Sunday, October 26, 2014

Darkness

October 21, 2014

The Darkness


As I was observing the sky around 7:30ish, all I see was a dark, plain, black sky. There was no moon, no stars, I didn't even see any planes fly by, which was shocking because I usually see at least 2 to 3 planes. It was quite. I heard few birds chapping, it sounded like a crow though. It had this thin, squeaky voice.Beside those crows I didn't hear anything.



But I knew this day was coming...
Indians (Hindus) we, celebrate our new year this week (Diwali) It's one of the biggest festival in India. And we have different rituals for each days. It started from the 19th October- 25 October. It's one of those exciting days of the week. We celebrate it with lot of  fun, colors, food, decorations, dances, and prayers. I did this art with color sand. It's just one part of our new year.
My Art (Rangloli)
Girls: Me (Hetva), Shagun (my best friend), Krupa, Ankita, Manali, Mansi
Boys: Yash, Nirmit
New Year Night
(Diwali)


Diwali Performance 1

Diwali Performance 2 Part 1

Diwali Performance 2 Part 2 
My Diwali Dance Performance 
you guys Don't have to watch it all, it long. But it's just a small scenario of what is it like (Diwali).  

This is the list of ach days ritual and things we do:
20 Monday Dhan Teras 
21 Tuesday Kali Chaudas
22 Wednesday Narak Chaturdashi , Diwali , Lakshmi Puja
23 Thursday Surya Grahan
24 Friday Gowardhan Puja 
25 Saturday Bhaiya Dooj



21, Tuesday- Kali Chaudas

This is the day were we, Indians believe that the sky is dark There is no light at all. This is one of the days for the New Year (Diwali). 
Kali means dark, and Kali is also one of our goddess. She, was the destroyer for the evils. She does look scary, but that we pray saying to protect us for the evils and devils.


Kali Chaudas
Kali Ma

I was researching some more information about Kali Chaudas and this is what I found:

Kali Chaudas is  known as Bhut Chaturdashi. Kali Chaudas is mainly observed in Western states especially in Gujarat.

Kali Chaudas is observed during Chaturdashi Tithi during Diwali festivity. However Kali Chaudas day should not be mixed with Roop Chaudas and Narak Chaturdashi as it might fall one day before of Narak Chaturdashi. The day of Kali Chaudas is decided when Chaturdashi prevails during midnight which as per Panchang is known as Maha Nishita time.

As rituals of Kali Chaudas involve visiting crematorium during midnight for offering Puja to the Goddess of darkness and to Veer Vetal, the day of Kali Chaudas is decided when Chaturdashi prevails during midnight.

It seems that most Panchang don't make such distinction and list Kali Chaudas with Roop Chaudas and Narak Chaturdashi. Hence one has to be cautious while looking for Kali Chaudas date.

Further Kali Chaudas should not be confused with Bengal Kali Puja which is observed one day after Kali Chaudas when Amavasya Tithi prevails during midnig 2014 Kali Chaudas Puja. 


So the dark sky, no light wasn't there for no reason. It was there because the religious beliefs.


Work Cited


2 comments:

  1. This post was so very interesting! I really like that you involved your religion as to why the sky is dark, plus the sand art is absoulutly beautiful.

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  2. You are teaching me so much about your culture. I love the sand art and the dancing and...well...all of it is beautiful and fascinating. Great connection to the night.

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