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Showing posts from February 26, 2018


Koodalike or Koodukattu – Holi in Southern Districts of Karnataka

Koodalike or Koodukattu is a unique form of Holi observed by Hindu communities who migrated from Goa to the Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts in Karnataka. These Hindu communities shifted to these regions after they were prosecuted by the Portuguese. This is a five-day festival begins on the Dasami or the 10th day of the Shukla Paksha of Phalguna month and ends with the Holi Purnima and festival. The migrated communities form small groups known as Koodalike or Koodukattu, which is headed by a Gurkar. The festival is observed in the place of the Gurkar or at a convenient spot. The festival begins after offering prayers to the Tulsi Plant. A coconut and a lamp lit on it which is touched by all the members of the Koodalike is offered to the Tulsi plant. This is done to have an incident free five-day of festivals. A unique dance is observed during the ritual to music of gong, sticks, cymbals and other musical instruments and it is known as Habbada

Six tips to protect your skin - hair - nail during Holi festival

Here are some important tips to protect your skin, hair, scalp and nails during Holi festival. If not taken proper care the chemical colors can wreak havoc on your skin, scalp, hair and nails. Traditionally, holi was played with natural colors made from herbs, flowers, roots and leaves. They were good for the body. They were beneficial in many ways. But today natural holi colors are replaced with synthetic and chemical colors. Hence it is very important to take care of the body during holi festival. Pre Holi Always use natural holi colours. Use a moisturizer or sunscreen on your face and all those parts that are exposed. Do not leave your hair untied on Holi. Wear thick hairband with a bow or opt for bandana. Use oil or conditioner on your hair before playing Holi. The oil or conditioner will form a thin layer and it will act as a barrier. You can easily remove it with shampoo later. Paint nails with transparent varnish. Keep nails trimmed. If you’re allergic to chemicals, co

Holi Festival Dandia Sari: Special Saree Gifts to Daughters

Dandia is a special sari, or saree, gifted to daughters during the Holi festival. Dandia therefore is an important Holi gift and many Hindu parents make it a point to gift the sari during Holi. Married daughters are invited and are specifically presented with the saree. Dandias are also unique saris and they differ from the normal saris in appearance. In some places, Dandia is only gifted to newly-wed daughters. In other regions, the sari is presented to both married and unmarried daughters. In some places, along with Dandia a normal sari is also gifted. Dandia is a cotton sari with Indian pink edges. The pink color creates an uneven pattern and the sari can be described as a pink and white colored sari. The saree also contains other designs and the part covering the head has ‘kiran’ attached to it. ‘Kiran’ is the gold or silver color borders found on the sari of brides. The pallu also has ‘kiran’ attached to it. Dandia is worn by newly-weds on the day of Holi

Yashoda – Krishna Puja for Having Children

Married couples those who are unable to have children due to various reasons can find relief after offering Yashoda – Krishna Puja at home. Here is brief idea on how to perform the Yashoda – Krishna Puja. How to Perform Yashoda – Krishna Puja at Home? Take bath in the morning and wear yellow color dress. Offer prayers to Ganesha in mind. Perform the puja facing east or northeast. Keep the painting of Yashoda holding little Krishna on a yellow color cloth. Light the lamp using cow ghee – if you have copper lamp use it. Light one wick. Offer red color flowers. Offer gugal dhoop or other fragrant flower agarbhatti. Offer white chandan. Make a Prasad using jaggery, milk and rice. Sprinkle some tulsi leaves on the cooked Prasad and offer it. This should be later shared with family members and children. Chant the mantra ॐ यशोदा - वत्सलाय नमः (Om Yashoda Vatsalaya Namah) 108 times using a chandan mala. Special Offerings to have children Keep a kalash filled wi

Tiruvundiyar – a Shaiva Siddhanta Text

Tiruvundiyar is a Shaiva Siddhanta text. Shaiva Siddhanta is one of the many South Indian schools of Shaivism. There are fourteen Shaiva Siddhanta texts and Tiruvundiyar is the first among them. The author of the text is Tiruviyalur Uyyavanda Devar. The scripture contains the quintessence of Shaiva Siddhanta teachings in 45 verses. The text is composed in a meter known as Kalittal issai. The text is unique and interesting as the author addresses a fly about the basic truths of the philosophy. The author states that all evils, vices, and blemishes fly away on listening to the truth of Shiva. The basic theme of the literary work is that one can only see Shiva through his grace. One has to make one’s heart free of all vices. It has to be purified. Then one can enjoy the unalloyed bliss of Shiva.