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Ruprechts-Storchschnabel
Weitverbreitete, sehr schattenverträgliche zarte pflanze, die ich zwischen den Feuersteinen entdeckt habe.Die Pflanze riecht beim Zerreiben leicht widerlich, wie nach zerquetschte Wanze.( sagt man)
Das Wissen um seine Wirksamkeit ist schon sehr alt, die Kelten und Germanen kannten und nutzten diese Pflanze ebenfalls, für Tier und Mensch übrigens. Ihren heutigen Namen Ruprechtskraut soll die Pflanze jedoch dem heiligen -Ruprecht verdanken, Rupert oder Robert von Salzburg (um 660 – um 718), der dort Erzbischof war und seine Fisteln und Geschwüre mit Storchenschnabel geheilt haben soll.
Sie wirkt zusammenziehend, blutstillend, wundheilend, antibakteriell und antiviral, entgiftend, entzündungshemmend, gemütserhellend und fröhlich stimmend, sie soll Herz erfreuen und fröhlich machen. Mir gefallen am besten die letzten vier Wirkungen.
Widespread, very shade-tolerant tender plant that I discovered between the flints. The plant smells slightly disgusting when crushed, like a crushed bug. (They say)
The knowledge of its effectiveness is very old, the Celts and Germans also knew and used this plant, for animals and humans by the way. However, the plant is said to owe its current name Ruprechtskraut to Saint Ruprecht, Rupert or Robert von Salzburg (around 660 – around 718), who was archbishop there and is said to have healed his fistulas and ulcers with Roberts geranium.
It has an astringent, haemostatic, wound-healing, antibacterial and antiviral, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, mood-enhancing and cheerful effect, it should please the heart and make you happy. I like the last four effects best.
Bramble is both loved and hated for its thorns and powers of entanglement as well as its delicious fruit and it is deeply embedded in our tradition and folklore.
The pastime of blackberry picking (blackberrying) goes back thousands of years and is still popular in both town and country. Ripe juicy blackberries have a high vitamin C content and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are traditionally used in pies, crumbles (usually paired with apples), wines, jams, jellies and vinegar. Strong ale brewed from blackberries, malt and hops was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Bramble has widely been used in traditional medicine. Its leaves are used in the preparation of herbal teas and the root bark and leaves are used medicinally, being strongly astringent with diuretic, healing and detoxifying properties. Gerard's Herbal published in 1633, gives a remedy made from blackberry leaves 'for fastening the teeth back in'. Blackberries are known to have health benefits for women due to their high levels of phytoestrogens.
Blackberry fruits yield a blue dye and a fibre from the stems have been used to make string. Blackberry bushes can prevent soil erosion on infertile, disturbed sites and the ancient Britons used thorny stems as a boundary or barrier in the way modern people use barbed wire.
Brambles also provide an important source of nectar for Brimstone and Speckled Wood butterflies; fruits for Song Thrushes and Yellowhammers; and hiding places for Hedgehogs and Dormice.
#macromondays #granules
I decided to share this image for the upcoming #macromondays theme called #granules
Size of the wooden spoon is aprox. 2,5 cm = 1"
Himalayan salt, often called pink salt, is a type of rock salt mined from the Salt Range mountains in Pakistan, particularly near the Khewra Salt Mine. It's famous for its distinctive pink color, which comes from trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Here are a few quick facts:
Uses: Commonly used in cooking, as bath salts, or in salt lamps for decorative and claimed therapeutic purposes.
Health claims: Some believe it has detoxifying or respiratory benefits, but scientific evidence is limited.
Flavor: Slightly milder than regular table salt, with a unique mineral
Granules are small particles or grains that typically range in size from very fine to coarse. They can occur naturally or be manufactured and are often used to describe materials that are solid, dry, and granular in texture.
Granules In Different Contexts:
Biology / Cell Biology:
Granules are small structures within cells, often involved in storage or secretion of substances.
Examples: Secretory granules in glands, granules in platelets (important for blood clotting), or cytoplasmic granules.
Pharmaceuticals:
Granules refer to a dosage form made of aggregated powdered ingredients.
They improve flowability, compressibility, and can be used for sustained release medications.
Food Industry:
Granules can refer to coarse grains of salt, sugar, coffee (like instant coffee), or seasoning mixes.
They often dissolve easily in water and are used for quick preparation.
Geology:
Refers to a specific particle size category of sediment, typically between sand and pebbles (~2–4 mm).
Found in riverbeds, beaches, and sedimentary rocks.
Astronomy:
Granules on the Sun are convection cells visible on its surface (photosphere).
They appear as bright areas with darker edges, caused by the movement of hot plasma.
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A detoxifying walk in the peaceful Planaval valley
Una disintossicante passeggiata nel silenzioso vallone di Planaval
All rights reserved © Nick Outdoor Photography
安平區永華市政中心 - 台南市議會 / 波斯菊品種繁多可觀賞可藥用
Anping area Yunghua municipal administration center - Tainan City Hall / There are many varieties of cosmos, which are ornamental and medicinal
Centro municipal de la administración de Yunghua del área de Anping - Tainan Ayuntamiento / Hay muchas variedades de cosmos, que son ornamentales y medicinales
安平区永華市政センター - 市政府のビル / コスモスには観賞用や薬用として多くの品種があります
Anping-Bereich Yunghua städtische Verwaltungsmitte - Tainan Rathaus / Es gibt viele Arten von Kosmos, die dekorativ und medizinisch sind
Centre municipal d'administration de Yunghua de région d'Anping - Hôtel de ville de Tainan / Il existe de nombreuses variétés de cosmos, qui sont ornementales et médicinales
Anping Tainan Taiwan / Anping Tainan Taiwán / 台灣台南安平
{View large size on fluidr/觀看大圖}
Melody 曲:JAPAN / Words 詞:Sheesen / Singing : Sheesen
{ 夢旅人 1990 Dream Traveler 1990 }
中文名稱:波斯菊
英文名稱:Cosmos
學名:Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.
科名:菊科(Compositae)波斯菊屬(Coreopsis)
別名:兩色金雞菊、蛇目菊(江蘇南部植物手冊)，痢疾草、金錢菊
原產地:北美
用途:1.園藝植栽用：波斯菊常被大片栽植成花海，非常壯觀、美麗。
2.藥用：性味：全草：甘、平。效用：全草：清熱解毒，化濕。治痢疾，目赤腫痛，癰瘡腫毒。
Chinese name: Bōsī jú
English name: Cosmos
Scientific name: Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.
Family name: Compositae (Compositae) Cosmos (Coreopsis)
Aliases: two-color coreopsis, snake eye chrysanthemum (plant handbook of southern Jiangsu), dysentery grass, money chrysanthemum
Origin: North America
Uses: 1. Horticultural planting: Cosmos is often planted in large areas into a sea of flowers, which is very spectacular and beautiful.
2. Medicinal use: Nature and flavor: Whole plant: sweet, flat.
Function: Whole plant: clearing away heat and detoxifying, removing dampness. Treatment of dysentery, red eyes, swelling and pain, carbuncle sore swollen poison.
家住安南鹽溪邊
The family lives in nearby the Annan salt river
隔壁就是聽雨軒
The next door listens to the rain porch
一旦落日照大員
The sunset Shineing to the Taiwan at once
左岸青龍飛九天
The left bank white dragon flying in the sky
November 30th,2009
work was fun yesterday. i talked to jimmy online for a bit..i really miss my florida people. i worked 7hours yesterday. i'm going to get a good paycheck again next week:D:D
this is a lame picture but ah well. i was having to much fun with the pictures for today to care about this one. i still haven't been to the beach in cali but i prob. will this spring. i'd love to take jonel. oh haha how could i forget the epic day that was yesterday? so yesterday at work i bought myself a 2oz shot of wheat grass(look it up it's so good for you), biggg mistake. i think next time i'm taking a 1oz until my body get's used to it. the detoxifying effects are sooo strong and powerful it makes you want to puke, you feel so dizzy and nauses, but once that wears off your body feels incredible clean and rejuvenated. it's amazing. though i couldn't eat anymore veggies that nigh:( because 1oz of wheat grass juice is 2.5 lb of veggies. that saddened me. but i want to take a shot of wheat grass juice about once a month and then every other week and then once a week and then stick with that. y'all should try it. It doesn't taste bad, but it does make your nose feel funny, though every person experiences different things with it. haha.I bought some yummy bread at raplhs..oh fl people raplhs is like god compared to publix it's incredible. but yeah. I didn't have time to do yoga in the morning so i did it at night and wow it was great. i haven't done it at night since last tuesday, but not this last.
安平區永華市政中心 - 台南市議會 / 一朵花一個宇宙 - 就像行星系統
Anping area Yunghua municipal administration center - Tainan City Hall / One flower one cosmos - like a planetary system
Centro municipal de la administración de Yunghua del área de Anping - Tainan Ayuntamiento / Una flor un cosmos - como un sistema planetario
安平区永華市政センター - 市政府のビル / 一花一コスモス - 惑星系のように
Anping-Bereich Yunghua städtische Verwaltungsmitte - Tainan Rathaus / Eine Blume, ein Kosmos – wie ein Planetensystem
Centre municipal d'administration de Yunghua de région d'Anping - Hôtel de ville de Tainan / Une fleur un cosmos - comme un système planétaire
Anping Tainan Taiwan / Anping Tainan Taiwán / 台灣台南安平
{View large size on fluidr/觀看大圖}
Melody 曲:JAPAN / Words 詞:Sheesen / Singing : Sheesen
{ 夢旅人 1990 Dream Traveler 1990 }
中文名稱:波斯菊
英文名稱:Cosmos
學名:Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.
科名:菊科(Compositae)波斯菊屬(Coreopsis)
別名:兩色金雞菊、蛇目菊(江蘇南部植物手冊)，痢疾草、金錢菊
原產地:北美
用途:1.園藝植栽用：波斯菊常被大片栽植成花海，非常壯觀、美麗。
2.藥用：性味：全草：甘、平。效用：全草：清熱解毒，化濕。治痢疾，目赤腫痛，癰瘡腫毒。
Chinese name: Bōsī jú
English name: Cosmos
Scientific name: Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.
Family name: Compositae (Compositae) Cosmos (Coreopsis)
Aliases: two-color coreopsis, snake eye chrysanthemum (plant handbook of southern Jiangsu), dysentery grass, money chrysanthemum
Origin: North America
Uses: 1. Horticultural planting: Cosmos is often planted in large areas into a sea of flowers, which is very spectacular and beautiful.
2. Medicinal use: Nature and flavor: Whole plant: sweet, flat.
Function: Whole plant: clearing away heat and detoxifying, removing dampness. Treatment of dysentery, red eyes, swelling and pain, carbuncle sore swollen poison.
家住安南鹽溪邊
The family lives in nearby the Annan salt river
隔壁就是聽雨軒
The next door listens to the rain porch
一旦落日照大員
The sunset Shineing to the Taiwan at once
左岸青龍飛九天
The left bank white dragon flying in the sky
CARDO SELVATICO
Il Cardo mariano o Cardo latteo, nome scientifico Silybum marianum è una pianta molto diffusa in diversi Paesi del Mediterraneo. Appartenente al genere Carduus, famiglia delle Asteraceae, è una pianta erbacea annuale o perenne, mediamente alta, piuttosto spinosa e dai fiori simili al carciofo.
Le radici del cardo hanno proprietà diuretiche, ed a partire dal 1800, questa pianta iniziò ad essere usata anche per le sue qualità antiemorragiche e ipertensive. Particolarmente interessanti sono i frutti che contengono principi disintossicanti e protettivi per il fegato, mentre i capolini di Cardo mariano, vengono utilizzati per la preparazione di ricette della tradizione popolare, alle quali questo ortaggio rustico dona il caratteristico sapore amarognolo, ed è per questo utilizzato anche come ingrediente aromatico nella preparazione di aperitivi e liquori.
Note tratte dal sito:
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WILD THISTLE
Milk thistle, also known as milk thistle, scientifically known as Silybum marianum, is a widespread plant in several Mediterranean countries. Belonging to the Carduus genus, in the Asteraceae family, it is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant, medium-tall, rather thorny, and with artichoke-like flowers.
The roots of the thistle have diuretic properties, and starting in the 19th century, this plant was also used for its antihemorrhagic and antihypertensive properties. The fruits are particularly interesting, containing detoxifying and liver-protective properties. Milk thistle flower heads are used in traditional recipes, to which this rustic vegetable lends its characteristic bitter flavor. For this reason, it is also used as a flavoring ingredient in aperitifs and liqueurs.
CANON EOS 600D con ob. TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011
The pineapple (Ananas Comosus) is a tropical plant with an edible fruit; it is the most economically significant plant in the family Bromeliaceae.
ETYMOLOGY: The first reference in English to the pineapple fruit was the 1568 translation from the French of André Thevet's The New Found World, or Antarctike where he refers to a Hoyriri, a fruit cultivated and eaten by the Tupinambá people, living near modern Rio de Janeiro, and now believed to be a pineapple.
Later in the same English translation, he describes the same fruit as a "Nana made in the manner of a Pine apple", where he used another Tupi word nanas, meaning 'excellent fruit'.
OLD WORLD INTRODUCTION: While the pineapple fascinated Europeans as a fruit of colonialism, it was not successfully cultivated in Europe until Pieter de la Court (1664–1739) developed greenhouse horticulture near Leiden.
Pineapple plants were distributed from the Netherlands to English gardeners in 1719 and French ones in 1730.
MEDICINAL: Among the medicinal properties of the fruit, the most notable is that of bromelain, which helps metabolize food.
It is also a diuretic, slightly antiseptic, detoxifying, antacid and vermifuge.
Its use has been studied as an aid in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, and obesity control.
PRODUCTION: Today, pineapple is the second largest tropical fruit crop in terms of volume, surpassed only by banana (Musa paradisiaca).
The main producers are Costa Rica, Brazil, the Philippines, Indonesia and India, which account for 50% of production. Other important producers are Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Thailand and China. The most important cultivar is the so-called 'smooth Cayenne', originally from French Guiana. (Source: Wikipedia)
ANANAS COMOSUS (PIÑA), 2025
La piña (Ananas comosus) es una planta tropical con un fruto comestible; es la planta económicamente más importante de la familia Bromeliaceae.
ETIMOLOGÍA: La primera referencia en inglés a la piña fue la traducción de 1568 del francés de The New Found World, or Antarctike de André Thevet, donde se refiere a un Hoyriri, una fruta cultivada y consumida por el pueblo tupinambá, que vivía cerca de la actual Río de Janeiro, y que ahora se cree que es una piña.
Más adelante, en la misma traducción al inglés, describe la misma fruta como una "Nana hecha a la manera de una piña", donde utilizó otra palabra tupí, nanas, que significa 'fruta excelente'.
INTRODUCCIÓN AL VIEJO MUNDO: Si bien la piña fascinó a los europeos como fruto del colonialismo, no se cultivó con éxito en Europa hasta que Pieter de la Court (1664-1739) desarrolló la horticultura de invernadero cerca de Leiden.
Las plantas de piña fueron distribuidas desde los Países Bajos a los jardineros ingleses en 1719 y a los franceses en 1730.
MEDICINAL: Entre las propiedades medicinales del fruto, la más notable es la de la bromelina, que ayuda a metabolizar los alimentos.
Es también diurético, ligeramente antiséptico, desintoxicante, antiácido y vermífugo.
Se ha estudiado su uso como auxiliar en el tratamiento de la artritis reumatoide, la ciática, y el control de la obesidad.
PRODUCCION: Hoy la piña es el segundo cultivo frutal tropical en volumen, sólo superado por el plátano (Musa paradisiaca).
Los principales productores son Costa Rica, Brasil, Filipinas, Indonesia, India, que concentran el 50 % de la producción. Otros productores de relieve son Kenia, México, Nigeria, Tailandia y China. El cultivar más importante es el llamado 'smooth Cayenne', originario de la Guayana Francesa. (Fuente: Wikipedia)
安平區永華市政中心 - 台南市議會 / 大紅色波斯菊 - 開的像香水蓮花
Anping area Yunghua municipal administration center - Tainan City Hall / Big red cosmos - Blooms like a perfumed lotus
Centro municipal de la administración de Yunghua del área de Anping - Tainan Ayuntamiento / Gran cosmos rojo - florece como un loto perfumado
安平区永華市政センター - 市政府のビル / 大きな赤いコスモス - 香りのよい蓮のように咲きます
Anping-Bereich Yunghua städtische Verwaltungsmitte - Tainan Rathaus / Großer roter Kosmos - Blüht wie ein duftender Lotus
Centre municipal d'administration de Yunghua de région d'Anping - Hôtel de ville de Tainan / Grand cosmos rouge - Fleurit comme un lotus parfumé
Anping Tainan Taiwan / Anping Tainan Taiwán / 台灣台南安平
{See photos on black background/黑板觀看}
Melody 曲:JAPAN / Words 詞:Sheesen / Singing : Sheesen
{ 夢旅人 1990 Dream Traveler 1990 }
學名:Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.
科名:菊科(Compositae)波斯菊屬(Coreopsis)
別名:兩色金雞菊、蛇目菊(江蘇南部植物手冊)，痢疾草、金錢菊
原產地:北美
用途:1.園藝植栽用：波斯菊常被大片栽植成花海，非常壯觀、美麗。
2.藥用：性味：全草：甘、平。效用：全草：清熱解毒，化濕。治痢疾，目赤腫痛，癰瘡腫毒。
Chinese name: Bōsī jú
English name: Cosmos
Scientific name: Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.
Family name: Compositae (Compositae) Cosmos (Coreopsis)
Aliases: two-color coreopsis, snake eye chrysanthemum (plant handbook of southern Jiangsu), dysentery grass, money chrysanthemum
Origin: North America
Uses: 1. Horticultural planting: Cosmos is often planted in large areas into a sea of flowers, which is very spectacular and beautiful.
2. Medicinal use: Nature and flavor: Whole plant: sweet, flat.
Function: Whole plant: clearing away heat and detoxifying, removing dampness. Treatment of dysentery, red eyes, swelling and pain, carbuncle sore swollen poison.
家住安南鹽溪邊
The family lives in nearby the Annan salt river
隔壁就是聽雨軒
The next door listens to the rain porch
一旦落日照大員
The sunset Shineing to the Taiwan at once
左岸青龍飛九天
The left bank white dragon flying in the sky
Thunbergia laurifolia, commonly known as laurel clockvine or blue trumpet vine, is a tropical flowering plant valued for both its ornamental and medicinal properties. Native to Southeast Asia, it features clusters of vibrant blue, trumpet-shaped flowers against glossy, laurel-like leaves. Besides its aesthetic appeal, this vine is utilized in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. Easy to cultivate, Thunbergia laurifolia is a popular choice in gardens, where its twining vines create a visually striking display.
Yellow and black, a strident warning to potential predators of toxicity and unpalatability. Yet how did this come to be? How do you get from caterpillar to toxic beauty?
'De novo' (from new) biosynthesis of toxins is a possibility, though more common, and potentially less work, is bioaccumulation or biological magnification. This strategy involves a caterpillar usually adapted to a host plant, feeding, sequestering, concentrating, and perhaps slightly modifying biochemical constituents in the plant's sap. These toxic compounds provide a degree of safety as animals come to learn and associate them with colors and patterns like those seen here.
Excellent strategy, no? But that's not the entire story. This toxic lifestyle is not without its cost. Sequestration and modification of these biochemical compounds requires the right tools for the job, whether that be specialty enzymes or specific cells or organs to hold this hazardous soup and prevent poisoning oneself. This adaptation while obviously beneficial can slow growth and development, allowing faster growing competitors the opportunity to outcompete. Moreover, an organism's evolution doesn't happen in a vacuum. The plants meanwhile are modifying their biochemical constitution in the 'hopes' of ridding themselves of these essentially parasitic caterpillars and the predators are evolving means of detoxifying themselves and putting yellow and black butterflies back on the menu.
It is a rich, complex world, the deeper you go, the more you risk losing yourself in it altogether.
See more #butterfliesofSani.
Photographed for the #SaniProject2017. Follow us at #Sanilodge Destination Ecuador #paulbertner.
EXPLORE July 8 highest position #230
This is my ride -- a vintage Columbia -- when I feel like detoxifying.
The North Haven Inn was originally built on the site in 1838. This building was demolished and replaced with the present Haven Hotel in 1887.
From 1898 – 1926, the Haven Hotel was home to the Italian inventor and physicist, Guglielmo Marconi, who built a 120-foot (37 m) wooden transmitter mast in the hotel’s grounds at the hotel in 1898, and another 158-foot (48 m) wireless mast at the back of the hotel. He carried out some of his first wireless telegraphy experiments at the Haven Hotel. Marconi lived at the Haven Hotel until 1926, where he took his meals at a communal table where all guests were invited to eat. Following dinner, there was often a musical interlude with Guglielmo accompanying his guests on the piano. The Haven Hotel was rebuilt in 1926, when the country still ricocheted from the Great War and Britain’s hotel architecture was stagnant, it was hailed a seaside architectural triumph.[by whom?] In fact, one publication[which?] announced it was “the only good-class hotel of any size erected of late” and a “successful attempt to combine modern ideas in hotel planning with the latest construction and materials.”
Completed in 10 months, it is said [by whom?] that over 1,000 architectural drawings were produced by hand and that, on average, 162 men were employed per day, for 270,600 man hours. This was an epic undertaking for what was, at the time, a seaside town. Whilst the Haven Hotel visible today has largely stayed true to its original design, there are some quirks that, over the years, have been lost to changing times and trends. For example, the seawater sunken baths, which offered guests a detoxifying soak in the comfort of their own rooms, the chauffeur’s accommodation conveniently located above the parking facilities and a petrol station for guests on the site of today’s Business Centre, and the designated smoking room, which at the time would have been considered the height of fashion.
It took 500,00 bricks, 500 tons of cement, 12,000 cubic feet of timber and 6,000 cubic feet of stonework, the hotel is now considered[by whom?] a fine example of 1920s architecture.
Organic Black Rice from Manipur, India
"Black rice is the richest of all types of rice in terms of its powerful disease figting antioxidants. It also contains dietary fiber, anti-inflammatory properties, and has the ability to help stop the development of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and even weight gain. Helps in Detoxifying the Body .""
flickriver.com/photos/juanito1948/
No tengo ni idea de como se llama. Si algun amig@...
M Martin Vicente
. Esta flor es la flor de la achicoria, que se utiliza para hacer un tipo de Flores de Bach.
Cichorium intybus, la achicoria común, radicchio o radicheta, es una planta herbácea perenne de la familia de las asteráceas.
Desde el siglo XVII la infusión de su raíz tostada se utiliza como sucedáneo del café.
Como vegetal de ensalada su uso se remonta sólo al siglo XIX,.
Desde la Edad Media el Cichorium Intybus se emplea a efectos medicinales.
Propiedades
estimula el funcionamiento adecuado del hígado;
estimula la secreción de bilis,
desintoxicante y depurativa (colagogos y coleréticos);
cicatrizante;
sedante;
diurética.
expulsión de gusanos intestinales.
Y si quieres saber mas, mira en Wikipedia
I have no idea of his name. If any friends ...
THANKS. to M.Martin vicente. This flower is the flower of chicory, which is used to make a type of Bach Flowers.
Cichorium intybus, common chicory, radicchio or radishes, is a herbaceous perennial plant of the Asteraceae family.
Since the seventeenth century infusion of roasted root is used as a coffee substitute.
As a salad vegetable use dates back only to the nineteenth century.
From the Middle Ages the Cichorium intybus is used to medicinal effects.
properties
stimulates the proper functioning of the liver;
stimulates the secretion of bile,
detoxifying and cleansing (cholagogues and choleretic);
healing;
sedative;
diuretic.
expulsion of intestinal worms.
And if you want to know more, look in Wikipedia
At this time of year throughout the Yukon, Grizzlies can be found grazing in these flowerpatches. However, they carefully avoid these purple flowers, the wild sweet pea, which are said to be poisonous, and instead hunt for the similiar, but pale yellow, flowers, which they consume with great vigor for hours on end. For a long time, basically being a know-nothing when it comes to flowers, I thought these yellow ones the Bears are munching down on were Yellow Paintbrush, but a closer investigation makes it appear that I've been wrong all along ...
Apparently what they are fattening up on is the "Northern Oxytrope"
What mystifies me is that Oxytrope is the same thing as what is commonly called Loco-Weed, a plant which has been seen to derange and even blind or paralyze domestic cattle. The plant is generally considered toxic due to it's heavy absorption of selenium from the soil. Is our northern variant non-toxic?, Have Grizzlies Bears adapted to eating tons of this stuff daily by developing a detoxifying digestive enzyme? Are Grizzlies actually getting stoned as they eat this stuff, which could account for the singleminded concentration with which they seek it out, utterly ignoring photographers and other distractions ??
Anybody out there know anything about this ?
The American makeup artist, beauty blogger, entrepreneur and the founder of beauty line Huda Beauty, Huda Kattan has recently revealed her most amazing detoxifying bath ingredients and we are not surprised.
Huda recently took to her official Instagram and posted a video of making her favorite bath. She added bubble bath, lots of Epsom salt, French cream clay, powdered coconut milk powder and Himalayan pink salt. She also lit up scented candles to spice up the whole environment. She called the entire bath her favorite detoxifying bath for all the right reasons. All the bath ingredients that the beauty blogger added are quite common except for Himalayan salt which is quite underrated.
Himalayan Salt:
Himalayan pink salt is proved to be healthiest and purest of the sea salt family because it is finally refined without any addition of preservatives. It is full of nutrients and mineral traces like iron, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, phosphorus and others. Its anti-bacterial and detoxifying properties make it absolutely healing for humans and animals as well. It’s a perfect ingredient for skin because its minerals make it smooth, prevent scaring, remove dead cells, help in fighting off acne and much more. Let’s dig deep into why Himalayan salt should be added in every bath.
Detoxifying Properties:
The pink salt has extraordinary detoxifying properties which help in extracting harmful toxins from skin and tissues. The salt crystals penetrate through the skin and leave it nourished and refreshed. They also trigger self purifying abilities of the skin in a miraculous way. For the very reason the salt is recommended to be added in every bath especially after a long hectic day or whenever the body needs it.
Exfoliating Properties:
The Himalayan pink salt is highly recommended natural body scrub for its mineral contents and exfoliating texture. It not only removes the layer of the dead cells from the skin but also makes a protecting layer inside the skin to prevent dryness. It’s super easy to make a salt scrub by mixing only three ingredients: pink salt, olive oil and essential oil. Use the scrub on the whole body to make it naturally smooth and glowy.
Bath Soak:
When the Himalayan salt is added in the bath and the body gets soaked in it, the process of dermal absorption starts. Though this heavenly process, the body starts soaking minerals from the salt such as zinc (which prevents scaring), magnesium (which helps in relieving cramped muscles), sulphur (which makes the skin soft), chromium (which fight off acne) and others. This bath soak is highly recommended for nourishing the skin.
Start adding Himalayan pink salt to your bath and have a great skin.
A small medieval village in the Park of Madonie with a delightful, still well preserved old town that captivates you from the very first moment, the town develops around the castle of Ventimiglia, near a Byzantine hamlet called Ypsigro.
The township of Castelbuono lies in the heart of the Madonie mountain range: with its Castle perched on the Colle San Pietro this place appears like a village of times gone by! Castelbuono is situated within the luxuriant and glowing vegetation of its woods of oaks, chestnuts, cherry trees, and above all of manna ashes. The local manna ash is the tree from which, through a series of small cuts made in its bark, a sugary liquid pours out that solidifies under the heat of the sun producing the well-known “Manna.” Manna is an arboreal essence in great demand for its numerous detoxifying properties that is also used in local confectionery. Castelbuono is one of the few townships in the world together with the adjacent village of Pollina to cultivate the “manna” extracted from ash trees’ trunks and to encourage the subsistence of the very ancient job of the ash grower. The origins of Castelbuono are to be connected with the small Byzantine centre of “Ypsigro” (from Byzantine Greek, “fresh spot”) which existed near the present-day township. Since the fourteenth century the history of Castelbuono becomes intertwined with the history of the County of Geraci and of the Ventimiglia family. Under their “enlightened” government, the township experienced a considerable growth throughout the centuries. In the sixteenth century Castelbuono was attributed the title of “Capital of the Ventimiglia Estate” which included more than “twenty lands” and many “fiefdoms.”
Flower of the week in unforgettable flowers
Wetenschappelijk: Chelidonium majus
Scientific name: Chelidonium majus
Nederlands: Stinkende gouwe
English: Greater Celandine
Français: Grande Chélidoine
Deutsch: Schöllkraut
Wetenschappelijk: Chelidonium majus
Familie: Papaverfamilie, Papaveraceae
Geslacht: Chelidonium, Gouwe
Medicinale werkingen
Hier staan de medicinale werkingen beschreven met de reden waarom stinkende gouwe een geneeskrachtige werking heeft:
Doordat het de secretie van de alvleesklier verhoogt werkt het bloedsuikerverlagend.
De urine- en zweetdrijvende werking maakt stinkende gouwe tot een geneesmiddel tegen oedemen, verminderde nierfunctie, nierstenen, artritis, artrose en jicht.
De bloedsomloopstimulerende eigenschappen in de kleine haarvaten maken dit kruid tot een geneesmiddel tegen oogbindvliesontsteking, tranende en brandende ogen en grijze staar.
Omdat het de lever, gal en darmwerking stimuleert is dit een goed geneeskruid tegen de huidaandoeningen eczeem, psoriasis, ringworm en hoofdroos.
Vanwege de kalmerende en licht narcotische werking van chelidonine wordt dit kruid ingezet tegen nervositeit, rusteloosheid, stress, angst en slapeloosheid,
Stinkende gouwe kan in een dieet tijdens de chemokuur worden gebruikt omdat het antitumoraal werkt.
Uitwendig gebruik
Melksap van sttinkende gouwe remt ongebreidelde celdeling en staat om deze reden te boek als antitumorale stof. Het breekt de eeltlaag, het eiwit van de hoornlaag, af; in medische termen heet dat een keratolytische werking. Het gaat zowel virussen als bacteriën tegen en het werkt derhalve ontstekingsremmend. Het melksap wordt gebruikt om de volgende huidaandoeningen te bestrijden:
Wratten, goedaardige huidtumoren,
Eelt, likdoorn,
Schimmelinfecties,
Oogbindvliesontsteking en
Hoornvliesvlekken
Mens en Gezondheid
English
plant for the future
Greater celandine has a long history of herbal use]. Traditionally it was employed as an ophthalmic to treat and clear the eyesight whilst in modern herbal medicine it is used more as a mild sedative, antispasmodic and detoxifying herb, relaxing the muscles of the bronchial tubes, intestines and other organs. The latex is much used externally to treat warts. Caution should be employed, especially when the plant is used internally however, because it contains toxic alkaloids, The leaves and the sap are acrid, alterative, anodyne, antispasmodic, caustic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, hydrogogue, narcotic, purgative. They are used in the treatment of bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, jaundice, gallstones and gallbladder pains. The plant is harvested in the spring as it comes into flower, it is best used fresh, but can also be dried for later use. The roots can also be used, these are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. The plant has anticancer properties and is analgesic. It is an important component of a stomach ulcer drug. The plant has an abundant acrid bright-orange sap that stains the skin strongly and is powerfully irritant. It is used as an external treatment to get rid of warts, ringworm and corns and has also been used to remove films from the cornea of the eye. The plant contains the alkaloid chelidonine, which is similar to the alkaloid papaverine found in poppies. This alkaloid has antispasmodic and sedative effects on the bile ducts and bronchi. However, results have been inconsistent, especially if the preparation is not fresh]. The plant also contains the alkaloid sparteine, which restores normal rhythm to feeble arrhythmic myocardia. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Chelidonium majus for liver and gallbladder complaints.
Portrait of a devotee.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
for the recipe go to carrotsandclaret.com/vegetable-curry-kidney-beans/
This is simple to make but full of flavour. The large chunky vegetables absorb the delicious spices and rich tomato sauce. Kidney beans add protein, folate, magnesium and the detoxifying trace element molybdenum. And it’s delicious!
It's likely you've heard of the "Westin" brand before. When you stay at one of their hotels, you expect good service, a comfy bed (so comfy, it's got a divine name: the "Westin Heavenly Bed") and a squeaky clean room (OK, we're exaggerating here...your room won't squeak, but it still should be in very good condition). That's the nice thing about certain brands -- you can be confident they'll maintain certain standards.
So picture a typical Westin hotel. But now imagine that it's located a mere two blocks from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Ta da...jazz hands...and any other form of exclamation you can think of: You've got The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa.
Situated on Flamingo Road, near Las Vegas Boulevard (which, by the way, is one of the busiest intersections in the city), you're practically a hop, skip and a jump from several major megaresorts -- like Bellagio, Bally's, Caesars Palace and The Cromwell. You're also almost next door to The LINQ Promenade (you might even catch a glimpse of its signature attraction, the High Roller observation wheel, from your window).
In addition, if you stay at The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa, you can look forward to a combination of relaxation and laid-back fun. The relaxation comes from the Hibiscus Spa, which has a sauna and steam room (you are allowed to use these as part of the resort fee). This spa is a great place for head-to-toe pampering. Enjoy a variety of massages, body treatments, facials and salon services -- like the Tranquil Escape Detoxifying Mud Mask, which you may need to help you recover after a wild night on the town.
You'll find the hotel's outdoor heated pool just a few steps from the spa. Four private cabanas and plenty of deck chairs surround it. What better place to while away an afternoon?
Alternatively, if you want to keep up your exercise schedule, you can do so in the fitness studio. Burn off calories on an array of treadmills, stationery bikes and elliptical machines.
After your workout, or really any time you feel a hunger pang, head to Savona. Open 24 hours, this restaurant features American-style cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, there are daily specials, a kids' menu, late-night eats and a variety of desserts.
Coffee, pastries and sandwiches are also available around the clock at Starbucks, which is located next to the hotel's gift shop.
Unlike a typical Las Vegas hotel, the Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa is non-gaming.
The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa is also known for catering to business travelers. There's an excellent business center here as well as plenty of space for meetings, conventions or special events.
A quiet retreat with proximity to one of the most exhilarating streets in the world (and all of its wonderful attractions), The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa not only has the rep, but much more.
By Vegas.com
It's likely you've heard of the "Westin" brand before. When you stay at one of their hotels, you expect good service, a comfy bed (so comfy, it's got a divine name: the "Westin Heavenly Bed") and a squeaky clean room (OK, we're exaggerating here...your room won't squeak, but it still should be in very good condition). That's the nice thing about certain brands -- you can be confident they'll maintain certain standards.
So picture a typical Westin hotel. But now imagine that it's located a mere two blocks from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Ta da...jazz hands...and any other form of exclamation you can think of: You've got The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa.
Situated on Flamingo Road, near Las Vegas Boulevard (which, by the way, is one of the busiest intersections in the city), you're practically a hop, skip and a jump from several major megaresorts -- like Bellagio, Bally's, Caesars Palace and The Cromwell. You're also almost next door to The LINQ Promenade (you might even catch a glimpse of its signature attraction, the High Roller observation wheel, from your window).
In addition, if you stay at The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa, you can look forward to a combination of relaxation and laid-back fun. The relaxation comes from the Hibiscus Spa, which has a sauna and steam room (you are allowed to use these as part of the resort fee). This spa is a great place for head-to-toe pampering. Enjoy a variety of massages, body treatments, facials and salon services -- like the Tranquil Escape Detoxifying Mud Mask, which you may need to help you recover after a wild night on the town.
You'll find the hotel's outdoor heated pool just a few steps from the spa. Four private cabanas and plenty of deck chairs surround it. What better place to while away an afternoon?
Alternatively, if you want to keep up your exercise schedule, you can do so in the fitness studio. Burn off calories on an array of treadmills, stationery bikes and elliptical machines.
After your workout, or really any time you feel a hunger pang, head to Savona. Open 24 hours, this restaurant features American-style cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, there are daily specials, a kids' menu, late-night eats and a variety of desserts.
Coffee, pastries and sandwiches are also available around the clock at Starbucks, which is located next to the hotel's gift shop.
Unlike a typical Las Vegas hotel, the Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa is non-gaming.
The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa is also known for catering to business travelers. There's an excellent business center here as well as plenty of space for meetings, conventions or special events.
A quiet retreat with proximity to one of the most exhilarating streets in the world (and all of its wonderful attractions), The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa not only has the rep, but much more.
By Vegas.com
The name "Culver's root" derives from a certain Dr. Culver who was a pioneer physician of the 18th century
Veronicastrum virginicum
Culver’s root contains essential oil, phenolic acids, some bitter substances, phytosterol, alkaloids, tannins, mannitol, dextrose, resins, and saponins
The Seneca Indians used the plant in tea form to induce vomiting as a part of purification rituals.
The use of the herb, mostly in moderate doses, as a laxative and detoxifying agent was adopted early on by the European settlers.
Later the herb was used as a remedy for liver diseases and to stimulate bile production. In addition, it was also used to treat malaria and typhoid fever.
Culver’s root was once included in United States Pharmacopoeia but it’s not commonly used today because its strong potency is difficult to control
Culver’s root can affect the liver and gallbladder by increasing the production and secretion of bile, which lubricates the intestines which in turns enhances bowel movements.
The herb is therefore sometimes used as a treatment for chronic constipation, irritation of the intestines and ailments related to the liver and gallbladder such as hepatitis, cholecystitis, jaundice and other conditions which are believed to be caused by poor liver function (eg. some skin diseases).
The herb may also be of value as a remedy for diarrhea, bloating, chronic indigestion, hemorrhoids, and anal prolapse.
Culver’s root is often combined with dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and barberry (Berberis vulgaris).
As a treatment for liver ailments and when used as a remedy for constipation it may be combined with the herb sweet flag (Acorus calamus) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).
Culver’s root usually works best in small doses that are administered repeatedly over an extended period of time.
As a decoction: 1 or 2 teaspoons of the dried rhizome and roots in a cup of cold water which is then brought to boiling point, then simmered for 10 minutes and then strained. 1 cup of the brew can be used three times daily.
As a tincture: 1-2 ml three times a day
High doses of the herb can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Furthermore, as the herb has powerful laxative (purgative) properties it can cause dizziness and bloody stools.
Sun Salutation (Ashtanga Surya Namaskara)
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
It's likely you've heard of the "Westin" brand before. When you stay at one of their hotels, you expect good service, a comfy bed (so comfy, it's got a divine name: the "Westin Heavenly Bed") and a squeaky clean room (OK, we're exaggerating here...your room won't squeak, but it still should be in very good condition). That's the nice thing about certain brands -- you can be confident they'll maintain certain standards.
So picture a typical Westin hotel. But now imagine that it's located a mere two blocks from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Ta da...jazz hands...and any other form of exclamation you can think of: You've got The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa.
Situated on Flamingo Road, near Las Vegas Boulevard (which, by the way, is one of the busiest intersections in the city), you're practically a hop, skip and a jump from several major megaresorts -- like Bellagio, Bally's, Caesars Palace and The Cromwell. You're also almost next door to The LINQ Promenade (you might even catch a glimpse of its signature attraction, the High Roller observation wheel, from your window).
In addition, if you stay at The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa, you can look forward to a combination of relaxation and laid-back fun. The relaxation comes from the Hibiscus Spa, which has a sauna and steam room (you are allowed to use these as part of the resort fee). This spa is a great place for head-to-toe pampering. Enjoy a variety of massages, body treatments, facials and salon services -- like the Tranquil Escape Detoxifying Mud Mask, which you may need to help you recover after a wild night on the town.
You'll find the hotel's outdoor heated pool just a few steps from the spa. Four private cabanas and plenty of deck chairs surround it. What better place to while away an afternoon?
Alternatively, if you want to keep up your exercise schedule, you can do so in the fitness studio. Burn off calories on an array of treadmills, stationery bikes and elliptical machines.
After your workout, or really any time you feel a hunger pang, head to Savona. Open 24 hours, this restaurant features American-style cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, there are daily specials, a kids' menu, late-night eats and a variety of desserts.
Coffee, pastries and sandwiches are also available around the clock at Starbucks, which is located next to the hotel's gift shop.
Unlike a typical Las Vegas hotel, the Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa is non-gaming.
The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa is also known for catering to business travelers. There's an excellent business center here as well as plenty of space for meetings, conventions or special events.
A quiet retreat with proximity to one of the most exhilarating streets in the world (and all of its wonderful attractions), The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa not only has the rep, but much more.
By Vegas.com
Three statues of Sir Stanley Matthews showing him playing football at various stages of his life, outside the Britannia Stadium
He is the wing wizard who combined sublime talent with incredible longevity. Sir Stanley Matthews played until he was 50 having taken care of his body in an era when science and sport never mixed.
He made his debut in March 1932 for Stoke City and played his last game for them 33 years later on February 6, exactly half a century ago. In between, he forged hero status at Blackpool, winning the 1953 FA Cup in a final that became synonymous with his name.
He won two Second Division titles 30 years apart, was knighted while still playing and won 54 England caps. Matthews, who died aged 85 in 2000. A former team-mate, an adversary, a famous friend and his daughter each said,
Matthews (right) is the only player ever to have been knighted while he was still alive after he won two Second Division titles with his hometown club Stoke - 30 years apart from each other.
Jimmy ARMFIELD Team-mate at Blackpool
People talk about him being England’s greatest footballer; he was certainly Blackpool’s. The success we had was down to his talismanic stature. He was the one who attracted the crowds and was known throughout the world. Dads would take their sons to watch the greatest player they’d seen. Matthews was a national treasure.
The first time I was picked for the England Under 23 team, Joe Smith — Blackpool’s manager — sent for me. I thought he was going to pat me on the back but he said: ‘The FA have sent a letter that they want you to play in Denmark. Have you thanked Stan?’ I asked why and he replied: ‘Anyone can play behind Stan.’
Everyone said what a wonderful passer I was at right back but all I was doing was giving the ball to the great man.
I never once saw him out of breath. That’s an incredible thing to say because when I came in he would have been in his late 30s. When he went back to Stoke everyone thought that was it but he won them promotion. There was an aura around him.
I picture him with the No 7 on the back of that tangerine jersey. Most full backs’ memories of Matthews will be looking at that number on his back!
He never got booked. He never queried a referee, dived, looked for a free-kick. He’d never retaliate. And he had some kickings.
Stan was a consummate pro. He was the first one who really worked at personal fitness. In a morning you could go down to the beach at 8am and he’d be there doing deep breathing then jogging up and down.
I learned more from him than any coach. I’d just watch him.
He had quite an amusing streak. He could make funny, but cutting, remarks. We were playing at Arsenal. I picked him out with my left foot and instead of landing at his feet it hit his chest. My pass gave the defender a good chance of nailing him again. When he got off the floor, Stan looked straight at me and said: ‘Shocking. Absolutely shocking’. That shoved some life into me!
The emotion of the 1953 FA Cup final came because Blackpool had lost in 1948 and ’51. This was going to be third time lucky. Stan would get his medal.
It was Coronation year, we were going to climb Everest and Gordon Richards was going to win the Derby. The first two came off and it was Stan’s turn.
We were 3-1 down to Bolton. The game was transformed by Stan Mortensen belting in a free-kick. Matthews sprang to life in that last half-hour. He was unstoppable.
He told me that I shouldn’t go around trying to kick people because that’s not what football is about.
He said: ‘Once a full back kicks me I’ve got him. I know he’s frightened of me.’
It was that era just after the war — stiff upper lip. Stan embodied that feeling around the country. That’s why when we played away from home we knew the crowd wanted to see him.
For a man to get knighted while he was still playing ... can you see anyone else doing that? Can you see away crowds applauding like they did for Stan?
CLIFF JONES Opponent at Tottenham
Stan warmed up with weighted boots on — like diver’s boots.
Then his actual football boots were made out of calf leather. A little firm in Northampton made them. I’ve never seen boots like them. So light, you could bend them into all shapes. They only lasted about three games.
You can imagine the effects of jogging around in weighted boots then slipping on these light boots. He could run the 100m as fast as Jesse Owens.
He was very forward-thinking. Just before the game he would have a drink of egg, milk and glucose powder. His pre-match meal, if you like.
He said to me: ‘What’s your pre-match meal?’ I said probably a bit of steak or chicken about three hours before kick-off. He said: ‘Why don’t you try this?’ Four heaped tablespoons of glucose powder. It was a great source of energy.
On a Monday he wouldn’t have anything to eat. He would just drink eight pints of water to flush his system out. These days they call it detoxifying. He was very much his own man. He would have vitamin tablets. All things we never thought of. That’s why he played until he was 50. Ryan Giggs was 40 when he packed it in. Stan went on for another 10 years!
It was Harry Johnston, captain of Blackpool at the time, who said: ‘We have this winger who doesn’t score goals, won’t head a ball and there is no chance of him tackling back, but he is the greatest winger you’ll ever see.’
It was his control and over 10-15 yards he was lightning. He would just jog up to a full back, drop a shoulder and go outside him and be gone. Full backs knew what he was going to do but there was nothing they could do about it.
JEAN GOUGH Matthews’ daughter
As a little girl I remember him as a loving daddy who did his utmost to keep his family out of the limelight. In the 1940s he became the first sporting superstar — acclaimed all over the world despite there being no TV and very little media. In order not to be recognised he would wear sunglasses and a hat. It never worked!
I remember the discipline my dad followed. I can see him now, making his carrot juice every day. He managed to obtain a tiny juicer. All visitors to the house were offered this magical health drink. The only trouble was that too much carrot juice could make your skin go yellow!
Pop was obsessed with eating the right foods. I passed this on to my own children. Stan’s granddaughter Samantha is a leading authority on nutrition in Texas and she and Pop planned to write a book together but sadly never got round to it. I can see him now, doing his deep breathing and stretching exercises before going for his workout on Blackpool beach. Sometimes he would take me with him and I cherish this time with him.
PETER COATES Stoke chairman and friend
Stan is Stoke’s legendary player. He was the first football man to become a truly international figure. The gates would go up in London because they wanted to see him. It would happen in Europe and South America — because they didn’t see him on the telly.
Even now, when I travel abroad and mention Stoke I hear ‘Ah, Stanley Matthews.’ The turnout for his funeral was the largest apart from royalty and Winston Churchill.
Sir Bobby Charlton told me a story. He said, ‘Jackie (his brother) and I used to go to Newcastle when Stoke were playing and we would stand by the corner flag to get close to Matthews.’
I first saw him just after the war as a young boy and I later got to know him well. He would come to mine for dinner and eat like a mouse. He was a man before his time, intent on prolonging his career. He once told me: ‘One mistake I made was I retired too early. I had two more years in me.’
He wanted to be Peter Pan, he never wanted to grow old. Even in his 80s he had a spring in his step.
My Experience
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
In the procession.....
My Experience of Chhath.
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
A tea seller on road.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
A worshiper on her way to Sun salutation.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
In Poland, the two most common bird cherry species are the European bird cherry (Prunus padus subsp. padus, czeremcha pospolita), and the American Mayday/Hagberry (Prunus serotina). The P. padus has many properties, and uses, is very versatile, and can be consumed in a variety of ways. Bird cherry fruits have a sweet-tart flavor, and an intense aroma. The fruit pulp is safe to consume. The fruit is primarily used for health problems due to its richness in valuable substances, vitamins, and minerals (vitamin C, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants, rutin, and fiber). It strengthens the immune system: This is due to its high concentration of vitamin C. Antiseptic, and antibacterial: An infusion of the fruit is effective, for example, for sore throats. Juices, and tinctures made from the fruit are especially recommended in autumn, and winter. Other health, and medicinal properties of bird cherry fruit (without seeds!): anti-inflammatory, antitussive, sedative, diuretic, detoxifying, gastrointestinal ailments, and for the female reproductive system.
Blessings to a married lady.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
•) The Inspiration Behind this French Brooch Necklace (•
This particular creation was inspired by a French, 13th century gold ring brooch decorated with rubies and sapphires in tall collets encircled with foliage. We have named our own piece with an inscription that was common during this era: "Ami Amet Deli Pencet", which translated from French means "think of a friend who loves you".
True to the period we wanted this to be a versatile adornment, so we chose to include a little inspiration from a portrait of Sir Christoper Hatton, circa 1589, in which he wore a cameo suspended from a luxurious set of gold chains around his neck. In our own creation we've substituted the thick chains with fine, gold filgree leaves and stems, cultivating a more delicate art piece to grace a woman's gentle throat, while still being substantial enough for a man.
We say "inspired" because we don't recreate pieces, but rather conjure up our own jewelled magic based on the spirit of authentic renaissance adornments that capture our imagination, and that allow us to both explore and share some of the rich, historical context behind them.
Jewelry was worn by all ages and genders in the middle ages, and often had functional purposes as well as decorative ones. Pieces were often ornate and elaborate, with courtly love appearing as a central theme in many creations. This is the "intent" that this necklace was infused with during it's creation.
As influence increased toward the latter half of the thirteenth century so so the demand for jewellery outside of court circles. As a result, laws were passed in an attempt to prevent the lower classes from wearing jewellery at all. Edward III introduced a law in England in 1363 forbidding the families of artisans and yeoman from wearing "belts,
collars, clasps, rings, garters, brooches, ribbons, chains, bands or seals, or any other thing whatsoever of gold or silver", though this proved a rather difficult thing to enforce. Imagine trying to make that law work in Second Life *grins*
Curious about the historical details behind this ring and other jewelry from it's time period? We've shared some of our favourite facts with you on this below.
(See the section called: •) This Collection's Historical Roots and Inspirations (• )
•) Collection features (•
Alchemy is the art of turning something base into something of value, and that's exactly what we have in mind when we dig into the earth for raw metals and stones to conjure up collections of mystical and mythical body art.
Our creations draw on an eclectic mix of personal cravings and a desire for authenticity and historical relevance. While many inworld jewellers feature traditional stone cuts, polish and scripted sparkle, we embrace a more natural approach to creation, adopting the beauty of unpredictable earthstone shapes, cabochon cuts and a painstaking attention to the details of natural lighting and shine. We treat our renaissance gems as beautiful pieces of personal, natural art.
From baroque trinkets to Byzantine, hammered metal and gusseted jewels, we craft a quixotic mix of personal treasures decadent enough to tantalize the appetites of gypsies, kings and whores.
Our second collection draws on the raw decadence of ancient metals and powerful stones, invested with the intent of "courtly love" through a set of real life rituals infused into a delicate sigil concealed against your skin. With a lust for the kind of lavish personal adornment that made Roman and medieval cultures so distinctive in their styles, we set out to drape you in tasteful motifs of jewelled antiquities, metals with rich patinas, delicious age, and a constellation of both powerful and healing talismans and stones.
Our "intentional jewelry" is much more than simple adornment. Each piece is a tool that can be used to invoke a level of magic in your own first and second life. A carefully chosen set of first life rituals were used in it's creation, including a combination of incense, oils and candle magic. We anoint our tools (including our computers) with oils blended for consecration, creativity and balance. In the creation of this piece we used both "consecration" and "attraction" oils.
Just add magic ...
Our "intentional jewelry" is much more than simple adornment. Each piece is a tool that can be used to invoke a level of magic in your own first and second life. A carefully chosen set of first life rituals were used in it's creation, including a combination of incense, oils and candle magic. We anoint our tools (including our computers) with oils blended for consecration, creativity and balance.
We've included a little guide to help you understand a bit more about the stones we chose, the planets that they are associated with, and some of the ways that you might use them in your own rituals through this inworld jewelry to invest your intentions.
For more information on how we use magic in our work and what our views are regarding magic, please see the "magic" tab on our website for more information. alchemyimmortalis.com
The necklace arrives tucked into a bottle of elixir that renames itself and converts to a beautiful alchemy prop when unpacked. We tend to use dual use packagers because we value practicality. Dual use means, once an item or items are unpacked, your unpacker becomes a decorative item. Nifty! It's like recycling. Don't fill up the landfill with prim packaging and risk your mother boxing your ears.
The potion bottle that the packaging transforms into is a special edition, containing an authentic Gypsy rose love potion and spell that you can make as part of your own kitchen witchery. We chose this particular potion and spell because of it's relevance to the intention of "courtly love" that this piece of jewelry is infused with.
*** Please note that we do NOT advocate using any potion or practice in a way that compromises the free will of/causes harm to another person or thing.
And a dash of relentless, loving care ...
If your belief system doesn't include magic, we wanted to appeal to your appreciation for realism, quality and thoughtful construction. This item is mostly sculptwork (sculpted prims) so care was taken in minimising LOD falloff by not overstressing the verts. We also used design elements that are more resistant to LOD falloff to camoflague any shortcomings so that enjoyment of this item could be had at reasonable distances.
All of the texture work is hand painted on the model directly. The textures are not simply applied but matched to the depressions and curves of every single prim within the design. Although we can easily and realistically cast light using our 3D programme, we hand paint the shadows for a more artistic appearance that better matches our overall sim design and theme. One is not better than the other, as it's like choosing between a photograph and a painting. We actually have a variable mix of both depending on the piece, but tend towards mostly hand painted as it better marries our pieces to our overall sim concept. Each piece you buy from us is crafted as part of a greater whole and lends a finished wholeness to its design.
The textures are hand drawn, not photo sourced. Our jewelry is completely created by us and for us, to give our users a rare uniqueness to their items because exclusivity is ultimately what gives a virtual item it's personality when many produced items tend to share particle effect base and texture sources.
And a healthy pinch of scripted resource stewardship ...
We've scripted this collection to be low lag overall, and anytime we script that is our main objective. We also want something to be extremely easy to use or we know that you simply won't use it. That's no good at all. We like items to move if they are designed to mimic RL elements. The coding behind the scenes is clean and sharp...not very exciting to anyone disinterested in geeky things like that, but believe me when we tell you we celebrate and salivate when we conquer aspects of messy code we've seen inworld in the past. Always expect our items to be cleanly coded, interactive if we can manage it, and have a usefulness beyond simply looking pretty.
Here's to living a more magical life!
-- Alchemy and Immortalis Cyannis.
•) This Collection's Historical Roots and Inspirations (•
Jewelry was worn by all ages and genders in the middle ages, and often had functional purposes as well as decorative ones. Pieces were often ornate and elaborate, with courtly love appearing as a central theme in many creations.
As influence increased toward the latter half of the thirteenth century so so the demand for jewellery outside of court circles. As a result, laws were passed in an attempt to prevent the lower classes from wearing jewellery at all. Edward III introduced a law in England in 1363 forbidding the families of artisans and yeoman from wearing "belts, collars, clasps, rings, garters, brooches, ribbons, chains, bands or seals, or any other thing whatsoever of gold or silver", though this proved a rather difficult thing to enforce. Imagine trying to make that law work in Second Life *grins*
•) Metals and Stones (•
Most medieval jewelry was crafted with gold and silver, decorated with colourful enamels, niello (a black alloy of silver, sulphur and lead) and gemstones. Rubies, sapphires and pearls were favourite choices, and markedly different from the faceted cuts set into jewelry today. Medieval gems were generally polished instead, creating pebble-like shapes with soft pools of colour. This cabochon cut is what gives jewelry from this period such a distinctively rustic look and feel.
While the colour of stones added to the beauty of a piece, they were often chosen for their healing or spiritual powers. This was a widely embraced part of the culture during middle ages, and something we personally embrace as we set out to craft new collections of "intentionally created" jewelled art at Alchemy Immortalis.
•) Magical Properties and Healing Powers (•
Much was written about these powers, including eleventh century references to stones such as sapphires, which were considered to possess the power to protect one against physical injury, fear, fraud and envy, and also to protect one's chastity. While sapphires were revered for their significance as a sign of peace and reconciliation, they were also thought to have the ability to promote the healing of ulcers, eye conditions and headaches. Some gemstones contained fossilized fish teeth (known as toadstones), and were also embedded into jewelry because they were thought to have similar healing powers.
You will sometimes find that stones have been drilled. This was done in the belief that it would increase the effectiveness of the stone's power.
Because of this belief in the magical and healing properties of many stones, they were often set into jewelry in a way that provided direct contact with the skin. Open-backed settings were a common feature of rings and pendants, thought to increase the effectiveness of a stone's magical or healing powers.
In addition to precious stones, other substances were sometimes used to infuse jewelry with special powers. For instance, the "unicorn horn" -- the name given to the horn of the dolphin-like Narwhal at the time -- was sometimes cut into semi-circular pieces and mounted on gold chains as a means of detecting poison.
•) Pendants (•
Pendants were prolific during the Renaissance, and again worn by both genders and all ages. Men and children tended to wear them hung on a chain around their neck, while women often fixed them to their girdles, bodices, sleeves or ruffles with ribbons or pins. Intended to hang freely, the backs were often as ornately decorated as the fronts.
Artisans of the time tended to craft pendants out of gold and enamels, generously nestled in beds of precious stones, such as diamonds or ambergris, and the naturally shaped baroque pearls which became wildly popular at the end of the 16th century.
•) Design as a Nod to an Expanding World (•
The beginning of the sixteenth century was marked by the excitement of exploration by sea, and the wild and perilous journeys embarked on to trade with distant continents. This was celebrated in the crafting of elaborately jewelled pieces that included galleons, sea monsters and mermaids at the time.
•) Personal Expression (•
People living in the renaissance often chose pieces of jewelry for the same reasons that many of us do today: as an expression of some unique aspect of their personality or the things they care most about. As we do now, people would sometimes choose jewelled pieces bearing an animal or symbol as a nod to some personal context or joke.
Certain animals and talismans had particular significance at the time. For instance, the "salamander" was considered to be a sign of passionate love, as it was believed to thrive in fire. Cupid was another popular symbol during this time, often found on pendants as a sign of courtly love.
Insignias were also a popular form of symbolic personal decoration, with the initials of a husband and wife perhaps being engraved into a ring or pendant in celebration of marriage.
•) All Roads Lead to Rome (•
A revived interest in the arts of ancient Greece and Rome had a heavy influence in the design of much renaissance jewelry. Pediments and pillars were motifs borrowed from
ancient architecture. Historical figures and characters from mythology came to life again through elaborately designed pieces of jewelry bearing their likeness carved into cameos and elements of gold. While religion had long been a major influence in personal adornment, mythical figures such as Hercules, Cupid, Apollo, Daphne, Leda and the Swan began to take their place as prominent fixtures in jeweled art.
Greek and Roman craftsman had created highly prized pieces engraved into carnelian and other stones. Carved Byzantine pieces were similarly valued antiquities. The Renaissance fueled a renewed dedication to this intricate art, inspiring a prolific collection of cameos, where the design is carved in relief, and intaglios where the design is a more subtle etching into the surface of a gem.
While a variety of gemstones and even shells were sometimes used for these pieces, multi-layered onyx and sardonyx were the preferred materials for this time period, revealing
contrasting shades of glossy brown and white.
•) A Guide on the Powers and Use of the Stones(•
Ruby
Rubies are associated with Mars, which rules physical strength and symbolizes predominantly male energy. Philosophically, Mars represents a need to temper primal urges while at the same to embracing the fire within. Rubies can give the wearer clairvoyance and guards against deception.
A ruby can can be useful at times when you want to summon up strength, energy, creativity, sexuality, confidence, courage, adventure. It can also be a helpful stone to set in order to draw success to you when engaging in sports or combat, or entering a new venture that has high risk.
The Ruby is a powerful heart stone, healing the heart, protecting against the loss of heart energy, and dissolving emotional congestion. Rubies heal and balance emotions, making you more emotionally aware and helping you to connect with others emotionally. Rubies have an intense and vivid energy, stimulating loving emotions, helping with the expression of love, and facilitating states of passion and bliss.
Rubies can also be used to shield you against psychic and emotion attacks. They're a good stone for Aries, Leo and Cancer.
Sapphire
Sapphires are associated with the planet Jupiter, whose historical alchemical value was it's optimistic characteristics. Jupiter was often called on to temper Saturn's dark moods, and tends to be recognized as a planet of the higher mind. It also represents generosity, goodness and opportunity.
Much was written about the powers of stones in the middle ages, including eleventh century references to sapphires, which were considered to possess the power to protect one against physical injury, fear, fraud and envy, and also to protect one's chastity. While sapphires were revered for their significance as a sign of peace and reconciliation, they were also thought to have the ability to promote the healing of ulcers, eye conditions and headaches. Some gemstones contained fossilized fish teeth (known as toadstones), and were also embedded into jewelry because they were thought to have similar healing powers.
You will sometimes find that stones have been drilled. This was done in the belief that it would increase the effectiveness of the stone's power.
Because of this belief in the magical and healing properties of many stones, they were often set into jewelry in a way that provided direct contact with the skin. Open-backed settings were a common feature of rings and pendants, thought to increase the effectiveness of a stone's magical or healing powers.
Jupiter is known as the 'great teacher'. It is associated with wisdom, optimism and honour. It's stones, including sapphires, are associated with higher education, religion, law, philosophy, gurus, rules, law, judges and physicians. These stones are also used in rituals focusing on humanitarian and protecting roles, your values, beliefs, friends and aspirations.
They are also used in business and personal rituals based on the principles of growth, expansion, prosperity and good fortune, as well as those focusing on your inner sense of justice and morality, your ideals and higher goals, and mercy.
In healing sapphires govern blood and have traditionally been used for rituals involving the liver, pituitary gland and the disposition of fats.
Jupiter stones also govern long distance and foreign travel, adventurers, languages and foreign cultures. They are associated with the urge for freedom and exploration, fun and laughter, joy, confidence, optimism, generosity and even sports.
You might choose to set the stones in your jewelry to sapphires when you want to focus on financial aspects in your life, or at the start of new undertakings when you are focusing on activities of expansion, philanthropy, gain and increase. They are also used when you are seeking favors from grandparents, aunts and uncles, advisers (doctors, lawyers, accountants, astrologers). You may also use them when you are seeking advice or consultation, including in settling disputes.
Bloodstone
Like a Ruby, Bloodstone (also known as Heliotrope) is associated with Mars, which rules physical strength and symbolizes predominantly male energy. Philosophically, Mars represents a need to temper primal urges while at the same to embracing the fire within. Bloodstone can give the wearer clairvoyance and guards against deception.
It can be useful at times when you want to summon up strength, energy, creativity, sexuality, confidence, courage, adventure. It can also be a helpful stone to set in order to draw success to you when engaging in sports or combat, or entering a new venture that has high risk.
Legend suggests that Bloodstone was first formed by drops of blood staining the stones at the foot of the cross at Christ's crucifixion. It is a powerful healing stone, valuable for grounding negative energy and cleansing the body. It can be used to increase enery and strength, and in helping to overcome fearfulness
and worry.
You can also set Bloodstone when you want to enhance intuition and creativity, or to combat fatigue, irritability and confusion.
Carnelian
Carnelian is a stone associated with both the Sun and Mercury. It provides a great stablizing energy, protecting the wearer against envy, fear and rage, and helping to banish sorrow. It can be used in rituals where courage is required to make big decisions and launch new ventures, drawing prosperity.
As a sun stone it can also be used for healing and health, and it's alignment with Mercury can be particularly helpful when healing nervous disorders. Sun stones can also be used to summon up the kinds of creative forces that give vitality to endeavors such as acting and the stage, hobbies and activities marking the fun side of life.
This stone can also be set when summoning favours from friends or those in a position of authority over you.
As a stone associated with Mercury it can pave the way for success in forms of communication such as writing, journalism and giving speeches, as well as fuel success in studies and education. It can be empowering when seeking a new job, and where a reflectivity and rational thinking is required.
Hematite
Hematite is associated with Saturn, and is a very protective and detoxifying stone. Lore suggests that hematite was formed from drops of dragons blood.
It's known as the "stone of the mind", enhancing memory, original thinking and technical knowledge. It can help focus energy and dissolve negativity, calming and grounding you during times of stress or worry.
Hematite can also be used to help you find your own gifts and to release any limitations that you may have imposed on yourself. Set Hematite when in need of balance and equilibrium, or when having difficulty focusing energies.
While Saturn at times played a role in more sinister alchemical processes, it also represents order and a gravitational pull to balance and moderation. Alchemists drew on the power of Saturn when they wanted to take matters into their own hands, so using it's associated stones can reinforce the desire to call your own energy into focus in a very powerful way.
As a stone of Saturn, hematite can be used in rituals where you want to summon physical or emotional endurance and patience during hardships. You can set it when you want to give up bad habits and unhealthy choices, and make repairs.
It can be invoked in a focus on longterm goals, gains and planning, including career longevity, rewards and investments.
Saturn's stones can also be used when seeking favours from elders who we are not related to, or from difficult people.
It can also be used to attract "kind" love.
Back to work after a nice Christmas break at Arlington Fleet Services in Eastleigh, running as 0X59 (oh very clever, yeah, see what you've done there Mr rail-movement-scheduler-type-person) Hanson-liveried 59103 Village of Mells leads 59102 Village Chantry and 59104 Village of Great Elm away from Parton's Corner and past Bunn's lane near Frome heading for Merehead, all that's missing is 101 Whatley for the full set of "villages".
Interesting to see American "actor" Vin Diesel at the controls (go on, have a good look), I use the word "actor reservedly as I've seen 'XXX The Return of Xander Cage' (he should have stayed away) and that's 107 minutes of my life I will never get back, and who can forget his sterling work in the Fat & Brainless franchise as well as his heart-wrenching (and bank-balance-busting) emotional-rollercoaster portrayal of Groot on the Marvel Studios gravy train.
Hey, back to trains again (sometimes I even amaze myself), apparently treatments at the Arlington Spa include Horn Rub (Good Morning Vicar), Buffer Massage (more Tea?), Coupling Manicure, Wheel Pedicure and Bogie Scrub - Whatley of course emerged in December 2023 having enjoyed the all over Body Exfoliation and Heidelberg Treatment with Chantry having booked in just recently for some Orange therapy. By the look of things in this view Chantry clearly enjoyed some kind of purifying and detoxifying Mud Pack but left Eastleigh in a hurry.
The 'Where's Wally' series of Children's books created by English author Martin Handford have been published since 1987 and have sold in excess of 70 million copies world-wide and been translated into at least 26 languages. In North America the books are known as Where's Waldo, in Germany as Where's Walter and in Norway as Where's Willy (yes, yes, see you in Church Vicar!)
Mother and child in Chhath.
My Experienceof Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
My Experience
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
My Experience
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
An old photographer covering the story.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
Offerings for Sun God.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
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TAURINE
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Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid which is naturally occurring in the human body. “Conditionally essential” means that in some situations or under certain conditions, as for example, in situations of high stress or physical exertion, increased amounts of taurine are eliminated from the body and cannot be replaced by the body in sufficient amounts.
Taurine is involved in vital functions of the human body. Taurine acts as an antioxidant and has been shown to promote detoxification by binding together with harmful substances and thereby accelerating their excretion from the body.
Taurine is also contained in different foodstuffs like e.g. scallops, fish or poultry and is added to most baby food.
GLUCURONOLACTONE
Glucuronolactone is a carbohydrate.
It is naturally occurring in the human body where it is involved in detoxification processes, supporting the body in eliminating waste substances from the body.
Glucuronolactone is also present in different foodstuffs such as grain or red wine.
CAFFEINE
Caffeine is known for its beneficial effects on mental and physical functions. It has been shown to improve e.g. reaction speed, alertness and concentration. Caffeine also stimulates fat-burning during endurance activities and thereby helps to use fat stores in the body which results in a more efficient supply of energy.
Caffeine is contained in many foodstuffs such as coffee tea or chocolate. One can of Red Bull Energy Drink contains approximately the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee.
B-GROUP VITAMINS
B-group vitamins play an important role in energy metabolism, such as the build-up and break-down of carbohydrates, fat and protein. B vitamins are also shown to support mental and physical performance.
SUCROSE
GLUCOSE
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Milo
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Milo (pronounced /ˈmaɪloʊ/) is a chocolate and malt powder which is mixed with hot or cold milk to produce a beverage popular in many parts of the world. Produced by Nestlé, was originally developed by Thomas Mayne in Sydney, Australia in 1934.[1] It is marketed and sold in many countries around the world. However, in the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden and Colombia it is available only in small quantities.
Most commonly sold as a powder in a familiar green tin, often depicting various sporting activities, Milo is available as a premixed beverage in some countries, and has been subsequently developed into a snack bar and breakfast cereal. Its composition and taste differ in some countries.
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BlueStorm
----------------------------------------
BLUE STORM wakes up your body when it revitalizes the nervous system, detoxifying the organism, simulating the circulation, increasing the capacity to react and concentrate at work, the gym, sports, intimate sessions, and all activities that require your body to make maximum effort.
Furthermore, BLUE STORM enhances efficiency of body functions, improves performance and provides energy boost. It works to increase endurance and concentration, promote rapid recovery, and improve reaction speed. Containing Taurine, Caffeine, and Vitamins, BLUE STORM stimulates the metabolism and enhances efficiency of body functions. No wonder why experts call it the ideal energy and functional drink of athletes, professionals, students, motorists, travelers, clubbers, and lovers.
Apart from helping your body to react better while you do activities that require more effort, BLUE STORM energy drink helps to recover lost energy that the body loses while doing such activities. As a premium functional energy drink, BLUE STORM when consumed in appropriate quantities daily becomes an additional battery for the body.
Offerings for Sun God.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
Devotion
My Experience
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
To learn more about me and my craft, please visit my profile page.
CARIBBEAN QUEEN is a 70 carat handcrafted wire wrapped turquoise howlite pendant that created swirling and shaping sterling silver plate copper wire by hand, adding silver plate beads and turquoise chips to enhance the natural beauty and shape of the stone. The combination of the elegant, swirly and shiny wire setting, together with the earthy and dramatic gemstone creates a very versatile piece of wearable art that can be worn with a formal gown or your favorite casual jeans. Stylish Care More pendants are sure to be a focal point of any outfit.
It measures 1" across and 2 1/4" top to tip including the bail.
The bail is designed to be large enough to accommodate your favorite chain, choker or cord. A 17" silver plate chain is included.
All purchases are nicely packaged in a gift box.
The following metaphysical healing properties have been collected from various sources. For more specific information please contact an experienced Crystal Therapist.
Turquoise's healing effects:
This stone is a very personal and meaningful stone. It takes on the characteristics of the owner. It carries great wisdom of basic truth within it. A symbol of friendship. It also brings peace to the home. It is one of the oldest stones known and has been used for centuries as a protective stone. It's sacred to both Native American and oriental traditions. It has a calming influence, instills wisdom, loyalty, self-realization, promotes honest and clear communication from the heart and helps with creative problem solving. The psychic powers are enhanced when meditating with it. It has an "elevating" effect and can unite the energies of the earth and the skies to promote healing for ones spirit. It strengthens and aligns all chakras, meridians and subtle bodies. Another "All Purpose" healing stone like amethyst, it's fosters empathy, positive thinking and sensitivity. It acts on the immune system and therefore heals the whole body. Also effective in neutralizing over acidity, alleviating rheumatism, gout, stomach problems, viral infections, increases growth, muscular strength, pain, relaxes cramps and contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.
Ladies in traditional clothes and ornaments.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all clad in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
For more information about my craft, please visit my profile page.
DIVINE is a 45 carat handcrafted natural turquoise pendant that I created swirling and shaping sterling silver filled wire by hand, adding black agate beads and turquoise chips to enhance the natural beauty and shape of the stone.
It measures 1 1/2" across and 2 3/4" top to tip including the bail.
The bail is designed to be large enough to accommodate your favorite chain, choker or cord. A 17" silver plate chain is included.
All purchases are nicely packaged in a gift box.
The following metaphysical healing properties have been collected from various sources. For more specific information please contact an experienced Crystal Therapist.
Turquoise's healing effects:
This stone is a very personal and meaningful stone. It takes on the characteristics of the owner. It carries great wisdom of basic truth within it. A symbol of friendship. It also brings peace to the home. It is one of the oldest stones known and has been used for centuries as a protective stone. It's sacred to both Native American and oriental traditions. It has a calming influence, instills wisdom, loyalty, self-realization, promotes honest and clear communication from the heart and helps with creative problem solving. The psychic powers are enhanced when meditating with it. It has an "elevating" effect and can unite the energies of the earth and the skies to promote healing for ones spirit. It strengthens and aligns all chakras, meridians and subtle bodies. Another "All Purpose" healing stone like amethyst, it's fosters empathy, positive thinking and sensitivity. It acts on the immune system and therefore heals the whole body. Also effective in neutralizing over acidity, alleviating rheumatism, gout, stomach problems, viral infections, increases growth, muscular strength, pain, relaxes cramps and contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.