Guru Poornima Wednesday 13th July, 2022

 

Guru Poornima Wednesday 13^th July, 2022

Every human being is dependent on Mother, Father and Guru. With the grace and guidance of the Guru a person can achieve the highest goal of life – self-realization.

On Tuesday 12^th July, 2022 the Trinidadeshwar Mahadev Vidyalaya held its Guru Poornima Function. The Programme was chaired by Smt. Gayatri Maharaj and had the following items –

    1.            Arjun Ramlal - Jai Saraswati Maataa

                2.            Shreeya Maharaj – Raag Khamaach

                3.            Keshinee and Maandavi Ramsubhag - Raag Bilaawal

                4.            Sachin & Sanjali Sankar - Violin & Sitar: Raag Kaafee

                5.            Shanta Ragbir - Raag Bindraavani Saarang

                6.            Danny Mohess – Tribute to Guruji

                7.            Shanta Ragbir - Raag Bindraavani Saarang

                8.            Talk/poem - Aarti Thadani

                9.            Roshni Benasrie - Raag Kaafee

                10.          Divya Maharaj - Laaya Hoon Prem

                11.          Jyoti Maharaj - Mere Aangan Hua

                12.          Dr. Marvindra Maharaj - Greetings

                13.          Pdt R Maharaj – Paapo Kee Gatharee

                14.          Pdt Vivek Adesh - Feature address

                15.          Vote of thanks – Jyoti Maharaj

 

Makarasan or the Crocodile Pose

 

Yoga for Beginners

Makarasan or the Crocodile Pose.

 

Benefits of Makarasan or the Crocodile Pose

1) Establishes proper breathing.

2) Centers awareness

3) Brings attention to the present.

 

Instructions

 

Lie Face down on your Yoga mat.

Keep Legs together or a comfortable distance apart.

Fold your arms & rest forehead on the forearms.

Close your eyes and relax your body. Observe how you breathe.

Remain in the pose for a minimum of 15 breaths.

Practice daily.

A brief outline of the Vivaah Sanskaar or Hindu Wedding Ceremony in Trinidad & Tobago

 

Matikor (Done before Wedding Day)

This is the ritual digging of earth to make a bedi. A tray is placed on the Dulaha/Dulahin’s sister or a representative and accompanied by Female members of the family & friends they go to a water source. At the chosen spot, puja is done and the earth dug and placed in a tray. When everyone returns home, 5 married ladies move a lota of water over the tray in a circular motion 5 times.

Vivaah Sanskaar or Hindu Wedding Ceremony

1) Agwaani or Baraat Milaap

When the members of the dulaha’s (groom’s) party arrive near the wedding venue, the dulaha (groom) remains in the car and a representative group is led by the groom’s father or elder from the dulaha’s home to meet with a representative group of the dulahin (bride). Following instructions from the officiating Pundit (Hindu Priest) the two groups meet. When they meet, respectful and appropriate greetings are exchanged and the guests are shown to the accommodations prepared for them.

2) Parchay

The dulahin’s (bride’s) mother and four other married ladies go to the dulaha waiting in his vehicle and give him a formal ritual welcome. The bride’s mother throws 6 flour balls in the 4 cardinal directions, up in the air and on the ground. The dulaha is showered with flowers and arti (sacred light) is waved in a clockwise direction in front of him. The 4 married ladies also repeat these rituals. When they are finished the brother in law of the dulaha escorts him respectfully to the seat specially prepared for him.

3) Dwaar Puja

At the main entrance (Dwaar/Door) of the wedding venue a suitable place is prepared for puja. This yajmans for this puja are the Dulaha (Groom) and the Father of the Dulahin (Bride) or a suitable representative. The Dulaha (Groom) faces East and the Dulahin’s (bride’s) father sits opposite him.

To be continued ...

Hanuman Jayanti or Hanuman Janma Utsav Saturday 16th April, 2022

Hanuman Jayanti or Hanuman Janma Utsav 

Saturday 16^th April, 2022

On the full moon of the Shukla paksh of the Hindu month of Chaitra, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated in Trinidad & Tobago and all over the world. He is the 11^th rudra of Bhagwaan Shiv and is the greatest devotee of Bhagwaan Shree Ram.

The Hanuman Chaaleesaa of Goswami Tulsidas is revered by all Hindus. In Trinidad & Tobago, many Hindus can sing it by heart (from memory). In every Hanuman Puja it is sung by the Pundit, yajmaans and devotees present.

This year in our Hanuman Jayanti Celebrations after the Hanuman Puja, the Hanuman Chaaleesaa was sung 11 times.

Names of the singers of the Hanuman Chaaleesa:

1 Pundit Rickie Maharaj

2 Smt. Jyoti Maharaj

3 Smt. Rekha Ramlokhan

4 Smt. Gayatri Maharaj

5 Km. Veshmatie Ramlokhan

6 Smt. Shalini Khanhai

7 Km. Reema Ramlokhan

8 Shri Danny Mohess & Km. Victoria Mohess

9 Km. Divya Maharaj

10 Smt. Taramatie Siewsankar

11 Smt. Jyoti Maharaj

 

Ram Navmi Sunday 10th April, 2022

 

On the first Ram Navmi, Bhagwaan Vishnu appeared in Ayodhya and took the form of the infant Ram on the request of Maharani Kowshalya the wife of Raja Dasrath. This was on the 9^th tithi of Shukla paksh in the Hindu month of Chaitra. Since then this Navmi (9^th) tithi is called Ramnavmi.

All Hindus in Trinidad & Tobago and the entire world celebrate the anniversary of this appearance with great joy, devotion and reverence. In Trinidad, Shree Ram puja is done and the relevant parts of the Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidasji are recited. At 12 noon, Shankhs are blown accompanied by the sound Ghantaas and bells. Offerings are then made to the baby form of Shree Ram.

Bhagwaan Shree Ramchandra ki …

Jai Jai Jag Janani Music and Lyrics by Pt. Rickie Maharaj (Translation will be added in next Post)

                                     जय जय जग जननी । राग मधुवंती । कहरवा ताल

Jai Jai Jag Janani     Raag Madhuwanti    Kaherwa Taal

स्वर एवं शब्द - पंडित ऋकि (ऋषि ) महाराज

Music and Lyrics by Pt. Rickie Maharaj

 

(Released for Navraatri 2^nd April, 2022)

 

 

जय जय जग जननी, जगदम्बा,

Jai Jai Jag Janani, Jagdambaa.

सब मंगल करणी, जगदम्बा

Sab Mangal Karnee, Jagdambaa

 

(1)

हाथों में शंख, त्रिशूल चक्रा,

Haatho Mein Shankh, Tirshool Chakra,

सिंह सवारी, सुख स्वरूपा,

Singh Sawaaree, Sukh Swaroopaa,

मेरी रक्षा करो, जग माता।

Meree Rakshaa Karo, Jag Maataa.

(2)

शुम्भ निशुम्भ को मारा मैया,

Shumbh Nishumbh Ko Maaraa Maiyaa,

शिव, हरि ब्रह्मा करते पूजा,

Shiva, Hari Brahma karte Puja,

मेरी पूजा स्वीकार माँ।

Mere Puja Sweekaar Maa.

(3)

तुम्हीं संध्या, सावित्री जननी,

Tumhi Sandhya, Saavitri Janani,

विश्व को धारण करती देवी,

Vishwa ko Dhaaran Karti Devi,

जय महादेवी दुर्गा माता।

                                                            Jai Mahaadevi Durga Maataa

Nowraatam or Navraatri in Trinidad and Tobago

 

Dear reader, May your Navraatri/Nowraatam be filled with auspiciousness,

Navraatri/Nowraatam is a festival dedicated to the worship of Bhagwaan in the form of the Divine Mother. Navraatri is celebrated twice in the calendar year in Trinidad and Tobago. The first celebration is done in the month of Chaitra which corresponds to March/April and is called Chaitra Navraatri. This year’s Chaitra Navraatri will start on the 2^nd of April and will go up to Ram Navmi. The second celebration is called Sharadeeya Navaatri and is celebrated around September/October.

Both Navraatris are celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in Trinidad and Tobago. All the days are celebrated by every devotee to the best of their ability and capacity. Of all the days of Navraatri, Durgaashtami is the most important because it is the anniversary of the appearance of Maataa Durga. Kanya Puja is also done on the Ashtami. Everyone makes every effort to make this day the most special day of all.

Durga Maataa Ki Jai!

Holi/Phagwa Celebrations in Trinidad & Tobago Sunday 20th March, 2022.

 

Holi/Phagwa Celebrations in Trinidad & Tobago

Sunday 20^th March, 2022.

As Holi/Phagwa is being celebrated in Trinidad today, a few thoughts on Chowtaal singing.

Chowtaal singing is the most popular of all the various styles of singing done in the Holi/Phagwa celebrations of Trinidad and Tobago. Of all the Chowtaals sung, the Chowtaal ‘Holi khele Raghubeera’ is the perennial favourite. This Chowtaal was originally a Traditional Holi/Phagwa song from Uttar Pradesh brought by the Indian indentured labourers who migrated from that part of India. A few verses of the folk song related to Shree Ram were taken and sung as Chowtaal for Holi/Phagwa.   I feel everyone in Trinidad knows the Chowtaal –‘Holi khele Raghubeera’. Its popularity is mainly due to the devotion Trinidadians have for Bhagwaan Shree Ram and his exploits as described in the Tulsikrit Ramayan by Goswami Tulsidas. This Chowtaal conjures beautiful images in the mind of a devotee with Shree Ram playing Holi/Phagwa together with Lakshman, Bharat, Satrughan, Maataa Sita etc. In my mind I felt Hanuman was missing from the celebrations so I added a verse with him playing Holi/Phagwa with Shree Ram.

Chowtaal/Trinidad Version of the Original folk song from Uttar Pradesh-

होली खेले रघुवीरा, अवध में,

होली खेले रघुवीरा |

(1)
राम के हाथे कनक पिचकारी,
लछमन हाथे अबीरा, अवध में होली खेले रघुवीरा 
(2)
राम के हाथे ढोलक भल सोहे,
लछमन हाथे मंजीरा, अवध में होली खेले रघुवीरा 
(3)
भारत के हाथे कनक पिचकारी,
सत्रुघन हाथे अबीरा, अवध में होली खेले रघुवीरा 
(4)
सीता साथ बहुवे भोली,
उर्मिल साथ सखी टोली, अवध में होली खेले रघुवीरा 

(5) (nb This verse was added in)

हनुमान के हाथे लाल अबीरा,

प्रभु के चरण चढ़ाया, अवध में होली खेले रघुवीरा

 

Holi khele Raghubeera, Avadh mein,

Holi khele Raghubeera.

(1)

Raam ke haathe kanak pichakaaree,

Latchiman haathe abiraa …

(2)

Raam ke haathe dholak bhal sohe,

Latchiman haathe majeeraa …

(3)

Bharat ke haathe kanak pichakaaree,

Satrughan haathe abiraa …

(4)

Seetaa saath bahuve bholee,

Urmilaa saath sakhee tolee …

 

(5) (nb This verse was added in)

Hanuman ke haathe laal abiraa,

Prabhu ke charan charaayaa …

Translation

The Hero of the Raghu clan, Shree Raam plays Holi/Phagwa in Ayodhya.

(1) In Shree Ram’s hands is a golden pichkaaree (Hand pump used to spray abir),

Latchman has abir (coloured powder) in his hands …

(2) Shree Ram looks good on the dholak (drum) and Latchman has the majeeraa…

(3) In Bharat’s hands is a golden pichkaaree (Hand pump used to spray abir),

Satrughan has abir (coloured powder) in his hands …

(4) Together with Maataa Sita are the other guileless daughters in law, Urmilla has her friends on her team…

(5) The red abir in the hands of Hanuman is offered at the feet of Prabhu Shree Ram.

 

 

 

 

Holi Friday 18th March, 2022

 

Holi    Friday 18^th March, 2022

The festival of Holi is celebrated on the full moon of Phalgun month. This is a very big festival for everyone in Trinidad and Tobago.

History of Holi

Long ago there was a Rakshas King named Hiranyakashipu. He had a son named Prahlaad. Prahalaad was a great devotee of Bhagwaan Vishnu, but his father believed that Bhagwaan was his enemy and never allowed anyone to take Bhagwaan’s name in his kingdom. Prahalaad used to chant the name of Bhagwaan anytime he could, his father exhausted all means but could not stop Prahalaad from chanting Bhagwaan’s name. Finally, asked his sister Holikaa for help.

Holikaa had a boon that fire could not harm her, so they decided that they would use this boon to end Prahalaad’s existence. By the grace of Bhagwaan the fire meant to destroy Prahalaad was cool and pleasant to him and instead Holikaa was burnt to ashes. On the anniversary of that day, the burning of Holikaa in a symbolic form has been continued annually until present day.

O Bhagwaan, just as you saved Prahalaad, kindly save everyone from the fires of Covid and warfare.

Breadfruit Cauliflower Recipe

 

My take on the popular Indian Aloo Gobhi recipe using homegrown breadfruit instead of Aloo(Potato).

Pt. Rickie’s Breadfruit Cauliflower Recipe

Aloo Gobhi is a vegetable dish that is prepared in almost every Indian household. Aloo Gobhi can be easily made for lunch or dinner. This vegetable dish can be made in many ways, in this recipe I have substituted the Aloo with breadfruit.

You can serve this delicious Breadfruit Cauliflower with roti or you can also serve with plain rice.

 

Ingredients Required

Half a medium sized Breadfruit cut into small pieces

1 Medium sized Cauliflower

1 tablespoon Ghee or coconut oil or oil of your choice.

A couple pinches of Hing/Asafoetida

2 or 3 Green Chilies

1 tsp grated Hardi/haldi root

1 tsp Cumin/Geera seeds

1 tbsp coriander powder (Better if you can grind the seeds yourself)

2 or 3 tsp tamarind

Salt to taste

1 tbsp Bandhania leaves, chopped

 

Method

1. Peel and cut up breadfruit also cut up cauliflower.

2. Heat ghee in a pot/pan and add Hing/Asafoetida.  

3. Add cut up chilies and grated Hardi/haldi.

3. When the Hardi/Haldi starts to turn brown, add the Cumin/Geera seeds.

4. When the Cumin/Geera seeds stop crackling, add the coriander powder to it.

5. Add some hot water, this allows the spices to cook without burning. (forgot to do this in the video.)

6. When the Ghee starts separating from this ‘curry’ mixture, add tamarind, then add the breadfruit. Add salt and ground black pepper to taste. Allow the breadfruit to cook covered for about 10 minutes, then add cauliflower, again add salt and ground black pepper to taste.

7. Allow to cook covered until vegetables are to your liking. Garnish with chopped Bandhania leaves and serve with roti/rice. Enjoy.