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Hori-utthan, the hoisting of Firral


By Rebati Mohan Sinha, Mumbai

This is a very auspicious day for the Hindus in general and Bishnupriya Manipuri in particular. On this day the elders of the house, keep the Ekadashi fast, to be the part of the ritual while the priest orate the mantras prior to hoisting of the flag, the Firral next day.

The important of Ekadashi occurs on the 11th day of the bright fortnight in the Month of Kartika month (mid Oct-Nov.) after the chaturmas, fourth month period of solitude and meditation, when Lord Vishnu is said to be resting. The Ekadashi at the start of chaturmas 11th day of Ashada is equally significant and sacred. And
it also scientifically proved that the Ekadashi fast fulfils the need for the digestive system to take rest and helps periodically clear the digestive track of food, oil and spices etc. thus the person becomes healthy thus longevity increases.

Why should we keep Ekadashi fast? There is a story behind the power of Ekadashi fast. The power of Ekadashi is about a king, named Rukmangada and his people through out his kingdom made the subjects healthy and longevity, hence the death rate fallen drastically as a result the Yamraja, the Lord of Death was very much in panic. He went to Brahma for redressal. In order to break the pious practice of Ekadashi, Brahma sent a Rupasi naari, Mohini, who won the confidence of the king, Rukmangada within no time because of her beauty. The king was so mad after her, he forgot all his responsibilities as a ruler of the kingdom, and started spending his entire time with Mohini and fulfilling whatever wishes she expressed, but except one, and that was of breaking Ekadashi fast.

Mohini insisted him several times for breaking his fast; but he refused, saying that she can ask for anything other than the breaking of fast. In anger, she asked for the head of king’s son. King Rukmangadas’ son readily agreed and offered his head. At the nick of time Lord Vishnu appeared and saved the king’s son. He blessed the king and all his subjects of the kingdom. In return, the people of Kingdom reciprocated with the hoisting of flags in honor of Lord Vishnu in every house.

Today is Erei (Friday)


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  1. Bijit30 October 2009 at 01:37

    Thanks for sharing the scene / backdrop of this secret festival. I would like to share this article with my son too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bijit30 October 2009 at 01:41

    sacred not secret
    ---hahahaha

    ReplyDelete

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