By Desis, for Desis and Everyone Else!!
What’s a Desi?
The term “desi” is a term that is commonly used by people from the Indian subcontinent to refer to themselves or other people (origin or ancestry) from the region.
The word “Desi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “desh,” which means “country” or “region” or “homeland”. (‘Sanskrit’ word ‘Desh’? What is Sanskrit?)
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Desi people can come from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives. The term can also be used to describe aspects of Indian origin culture, including food, clothing, music, and art.
What is NavRoz?
What is NavRoz?
Indian Parsis celebrate Nowruz, which is the Persian New Year, and it is known as “Navroz” in India. The celebration of Navroz among Indian Parsis has its roots in the Zoroastrian tradition of ancient Persia, and it is celebrated as a cultural and social festival.
Nowruz is a Persian festival that marks the beginning of the new year and the start of spring. It is celebrated on the spring equinox, which usually falls on March 20th or 21st. Nowruz is a combination of two Persian words, “now” meaning new, and “ruz” meaning day. Thus, Nowruz means “new day.”
Where is Nowruz from?
The origins of Nowruz can be traced back to ancient Persia and Zoroastrianism, which was the dominant religion of the region before the arrival of Islam.
Why are they in India?
Zoroastrians, also known as Parsis, have a significant presence in India, particularly in Mumbai and Gujarat. The arrival of Zoroastrians in India can be traced back to ancient history and is attributed to historical events in Persia (present-day Iran). Here’s a brief overview of why and how Zoroastrians came to India:
- Persecution in Persia: Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, founded by the prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster) in ancient Persia around the 6th or 7th century BCE. For several centuries, Zoroastrianism was the dominant religion in the region. However, during the 7th century CE, Persia was conquered by Arab forces, and Islam became the dominant religion. Zoroastrians faced religious persecution under Islamic rule, which led to a mass exodus from Persia.
- Arrival in India: Seeking refuge from religious persecution, a group of Zoroastrians fled Persia and set sail to various regions to find safe havens. One of these groups landed on the western coast of India in the state of Gujarat around the 8th or 10th century CE. They settled in the town of Sanjan and sought permission from the local king to stay in India.
- The Sanjan Agreement: The Zoroastrian immigrants, led by their priest and spiritual leader, Dasturji Kaus, approached the local king, Jadi Rana, seeking permission to settle in Sanjan. The king, being cautious about accepting foreigners, presented a vessel filled with milk to symbolize that the land was already full and could not accommodate more people. The wise Zoroastrian priest added a pinch of sugar to the milk, signifying that they would blend harmoniously with the existing population. Impressed by this gesture, the king granted them permission to settle, and this event is known as the “Sanjan Agreement”.
- Preservation of Identity: Over the centuries, the Parsis in India retained their distinct Zoroastrian identity and culture while assimilating with Indian society. They have made significant contributions to India’s economic, cultural, and social fabric. Parsis have been active in various fields, such as business, industry, education, and philanthropy.
Today, India is home to a vibrant Parsi community that continues to uphold their Zoroastrian beliefs and traditions. They have established fire temples for worship, and Zoroastrian practices, including the Tower of Silence for the disposal of the dead, are followed by some Parsis.
The Parsis in India have made lasting contributions to the country’s pluralistic and diverse society, and their presence is a testament to India’s tradition of providing refuge and acceptance to those seeking shelter and freedom from persecution.
When is Navroz or Nowruz?
The celebration of Navroz among Indian Parsis usually takes place in the month of March, and it is marked by a variety of customs and traditions. The celebrations usually begin a few days before the actual day of Navroz, and the preparations include cleaning and decorating the house, buying new clothes, and preparing special dishes.
What are the main traditions?
One of the main traditions of Navroz celebrations among Indian Parsis is the setting up of a Sofreh Haft Sin, which is a traditional table setting consisting of seven items that begin with the Persian letter “sin”. The seven items in the Sofreh Haft Sin include
- Sabzeh (wheat or lentil sprouts),
- Samanu (sweet pudding made from sprouted wheat),
- Senjed (dried fruit of the oleaster tree),
- Seer (garlic),
- Seeb (apple),
- Somāq (sumac berries), and
- Serkeh (vinegar).
- In addition to these seven items, other items such as coins, candles, may also be included in the Sofreh Haft Sin.
Apart from the Sofreh Haft Sin, other customs and traditions observed by Indian Parsis during Navroz celebrations include visiting friends and family, exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional Parsi dishes such as Sali boti (a meat dish with potato straws), Dhansak (a lentil and meat stew), and Ravo (a sweet dish made with vermicelli and nuts).
Overall, Navroz celebrations among Indian Parsis are marked by joyous and festive gatherings with family and friends, and it is an important occasion for preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage.
What is Ugadi?
What is Ugadi?
Ugadi is a popular festival celebrated in the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.
The word “Ugadi” is derived from two Sanskrit words “Yuga” meaning era or age, and “Adi” meaning beginning.
Ugadi marks the beginning of a new era or a new year, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor.
The word “Ugadi” is derived from two Sanskrit words “Yuga” meaning era or age, and “Adi” meaning beginning.
When is this and other new year festivals celebrated in India?
Ugadi is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Chaitra (March-April), which marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Hindu calendar.
So the date depends on a different cycle and can fall on different dates in the calendar. There is a resource which has the dates of ALL the holidays around n the world and the current dates.
Click here to find the date for this years Ugadi.
Click here to find out the dates for all the festivals and holidays in India.
How is Ugadi celebrated?
On this day, people wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and decorate their houses with mango leaves and rangolis.
It is believed that Lord Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, started the creation of the universe on this day.They also offer prayers to Lord Brahma, and seek his blessings for a happy and prosperous new year.
People prepare special dishes like Ugadi pachadi (a mixture of six different tastes -to remind us of the qualities of LIFE itself – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, and tangy), pulihora (tamarind rice), bobbatlu (sweet stuffed bread), and other traditional delicacies.
People also exchange gifts and sweets with each other and visit temples to offer their prayers.
The significance of Ugadi festival is both religious and cultural.
It marks the beginning of a new year and is considered an auspicious day to start new ventures and make important decisions.
It also signifies the onset of spring and the harvest season, and people pray for a good crop and prosperity. On the religious front, the festival marks the beginning of the Vasant ritu (spring season) and is considered an auspicious time to start new ventures, such as business, education, and marriage.
In Karnataka, Ugadi is also known as “Yugadi” and it holds great significance in the state’s cultural and traditional heritage. On this day, people clean their houses and decorate them with fresh flowers and mango leaves, which are considered auspicious.
In some parts of Karnataka, people also perform the ritual of “Panchanga Shravana” where they listen to the predictions for the upcoming year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The predictions are based on astrological calculations and are believed to give an insight into the future.
Panchangam is an astrological almanac used in South India to calculate auspicious timings and events according to the Hindu lunar calendar. (In the north it’s called Panchang)
Panchangam is closely related to the study of astronomical positions of stars, constellations, and planets. It is based on the positions of the moon and other planets in the solar system, as well as the 27 constellations or Nakshatras that the moon travels through during its revolution cycle around the earth.
The calculation of the Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, and Var (Panchangam means five limbs in Sanskrit) are all based on the positions of the moon, sun, and other celestial bodies in the solar system.
Read More about Panchangam
Let’s take a look at the five parts of the Panchangam in more detail:Tithi – A Tithi is a lunar day, which is calculated based on the position of the moon in relation to the sun. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, each lasting for approximately 24 hours. The Tithi is used to determine auspicious and inauspicious timings for various events, such as weddings, business deals, and other important activities.
Nakshatra – The Nakshatras are the 27 constellations that the moon travels through during its cycle. Each Nakshatra is associated with a specific set of characteristics and is believed to have a particular impact on human life. The Nakshatra is used to determine the most auspicious time for starting a new venture or undertaking a new project.
Yoga – The Yoga is the combination of the positions of the sun and the moon, and it is used to determine the auspicious and inauspicious timings for various activities, such as traveling, starting a new job, or buying a new home.
Karana – The Karana is a half Tithi, which is used to determine the most auspicious time for certain activities, such as cutting hair, trimming nails, and other personal grooming activities.
Var – The Var refers to the day of the week and is used to determine the auspicious and inauspicious timings for various activities, such as starting a new business, getting married, or signing a new contract.
The Panchangam is used by astrologers, priests, and individuals to determine the most auspicious timings for various activities and events in their lives. For example, if someone is planning to start a new business, they may consult the Panchangam to determine the most auspicious date and time for launching their venture.
It takes into account the day, time, and location to create a personalized calendar for a specific region or individual.
Another popular tradition on Ugadi in Karnataka is the “Huli Vesha” or the Tiger Dance, where people dress up in tiger costumes and dance to the beats of drums and other musical instruments.
The dance is believed to bring prosperity and good luck to the community.
In Karnataka it’s celebrated on the same day as in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
What is Holi?
What is Holi? When is it?
Holi is a festival in India – the festival of colors (or colours).
Holi is a popular festival celebrated in India and Nepal, which is also known as the “Festival of Colors.” The festival is typically celebrated on the full moon day in the Indian calendar month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March.
Why is Holi celebrated?
The festival is celebrated to welcome the spring season and to celebrate the victory of good over evil. It is also a time for forgiveness, letting go of grudges, and reconciling with others.
People of all ages come together and celebrate with great enthusiasm by throwing colored powder and water on each other, singing and dancing, and feasting on delicious food and sweets.
How is Holi celebrated?
The festival is celebrated in different parts of the country in various ways, with some regions having unique customs and traditions.
In North India, especially in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, the festival is celebrated with great fervor, and people enact scenes from the life of Lord Krishna.
In some parts of the country, a bonfire is lit on the eve of Holi, and people gather around it to sing and dance.
Holi – Religious Significance
The religious significance of Holi is associated with several Hindu myths and legends.
The most popular one is the story of Prahlada, who was saved from the demoness Holika by the grace of Lord Vishnu.
The festival also celebrates the love of Radha and Krishna, and their playful throwing of colored powders and water on each other.
Holi – Cultural significance
The cultural significance of Holi is that it brings people of all backgrounds and social status together to celebrate the fruits of hard work (usually a harvest of the early spring) and enjoy. It promotes unity, friendship, and forgiveness.
Where is Holi celebrated?
Holi is primarily a festival that is widely celebrated in India, but it is also celebrated to some extent in other countries where there is a significant Hindu population such as Nepal, and Mauritius.
In Nepal, the festival called “Phagu Purnima” or “Holi” that is celebrated with colors and water, and is similar to the Holi festival of India.
Where else is Holi celebrated?
Some neighboring countries have similar festivals that involve the throwing of colors or the celebration of the arrival of spring. For example, Similarly, in Sri Lanka, there is a festival called “Holiya” that is celebrated with colors, water, and traditional foods. In Trinidad and Tobago, there is a festival called “Phagwa” that is celebrated by the Hindu community with colors, music, and dance.
The term Desi can refer to people of Indian subcontinent origin or ancestry, or it can refer to the cultural practices and products of the region.
Desi food, will include dishes such as biryani, Pongal, samosas, Dosa, Idli, Parantha, Chawal and dal, while Desi fashion may feature traditional clothing styles like sarees, salwar kameez, Dhoti, and kurta pajama.
Desi music may include traditional folk music (dozens of styles), classical music (also several distinct schools), traditional dance (several traditional and ancient styles) and popular movie or music genres like Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood, Mollywood (all different regional language film industry names – a play on the word Hollywood).
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