Matsya Jayanti Wrata/Gauri Wrata/World Tuberculosis Day

Linking the Darwin's evolution theory with Matsya Avataram , Matsya Jayanti

Following the pathway of Sanatan culture when we dig into the creation of this universe and world, it resembles the first avatar of Lord Vishnu which was the fish. This fish avatar is known as Matsya avatar, this resembles the theory of evolution by Darwin where he states the evolution journey from the unicellular creature, aquatic reformation till today's form of manhood. Matsya Avataar during the Satya Yuga (Initial Yuga of Sanatana era), Matsya appeared during the apocalyptic phase and this fish was a one-horned fish with immense power.

Recalling the role of Matsya avatar during the apocalypse
In every Tritiya 93rd day) of during the bright fortnight of the moon on Chaitra month, Matsya Jayanti is observed recalling the role of Matsya avatar during the apocalypse. This Jayanti occurs in between the Chaitra Navaratri, this Navaratri is the exact replica of Bada Dashain's Navaratri which honors different forms of Goddesses Durga. Matsya Jayanti is a specific day, a huge crowd is seen in the temples of Lord Vishnu with a grand celebration and divinity. the vrata refrains observers from even drinking water, nights are commemorated together with chants and prayers offered to Lord Vishnu. Reciting Matsya Purana and Vishnu Sahastranam is very auspicious, May Lord Vishnu who is gloriously present on the Sesh Naag, who loves the lotus plant and whose omnipresence manifests the truth and compassion in this globe and further, may he bless us and bless this mankind.

Gauri Vrata
Gauri is worshiped on the day of Chaitra Shukla Tritiya. Both married women and unmarried or even single women observe this fast with the desire to have a long conjugal life and marital happiness. This fast is also called Gangaur fast and it is also called Gauri Tritiya, Saubhagya Gauri fast, and Gauri Puja.

The stalks in the field are almost cut, the stalks of wheat have been cut and the stalks have been brought in. The early days of the New Year, the open sky, and the long evenings are giving a glimpse of a long day.

Generally, this fast starts from the day of Sakranti in the month of Chaitra and ends on this day. From the point of Pakshya, this fast is considered as a vow of 18 days from the beginning of Chaitra Krishna Paksha to the Tritiya of Shukla Paksha.

In the Shiva Purana, it is mentioned that Mother Parvati succeeded in getting Lord Shiva because she fasted for 5 days. However, this fast is equally important for both Parvati and Shiva. I wish all of you the best of luck in this vow that both husband and wife will support each other for years to come.

In other words, this fast can also be taken as a welcome to the coming monsoon. The clouds that went to fetch water shall bring enough water and moisture for this year. May everyone's wishes be fulfilled, best wishes.

World Tuberculosis day 2023

Background:
Every year, the global community commemorates World Tuberculosis day on March 24 to create awareness about Tuberculosis, its consequences, and leverage efforts to end this epidemic. In 1882 March 24, Dr. Robert Koch declared that he discovered the bacterium that causes TV, this day was crucial as it opened a way for medical science to step towards exploring medications and the cure of this disease. Tuberculosis has been present in human society since ancient times and is considered a disease and infection. Tuberculosis and rabies are the only diseases that have been present since ancient times.

Tuberculosis prevalence
Today, even at this height of medical science and treatment, one-third of the world's population is at risk of contracting tuberculosis. In developing countries, the risk rate is even higher at 90 percent.

The statistics of tuberculosis in Nepal are even more alarming. According to the National Tuberculosis Center, about 50 percent of the Nepali population is infected with tuberculosis. Every year, about 44,000 new TB patients are added to Nepal and about 5,000 to 7,000 Nepalis die of TB every year. The age group of TB patients is usually the productive age group i.e. 15 to 49 years.

There are dot service centers in all districts for the treatment of tuberculosis in Nepal. The Government of Nepal aims to bring the Gene Expert facility, which was only available in 45 districts by 2016, to all 75 districts by 2021. This technology is considered to be very reliable and quality for detecting tuberculosis.

Remember that more than 75 percent of the TB cases in Nepal are due to pulmonary tuberculosis and other glands, uterus, stomach, liver, kidneys, brain, and bone tuberculosis.

The government of Nepal provides free treatment for tuberculosis and plans to eradicate tuberculosis by 95 percent by 2035. There is a lack of public awareness against tuberculosis in the village and there is a problem of not coming for treatment. Today, the aim is to bring nationwide awareness and spread awareness against tuberculosis.

The theme of World TB Day 2023 - ‘Yes! We can end Tuberculosis’ –conveys the sense that the world is able to end it by solidarity and to act on the commitments to end TB made by global leaders.

Aims to inspire hope and encourage high-level leadership, increased investments, faster uptake of new WHO recommendations, adoption of innovations, accelerated action and multisectoral collaboration to combat the TB epidemic.

This World TB Day will focus on urging countries to ramp up progress in the lead-up to the 2023 United Nations High-level Meeting on TB, which offers opportunities to raise visibility and political commitment.

WHO, together with partners, will also issue a call to action urging Member States to accelerate the rollout of the new WHO-recommended shorter all-oral treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB.

Suyog Dhakal