വിജയദശമിയോട് അനുബന്ധിച്ച് ശ്രീമയി തിരുവാതിരകളി സംഘത്തിന്റെ സരസ്വതി സ്തുതി

Experience the Joy and Culture of Thiruvathira in Kerala

Thiruvathira is a popular Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Indian state of Kerala. It is primarily a women-centric festival, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January).

Significance:

• Birthday of Lord Shiva: Thiruvathira is believed to be the birthday of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.
• Union of Shiva and Parvati: It is also associated with the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• Death of Kamadeva: Some legends connect it with the death of Kamadeva, the god of love, who was burnt to ashes by Lord Shiva.

Rituals and Celebrations:

• Thiruvathirakali: The most distinctive feature of Thiruvathira is the Thiruvathirakali dance. Women perform this graceful dance in a circle around a traditional lamp, symbolizing the divine presence.

Thiruvathirakali dance

(Kanipayyur Kaikottikali Sangam)

• Fasting: Women observe a partial fast on this day, consuming only certain permitted food items.
• Decorations: Houses are decorated with flowers and traditional motifs.
• Special Dishes: Special dishes like 'Thiruvathira Puzhukku' (a mix of tubers and vegetables) and 'Koova Payasam' (arrowroot porridge) are prepared.

Thiruvathira is a celebration of womanhood, devotion, and the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. It is a time for women to come together, participate in traditional rituals, and strengthen their bonds.

While Thiruvathira is primarily a home-based celebration for women in Kerala, temples, especially Shiva temples, play a significant role in the festivities. Here's how Thiruvathira is related to temples in Kerala:

1. Special Poojas and Rituals:

• On Thiruvathira day, special poojas and rituals are performed in Shiva temples across Kerala. These may include:
• Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity)
• Deeparadhana (waving of lamps)
• Special offerings and prayers

2. Visiting Temples for Blessings:

• Women, especially young and married women, visit Shiva temples on Thiruvathira to offer prayers and seek blessings for a happy married life and the well-being of their families.
• It is considered auspicious to have a darshan (sight) of Lord Shiva on this day.

3. Temple Ponds for Ritual Bathing:

• Some women take a ritual bath in the temple ponds early in the morning as part of the Thiruvathira observances. This is often accompanied by the singing of Thiruvathira songs in praise of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

4. Performance of Thiruvathirakali:

• In some temples, Thiruvathirakali performances may be organized as part of the Thiruvathira celebrations. This provides a public space for women to showcase their traditional dance and devotion.

Prominent Temples:

While Thiruvathira is observed in almost all Shiva temples in Kerala, some prominent ones include:

• Vaidyanath Temple, Vaikom: This ancient Shiva temple is known for its grand Thiruvathira celebrations.
• Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple: Another famous Shiva temple where Thiruvathira is observed with great fervor.
• Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam: This temple also sees special rituals and observances on Thiruvathira.

In essence, while Thiruvathira is centered around homes and women's rituals, Shiva temples provide a crucial spiritual backdrop for the festival. They serve as places of worship, gathering, and celebration, further enhancing the religious and cultural significance of Thiruvathira in Kerala. 

The Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple -an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Kerala

The Kottayam Thirunakkara Utsavam, also known as the Arattu Utsavam, is a grand festival celebrated at the Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple in Kottayam, Kerala, India. It's a vibrant celebration that takes place in the Malayalam month of Meenam, which typically falls in March or April.

The festivities begin with the ‘Kodiyettu’ (flag hoisting ceremony), marking the start of the celebrations. The temple complex transforms into a riot of colors and traditions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.

Here are the key dates for the Kottayam Thirunakkara Utsavam 2024:

• Kodiyettu (flag hoisting): March 14, 2024
• Pooram (festival day): March 20, 2024
• Arattu (concluding ceremony): March 23, 2024

The Arattu, which falls on March 23 this year, is the grand finale of the festival. It features a spectacular procession with decorated elephants, vibrant floats, and performances by drummers and artists.

The Kottayam Thirunakkara Utsavam is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the rich culture and traditions of Kerala.

The Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the heart of Kottayam city, Kerala, India. The temple is one of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala that are considered to be sacred.

The temple is believed to have been built in the 16th century by the Thekkumkur Raja. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala architectural style. The main entrance to the temple is through a gopuram (gateway tower). The gopuram is decorated with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and mythological scenes.

The inner sanctum of the temple houses the idol of Lord Shiva. The idol is made of black stone and is in the form of a lingam. The lingam is surrounded by a yoni (pedestal).

The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Devotees from all over Kerala come to the temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The temple is also a popular tourist destination.

Here are some of the interesting facts about the Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple:

• The temple is one of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala that are considered to be sacred.
• The temple is believed to have been built in the 16th century by the Thekkumkur Raja.
• The temple is built in the traditional Kerala architectural style.
• The main entrance to the temple is through a gopuram (gateway tower).
• The gopuram is decorated with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and mythological scenes.
• The inner sanctum of the temple houses the idol of Lord Shiva.
• The idol is made of black stone and is in the form of a lingam.
• The lingam is surrounded by a yoni (pedestal).
• The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Devotees from all over Kerala come to the temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

The temple is also a popular tourist destination.

 

 

U.A.E Welcomes Ramadan: Discover the Holiness of the Month

Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam, observed by Muslims worldwide. It's the ninth month of

the Islamic lunar calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon. During Ramadan, Muslims believe the Quran, the Islamic holy book, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

This month is a time for spiritual growth, marked by fasting from dawn to sunset for around 30 days. Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity during fasting hours. They focus on prayer, charity, and self-reflection. Many Muslim countries adjust work schedules to allow for more prayer time.

Fasting as a Pillar of Islam

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the core practices of the religion. The Five Pillars include:

• Shahada: Declaring faith in one God.
• Salah: Performing five daily prayers facing Mecca.
• Zakat: Giving charity to the poor.
• Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are able.
• Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan.

Suhoor, Iftar, and Community

Before dawn, Muslims have a pre-fast meal called Suhoor. After sunset, they break their fast with Iftar, traditionally starting with dates. Iftar is often a large meal shared with family and friends, featuring traditional dishes and sweets. Many communities hold gatherings and celebrations during Ramadan.

This holy month fosters a spirit of generosity and togetherness within the Muslim community.

Ramadan 2024 Working Hours in the UAE

Public Sector:

• Working hours will be from 9am to 2:30pm Monday to Thursday.
• On Fridays, hours are from 9am to 12pm.
• Exceptions may apply for critical work.
• Up to 70% of staff in federal government departments can work from home on Fridays.

Private Sector:

• A reduction of 2 working hours per day is mandated.
• Companies can implement flexible or remote work schedules within these limits.

Note: The exact start date of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, but it's expected to begin on March 11th or 12th, 2024.