SALUTE - Minister Mentor

Singapore as it is Today , is the result of  VISION, GRIT, and PERSEVERANCE, of its Founding Father figure - Mr. LEE KUAN YEW.   Who helped build the small tiny Island nation from Third world country into a developed first world country, that is the SINGAPORE of Today.

I Salute this personality for the person he was for his Vision, Determination and  his Passion to develop the people along with the country, which is now reflected in every aspect of Singapore Life. This Fatherly figure breathed his last on 23 March'2015. The pictures below are the reflections of the Love and Affection of the people of Singapore for this great man. The last journey of this great man to the parliament house, for lying is state  and Public Homage.

SPIRITUAL - Influence of Bhagwaan..... or .......Bhang

Few days back,  I was browsing  web for some articles on HOLI,  I got a  bit of shock on seeing an article titled – Holi Festival - India's Big Bhang Party.

Probably this is exaggeration of Bhang consumption, and I totally disagree on this comment.
Holi in it’s true sense is a festival of  Love and High Spirits,  but as Irony remains - every good thing is mostly attached  with some  evil. During Holi celebrations  thousands of revellers  drink BHANG while  playfully spilling/rubbing  colours on each other in a celebration of Fertility, Life and Joy.
The history of bhang has place  in Hindu mythology and its preparations were sacred to gods, particularly Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the "Lord of Bhang". He is said to have discovered the transcendental properties of the green leaf.
In ancient India, bhang was used as an intoxicant and Atharvaveda describes it as a healthy herb that "releases anxiety".
Sadhus usually consume bhang to boost meditation and achieve transcendental states. It was also said to be popular among Sufis as an aid to spiritual ecstasy.
Consumption of  bhang during Holi is particularly common in North India where Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Bhang is popularly consumed in Mathura. Here, it is believed to have been introduced by the followers of Lord Krishna and has continued since then. Probably people may be unaware of, BHANG has enormous medical benefits. Cannabis is used for a multitude of ailments such as pain, nausea and vomiting; weight loss associated with debilitating disease and neurologically induced spasticity. If taken in proper quantities, it has been found to cure fever, dysentery and sunstroke, clear phlegm, quicken digestion and appetite.
Many medical conditions respond favourably to it, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, depression, anxiety and others. It has also shown promise in treating skin problems.
At the same time, one should not forget that too much bhang can be harmful. It can cause PSYCHOSIS, INCREASE HEART PULSE and HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. If SENSIBILITY prevails in consuming Bhang, above exaggerated comments cannot make titles……....
Fact remains –

UNCONTROLLED CHAIN REACTION PRODUCES DISTRUCTIVE ENERGY,

but

CONTROLLED CHAIN REACTION PRODUCES CONSTRUCTIVE ENERGY.

KIDS HOLI

HOLI  IS A CHEERFUL OCCASION  

AND 

SPECIALLY FOR KIDS. 

HAVING FUN WITH COLORS!!!

HOLI, festival of colours,  is celebrated with the ushering  of Spring, on the last full moon day of the lunar month PHALGUN,  which usually falls between end February and Mid March. RANG-PANCHAMI  happens  a few days later on  PANCHAMI (5^TH day of the full moon), marking the end of festivities involving colours.

FULL OF LIFE AND JOY
The colours of Holi display the VITALITY of spring, the LIVELINESS of life and a CELEBRATION of the richness of harvest,(  Wheat crop nearing harvest  turns fields look Golden ). The festival arrives when winter fades away and spring adds Germinating fresh colours in nature. If one looks around, Urban or Countryside , all  blooming with beautiful flowers in all its grandeur,  Young and Old, all spirits soaked in the joyful essence of the festival.
Holi, though celebrated in most part of India, main  celebrations  are in the BRAJ  region, where Lord Krishna grew up: MATHURA, VRINDAVAN, NANDAGAON, and BARSANA. Here the festive season of Holi, lasts up to sixteen days.

CLEANSING OF EVIL
The main day, Holi, also known as DHULENDI, is celebrated by people throwing GULAL (coloured powder) and PICHKARI (coloured water) at each other. Bonfires are lit the day before, also known as HOLIKA DAHAN (burning of Holika) or Chhoti Holi. POOJA are performed at holika dahan. As per scriptures - The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahalad accomplished when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahalad, a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion. Holika Dahan is referred to as KAMA DAHANAM in Andhra Pradesh.

SEASON OF LOVE
Legend says, Holi was celebrated in VRINDAVAN and MATHURA, where Lord KRISHNA grew up. The festival is celebrated for 16 days (until Rangpanchmi in commemoration of the divine love of Radha for Krishna). Lord Krishna is believed to have popularized the festival by playing pranks on the GOPIs here. Krishna is believed to have complained to his mother about the contrast between his dark skin complexion and Radha's fair skin complexion. Krishna's mother decided to apply colour to Radha's face. The celebrations officially usher in spring, the celebrated season of love.

CATCH YOU ON THE OTHER ASPECT OF THIS FESTIVAL IN NEXT ENTRY