Sunday, Jul 07, 2024 08:45 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Jul 07, 2024 03:07 [IST]
Window Seat
Rath Yatra, also known as the
Chariot Festival, is one of the significant and vibrant Hindu festivals
celebrated across the country and beyond, but primarily in the state of Odisha
at Puri. This annual festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of
Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.
The highlight of Rath Yatra in
Puri is the grand procession in which the deities are transported from the
Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, about three kilometers away. This
journey is undertaken on enormous, intricately decorated chariots, or "raths,"
which are pulled by thousands of devotees using long ropes. The chariots, each
dedicated to one of the deities, are constructed anew every year with great
care and craftsmanship, symbolizing the deities' annual visit to the Gundicha
Temple.
The deities remain at the
Gundicha Temple for a week before returning to the Jagannath Temple in a
similar procession called "Bahuda Yatra." The journey is accompanied
by chanting, singing, dancing, and a fervent display of devotion, creating an
electrifying atmosphere.
Rath Yatra holds deep religious
significance. It symbolizes the journey of life and the divine's willingness to
come closer to the devotees, breaking the barriers of the temple. The festival
is also an embodiment of inclusiveness, where people from all walks of life,
irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, come together to participate and
seek blessings.
In India, Rath Yatra is held in
many places besides Puri including Mahesh in West Bengal, Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
Chariot festivals, celebrated
in various cultures worldwide, hold significant religious, cultural, and
historical importance. These festivals often involve grand processions where
deities or revered figures are paraded on beautifully decorated chariots, symbolizing
divine presence and blessings.
In Japan, the Gion Matsuri in
Kyoto, celebrated in July, is a renowned chariot festival. It features majestic
floats called "yamahoko," which are paraded through the streets. The
festival, rooted in Shinto traditions, seeks to appease the gods and ensure
good fortune.
Nepal celebrates the Rato
Machindranath Jatra in Patan, dedicated to the rain god, Rato Machindranath.
The festival involves a grand chariot procession, emphasizing the cultural and
agricultural significance of rain and harvest.
In the Western world, the
Festival of Corpus Christi in Spain and some Latin American countries includes
chariot processions, symbolizing the Eucharist's significance in the Catholic
faith.
The chariot festivals, though
diverse in their origins and practices, share common themes of reverence,
community spirit, and cultural expression, uniting people in celebration and
devotion across the globe.
JackFruit
Late summer early rain- is the
time of jackfruits- that awful looking monster size fruit- that entire South
Asia loves.
Jackfruit (Artocarpus
heterophyllus) is a tropical fruit known for its impressive size, versatility,
and nutritional benefits. It is native to South Asia, particularly the
rainforests of India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Jackfruit is the national fruit
of Bangladesh, and the state fruit of Kerala (which hosts jackfruit festivals) and
Tamil Nadu.
One of the most striking
features of jackfruit is its size; it is the largest tree-borne fruit, often
weighing up to 40 kilograms and growing up to 35 inches in length. The fruit's
exterior is covered with a thick, spiky rind that houses numerous yellow,
fibrous bulbs inside. These bulbs contain seeds and are the edible part of the
fruit, offering a sweet, tropical flavor.
Jackfruit has good nutritional
value. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and B-complex, as well as minerals like
potassium, magnesium, and iron. Additionally, it is a good source of dietary
fiber and antioxidants, contributing to its health benefits, which include
improved digestion, enhanced immune function, and potential anti-inflammatory
effects.
One of the most interesting
aspects of jackfruit is its versatility in culinary applications. In its ripe
form, jackfruit can be eaten fresh or used in desserts, smoothies, and jams.
However, it is the unripe, green jackfruit that has gained attention as a meat
substitute. When cooked, its fibrous texture closely resembles shredded
chicken, making it a popular choice for vegan and vegetarian dishes. Green
jackfruit can be used in curries, stir-fries, tacos, and sandwiches, absorbing
flavors and providing a satisfying, meat-like consistency.
Beyond its culinary uses,
jackfruit holds economic and environmental significance. It is a resilient
crop, capable of growing in diverse climatic conditions and requiring minimal
agricultural inputs, making it a sustainable food source. Its seeds are also
edible and can be roasted or boiled, further enhancing its utility as a food
crop.
My mother loves ripe jackfruit.
She eats it raw or with mudi or muri (rice
crispy). So does my wife. One note of warning from them: Do not eat jackfruit
with milk or carbonated drinks. It may cause digestion and skin issues You
should also avoid drinking water after the consumption of jackfruit as it can
lead to diarrhea as it is a high water content fruit that smoothes out bowel
movements.
July 4 is Jackfruit
day.
Tailpiece:
Rain
Why did the raindrop break up with the cloud during the rainy
season?
Because it needed some space to precipitate!