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INSIDE THE GURU'S GATE - Anpere

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APPENDIX 2<br />

CULTURAL FESTIVALS OBSERVED BY <strong>THE</strong> SIKHS IN VARANASI<br />

(Chronological order)<br />

NAME OF FESTIVALS MONTH/DATE <strong>THE</strong>ME AND FEATURES<br />

Tij Savan Women gather in the evening<br />

(Third) Dark fortnight day 1 singing songs and dancing.<br />

In Varanasi the association of<br />

professional Punjabi women called<br />

“Varanasi Female City Industry<br />

Business Association” (Varanasi<br />

Mahila Nagar Udhio Vayapar<br />

Mandal), organizes a yearly<br />

function for its members. They<br />

create painted decorations (rangoli),<br />

dye their hands with henna,<br />

play music and arrange games.<br />

Raksha Bandhan Savan Sisters tie a thread around<br />

(Charm Tying) Full-moon day the wrist of their brothers for<br />

protection and well-wishes.<br />

Pitra Paksh Asu Sikhs invite five people from the<br />

(Fortnight of Ancestors) Dark fortnight day 1 gurdwara to offer them food in the<br />

to Bright fortnight day 1 name of a deceased family<br />

member.<br />

Navratra Asu Women keep vrat, fasting or<br />

(Nine Nights) Bright fortnight days 1 ‒ 9 abstention from some food.<br />

Children representing goddesses<br />

are invited to houses and given offerings.<br />

Dassehra Asu Worship to goddess Durga.<br />

(Tenth) Bright fortnight day 10 In Varanasi different clubs<br />

organize Durga puja which local<br />

people attend. On the day of<br />

Dassehra the local Ram-lila<br />

programs, dramatizations of the<br />

Ramayana story, celebrates the<br />

victory of Ram over Ravan.<br />

Karva Chauth Katak Women observe a fast and worship<br />

(Pitcher Fortnight) Dark fortnight day 3 the moon for the welfare and long<br />

life of their husbands.<br />

502<br />

Published on www.anpere.net in May 2008

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