By Desis, for Desis and Everyone Else!!
This site seeks to demystify Indian customs and culture for anyone who wants to learn more. Hopefully, you find the content interesting, educational and find answers to questions you had, but never asked.
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So many festivals! Yes, India has a LOT of them…
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?)
The top question most folks have – do you eat curry?
Yes, and no. It’s complicated. Learn what IS curry?
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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.
Onam
Summary
Nestled in the southwestern corner of India lies the enchanting state of Kerala, a land renowned for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and vibrant festivals – often referred to as God’s own land. One such celebration that captivates the hearts of people of Kerala and visitors alike is Onam, a ten-day harvest festival that brings together tales of kings, Gods, cultural traditions, and a sumptuous feast that reflects the essence of Kerala’s spirit.
About Kerala
Kerala is a state in the southwest of India. It is located on the Malabar coast, which is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Karnataka to the north and northeast, and Tamil Nadu to the east. The capital of Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram.
Kerala is known for its ecotourism initiatives, beautiful backwaters, and unique culture and traditions. It is also known as “God’s own Country”.
Kerala is a small state, making up only about 1 percent of India’s total area. It has a population of 30 million and a surface area of 38,900 km2. The majority language is Malayalam.
King Mahabali and Lord Vamana
At the heart of Onam lies the legend of King Mahabali and Lord Vamana (an avatar of Lord Vishnu). Mahabali, known for his just rule and devotion, attracted the attention of Lord Vishnu, who took the form of Vamana, a learned man but who is of a very small stature. Seeking alms, Vamana asked for three paces of land from the generous King Bali . The King grants his request. Vamana then grows to a giant and with his first two strides, he covered the earth and heavens. As there was no place for the third step, Mahabali offered his head and Vamana places his foot and pushes the king to the nether worlds. Impressed by his selflessness, Vamana granted him a boon to visit his kingdom once a year, a celebration that came to be known as Onam.
Ten Days of Onam
Onam spans ten days, each marked by unique rituals and festivities:
Onam: A Festival of 10 Days
Onam, the vibrant harvest festival of Kerala, unfolds over ten days, each brimming with its unique traditions, rituals, and cultural significance.
Day 1 – Atham
The festival commences with Atham, marked by the creation of a simple floral arrangement, “Pookkalam,” at the entrance of homes. It symbolizes the start of the festivities and encourages creativity and community engagement. This is a day of preparation. People clean their homes and decorate them with flowers. They also buy new clothes and food for the festival. This marks King Mahabali’s preparations to journey from Heaven to his earthly kingdom.
Day 2 – Chithira
Chithira signifies the essence of unity and the spirit of togetherness. The creation of Onam Pookkalam, a floral carpet, symbolizes this day’s festivities.Homes come alive with color as people contribute to the floral patterns. Pookkalam are made by women and children, and they are placed in front of homes and temples.
Day 3 – Chodhi
Another layer of flowers is added to the carpet, employing an assortment of four to five flower types. Families prepare for the days ahead by engaging in collective activities. This is a day of fasting and prayer. People pray for the well-being of their families and friends.
Day 4 – Vishakam
Vishakam sees the Pookkalam taking a more intricate form. The day holds a special significance as it marks the start of many cultural performances and events that continue throughout Onam. This is a day of celebration. People feast on traditional Onam dishes and enjoy cultural performances. This day launches various tournaments as part of the celebration.
Day 5 – Anizham
On Anizham, the Pookkalam continues to flourish with more complex designs. The festivities gain momentum, and various art forms like traditional dances and music performances grace the stages. On this day, people visit temples and offer prayers. Preparations for the grand boat race take place on this fifth day.
Day 6 – Thriketa
Thriketa witnesses a heightened enthusiasm as the Pookkalam becomes even more intricate and captivating. It’s a day of joy and excitement, as the community comes together to celebrate their shared cultural heritage. Festive celebrations are ignited on this day.
Day 7 – Moolam
As Moolam dawns, the Pookkalam reaches its zenith, showcasing the mastery of floral artistry. Traditional rituals and prayers are performed, reflecting the spiritual essence of Onam. Temples come alive with special pujas and rituals.
Day 8 – Pooradam
On Pooradam or Pooram, the excitement builds as families prepare for the upcoming boat races, “Vallamkali.” The highlight of the day is a grand procession of elephants and dancers. Idols of Vamana and King Mahabali are raised in homes to commemorate this day.
Day 9 – Uthradom
Uthradom, the penultimate day, is marked by intense preparations for the grand feast, “Onam Sadya.” Homes are cleaned, and ingredients are gathered for the culinary extravaganza. Mahabali’s symbolic entry into Kerala is observed. This is a day of homecoming. People believe that King Mahabali returns to Kerala on this day. They welcome him with a feast and prayers.
Day 10 – Thiru Onam
The pinnacle of Onam arrives with Thiru Onam or Thiruvonam. Homes are adorned with grand Pookkalams, and families don traditional attire. The day commences with rituals and prayers, followed by the grand Onam Sadya feast, where families and communities gather to savor the diverse flavors of Kerala’s cuisine. Cultural performances, games, and festivities mark the day, reminding everyone of the cultural unity and harmony that Onam symbolizes. The pinnacle of the celebration, this day sees the warm and reverential welcome of King Mahabali by the people of Kerala.
Onam Traditions
Pookkalam
This is a floral carpet made of fresh flowers arranged in intricate patterns on the floor. People start making pookkalam from Atham onwards, and add a new layer every day until Thiruvonam. The pookkalam symbolizes the welcome to King Mahabali and also showcases the artistic talent of the people.
Vallamkali
On the Pampa River, traditional boat races called “Vallamkali” are held, reflecting Kerala’s maritime heritage and unity. This boat race takes place on the backwaters of Kerala. The boats are long and narrow, and can accommodate up to 100 rowers.
The rowers wear white mundu (a traditional garment) and colorful turbans, and sing songs to synchronize their movements. The boat race is a spectacle of speed, skill, and teamwork.
Onakalikal
Traditional games such as tug-of-war, archery, and martial arts competitions engage participants and spectators.
Kayyikali is one of the famous sport – where the opponents use fists. This is quite brutal but popular. Usually has two teams. Read more here.
Sadya
This is a grand feast served on a banana leaf, consisting of various vegetarian dishes – including “Avial” (mixed vegetable stew), “Sambhar” (lentil stew with seasonal vegetables and spices), “Parippu” (lentil dish), rice, pickles, papadum, and payasam (a sweet dessert). Sadya is usually eaten with hands, and is considered a highlight of Onam. People invite their friends and relatives for sadya, and enjoy the food and company. The harmonious blend of flavors mirrors Kerala’s multicultural landscape.
Thiruvathirakali
This is a dance performed by women, dressed in white sarees with golden borders. They form a circle around a lamp or a floral decoration, and sway gracefully to the rhythm of a song. The dance is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, and expresses the love and devotion of women towards their husbands.
PuliKali
This is a folk art that involves men painting their bodies as tigers and leopards, and dancing to the beats of drums. The performers wear masks and costumes, and mimic the movements of wild animals. The pulikali is a fun and colorful way to entertain the crowds.
Onathappan
This is a clay pyramid that represents King Mahabali or Lord Vishnu. It is placed in the center of the pookalam, and worshipped with flowers, fruits, and incense. On Thiruvonam day, the onathappan is immersed in water, as a farewell to King Mahabali.
Onam’s Cultural Significance
Onam symbolizes the spirit of unity and togetherness, across all classes of society. The festival underscores Kerala’s agrarian roots, where the harvest is celebrated as a community effort. People from all walks of life come together to partake in the festivities, reinforcing the essence of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” the world as one family.
Onam Beyond Kerala
As the Indian diaspora spreads across the world, so does the spirit of Onam. Indians of Kerala origin living outside the state organize celebrations that bring a taste of Kerala’s traditions and flavors to distant shores.
Onam, with its legends, intricate floral carpets, boat races, and grand feasts, offers a window into Kerala’s cultural ethos. It encapsulates the colorful tapestry of this enchanting land and serves as a testament to unity, harmony, and the enduring ties that bind its people.
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What is Ayurveda?
What is Ayurveda?
Traditional Indian medicinal sciences, also known as Ayurveda, have a rich cultural and historical background that goes back thousands of years. Ayurveda is considered to be one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world, and it originated in India around 5,000 years ago.
The term “Ayurveda” is derived from the Sanskrit words “ayur” (life) and “veda” (knowledge), and it is based on the idea that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
Ayurveda is one of the Oldest systems of medicine in the world and originated in India about 5000 years ago
What medicines do you use in Ayurveda?
Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes the use of natural remedies, including herbs, minerals, and other natural substances, to treat and prevent illnesses.
In addition to herbal remedies, Ayurvedic medicine also includes a range of other practices, such as massage, yoga, meditation, and dietary guidelines.
Ayurveda is still widely practiced in India and is gaining popularity in other parts of the world as well.
What’s something that’s unique about Ayurveda?
Ayurveda also has a long history of surgical procedures, with ancient texts like the Sushruta Samhita (dating back to 600 BCE) describing surgical techniques for various conditions, including cataracts, fractures, and tumors. The text describes procedures such as rhinoplasty (nose surgery), which was performed using techniques similar to those used in modern plastic surgery.
Sushruta (c. 7th or 6th century BCE) was a physician in ancient India known today as the “Father of Indian Medicine” and “Father of Plastic Surgery” for inventing and developing surgical procedures. His work on the subject, the Sushruta Samhita (Sushruta’s Compendium) is considered the oldest text in the world on plastic surgery and is highly regarded as one of the Great Trilogy of Ayurvedic Medicine; the other two being the Charaka Samhita, which preceded it, and the Astanga Hridaya, which followed it.
Sushruta, an ancient surgeon wrote surgical techniques over a thousand years ago – 600 BCE – from cataracts to plastic surgery (nose jobs)
Water purification in Ancient India
In ancient India, the knowledge of water purification was already established. The Rig Veda, one of the oldest religious texts in the world dating back to 1500 BCE, describes several methods of water purification. One such method involved boiling water with herbs and letting it cool to remove impurities.
The ancient Indian text Charaka Samhita, written around the 2nd century BCE, also describes several methods of water purification, including boiling, filtering, and exposing it to sunlight.
Ayurveda was practiced in India for centuries before the Greek physician Hippocrates (c. 460 – c. 379 BCE), known as the Father of Medicine, was even born.
Overall, traditional Indian medicinal sciences, including Ayurveda and surgical techniques, have a deep cultural and historical background in India and have been practiced for thousands of years.
While modern medicine has certainly evolved over time, many people still turn to traditional Indian medicinal practices for their health and wellness needs.
Learn what a Neem is and what it has to do with dental or oral hygiene in India.
Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi Temple is one of the most significant and revered temples in Tamil Nadu, India.
Top Image Credit எஸ்ஸார், CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where is the Meenakshi Amman Temple?
The Meenakshi Amman (Amman – Mother) It is located in the city of Madurai, and is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, an incarnation of Parvati, and her consort Lord Sundareswarar, who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is also known as the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple, and is considered one of the finest examples of Tamilian architecture.
Madurai, the city where the temple is located, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
The Meenakshi Temple was built in the 17th century by the Nayak dynasty, who ruled over Madurai at that time. The temple complex covers an area of about 15 acres and is made up of four main entrances or gopurams, which are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The main gopuram is over 50 meters tall, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India.
The main deity of the Meenakshi Temple is Goddess Meenakshi, who is considered the presiding deity of Madurai. She is depicted with four arms, holding a lotus, a parrot, a bow, and a scepter. Lord Sundareswarar, her consort, is depicted with one arm holding a trident and the other in a gesture of blessing.
The Meenakshi Temple is renowned for its Tamilian architectural style, characterized by towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and colorful paintings.
The temple’s pillars, ceilings, and walls are adorned with elaborate sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and daily life. The temple is also famous for its golden lotus tank, which is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance.
Special Features in the temple
Gopurams
A gopuram is a monumental tower, usually ornately decorated, that is a prominent feature of the entrances to many Hindu temples in South India. These towers are typically made of stone or brick, and rise to several stories, with each story featuring intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
In South Indian temple architecture, the gopuram is an essential element and serves as the gateway to the temple’s inner sanctum. It is believed that the gopuram acts as a symbolic boundary between the physical world and the spiritual realm, and that crossing the threshold of the gopuram is equivalent to entering a sacred space.
The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu has 14 gopurams or towers, with the four tallest ones located at the entrances on the four cardinal directions. Each of these gopurams has a unique name and significance, which are as follows:
East Gopuram
This is the main entrance to the temple and is known as the “Indra Vimanam” as it is believed to be the abode of the Hindu god Indra.
South Gopuram
This entrance is known as the “Sundara Pandya Vimanam” named after the Pandya king who is said to have built the gopuram.
West Gopuram
This entrance is called the “Velli Vayil Vimanam” which means “Silver Courtyard Tower.” It is said to have been covered in silver plates in ancient times.
North Gopuram
This entrance is known as the “Kadaka Vimanam” named after the sage Kadamba who is believed to have built it.
The remaining 10 gopurams are smaller and are located within the temple complex. Each of these gopurams also has a unique name and significance, which are as follows:
Ashta Shakthi Mandapam Gopuram
This gopuram leads to the Ashta Shakthi Mandapam, which is a hall dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi’s eight forms.
Kilikoondu Mandapam Gopuram
This gopuram leads to the Kilikoondu Mandapam, which is a hall where the temple elephant is housed.
Ashta Bhuja Gopuram
This gopuram leads to a shrine dedicated to the eight-armed goddess Durga.
Sundareswarar Shrine Gopuram
This gopuram leads to the shrine of the temple’s presiding deity, Lord Sundareswarar.
Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam Gopuram
This gopuram leads to a hall used for religious and cultural performances.
Pudu Mandapam Gopuram
This gopuram leads to a hall used for temple processions.
Vasantha Mandapam Gopuram
This gopuram leads to a hall that is used during the spring festival of Vasanthotsavam.
Oonjal Mandapam Gopuram
This gopuram leads to a hall where the deities are placed on swings during festivals.
Kilikoondu Mandapam Vayil Gopuram
This gopuram leads to the courtyard where the temple elephant is bathed.
Shenbaga Vimanam Gopuram
This gopuram leads to a shrine dedicated to the god Vishnu.
Mandapas
Mandapas, are pillared halls or pavilions found in Hindu temples. These halls are used for religious and cultural events such as music, dance, and recitals, and also serve as spaces for devotees to gather and meditate.
The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, has several mantapas within its complex, each with its own unique name and significance. Some of the mantapas in the temple are:
Ashta Shakthi Mandapam
This is a hall dedicated to the eight forms of the goddess Meenakshi, and is located in the eastern part of the temple complex. It is also known as the “Hall of Eight Shakthis” and is used for various cultural and religious events.
Kilikoondu Mandapam
This is a pillared hall located near the temple tank, and is used for storing the temple chariots and the temple elephant.
Meenakshi Nayakar Mandapam
This is a hall located on the northern side of the temple complex and is used for various events such as music concerts and dance performances.
Oonjal Mandapam
This is a pavilion located in the southwest corner of the temple complex and is used during temple festivals. It is also called the “Swing Pavilion” and is where the deities are placed on swings.
Pudu Mandapam
This is a hall located near the eastern entrance of the temple, and is used for various events during temple festivals.
Vasantha Mandapam
This is a hall located on the northern side of the temple complex, and is used during the spring festival of Vasanthotsavam.
Raja Gopuram Mandapam
This is a hall located in the tallest gopuram of the temple, and is used for various events during temple festivals.
Interesting facts about the Meenakshi Temple and the surrounding area include:
- The temple has 14 gopurams, with the tallest one being the southern tower, which is 170 feet tall.
- The temple complex has several shrines and halls, including the 1000-pillar hall, which is renowned for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
- The temple is a popular pilgrimage site, with thousands of devotees visiting every day.
- The temple also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, which celebrates the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar.
- Madurai, the city where the temple is located, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
- The city has been an important center of trade and culture for centuries and is known for its rich heritage, including its music, dance, and cuisine.
- Madurai is also known for its street food, including the famous Madurai Jigarthanda, a refreshing drink made with milk, almond gum, and nannari syrup, and the delicious Madurai idli, which is softer and fluffier than the typical South Indian idli.
- Madurai is also home to several other important temples, including the Koodal Azhagar Temple, the Pazhamudhir Solai Temple, and the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, all of which are worth visiting.
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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