be inauspicious because as per the scriptures Yama —the God of Death, releases all the spirits to come and stay on earth for a 16 day lunar cycle called Pitripokkho or fortnight of the ancestors. Most people perform puja in the memory of their dead relatives during this period. Mahalaya depicts the end of this bad period, after which starts the auspicious Devipokkho or fortnight of the Goddess. It is believed that during this period she comes visiting her parents and then on Bijoya Dashami she returns to her husband Shiva’s abode.
Durga Puja has always been an integral part of the Hindu culture. It was traditionally followed by almost all families. However, the origin of public celebrations as we see today, can be traced back to the 16th century. With the advent of the Mughals, Durga Puja became more of a status symbol. Grand celebrations, gala feasts and huge fanfare was part of the very first public Sharadiya Durgotsab festivals organised by Raja Kangshanarayan of Taherpur and Bhabananda Mazumdar of Nadiya in 1606. In 1757, Raja Nabakrishna Deb held a grand scale puja in Kolkata in honour of Lord Clive, who wanted to thank the deity for his victory in the battle of Plassey.
Opulence and extravagance became an inseparable part of the powerful and rich Bengalis. However, there were people who celebrated Durga Puja in their household in a traditional manner, which was characterised by much more devotion and sentiments attached to the festival than the mere ostentation of the rich and more prosperous people. But this school of thought is slowly being overshadowed by the commercialisation and the traditional Durga Puja seems to be losing its essence.

Rude Garbe Rame Chhe Devi Ambika Re Lol

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Kesario Rang Tane Lagyo olya Garba

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Navratri

Shri Dinesh Shah has sent 2 photos on the eve of Navratri.

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