Every religion of each people has some superstition or the other. Thirteen is an unlucky number for the Christians, while for the Hindu way of life, it is a very charged entity. Whichever way you look at it, January 13 is special, especially this year. Let me explain why.
For one thing, January 13 precedes Makar Sankrant which is celebrated in a big way across the length and breadth of our continental country. Called 'bhogi' in Maharashtra, this predecessor consists of a simple but hyper tasty feast of khichdi with a huge dollop of ghee and a veggie made of all sorts of peas, brinjal, berries, and special home-made masala's. The side dish is the bajra roti, served hot, and it tastes heavenly with til/sesame chutney, amla pickle and butter. Absolutely healthy and tasty food!
This year, the date marks the beginning of the Maha Kumbh, a mega event organised in a giant way as it recurs after every hundred and forty-four years. Prayag Raj is already bursting with devotees from all over as on January 13 began the first "Amrit Snan". That brings us to the stories about the Kumbh which we shall discuss some other day.
This year, January 13 also marks the day after the first anniversary of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. After a long wait of some five hundred years during which ordinary but heroic people protected the Ram Lalla, emerged this temple. It hence moved many devotees deeply when the idol finally got its own space. It indeed looks lovely in all the pic's.
Tomorrow is Makar Sankrant which we shall discuss and elaborate in the blog tomorrow. In the meanwhile, let us enjoy the lingering lovely smells of tasty food permeating the very home itself.
Pratima@None can stop an event whose time has come!
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