Tag: religion

Special Occasion

Dhanteras 2025: A Celebration of Wealth, Health, and New Beginnings

Tanisha Cardozo

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and is celebrated with deep cultural significance across India. Falling on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, this auspicious day sets the tone for joy, gratitude, and prosperity. In 2025, Dhanteras will be observed on October 28.

The word Dhanteras is derived from “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” referring to the thirteenth day. As per Hindu tradition, the day commemorates the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and the deity of Ayurveda, who is said to have emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) holding a pot of amrit (elixir of immortality). This mythological origin gives Dhanteras a dual significance: it is a celebration not only of material wealth but also of health, well-being, and spiritual balance.

One of the most beloved traditions of Dhanteras is the purchase of precious items—typically gold, silver, and new utensils. It is widely believed that buying these items on this day invites prosperity and good fortune into one’s life. Homes and businesses are cleaned thoroughly and adorned with rangolis, marigold flowers, and earthen lamps (diyas) to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth and good luck.

As evening falls, families across the country perform Dhanvantari Puja or Lakshmi Puja, offering sweets, flowers, and lamps while praying for both financial prosperity and good health. In recent years, National Ayurveda Day is also celebrated on Dhanteras in honor of Lord Dhanvantari, recognizing India’s traditional medical systems and promoting holistic well-being.

In the modern era, Dhanteras has evolved beyond its traditional rituals. While many still invest in jewellery and utensils, others are choosing to invest in health insurance, digital gold, electronics, or even wellness experiences. This reflects a shift in how people perceive “wealth”—as something that encompasses financial security, physical health, and mental peace.

At its core, Dhanteras is a reminder to begin the Diwali season with gratitude, intention, and positivity. Whether it’s through lighting your first diya or reflecting quietly on your blessings, the day invites you to realign with the values of abundance—not just in possessions, but in relationships, health, and hope.

As homes across India begin to glow with lights and anticipation, Dhanteras sets the spiritual and emotional foundation for the festive days to come. It’s a celebration of what we have, what we aspire for, and the deep belief that brighter days are always ahead.

#faith

A Monument of Faith Rising in Poland’s Konotopa

allycaralgoa

In a remarkable fusion of faith and architecture, construction has begun in the village of Konotopa on what will soon become Europe’s largest statue of Mother Mary, standing an astounding 55 meters high — surpassing even Rio de Janeiro’s famous Christ the Redeemer.

The initiative, funded by renowned Polish entrepreneur Roman Karkosik, represents more than just a feat of engineering. It is a spiritual landmark — a testament to Poland’s enduring devotion to the Virgin Mary, who holds a deeply revered place in the nation’s Catholic faith.

Once completed, this monumental statue will depict Mother Mary with open arms, symbolizing peace, compassion, and divine protection. The project aims to inspire hope and serve as a place of reflection for visitors from around the world.

Local church leaders and residents have expressed pride and gratitude for this project, calling it “a gift of faith for future generations.”

“This isn’t merely a monument,” said a local priest. “It’s a reminder that faith can rise even higher than stone.”

With construction already underway, the statue is expected to become a spiritual beacon, drawing pilgrims, tourists, and art enthusiasts alike to Konotopa — reinforcing Poland’s reputation as one of Europe’s most devoted and faith-filled nations.

When complete, the monument will stand as a global emblem of love, resilience, and unity — a towering testament to the power of belief.

💙🙏 A symbol not just for Poland — but for every heart that believes.

Special Occasion

Mahalaya Amavasya 2025: Honouring Ancestors, Embracing Blessings

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo, Team Allycaral

Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Shrad, is a deeply spiritual Hindu observance falling this year on Sunday, 21st September 2025. It marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, a sixteen-day period dedicated to offering prayers, rituals, and gratitude to ancestors. This sacred window is rooted in the belief that honouring our departed forefathers helps repay ancestral debts, cleanse karmic burdens, and invite blessings into our lives.

Rituals performed on this day — Shradh, Tarpan, and Pind Daan — are considered spiritually potent and deeply symbolic. Tarpan involves offering water and prayers to ancestors, while Pind Daan uses symbolic food offerings like rice balls, barley flour, and sesame seeds to nourish their souls. Shradh is a ceremonial rite filled with mantras and devotion. Traditionally, the eldest male family member performs these rites while wearing a ring made of kush grass, a sacred plant that symbolises compassion and purity.

After these offerings, food is given to a crow — believed to be the messenger of Lord Yama, the god of death — followed by feeding Brahmin priests, continuing a cycle of charity and reverence. It is also considered auspicious to read scriptures such as the Garuda Purana or Agni Purana during this time.

A poignant legend from the Mahabharata gives context to Mahalaya Amavasya’s origin. When Karna, the heroic warrior, died and reached heaven, he was offered gold instead of food. Puzzled, he asked Lord Indra why. The deity revealed that Karna had donated gold throughout his life but never food. Realising the importance of feeding the needy, Karna was allowed to return to earth for sixteen days to offer food to the poor. These sixteen days became known as Pitru Paksha, culminating in Mahalaya Amavasya.

On this solemn day, traditional attire is worn as a mark of respect — white kurta-pyjamas for men and white sarees for women — symbolising peace, purity, and spiritual focus. While the festival doesn’t involve specific celebratory dishes, the food offered during rituals is rich with symbolic meaning.

The primary deities revered during Mahalaya Amavasya are Lord Vishnu, the protector, and Lord Yama, the guide of souls in the afterlife. Their blessings are sought to ensure peace for the departed and spiritual protection for the living.

Mahalaya Amavasya is more than a ritual — it is a sacred bridge between generations. It reminds us that just as we inherit our ancestors’ blessings and assets, we also inherit their karmic residues. Performing these ancestral rites helps liberate both souls and families from spiritual bondage, paving the way for peace in this life and beyond.

May your ancestors bless you with wisdom, strength, and peace this Mahalaya Amavasya.
—from Allycaral family

Spotlight

Dr. Sushila Fonseca: A Life of Healing, History, and the Written Word

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Dr. Sushila Fonseca’s life is a compelling blend of science, literature, and social empathy. Born in Margao, Goa, and raised partially in Mombasa, Kenya, her journey began against the backdrop of India’s freedom movement—her father himself was a part of it. She pursued medicine at Topiwala National Medical College in Mumbai, where she later earned a post-graduate degree in Pathology and served as a resident doctor.

Her career brought her to Goa Medical College, but in 1983, she chose a different path: establishing her own private diagnostic laboratory in Fontainhas, Panaji. While her lab still serves the community, Dr. Fonseca has also carved a respected space in the world of Indian literature.

As an author, Dr. Fonseca writes both fiction and non-fiction, often weaving together her medical expertise with her desire to inform and inspire. Her books like What I Should Know About HIV/AIDS and Good Health Practices for the Family are written in an accessible, reader-friendly tone aimed at public health awareness. Her fiction, meanwhile, delves into more layered territory.

Rebecca’s Inheritance (2002) explores the devastating impact of alcoholism in families, Touched by Love addresses the emotional toll of HIV, while Invisible Currents highlights the drug trap. She’s also tackled themes of equality, cancer, and societal judgment—always grounding her stories in the realities of human health and relationships.

More recently, her work has gravitated toward historical fiction—driven by her passion for Goa and its past. Books like Against the Tide…47 Men…, Antonio Sequeira – His Quest for Goa’s Freedom, and When Faith Divides reflect her effort to turn historical events into engaging, emotional narratives.

She believes fiction has the power to reshape how we understand history—not through dates and declarations, but through human experience. “Historical fiction encourages readers to empathize with the people who lived through events and see the emotional and societal impact of decisions made by those in power,” she explains.

In When Faith Divides, her latest novel, she not only tells a story but also raises crucial questions about identity, belief, and societal manipulation—making it particularly timely in today’s socio-political climate. “I hope Goans will read it with an open mind, especially the youth,” she says, noting a concern that fewer young people today read books or engage deeply with history.

Dr. Fonseca’s creative process is driven by curiosity. She approaches each story with the attitude of a student—researching history, human psychology, and geography. When faced with writer’s block, she steps back and reflects, sometimes using it as a sign that the story needs a new direction.

When she’s not writing, she reads widely, across genres. She values feedback, especially when it’s personal—like the elderly reader who wept after reading When Faith Divides, or the young girl who connected so deeply with one of her characters that she mimicked her in daily life.

Dr. Sushila Fonseca writes for the sheer joy of it. “It’s a hobby,” she says. “But one through which I keep learning—whether it’s about medicine, history, or human nature.” If she had to describe her journey in one word, it would be “enriching.” And her writing certainly continues to enrich the literary and cultural fabric of Goa.

Spotlight

Cdr Clifford N Parakh: From Naval Officer to India’s Premier Illusionist

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The year was 2003. A simple visit to a magic stall in Mumbai changed the course of Cdr Clifford N Parakh’s life forever. At 33, while still serving as a Naval Officer, Clifford purchased a small magic trick. What struck him wasn’t just the trick itself, but the joy it brought to others. That moment became the spark that would eventually ignite a full-time career in the world of illusion.

Encouraged by his wife Radhika and inspired by the renowned Goan illusionist Mr. Edmundo Da Cunha, Clifford took the bold decision to step away from his career in the Indian Navy and fully dedicate himself to magic. Now, over 15 years later, he stands as Goa’s leading illusionist, recognized not only for his technical mastery but also for his signature style of engaging, corporate-friendly entertainment.

Clifford’s act, meticulously designed for corporate audiences, is a blend of minimalistic setup and maximum impact. He operates with few props—often just a briefcase—but delivers a 45-minute act packed with sleight of hand, humour, communication, and mentalism. His performances are tailored to the business world: clean, interactive, and free of controversial content. Whether it’s breaking the monotony of a long conference or launching a product in a spectacular fashion, his shows are designed to leave a lasting impression.

What sets Clifford apart is his focus on audience interaction. He believes magic is not just about deception but emotional engagement. “When someone comes on stage, the entire audience lives the experience through them,” he says. Whether performing for CEOs or regional sales teams, Clifford takes time to research his audience, sometimes even learning a few lines in their local language to establish rapport instantly.

His most celebrated performance? The Mind Reading Duo Act with his wife Radhika. In this unforgettable illusion, Radhika is blindfolded while audience members silently think of names, numbers, or places. One by one, their thoughts are revealed with uncanny accuracy. “This is probably the only act of its kind in India,” Clifford shares, and it consistently wins hearts wherever it’s performed.

Despite his accolades, Clifford remains grounded. He views magic as a lifelong study of not just tricks, but of psychology, pacing, humour, and the deep, nuanced art of showmanship. “Even after two decades, I feel I’ve just scratched the surface,” he admits.

Clifford has had his share of on-stage mishaps too, but with presence of mind and years of experience, he always finds a way to keep the illusion alive. “The audience doesn’t know what’s coming next. As long as the trick ends logically, they’ll never know something went wrong,” he smiles.

He’s also cautious with technology in magic. While modern illusions often rely on digital props or internet-based tricks, Clifford prefers sleight of hand. “If tech fails, there’s no way out. Skill never fails,” he asserts.

Today, Clifford wears many hats—illusionist, author (Discover The Magician In You), mentor, and recipient of the prestigious Karamveer Chakra Award (Gold) for 2024. He has won the National Illusion Competition in 2009, featured on Prime TV’s street magic series, and etched his name in the India Book of Records (2022) for being the first to perform a magic show for the visually impaired—on radio.

For aspiring magicians, Clifford offers honest advice: master fewer tricks, perform them perfectly, be likable on stage, and never rely solely on magic for income—at least not at first. “Build a reputation first, then let the price follow,” he says.

In a world constantly chasing the next thrill, Clifford N Parakh brings something rare—wonderment. For a few magical moments, he invites audiences into a world where logic takes a backseat and imagination takes flight. And that, as he rightly says, is the timeless appeal of magic.