Tag: spirituality

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

#faith

Vailankanni’s Annual Feast Begins: A Spiritual Journey for Thousands of Devotees from Goa and Beyond

Tanisha Cardozo

The annual feast of Our Lady of Good Health in Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, has begun, marking the start of 10 days of devotion, prayer, and celebration. This sacred event, which attracts thousands of faithful devotees from across India and the world, is especially significant for the many pilgrims who journey from Goa each year.

The festivities began with the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony, signaling the commencement of the religious celebrations. For the next nine days, the grounds of the Basilica will be filled with Novena prayers and Holy Masses as devotees come to seek blessings, express their gratitude, and strengthen their faith. Each year, pilgrims from all walks of life undertake this sacred journey, some traveling in large groups by packed trains, bound for Tamil Nadu. Among these are hundreds of devoted pilgrims from Goa, some of whom make this trip as part of a longstanding family tradition.

For Maria Fernandes, a pilgrim from Margao, the Vailankanni feast is more than just a religious event. “Coming to Vailankanni every year fills my heart with peace,” she says. “It’s not just about seeking blessings; it’s about feeling connected to Our Lady and sharing this faith with thousands of others.”

The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, often referred to as the “Lourdes of the East,” is renowned not only for its stunning architecture but also for the countless miracles reported by devotees. It has become a beacon of hope for those seeking healing, comfort, and divine intercession. The shrine is visited by pilgrims with a variety of petitions and thanksgiving offerings, each one seeking to deepen their connection with the divine.

The celebrations will culminate on September 8, with the Feast of the Nativity of Mary—one of the most significant days in the Marian liturgical calendar. On this day, special Holy Masses and solemn processions will take place, drawing even larger crowds to the Basilica. The streets of Vailankanni will come alive with prayers, hymns, and cultural programs, creating an atmosphere of devotion, unity, and joy.

Local authorities, along with church organizers, have made elaborate arrangements to accommodate the massive influx of devotees, ensuring smooth transportation, safety, and accommodation throughout the feast period. For the pilgrims, this annual journey is not just about visiting a holy place but about renewing their faith, seeking blessings for their loved ones, and experiencing a deep sense of community.

As the feast continues until September 8, the Basilica of Vailankanni remains a powerful symbol of unwavering faith, drawing people together in prayer and gratitude. Vailankanni’s place as one of Asia’s most revered Marian shrines is firmly established, and the celebrations this year only reinforce its enduring spiritual significance.

International

Pope Leo XIV to Canonise Carlos Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati on September 7, 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Vatican City | August 27, 2025: The Catholic Church is preparing to welcome two modern heroes of faith into sainthood. Blessed Carlos Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be officially canonised by Pope Leo XIV in a solemn ceremony on September 7, 2025 at the Vatican.

The announcement was originally made by Pope Francis, but the canonisation ceremony was postponed due to his passing. Now, under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, the Church has reaffirmed its commitment to recognising these holy young men for their exceptional lives of virtue and service.

Carlos Acutis (1991–2006)
 Often called the “Saint of the Internet,” Carlos Acutis was a teenage tech genius who used his skills to create a comprehensive website documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world. Despite his young age, Carlos lived a life of profound devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and frequently said,

“The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.”

He died of leukemia at the age of 15, offering his suffering for the Church and the Pope.

Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925)
 Known as the “Man of the Beatitudes,” Pier Giorgio Frassati was a charismatic, athletic, and deeply spiritual youth who dedicated his life to social justice, charity, and helping the poor. A member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, he lived his faith not in a monastery but among the people — often using his own resources to feed the hungry and care for the sick.

He passed away at the age of 24, after contracting polio, likely from one of the poor people he was serving.

Their canonisation is especially significant in today’s age. It sends a powerful message: Holiness isn’t just for the cloistered — it’s possible in everyday life, through technology, activism, education, and service.

Their lives speak directly to the youth of the 21st century, making sainthood relatable, attainable, and real.

📍 Canonisation Date & Details

  • Event: Canonisation of Carlos Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati
  • Date: September 7, 2025
  • Location: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
  • Presiding Pontiff: Pope Leo XIV
  • Expected Attendance: Thousands of pilgrims and dignitaries from around the world

The Vatican is preparing for an event of great spiritual significance and international interest.

EduConnect

Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School Celebrates Janmashtami with a Creative Pustak Handi Twist

Tanisha Cardozo

Janmashtami celebrations took a creative and educational turn at Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School, where students and teachers came together for a unique activity — Pustak Handi.

The event, blending tradition with learning, was not just about celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth, but also about nurturing the love for books and reading among children.

Pustak Handi: An Innovative Initiative

Instead of traditional Dahi Handis, the school introduced Pustak Handis – pots filled not with curd or coins, but with chits of book names. Each student eagerly awaited their turn to pull a chit and receive the corresponding book.

Every class took part in decorating their handis with artistic flair, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and thematic thinking. Judges praised the thoughtfulness, effort, and presentation by students.

The goal? To encourage reading habits and motivate children to explore the world of books beyond textbooks.

Inspiration Through Awards

To further inspire young readers, the school announced the Vachak Veer Award, which will be presented to the most enthusiastic and consistent reader based on their engagement with the gifted books.

“Our aim is to develop not just learners, but thinkers. This Pustak Handi activity is symbolic of the joy and wisdom that books offer,” said one of the school coordinators.

A Festive & Devotional Atmosphere

The celebration wasn’t just about books. A pujan of Lord Sri Krishna was held to instill devotion and cultural values in students. Traditional songs and decorations adorned the school, creating a festive mood that resonated with joy and spirituality.

Students Celebrate with Enthusiasm

From decorating the handis to unwrapping their surprise books, students participated with immense joy. The event was a success in every way — educationally, spiritually, and emotionally.

A Model Worth Replicating

By creatively merging cultural festivals with meaningful learning, Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School has set a wonderful example for schools across the state and country. The Pustak Handi activity reminds us that celebrations can be both fun and intellectually enriching.

Aight Sky

Tracing the Path of Yoga: From Ancient India to Modern Practice

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Anupama Verma

Yoga is often associated with graceful poses and flexibility, but its origins and intentions are much deeper. This practice spans over 5,000 years, rooted in the spiritual soil of ancient India. More than a workout, yoga is a comprehensive lifestyle and philosophy designed to bring harmony to body, mind, and spirit.


From the Indus Valley to the Vedas

Archaeological evidence from the Indus Valley Civilization (circa 2700 BCE) reveals figures in meditative postures, hinting at early yogic practices. The Vedas, some of the oldest sacred texts, introduced the foundations of spiritual discipline, ritual, and devotion.

The Upanishads and Philosophical Depth

The Upanishads further explored the nature of existence, self, and the universal soul (Brahman). Concepts like breath control and inner stillness began to take shape, laying the groundwork for meditative practices that would later define yoga.

Classical Yoga and the Eight Limbs

Around 200 BCE to 200 CE, the sage Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras, outlining the Ashtanga or Eight Limbs of Yoga. This systematic approach to self-realization emphasizes:

  • Yama – Ethical disciplines
  • Niyama – Personal observances
  • Asana – Physical postures
  • Pranayama – Breath control
  • Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses
  • Dharana – Concentration
  • Dhyana – Meditation
  • Samadhi – Enlightenment

Unlike modern yoga’s focus on physicality, Patanjali’s framework is a roadmap to inner transformation.

Hatha Yoga and the Post-Classical Evolution

Between the 9th and 17th centuries, Hatha Yoga emerged as a vital system emphasizing asana, pranayama, and shatkarmas (cleansing techniques) to purify the body for spiritual awakening. Influential texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika shaped the practices many recognize today.

The Modern Revival and Global Spread

In 1893, Swami Vivekananda brought yoga philosophy to the West at the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Later, T. Krishnamacharya and his students (e.g., B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois) modernized yoga with a focus on dynamic physical postures. Their teachings sparked the contemporary yoga movement, now a worldwide phenomenon.

Yoga Today: A Global Practice with Ancient Roots

In modern wellness culture, yoga is often viewed through the lens of fitness. Yet at its heart, it remains a discipline of union—a practice integrating ethics, breath, mindfulness, and spirituality. While studios may emphasize asana, the full potential of yoga lies in embracing its eightfold path.

Yoga’s legacy is more than ancient history—it’s a living tradition that continues to evolve. Whether practiced for fitness or for spiritual growth, understanding its origins helps us honor the wisdom behind the movement.

🧘‍♀️ Embrace yoga not just as a practice, but as a way of life.