Deepavali 2007

Deepavali, also called Diwali is a major Hindu festival. It is the "Festival of Lights," which symbolises the victory of good over evil. Fireworks are associated with the festival.
In south India, deepavali commemorates the killing of Narakasura by Lord Krishna's wife Sathyabhama. Before Narakasura's death, he requested a boon that everyone should celebrate his death with colorful light.
A few shots of Aakash enjoying this festival! :)

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Aksharabhyasam

Aksharabhyasam is the ritual which is an induction to formal studies. We invoke the Gods to bless the kid in his endeavour. Instruments required for studying (something to write on, to write with, books) are presented along with a set of new clothes. Rice is spread on a plate and child is placed on one's lap; holding his hand, "Hari Om" is written on the rice using a gold ring followed by the child's name.
My aksharabhyasam was done in July '07; amma uploaded the photos only now :(





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Navarathri

It is navarathri season right now. Aakash is experiencing it the south Indian way having arranged the kolu and is showing all his devotion to God - doing his namaskarams

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Aakash in Lamps

Back home, Lamps are lit all over the house, but we thought of making it a little different and celebrated Karthikai Deepam by a "AAKASH in Lamps" theme :) Is there a better way to celebrate Karthikai Deepam? Na ... Happy Karthikai Deepam everyone!

The making of Aakash in Lamps ...
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Krishna Janmaashtami

Krishna Janmaashtami, also known as "Krishnaashtami", "Gokulaashtami", "Srikrishna Jayanti", "Sree Jayanthi" or sometimes merely as "Janmaashtami", is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu. Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day of the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Bhadrapadha in the Hindu calendar, when the Rohini Nakshatram is ascendent. The Hindu calendar being lunar, these two events [the day being the eighth of the waning moon (Krishna-paksha Ashtami) and the Rohini Nakshatram being ascendent] may overlap for only a few hours. In such an event, the festival may be celebrated on different (but successive) days by different people, depending on their local or family traditions. It also a tradition to dress toddler/young boys as Krishna.

Now after that lecture :-) Here are few snaps of Aakash as Mini Krishna.

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Offering prayers

In spite of his naughtiness … deep inside Aakash firmly believes in God and offers prayers once a day.
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