Echoes from the Beyond

Rakhsha Bandhan is world's biggest Sibling Festival . It is observed on the last day of Shraavana a month recognised in the Hindu lunar Calendar, which typically falls in August .  This festival is celebrated between Brothers and Sisters. The sister would tie a thread of protection around the wrist of her brother which is called as Rakhi. This Rakhi is suppose to protect her brother from all sorts of dangers. In return she gets gifts and a promise that her brother will protect her as well. Cadbury Celebrations this year is trying to make Raksha Bandhan a little more special for differently abled children who do not have upper limbs. How does it feel like? A thread around our wrists? There are some children out there who are missing this experience. Cadbury Celebrations wants them to feel and experience the festival of Rakhsha Bandhan with their Prosthetic Arms. Cadbury Celebrations on their latest campaign titled #MyFirstRakhi  have collaborated with experts to d...

During this dark period I have a fear, I fear that Kali is winning. By Kali I mean the Demon Kali not Godess Kāli. Godess Kāli and the Demon Kali are two different entities. Kali is a Demon and since the dawn of time he has been trying to over throw Dharma from existence. Dharma in Indian Philosophy has several meanings in several context — Dharma means Justice, it means Duty, Moral Code of Conduct and even Discipline. Dharma has multiple meanings and each of them signifies Goodness. So, in summary we can say anything that is Good is Dharma and anything that is not is Adharma. Kali is the enemy of Dharma and he had tried everything to make Dharma weak. Dharma has 4 pillers which is explained with the metaphor of a Bull or a Cow in scriptures and these 4 pillars are described as 4 legs of Dharma. Each of these legs have a certain meaning. 1) Tapasya (Austerity/Hardwork) 2) Saucam (Cleanliness/Purity) 3) Daya (Kindness/Compassion/Mercy) 4) Satyam (Truthfulness) Kali has been trying to br...

We celebrate "Rathayatra" to mark Lord Jagannath's Journey to his Maternal Aunt's house and his return is celebrated as "Phira Rath". Rathayatra is celebrated in many corners of India including Assam. Today we are going to talk about my Village "Jarailtola" and how we celebrated it. Yes 'celebrated' as we do not celebrate it anymore or may be I should say we are not able to celebrate it anymore due to COVID19. Empty Road The roads are empty this year just like the previous year. Both sides of the road used to be filled with temporary stalls. People would open temporary stalls during both "Rathayatra" and "Phira Rath" there would be some stalls of food, some potters would open stalls displaying toys and little idols made of clay and ofcourse there used to be a special stall for Ice Cream man.  Potter's Stall Displaying Toys and Idols made of Clay A plate of Momos and a Glass of Chus...