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Caste
& sub-caste
"Kayastha" is one of the many castes within
the Hindu Community. Legend has it that Shri Chittraguptajee
is the originator and forefather of the Kayastha community.
The community is further divided into twelve sub-castes:
- Ambhist
- Asthana
- Balmik
- Bhatnagar
- Gour
- Karan
- Kulshrashta
- Mathur
- Nigam
- Saxena
- Srivastava
- Surahdhwaja
Each family may be further classfied on any of the
following parameters:
- Village of origin
- Profession or Service
- Titles and Honours
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The prayer
ceremony
Pooja (Traditional Prayer)
A colored graffiti (Chauk) is prepared as decoration
for the Idol to be worshipped. The Idol of the Deity
is then placed on a wooden platform. A swastika is drawn
and a 'tilak' applied on the forehead (or the crown).
An oil lamp (diya) is lit and placed at the center of
the chauk, along with the offerings. The person who
performs the pooja puts a 'tilak' on his forehead, sprinkles
water on the idol three times and then make offerings
to the God.
Baya Mansna
Take a ‘Karwa’ or a ‘lota’ and
decorate its outer surface with aipan design all over
up to the top. Tie kalawa round its neck. The small
plate used as cover for the karwa’ should also
be decorated with Satiya and lines with aipan. The aipan
paste is prepared by grinding pre-soaked rice with some
wheat flour and making it into a paste with water.
Married ladies dress up in new clothes, jewelry and
apply mehndi onto their hands. It is customary to tie
rice in the corner of the Sari. The lady performing
the pooja then sits on a small wooden platform with
the corner of her sari on top of the Baya. She then
takes some water in her right hand and recites the pooja.
The pooja is completed by sprinkling the water around
the baya. The lady then seeks blessings of her mother-in-law.
Before 'Baya Mansna’ suhagans dress up in finery.
They put mehndi (henna) on their hands and feet, wear
glass bangles, jewelry and wear ‘Chharle' in their
hair. For making ‘Chharla' take a long strand (1/2
meter) of kalawa and make a loop. Then taking strand
of their hair from one side of hair parting and dividing
the kalawa in two strands, weave a plait using two strands
of kalawa and one strand of hair. These Chharle woven
on both side of the hair parting look very attractive.
‘Tika is applied on the forehead after putting
‘Chonp-Bendi'. Roli is filled in the hair parting
and a touch of aipan applied on either side of the parting
. The ‘Tika’ drawn with aipan extends up to
the tip of the nose. Ladies wear their ‘Chunri'
in Gujarati style with pallu in front. Some rice is
tied in the corner of the 'Pallu’.
After the above preparation, starts the act of ‘
Baya Mansna’. The lady sits on a patta keeping
the corner of the pallu (with rice) on the top of the
‘Baya’. She takes rice, roli, aipan and little
water in the palm of her right hand keeping the forefinger
of her left hand on it. The lady conducting the ‘Pooja’
says" Adya adya shukal (or krishan) ‘Prakash’
aaj hua vaar ……….(what ever day it is)
, aaj ……….(son’s name) bahu (her
name)’…………(name of the festival),
nagdi, puri, halwa, ( or what ever kept for ‘mansana’
) ka baya manse hai, inhe rani ka raah dijyo. Rani pooje
rah ko, ye pooja suhag ko. Gaur mata in ka suhag atal
rahe." She then sprinkles all the things in her
right hand palm around the ‘Baya’. Again taking
little water in the right hand palm, she once again
recites the above mentioned lines and sprinkles the
water around the ‘Baya’.
In this manner the ’Baya Mansna’ is concluded.
This ‘Baya’ is then given to the mother-in-law
after touching her feet, while still seated. Normally
feet are touched while kneeling.
Baya Palatwana (Exchange)
As per the custom, ‘Baya‘ has to be exchanged
with another person after the Pooja. In case of unavailability
of another person for exchange, the ‘Baya-Mansana’
procedure is carried out in the name of ‘Gaur Mata’
and any person in the family can exchange the ‘Baya’.
The kalawa offered to the deity during ‘Pooja’
is then broken in to small pieces, taken around the
‘Diya’ and worn on the hand.
Before start of the ‘Pooja’ some money and
sweets are kept aside. It is called ‘Achuta' and
is touch by all the family members and the same is then
given away, as Achuta, to the Poor.
Offering ‘ARAK’ to the MOON
Ladies observing fast do not get up from the ‘Pooja’
before accepting the ‘Prasad’ which is received
while holding the chunri pallu in hand . The ‘Prasad’
is not eaten until ‘Arak’ has been offered
to the moon, whenever it rises. The ‘Arak’
is offered in the following manner.
Take a pua and the ‘Diya’ from the Pooja in
one hand and water in a ‘Katori’ in the other.
Let the water fall slowly on the ‘Puya’ saying…….
"Til Hariyale, jow bale, chandi ka diya, sone ki
baat, char pehat ka diya, chaat pehat ki raat, bale
chandrama ko arak do, ………(which ever
festival you are celebrating ) ki raat."
After offering ‘Arak’ and ‘Namaskar’
to the moon, the ’paus’ ‘channa’
etc. received as ’Prasad’ are eaten with water
( it is called ‘ Pasna’) . Silence is observed
at this time.
All these rituals are meaningful and rewarding if carried
out with purity of heart and full faith in God.
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Festivals
Makar Sankrant [14th January]
According to the Hindus, the Sun enters the sign of
‘Makara’ (Capricorn) in the middle of January.
It then moves northwards after completing its six-monthly
southern course. The beginning of Sun’s northern
course, called "Uttarayana’, is hailed as
an auspicious period. ‘Makara Sankrant’ is
considered very sacred and celebrated throughout India.
It is customary to eat and distribute sweets made using
Sesame seeds and jaggery/sugar.
Sakat Chauth
In the month of ‘Magh’ (January) on the fourth
day of Krishan Paksh, the Sankat-haran, Ganapati or
Lord Ganesha is worshipped. This day is called ‘Sakat
Chauth’. People fast and perform "Pooja"
at night.
Kurteej
This is festival is celebrated on the third day (Teej)
of Shukalpaksh in the month of January. This has significance
for newly wedded brides, in their first year of marriage.
The bride receives gifts and sweets from her parents.
Basant Panchami
Celebrated on the 5th day of the Hindu Calendar Month
of Magha in honor of the Hindu Goddess of Learning &
Art: Goddess Saraswati. Books, instruments of art and
music are offered to the Goddess for her blessings.
Marigold flowers are used for the Pooja. Youngsters
wear bright clothing to signify opulence. Kite flying
is undertaken and competitions are organized. This day
marks the beginning of Holi, the festival of colors.
Mahashivaratri
It is said that Lord Shankar manifested himself out
of "Brahma" in the form of "Rudra",
at midnight on this day. When the time for "Pralay"
(Doom’s day) came Lord Shiva performed ‘Tandav’
- the dance of destruction and in frenzy, using this
third fiery eye, destroyed the universe.
People usually fast on this day. They visit the temple
and offer chandan (Sandal wood), roli, bel leaves, flowers
and raw milk lassi (milk mixed with water) to Lord Shiva.
All night sessions of Kirtans and Bhajans are conducted
in temples and houses. People break their fast on the
following day. Once started, this fast is expected to
be observed throughout life.
Holi
This is an occasion to celebrate the victory of GOOD
over EVIL. Numerous stories behind the celebration of
this festival have been written in the hindu scriptures,
. The festival is celebrated with colors in powdered
and water based liquid forms, which are smeared on friends
and family.
It is a very colorful sight. Holi is also a day to
forgive misdoing and attain a harmony in interpersonal
relationships. It is customary for newly wedded brides
to celebrate Holi with her parents.
Deviyan (Navaratri)
This festival is celebrated to pay respects to the Hindu
Goddess Durga for annihilating demons that had terrorized
innocent citizens. This festival is celebrated twice
a year, once after Holi in the month of ‘Chait’
and then before Dussera in the month of 'Kuwar'. The
first day of Chait Navratri is also celebrated as ‘Gudi
Padwa’ or the Hindu New Year Day. This pooja/prayer
is performed in various ways, as per family traditions.
Gangaur Teej
Gangaur Pooja is performed on the third day of "Chait
Navratri" by married women seeking the well being
and long life of their husbands. It is customary for
the brides parents' to gift the bride with sweets and
cash on this occasion.
Bud Amavasya
‘Bud’ (Banyan) tree is worshipped and a fast
is observed. Married ladies assemble together and offer
prayers. A fast is observed for well being of their
spouses.
Bud Saten / Bud Savitri
Seven days after "Bud Amavasya", the Banyan
Tree is once again worshipped. Married ladies pray and
wish long happy lives with their husbands.
Nirjalya EKadashi
Of the t24 Ekadashis observed in a year, this "Ekadashi"
is considered to be most significant. A complete fast
(without drinking even a single drop of water) is observed.
Alms are distributed to the poor and the learned priests
(Brahmins).
Guru Poornima
Jagat Guru Shri Vyas has been accoladed as the first
ever teacher of the four "Vedas". He is worshipped
every year on "Ashaadh Poornima". Hence, this
day has come to be known as ‘Guru Poornima’.
Teachers and Parents (considered to be our lifetime
teachers & guides) are honored on this day. Guru's
/ Teachers receive gifts from their disciples.
Sindhare
Celebrated during the rainy season, this is another
festival of significance to the newly wedded brides.
During this festival, married girls visit their parents.
On her first "Sindhara" after marriage, it
is customary to receive clothes and ornaments from her
Mother-in-law. Sweets are also offered to the bride.
Young girls join up with the newly wedded bride, swing
and make merry.
Teejen
The festival of ‘Teejen’ is celebrated on
the day following Sindhare. It is also called’
Hariyali Teej’. The festival is celebrated with
much mirth and gaiety, singing songs and swinging in
the gardens or at home.Girls and married women apply
‘mehndi’ (Henna) on the hands in beautiful
and intricate patterns and decorate their feet with
"Alta". They wear colorful clothes specially
green and red, glass bangles and ornaments.Married girls
celebrate this function at their parent’s house.
Raksha Bandhan
Celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of
Shravan (August-Sept), it is fond expression of love
and respect between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie
’rakhi’ on their brothers' wrist seeking their
long life. That is not all; this day has become an important
symbol of helping and protecting others as well. Brothers
in turn gift their sisters with presents. In case of
brothers living away from home, sisters send Rakhi to
their brothers with fond wishes.
Shri Krishna Janamashtami
Lord Shri Krishna was born this day, at mid-night, in
Mathura. Legend says that Lord Shri Krishna was reborn
in different forms, always to relieve the people of
misery inflicted by tyrant rulers and demons. Hailed
as the annihilator of all evil, his birth is celebrated
by Hindus worldwide. Beautifully designed tableaus in
homes and temples herald the birth. Infant Shri Krishna
is put into a cradle and is rocked into pleasant slumber.
Ardent followers fast, some even without any fluid intake.
The Kirtans, bhajans, dances and dramas continue till
midnight, when the Lord’s birth is heralded by
the ringing of bells and their blowing of conches.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi or Lord Ganesha's birthday, is celebrated
on the fourth day of 'Bhadrapad' (late August or Mid
September). Lord Ganesha is believed to be the ultimate
redeemer. He is the God of wisdom. He is worshipped
and placated before the start of any auspicious work.
In Maharashtra, certain other Indian states, and even
some other countries in the world, people bring home
Idols of Lord Ganesha or contribute collectively to
setup the idol at a cultural place. Idols are worshipped
numerous times everyday {minimum - twice a day) and
are immersed in water (in the sea, a river or a well),
upon completion of the festivities. The duration of
the festival is 11 days. However, devotees may choose
to celebrate for 1½, 3, 5, 7, or 11 days as per
their individual capacities. It is customary to perform
pooja on the day following the immersion day.
Anant Chaturdashi (Chaudash)
The 11th day following Ganesh Chaturthi is Anant Chaturdashi.
A fast is usually observed on this day. A customary
Pooja / Prayer is held in the morning. At the end of
the day, the fast is broken with traditional sweets
and wheat chapatis.
Shraadh
'Shraadh' means 'Shraddha' which stands for unconditional,
limitless reverence. Sons pay respectful homage to their
deceased parents and grand parents. The fifteen days
of "Krishna Paksh" following Ganesh Chaturthi
are called ‘Pitra Paksh’ or Shraadh days.
"Shraadh" is performed respectfully for the
departed elders only during this period. The son or
the grandson of the departed person/s performs the Shraadh.
Navratri
Navratri follows Shraadh. The first day of "Navratra"
is considered auspicious for sowing barley in a small
pot, which grow quite long in nine days, and these are
used for "Sussera pooja". Devi pooja is performed
throughout the nine days.Ramayana is read. Gujarat celebrates
Navaratri with "Dandiya", a popular folk dance.
Dushera
Dushera or "Vijaya Dashami" is one of the
most popular festivals of Hindus. It is celebrated with
great gusto throughout the country. In North India it
is observed as "Vijaya Dashami’ celebrating
the victory of "Lord Shree Ram" over ‘Ravana’,
the demon king. In West Bengal, it is celebrated as
‘Durga Pooja’. In Gujarat, it is "Navaratri",
the festival of nine nights.
The festivities start on the first day of the Hindu
month of Ashwin (Sept-Oct). During Navrati, people in
towns and villages stage "Ramlila" enacting
the life story of Lord Shree Ram. Family members gather
and worship their respective tools, arms, pens, ink;
pencils etc. Musicians worship their instruments. Weapons
are also worshipped. It is a way to acknowledge and
thank God for the skills and abilities bestowed upon
us.
Karwa Chauth
On "Karwa Chauth" married ladies observe fast
for the health, long life and well being of their husbands.
It is believed that Draupadi observed this fast at Shri
Krishna’s insistence resulting in Pandava’s
victory over Kauravs.
Ahoee Ashthami
Ahoee Ashtmi is celebrated for begetting children and
for their well being. Many mothers keep ‘Nirjal
Vrat’ on this day.
Dhan Teras
"Dhan Teras" marks the beginning of "Diwali"
celebrations. It is a prevalent custom to buy some new
utensils or gold/silver jewelry on this day. Such a
purchase is believed to be very auspicious and promises
a profitable future and good luck.
Narak Chaturdashi
This is usually the day following Dhan Teras. It is
heralded as another day of "Victory of Good over
Evil". It is believed that the evil demon "Narakasur"
was annihilated by Lord Vishnu on this day. People also
prepare to welcome Goddess Laxmi, "The Hindu Goddess
of Wealth & Fortune".
Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights is the most joyous Hindu
festival and is always celebrated on ‘Amavasya’,
the 15th day of the Hindu month of ‘Kartik’
(Oct-Nov).
It is believed that Lord Shree Ram returned home this
day, after a 14 year exile in the forest, and after
conquering evil demon king 'Ravana'. In an open and
boundless expression of joy, the people of Ayodhya lit
"diya's" (earthen lamps filled with oil) all
over the city to welcome him. The tradition continues
till date.
Pooja is offered to Goddess Laxmi. Gold / Silver and
other precious items adorn the pooja. This is a family
affair, all members participate in the Pooja & the
celebrations that follow. Houses are decorated with
"diya's" to celebrate diwali and welcome the
Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Firecrackers form an important
part of the celebrations.The following day is reckoned
as the first day of Vikram Samvat, a Hindu New Year’s
day.
Kartik Ekadashi
It is believed that Lord Shri Vishnu rests in ‘Ksheer
Sagar’. He sleeps through four months and wakes
up on "Kartik Ekadashi". Since Lord Shri Vishnu's
blessings are a must for any alliance, no auspicious
events or marriages etc. are performed during this four
month period. People fast all through the day. At night,
Bhagwan Vishnu is coaxed to wake up with the sound of
Conch shell (Shankh), Ghanta (big bells) and Ghariyal.
Celebrations begin after ‘Lord Vishnu’ wakes
up.
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Engagement
& Marriage
Engagement (Sagai)
The boy and his family are invited by the girls family
to their house or any other venue for the engagement
ceremony. Rings are exchanged and gifts given to the
boy, his parents and immediate family members. Sweets,
snacks and fruits are given along with.
Marriage (Shaadi)
Marriage follows the engagement. The day of the marriage
is fixed after astrological consultations at a mutually
convenient date. A list of invitees and family members
from both sides is usually exchanged to facilitate proper
arrangements and gifts for all who attend. Traditionally,
gifts are sent to the grooms family and relatives by
the brides family. These gifts are called "Sobha".
Brides receive jewelry & clothes.
While arrangements for the marriage are being made,
a few days before the marriage the younger sisters,
and brothers of the groom-to-be, invite the bride-to-be.
This social meeting gives a chance to the young members
of the grooms family to know the bride better.
Marriage ceremonies begin with "Bhat Nyotna",
2/3 days before the wedding day. Grandparents from the
mothers family of both the bride & the groom are
invited to bless their grandchild on the occasion of
her/his marriage. This personal invitation is also sent
to all the maternal relatives.
On the eve of the wedding day "Mehndi" is
applied on the hands and feet of the boy / girl to be
married at their respective houses, by his / her mom,
aunts & sisters. Mother of boy / girl and also other
female relatives decorate their hands by applying ‘mehndi’.
This occasion is celebrated with music and dance.
On the wedding day, it is customary for the girl to
be up early and visit the temple to offer her respects
to Goddess Parvati and seek blessings for a happy married
life. Th Bride-to-be is usually accompanied by her cousins
& friends. Thereafter, the Girl’s brother/s,
sisters and a priest proceed to the grooms place to
extend a courteous invitation to the marriage, in the
latter half of the day.The girls brother applies a tilak
on the groom’s forehead, for his well being and
safety. Obeisance is paid to the ‘Family Deity’
after each ceremony. After the ‘tilak’ ceremony,
coconut and sweetmeats, and a ring are presented to
the bride-to-be by the boy’s brother and sisters,
accompanied by their priest.
Haldi ceremony follows, wherein turmeric paste is applied
to the bride & groom, by their respective family
elders (women only in both cases), in preparation of
the marriage. Thereafter, the two are bathed. The bride
and groom, dressed in traditional wedding attire are
then prepared for the Baarat.
"Baarat" is the name given to a procession
carrying the groom from his place to the girls house,
or the venue for the wedding. A special turban called
"Sehra" is worn by the groom. The groom travels
either on a decked up horse or in a decorated car. Upon
arrival at the wedding venue, the ‘Baarat’
is received by the bride’s family members with
garlands (milini).
A pooja is performed at the entrance to the wedding
venue. Thereafter, the groom proceeds to a stage or
a central area where he and the bride exchange garlands.
This is the ‘jaimala’ ceremony. The bride
first garlands the groom followed by the groom doing
the same. The groom is welcomed by the brides mother
by performing an ’Aarti’.
At the auspicious time astrologically determined by
the priests of both the families, the groom and the
bride are brought back to the entrance of the venue.
The groom is requested to stand in a marked area (chawki)
and the Maternal Uncle of the bride holds and carries
her around the groom three times, with the Pandit chanting
the ‘mantras’. This is called ‘Baahar-ke-Phere’.
A special enclosure prepared for the wedding ceremony
is called a ‘Mandap’. The two priests, one
from each family, perform the marriage rites. The marrying
couple is made to take vows to remain faithful to each
other and pledge to face life together through thick
and thin. A sacred fire is lit in the center of the
mandap and the couple to be married is made to circle
the fire seven times. This is known as a "phera".
At the conclusion of the ‘pheras’ the bride
and groom exchange the seating place The groom is now
seated to the left of the bride.
A few rituals by members of the brides family follow.
The bride is now ready to leave for the grooms house.
The Baarat leaving the wedding venue to return to the
grooms residence is known as ‘Vida’’.
The newly wedded couple is welcomed at the Grooms residence
by a traditional ‘Aarti’. Then, all members
of the grooms family join the couple and shower them
with gifts and ornaments. This is called ‘Ruh-Numai’.
The bride and groom acknowledge and seek blessings by
touching feet of all the elders of the family. Later,
'Shri Satya Narayana Katha’ is performed to give
thanks to ‘Lord Shri Vishnu’ for the successful
culmination of all ceremonies.
Next day the newly married couple visit the brides parents
house for the ‘Dhol pujane ki rasam’. The
bride wears all the ornaments and jewelry given to her
in the grooms house at ‘Ruh-Numai’ ceremony.
All the relatives of the bride get a chance to see all
the gifted items. After the ‘Dhol pujana’
the married sister puts tika on her brothers forehead
and the parents present her a set of clothes. Then the
couple returns to there house. ‘Satyanarayan katha’
is held for thanks giving.
On completion of one year of marriage, the coconut tied
to the ‘Bareilwa’ worn by the bride at the
time of marriage is untied by the grooms sister after
a pooja is performed in front of the deity of the house.
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Childbirth
Satvansha / Purvansha
Ceremonies performed during the seventh month of pregnancy
of a newly wedded bride are called Satvansa. The brides
brother visits his sister with clothes for her, her
husband and in-laws. This ceremony is called ‘Goad-bharai’
Another ceremony conducted during the 9th month of her
pregnancy is called Purvansha .
Chati
When the newborn is six days old ‘chati’ is
observed. This day the new mother performs pooja for
the first time after delivery. The brides sister-in-law/s
present the newborn with toys and clothes and the bride
with dry fruits such as coconut & almonds. These
are then used to prepare a rich & savory, high energy
dish for the new mother.
On the 21st day, or later, the ceremony of ‘Masoran’
is held. A grand feast is thrown. Maternal grand parents
of the child gift sets of clothes, some ornaments, silver
spoon, silver bowl, glass and plate to the child. A
‘shalu’ (pink yellow sari) and other clothes
are gifted to the new mother. In-laws also receive presents,
sweets and dry fruits. A pooja is performed.
These days ‘chati’ and ‘masoran’
ceremonies are generally combined and held any day after
the child is twenty one days old.
The ceremony of head shaving of the child (sikraj) is
generally held under a "mandap", on an auspicious
day. All invitees bring in gifts for the child. A feast
follows.
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Death
In the event of death
The body of the deceased is placed on a white sheet
on the floor and aligned such that the head points northwards
and feet southward. All furniture is usually moved from
the room and light incense is used. An oil lamp (diya)
is usually lit. Relatives and friends are informed of
the incident and requested to pay their last respects.
It is customary that if the deceased is a married lady,
and her husband is alive, she is dressed in bridal finery
for her last rites. Widows are generally dressed in
whites. In some families, a silk sari and shawl are
spread over the dead body. A dead mans body is covered
in white and a shawl is spread over the body.
Dead bodies are carried for cremation on a ladder-like
wooden structure called the "Arthi", prepared
as per the guidance of a priest who conducts the last
rites. The dead body is usually garlanded. Male members
of the family accompany the dead body to the cremation
ground. Female members are usually forbidden to visit
a crematorium.
After the dead body has been taken away for cremation,
the house is cleaned and washed and arrangements are
made to accommodate those who have traveled to pay their
last respects to the deceased. An oil lamp (diya), lit
upon the death of the deceased, is usually kept lit
in one corner for three days. A nail is also hammered
somewhere on the floor of this room. When men folk return
from the crematorium, they are made to wash or bathe
before entering the house.
Food is not prepared in the house of the deceased for
three days. On the third day, male members of the family
go early in the morning to gather the ‘ashes’
from the crematorium. These are immersed in any holy
river. Mourning rites usually last thirteen days.On
the third day, following immersion of the ashes, the
whole house is washed and cleaned. All Family members
bathe.In the evening, everyone assembles, applies water
to the eyes and cools them. Cooking at home is resumed.
This is the ‘Atak Chhutana’ ceremony which
symbolizes the resumption of normal activities. Prayer
meeting is also held on fourth day. On the thirteenth
day a ‘Hawan’ is performed with the help of
a ‘priest.
The first death anniversary (Barsi) is observed in the
eleventh month after death. A priest performs pooja
(Havan). Thereafter every year, on the ‘shraadha’
day, a priest performs pooja to ensure peace for the
departed soul.
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