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ONCE THE HECTIC days of Diwali are over, people all over India return to work
and prepare for the coming winter. At the end of the year, there are a few festivals
but the main season of Hindu festivities - the Chaturmaas- ends with the 11th
day of Kartik or Kartik Ekadashi, the last day of fasting or feasting. Vishnu,
resting on his cosmic snake Ananta, awakens on this day, called Prabodhini Ekadashi,
to begin the work of maintaining the balance of the world. The Varkari Vaishnavas
lead their last pilgrimage to the sacred Vitthala temple at Pandharpur, Maharashtra
and return home to their routines.
TULSI VIVAHA : The Marriage
Of Krishna
Kartik Dwadashi, the day after Kartik Ekadashi, is the celebration of the marriage
of Rukmmi or Lakshmi with Krishna. This goddess is represented by the sacred
plant, Tulsi. On the evening of this day, the markets are full of sugarcane,
berries, tamarind, amlas as well as festive bridal clothes and gold paper headgear
for the bride and groom.
GURU NANAK PURNIMA : Brotherhood
Among Men
To the Sikhs and Hindus alike, the full moon of Kartik or Guru Nanak's birthday,
is holy. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in 1469 A.D. at a critical
period of history when the people of India were divided into many castes and
communities. In this time of misfortune, Guru Nanak came as a divine blessing
to India.
DEV DIWALI : Lamps In The Moonlight
The full moon day in Kartik brings in the festival of Dev Diwali. Lamps are lit
under
the moonlit sky and a family feast celebrates the end of the Diwali fortnight.
