Category: Culture Articles

Ganesa Chaturthi (A Festival Related To Ganesha) is a popular festival of the Hindus. Ganesa is the youngest son of Lord Shiva and His wife Parvati. The festival is also known as the Vinayaka Chaturthi (Vinayak is the another name of Lord Ganesa) in Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. According to the Hindu calendar, Ganesa Chaturthi is celebrated in the month of Magh (A Time Period Between January and February). The day has another significance. It is the fourth day of the waxing moon period. The festival runs for long ten days, culminating on the Ananta Chaturdasi.

History and mythological details say that Ganapati or Ganesa is the Lord of the Semi Divine Creatures. The mother Parvati created Ganesa out of sandalwood paste she used for her bath. Later she breathed into the figure. As Parvati went to take her bath, Lord Shiva entered the house. Ganesa did not recognize Him and impeded Him from entering the house. Being extremely enraged, Shiva cut down His head. Later, when He realized that He mistakenly punished His own son, he ordered to bring the head of an elephant and place it on Ganesa s body.

The festival of Ganesa Chaturthi is observed all across the country, especially in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and other states, which formerly were the territories under the Maratha Empire.

It was Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak, who first brought the idol of Lord Ganesa to the streets. Balgangadhar Tilak started this auspicious festival to turn people more aware about the freedom movement in India. In Mumbai and Pune neighborhood Ganesas are brought at the immersion site, where thousands of devotees bid Him farewell in an exciting and frenzied style.

The Preparations Of The Great Ganesa Festival

The Kumaras (The Idol Makers) begin preparing the idol from at least two months prior to the date of Ganesa Chaturthi . The idols are placed either on highly raised platforms or the organizers prepare gorgeous and elaborate pandals (Tents) to welcome the Lord. The priest, dressed in red attire utters the chants and starts the puja (Worshipping The God). The initial ritual is known as Pranapratishtha (Breathing Life Into The Deity).

Celebrating Ganesa Chaturthi

Before the festival starts, the Pandals or the Mandapas are richly embellished with the impressions of meaningful Themes . The organizers compete with each other, concerning the best party to make the best arrangements. There can be noticed colors all around with the gifts of song, dance, mirth and merriment. In contemporary Mumbai, Ganesa Chaturthi has become an economic event. The artists, business organizers, singers and dancers find a platform to execute their talent and earn huge as well.

Celebrations In Pune

People of Pune believe that there are five Ganapati Of Honor , who are worshipped by people across the globe. On the first day, a special corner is chosen to place Ganapati , and then the God is received with material and verbal offerings. The Lord is given Red garments and a special thread, which is believed to be silver. Bright lights are lit, bells chime and the puja goes on with offerings of red and yellow flowers. On the day of immersion, the devotees yell, asking the Lord to re-visit earth once again in the next year.

The Festive Foods

The main sweet dish during the festival is Modak , which is also known as Modagam . Modak means something, which brings happiness. It is prepared with the mixture of rice flour, wheat flour, coconut, jaggery and other ingredients. The South Indians too indulge in this habit of preparing Modak during the festival.

Rituals To Be Maintained During Ganesa Chaturthi

According to Swami Shivananda, one should meditate on the sayings about Lord Ganesa on this day. The ladies should rise early, take their bath and visit the temple to worship the Lord. They should offer Him coconut and, sweets and the Indian pudding. One should pray to Him with absolute devotion, so that he or she could achieve the path of Moksha (Freedom From The corporal Bondage) soon. Thus, on the day of Ganesa Chaturthi , feel the pervading spirit of Lord Ganesa, and He would be yours with all His Divine Blessings.

Vasant Panchami is a remarkable festival among the Hindus. This holyday is particularly known for the puja (to worship) of Devi Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, Art and Music. It is a waited festival for all and is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the Indian month of Magh (A Time Between January-February). It is also the first day of Vasanta Ritu (The Start Of Spring). Hence, Vasant Panchami , is also known as the Spring Festival .

Spring is most beautiful among all seasons. With the flourishing beauty of Nature, the festive mood reaches its height. The Palash (A beautiful red flower often referred as the flame of the forest ) trees are laden with blooming flowers and the air gets heavy with the hot smell of fruits. It is the season of fruition and maturity, adding to the warmth of the seasonal festivity.

Devi Saraswati is the wife of Lord Brahma (The Creator according to Hindu mythology). She is dressed in white or light lemony yellow sari. A mighty, white swan, Her constant companion, accompanies Goddess Saraswati in Her visit to earth. The Goddess possesses four hands, sitting on the swan. Since she is the Goddess of Music , she holds the Veena , a stringed instrument in one of her hands. It is a special day for students and scholars, who pray to the Goddess for prosperous academic careers.

Saraswati Symbolising Satwa Guna

Devi Saraswati symbolizes Satwa Guna , which stands for Purity and Individuality . The key factors of Satwa Guna are Education , Music and Fine Art . Devi Saraswati is worshipped among all, since the value and worth of education is unparalleled. It is a universal fact that, a man of power demands honor, but a learned man spontaneously achieves it from other people.

The Celebrations Of Saraswati Puja

Saraswati Puja or Vasant Panchami is basically the festival for students. On this holyday the students worship the Goddess with full reverence. It is the day, which is considered pious to start education. Men remember their ancestors through a special ritual, known as Pitri Tarpan . People of other sects feed the Brahmins , who belong at the highest order of religious hierarchy among Hindus. An interesting fact is that, the God of Love , Kamdeva (According to the Hindu Mythology) is worshipped as well.

On the holyday of Vasant Panchami , people get dressed in yellow. Yellow has a special significance, since the color of the Goddess s attire itself is yellow. Some people dye their duppatas (stoles) and saris and turn them yellow.

Sweetmeats and yellow colors are distributed among close relations. Saffron is also added to the food in order to bring the yellow color. Kesari Halwa (a sweet dish, prepared with Saffron) is prepared among the North Indian people.

Vasant Panchami In Different States

Vasant Panchami is mostly celebrated in the states of Bengal and Bihar in India. Bengalis prepare artistic Pandals (Tents) to welcome the Goddess. They keep the books and musical instruments in front of the Goddess, in order to seek Her blessings. The Bengalis generally do not study on this day, since they believe that the books should be kept with the Goddess at least for a single day.

In Jaipur, Rajasthan, the festive mood reaches its ultimate height. Here too, the predominance of the Yellow color can be noticed.

Saraswati Puja is a very important event in the universities and colleges of India. Thus, Vasant Panchami or Saraswati Puja is an occasion of calm sacredness celebrating the power of knowledge and wisdom.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a day for celebrating the presence of Lord Ganesha on earth for all his devotees. It is the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati. He is the god of prosperity, wisdom and good fortune. The festival is also referred to as Vinayaka Chaturthi in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Sanskrit.

This festival falls on the month of Bhaadrapada (Hindu Calendar). It begins on the Shukla Chaturthi or the fourth day of the waxing moon period and ends with the Ananta Chaturdashi. According to the English calendar, it is celebrated sometime between the 25th of August and the 15th of September. The festival usually goes on for 10 days.

This Hindu festival takes place all over India and with great vigor at Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Origin of the Festival

Goddess Parvati created Ganesh from the sandalwood paste that she used for bathing. She then breathed life into the sandalwood figure. When Parvati was taking her bath, Ganesha stood as a guard and did not permit Lord Shiva to enter the house, as he did not know him. This incident enraged Lord Shiva and he beheaded the child.

When it dawned on Lord Shiva that he had severed the head of his own child, he placed an elephant s head in the place of his son s head. Thus, he became the elephant-headed god.

The Ceremony and Rituals

Ganesh Chaturthi has households worshipping the idol of Shree Ganesha. The festival begins with establishing of the embellished Ganesh idols in adorned mandapas (decorated tents) and homes. The mandapas can be made on religious or current events and themes.

The public ceremonies include competition among the local communities (mandals) for putting up the best and biggest Ganesh idol. Cultural activities like dramas, songs and orchestra also take place.

The offering for the puja or worship is the panchamrut (five nectars), which includes curd, milk, honey, jaggery and ghee. This offering is used to bathe the idol of Ganesh.

Lord Ganesha is then dressed in a red garment and a silver sacred thread. Then he is smeared with red sandal paste. Ultimately, red or yellow flowers are offered, bells are chimed, a lamp is lit and the food offering is provided to the god s five panchapranas (vital breaths) and one to the absolute.

The puja is performed twice daily amid chants of the Ganesh mantra. At last, the family assembles to place rice grains on the idols head and then the idol is symbolically unseated.

The Food

The predominant sweet dish of Ganesh Chaturthi is the modak , which is called modagam in South India. Karanjis also is the sweet dish of the festival. Modak is a dumpling of wheat flour or rice flour stuffed with jaggery, dry or fresh grated coconut and other condiments. This is fried or steamed. The word modak implies that brings happiness . Karanjis are quite similar to modaks , but have the shape of the 4th day moon.

Ganesh Chaturthi in Pune

Pune, the West Indian town celebrates five Ganesh or Ganpati of Honor . At the time of the festival, the people sing aartis (prayers) and visit the houses of their relatives and friends who organize the Ganesh worship at home.

Finally in the immersion day, with the setting of the sun, the images of Ganesh are taken out in boats and immersed into the rivers and sea. This event resembles a sentimental public farewell to their beloved Lord Ganesha.

In Maharashtra, the Ganesh Chaturthi makes way for some important economic activity. There are businesses, artists and industries thriving on this great event. Ganesh Chaturthi acts as a podium for budding artists to bring before the public their talent.

Ramadan Begins in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (Hijri). The word has been derived from the term Ramd , that means To Burn . The occasion of Ramadan is older than the Islamic calendar and it initially fell in the summer. The Muslims celebrate Ramadan for a whole month. Prophet Mohammed told His disciples that during this time the gates of Heaven would be opened and the gates of Hell would be closed. The Muslims keep a long fast throughout the month, and break it with the most celebrated occasion called Eid ul-Fitr .

The key factor of Ramadan or Ramzan is fasting, which is often prescribed as the fourth pillar of Islam. They believe that a long fast would cleanse all their previous sins. However, the Muslims pass the fasting month with a great devotion and start the first day of the next month with pomp and pageantry.

Muslims consider the practice of fasting a decree of God. They honor the practice, since they believe, God ordered every able person to fast. But people who have problems with this practice do take little food. The fast starts with the Holy view of the full moon. Through this long fast, the Muslims seek Divine blessings and pray for their prosperous life.

Rituals During Ramadan

There are interesting rituals associated with Ramadan. During this spiritually beneficial year of the Islamic month the Muslims pray, fast and indulge in charitable programs. Since the festival is related to the lunar calendar, it does not rise at the same place globally. Hence, the rituals vary according to the particular lunar sight individual experiences.

1. First comes the reference of fasting. Ramadan is the other name of fasting, which in the Islamic terminology is known as Swam .
2. Eating, Drinking and sexual intercourse are not allowed till the sun sets.
3. During Ramadan people it is unfair to indulge in greed, lust, anger, backbiting and jealousy. These vices are against the ethics of Islam.
4. During Ramadan people go through the Koran and teach their children the ethics and principles of Islam.
5. During Ramadan people need to be absolutely pure. They must retain purity both in their thoughts and deeds.
6. Maintaining self-discipline, sacrificing for others, helping the under trodden are actions the Muslims must execute during Ramadan.
7. During Ramadan special prayers called Tarawih are held every night in the mosques.
8. The people also commemorate the fact that it was during the Ramadan that Mohammed first revealed the Holy Koran .

The Culmination Of Ramadan With Eid Ul-Fitr

The festival of Eid Ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the fasting period of Ramadan. The Muslims break their fast by seeing a new moon on the day of Eid-Ul-Fitr . Everyone put on new dresses, and distribute new clothes between the poor. The festival continues while people hold communal prayers, feast and visit the friends and relatives.

Thus, Ramadan begins with a grave devotion and sacrifice ending with mirth and celebration.

The Hindus celebrate Ram Navami as the birthday of Rama. According to the Hindu religion, it is the Shuklapaksha Navami of Chaitra; that is the ninth day of the Hindu lunar year. Ram Navami is a special festival of the Vaishnav sects among Hindus. Ram Navami indicates the start of the Vasanthothsavam; that is the festival of Spring, starting with Ugadi and continuing for long nine days.

If you throw a glance on the life of Rama, you will definitely find it interesting. Rama is believed to be a perfect Avatar of the supreme protector Vishnu. He was an ideal son of king Dasharatha, an ideal king and an ideal husband. Rama was the epitome of morality, truth, virtue and chivalry. The most important part is that His adventurous and heroic deeds still inspire the present generation very much.

Though it is the birthday of Rama, people also worship Sita, His wife and Lakshmana, His younger brother on Rama Navami. Hanumana, the monkey god, who was an ardent devotee of Rama is worshiped too.

On this auspicious day, temples are decorated with the idol of Lord Rama richly bejeweled. On the pious day of Rama Navami the priests offer the Vedic readings to Lord Vishnu and Rama. Excerpts from famous novels like Ramacharitmanasha , praising Ram, are also recited.

There are some important features related to Ram Navami. On this holy day, the priests perform several marriages. This ritual is known as the Kalyanam . These marriages are generally performed on banks of the river Godavari. The riverside marriages are known as Bhadrachalam. You can also see colorful processions with a play of watercolors. At Ayodhaya, where Rama was born, a big fair takes place. In South India, the Rama Navami festival is held and it continues till the ninth day.

On this holy day of Ram s birth, Hindu ladies fast or restrict themselves to a specific diet. The fast is regarded as the vrat . The Hindus believe that, it is through the vrat, they can gain peace in the material world and achieve salvation at the same time. Besides, a special sweet dish, named Penakam is prepared on this day mixed with jaggery and pepper.

Celebrations

• On Rama Navami, the houses are cleaned and decorated
• The personal shrines get richly embellished
• After an early bath, Vedic chants are recited
• The youngest female member of the family starts the puja
• She puts tilak or a red mark on the other members foreheads
• Initially a photo of baby Rama is worshipped
• Then the prasada is distributed among the family members
• It is a day, when serious devotees fast in order to pay their insoluble respect to the Lord

Thus, Ram Navami stands as an important day among the Hindus. It is a day when you can really feel the sacredness and piety of Hindu religion.

Raksha Bandhan (which in Hindi means the bond of protection ) or Rakhi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the sublime bondage of love between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shraavana and in 2007; the auspicious occasion will be celebrated on August 28.

Ceremony

The ceremony or ritual, so to say, on the Raksha Bandhan day revolves round tying of the Rakhi thread. Sisters tie the sacred thread around the brothers right wrist, praying for their long life and well-being. Brothers too lavish gifts on their sisters, pledging to protect them and take every care of them.

Origin/Mythology

The festivity of Raksha Bandhan is believed to have mythological origin. A legend has that Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, had torn a strip off her sari and tied it around Krishna s wrist, which was left bleeding by the chakra (blade) he had used to severe the head of Shishupala during the Rajsuya Yagya. Lord Krishna was so moved by Draupadi s gesture that he promised to repay this debt manifold. When years later Draupadi was being humiliated in the royal court by her evil brother-in-law Duryodhan (and Dushshashan who was trying to disrobe her), she prayed to Krishna for help and he elongated the sari by his divine powers. Draupadi was saved from being disgraced publicly.

Another legend linked to the origin of Raksha Bandhan is based on Yama (the Lord of Death) and his sister Yamuna. It is believed that Yamuna tied Rakhi to Yama, bestowing immortality on him. Yama was so overwhelmed that he made a declaration that a brother who gets a Rakhi tied from his sister and promises her protection will become immortal.

History

Raksha Bandhan is thus not bound by blood relations. It transcending family barriers and women tie Rakhis to their cousins, friends, and neighbors. In fact, any male member of the society can be adopted as a brother by a woman if she ties a Rakhi. Indian history is replete with stories when a woman has sent a Rakhi and adopted a brother, finding her safety and security at risk. Thus, Rani Karnavati of Chittaur adopted Mughal Emperor Humayun as her brother seeking protection from him by sending him a Rakhi when her territory was under threat. Humayun immediately came to her rescue.

Celebrations In Contemporary India

In the present times, Raksha Bandhan commemorates social kinship and solidarity. It is a symbol of harmonious co-existence as brothers and sisters, each promising to protect and help each other. Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore had organized congregational Raksha Bandhan to promote brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims so that they could oppose the partition of Bengal as a united force.

Ascension of Baha-u-llah is an important observance to the members of the Baha i faith. This holy day is commemorated on the anniversary of the death of the founder of the Bahai faith, Baha’u’llah. Baha u llah passed away peacefully at the age of 75 in the early morning of 29th May 1892. He now lies buried in a shrine on Bahji, in Israel surrounded by a spectacular garden, which symbolizes the order of the world in the future. The Baha i pilgrims visit the shrine in Israel to pray there.

In the early hours of the calendar day of 29th May at 3 am (sometimes 4am where daylight saving time is at force) Baha is commemorate to observe the passing away of the prophet Baha u llah. Often they turn towards Bahji in Israel. The commemoration process varies from community to community.

Life Of Baha’u’llah

Baha u llah was born to a noble family in Persia. He was a wise and noble person and earned the nickname Father of the poor because of his charity. But he embraced the new religion when the word of the Bab reached him and put everything under jeopardy.

Bah ‘u’ll h was imprisoned in 1852 on fabricated charges connected to the attempt by two crazy B b s to assassinate N siri’d-D n Sh h. He was kept in the prison, S y h-Ch l, which literally meant the Black Pit . There he was weighed down by a heavy chain and was kept amongst the worst of the criminals. In this Black Pit he had a revelation, God told him that he is the Promised One and his embracing the Bab was foretold.

After his release from the prison he was stripped of his wealth and was sent in exile to Baghdad. This was his first banishment. He suffered three more banishments to Constantinople, Adrianople, and finally to the prison city of Akk in the Israel. Wherever he went he received admiration of the mass but the authority feared his popularity and his influence and wanted to get rid of him. In the mean time Baha u llah s half brother Mirz Yahy was appointed by the the Bab as the Head of the Faith until the Promised One arose. Mirz Yahy became jealous of the influence of Baha u llah and plotted to murder him by mixing poison in his teacup. Baha u llah nearly escaped death.

Ascension Of Baha-U-Llah

In 1863, Bah ‘u’ll h declared Himself to be the Promised One of all religions and Messenger of God for this age. The title Bah ‘u’ll h means The Glory of God .

He spent his last days in tranquility as a marginal prisoner outside the walls of Akka, in a mansion known as Bahji. Six days before his death he called for a Baha is assembly in the Bahji mansion and gave his last address to his distraught followers with the affectionate words I am well pleased with you all, Ye have rendered many services, and been very assiduous in your labors. Ye have come here every morning and every evening. May God assist you to remain united. May He aid you to exalt the Cause of the Lord of being .

Baha u llah s physical condition deteriorated and finally he ascended from this world at the hour of dawn at 3 am on May 29, 1892.

Baha u llah scribed his preaching in some 100 volumes, which are addressed, to king and common people, friends and foe and believers and non-believers.

Ascension of Baha-u-llah is a holy day observed in memorial to the founder Prophet of the Baha i Faith and signifies the journey and growth of a new religion from Iran.

The Birth of the Bab is celebrated by Baha is all over the world on October 20. Mirza Ali Muhammed or The Bab, as we know Him was born in 1819 in Shiraz, Persia. He was the founder of the Babi faith and also foretold the coming of the Promised One or the Baha u llah.

In 1844, when the Bab was only 25 years old, He declared Himself to be Bab ud-Din or the doorway to the Faith . He knew that His mission was to reform Islam and He also knew that He had to pave the way for a successor who would be capable of completing His work on Islam reformation. For this particular event, He has been compared to John The Baptist , who paved the way for Jesus Christ. The successor of Bab was Bahaullah, who was also the founder of the Baha i Faith.

Life of the Bab

The Bab being of the lineage of Prophet Muhammed was to become the Qa im, meaning the Promised One of Islam. The Bab s father died when He was still young and so He was taken care of by His maternal uncle, who later was a martyr to the Babi Faith. At school, He showed great intuitive knowledge of the Spirit, and astonished His teachers.

After school He joined His uncle in the family business and became a merchant. He later married His cousin and lost His only child shortly after the delivery. During the next six years of His life, He was imprisoned in a mountain and finally was executed at the barracks-square in Tabriz.

John the Baptist and the Bab

The life of the Bab often resembles that of John the Baptist. Other than making the way for Baha u llah, like John made the way for Christ, the Bab also became a martyr like John who became the first martyr to Christ. But, the Bab and Baha u llah never met in person unlike John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.

Celebration of the Birth of Bab

On October 20, the Baha is refrain from work. Being a Holy Day, it is part of the fellowship and the prayers. Readings from the Bab s writings, the Bible and the Quran are conducted. A formal dinner might also be hosted by some communities. Picnics and outdoor activities are also planned for the day. Non-Baha is interested to know about the Faith may also be invited to attend the holy day celebrations.

The birth of every Manifestation is a kind of rebirth for the Entire World. The Birth of the Bab is one of the eleven Holy Days in the Baha i calendar.

The Martyrdom of the Bab, the founder of the Babi and the forerunner of the Baha i faith is observed on July 9, the day of the execution of the Bab. The day is mourned by Baha is all over the world and commemorated as a Holy Day. It is observed by the Baha is by suspending work on that day. The execution of the Bab or The Gate was carried out by the firing squad and remains one of the most dramatic stories of Baha i history.

The Bab went against Islam and therefore was called a heretic. Ultimately, this led to his execution engaging 2 different firing squads before the final sentence of the Bab s execution was carried out. The first firing squad failed due to the Bab disappearing into his cell to complete the work he had left unfinished. After finishing his work, the Bab returned to face the execution carried out by the second firing squad.

His Works

The greatest work of the Bab was the Bayan which was a replacement of the Muslim laws. The Bab also foretold of the advancement of Baha u llah, the next manifestation of God.

His Life

The Bab was gentle and kind in nature. When He declared his mission in 1844, he was only 25 years old. From the time He made the declaration He was tortured, imprisoned and ultimately was executed because of the claim He made to be a Messenger from God.

The Story of His Martyrdom

The guards took away the Bab s green turban and the sash which revealed that He was a descendant of Mohammed. He was forced to walk to the barracks where He would be executed. The people flooded the streets to get a glimpse of Him.

A young man from the crowd fell at the Bab s feet and implored Him to let him accompany Him, which the Bab allowed and named him Anis , which means companion . Two other followers also begged to accompany Him and they were all taken to the barracks and locked in a cell together.

Knowing that He would die, the Bab was filled with joy. On the next morning, when the Bab was speaking to His follower, He was interrupted and taken along with His follower Anis to the barracks square. They were tied with a rope and hung from a nail in the barracks wall. Watched by a great number of people, the Bab and Anis was shot by seven hundred and fifty riflemen in three lines.

After the shot, people found Anis smiling and standing beneath the broken rope. The Bab had disappeared and was later found in his cell finishing His interrupted conversation with His follower. It required the bringing of another regiment for their execution. The second firing squad fired at both Anis and the Bab with Anis resting his head on the Bab s chest. After the shot, the Bab s appeared to be unmarked and peaceful.

The Martyrdom of the Bab is one of the most important Baha i Holy Days.

The Day of Covenant, is a day of reflection for the Baha is. The Covenant is the uniting force of the Baha i faith. It is the agreement through which the Baha is on turning towards an appointed successor will receive constant divinely ordained guidance. The Baha is offer their thanks to God for His constant guidance extended to Humanity. Actually, it is the instructed day of Abdu l Baha, the son of Baha u llah, to be commemorated as the day of the Centre of the Covenant s appointment.

This is observed as a Holy Day by the Baha is and is held annually. The Day of Covenant was created by Abdu l Baha on the request of the Bahaais of America in the early 1900s, who were keen on celebrating his birthday. Now, Abdu l Baha was born on 23 May, the day of the Declaration of the Bab (another Holy Day of the Baha is). He felt, that day belonged particularly to the Bab and therefore he chose another date, 26 November to observe the Day of Covenant.

Bahaullah s oldest son, Abdul Baha was Bahaullah s appointed successor or the center of Baha u llah s Covenant along with His followers. He was also the authorized Interpretor of His Father s Writings and was also the perfect example of His Father s Teachings. In a contrast to the other Baha i Holy Days, this day does not demand refrain from work and neither is it compulsory to celebrate the day.

Though Abdu l Baha is no Prophet in His own right, such is His distinction that His writings are a vital part of the Bahai Holy Writings. The Baha is revere Him as the Master . Abdu l Baha did not want this Holy Day to be suspended from work as He never wanted to be on an equal level with Baha u llah. Moreover, He considered Himself to be His Father s servant.

The greatness of Abdu l Baha lies in the fact that He never sought honor for Himself, nor did he wish to achieve glory, but He always wished to be known as His Father s servant. His name, Abdu l Baha also implies the servant of Baha .

The Day of Covenant is a celebration of Abdu l Baha s life, but in a deeper sense it depicts the celebration of the establishment of the Covenant of the Baha u llah. The day marks a greater emphasis on the promise made by Baha u llah to His followers that in exchange of their obedience, He would ensure them their unity and also establish the Kingdom of God on Earth through them.

Baha u llah commanded His followers to turn to the Center of the Covenant, which is represented by Abdu l Baha, after His death. Therefore, the Master and the Covenant are inseparable and a celebration of one will automatically be a celebration for the other also.

However, in the Bahaai faith, the Day of Covenant and the anniversary of the Passing of Abdu l Baha are the only two Holy Days when work is not required to be suspended.