What a day to wish all and convey that all faiths teach peace,love and happiness.
An article picked from the Speaking Tree,Courtesy:Times of India.
Today is an extra special day as it marks a significant observance or event for adherents of five different faiths.
Celebration or reflection, however, is open to all and many aspects of these observances have become part of cultural tradition. The overall theme - of Holi in the Hindu tradition, Jamshedi Naoroz of Zoroastrians, Purim in Judaism, Good Friday of Christians and Id-e-Milad of Islam - is the same: goodness, victory of truth and the unity of humanity despite all the differences. It is about sharing and caring.
March 21 is also Universal Spring Day, the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun rises directly in the east and day and night are of equal length (equi-nox). The days will now get longer and the Sun, stronger; it is symbolic of the renewal and affirmation of life. During Holi celebrations a bonfire is lit on the full moon night, hymns are sung and the fire is fed before the circumambu-lations. The second day of Holi is Dhuleti when people throw coloured water and powder on one another with gay abandon. Holi is a festival of bonhomie and camaraderie. Noisy, colourful processions welcome all. Old enmities are forgotten and new friends are made. King Hiranyakashipu had conquered the three worlds, but his own son Prahlad would only worship Vishnu. An infuriated Hiranyakashipu tries to set his pious son aflame, seating him on his aunt Holika’s lap as she had a boon that would protect her from fire. However, Prahlad came out unscathed. Lighting the Holika fire symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
The Jewish festival of Purim has a carnival-like atmosphere, with plays, parodies and processions. The Hebrew princess Esther was married to the Persian king Ahaseurus. Her foster father Mordecai was also employed in the king’s court. The evil man Haman, who hated Mordecai, was planning to take revenge upon the Jewish people in Persia, but Esther persuaded the king to save her people. Haman was duly punished. On Purim day, this story is read aloud. A speciality called Haman’s purse, a delicious pastry, is prepared and eaten. On the first day of the Fasli calendar, also known as Hormuzd Day, Zoroastrians celebrate Jamshedi Naoroz or King Jamshid’s New Year. King Jamshid of Persia, an enlightened man, introduced agriculture and animal husbandry and many other useful trades and customs. He was a lover of nature and an advocate of reverence for ecology. On this day homes are cleaned and new household items bought. People worship in the Fire Temples and celebrate with a special meal. On Good Friday Jesus Christ was crucified for the sins of the world, the ultimate sacrifice. When Jesus was crucified there was darkness all over the land for three hours. The curtain in the temple was rent in two. Good Friday is therefore a day of solemnity for Christians; it is spent in prayer and repentance. Christians attend mass and service in churches and cathedrals. Sorrow gives way to joy on Easter Sunday, the day of the resurrection of Christ.
Muslims observe Id-e-Milad. Prophet Mohammed was born on the 12th day of Rabi ul Awwal, and his death anniversary also falls on this day. It is also called Barah Wafat. It is a day of both rejoicing and mourning. Sermons and texts from the Holy Qur’an are read, focusing on the life and noble deeds and teachings of Prophet Mohammed, who received revelation from Allah. Namaaz is offered in mosques and festive meals are shared with family and friends.
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