Telecast of Mythological Serials during Lockdown, 2020 on Doordarshan

 In 2020, Lockdown was announced by the Government because of Corona. During that time people were having a challenging time adjusting to the new routine at home as well as worrying about Corona. Doordarshan came up with this idea of airing Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shri Krishna, Chanakya, Upaanishad Ganga and many more old serials. That idea was very successful. Those legendary serials gave people the  moral and spiritual courage which was the need of the hour. People showered their love again to all those unforgettable serials. Doordarshan set new records of viewership during those days, such a moment of joy and pride for all of us!! Children who watched all those shows for the first time, had a great fun as well as received lessons about ethics from all the characters. We all had memorable time in our house, immersing again in these timeless shows. Thanks to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for this novel decision.

Jai Shri Krishna.

Prinsep Ghat (Kolkata) Visit

 Prinsep Ghat was build in 1841, in the memory of James Prinsep who was a scholar and contributed towards Indic studies.

Visitors to the Ghat enjoy the riverbank walk beside the Hoogly river/ Ganga. 

There is an arrangement of a boat ride on Ganga, for half an hour. Many people enjoy evening breeze during this boat ride. 

Also there is a Circular Rail Station in the Prinsep Ghat. People travel through Circular Rail to this place. 

We have Howrah on the other bank of the Ganga. The buildings of Howrah looks beautiful during evening.

Moreover, who can forget the second Hooghly Bridge or the Vidyasagar Setu behind the Ghat? All these combine to a visual treat for all the visitors.

It is always a place for a nice evening spent with gentle wind from Ganga and watching the river flowing endlessly. 

Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti- 2022

The name which reverberates in our heart whenever we talk about Adwait Vedanta is the prolific saint and devotee Adi Shankaracharya. His presence in around 9th century filled the country with new vigour about Sanatan Dharma. He has written explanations on almost all the renowned texts of Hinduism. Most of us know about his life and contributions.

 

The Sanskrit film - 'Adi Shankaracharya'- about the saint is a poignant one, where Sarvadaman Banerjee played the role of Shankaracharya. It is directed by G V Iyer. With each viewing, the film offers more and more depth to the viewers. If you haven't watched it till now, do watch the film on YouTube. It is made in Sanskrit and have English subtitles.

Among his canon of compositions I have enjoyed reading Vivekachudamani, Aporoksha Anubhuti, Bhaja Govindam and many many stotras, which are part of my daily life. 

On his birthday let us pay our respects to him by chanting or reading from his writings and trying to realise the Truth embedded in them. Do try to read about him and his life from different books or online sources.

Our reverence to His Lotus Feet 

Hari Aum.

Akshay Tritiya, Parashuram Jayanti- 2022

Today is an auspicious day. It is Akshay Tritiya. It is said that any action we start on this day would have a high chance of success. Business owners do special puja on this day. At home we also celebrate this day with puja, alpona and special food. 

Today is Parashuram Jayanti. He is the avataar of Shri Hari who destroyed adharmi Kshatriyas and established the rule of Dharma in the world.

I have been reading the book Parashuram by Shri KM Munshi since last few months. Have not finished it yet. We come to know about Parashuram as well as the great sage Vishwamitra from this novel. Will write about it in detail after finishing. 

Recently I came to know about the writer Vinit Aggarwal who has also written a novel on Parashuram. Will try to read that also in future.

Today on this auspicious day the Char dham yatra is also commenced. Thousands of pilgrims visit the great four pilgrimage spots- Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedar and Badri each year. So it is a day of great joy for all of us that devotees will be able to enjoy Char Dham Yatra starting from today. 

Do try to do special puja at home or celebrate the day in any special way. Do try to know more about this day from internet or from books.

With lots of best wishes for all

Hai Aum.

Remembering Dadathakur- Sarat Chandra Pandit

 

   Most of us know about Dadathakur Sarat Chandra Pandit, who was a great literary master. His wit is remembered by all. Many of his compositions are popular till now. 

We all have watched the famous Black and White film- Dadathakur (1962), where the legendary actor Chhabi Biswas played the role of Dadathakur. 

As today is the birthday of this great composer as well as the day he passed away, I am trying to watch the film again. Do try to watch it or try to read about him from internet or from books. 

I also came across a documentary on Dadathakur on YouTube recently, where the narration is done by Satinath Mukhopadhyay. I will try to watch that too. 

There are also many videos about Dadathaur on YouTube- about his wit, about his songs, and yes now I remember that the great artist Ramkumar Chattopadhyay sang many of his famous songs during his musical performances.. 

These are some of the ways through which we can pay respect to great genius. 

With best wishes for all.

Jai Shri Krishna.

Shri Vallabhacharya Jayanti

 

  Today is the birthday of the famous devotee and saint Shri Vallabhacharya. He is the founder of Pushtimarg  of Vaishnavism. I know very little about his theories but will try to know more about it in future from my friends who are followers of this philosophy.

One of his popular composition is the Madhurashtakam (Adharam Madhuram). I really love it. The poem is filled with devotion. 

Today on his birthday, I will listen to it again and feel the devotion. 

Do listen to Madhurashtakam whenever you find time. 

This way we can remember and pay respect to one of the most prominent devotees of Shri Krishna (Shrinathji).

With lots of wishes.

Jai Shri Krishna. 

Shri Hanuman Jayanti- 2022

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with great vigour in our country. Hanumaanji is the epitome of all the paths of Saadhna, that is Gyan, Karm and Bhakti. In Him, we find all these qualities. He is the remover of all obstacles as we find in the Sankatmochan Hanumaan Ashtak. He is the Ansh Avtaar of Mahadev. We also witness the respect for each other by Shri Vishnu and Mahadev through the interactions of Shri Ram and Bajrangbali in Ramayan.

Do listen to the famous Hanumaan chalisa and Sankatmochan Hanumaan Ashtak on this day.

With lots of wishes to all of you

Jai Bajrangbali!