22 June - Eruvaka Pournami 2024

 

Eruvaka Pournami, also known as Eruvaka Poornima or Jyestha Purnima, is a traditional agricultural festival celebrated predominantly in the southern Indian states, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This festival marks the onset of the monsoon season and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Indra, the god of rain, seeking his blessings for a bountiful harvest.

Key Aspects of Eruvaka Pournami:

1. Date of Celebration:

   • Eruvaka Pournami is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Jyestha, which usually falls in May or June.

2. Agricultural Significance:

   • The festival signifies the beginning of the agricultural cycle, as farmers prepare their fields for the upcoming Kharif (monsoon) cropping season.
   • It is a time for plowing fields, sowing seeds, and performing rituals to ensure a good harvest.

3. Rituals and Traditions:

   • Farmers perform special pujas (prayers) to invoke the blessings of Lord Indra and other deities for timely rains and fertile soil.
   • The agricultural tools and plows are cleaned, decorated with flowers, and worshipped.
   • Traditional songs and dances are performed to celebrate the joy of the impending rains and the hope for a prosperous season.

4. Community Activities:

   • Villagers gather to participate in community feasts and cultural programs.
   • Competitions such as bullock cart races and other rural sports are organized to mark the occasion.
   • It is also a time for social bonding, with families and communities coming together to celebrate the festival.

5. Cultural and Social Impact:

   • Eruvaka Pournami fosters a sense of unity and cooperation among the farming communities.
   • The festival highlights the deep connection between agriculture and the cultural life of rural India.

Celebration in Modern Times:

While the essence of Eruvaka Pournami remains rooted in agricultural practices, modern celebrations have adapted to include more contemporary elements. Farmers now often use this day to share knowledge about sustainable farming practices and new agricultural technologies. Despite the changes, the core spirit of gratitude and reverence for nature's bounty continues to be the heart of the festival.

Reflection:

Eruvaka Pournami is a testament to the vital role agriculture plays in the lives of rural communities. It is a time to honor the earth, celebrate the rains, and express hope for a fruitful harvest. The festival underscores the interdependence between humans and nature and the collective joy and resilience of farming communities.

 

22 June - Sant Kabir Jayanti 2024

 

Sant Kabir Jayanti is a significant religious festival celebrated in honor of the birth anniversary of Sant Kabir Das, a renowned 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint. He is widely revered for his devotion to spirituality and his profound teachings that emphasized the importance of a personal god, transcending religious boundaries, and promoting unity and harmony.

Key Aspects of Sant Kabir Jayanti:

1. Date of Celebration:

   • Sant Kabir Jayanti is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which typically falls in May or June.

2. Historical Significance:

   • Sant Kabir Das was born in 1440 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. He is considered one of the greatest saints of the Bhakti movement and is known for his simple yet profound couplets called 'Kabir Ke Dohe.'

3. Teachings and Philosophy:

   • Kabir's teachings focus on the omnipresence of God and the futility of ritualistic practices. He preached the unity of all religions and advocated for a direct connection with the divine through devotion and personal experience.
   • His verses emphasize love, equality, and moral conduct, challenging the orthodoxy and societal norms of his time.

4. Celebration Activities:

   • Devotees gather to sing Kabir's bhajans (devotional songs) and recite his dohas (couplets).
   • Special satsangs (spiritual discourses) and kirtans (devotional singing) are organized in Kabir temples and ashrams.
   • People engage in community services and distribute food and clothes to the needy as a mark of respect and devotion.

5. Cultural Impact:

   • Kabir's work has had a lasting impact on Indian culture and literature, influencing various poets and spiritual leaders.
   • His inclusive philosophy resonates with people across different religions, promoting a message of universal brotherhood and love.

Reflection:

Sant Kabir Jayanti is not just a day of religious observance but a reminder of the timeless values of love, compassion, and unity that Sant Kabir Das espoused. His teachings continue to inspire millions, encouraging a life of simplicity, devotion, and moral integrity.

22 June - Nilmoni Phukan birth anniversary

 

 Nilmoni Phukan was born on 22 June 1880 at Dibrugarh district, Assam. was an Assamese writer, poet, freedom fighter and politician popularly known as Bagmibor in the Assamese literature.Since he shares his name with another Assamese poet, Nilmani Phukan, he is often referred as Nilmoni Phukan (Senior). Phukan was the president of the Asam Sahitya Sabha for two times; in 1944 held at Sivasagar district and in 1947 held at Dibrugarh district of Assam.

22 June - Surya Narayan Vyas death anniversary

 

Surya Narayan Vyas, passed away on 22 June 1976, was an Indian astrologer and diviner from Ujjain, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. He was known to be the one who prescribed 14 August 1947 and 15 August 1947 as the dates for Pakistan and Indian independence respectively. He is reported to have prophesied several other incidents such as the deaths of Lal Bahadur Shastri and Sardar Vallabhai Patel and the emergence of India as a global power in the 21st century. He was a member of the Advisory Board to the Government of Madhya Pradesh during the tenure of Govind Narayan Singh from 1967–1969. The Government of India awarded him the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan, in 1958, for his contributions to astrology.

22 June - King George V crowned King in 1911

 

On 22 June 1911, King George V crowned King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and all his realms and territories beyond the sea.

George V was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 6 May 1910 until his death in 1936. Born during the reign of his grandmother Queen Victoria, George was third in the line of succession behind his father, Prince Albert Edward, and his own elder brother, Prince Albert Victor