Do you or your family make any special dishes for the holidays?
In India every few days there is a celebration. the yogic culture celebrates many natural phenomenon during which the spiritual energy is thought to be the most perceptible. Most full moon days, ekadashi, navratri (devi navratri, shri ram navratri, vital navratri etc.), shivaratri, sankashti, etc are auspicious and are celebrated with great fervour in different parts of the country.
Most of these celebrations involve fasting, chanting and meditation followed by breaking the fast over temple prasadam. Many stories revolve around the significance and importance of these events. Moreover, every temple has similar special events throughout the year.
These festivities were organised by our ancestors on deep knowledge of science and the influence of the moon on the earth. It was also a way to keep everyone motivated and bring people together for celebrations via bhajans, Kirtans, folk music, classical dances, dramas etc. It was created in such a way that almost all days were festive.
This was important as it kept people healthy by way of fasting, meditation and eating healthy food made in the temple premises by the community themselves. This also provided opportunities to people to learn and teach art forms, thus piquing the creativity of the community and immersing them in a positive environment.
Moreover this system ensured socialization, personal growth and development, a healthy body and mind as well as spiritual upliftment making every day of life a celebration.
life stories 