hindu deep - hck.or.ke · teej, the friend of goddess parvati took her to the thick forest so that...
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Rakshabandhan Mantra – Mantram to recite while tying
Rakhi
Rakshabandhan mantra or the mantram or sloka to recite
while tying Rakhi is associated with the legend of King
Bali and Goddess Laxmi about Raksha Bandhan. Sisters
recite Rakshabandhan mantra while tying Rakhi on to
brothers hands. Here is the mantra or stotra of Raksha
Bandhanam.
क्षाबन्धन मन्रः येन बद्धो वली राजा दानवेन्रो महाबलः । तने त्वा प्रततबध्नामम रके्ष माचल माचल
Yenabaddho Baleeraja Daanavendro Maha-balaha Thethathwa mabhi badhnami Rakshamachala maachala
Meaning of Rakshabandhan Stotram – “On the request of all the Gods, Vishnu tied up the strong and powerful De-mon King Bali with his strength. I am tying the power of the Vishnu Shakti, in the form of Raksha, on to you hand. With the force and energy of this sacred thread, all the Gods will stand at your side and keep you healthy and wealthy forever.”
MESSAGE FROM OUR NATIONAL TREASURER
Namaskar
Its my pleasure to write this message for this edition of Hindu Deep.
Hindu Council of Kenya has been working for the betterment of
many. Being supportive to many member institutes we are carrying
out work related to Hindu Marriage Certificates and getting the certif-
icates issues in time.
Being the Treasurer for Hindu council my work involves in ensuring
the funds are distributed and used for the right purpose. I am happy
to say that funds raised by the community is being utilized properly
and many have been supported. Thanks to you all for supporting the
same.
This coming year we have 15 directorates to work in various fields.
Please utilize the services of HCK where ever possible we shall try to
help.
On behalf of Hindu Council of Kenya, we appreciate your continued
support as always. We also urge whoever is not receiving our e-mails
etc. or not on our social media platform please inform them to send
their contact details to our e-mail address [email protected] so that we
communicate to you directly such as this news letter or any other
important circulars and information etc.
Our special thanks to our Member Institutions, our Branches, and well
-wishers, please keep on sending your activities report so that we
can accommodate them in our next issue of Hindu Deep.
National Treasurer
Lalji Varsani
A NEWS LETTER FROM HINDU COUNCIL OF KENYA AUGUST 2018 ISSUE
ARTICLES DIRECTORATES ACTIVITIES
HINDU COUNCIL OF KENYA
HINDU DEEP
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Independence Day
Community Representatives on 9th June 2018
Independence Day in India
India celebrates Independence Day on August 15 each year. India became an independent na-tion on August 15, 1947, so a gazetted holiday is held annually to remember this date.
India's Independence Day is celebrated nationwide on August 15.©iStockphoto.com/Anantha Vardhan
What Do People Do? Independence Day is a day when people in India pay homage to their leaders and those who fought for India's freedom in the past. The period leading up to Independence Day is a time when major government buildings are illuminated with strings of lights and the tricolor flutters from homes and other build-ings. Broadcast, print and online media may have special con-tests, programs, and articles to promote the day. Movies about India's freedom fighters are also shown on television.
The president delivers the '"Address to the Nation" on the eve of Independence Day. India's prime minister unfurls India's flag and holds a speech at the Red Fort in Old Dehli. Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs are held in the state capitals and often involve many schools and organiza-tions.
Many people spend the day with family members or close friends. They may eat a picnic in a park or private garden, go to a film or eat lunch or dinner at home or in a restaurant. Other people go kite flying or sing or listen to patriotic songs.
Public Life Independence Day is a gazetted holiday in India on August 15 each year. National, state and local government offices, post offices and banks are closed on this day. Stores and other businesses and organizations may be closed or have reduced opening hours.
Public transport is usually unaffected as many locals travel for celebrations but there may be heavy traffic and increased se-curity in areas where there are celebrations. Independence Day flag raising ceremonies may cause some disruption to traffic, particularly in Dehli and capital cities in India's states.
Background The struggle for India's Independence began in 1857 with the Sepoy Mutiny in Meerut. Later, in the 20th century, the Indian National Congress and other political organizations, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, launched a countrywide inde-pendence movement. Colonial powers were transferred to India on August 15, 1947.
The Constituent Assembly, to who power was to be trans-ferred, met to celebrate India's independence at 11pm on Au-gust 14, 1947. India gained its liberty and became a free coun-try at midnight between August 14 and August 15, 1947. It was then that the free India's first prime minister Pandit Ja-waharlal Nehru gave his famous "Tryst with Destiny" speech. People across India are reminded of the meaning of this event - that it marked the start of a new era of deliverance from the British colonialism that took place in India for more than 200 years.
Symbols The sport of kite flying symbolizes Independence Day. The skies are dotted with countless kites flown from rooftops and fields to symbolize India's free spirit of India. Kites of various styles, sizes and shades, including the tricolor are available in the marketplaces. The Red Fort in Dehli is also an important Independence Day symbol in India as it is where Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru unveiled India's flag on August 15, 1947.
India's national flag is a horizontal tricolor of deep saffron
(kesaria) at the top, white in the middle and dark green at the
bottom in equal proportion. The ratio of the flag's width to its
length is two to three. A navy-blue wheel in the center of the
white band represents the chakra. Its design is that of the
wheel which appears on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital
of Ashoka. Its diameter approximates to the white band's
width and it has 24 spokes.
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HCK BRANCHES– MOMBASA
Community Representatives on 9th June 2018
HCK MOMBASA BRANCH CELEBRATED INTER-
NATIONAL YOGA DAY AND LOT OF
PARTICIPANTS ATTENDED.
HCK TEAM PARTICIPATED DURING JAGANATH RATH
YATRA CELEBRATIONS IN MOMBASA
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Varalakshmi
Community Representatives on 9th June 2018
Varalakshmi Havan- Promises Wealth and
High Rewards
August 24, 2018
Varalakshmi Vratham: Im-mense Blessings Are Sure To Come Your Way
Varalakshmi Vratham is an important ritual fol-lowed by women, especially married. The god-dess grants ‘varam’ or boons to her devotees who fast (vratham) on this day, 24th August, 2018.
This popular festival is celebrated on the Friday before the full moon in the Tamil month of Aadi, Hindi month of Sawan and English mid July to mid August. Venerating the most popular God-dess Maha Lakshmi on this day means blessings are sure to come your way manifold because it is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalakshmis for the wealth, nature’s bounty, learning, love, fame, progeny, pleasure, strength, success etc.
The splendour and significance of this grand fast-ing is narrated by Lord Shiva in the Skanda Pura-na and Vedicfolks is performing Varalakshmi Homam on the day.
Benefits of Varalakshmi Homam on Varalakshmi Vratham day
Bestows - Dhan (wealth), Dhanyam (food grains), Arogyam (health), Sampath (property), Sathsanthanam (virtuous offspring) and
Dheerga saumangalyam (long life of husband)
And also - Imparts one with all sorts of wealth
Provides relief from poverty and debts
Showers one with healthy progeny
Guards against evil powers Helps achieve success Gives immense knowledge, wisdom
Health disorders are addressed Blesses one with patience and courage
Goddess Varalakshmi - The ‘Boon Giver’, Grants Wealth and Riches
Varalakshmi Homam on Varalakshmi Vratham day is propitious to invoke the blessings of the goddess who gives us all that we want. She fulfils the desires of her devotees and generously en-dows everyone with material wealth, good har-vest, power and strength, off springs, prosperity, victory, comfort and luxury, success and good fortune. Her role is that of a mother who keeps her followers free of worries and provides them with abundance of everything.
Dhanalakshmi Puja— Fulfils All Desires
Varalakshmi homam begins with the Haridra Ga-napathy puja followed by Dhanalakshmi puja and get the benefit of abundance in their homes. By this, all your desires are fulfilled and peace, wealth and prosperity reign supreme.
Sri Sukhta Homam - Removes Sufferings and Grants Wealth
This is a very powerful yagya performed for at-tracting wealth and prosperity. It is a boon for those facing financial crunches and greatly seek-ing wealth. The almighty divine mother is pleased when the Sri Suktham is recited. It is a glorious prayer dedicated to Yagya Narayana who is none other than Lord Vishnu. The verses adulate the beauty, radiance, and glory of all forms of Maha Lakshmi. She is greatly satisfied with this divine chanting and homam and showers her blessings upon her devotees. It is also a means to remove sufferings and problems in one’s life.
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AYURVEDA
Community Representatives on 9th June 2018
Ayurveda is the ancient science yet very mod-
ern. Ancient wisdom of health and healing.
Ayur means life while Veda means knowledge,
hence it is the science of life.
In ayurveda, health is much more than absence
of disease. It is a dynamic integration of body,
mind, spirit and environment. Herbal medica-
tions offer gentle approach to enhance this in-
tegration and correct the subtle imbalances in
our body.
Ayurveda is the art of living daily in harmony
with the laws of nature. It is a holistic system
of healing. Our Aahaar (Diet), Achaar
(Actions) and Vichaar (Thoughts) all affect our
health and well being.
Ayurveda does not support herbal allopathy in
which one particular herb is used to relieve one
particular symptom for all. Without knowing
the cause of the underlying imbalance. Herbs
are used as a part of a complete plan for the
mind and body balance.
We should be consciously be aware of our diet,
time of meal intake, types of meal intake, life-
style discipline, spiritual (Prayers), exercise
(Yoga) to maintain a healthy meals and a happy
life.
Every lifestyle change starts with baby steps,
here are a few tips to begin with:
Maintain a vegetarian diet
Avoid combining different grains in one meal.
Avoid fried foods.
Avoid eating yogurt with pulses.
Milk and cereals should be avoided to be taken together.
Carbohydrates and tomato should be avoid-ed to be consumed together.
Go for a walk everyday.
Do regular panchakarma or detox.
Eat only when hungry
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HARTALIKA TEEJ
Community Representatives on 9th June 2018
2018HartalikaTeej
Hartalika Teej Vrat is observed during Shukla Paksha Tritiya of Bhadrapada month. On this day, makeshift statues of Lord Shiva and God-dess Parvati are made with the sand and wor-
shipped for marital bliss and progeny.
Hartalika Teej is known by this name due to the legend associated with it. Hartalika word is
combination of "Harat" and "Aalika" which means "abduction" and "female friend" re-
spectively. According to the legend of Hartalika Teej, the friend of Goddess Parvati took her to the thick forest so that her father can't marry
her to Lord Vishnu against her wish.
The morning time is considered good to per-form Hartalika Puja. If morning Puja is not pos-sible due to some reason then Pradosh time is also considered good to perform Shiva-Parvati Puja. Teej Puja should be done after taking ear-
ly bath and getting dressed up with fine clothes. Sand made Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati should be worshipped and legend of Hartalika should be narrated during the Puja.
Hartalika Vrat is known as Gowri Habba in Kar-nataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and it is a significant festival to get blessing of God-dess Gowri. On the day of Gowri Habba wom-
en observe Swarna Gowri Vratha to seek bless-ings of Goddess Gowri for happy married life.
Teej festivity is observed with much fanfare by women in North Indian states, especially in Ra-
jasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Three famous Teej(s) which are celebrat-ed by women during Sawan and Bhadrapada
months are -
1. Hariyali Teej 2. Kajari Teej
3. Hartalika Teej
Other Teej festivals like Akha Teej which is also known as Akshaya Tritiya and Gangaur Tritiya
are not part of above three Teej(s).
Haritalika Teej is celebrated during Shukla Paksha Tritiya of Bhadrapada month. Haritalika Teej comes one month after Hariyali Teej and most of the time celebrated one day before
Ganesh Chaturthi. During Haritalika Teej women worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Par-
vati which are made of clay.
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Raksha Bandhan
Community Representatives on 9th June 2018
RAKSHABANDHAN-26-AUG-2018 Rakhi: its meaning and significance Raksha Bandhan is a popular festival celebrated across the country. Irrespective of caste and creed people from all walks of life participate in this festival. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month Shravana (Shravana Poornima) which also coincides with Upa-karma (changing the sacred thread for the brahmins, Avani Avittom in South India).
The festival is also called as Rakhi Poornima, Nariyal Poornima and Kajari Poornima in different states and is celebrated differently.
How to celebrate Raksha Bandhan?
On the occasion of this festival sisters generally apply tilak to the forehead of their brothers, tie the sacred thread called Rakhi to the wrist of their brothers and do arati and pray for their good health & long life. This thread, which represents love and sublime sentiments, is called the ‘Raksha Bandhan’ means ‘a bond of protection’. The brother in re-turn offers a gift to his sister and vows to look after her. Before tying a Rakhi on their brothers hand the sisters first tie a Rakhi on the Tulasi plant and the another Rakhi on the peepal tree asking for the protection of nature – Vriksha Raksha Bandhan.
Significance
The concept of Raksha Bandhan is mainly that of protec-tion. Commonly we find people going to the priests in tem-ples and getting a sacred thread tied to their hands. We find this in the temple of Kala Bhairava at Varanasi where peo-ple get a black thread tied to their wrist. Similarly at Sri Vaishnodevi Temple in Jammu, we find people tying red band to their forehead after worshipping the Goddess.
In Hindu religious functions we observe the preist tying a thread to the wrist of person/s performing the ritual before its commencement. It is believed and said that even Ya-gnopaveetam (sacred thread across the chest) acts as a Raksha (protection) to the wearer if one maintains its sanc-tity.
In the concept of Marriage, Mangala Sutra (tied around the neck of the bride) and Kankana Bandhana (a thread tied to the wrist of the bride and groom by each other) also has a
similar inner significance.
The tying of a Rakhi is not confined to a brother and sister. It could also be tied by a wife to her husband, or by a disci-ple to the Guru. This bond does not have to be between blood relatives – a girl might adopt a boy as her brother through the tying of a Rakhi. This ritual not only strength-ens the bond of love, but also transcends the boundaries of the family. When a Rakhi is tied on the wrists of close friends and neighbors, it underscores the need for a harmo-nious social life. This helps to broaden ones’ vision beyond the borders of ones own family to the entire earth (vasudha) as one family – Vasudhaiva kutumbakam.
According to Indian religous lore, Lord Siva is considered as the Father and Goddess Parvati as the Mother. The devo-tees of the Lord are my relatives, and I belong to all the three worlds.
mata cha parvati devi pita devo mahaeswara baandhavah siva bhakthascha swadesho bhuvana-trayam
माता च पार्वती देर्ी पपता देर्ो महेश्र्रः बान्धर्ाश ् शशर् भक्ताश्च स्र्देशो भुर्नत्र्यम ्Mythological references
Indra – Sachi Devi : As per Bhavishya Purana, Indra the King of Devas was advised by Deva Guru Brihaspati to wear a Rakhi as a protection against enemies (Demons) when he was facing defeat at the hands of Vritra Asura. Ac-cordingly Sachi Devi (consort of Indra) tied a Rakhi to In-dra.
According to one mythological allusion, Rakhi was intend-ed to be the worship of the sea-god Varuna. Hence, offer-ings of coconut to Varuna, ceremonial bathing and fairs at waterfronts accompany this festival. Usually fishermen of-fer coconut and rakhi to the Sea God Varuna – this festival is known as Nariyal Poornima.
Historical References
It is said that when Alexander was defeated at the hands of the great Hindu King Purushottam of Punjab, Alexander’s wife tied a Rakhi to Purushottam to protect her husband from being slain.
During the days of Emperor Humayun, it is believed that Rani Karnavati (Queen of Chittor) had sent a Rakhi to em-peror Humayun in order to get protection from Bahadur Shah who was invading her kingdom. Inspite of being of a different religion, he rushed to her help.
The Message of Rakhi
Raksha Bandhan symbolizes the unmatched bond of love, care and respect. But in a broader perspective the festival of Rakhi (Raksha Bandhan) conveys an intrinsic message of universal brotherhood and sisterhood. Thus the festival of Rakhi conveys a message that has socio spiritual signifi-cance underscoring the need for nurturing of positive quali-ties, purity in thought, word and deed.
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HCK ACTIVITIES
Children Sports Quiz 2018
RAJASTAN ASSOCIATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH HCK ORGANISED PROGRAM ON NUTRITION AND SKIN CARE.AROUND 70 PLUS
PARTICIPANTS TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE TALK BY EMINENT NUTRIONIST AND SKIN CARE EXPERTS FROM VLCC
HCK CONDUCTED COMPUTER COURSE FOR 8 WEEKS , PARTICIPANTS
TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE COURSE AND LEARNT BASIC COMPUTER
AND ITS APPLICATIONS.
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HCK ACTIVITIES
Children Sports Quiz 2018
"
HCK ORGANISED MEGA LAISION MEET WITH ALL MEMBER
INSTITUES AND HCK BRANCHES. THE EVENT WAS ATTENDED
BY MORE THAN 150 PEOPLE. THE AGENDA INCLUDED VARI-
OUS HCK DIRECTORATE ACTIVITIES AND HOW MEMBER IN-
STITUTES CAN INTERACT WITH VARIOUS COMMUNITIES.
HCK members and HCK Mt Kenya Region members joined Relief & Welfare for the donation at Ruiru Rehab Centre for children
HCK TEAM AT KENYA INDIA FRIENDSHIP MEET
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HCK ACTIVITIES
HCK TEAM HAD A LAISION MEETING WITH NON HINDU ORGANIZATIONS AND THE MEETING WAS VERY CONSTRUTIVE
KENYA BENGALEES VISIT PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SOLAI
On Sunday, 10th June, members of the Kenya Bengalee Cultural & Welfare Society (KBCWS) travelled 250 km to visit Nyakinyua Primary School
at Solai.
This school was at the heart of the recent Solai tragedy where fourteen of their students lost their lives and the boundary wall was swept away by the raging water. Many children of the school lost their parents and other family members.
KBCWS Welfare Committee members distributed School uniforms including sweaters, Books, Pens, writing stationery for 220 primary students.
Kenya Bengalees also distributed blankets, clothes and essential relief materials to a large section of the 500 odd people who had gathered in
the school. Food packets were distributed to 300 odd children.
The scale of the tragedy spurned KBCWS to seek donations from its members, other institutions and well placed Indian diaspora in Kenya to
hold a Welfare Activity of this scale. We thank all those who donated for this noble cause and to the local representatives for giving us the op-
portunity to do so. This would not have been possible without your help and support. The heart rendering scenes at the school, the smiles on
the faces of the children, the happiness writ all over on the parent’s faces made our day.
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HCK ACTIVITIES
Children Sports Quiz 2018
HCK WOMENS WING ORGANISED WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PRO-
GRAM WHICH WAS WELL ATTENDED BY LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE.
THE PROGRAM SAW EMINENT PERSONALITIES FROM VARIOUS BACK-
GROUND COME TOGETHER.THE PROGRAM WAS A GREAT SUCCESS.
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HCK ACTIVITIES
Children Sports Quiz 2018
Hindu Council of Kenya, Directorate of Business & Professional
team organized a seminar on Kenya Budget 2018. The speaker
Mr Asif Kassam from RSM the renowned Tax Expert and
Advisor. The program was well attended.
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HCK DIRECTORATE—WOMENS WING
A LESSON FROM A FROG TALE
A group of frogs were hopping contentedly
through the woods, going about their froggy busi-
ness,
when two of them fell into a deep pit. All of the
other frogs gathered around the pit to see what
could be done to help their companions. When
they saw how deep the pit was, the rest of the
dismayed group agreed that it was hopeless and
told the two frogs in the pit that they should
prepare themselves for their fate, because they
were as good as dead.
Unwilling to accept this terrible fate, the two
frogs began to jump with all of their might. Some
of the frogs shouted into the pit that it was hope-
less, and that the two frogs wouldn’t be in that
situation if they had been more careful, more
obedient to the froggy rules, and more responsi-
ble.
The other frogs continued sorrowfully shouting
that they should save their energy and give up,
since they were already as good as dead. The two
frogs continued jumping as hard as they could,
and after several hours of desperate effort were
quite weary.
Finally, one of the frogs took heed to the calls of
his fellows. Spent and disheartened, he quietly
resolved himself to his fate, lay down at the bot-
tom of the pit, and died as the others looked on in
helpless grief. The other frog continued to jump
with every ounce of energy he had, although his
body was wracked with pain and he was com-
pletely exhausted.
His companions began a new, yelling for him to
accept his fate, stop the pain and just die.
The weary frog jumped harder and harder and -
wonder of wonders! Finally leapt so high that he
sprang from the pit. Amazed, the other frogs cele-
brated his
miraculous freedom and then gathering around
him asked,
“Why did you continue jumping when we told
you it was
impossible?” Reading their lips, the astonished
frog explained to them that he was deaf, and that
when he saw their gestures and shouting, he
thought they were cheering him on. What he had
perceived as encouragement inspired him to try
harder and to succeed against all odds.
This simple story contains a powerful lesson.
Your encouraging words can lift someone up and
help
him or her make it through the day. Your de-
structive words can cause deep wounds; they may
be
the weapons that destroy someone’s desire to
continue trying - or even their life. Your destruc-
tive,
careless word can diminish someone in the eyes
of others, destroy their influence and have a last-
ing
impact on the way others respond to them
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Dear Readers
The Hindu Council Management committee and Trustees would like to thank you all for support during the year 2017-18. .
In this edition we have tried to capture activities of various directorates. HCK organized a mega laision meeting with all member institutions and all directorates shared the vision and planned activites for the year . We have captured some of the activities of HCK Branches .
We have included upcoming events during the coming month. Shraavana month being aus-tipious lot of religious festival activities are going to be held by various associations.. We also would like to give us suggestions to improve and also your contributions. If you wish to contribute any article please send it to [email protected].
With Best Regards
Nagaraj Rao
Director and Editor for Hindudeep
Editorial team
Nagaraj Rao
Ravi Kaul
Yatin Joshi
Kalpana Kumar
Divya Haria
TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE PLEASE CONTACT:
Hindu Council of Kenya, Kusi Lane, Off 3rd Parklands Avenue Nairobi
+254 733 809 214 | +254 722 793 920
[email protected] | www.hck.or.ke
FROM THE EDITORS DESK