#indian festivals

[litsetaure]

So…one of my favourite headcanons is that the Potter family are Indian. (Those of you who’ve read my Grindeldore/Wolfstar dancer fic might recall that Fleamont Potter, James’ father and the UK Prime Minister, is Indian in that. Funnily enough, our real life Prime Minister is a British Indian Hindu who became PM last year. On Diwali. Yeah, that was an…interesting day in the family. Still not entirely sure how I feel about it.)

Anyway - here are some headcanons about James Potter being Indian, some of which are based around how I actually grew up. (Note: there will probably be more as I think of them!):

When Holi comes around, James wakes the others up by pelting them with coloured powder. He does it every year and every year they fall for it. They also pelt everyone with coloured powder throughout the holiday. It took weeks for the paint to be cleaned fully. (Some people suspected Dumbledore deliberately let it stay like that because he liked the colours.)

Sirius got really angry the first time he heard someone call James a Paki. He doesn’t know what it means, but he never wants to see that look on James’ face again. He absolutely lost it when James told him what it meant. (For those of you who don’t know what it means, it’s an incredibly racist slur towards south Asians; along similar lines of using the n-word to a black person. This is also why James gets so angry whenever anyone uses the word Mudblood - because he knows how that shit feels.)

Sirius helps James create magical rangoli patterns during Diwali. They also take over the kitchen for an evening trying to make Indian sweets. The results are mixed-looking, but they all taste good, and the house elves get some great new dishes.

Every time a festival falls on a full moon, they always celebrate a few days after so Remus can join in. (He hugely appreciates the sweets.)

James initially wasn’t thrilled that his Animagus form is a stag, since a deer is the form one of the bad guys took in the Ramayana when he triggered the events that led to Rama’s wife being kidnapped.

When James’ father died, he had a traditional Hindu funeral. Traditionally, the eldest son leads the proceedings, but when James broke down, Sirius stepped in to continue. In that moment, James loved Sirius more than he could put into words.

James also taught the Marauders some Hindi so they could talk privately, as well as some Indian magic.

James, Lily and Sirius actually go to india for their wedding outfits. Lily also has magical mendhi patterns done by James’ aunts and cousins. James also had to gently explain to Lily that wearing white is associated with funerals.

Petunia showed up to James and Lily’s wedding in a white dress to try and upstage the bride. She’s very confused to realise a) Lily is not wearing white, and b) a lot of James’ relatives are looking at her weirdly, because she’s wearing a funeral colour.

At James and Lily’s engagement party, James’ aunties kept trying to set Sirius up with their daughters and teasing him about getting married. They shut up when Sirius snogged Remus in front of everyone. James wasn’t even mad that his engagement was briefly upstaged.

James has a book of Indian tales and legends passed down from his father. He read them to Harry at bedtime. Lily would smile and watch from the doorway. He also taught his friends some classic Indian songs to sing to Harry.

Every year on Raksha Bandhan, James ties a rakhi on Sirius’ wrist and charms them so they’ll never come undone. One night, Sirius noticed the threads of one of them coming loose. That night was October 31st, 1981.

[letsberealsworld]

Colors of Joy: A Vibrant Celebration of Holi

🎨 Dive into the kaleidoscope of colors and joy with our latest blog on Holi – India's festival of love and unity! From mythical tales to vibrant celebrations, discover the magic of Holi with us. #Holi #FestivalOfColors #UnityInDiversity 🌈🎉

The Mythical Prelude: Holika Dahan The eve of Holi, which is known as Holika Dahan, sets the stage for the festivities. Throughout the country, bonfires blaze, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It’s a night of fervor, prayers, and anticipation, marking the beginning of the joyous celebration. Dawn of Colors: The Festival Unfolds With the break of dawn, furthermore, the real magic of…

[oyeevarnika]

नवरात्रि के पांचवें दिन स्कंदमाता की अराधना की जाती है। भगवान शिव और माता पार्वती के पुत्र कार्तिकेय को स्कंद के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। भगवान स्कंद को माता पार्वती ने प्रशिक्षित किया था, इसलिए मां दुर्गा के पांचवें स्वरूप को स्कंदमाता कहते हैं।एक पौराणिक कथा के अनुसार, कहते हैं कि एक तारकासुर नामक राक्षस था। जिसका अंत केवल शिव पुत्र के हाथों की संभव था। तब मां पार्वती ने अपने पुत्र स्कंद (कार्तिकेय) को युद्ध के लिए प्रशिक्षित करने के लिए स्कंद माता का रूप लिया था। स्कंदमाता से युद्ध प्रशिक्षण लेने के बाद भगवान कार्तिकेय ने तारकासुर का अंत किया था।

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

[imperfectorange]

Pongalo Pongal!

Every January, Tamil people celebrate happy harvests with the festival of Pongal. The festival is an expression of gratitude -- to the Sun God ‘Surya’, to Mother Nature, to various farm animals, to the community, and all the forces that helped with a bountiful harvest.

‘Pongu’ is Tamil for ‘to boil over’. The festival shares its name with the dish made during celebrations – Pongal is prepared from freshly harvested rice and sweet jaggery.  As the Pongal finally boils over the edge of the pot, people yell ‘Pongalo Pongal!’, which means ‘may this rice boil over’.

Pongal is celebrated over multiple days: The first, Bhogi, is celebrated on the last day of the Tamil month of Margazhi. Houses are cleaned, old belongings are discarded and bonfires are lit. People wear new clothes. Prayers are offered to the rain gods, thanking them for a good harvest and praying for the same in the upcoming year. The day focuses on discarding the old and welcoming the new.

The second day, Surya Pongal, is the main festival. Celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai, the day centres on the Sun God. Pongal is made on this day, to joyous chants of ‘Pongalo Pongal’ and other traditional songs. The pongal is offered to deities, then farm animals, shared by the community.

On Mattu Pongal, the third day, people thank their cows. Mattu means cow or cattle, and these mighty creatures are worshipped and sources of wealth. Cows are decorated with kumkumam, manjal (turmeric) and their horns are painted. On this day, traditional games like Jallikattu take place.

Kanum Pongal is the last day of the festival. Kaanum, here, means ‘to visit’. The day centres on community. Sakkarai Pongal, or sweet Pongal is prepared and distributed amongst the community. Traditional songs and dances are performed. Food and sweets are offered to the birds, placed on a turmeric leaf left out in the open.

- Charu Hari

[chandana-gururaja-somayaji]

[st-a-y]

Happy diwali<3

[hellosrini]

Nag Panchami

The sweet way of celebrating Nag Panchami festival in south India. Here in south India sister affectionately wipes the eye lids of brother with milk and then with water. Applies vermilion on his forehead and feeds puffed Sorghum. Bother gives gifts or money and takes sister's blessings. The festivity is marking of great victory of lord Shri Krishna over Kalia Vasuki a poison snake in river Yamuna.

[amittribekids]

Featuring traditional embroidery and crafted from cotton lurex stripes fabric, our little boy's short kurta is a versatile piece that effortlessly transitions from Indian festivals to formal events. It's the must-have staple of the season, combining tradition and style with ease.

[corrianderleaf]

Celebrating Life: A Look at Vibrant Indian Culture and Celebrations

Introduction:

Just as vibrant colors decorate an array of Holi, the dynamic lights depict Diwali, each one capturing the beauty of the country’s culture with a colorful kaleidoscope of traditions and norms. Such a multi-stranded cultural heritage, sustained ever since pre-historic times, captivates the spiritual side, the sense of living as a community, and enjoyment of life. Come along with us, through this blog we will reveal the enchanting nature of Indian culture by looking into the peculiar way of living of Indian people which, in turn, makes India worthy of attention.

Food as a celebration: Exploring the diverse and delicious role of cuisine in Indian festivities:

In Indian culture, when it comes to food, it is more than what we eat; it's a multilayer form of creativity of flavors, rituals, and cultural values. And, it is beautiful when expressed it in the form of colors, aromas, and tastes of the food. It's their lingering smells and colors that are a reminder of where a person’s heart lies; celebrations like Holi, Ramzan, and Christmas cuisine generate just but a parallel to the regional colorful Indian tapestry.

During Diwali, a lot of sweet treats like "barfi" and "laddoos" are available in homemade offerings, signifying the wealth and prosperity of the family. Apart from the fact that these sweet delicacies are liked, they are also used by people to exchange them with their friends or family members, and in the process, they build some fervent relationships as well as a sense of community.

Eid ul-Fitr, which is distinguished by the fast termination of the Ramadan month, is a time to have a good time with your family and friends through various types of cuisine. "The Sewaiyan," a vermicelli pudding cooked in milk and topped with dry fruits and nuts, finds its way as a possible show-stopper - representing the joy and foundation of the festival. Distributing this remarkable dish symbolizes pardoning remarks, union, and embedding of prosperity’s blessings.

Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, will mesmerize you with its colorful outlook and tantalizing dishes. "Sadhya", a traditional vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf that was first served by Lord Parashurama, features a selection of more than 25 dishes, each with its distinct savory and symbolic values. This magnificent meal reveals the harvest's excess fruitfulness which is of course gratitude to nature's plentiful.

Among all the elements of celebrating life, food holds a special position not only in the experience but also in the ritual. "Prasad," which is a kind of blessed food offered during religious ceremonies, signifies the holy spirit and is shared amongst devotees, which again develops a feeling of spiritual kinship and a common experience.

The exploration of the culinary spectrum of festivities in India is a fascinating expedition through a mix of tastes, regional delicacies, and ancient traditions. The food becomes a way for people to express the joy that accompanies a celebration, and gratitude to the event and cultural heritage, unifying them and arousing the memories of the past. Read more.https://corrianderleaf.com/indian-culture-and-celebrations/

[bookishmomsstuff]

5 must read books on Indian festivals

As much as I love teaching my kids about culture and tradition, there is nothing like a good old book that can help in making them understand much better. We live in a world where kids well at least some of them would not have access to experience the essence of the festivity’s books can help them understand the reason behind the celebration came into place, how to celebrate, and what…

[guideoflife]

[onlinesikhstore]

Rashifal Horoscope 2024 Jantari Gandhmool Panchak Jyotish Calendar Punjabi MC

Rashifal Horoscope 2024 Jantari Gandhmool Panchak Jyotish Vichar in Punjabi

- in easy to understand language, simple Panjabi

Paperback, Language - Punjabi GUrmukhi

Pages: 176, paperback

Size: approx 17.5cm x 12cm x1cm

Weight approx. 110g

- 2024 Year Jantari - Calendar

- Sangraad

- Pooranmashi

- Massya

- Ekadishi

- Panchak Vichar

- Gandmool Vichar

- Rashifall of All Rashis for whole Year 2023

- Gurpurab and Holidays

We have other Hindu Religious available in stock. Please contact for more information.

If you are looking at donating Hindu/Sikh holy books for temples, schools or on Religious occasions (Jagrats, JanamAshtami or other religious events) then we can offer 51 Nitnem/Chalisa books for just £101 (free delivery in UK), international delivery at very reasonable price. Please message us for more details. Stay blessed & pass the blessings on!

Language: Hindi

Modified Item: No

Country/Region of Manufacture: India

Item: Rashifal 2024

Religion/ Spirituality: Hinduism

Religion: Hinduism

Type: Hindi

https://mynembol.com/product/m6XnQowBU

[thewhimsybookworm]

Durga Puja is here and life feels so good.

[chandana-gururaja-somayaji]

Dasara 2022

[indianetzonecom]

One of the most popular festivals of the Jaintia tribe, the Behdienkhlam festival is celebrated during the monsoonseason in the month of July. It is a 4 days long festival that is mainly held in the small town of Jowai in the state of Meghalaya.

[nationsbenefitsindia]

🎉 NationsBenefits India: Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Celebration! 🐘

The NB Family had a blast during our Ganesh Chaturthi celebration at the office. Our workspace was adorned with eco-friendly decor, and our talented colleagues performed a heartfelt Ganeshji idol pooja. We indulged in delicious treats, and the atmosphere was brimming with unity and joy! 🌟🕺