No Caste System at Jagannath Temple

Caste discrimination is one of the root cause of social unrest in the entire World.

I don't know all but in our civilization it is discussed much in our daily life and it's been since then when Man came to World.

* The month of " Margsira " in Indian calendar which falls in the month of Nov-Dec, it's a very auspicious month related to Goddess Maa Lakshmi. This Month is celebrated in many ways, differently in different parts of India.

But its a very special month for an Odia ,each Thursday is a festival in each house, odd or even, poor or rich ,no body forgets to worship Lordess Maa Lakshmi. This special Puja popularly known as "Mana Basa " in each household.

As always the nerve of the family, first Women takes the task of performing the rituals in her own style, own prayer and own devotion , where is no strict rules and regulations. Mana Basa is a festival of everyone and for everyone in each Odia family.

This Festival is based on the base of a Folktale penned by medieval age poet Pt. Balaram Das, popularly known as "Lakshmi Puran". In depth one can find an excellent massage hidden in the story that how God loves all irrespective of caste, color and creed. There is no class in front of him, one class that is Human, knowingly or unknowningly everybody understand that we are all equal.

Pseudo liberals and intellectuals often raises the question on our beliefs and faiths, accuses of Brahminic influenced and Manusmriti scripted. They forget Lord Rama, Lord Krishna and in Kaliyuga Lord Jagannath is there to remind us that I am for all of You .You might be Sriya Chandaluni ( sweeper caste), you might be Dasia Bauri ( tree climber) everyone is same for me or even you might be Salabaig (Muslim).

Our great culture has given us a clear message on Caste matter. But irony is that, is still not pervasive. The King of Puri , Gajapati Maharaja sweeps the Chariot in front of millions of people what it reflects and this ritual has been celebrating since hundreds of Years. In Jagannath's Temple, almost thirty six types of sect of society according to their hereditary duties, are considered Sevaka and having equal rights. What a tremendous balance of all under one roof, shows the wit and wisdom of our forefathers to keep us united. You will find many more instances of social harmony and brotherhood among all. Puri, the abode of Lord has many pearls in its shell.

Mahodadhi Puri Sea Beach

Global Warming- A Compulsory Subject in School Syllabus

Global warming issue has now become as large as globe and reaching to everybody those who are somehow connected to news world and those who are living in cities,towns and literate. But the efforts should be put to aware and educate each and every people in this world.

And it should be introduced as a separate subject in School sylabus like other subjects so that from very beginning our children should know about it.

Our aim and motto to spread this message to each and every child about this fact, hence, we say- "We do not inherit the World from our ancenstor, We borrow it from our Children"

INDELIBLE-DAL

I had to go Tirtharaj Prayag with family to immerse Asthi of my grandparents in Ganges. I was inquiring and gathering information before leaving Puri. Tickets were booked and mean time my Father in law gave a contact of a person from Allahabad who happens to got married in the same village and I came to know he married a widow having a son who was 6 years old then, that person in fact a Panda-local priest who does all the puja and rituals in Prayag ghat. I found this would be of great help, if you have anybody known and the family has a close connection with my in laws house.

On arrival at Allahabad both the lady and her son who is now twenty years, came to receive us at station, then we all proceed to the Lodge and the next day planning was to go to Triveni sangam for Sradha and to perform rituals. The boy Guddu was a nice and friendly boy, mingled with us within few minutes and that Lady was really very kind and polite to us. She first took us to her House, which is situated very near to Ganga Ghat, upon arriving we met her Mother in Law aged about eighty years old and her two beautiful daughters. They all welcomed us very warmly as if we are very close to them and after the breakfast, we visited Ganges accompanied by his son.

All the rituals at Triveni Sangam performed done by Sharmaji and we have absolutely a hassle free task done, as generally, there is a doubt and kind of fear in everybody’s mind at least that Panda will cheat. Being hailed from Puri, I had no problems and qualms dealing with any Panda. Then we all came to their house and had very delicious lunch. The most attraction was the “Dal” in the Menu. Really, I cannot ever forget the Dal in my life time. I, my wife, my mother and my daughter were all happy with their hospitality. We spent a very memorable time with them. The entire family came to see off and we boarded the train.

Train proceeded but Sharma family was still there in our mind. I was personally really so happy and teased my Wife that you can never make that “Dal” and overwhelmingly said to my Mother that you also cannot make this kind of “Dal” ever. We talked about them for hours, my wife revealed a matter which shocked me most.

The matter was this Family from Allahabad and my Father in law family have a long time animosity since forty years, when the Father of that lady was alive and they have land dispute, case is pending in high court and in a regular interval this lady the lone survivor used to come to court for appearing. This case is under trial. I was literally shocked knowing that how come a person can be so generous and hospitable in such condition. I could not even feel a bit of uneasiness or qualms with the couple; they were so generous and hospitable. There was no sign of animosity either in their words or deeds. I was so impressed and healed to know all these things on our departure. This is perhaps the best instance of “Atithi Devo Bhava” .

God bless them.