Author Archives: memoriesandsuch

Festivals of India: Tulsidas Jayanti

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India’s rich cultural tapestry is woven with a myriad of festivals, each one a vibrant celebration of the country’s diverse heritage, traditions, and spiritual beliefs. Tulsidas Jayanti, honouring the life and legacy of Goswami Tulsidas, a revered saint-poet whose literary masterpiece, the Ramcharitmanas, has profoundly influenced the spiritual and cultural fabric of India, is celebrated annually and in 2024 it was celebrated yesterday, August 11.

The origins of Tulsidas Jayanti can be traced back to the life and times of Goswami Tulsidas. Born in the 16th century, Tulsidas was a Ramanandi Vaishnava saint and poet whose unwavering devotion to Lord Rama inspired him to compose the epic Ramcharitmanas, a retelling of the Sanskrit Ramayana in the vernacular Awadhi language.

Tulsidas’ birth anniversary was first celebrated by his disciples and followers, who recognised the profound impact of his literary and spiritual contributions. As the years passed, the observance of Tulsidas Jayanti gained momentum, spreading across various regions of India, particularly in the northern states, where his influence was most profound.

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Today, Tulsidas Jayanti is celebrated annually on the Saptami or the seventh day of the Shukla Paksha or the waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Shravan, which typically falls in July or August according to the Gregorian calendar.

While Tulsidas Jayanti is observed across India, it holds particular significance in the northern states, where Tulsidas’ life and works have left an indelible mark. Tulsidas’ birthplace, Rajapur, located in the Chitrakoot district of Uttar Pradesh, is a major hub for Tulsidas Jayanti celebrations. Devotees from across the state and beyond flock to this sacred town to pay homage to the saint-poet.  The state of Madhya Pradesh, particularly the cities of Chitrakoot and Orchha, where Tulsidas spent a significant part of his life, witnesses grand celebrations during Tulsidas Jayanti. Bihar, known for its rich cultural heritage and literary traditions, embraces Tulsidas Jayanti with great fervour, as Tulsidas’ works have had a profound influence on the region’s spiritual and literary landscape. Rajasthan, which has a deep-rooted devotion to Lord Rama, celebrates Tulsidas Jayanti with enthusiasm, honouring the saint-poet who brought the Ramayana to the masses through his poetic masterpiece. Beyond these states, Tulsidas Jayanti is celebrated in various parts of India, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and other regions where Tulsidas’ teachings and literary works have found resonance.

The celebration of Tulsidas Jayanti is a joyous occasion filled with rituals and traditions that honour the life and teachings of Goswami Tulsidas. One of the most significant aspects of Tulsidas Jayanti is the recitation of Ramcharitmanas, Tulsidas’ magnum opus. Devotees gather in temples, community centres, and homes to collectively recite verses from this epic, immersing themselves in the divine narrative of Lord Rama’s life and teachings. Devotional songs, known as bhajans and kirtans, are an integral part of the Tulsidas Jayanti celebrations. These melodious compositions, often based on verses from Ramcharitmanas, are sung, filling the air with devotional melodies and praises to Lord Rama and Tulsidas. Scholars, spiritual leaders, and literary enthusiasts organise discourses and seminars to delve into the life, works, and teachings of Tulsidas. These intellectual gatherings provide a platform for discussions, debates, and the dissemination of knowledge about Tulsidas’ literary and spiritual contributions. Tulsidas Jayanti is also celebrated through various cultural performances, such as plays, dance dramas, and musical renditions. These artistic expressions bring to life the stories and teachings from Ramcharitmanas, captivating audiences and instilling a deeper appreciation for Tulsidas’ literary genius. In keeping with the spirit of Tulsidas’ teachings, many devotees engage in charitable acts and community service during the festival. This may include distributing food and essentials to the needy, organising blood donation camps, or participating in environmental conservation efforts.

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The life and works of Goswami Tulsidas are steeped in myths, legends, and fascinating stories that have been passed down through generations. These tales not only add to the mystique surrounding Tulsidas but also serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for devotees. One of the best-known stories about Tulsidas is his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. It is said that Tulsidas was so devoted to Rama that he would not even utter the name of any other deity. This deep reverence for Lord Rama is believed to have been the driving force behind his literary masterpiece, Ramcharitmanas. According to legend, Tulsidas had a profound connection with Lord Hanuman, the ardent devotee of Lord Rama. It is said that Lord Hanuman himself appeared before Tulsidas and guided him on his spiritual journey, inspiring him to compose the Ramcharitmanas and spread the teachings of Lord Rama to the masses. One of the most captivating tales surrounding Tulsidas is his encounter with Lord Rama himself. It is believed that during his pilgrimage to Chitrakoot, Tulsidas had a divine vision of Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana, which further deepened his devotion and inspired him to complete his literary masterpiece.

According to popular belief, Tulsidas was afflicted with a severe illness that left him bedridden. It is said that he was miraculously healed after reciting a verse from Ramcharitmanas, which he had composed during his illness. This legend further solidifies the belief in the divine power of Tulsidas’ literary work and his unwavering faith in Lord Rama. Another fascinating tale associated with Tulsidas is the story of his transformation from a worldly man to a devoted saint. It is said that Tulsidas initially led a worldly life, but a chance encounter with a spiritual mentor and a series of life-changing events led him to renounce the material world and dedicate his life to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and the service of Lord Rama.

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Tulsidas Jayanti is a celebration that transcends religious boundaries, resonating with people from all walks of life who seek solace in the timeless wisdom and literary brilliance of Goswami Tulsidas. As we commemorate this auspicious occasion, we are reminded of the enduring power of faith, the transformative impact of literature, and the profound influence that one individual can have on shaping the cultural and spiritual fabric of a nation.

Through the recitation of Ramcharitmanas, the singing of devotional songs, and the retelling of myths and stories, we not only honor the life and legacy of Tulsidas but also keep alive the eternal teachings of Lord Rama, which have guided generations of devotees on the path of righteousness, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment.

2024 Week 32 Update

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American actor, director, and producer best known for his roles in television series such as “Breaking Bad” and “Malcolm in the Middle, Bryan Cranston’s quote emphasises the direct correlation between effort and achievement. The quote underscores that hard work significantly increases the likelihood of achieving results that you can be proud of. It highlights the importance of putting in effort to reach your goals. Cranston points out a straightforward truth: without effort, the chances of success and personal satisfaction are minimal. The simplicity of the statement emphasises that success is often a result of consistent hard work. The quote also implies personal responsibility in achieving one’s goals. It suggests that individuals have control over their success through their dedication and work ethic.

This weekend was Singapore’s 59th National Day, marking the country’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. It is also new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s debut at the National Day Parade. I have now lived in Singapore for almost a quarter of a century and in a couple of years, I would have lived longer here than in Mumbai. I think that occasion warrants a post; I will do that soon.

And tomorrow, GG will start her second year of university. I hope and pray she has a good year, does well in school and most importantly, has fun! BB is busy with national service and he is enjoying it, contrary to most people, for whom NS is a chore.

That’s all from me this week. Stay positive and keep smiling 😀

In My Hands Today…

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Portable Magic: A History of Books and their Readers – Emma Smith

Most of what we say about books is really about the words inside the rosy nostalgic glow for childhood reading, the lifetime companionship of a much-loved novel. But books are things as well as words, objects in our lives as well as worlds in our heads. And just as we crack their spines, loosen their leaves and write in their margins, so they disrupt and disorder us in turn. All books are, as Stephen King put it, ‘a uniquely portable magic’. Here, Emma Smith shows us why.

Portable Magic unfurls an exciting and iconoclastic new story of the book in human hands, exploring when, why and how it acquired its particular hold over us. Gathering together a millennium’s worth of pivotal encounters with volumes big and small, Smith reveals that, as much as their contents, it is books’ physical form – their ‘bookhood’ – that lends them their distinctive and sometimes dangerous magic. From the Diamond Sutra to Jilly Cooper’s Riders , to a book made of wrapped slices of cheese, this composite artisanal object has, for centuries, embodied and extended relationships between readers, nations, ideologies and cultures, in significant and unpredictable ways.

Exploring the unexpected and unseen consequences of our love affair with books, Portable Magic hails the rise of the mass-market paperback, and dismantles the myth that print began with Gutenberg; it reveals how our reading habits have been shaped by American soldiers, and proposes new definitions of a ‘classic’-and even of the book itself. Ultimately, it illuminates the ways in which our relationship with the written word is more reciprocal – and more turbulent – than we tend to imagine.

Uniquely Singapore

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Today is my adopted home’s 59th birthday. Having lived here for more than two decades now, I call this little sunny island, the red dot, home as much as I believe Mumbai is home. Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and innovations. To celebrate its 59th birthday, here’s what makes it different and Uniquely Singapore!

  1. Singapore is the only island city-state in the world, making it a unique blend of urban and natural environments.
  2. Singapore was once a trading settlement in the 13th century, known as Temasek or Dan Ma Xi by Chinese sources. This settlement was inhabited by fishermen and pirates and was a centre for a wide trading network.
  3. According to legend, the Sumatran prince Sang Nila Utama spotted a grand lion standing on the island after a thunderstorm, leading to the name “Singapura” or “Lion City”
  4. During World War II, Old Changi Hospital was seized by the Japanese and used as a medical facility for war casualties and injured military personnel. It was also used by the Kempeitai, the Japanese military police, who were known for their inhumane torture techniques.
  5. In the 1960s, the Singaporean government implemented a policy prohibiting men from keeping long hair, as part of an effort to nullify the influence of the hippie subculture. This ban was later rescinded in the 1990s.
  6. Singapore nearly had its own Disneyland, with plans to build a theme park between the Yio Chu Kang and Khatib MRT stations. However, the project was scrapped due to land scarcity and financial disputes.
  7. Singapore has the highest number of millionaires per capita in Asia. One in 10 households contains a millionaire, according to the Boston Consulting Group’s Global Wealth Report.
  8. Singapore’s gross domestic product per person is the world’s highest at $61,577.
  9. The world’s most impressive swimming pool sits atop the Marina Bay Sands hotel, which looks like a spaceship marooned on three skyscrapers.
  10. Once upon a time, Singapore was wiped out from the world map. In 1613, Portuguese pirates burned the city down, leaving the city obsolete for more than a hundred years until migrants from around the region started setting camp, raising it from its ashes. In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles established a British trading post, and word about Singapore got around.
  11. Singapore’s time zones changed 6 times. Singapore was seven hours ahead of GMT from 1905 to 1932. Then, it moved 20 minutes forward from 1933 to 1941, and a further 10 minutes from 1941 to 1942. During the Japanese occupation in World War II, clocks moved an hour and 30 minutes ahead to sync with Japan. After World War II, When the war ended, clocks moved back and finally settled to sync with Malaysia in 1982.
  12. Singapore is also known as a Garden City because of the lush greenery across the country.
  13. Singapore is home to the tallest indoor waterfall at the Jewel in Changi Airport. Standing at 40 metres and surrounded by the terminal’s lush indoor gardens, the HSBC Rain Vortex is a gorgeous sight, especially from 7.30 pm to midnight when the hourly light and sound show is in session.
  14. Singapore is made up of the mainland and 63 smaller offshore islands, including St John’s Island, Kusu Island, Pulau Semakau, Pulau Ubin, Lazarus Island, and Sentosa, the largest of them all.
  15. Singapore is home to a harmonious blend of Chinese, Malays, Indians, and Eurasians, each contributing to the country’s rich cultural tapestry.
  16. English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil are the four official languages of Singapore, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage.
  17. The national anthem is written in micro-text on the back of the SGD 1000 note.
  18. The Tanjong Pagar Centre is Singapore’s tallest building, standing at 290 meters.
  19. Singaporeans are known to be the fastest pedestrians in the world, walking at a speed of about 6.15 kilometres per hour.
  20. The Tembusu Tree on the SGD 5 banknote is an actual living tree in the Botanic Gardens.
  21. Singapore celebrates National Tree Planting Day on November 7th each year.
  22. The iconic Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay are a testament to Singapore’s innovative approach to urban planning.
  23. Singapore offers ghost tours, exploring the city’s spooky side.
  24. Street performers or buskers add to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
  25. Singapore has both natural and man-made waterfalls, including the one at the Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay.
  26. The Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal zoo, offering a unique wildlife experience with more than 130 species of nocturnal animals in their natural habitat without any barriers.
  27. The historic landmark CHIJMES, was once a girls’ school and now houses restaurants and bars.
  28. The Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club is the largest songbird display area in Singapore.
  29. Seletar was once Singapore’s first airbase and now features cafes and restaurants amidst lush greenery.
  30. Sembawang Hot Spring Park features a natural hot spring and a floral walk.
  31. Coney Island in Punggol is a popular spot for nature lovers.
  32. Wallace Trail in Dairy Farm Nature Park is perfect for mountain bikers.
  33. The Bukit Brown Cemetery is one of the largest and last-remaining graveyards in Singapore.
  34. Singapore celebrates National Children’s Day on October 1st.
  35. The Singapore Kindness Movement aims to promote kindness, honesty, and good manners.
  36. Singapore is known for its strict laws and fines for minor offences and so is known as a “Fine City”.
  37. Elevators in Singapore have urine detection devices that set off alarms and shut the doors until authorities arrive.
  38. Littering is taken very seriously in Singapore, with fines and public shaming for repeat offenders.
  39. Changi Airport has been named the world’s best airport multiple times
  40. Changi Airport offers free movie screenings 24/7.
  41. Singapore’s passport is considered one of the best in the world, offering visa-free access to more than 192 countries in the world.
  42. The Chinatown Complex Food Centre is Singapore’s largest hawker centre in Singapore, with over 700 food stalls.
  43. Singapore is ranked as one of the easiest places to do business globally.
  44. Singapore imports everything from sand to freshwater.
  45. Singapore is the fifth-largest arms importer in the world.
  46. The National Stadium has the biggest retractable dome in the world.
  47. Two new restaurants open every day in Singapore.
  48. Singaporeans do not need a visa to visit China, South Korea, North Korea, or the United States.
  49. Singapore gained independence from Malaysia through a democratic vote.
  50. Bukit Timah Hill is the tallest natural point in Singapore, standing at 164 meters.
  51. The Singapore Flyer is a giant Ferris wheel that initially rotated counter-clockwise but was reversed due to Feng Shui concerns.
  52. The Singapore film, Ilo Ilo won the Camera d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013.
  53. Tanjong Rimau is an area on the western tip of Singapore that features mangrove trails and secret caves.
  54. The century-old Keppel Hill Reservoir is a hidden gem for hikers.
  55. Singapore is famous for its street food, with popular dishes like chilli crab and Hainanese chicken rice.
  56. Hawker Centres and Food Courts are a staple in the city-state, offering a wide variety of affordable and delicious food options.
  57. Singapore hosts the world’s first night Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, a major international event.
  58. Singapore’s public transport ranks fourth in the world after Hong Kong, Zurich, and Stockholm.
  59. Singaporean sons and second-generation permanent residents are required to serve in National Service for two years.

Happy Birthday Singapore! May you stay the same, yet continue to prosper for years to come!

In My Hands Today…

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What We Inherit: Growing Up Indian – Shailey Hingorani, Varsha Sivaram

A celebration of the slippages, strife and secret histories that make us—for better or worse—who we are.

A woman faces off against a xenophobic stranger across a supermarket turnstile.

A young girl mistakes her first period for strawberry yoghurt and endures an embarrassing puberty ceremony.

At the funeral of her cruel and prejudiced dadhi, a granddaughter reflects on the confusions of grief and the trauma passed through family lines.

A follow-up to the best-selling anthology Growing Up Perempuan (AWARE, 2018), What We Inherit tells the stories of Indian women (and a few men) in Singapore entirely in their own words. They question the expectations foisted upon them, discover new avenues into old traditions and carve out spaces for joy amid anger and sorrow. At a time when the bonds between us seem at constant risk of breaking, What We Inherit turns our attention towards community in all its complexities. It’s a reminder of how we honour, betray and ultimately bear witness to each other… and ourselves.