Khagras Chandra Grahan/Guru Nanak Jayanti/Nimbarkacharya Jayanti/Chaturmas Wrata Samapti/ Kartik Snan Samapti/World Radiography Day

November 8, 2022
Generally, the lunar eclipse occurs on the day of the full moon. This lunar eclipse is the second of this year, but this is the first lunar eclipse of this year as a lunar eclipse that can be seen from Nepal. This lunar eclipse will be visible from Nepal, the north-eastern part of Europe, all the countries of Asia, Australia, North America and many countries along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. This lunar eclipse will be visible in the Nepali sky for one hour and 23 minutes.

Moonrise: 5:11 p.m. ( Start of lunar eclipse)
Elimination or Midterm: 5:27 p.m
Salvation: 6:34 p.m

Guru Nanak Jayanti | Chaturmas and Kartik Snan concludes | Nimbarkacharya Jayanti

Sikhism is guided by the principles of ten holy gurus and Guru Nanak is the first of those and the founder of the entire Sikhism. Celebrated with utmost reverence, today is the most sacred festival for Sikhs across the globe. This day is known as Guru Parva among the Sikh community.

Guru Nanak was not just a founder of Sikhism but a social reformer and philosopher, who has given a new edge to entire humanity and social structures. Born in 1469, his birthplace Nakhana Sahib is currently in Pakistan, every Sikh wishes to visit this place at least once in their lifetime.

The day begins with the morning procession of devotees at the Gurudwara, the holy place of daily worship of the Sikhs, and the glory of the Guru is described by chanting various mantras and chanting hymns. The hymn performed in the morning is called 'Asa Di Bhar'.

Such gatherings are called 'Amrit Bhela' and after 'Amrit Bhela' it is customary to have 'Laganaru' meaning a free community meal and such feasts are organized by the volunteers of the Gurdwara. By organizing such parties, people of any caste, colour, gender, or community are free to participate in them.

Especially after studying the holy book 'Guru Granth Sahib' for 48 hours two days in advance, the day of Guru Parva is concluded according to the rules and regulations. Such a continuous religious study is called 'Akhandpathu'.

Accordingly, it is customary to perform Nagar Kirtan one day before Guru Parva in which various cultural jhankis are performed. Gurugranth Sahib's jhuluwa (palaki) is carried around the city chanting hymns. Such jhanki display traditional weapons of the Sikh community, such as spears, swords, Punjabi iron knives, and related traditional games based on self-defence.

There are Gurudwaras in many places in Nepal as well. Guru Nanak is remembered for organizing many programs in all these places. There is also a Gurudwara in Kupandol, Kathmandu. Today, there is enthusiastic participation from people of other religions and sects, including Sikhs.

This world still needs great gurus and great words like many Guru Nanak's, patience to follow the path of truth and unwavering hope for the path of devotion. Happy this special day to the entire Sikh community. Hail to all.

Chaturmas and Kartik Snan concludes

Chaturmas ends on the full moon day of Kartik Shukla Paksha. Auspicious rituals (Marriage/ Brabandha and specific pujas) are not performed during the four months of Chaturmas as there is a belief that doing good deeds in Chatrasmas will not bring any success. Since Lord Vishnu is sleeping in the Ksheer Sagar during this period, auspicious deeds were stopped for 4 months. Today, such rituals can be started.

After this full moon, Mangsir month starts, and now the Sahits of marriage are being counted and planned in full swing. Kartik is considered to be the beloved month of Lord Vishnu. If it had been like other years, there would have been a big fair on this day in all four Narayan temples around Kathmandu and all the Narayan temples across Nepal.

Marriages, Bratabandhas, and big worships, which have been stopped due to the Chaturmas, may now go well with adequate blessings and fortunes.

The Kartik Snan has also come to an end today along with the Chaturmas. The holy Kartik Snan, which started with the conclusion of Dashain, has ended today. On the day of Ashwin Shukla Purnima, by worshipping Mahalakshmi and staying awake at night, the big Dashain was formally concluded and today the Kartik bath is also over.

The winter has started, the temperature is dropping, and these dewdrops have started to wet the earth in the morning. Since the fear of corona infection can become more active with the cold, we should all stay alert and stay safe. Please look at Hamro Patro for festivals and ceremonies.

Nimbarkacharya Jayanti
Today is also Nimbarkacharya Jayanti. Many of us may not have heard the name of Guru Nimbarkacharya, let's talk about Nimbarkacharya Guru through Hamro Patro today.

Nimbarkacharya Guru, who was born in the town of Vaiduryapattan on the banks of the river Godavari in South India, has two opinions on his date of birth. Some believe that he was born in the Dwaparyuga, while others argue that he was born in the 11th century AD.

Let us first go by the name of Guru Nimbarkacharya. Nimbark means neem tree and Arka means sun, a wonderful story with neem tree and sun always comes to mind when talking about Guru Nimbakacharya.

The sadhana of Nimbarkacharya Guru from the banks of Godavari is found on the banks of Yamuna. One day while staying at his ashram, Dandi Swami was brought up in his ashram. They had scholarly conversations and meaningful discussions for a long time and it became evening. There is a story that Nimbarkacharya Guru, after being told by Dandi Swami that he would not eat after evening, was in a dilemma as to how to send the guest on an empty stomach.

There is a story that Nimbarkacharya Guru sent Dandi Swami with food after creating the sun deity in the neem tree near the courtyard. After this, the name of the Guru became Nimbarkacharya or Nimbananda.

Nimbarkacharya Guru is considered to be the incarnation of the Sun, some even consider him to be a part of Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra. Today's birth anniversary of Nimbarkacharya Guru, who was born on the full moon day of Kartik Shukla, is celebrated by the followers of Sanatan Dharma with great enthusiasm and devotion.

World Radiography Day

World Radiography Day is celebrated on 8 November each year. The date marks the anniversary of the discovery of x-radiation by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895.

Radiographers worldwide can use the day and the days around the date to promote radiography as a career, as a vital contribution to modern healthcare and as a chance to increase public awareness of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy.

Best wishes

Suyog Dhakal