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Saturday 26 January 2013

Indian Republic Day Chief Guest 2013

Indian Republic Day Chief Guest 2013

Bhutan King to be chief guest at India's Republic Day parade

New Delhi, Jan. 22 (ANI): Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will be the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade this year.
An official release says that the King and Queen of Bhutan will pay a state visit to India from January 23 to 30. He has been invited by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.
During his visit, the Bhutan King will meet with President Mukherjee, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
He will also meet External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj.
National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon and Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai will also call on the King of Bhutan.
The visit of the Bhutan King will contribute to a further strengthening and expanding of close bilateral relations between the two countries.
The unique and special relations between the two neighbouring countries are characterized by everlasting friendship, deep understanding and mutual trust. (ANI)

Republic Day Parade

To mark the importance of the occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate.[1] Prior to its commencement, the Prime Minister lays a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial to unknown soldiers at the India Gate at one end of Rajpath, which is followed by two minutes silence in the memory of unknown soldiers. It is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice of the martyrs who died for the country in the freedom movement and the succeeding wars for the defence of sovereignty of their country. Thereafter he/she reaches the main dais at Rajpath to join other dignitaries, subsequently the President arrives along with the chief guest of the occasion. They are escorted on horseback by the President's Bodyguard.
First, the president unfurls the National flag, as the National Anthem is played, and a 21-gun salute is given. Next, important awards like the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra are given away by the President, before the regiments of Armed Forces start their march past. The President comes forward to award the medals of bravery to the people from the armed forces for their exceptional courage in the field and also the civilians, who have distinguished themselves by their different acts of valour in different situations. Children who receive the National Bravery Award ride past the spectators on colourfully decorated elephants.[2]

The unique BSF Camel Contingent during the annual Republic Day Parade.
Nine to twelve different regiments of the Indian Army in addition to the Navy, and Air Force with their bands march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. Twelve contingents of various para-military forces of India and other civil forces also take part in this parade.[3] One of the unique sights of the parade is the camel mounted Border Security Force contingent, which is the only camel mounted military force in the world. The crème of N.C.C. cadets, selected from all over the country consider it an honour to participate in this event, as do the school children from various schools in the capital. They spend many days preparing for the event and no expense is spared to see that every detail is taken care of, from their practice for the drills, the essential props and their uniforms. 22 to 30 floats exhibiting the cultures of the various states and union territories of India, including floats of union ministries are in the grand parade, which is broadcast nationwide on television and radio. These moving exhibits depict scenes of activities of people in those states and the music and songs of that particular state accompany each display. Each display brings out the diversity and richness of the culture of India and the whole show lends a festive air to the occasion.[4] Around 1200 schoolchildren present cultural dances as part of the parade.[5]
The parade traditionally ends with dare devil motor cycle riding and a flypast by the Indian Air Force jets and helicopters carrying the national flag and the flags of the three services.
Comprising over 25 marching and mounted contingents, various military vehicles, 20 military bands, 30 cultural tableaux and 30 aircraft in addition to cultural performers and 1200 schoolchildren, India's Republic Day Parade in New Delhi is the most spectacular regular parade in the world.
Every part of the country is represented in the parade, which makes the Republic Day parade very popular.






























 








 

Tuesday 22 January 2013

Allahabad Kumbh Mela 2013


Allahabad Kumbh Mela 2013 



Kumbh Mela (religious congregation and fair) is the largest gathering of humanity on the  earth and an unique event that blends religious and social features of Indian society.  It is the largest and the greatest Indian river side pilgrimage and religious congregation celebrated with unique religious fervor and has no parallel in the world in terms of sheer participation and zeal. In January and February, 2013, Kumbh Mela is going to be celebrated at Allahabad , situated at 25.28 N latitude and 81.52 E longitude in the state of Uttar Pradesh,  India. At Allahabad over 30 million people from different parts of the world will participate in Kumbh Mela.

No advertisement, No invitation, yet such a big congregation. It is nothing short of a marvel and unbelievable till one is a part of it.. Today Kumbh Mela at Allahabad is the biggest spectacle of faith and symbolic of ‘Jagat Kutumbkam ‘ or global village, wherein different cultures, different religions, different schools of thoughts come together and discuss and share information and knowledge. It is like an open university on religion.

The Kumbh Mela will commence on 27th January 2013 and will end on 25 February 2013. During this period, Allahabad would be the most populated city of the world. Kumbh Mela at Allahabad will be held on the banks of river Ganga, Yamuna, mythological Saraswati and the confluence of the rivers, which is known as Sangam.

On the sandy banks of the rivers, a new township comes up, wherein pilgrims, saints, preachers, healers, government departments, social organisations etc. set up their accommodation and offices.  People assemble here to bathe in the holy rivers daily and more so on specified holy bathing days known as Snan Parvs (Bathing Days). to listen to holy discourses, to exchange and learn religious philosophies etc. People from different parts of India and from abroad converge at these places to bathe in the  river on the auspicious occasion, known as Kumbh Snan Yoga.

It is believed that the dip grants salvation.  Religious discourses, cultural activities and other events keep the people at large spell bound during this month long festival.  It is something which has to be seen to believe. If one misses the  opportunity to be a part of the worlds largest congregation in 2013, then the next opportunity would be available in 2025. This congregation at the Kumbh Township at Allahabad is like a model of Indian culture, integrity, secularity and expanse.

The faith and belief in god has propelled these people to be at Kumbh Allahabad despite of the several hardships on their way. Kumbh Mela does not belong to any particular religion, caste or creed rather it symbolizes the main spirit of Indian culture and thought. For such a sea of humanity to converge at a point of known attraction, the reason cannot be attributed to a mere myth. Kumbh Mela is a cultural festival, which symbolizes the stability and integrity the Indian Nation.
In 1885, Mark Twain wrote about Allahabad Kumbh;

  "Pilgrims plodded for months in heat to get here, worn, poor and hungry, but sustained by unwavering faith"

Kumbh Mela is also celebrated at three more places in India. At Hardwar, it is celebrated on the banks of river Ganga, at Ujjain, Kumbh is celebrated on the banks of river Shipra and at Nasik on the banks of river Godawri.


The Mythology

As per Garuda Puran (I 240.26-28, Ramayana -III.35.27.34 and Mahabharata I-25.ff..) once upon a time sage Durvasa (spiritually enlightened sage) visited Amravati, the capital of   Swarga (heaven). The sage in pleasant mood intended to see Lord Indra and on meeting him affectionately offered garland of ' never wilting flowers'. Lord Indra took them  in a casual way and passed the garland to Airawat (divine elephant) who in turn crushed the garland under its feet. Angered at  Lord Indra's arrogance, Sage Durvasa pronounced a curse on him, devoiding him   of all the riches, virtues and power.  Knowing this,  demon king Bali attacked Lord Indra and snatched away all the  riches and virtuous possessions. The gods were weakened and then Lord Vishnu (the preserver of the Universe)  advised Lord Indra that to regain his lost powers and splendour he needed ambrosia or Amrita (divine nectar). To extract this from the depths of the ocean, the demons were motivated to churn the ocean along with the gods.  Mighty mountain Mandarachal was used as churn staff, formidable serpent king Vasuki became the string to move the churn, Lord Vishnu in  the guise of koorm (tortoise) gave support from the bottom and Lord Brahma (the creator of Universe) guided the churning from top.

With the churning, fourteen   Ratnas (virtuous jewels) emerged from the ocean. These were Poison, Flying Horse, Magic Moon, Sky chariot, Vibrant Lyre, Rambha (the siren), Lakshmi (the paragaon of beauty and the provider of all riches), Vishwakarma (the divine architect), Dhanvantari (the divine healer),   Gajaraj (the divine elephant), Kaustubh Mani , the divine conch shell, Varuni (the enchantress) and the coveted kumbh (pitcher) of Amrit (divine nectar).

With the emergence of amrit, there was scramble amongst the gods and demons for the possession of the divine elixir. Lord Vishnu handed over the kumbh(pitcher) of amrit to divine Garuda (the winged mount of Lord Vishnu). Garuda, who was to take the pitcher of nectar safely to heaven(Swarga ),  was stopped on way at four places by the demons.These places are the present day  Allahabad, Hardwar, Ujjain and Nashik, where   Garuda had to put the pitcher down. Some of the nectar spilled at these places, sanctifying them forever. (As per Skand Puran, the story of taking away the pitcher by Jayanta, son of Lord Indra and the episode of spilling of nectar is mentioned, while other Purans - Vishnu, Brahamandu , Padma, Bhagwat , Agni, Mahabharat and Ramayana narrate the story of Garuda the winged mount of Lord Vishnu).

All along the flight, Garuda was guided by Lord Brihasapati (Jupiter),then transiting in the rashi (zodiac) Acquarius, Taurus and Leo.  Sun and Saturn alongwith the Moon were on the vanguard in protecting the Amrit Kumbh (pitcher of divine nectar). The flight  of Garuda  lasted 12 days (12 human years). Therefore Kumbh is celebrated around every twelve years.

Importance of bathing during Kumbh

It is believed that bathing during Kumbh cures the bather of all sins and evils and grants the bather salvation. It is also believed that  at the time of Kumbh Yog, the water of Sangam (confluence of rivers at Allahabad) is   charged with positive healing effects and that  water at the time of Kumbh is charges positively by enhanced electromagnetic radiations of the Sun, Moon and the Jupiter, the flux of which also varies in accordance to positions and the phases of the moon, and also by the + and - signs of the sun spots. As per Puranas (Hindu Scripts) properties of river water at Allahabad has been referred to as Amrit or elexir.

Allahabad is the modern name of the holy city called Prayag. Prayag was also referred to as  Teerthraj Prayag, meaning  the holiest of the holy. Kumbh at Allahabad is of a very special  significance.    Bathing at Prayag is mentioned in Brahma Purana (Hindu Script) as " bathing in the month of Magh at the bank of Ganga and Yamuna at Prayag bestows results of millions and millions of "Ashvamedha Yajna" (Vedic Sacrifice which bestows immense power).

Auspicious bathing dates for 2013 Kumbh Mela, Allahabad

Makar Sankranti 14 January (Shahi Snan)
Paush Poornima 27 January
Ekadashi Snan 6th February
Mauni Amavasya 10 February (Shahi Snan)
Basant Panchami 15 February (Shahi Snan)
Rath Saptami Snan 17 February
Bhisma Ekadashi Snan 18 February
Maghi Poornima 25 February
Mahashivratri 10 March