IINDIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL IV (2010) , BALI

INDIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL IV CELEBRATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH HINDU NEW YEAR 2010

Organised by: Malaysian Indian Cultural Group

With co-organisers

Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar-pelajar Malaysia

di Indonesia Cawangan Bali

(PKPMI) 2009/2010

&

Badan Eksekutif Mahasiswa (BEM)

MEDICAL FACULTY OF UDAYANA UNIVERSITY

Committee members (2010 ICF IV)

Advisor : Selvam S.Balasubramaniam S.Ked

Chairman : Thirhuvaguleya Rajamanickam

Assistant chairman : Darumendar

Secretary : Jayashree Pulainthiran

Assistant secretary : Pooneethawathi Santran

Treasurer : Sivasangkari Purusothman

YDP PKPMI : Amirthan

Event coordinators : Muniandy Ganesan

Selvam S. Balasubramaniam

Logistic coordinators : 1) Janahan Devaraj

2) Bathma Rajive

Games Coordinator : Dayanandan Rajarathanam

Multimedia Coordinator : Saravanan Krishnan

Registration Coordinator : Vinotha Subramaniam

Exhibition Coordinator : Vimal Jairaman

Decoration Coordinator : Raymah Rajah

Souvenirs’ Coordinator : Prabhu Ponudurai

Food & Beverages Coordinator : Thanendran Renganathan

Editor : Vicknesha Pirathayini

Sub-editor : Keren Karunya Singam

Facts about Hinduism

Q) Is there a prophet in Hinduism? A) Hinduism is not based upon a single scripture or the teachings of a single prophet. It is characterized by a diverse array of belief systems, practices and scriptures. Hinduism is referred to as Sanatana Dharma, roughly translated as 'Perennial Faith' where a Hindu through the practice of Dharma will be lead to the ultimate state of self-realization

Q) How does one become a Hindu? A) The conversion process to Hinduism is downright impossible since typically once has to be born a Hindu.

Q) How many Gods do Hindus worship? What are the main Gods and Goddesses? A) In Hinduism all the various Gods are the representation of one true God (Brahman- seen as a universal spirit). Hence, a Hindu can worship as many Gods and Goddesses as he/ she wants. Hindus believe that God, in whatever form they prefer, can grant worshippers grace to bring them closer to Moksha, end of the cycle of rebirth. Contemporary Hinduism is most widely accepted to consist of a Holy Trinity. This is comprised of Brahma (the Creator of worlds), Vishnu (the Preserver of worlds) and Shiva (the Destroyer of worlds). These Gods when take a human form are called Avatars. The three main Goddesses are: Saraswathi (Goddess of Knowledge), Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) and Parvathi (Goddess of Power). Hindus also believe in the powers of Nature and have Gods of Nature like Varuna (water), Agni (fire), Vayu (air), etc. There are also semi-gods in Hinduism.

Q) Why do Hindus worship God in different forms? A) Actually, Hindus believe in only one formless and all-pervading, all-existing, and all-blissful God. That formless God, however, can best be realized by concentrating on various forms of ideal personalities as recorded in the scriptures. In other words, the Hindu religion is flexible and provides many ways to develop one's spiritual ideas in order to suit individual needs. "Unity in the diverse plan of nature" is recognized in the Hindu faith. Just as people tailor clothes to fit their needs, Hindus have different gods and goddesses for their religious needs. All these gods and goddesses resemble humans, animals or natural forces such as wind, water, fire, sun, and moon; each has different powers to bless the world. These godheads, when worshipped, fulfill people's desires in an easier way but with the same qualities of blessings as from one God.

Q) How many times do Hindus pray everyday? A) It is considered a good practice to pray 2 times a day. Indian temples generally follow a practice of performing aarti (lighting of lights) at dawn and dusk as it is believed that the Gods rest during the afternoon and night.

Q) What are the holy texts in Hinduism? A) Hindu scriptures are broadly classified based on its origin into: Shruthi meaning “heard†Amrithi meaning “remembered†Nyaya meaning ‘logic†The oldest scriptures are the Vedas which are all shruthi. In Hindu tradition, the Vedas are said to be eternal; to have existed since time immemorial as vibrations in space, some portions of which are believed to have been perceived by seers and transmitted accordingly via an oral tradition.

Q) Why are vegetarian meals served during Hindu festivals? A) Vegetarian food is considered wholesome, pure and “clean†food. It is normally served on a banana leaf to symbolize simplicity and humility.

Q) How do Hindus greet each other? A) To greet another person, a friend or acquaintance, to pay respect to an elder, a holy person or a temple deity, a Hindu joins his or her hands with palms together, bows down in front of the other person, and says Namaskar, Namaste, or Pranam - meaning Reverent Salutations. Thus when a Hindu joins his hands and says namaskar, he actually says in humility, "I bow to God in you; I love you and I respect you, as there is no one like you."

Q) Why is the colour saffron considered auspicious? A) Among the Hindus, this color is most prominently visible in their flag, robes and the tilaka (mark applied on the forehead). Statues of Hindu Gods are covered with saffron paste. In the diverse and multifaceted Hindu religion, the saffron colour is one of the few elements that command a universal acceptance among Hindus.

Q) Why do Hindus apply a mark on their forehead? A) This mark or tilaka has a religious significance and is a visible sign of a person as belonging to the Hindu religion. The tilaka is of more than one color although normally it is vermillion. It also does not have any standard shape and form and is applied differently by members of different Hindu sects and sub-sects. It is applied as a 'U' by worshippers of Lord Vishnu and is red, yellow or saffron in colour. It is made up of red ochre powder and sandalwood paste. Worshippers of Lord Shiva apply it as three horizontal lines and it consists of ash.

Q) Why is the Sanctum Sanctorum in a Hindu temple small and dark? A) Usually the gateway to a temple will be a massive and magnificent structure. When we stand in front of it we are made to feel so insignificant before the Lord! As we proceed inwards leaving behind the grand carvings and decorations of the outside, we notice that the sanctum sanctorum itself is small and dark. We can have the darshan (blessing) of the Lord only when a light is lit up and waved before Him. This indicates that we have to leave the grand external world outside, direct our minds inward, light up the lamp of knowledge there and behold the Lord within the sanctum sanctorum of our hearts.

Q) Why are flowers offered to the God during Puja (prayer)? A) Puja itself means "flower offering." It symbolizes the natural opening of the heart to the Divine, the way a flower naturally unfolds its petals.

Q) Why do Hindus use coconut in religious ceremonies? A) One of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut. It is also offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new vehicle, house etc. It is offered in the sacrificial fire whilst performing homa (fire rituals). The coconut is usually broken and placed before the Lord. It is later distributed as prasaada (blessed gift). The fiber covering of the dried coconut is removed except for a tuft on the top. The marks on the coconut make it look like the head of a human being. The coconut is broken, symbolizing the breaking of the ego. The juice within, representing one’s inner tendencies is offered along with the white kernel - the mind, to the Lord. A coconut - Sriphala (the fruit of God), is the only fruit used to symbolize 'God' while worshipping any deity. The three eyes of the coconut represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva.

Q) Why do Hindus ring a bell during worship? A) Ringing of a bell or ghanta during prayer or worship eliminates distracting sounds and helps the mind to concentrate on the object of worship

Q) Why do Hindus fast? A) According to the Hindu belief, fasting has a way of neutralizing or minimizing chaos in the body. Instead of focusing on food, when fasting, the whole body assists one in going towards spirituality. Hindus fast in observance of a vow or holy day. Fasting can be done in many ways. A simple fast may consist of merely avoiding certain foods for a day or more, such as when non vegetarians abstain from fish, fowl and meats. A moderate fast would involve avoiding heavier foods, or taking only juices, teas and other liquids.

DEEPAVALI

EXPLANATION OF DEEPAVALI By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA

DEEPAVALI or Diwali means "a row of lights". It falls on the last two days of the dark half of Kartik (October-November). For some it is a three-day festival. It commences with the Dhan-Teras, on the 13th day of the dark half of Kartik, followed the next day by the Narak Chaudas, the 14th day, and by Deepavali proper on the 15th day.

There are various alleged origins attributed to this festival. Some hold that they celebrate the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. In Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Kali. It also commemorates that blessed day on which the triumphant Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. On this day also Sri Krishna killed the demon Narakasura.

In South India people take an oil bath in the morning and wear new clothes. They partake of sweetmeats. They light fireworks which are regarded as the effigies of Narakasura who was killed on this day. They greet one another, asking, "Have you had your Ganges bath?" which actually refers to the oil bath that morning as it is regarded as purifying as a bath in the holy Ganges.

Everyone forgets and forgives the wrongs done by others. There is an air of freedom, festivity and friendliness everywhere. This festival brings about unity. It instils charity in the hearts of people. Everyone buys new clothes for the family. Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees.

Waking up during the Brahmamuhurta (at 4a.m.) is a great blessing from the standpoint of health, ethical discipline, efficiency in work and spiritual advancement. It is on Deepavali that everyone wakes up early in the morning. The sages who instituted this custom must have cherished the hope that their descendents would realise its benefits and make it a regular habit in their lives.

In a happy mood of great rejoicing village folk move about freely, mixing with one another without any reserve, all enmity being forgotten. People embrace one another with love. Deepavali is a great unifying force. Those with keen inner spiritual ears will clearly hear the voice of the sages, "O Children of God! unite, and love all". The vibrations produced by the greetings of love which fill the atmosphere are powerful enough to bring about a change of heart in every man and woman in the world. Alas! That heart has considerably hardened, and only a continuous celebration of Deepavali in our homes can rekindle in us the urgent need of turning away from the ruinous path of hatred.

On this day Hindu merchants in North India open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year. The homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with earthern oil-lamps. The best and finest illuminations are to be seen in Bombay and Amritsar. The famous Golden Temple at Amritsar is lit in the evening with thousands of lamps placed all over the steps of the big tank. Vaishnavites celebrate the Govardhan Puja and feed the poor on a large scale.

O Ram! The light of lights, the self-luminous inner light of the Self is ever shining steadily in the chamber of your heart. Sit quietly. Close your eyes. Withdraw the senses. Fix the mind on this supreme light and enjoy the real Deepavali, by attaining illumination of the soul.

He who Himself sees all but whom no one beholds, who illumines the intellect, the sun, the moon and the stars and the whole universe but whom they cannot illumine, He indeed is Brahman, He is the inner Self. Celebrate the real Deepavali by living in Brahman, and enjoy the eternal bliss of the soul.

The sun does not shine there, nor do the moon and the stars, nor do lightnings shine and much less fire. All the lights of the world cannot be compared even to a ray of the inner light of the Self. Merge yourself in this light of lights and enjoy the supreme Deepavali.

Many Deepavali festivals have come and gone. Yet the hearts of the vast majority are as dark as the night of the new moon. The house is lit with lamps, but the heart is full of the darkness of ignorance. O man! wake up from the slumber of ignorance. Realise the constant and eternal light of the Soul which neither rises nor sets, through meditation and deep enquiry.

May you all attain full inner illumination! May the supreme light of lights enlighten your understanding! May you all attain the inexhaustible spiritual wealth of the Self! May you all prosper gloriously on the material as well as spiritual planes!

NAVARATHIRI 2008

OM SWASTIYASTU, VANAKKAM.

MALAYSIAN INDIAN CULTURAL GROUP BALI, ORGANIZED AND CELEBRATED NAVARATHIRI 2008. ( 30TH SEPTEMBER - 9TH OCTOBER)

photos to be uploaded soon.

"Nava-ratri" literally means "nine nights."
During Navaratri, we invoke the energy aspect of God in the form of the universal mother, commonly referred to as "Durga," which literally means the remover of miseries of life. She is also referred to as "Devi" (goddess) or "Shakti" (energy or power). It is this energy, which helps God to proceed with the work of creation, preservation and destruction. In other words, you can say that God is motionless, absolutely changeless, and the Divine Mother Durga, does everything. Truly speaking, our worship of Shakti re-confirms the scientific theory that energy is imperishable. It cannot be created or destroyed. It is always there.

We think this energy is only a form of the Divine Mother, who is the mother of all, and all of us are her children. "Why mother; why not father?", you may ask. Let me just say that we believe that God's glory, his cosmic energy, his greatness and supremacy can best be depicted as the motherhood aspect of God. Just as a child finds all these qualities in his or her mother, similarly, all of us look upon God as mother. In fact, Hinduism is the only religion in the world, which gives so much importance to the mother aspect of God because we believe that mother is the creative aspect of the absolute.

Navaratri is divided into sets of three days to adore different aspects of the supreme goddess. On the first three days, the Mother is invoked as powerful force called Durga in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects. The next three days, the Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees the inexhaustible wealth. The final set of three days is spent in worshipping the mother as the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order have all-round success in life, we need the blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother; hence, the worship for nine nights.

Thus, I suggest you join your parents in worshipping "Ma Durga" during the Navaratri. She will bestow on you wealth, auspiciousness, prosperity, knowledge, and other potent powers to cross every hurdle of life. Remember, everyone in this world worships power, i.e., Durga, because there is no one who does not love and long for power in some form or the other. ( source : http://hinduism.about.com/od/festivalsholidays/a/navaratri.htm)

THANK YOU

om swastiyastu, vanakkam.

MALAYSIAN INDIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL –II ORGANIZED BY MALAYSIAN INDIAN CULTURAL GROUP BALI WAS A BIG SUCCESS.

WE ARE GLAD TO INFORM THAT A SUM OF RP 6 JUTA COLLECTED AND DONATED TO SANATHA DHARMA FOUNDATION.

WE ARE GLAD TO INFORM THAT, A MAGAZINE CALLED ‘PRANA’ PREPARED BY THE COMMITTEE, SUCCESFULLY LAUNCHED.

THANKS TO GOD AND ALL THE GOOD SOULS……..

THE OUTCOME, PICTURES AND VIDEO WILL BE UPDATED HERE SOON.

YOURS TRULY,

Dr. PUNITHAN SHAN
CHIEF ADVISOR,
MALAYSIAN INDIAN CULTURAL GROUP, BALI
INDONESIA.

PROPOSAL - Malaysian indian Cultural Festival -II, Bali,

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Our Malaysian FAMILY - "Truely MALAYSIA"

KABADI KABADI

Showing LOVE to our traditional games and proudly SHARE it with International Hindu Community .............

Kabadi, "Uri Udaithal", "Pallanguli", Etc.......

Rangoli Kolam Competition

Presentation By THR Raaga Uthaya
on Last Years Forum Session.

LAST YEAR'S ALBUM