Glimpses Of World Religions

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Navbharat Sahitya Mandir

Page 31

Glimpses of World Religions
thread ceremony), Ganesh Chaturthee, Navaratree, Dashera and Diwali.
The New Year
This is celebrated in some parts of our country with great enthusiasm and zest. The people greet one another by saying 'Nootan Varshabhinandan' or 'Sal Mubarak'. In all the temples of Hindu Dharma worshipping, Darshan, Aarati etc. are organised. In some creeds, the Annakut also (the dish having sweets and other menu) offered to God and by taking a little share of those eatables (Prasad) the devotees consider themselves most lucky and holy. The best wishes on the occasion of the New Year are sent to the friends and relatives staying far by telegrams or telephones or by post.
Bhaibeej
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On this day, a brother goes for lunch to his sister's house, they exchange good feelings and wishes to each other and the sister gives blessings and good wishes for the all round happiness of the brother; the brother feels delighted by giving gifts to the sister. Labh Pancham
On this day the businessman starts the auspicious beginning of New Year's trade, enters into new contracts an sends good wishes to oneanother. As the financial year begins from first April, the importance of this day is not as it was, yet so many merchants make a beginning of their New Year's work by offering salutations (vandan) remembering God, worship etc. to their main God. 14th January - Makarsankranti
This is a kind of scientific festival. On this day the rotation of the southern equinox round the sun - its journery is completed and it begins to move towards northern Hemisphere that is why it is also called 'Uttarayan'. As the sun enters into the zodiac sign