Yash Patel, Author at The Parklander Magazine - Connecting you to our community

March 15, 2021February 24, 2021

Holi, the Hindu festival of color and love

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals. The festival is a time of joy and excitement, widely known for the use of vibrant colored powders. As with many other Hindu festivals, Holi has some ties to representing the triumph of good over evil.

The origins of Holi is believed to be related to the story of King Hiranyakashipu. The demon king wished for all subjects of his kingdom to pray and worship him rather than God.

His son Prahlad, however, was a devout devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu hated his son for disobeying him and because Lord Vishnu had killed the king’s brother.

Hiranyakashipu persuaded his sister, Holika, who was immune to fire, to enter a raging fire with Prahlad in her lap. However, Holika was unaware that her immunity only worked if she was alone, so she perished.

Prahlad exited the fire untouched, due to his extreme devotion to God. This represents the victory of good over evil once again, and during Holi, bonfires are usually lit to celebrate. Similar ancient stories tell about the use of colors during the festival. Many believe the use of colors comes from Lord Krishna’s pranks on milkmaids, drenching them in colored water, and/ or from Krishna fearing that Radha would not like him for his unique skin color.

The Sanskrit word “Krishna” means “dark” or “black”, although Krishna has universally been depicted as blue. It is believed that Radha allowed Krishna to dye her hair and skin, making them a couple. Therefore, Holi is not only about good over evil but also love.

The festival of Holi is usually celebrated in March, at the start
of spring, and on the day of the full moon. Rituals include Holika Dahan, which is the burning of a Holika effigy in a large bonfire on the eve of Holi to celebrate the death of evil and victory of Prahlad and good, as in devotion to God.

People of all nationalities and religions participate in the celebration of Holi with colored powders and waters. Often people gather in the streets or in large groups and throw water and powder on everyone.

The celebration is supposed to be a time of enjoyment. People also often eat sweets and spend time with their family and dance. Holi is also a time of love, so people are encouraged to mend relationships, pay off debts, and forgive and forget.

Even though the pandemic continues to hinder celebrations and social gatherings, by the time of Holi, we may be able to gather in small groups. If that is the case, Hindus and people around the world will be able to rejoice and celebrate together. If we are still limited in social interaction, the spirit of Holi will still be felt worldwide, and we should spread happiness and love in a time of despair and loneliness.

February 5, 2021January 25, 2021

Hindu Heritage Month

In 2003, the Florida House of Representatives designated February as Hindu Heritage Month to honor the Hindu residents of the state that add to its diversity and help better the state by promoting their cultures and traditions, spreading knowledge and culture. The month was selected more due to the fact that many Hindus worship Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and learning, in February.

The Hindu culture is both diverse and rich as Hinduism dates back to the Indus Valley over 4,000 years ago, making it the oldest religion in the world. Hindu Heritage Month gives people an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the Hindu culture. The South Florida Hindu Temple in Southwest Ranches in conjunction with other organizations holds events for the public to learn about myths and misconceptions about the Hindu culture, but also to experience the rich culture. However, temples are not the only place to learn about Hindu heritage, as there are programs, classes, and monuments everywhere.

In Davie, you can find Mahatma Gandhi Square, which features a seven-foot tall bronze statue of the man who helped gain India’s independence. Not only is he known for helping with independence, but Hindus focus more on how he accomplished the goal through nonviolence. Hindus practice ahimsa, non-violence, which Gandhi exemplified in a time of great conflict and struggle.

Throughout South Florida, many cultural programs can be found as well. Bharatnatyam, the oldest classical dance in India, serves as a way for many Hindus to express their devotion to god and to tell
stories of their culture through a beautiful dance form. Kathak
dances originated in North India and are known for their storytelling through rhythmic foot movements. There are many traditional music and dance programs that are offered to the public through the Broward arts council that offer a way to learn about this rich aspect of Hindu heritage.

Besides giving the community a chance to learn about another religion and culture, Hindu Heritage Month is an opportunity for Hindus to celebrate and appreciate their heritage in a society that is continuing to move away from traditions as popular culture grows in influence. February gives Hindus a chance to strengthen their ties to their heritage and culture. Fully immersing themselves in Hindu traditions and celebrations may help them come to accept themselves and their lifestyle. Normally February holds activities like cultural programs, day of service activities, and a time for reflection and learning. I hope that everyone uses this month to learn and appreciate the lives of others and themselves as this diversity is what makes society better for everyone, giving all the opportunity to learn about the world and everyone that inhabits it.

November 8, 2020October 23, 2020

Diwali

With the arrival of the season of fall comes the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali. Diwali, one of the biggest Hindu celebrations, is a five-day festival that usually occurs in mid-October or mid-November, and it celebrates the victory of good/light over evil/darkness in different forms and has many legends behind its origin. Lord Rama’s return from his 14-year exile after defeating King Ravana, Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura, and Lord Vishnu’s defeat of King Bali. During Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is honored. Diyas and clay lamps are lit inside and outside of homes.

The lighting of Diyas signifi es the destruction through knowledge of all negative qualities, violence, anger, jealousy, greed, and fear; thus celebrating the victory of good over evil. This year, Diwali (the third day) is on November 14. The first day is known as Dhanatrayodashi, and it represents when Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine, brought Ayurveda, the science of medicine, to mankind.

It also marks the day whenGoddess Lakshmi was born from the churning of the ocean. On Dhantrayodashi, people usually buy gold, silver, utensils, and clothes. The second day of Diwali is Naraka Chaturdasi. On this day, Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasura. People often take a holy bath and relax.

The third day of Diwali, often called Diwali itself, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during Lakshmi Puja in the evening. It is also the darkest day of the month, Amavasya, so Diyas are lit and placed outside the home to keep darkness from entering. The fourth day is celebrated for various reasons in different parts of India. For example, in Gujarat, this day is celebrated as the New Year. The fourth day is also known as Annakut, which means “mountain of food.” Large offerings of vegetarian food are given to Lord Krishna for his defeat over Lord Indra. The fifth and final day is called Bhai Duj, and it celebrates a sister’s love for her brother.

During Diwali celebrations, you will find homes lit with Diyas, doorsteps decorated with rangolis to welcome guests with great honor, fireworks to celebrate the new year, and amazing sweets and delicacies to share with friends and families. Most importantly, Hindu families give thanks. Hindu families give thanks for all they have been blessed with and share their blessings with others and the community at large. During Diwali many of our local temples have food drives to share their blessings.

From Hinduism Today

FACT: Believing that the Divine resides in all things, Hindus practice non-injury and hold a deep respect, bordering on reverence, for all living beings. This embracing attitude is reflected in India’s history of welcoming refugees from all cultures and faiths. By following dharma, Hindus eschew violence and terror. Secure in their faith, they interact harmoniously with their neighbors, regardless of religious affiliation.

FICTION: Many people wrongly believe that Hindus, being proud of their religion, may disdain other cultures. In fact, Hindus fully accept the spiritual efficacy of other paths and never proselytize.