Hindus are inheritors of a culture which integrated spirituality and science with great pageantry. Hinduism's underlying core belief is that there is only God and everything emanates from that One. All forms are an expression of the divine (divya), each representing and showcasing one or many aspects of the divine qualities. The multi-faceted Vedic Hinduism's original name is Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Order).
Our ancient ones (rishis) taught us, at the inner core, the human life is Sat-Chit-Anand (Truth-Consciousness-Bliss) and each and every activity in life is meant to lead the individual to that One goal of existential realization. Our customs, our traditions our very way of life is to help the individual coexist with the family harmoniously and realize the yogic goal in every step of the journey, from birth to death, regardless of the socio-economic strata of life. Yoga is the union of individual self with Self and Ashtanga Yoga the practical application of the philosophy (Vedanta).
Nature is not separated from the human existence. Celebratory events developed by our realized ancestors (rishis) are in synch with the cycle of nature (rita) and aimed at developing and nurturing relationships with family, friends and neighbors. To bring the science and spirituality to life, the philosophical ideas (Vedas) were transformed into beautiful allegorical stories (puranas). From these these allegories developed the festivals and traditions to bring family and community together. Underlying it all is the human instinct of joy and happiness and remembrance of the principle of the victory of good over evil in the constant struggle between them.
Thousands of years ago, the Hindu festivals (utsav) spread throughout the Indian-subcontinent and in the east as far as Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia and in the west as far as America, as recorded by Mayans in South America. These festivals took on local hues depending on the climate, agricultural environment, evolving cultural landscape and location. Though somewhat modified over the millenia, many still retain their core essence ans spirit.
Hindus celebrate major cosmic changes, such as the transmigration of the sun from one zodiac sign (Rashi) as Sankranti. Of the twelve sankrantis, Makara Sankranti on January 14th is the most significant; the sun passes through the winter solstice, from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn (Makar). We witness cosmic, astronomical harmony and prayerfully honor this scientific Truth. The six months of northern movement of the sun is followed by six months of southern movement.
As the earth starts its northward part of the rotation it brings the promise of a harvest of abundance and happiness in many parts of India. and the northern hemisphere around the world. The sowing season starts. Along the river Ganga in places like Ganga Sagar (where the river Ganga meets the Bay of Bengal) and Prayag/Allahabad millions of people bathe to honor the comingling of one life force (Sun) with another (water).
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in myriad ways. Usually there is an exchange of gifts with relatives. The festival reminds us to thank all who have contributed to our well being and of the world around us. An exuberant celebration of peace and harmony! Prayers of thanks and gratitude are offered to the Sun for a good harvest.
On this day, many pray to the deity of education (Saraswati) for clarity of mind. The festival highlights the importance of withdrawing from unethical and disturbing behavior. Students are encouraged to study science, maths, astrology and astronomy emphasizing the astronomical basis of the festival.
Kites are flown in many parts of the subcontinent. Kite flying while lot of fun to young at heart, conveys a deeper message that God is the Sutradhara -- holding the string of man. Tensions of push and pull (of life) allow the kite to fly higher. If He lets it loose, the kite cannot fly.
No festival is complete without sweets. Sankranti sweets are made of sesame seed and sugar. They represent affection and sweetness.
In India and around the world, Makar Sankranti is also known as Gupi, Lohri, Pongal, Thaipusam and by other names.
Here at home, we, the Hindu Americans, see the strength of the Dharmic culture (Hindu and other eastern faiths) through the many ways in which the ancient traditional (Puranic) allegorical stories and epics are brought to life through festivals. In America, we recognize that the many festivals (utsav) play an important role in expressing the spiritual significance in celebratory, joyous ways while bringing people together. And we have developed our own ways to celebrate this expression of science and spirituality.
We pray in our home or temple, exchange gifts with our loved ones, observe aspects of the tradition that the climate will allow, create new ones and celebrate a meal with our friends and family.
During this time, our tradition encourages seva or service. And we are expanding this aspect creatively. For example, we are linking it to the MLK Day of Service, a national American holiday.
FestivalSeva (UtsavSeva) is community service augmenting the spirit of Hindu festivals through seva events organized during this time and connecting them with the cultural heritage. In keeping with the spirit of the festival, our theme for January is ShantiSeva: advancing peace and harmony through service and civility in our public interactions.
The ancient tradition, Makar Sankranti is evolving to meet our needs as we New Americans weave our traditions and culture in the pluralistic tapestry of America.
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Anju Bhargava: Raksha Bandhan: An Opportunity for Social Cohesion
Makar Sankranti - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
BBC - Religions - Hinduism: Makar Sankranti
Hindu American Seva (HinduSevaUSA) on Twitter
Now I do not belong to any religion but practice Yoga since 25 years. I visited India and I loved the country. I felt alive. I will never forget Rajasthan. I traveled by "luxury" bus which took me through a lot of smaller communities. The most fascinating for me were the women working along the road in beautiful colored saris and with their countless pieces of jewelry on arms, noses, ears, ankles and feet. I like to work with my hands too but I would not be able to do it in such a beautiful outfit.
Fascinating also was that the men did not seem to work but to powwow in the plaza Reminded me strongly of Italy...
My second love were the little roadside temples build out of found objects. As an artist I really felt inspired. Beautiful country, I hope globalisation will not change it too much.
Isn't this contradicting the author's scientific angle of Hinduism, and the idea of "liberty" and "freedom."
My point being, every religion has it's constraints. Words such as "freedom" and "liberty" are highly idealized words in the west. People flock to anything that advertise these tenets. Because of this danger, the words should be used with caution.
Your article was interesting, informative and enjoyable to read.
I appreciate the day of Makar Sankranti.
There is a great legend tagged to Mahabharata when the Great grand old Patriarch of the family viz. Sree
Bhishma Pitaamaha was arrowed by Arjun in the battle fight, he laid on the arrow bed for next good few months for this day of Makar Sankranti to cast off his mortal coils. Because it is said to herald the onset of auspicious period and opens the gates of "Heaven" and liberates the "Soul" for ever; relinquishing it from further cycle of births and deaths for ever.
This combines its scientific aspect with the spirituality. Vedas proclaim, "Spirituality starts where science finishes". This concept embodies the concept of spirituality as super-science or the essence of science.
God bless
Dr. O. P. Sudrania
Dr. O. P. Sudrania
Next on the article by Anju Bhargava on Makar Sankranti, it is a great article and a thought provoking one. She has rightly captioned it a Celebration of Science and Spirituality. People get confused as soon as word science is uttered. They only seem to correlate science if something comes out of a physics or a chemistry or a math laboratory and was discussed by the University Professors in their arduous egoistic style of lecturing. This is a narrow view of the word science that makes it a mockery of the very word and its concept. Limiting the "Water" to a well and denying the existence of "Ocean" is a best correlation that comes to my mind.
Vedas are like ocean and the science is like a well. They are not different but to my mind complementary to each other. The current knowledge of quantum physics is coming near to spirituality. It has still a long way to go.
God bless
Dr. O. P. Sudrania
Yes, even taking a walk through India [a good walk takes months, or years :-) ], one constantly finds reminders in the names of the mountains, rivers, stars, in seeing trees and caves made into shrines, countless peopled and unattended temples, shrines to ancient sages/yogis, ancient statues just standing there in the middle of a forest etc. etc. etc. Its like walking through a poem, a myth which always reminds. And then there are the festivals where the teachings come to the fore, if the language in which they are spoken of is known.
Its one thing to study Hinduism in a course, via a book - but to walk through a landscape which contains teachings everywhere that the mystic-poets have given is an altogether different experience.
"The real cycle you’re working on is a cycle called yourself. The machine that appears to be ‘out there’ and the person that appears to be ‘in here’ are not two separate things. They grow toward Quality or fall away from Quality together." Robert Pirsig.
Fascinating.
I am married to a Jew by heritage who leans toward Hinduism, not quite a full "Hinjew" as some -- such as Ram Dass -- call themselves. Not all Hindu teachings are compatible with my faith, but I honor the comfort and moral guidance they have given my spouse.
Hinduism is the liberty of faith! Its not in a static belief that you HAVE to adhere to. That is not a weakness.,.. That is the strengh, Just like liberty of man is a strength and a fixed fascism or communism no matter how "equitable" it may seem is weakness of a society.