Re-naming the deceased is a Vietnamese custom. Do you know: The Vietnamese believe it is unfortunate for the deceased to keep the same name as when he was alive. When a person is about to die in Vietnam, the members of family gather around him/her. The eldest child bends to hear his last words and […]
Akampan was the only demon who survived the battle. He reached Ravana’s court to tell him the news about it and the death of Khara, Dooshana, Trisira and the soldiers. “It seemed as if every soldier were battling Rama!” said Akampan. This was a part of Rama’s power of illusion. But it did not lessen
The Seijin no Hi is a ‘coming of age’ festival celebrated in Japan on the second Monday in January. Do you know: The age of attaining adulthood in Japan is 20 years. At the Seijin no Hi, the men and the women who have attained the age of 20 years, dress up in traditional attire
Shurpanakha led them to Panchavati. Rama met the generals and asked them to leave, but they had come to do battle with Rama. Rama asked Lakshmana to take Seeta away to a cave for safety, while he dealt with the rakshasa army. Lakshmana obeyed, taking Seeta away from there. Rama’s bow shot arrows faster than
As Rama intervened to save Seeta, he told Lakshmana to punish Shurpanakha and teach her a lesson. In a flash, Lakshmana had drawn his sword and attacked her, cutting off her ears and nose. Howling with pain, screaming abuse, and threatening revenge, Shurpanakha fled into the forest. She found her brother, Khara, with his cronies
Shurpanakha was getting irritated by this behaviour and failed to see that the brothers did not wish for her advances. Rama was a faithful husband and Lakshmana only focused on serving Rama and Seeta. But Shurpanakha could not accept this. When she saw Seeta smiling at the brothers sending her back and forth, she screamed
African dolls come in varying styles and designs, based on the tribe or group making it. Do you know: Apart from being toys, African dolls also serve the purpose of ensuring fertility. Depending on the tribe, the African doll’s style changes and so does its uses. For instance, Ndebele people make LingaKoba dolls in colourful
Rama politely introduced himself, his wife Seeta and his brother Lakshmana, explaining that they were the sons of Dasharatha, late King of Ayodhya. In turn, Shurpanakha introduced herself as the sister of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Vibheeshana. She said two more of her brothers, Khara and Dooshana, were roaming the forest. They were all warriors. “I
Shichi-go-san meaning 7-5-3 is a festival organized for 3 and 7-years-old-girls and 5-year-old boys in Japan. Do you know: This festival dates back to the Heian Period, between 794 and 1185 when nobility would celebrate the entering of children into middle school. The Shichi-go-san celebration is a day when parents along with their children, who
The Red Egg and Ginger Party is organized in China, when a pregnant woman completes one month of pregnancy. Do you know: The Chinese consider an egg a symbol of life changes and harmony while ginger is important to establish balance. The Moon-yut party or red egg and ginger party, is held by the proud
The days at Panchavati were enjoyable for both the princes and for Seeta. They sat and talked of the seasons, the beauty of nature, their family, Ayodhya and of philosophy. Lakshmana served his brother and sister-in-law with deep devotion. One winter morning, they all went as usual to bathe in the river and offer their
Kinaalda is a four-day coming of age ceremony for the girls who have reached puberty, celebrated by the Navajo tribe in North America. Do you know: The origin of this ceremony began with the myth of the changing woman who was said to be the first woman on the earth to have children. The Kinaalda
Rama and Seeta, with Lakshmana, had lived in the Dandaka forest for about ten years, before they reached Panchavati. They met a huge vulture sitting on a tree along the way. This was Jatayu, Dasharatha’s old friend. Wishing him, Rama introduced himself and the others. He requested Jatayu to live close to Panchavati, so that
Quccija or ‘choosing’ is a unique tradition celebrated in the Republic of Malta on a child’s first birthday. Do you know: The locals believe that this custom helps predict a child’s future. For the child’s first birthday, various objects are laid out before him. The locals believe that the object the child touches would predict
Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana reached the hermitage of the old sage Sharabhanga, who had been keeping alive only to see Sri Rama. He sent them to sage Suteekshna, before himself taking samadhi in a fire. Sage Suteekshna also gave them great support and they stayed to protect the rishis who were involved in their meditation