Priyanshu Chaudhary’s Post

Gudi Padwa, also known as Ugadi or Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, holds significant cultural and historical importance, particularly in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Here's why it's important: New Year Celebration: Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the lunisolar calendar. It falls on the first day of the Chaitra month, which typically corresponds to March or April in the Gregorian calendar. Cultural Significance: Gudi Padwa is deeply rooted in Maharashtrian culture and traditions. On this day, people decorate their homes with colorful rangoli, hoist a gudi (decorated bamboo stick with a cloth and an inverted silver or copper pot) outside their homes, and perform rituals to bring prosperity and good fortune. Historical Importance: It commemorates significant historical events, including the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary Maratha king, in 1674. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. Agricultural Significance: Gudi Padwa also marks the onset of the harvest season, signifying the beginning of new agricultural cycles. Farmers perform puja (prayers) to seek blessings for a fruitful harvest and prosperity in the coming year. Social Celebration: It's a time for families and communities to come together, exchange greetings and sweets, and celebrate the spirit of unity and harmony. It reinforces social bonds and strengthens relationships. Overall, Gudi Padwa is not just a festival but a celebration of culture, history, and tradition. It's a time for reflection, renewal, and the beginning of auspicious endeavors.

The Importance of Chhath Puja: A Festival of Devotion, Gratitude, and Nature Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to worshipping Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, this festival is unique in its devotion to natural elements, promoting health, well-being, and spirituality. 🌞 Symbolism and Significance: Gratitude to the Sun: The Sun is considered the source of life on Earth, providing light, energy, and warmth. Through Chhath Puja, devotees express gratitude to Surya Dev for sustaining life and bringing prosperity. Purification of Mind and Body: The rituals of Chhath Puja are rigorous, involving fasting, bathing in rivers, and abstaining from eating or drinking during certain parts of the festival. This purifying process is seen as a way to cleanse both body and soul, encouraging self-discipline and mental resilience. Connection with Nature: Chhath Puja is deeply rooted in respecting nature. Devotees pray at sunrise and sunset, times known to have powerful spiritual and healing energy, and the rituals are often conducted on riverbanks, symbolizing harmony with natural elements. Community and Togetherness: The festival is a communal event where families and communities gather to perform rituals and support each other. It strengthens social bonds, reminding everyone of the importance of unity and shared tradition Health Benefits: Fasting during Chhath Puja aids in detoxifying the body, while praying in the sunlight can increase vitamin D levels, benefiting bone health and immunity. The sattvic food offered, like Thekua, is simple and nutritious, emphasizing clean, chemical-free eating. 🌼 The Message of Chhath Puja: Chhath Puja teaches us to live with gratitude, discipline, and respect for the environment. It encourages us to slow down, appreciate life’s simple blessings, and nurture our health, spirituality, and connection to nature. Chhath Puja is a celebration of life itself, honoring the balance between humans and the natural world. #ChhathPuja #SunWorship #Gratitude #HealthAndWellbeing #CulturalTraditions #NatureConnection #MindBodySoul #IndianFestivals #SustainableLiving #CommunityCelebration

The Brahma Mandir (Temple) in Pushkar, Rajasthan, is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for practising Hindus, celebrating the glory of the Creator and its Creation. Within this place of great spiritual significance, a heartbreaking sight was the pollution of its waters, with the pervasive presence of inorganic solid waste.  It was a stark reminder that our neglect of Nature, degenerative economic systems, and misguided production and consumption patterns plague every corner of this life-supporting Creation. It was also a reminder that we must fulfil our duties in building nurturing relationships within Nature, characterised by harmony and the recognition of Divinity in all Creation. As part of this duty, we’ve seen the introduction of various initiatives in the last ten years, notably the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) and the recent Swachh Mandir (Clean Temple) campaign. While these initiatives have encouraged healthier behaviours within Nature, it is clear that action within exploitative systems, grounded in superficial values, can only take us so far. The question then is, how do we go beyond low-hanging fruits such as litter-picking and CSR?   Can we decolonise our mindset and ditch flawed and selfish measures of success such as GDP? Can we create regenerative economic systems which genuinely respect all life and enable balanced living (Dharmanomics)? Can we treat every millimetre of land in this country as our Dharmik Sthal (place of worship) and every drop of water as our Amrit (nectar)? Can we help those who struggle to stand on their own two feet and be an Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) nation that personifies service and devotion to Nature? In essence, can we be Bharat? #india #environment #sustainability #bharat #indianeconomy #indianculture #economics #economicdevelopment #regeneration

Lets talk about why #Bharat needs temples along with all the other public facilities? A temple is not just a place where an Idol is worshiped, A temple is the very soul of every village and town in India. I belong a small village named #Bellaguntha in the #Ganjam District of #Odisha. I know for fact that temple is the center for keeping my village and its diverse set of communities together. There is a festival at home, people are fed in the temple. There is some dispute between two families or groups, It gets solved in the temple premises. The temple bell rings loud at morning 5 and half of the village wakes up and start their day, Hence the temple becomes the alarm clock for the entire village. There are free meals cooked and fed to hungry ones every afternoon and evening, someone who has the money helps these needy not out of compulsion but out of compassion. The different tasks of the temple are done by different people and their annual remuneration is taken care by the temple. And so on... The bigger the temple the larger the impact it will have in all the aspects mentioned above. The recent inauguration of the #Ramtemple in #Ayodhya is an best example of why do we need temples. The recent report suggest that the life of common Ajodhya Vasi has changed drastically since January. And I am only talking about economic impact. It looks like the surge in pilgrimage has helped people within a radius of 200 KMs. And If I look at the number of such big temples in India, there are around 100 with such wide spreading impact on the local economy. Be it #Tirupati or #Puri #Jagannath temple. Be it #Dwaraka or #Madurai #Meenakshi temple, these are the temples I am talking about. We need another 1500-2500 more such temples to see the real impact on Economy. We need to remember that it was only these temples which attracted visitors from all across the globe to this land thousands years ago. During those times temples also remained as the conscience keeper of the society. Now we cant give moral direction to anyone because everyone is "Free" to choose what they want after 18. But still... Till today largely temples remain the focal point in every village. So I am asking to take back #Gyanvyapi and #Krishnajanmabhoomi and every such temple either from the control of other religious groups or from the state control and run it as it was run a millennia ago. Run it as it was designed to run by the wise ones who decided to build these in the first place. These temples are essential to our economy today more than any other time in the history. In the coming day I will take specific examples of temples and explain how these help and impact the local economy. Till that day.... #temple #templeeconomy #Gyanvyapi #economy #India #IndianTemple #templesofindia #incredibleindia #travel #Hindu #TempleEconomy #SpiritualTourism #ReligiousTourism #AyodhyaRamMandir #TempleDevelopment #CulturalHeritage #Pilgrimage #TempleTourism #HolyCities #TempleInfrastructure

Bihar is most undiscovered Gem on tourism map.

Chhath Puja holds a special place in the hearts of millions, especially in Bihar and Eastern India. It is a festival that exemplifies devotion, gratitude, and a deep connection with nature. Recently, I came across an interesting and heartwarming sight—'Goytha' (cow dung cakes) being sold in a mall for Chhath Puja. For many, this may seem unusual, but for those familiar with the traditions and rituals of Chhath, it makes perfect sense. Cow dung cakes are an integral part of many Indian rituals, symbolizing purity and sustainability. Their presence in a modern retail setting like a mall reflects how age-old traditions are being preserved and adapted to contemporary life. This simple sight also sheds light on the economic impact that traditional festivals like Chhath have on local economies. The demand for items such as cow dung cakes, fruits, sugarcane, and other ritual essentials stimulates local production and supports small businesses and rural livelihoods in Bihar. Artisans and farmers benefit directly as their products gain a wider market during the festival season, contributing to the local economy and promoting community welfare. This is more than just an image; it’s a testament to the evolving nature of culture and tradition—how they can find space even in the most unexpected places, bridging the gap between old and new. To all those observing Chhath Puja, may your prayers be answered, and may the festival bring health, happiness, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Happy Chhath Puja🙏🏻 #ChhathPujaHere #CulturalPride #BiharHeritage #SustainableFestivals #EconomicGrowth #DevotionAndTradition #IndiaUnites #LocalCraftsmanship #CulturalRoots #ModernTwist #FestiveImpact #TraditionSustained #CommunityCelebration #HeritageFestivals #SacredFestivities #EmpoweringCommunities #EcoFriendlyTradition #RevivingCulture #BiharFestivals #RitualAndCulture #SustainLocal #UnityInTradition #CelebratingHeritage #FestivalEconomy #TraditionWithPurpose #GenerationsTogether

Being from Bihar, Chhath Puja isn’t just a festival — it’s a part of who I am. Growing up, every year, I watched my family prepare with devotion, waking up before sunrise, fasting, and gathering by the river for prayers. These rituals have shaped my memories of home and taught me life lessons that stay with me. This year, I’m far from those familiar ghats and the comforting chaos of home. Here in Jaipur, as I miss my family and the traditional celebrations, I’ve decided to bring the spirit of Chhath with me. I've created my own little “ghat” and celebrate, hoping to feel a bit closer to my roots. Chhath Puja is all about gratitude, resilience, and simplicity. Even away from home, those values remain, connecting us to something bigger. Interestingly, Chhath also has a lot to teach us about financial discipline. The festival is rooted in simplicity and humility, with no grand celebrations or expensive rituals — just pure devotion. It’s a reminder that true wealth doesn’t come from luxury but from contentment, patience, and the discipline to value what we have. In finance, just as in Chhath, it’s often the small, consistent actions and simple practices that yield the greatest rewards. To everyone celebrating away from home, let’s hold onto these values and remember that our faith, like our roots, can thrive anywhere. Wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Chhath Puja! 🌞 LinkedIn Life LinkedIn Guide to Creating #ChhathPuja #Tradition #Faith #Roots #FinancialDiscipline #Bihar

People from God’s own country Kerala usher in Vishu  - the festival that marks a new year & new beginning of an abundant life. Socio culturally Vishu is a harvest festival and the onset of Vishu is a call for farmers to start ploughing their lands and initiate agricultural activities. Mythologically it is believed Vishu is celebrated to mark the day Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura. One of the most glorious traditions during Vishu is the setting up of the ‘Vishu Kani’ which symbolizes an act of calling in abundance, wealth and prosperity. On the night before Vishu, the Vishu Kani is placed by the matriarch of the house and it consists of a sacred ceremonial preparation of auspicious goods considered to be the omen of good luck and prosperity. The 'Vishu Kani' includes coconut, betel leaves, arecanut, yellow flowers, raw rice, lemon, golden cucumber, jack fruit, a metallic mirror, a holy book, and coins or currency notes. The first thing every member of the family views on Vishu morning is the 'Vishu Kani' reinforcing the hope that the new year ahead sparkles with abundance. Vishu is a day where families get together to gift younger one’s money thereby heralding the possibility of wealth overflowing through the year. Feasts are a given during Vishu celebration as every family cooks up a delicious spread and enjoys ‘sadya’ together. May this Vishu bring in all kinds progress and prosperity in all our lives. #uhyjames #uhyinternational #vishu2024 #festivalsofindia #uaebusiness #dubaibusiness

The majestic Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is renowned for many things, but one that holds particular significance is its Mahaprasad (sacred food offering). More than just a meal, Mahaprasad is a divine experience. Every day, the temple kitchen, said to be the largest in the world, prepares a vast array of vegetarian dishes using traditional methods and earthenware pots. These offerings, numbering around 56 each day, are presented to the deities with devotion. What makes Mahaprasad unique? Universality: Unlike many religious offerings, Mahaprasad transcends social barriers. People of all castes and creeds can partake in this sacred meal, fostering a sense of equality and unity. Preparation: Cooked purely over firewood and in earthen pots, the process imbues the food with a distinct aroma and taste. Variety: From sweet dishes like kheera (a rice pudding) to savory curries and rice preparations, Mahaprasad offers a delightful culinary journey. The Significance of Mahaprasad Partaking in Mahaprasad is believed to bring blessings from Lord Jagannath. It serves as a reminder of the importance of sharing and community, and the concept of "Anna Bramha" - food as a divine form. Have you ever experienced the Mahaprasad of Puri? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #SriJagannathTemple #Puri #Mahaprasad #Odisha #TempleFood #India #Religion #Culture #sriram #odia

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