ISSUE : 13

ChAItra 2074
MAR - APR 2017
 CONTENT

Editors Note ___________________________________________ 1-1

News ________________________________________________ 2 - 14

Cover Story -- Gangaur - One of the Popular Colorful Festival _______ 15 - 25

Knowleadge Capsule ____________________________________ 26 - 35

Special Report -- Is Really Indian Media Still Fourth Pillar of Democracy ? __ 36 - 37

Hindu’s Pride -- Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead? 38 - 39

The Great Indian Irony ___________________________________ 40 - 40

Ayur Plant -- Haritaki – The Wonder Medicine for the Brain _____________ 41 - 43

Editor & Publisher :

Bharti Dhiman

Associate Editor :
Chhdrieak Prajapati

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 Editor’s Note
It has been almost 2 years completed and today seems like a good day to express appreci-

ation to the readers for the warm welcome and resounding support towards 360hinduism.

With a high respect and wonderful thanks to the readers and contributors who has delivered

value to society, friends , family members and relatives And are spreading the right knowledge

of Hinduism by sharing 360 Degree Hinduism, we welcome to all Hinduism lovers and support-

ers who want to share their feedback and knowledge with us.

A great thank you for the feedback so many of you have the provided and thanks you again to

all contributors for their contribution.

Here are the main highlights of current issue :

Gangaur - One of the Popular Colorful Festival

Haritaki – The Wonder Medicine for the Brain

Is Really Indian Media Still Fourth Pillar of Democracy ?

Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead?

A Grading Method for Mangoes on the Basis of Peel Color MeasurementmUsing a Computer

Vision System

Thanks !

Chhdrieak Prajapati Bharti Dhiman

Associate Editor Editor & Publisher

1
 NEWS
Historic renovation of America’s 1st
Hindu temple nearing completion in San
Francisco

Historic, painstaking and expensive renovation of the magnificent

Old Temple in San Francisco, claimed to be “the first Hindu temple

in the Western world” and dedicated in 1906, is nearing comple-

tion.

Old Temple, originally known as Hindu Temple and said to be

built within four months, is a part of Vedanta Society of Northern California (VSNC), launched by

highly regarded Hindu monk Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) in 1900. This Temple, sometimes

referred as “sermon in the form of a building” and “dedicated to the cause of humanity”, miracu-

lously survived the San Francisco earthquake and fire of April 1906.

During this renovation launched in 2014, the historic character of the building was claimed to be

not compromised in bringing it up to current standards; with complete upgrading/renovation from

foundation to rooftop regarding seismic upgrades, deepening of foundation, plumbing, wiring,

fire-sprinkler system, energy efficiency, roofing, etc. It is planned to be open to the public and

ready to use sometime in the spring. It was recently re-consecrated with ritual worship by monks

and nuns from India, Canada and USA.

This four-storey Old Temple on Webster Street on north side of San Francisco was designed by

Swami Trigunatitananda with architect Joseph A. Leonard, blending elements of East and West.

Its style is influenced by old-fashioned Bengal temples, Shiva temples at Dakshineswar, Benares

temples, etc. The building represents a striking profile of towers, domes, and pinnacles; and its

various towers “are intended to symbolize the harmony of all religions and the pointed arches and

domes the upward aspiration of the spiritual seeker”.

Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, com-

mended efforts of Society leaders and area community towards realizing the elaborate and thor-

ough renovation of this highly important and majestic Hindu temple.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged the about three-million

2
strong Hindu community in USA to work towards preserving the historical Hindu temples

and passing on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst

so many distractions in the consumerist society.

VSNC is affiliated to worldwide spiritual movement Ramakrishna Mission headquartered

in Belur Math on the outskirts of Kolkata (India). Besides Old Temple and New Temple

in San Francisco; it also maintains Vedanta Retreat in Olema (Marin County, California)

founded in 1946 and which occupies over 2000 coastal acres, 160-acres Shanti Ash-

rama Retreat in Santa Clara County (California) launched in 1900, monastery and con-

vent. Swami Tattwamayananda is Minister-Incharge of VSNC.

Swami Vivekananda introduced Vedanta to America at the 1893 Parliament of Religions

in Chicago. This Order has over 180 centers worldwide, including California, Florida,

Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island

and Washington.

Ideology of Ramakrishna Mission, founded in 1897 by Swami Vivekananda and named

after his teacher/inspiration Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886) and whose current president

is Swami Atmasthananda, consists of the eternal principles of Vedanta; while its basic

principles include: “God realization is the ultimate goal of life, potential divinity of the

soul, harmony of religions,” etc. Its motto is: Atmano mokshartham jagat hitaya cha (For

one’s own salvation and for the welfare of the world). It claims to aim at the harmony of

religions, harmony of the East and the West, harmony of the ancient and the modern,

spiritual fulfillment, all-round development of human faculties, social equality, and peace

for all humanity; without any distinctions of creed, caste, race or nationality.

Source: World Hindu News (WHN)

Hinduism prepares to become

more visible in Britain

Students in Kolkata, India, smear each other with

colours during Holi. British Hindus will celebrate

the festival tomorrow

RUPAK DE CHOWDHURI/REUTERS

3
 On June 14, 1970 Yogiji Maharaj prophesied to his incredulous followers that a vast tra-

ditional Hindu temple would rise up in London.

To imagine the first stone mandir outside India since Ankor Wat in Cambodia in the 12th

century, and in a British capital at the time broiled by racism, stretched the faith of even

the guru’s most devoted followers.

On August 20, 1995 Yogiji’s successor, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, opened Neasden tem-

ple in northwest London, having ridden through the streets on an elephant followed by

hundreds of dancing adherents. Today it is a magnificent landmark on the skyline.

Source: Times

Compassion: Why We’re Leaving

India, But Still Have Hope
UNITED STATES, March 1, 2017 (Christianity Today):

HPI Note: At issue here is foreign funding coming into

India and being used for the purpose of conversion of

Hindus to Christianity. Compassion International only

works through evangelical churches (as stated in this full

article), churches whose aim is conversion. The 2011 crackdown on foreign funds entering India

was intended to limit those meant for conversion work, including, in the case of Compassion Inter-

national, such work was done under the guise of “child development.”

This story in Christianity Today magazine reads in part:

The child development ministry confirmed today that after 48 years, its final day of operation will

be March 15. That means shutting the doors of 589 Indian-staffed development centers caring for

more than 145,000 children, more than any other of the 25 countries where it works.

“I feel frustrated,” president and CEO Santiago “Jimmy” Mellado told CT. That’s because Compas-

sion has worked every angle to try to stay open in India since last February, when India’s Ministry

of Home Affairs put it on a list of organizations needing prior approval before transferring funds

into the country. Then the government refused to grant such approval.

The government’s move can be traced back to 2011, when it changed its Foreign Contribution

Regulation Act so that it could regulate NGOs it disagrees with philosophically, Mellado said. “In

the middle of all this, we were pouring significant resources into local evangelical Christian church-

es,” Mellado said. “You can see where we would hit the radar screen.”

Source: Hinduism Today

4
Please Be Quiet: Bali’s Tourism Shuts down for a Day
BALI, INDONESIA, March 28, 2017 (CNBC): Nyepi, a Hindu

celebration primarily celebrated in the Indonesian island of

Bali calls for a day of silence on March 28 and is marked as

time for self-reflection. The ritual mandates the absence of

work, entertainment and travel, which makes for a 24-hour

period during which no flights are allowed in or out, electrici-

ty use is limited and cars are prohibited on the streets. Even

television provider, Indovision ceases broadcasting for the

day. Hotel guests on the island are confined to their property

and special arrangements have to be made for a limited staff

to keep the hotels operating.

Many travel agencies and tour operators discourage bookings

this time of year because of the disruption. There’s a segment

of tourists, however, that actually views the day as a unique

part of the culture not to be missed. “It’s one of the many el-

ements that actually makes Bali an even more unique tourist

spot, which holds special meaning to visitors as well as resi-

dents,” Dendy Kurniawan, AirAsia Group CEO for Indonesia

told CNBC. “It is how culture and religious practice have been

preserved through times, whilst blended perfectly with the

touch of modern world.”

“It’s fascinating that an island of 4.5 million people can shut

down for 24 hours,” Marian Carroll, director of public rela-

tions at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay told CNBC, adding that

it should be on every visitor’s bucket list. “It takes a huge

amount of coordination and discipline. Only the Balinese

could pull it off!”

Source: Hinduism Today

5
Hindus laud City of San Antonio for sponsoring Om
Festival, where “yogis unite to say om”

Hindus have commended America’s seventh largest city San An-

tonio (Texas) for sponsoring Om Festival, a free and open to the

public event on April 22, regarding which the City announcement

says: “come spread your Om with us!”

“Om” is the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hin-

duism is used to introduce and conclude religious work.

Explaining the Om Fest Yoga Festival, City announcement states:

Yogis unite to say “om” in Travis Park for a post-Fiesta evening of yoga demonstra-

tions, community yoga, live music, food and entertainment. The Om Yoga Festival will

leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

“Cultivate all the good vibes” during this “Om-azing morning in Travis Park”, which also

includes meditation, yoga lounge, henna, yoga classes, “Soulful Vinyasa with Live

Gongs”, Meditation Bowls; per Om Fest announcements.

Calling it a step in the positive direction, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a

statement in Nevada today, praised the City of San Antonio for promoting yoga through

such a festival and making San Antonians aware about the Hinduism concept of Om.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged all cities of Texas to in-

corporate multi-beneficial yoga in the lives of their residents through such free festivals.

Yoga, referred as “a living fossil”, was a mental and physical discipline, for everybody

to share and benefit from, whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Val-

ley civilization, Zed pointed out.

Rajan Zed further said that yoga, although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, was

a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali

who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through

the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

According to US National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed,

be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress. According to

“2016 Yoga in America Study”, about 37 million Americans (which included many ce-

lebrities) now practice yoga; and yoga is strongly correlated with having a positive self

6
image. Yoga was the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche,

Zed added.

San Antonio is home to UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Antonio Missions and

hosts the huge annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Ivy R. Taylor and Sheryl

Sculley are Mayor and City Manager respectively.

Source: World Hindu News (WHN)

Yoga led to better sexual health -

University of Pennsylvania study finds
Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) at the University of Pennsylva-

nia study finds “twice-weekly yoga led to better physical, sexual, emo-

tional, and social health”, according to a Penn Medicine news-release.

Men who attended a structured yoga class twice a week during pros-

tate cancer radiation treatment reported less fatigue and better sexual

and urinary function than those who didn’t, according to a clinical trial

led by PSOM, release points out.

Each session lasted 75 minutes, beginning with five minutes of

breathing and centering techniques and ending with five minutes of

Savasana, a common yoga position. Typical sessions incorporated sitting, standing, and

reclining positions that were modified using props to adapt to each patient’s needs and

restrictions, release adds. Dr. Neha Vapiwala was the principal investigator in the study,

which was partially funded by American Cancer Society.

Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today,

called this clinical trial looking into the effect of “yoga on the side-effects and quality of life

issues caused by prostate cancer treatment” a “step in the positive direction”. Zed urged

all major world universities to explore various benefits yoga offered.

Yoga, referred as “a living fossil”, was a mental and physical discipline, for everybody to

share and benefit from, whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civili-

zation, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, noted.

Rajan Zed further said that yoga, although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, was a

world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who

codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the con-

7
 trol of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

According to US National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed,

be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress. According to a

“2016 Yoga in America Study”, about 37 million Americans (which included many ce-

lebrities) now practice yoga; and yoga is strongly correlated with having a positive self

image. Yoga was the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche, Zed

added.

Founded in 1765, PSOM in Philadelphia claims to have been ranked “among the top

five medical schools in the United States”. Dr. J. Larry Jameson is the Dean.

Source: World Hindu News (WHN)

PM Narendra Modi and

Australian PM Malcolm
Turnbull Take Metro Ride
to Akshardham

PM Modi and Australian PM Turnbull take a metro

ride to Akshardham Temple , April 10, 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM

Malcolm Turnbull took a metro ride from Mandi

House metro station to Akshardham. The leaders

visited the Akshardham Temple and offered prayers. 

Source: narendramodi.in

8
Unique Hindu (Saivite) monastery in the Hawaiian
island of Kauai

While boarding the flight for the remote island of Kauai,

we did not expect to come across a very unusual Saivi-

te monastery. But more of that a little later!

Kauai is regarded as one of the most beautiful spots on

Earth. Sparsely populated, from horizon to horizon one

can only see vast stretches of green landscapes, punc-

tuated by hundreds of waterfalls and rivulets against a

backdrop of imposing volcanic mountains. It is famous

for its breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Holly-

wood movies ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘Jurassic Park’ have been shot there. As

we drove around, we saw numerous golf courses on either side of the roads. Each

had its own small landing strip with a small control tower. This is the playground of

the rich. Golf enthusiasts fly down in their small private planes to play and fly back

in the evening.

It was during one of our drives through this green paradise, that we saw a mod-

est dangling signboard, announcing ‘Hindu monastery’, about which we had not

known anything. We patiently waited at the gate and saw not a soul. Finally, a

white brahmachari,in lungi sporting the sacred thread appeared and welcomed us

in. Surrounded by exotic trees and a waterfall cascading inside the premises, the

locale was out of this world. This is what he narrated:

“Once, Lord Shiva appeared in a dream to a white American in Oakland, who had

no knowledge of Hinduism, at that time. Inspired, he went to Sri Lanka and later to

India, to learn about Hinduism. In that dream, the Lord had asked him to install an

idol of Dakshinamurthy (an aspect of Shiva), at a spot similar to what he had seen

in the vision. He assumed the name of Sivaya Subrmuniyaswami and donned

saffron. He scouted around for the dreamt of location. Finally, he found the spot

on the remote island of Kauai, which also had the tree, just as he had seen in the

vision.

A stone sculpture of Dakshinamurthy was ordered from Bangalore. On arrival the

9
 idol was installed and consecrated under the same tree (see the inset picture). The

monastery was founded in 1970. At one time, this American Sivaya was called by a

commentator as “the single-most advocate of Hinduism outside India”.

The followers of the sect whom we saw at the ashram were all Americans or Europe-

ans. We did not see a single Indian among them. Yes, we did meet a Tamillian from

Malaysia! He had come to help assemble the 3000-piece hand sculpted stones, which

were arriving from Bangalore for the temple.

As per instructions, no machinery was to be used for sculpting the temple, or for its

assembly. All was handcrafted. The assembled temple was crafted without the use of

electricity. Also, no electricity is used inside the temple. Only natural lighting or ghee

lamps! The temple is earthquake resistant and has two rows of musical pillars. Every

aspect of shilpi shastra has been followed.

One of the American brahmacharistook us around in a golf cart, to show the beautiful

campus. He showed us the plants which had been brought from India. He offered us

‘paan’, too! We were told that they planned to turn this campus into the biggest school

for Hinduism and also the largest pilgrim centre, for North America and the Pacific.

We had gone to Kauai to roam around in nature’s lap. We never expected this sort of

surprise, which was truly a bonanza! Wonders never cease!

Source: Meri News

Diwali declared holiday in New York’s

East Williston School District
Hindus have welcomed the reported inclusion of Diwali, most

popular of their festival, as holiday by East Williston Union Free

School District (EWUFSD) in New York State on its School Cal-

endar for 2017-2018.

Nearby Syosset Central School District, East Meadow School District and Half Hollow Hills

Central School District recently declared Diwali as an official holiday, while Mineola Union Free

School District announced that no home work or examinations would be given on Diwali, reports

suggest.

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, describing it as a

step in the right direction, urged all other public school districts and private-charter-independent

10
schools in New York State to do the same.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that it would be a

positive thing to do in view of presence of a substantial number of Hindu students at

schools around the state, as it was important to meet the religious and spiritual needs

of these pupils.

Rajan Zed indicated that schools should make efforts to accommodate the religious

requirements of Hindu students and show respect to their faith by not conducting regu-

lar business and scheduling classes on Diwali. We did not want our students to be put

at an unnecessary disadvantage for missing tests/examinations/papers, assignments,

class work, etc., by taking a day-off to observe Diwali.

If schools had declared other religious holidays, why not Diwali, Zed asked. Holidays

of all major religions should be honored and no one should be penalized for practicing

their religion, Zed added

Rajan Zed suggested all New York State schools, public-private-charter-independent,

to seriously look into declaring Diwali as an official holiday, thus recognizing the inter-

section of spirituality and education. Zed noted that awareness about other religions

thus created by such holidays like Diwali would make New York State students well-nur-

tured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow.

Zed urged New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New York State Education Depart-

ment Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa and New York State Commissioner of

Education MaryEllen Elia; to work towards adding Diwali as an official holiday in all the

728 school districts, and persuading the private-charter-independent schools to follow.

Rajan Zed further says that Hinduism is rich in festivals and religious festivals are very

dear and sacred to Hindus. Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling the darkness

and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Besides Hindus;

Sikhs and Jains and some Buddhists also celebrate Diwali, which falls on October 19 in

2017.

Zed thanked EWUFSD Board of Education President Mark Kamberg and other Board

members for supporting Diwali holiday. EWUFSD, headquartered in Old Westbury of

New York; reportedly serves East Williston and parts of Albertson, Mineola, Old West-

bury, and Roslyn Heights in Nassau County. It claims to gear its educational program

“to encourage critical thinking and a love of learning”. Its Mission includes: “to nurture

11
 the best in each child morally, intellectually, socially, artistically, emotionally and physical-

ly”. Dr. Elaine Kanas is Superintendent.

Hinduism is oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents

and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

Source: World Hindu News (WHN)

Ramakrishna Centre offers Hinduism

classes for children

These Hinduism for children classes not only teach children

and youth about Hindu scriptures and philosophy, but are also

focused on character building and imparting valuable life skills

The Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, Ladysmith Sub-Centre, offers Hinduism classes for

children every Thursday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

These classes are held at the Ramakrishna Shrine in Agra Road. Children and youth from

pre-primary to Grade 12 are taught by qualified teachers. Age appropriate and structured

classes are held on material ranging from colour and learning to the Ramayana. A light meal is

served to all children at the end of each class.

Examinations are held at the end of each academic year, and children are handed certificates

at a special awards programme.

Each year, a Northern KwaZulu-Natal Children’s Cultural Festival is held where children and

youth are given the opportunity to participate in sketches, dances, speeches and songs.

Swami Vivekananda believed that education is the manifestation of the divinity already within

man. He said “education is not the amount of information that is put into your head and runs

riot there; undigested all your life. We must have life-building, man-building, character-making

assimilation of ideas.”

These Hinduism for children classes not only teach children and youth about Hindu scriptures

and philosophy, but are also focused on character building and imparting valuable life skills,

making children and youth well-rounded individuals.

Source: Ladysmith Gazette

12
Swiss Hindus Create a United Voice

WINTERTHUR, SWITZERLAND, April 4, 2017 (kath.ch):

There are 50,000 Hindus in Switzerland. Until recently they had

no common voice. On April 2nd, however, various organizations

have joined forces to form the “Schweizerischen Dachverband

fuer Hinduismus” – the Swiss Hindu Association. With the Swiss

Hindu Association the various groups and communities have “a

unified, equitable and official place in multi-religious Switzerland” – and “finally a common

voice,” according to the press release of the new umbrella organization on April 4th.

This is intended to strengthen the cooperation among the various Hindu communities, as

Krishna Premar pa Dasa told kath.ch. “We also wish that we could make Hinduism more

visible to the public.” Inter-religious dialogue can only take place if this religion “becomes

more comprehensible and accessible to outsiders,” continued Premar pa Dasa. To this end,

the umbrella organization would organize events, create a website and publish publications.

According to Premar pa Dasa, Hinduism in Switzerland is diverse. There are Tamil Hindus

from Sri Lanka, Hindus from India and Nepal and Hindus with Swiss roots. “It was only

when we realized that several organizations and representatives had a common goal that

contact between us was established,” said Premar pa Dasa.

Source: Hinduism Today

Irish Parliament denies Hindu opening prayer

request
Both the houses of Ireland Parliament (Oireachtas) in Dublin, Senate (Seanad Éireann) and House

of Representatives (Dáil Éireann), have denied Hindu opening prayer request.

Responding to Hindu opening prayer request of distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed; Brian

Prunty, Private Secretary to the Ceann Comhairle (Chairperson of Dáil Éireann), wrote: I must

inform you that your offer to read a Hindu prayer at the opening of a Dáil sitting is not something

which can be facilitated at this time.

Martin Groves, Clerk of Seanad Éireann, replying to Zed’s email request of scheduling him to read

the Hindu opening prayer, wrote: Cathaoirleach (Speaker) regrets that he is not in a position to

accede to your request.

13
Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a statement in Nevada

today, indicated that Ireland was a diverse society now and the Parliament of a parlia-

mentary democracy like Ireland should be representative body of all its citizens, includ-

ing the minorities.

Oireachtas should realize that we were in 21st century now and re-evaluate the matrix

of opening prayers by revising the Standing Orders of Dáil and Seanad, so that prayers

of other religions could be read by invited diverse religious leaders, Zed stressed.

Rajan Zed has urged the Seanad Cathaoirleach Denis O’Donovan and Ceann Comhair-

le Seán Ó Fearghaíl to relook into their stand and allow the Hindu invocation at least

one time at the beginning of their sitting. He is also urging the Ireland President Michael

D. Higgins to intervene.

Zed is also urging Archbishop Eamon Martin, President, Irish Catholic Bishops’ Confer-

ence, for help in this regard to make their prayer request possible; as it seemed much in

conformity with Roman Catholic mission and goals of helping others.

If nothing worked, they might consider approaching European Union, of which Ireland

was a member; Council of Europe and its Commissioner for Human Rights to persuade

Oireachtas for a more inclusive opening prayer, Rajan Zed stated.

Per Standing Orders, “At the commencement of each sitting of the Seanad” and each

day “before any business is entered upon” in Dáil, following prayer is read: “Direct, we

beseech Thee, O Lord, our actions by Thy holy inspirations and carry them on by Thy

gracious assistance; that every word and work of ours may always begin from Thee,

and by Thee be happily ended; through Christ Our Lord, Amen.”

Zed, bestowed with “World Interfaith Leader Award”, has read opening prayers in the

United States Senate and US House of Representatives in Washington DC, various

State Senates and State Assemblies/Houses-of-Representatives, various County Com-

missions and City Councils all over USA.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents

and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.

In Ireland, the sole and exclusive power of making laws is vested in the Oireachtas. The

first meeting of Dáil Éireann took place in 1919.

Source: World Hindu News (WHN)

14
 COVER STORY
Gangaur - One of the Popular Colorful Festival
Gangaur is one of the most vivid festivals rejoiced with great enthu-

siasm and happiness all over the Indian state of Rajasthan. In the

word Gangaur, ‘Gan’ is the synonym for Lord Shiva whereas ‘Gaur’

stands for Gauri or Goddess Parvati. But mainly, this festival is held

in the honour of Goddess Parvati as she is regarded as the epitome

of marital love, strength, courage, power and excellence. During

the festivities, married women worship Goddess Parvati for the long

life, well being and wealth of their husbands while the girls pray for

getting a smart and an understanding life partner. The festival is rejoiced in the month

of Chaitra, the first month of the Hindu calendar and falls in between March and April,

according to Gregorian calendar. It begins on the very first day Chaitra month, the day

after Holi and is celebrated for 18 days. Also, it marks the end of winter season and the

coming of spring season.

Women and girls observe fast during this festive time and eat only once in a day. Images

of Gauri and Isar (Lord Shiva) are made with the clay and decorated very beautifully. On

the other hand, in some of the Rajput families, images are made of wood every year be-

fore the festival they are painted by the famous painters who are called as ‘Matherans’.

The images which are made during this time do not have canopies. Women and girls,

during the festival, wear new dresses, adorn themselves with jewellery and make de-

signs on their palms and feet by applying mehandi (henna). On the 7th day evening girls

carry ‘ghudilas’, which are earthen pots with many holes inside which a lamp is lit, on

their heads. They sing songs of Gangaur and are given gifts in the form of money, ghee,

sweets, jaggery, etc. by the elders of the family as a token of love.

This ritual goes on for 10 days and on the last day women and girls break the pots and

throw the broken pieces into a well or a tank; the clay idols made by the married women

are also immersed in water on the last day of the festival. This procession is headed by

15
a colourful show of elephants, old palanquins, chariots, bullock carts and performance

folk artistes. People irrespective of their caste and creed come to observe and to be a

part of the procession.

The third day of Chaitra Navaratri is most colourful and traditional, also known

as Gauri Tritiya and is known to be a female-centric festival.

Significance

Gangaur is mainly celebrated in the northern states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Mad-

hya Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat. However, the festival is a major event in Rajasthan

and is holds great significance for Rajasthani women. Gangaur Teej marks the begin-

ning of the 16-day fasting observed by Rajasthani women. Married as well as unmar-

ried women worship Goddess Parvati on the day and offer Pujas, Aarthis and Prasad

in new colourful clothes. A colourful procession with lots of colourful lights and flowers

is also made in various parts of the state. Gangaur is considered to be a festival of

monsoon and harvest. Gangaur marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

History of Gangaur Festival

Parvati or Gauri, the consort of Shiva is a symbol of virtue and devotion and consid-

ered a legendary figure for married

women. The festival is held in her

honour. Gangaur is the most import-

ant local festival in Rajasthan and is

celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The common belief associated with

the festival is that if unmarried girls

observe the rituals of this festival

they get a nice life partner of their

choice. And if the married women observe the same, she is said to be blessed with a

happy married life and long life of their husbands. The celebrations in Jaipur and Udai-

pur have a unique charm and attraction.Gangaur Celebrations The celebrations begins

almost a fortnight before the main day of the festival. Girls worship the goddess all

through the fortnight before the main event day. A group of women from the town hold

a procession and carry colorful idols of Gauri. Many people from nearby villages too

come to take part in the procession and roam around with them from village to village.

16
A sense of romance is felt in the atmosphere as the occasion also gives an opportunity

to tribal men and women to come in contact with each other, to meet and interact freely;

this help them to select partners of their choice and marrying by eloping. It is the unique

thing about this festival.

The festival begins from the first day of Chaitra or from the next day of Holi and contin-

ues for 18 days. The festival begins with the custom of gathering ashes from the Holi

Fire and burying the seeds of barley in it. After it, the seeds are watered everyday await-

ing the germination. It is mandatory for a newly-wedded girl to observe the full course

of 18 days of the festival and keep fast to ensure her marriage do well. Even unmarried

girls fast for the full period of the 18 days and eat only one meal a day.

For 16 days Gangaur is worshipped by unmarried girls , start from gauri teej, with a de-

sire to get a handsome, loving and noble partner. Married women join them on the final

and last day. Besides praying for a suitable match the girls pray and ask for blessings

for their brothers. The women dress up gorgoeusly as the prayer goes -if you are well

dressed while praying you will be granted a well dressed husband…to each her own.

And finally the day of departure comes and Gangaur leaves he mother’s place there is

the longing for her return the next year. For 16 days every morning and evening songs

are sung some tell a Mahadev Gora(Parvati) story, some express wishes and some

depict the fun relation of jija (brother- in- law) and sali where Mahadev or Isarji is the jija

and we the worshippers are his salis(sister-in-law).

The Shiva Parvati folk stories, interestingly revolve around basic human tendencies.

Shiva and Parvati are divine powers who can change the course of events. Shiva is de-

picted as handsome but not well dressed, mature, patient, sensable and

far sighted person. Whereas Parvati is depicted as a extremely beautiful

very impulsive impatient impractical person. Both partners are extremely

romantic and loyal. All the wisdom of Shiva is left aside as he actually

does exactly what his lady commands. Even though Shiva warns Parva-

ti she always refuses to oblige. And Shiva waits no further and bows to

her wishes. Parvati is of course unhappy with the consequences of her

decisions and Shiva reminds her of his warnings and Parvati realises her

mistake.

17
Folk Stories of Maa Gauri and Mahadevji :

Gauri goes to her mother’s home and mahadevji goes after her

One day, Goddess Gauri (Parvati) was longing to go to her parent’s home. She went to

Mahadevji (Lord Shiva), and asked him to send her to her parent’s home.

Mahadevji asked Gauri if someone had come from her parents house to pick her up.

Gaurji said, my younger brother has come to pick me up, and I will go once you per-

mit me to go. Lord Shiva asked her who would do the rituals of preparing food (Kasaar

ke ladoo) for her journey, and who would apply Mehndi on her hands ? Gauri said, her

younger co-sisters would prepare the ladoos, and her sister-in-law would apply mehndi

on her hands.

Gaurji told Mahadevji that she would not go walk-

ing, but wanted to go on Shiva’s vehicle Nandi

instead. Mahadevji refused, saying that Parvatiji

was forgetful in nature, especially when she went

to her mothers house. She would forget to feed

Nandi. Parvatiji said she would not forget. She

promised she would feed Nandi tender paan leaves

(nagar bel), and make Nandi rest in the shade of

the Banyan tree. Mahadevji permitted Gauriji to

take Nandi and go. He also said, I am coming right after you.

Gaurji told Mahadevji that she did not want him to come along with her, as he was a

yogi which was not a very pleasant sight, and people would not like it. she would feel

ashamed of him. So she did not take him.

Mahadevji decided not to stay back. He decided to follow her. So he went to her in dis-

guise. Mahadevji’s first disguise was as a bindi-waala and chudi-waala, someone who

sold bindis and bangles. Gauri was with her friends. When they saw the nice attractive

bindis and chudis, she and her friends decided to snatch the bindis and chudis. The

bindi and chuddi waala remarked that this was a town where residents come and snatch

wares from hawkers, and there is no law and peace in the town.

Mahadevji decided to go back again, this time disguised as a shoe-maker. He

brought along shoe designs that seemed out of the world, studded with diamonds and

emeralds. The shoes were extremely attractive. When Gaurji saw the shoes, she knew

18
she just had to buy them. Parvatiji asked the shoe maker the price of the shoes. The

shoe maker said the shoes were priceless, and she would not be able to afford them.

Gauri still insisted. The shoe maker said, that the price of the shoes were having one

meal together with the shoe maker.

Gaurji went back to her Mother’s house and prepared food for the shoe maker. She

served food and then sat down to have food with the shoe maker. Gauri took one bite

of the food. Then, the shoe maker took one morsel of food and ate it. Immediately, he

transformed from the shoe maker to the original form of Mahadevji – Lord Shiva, Gauri’s

husband.

Godess Gauri was shocked to see him. Mahadevji mocked her “You were ashamed to

bring me along as I was in the form of a Yogi. But you are not feeling ashamed to eat

food with a shoemaker.” Gauri got annoyed, and told Mahadevji that this is the type of

prank he should play on his friends, and not on her.

Puja Vidhi

Pooja Samagri: Idol of gaur, isar, kaniram, rova bai ,sova bai n Malan. Instead of their

idol you can also draw a gangaur chart in a chart paper. (Gauri is  isarji’s wife and kani-

ram, rova bai & sova bai are isarji’s siblings)

Plain white paper Vermicilli,mehndi,kajal,rice,moli,kodi,whole

betel nut,a piece of haldi,silver ring,a coin,pot full of water,raw

milk,a container to do gangaur puja,flowers,green grass (dub,-

janwara),comb & gangaur’s  geet book.

If performing this puja for full period of 18 days then 16 pindiya

(8 balls made of holi ashes and 8 of cow dung) are required

from the first day and 8 (16 for newly wedded women and un-

married girls) steamed  or fried phal made of wheat flour are required on the last day .

After doing pooja women have to first eat one of these phals with unsalted butter (Ghee)

and sugar.

Women cannot even drink a drop of water before performing this puja. Some women

also observe fast on the last day of gangaur.

While performing the puja start singing the gangaur songs (Geet) from the book.

1. Place the gangaur idols at neat and clean place over a wooden platform. Or paste the

gangaur chart on a wall where u will perform the puja. And paste one plain white paper

19
near the idol.

2. Put “tilak” (vermicilli-kumkum and rice) on your forehead.

3. Now take green grass (dub) n take out 7 small sticks from their edge for all the idols

respectively. For newly wedded women and unmarried girls this number is 16.

These sticks are used as toothbrush (Datun) for the idols. Take little water with it to

each of the idols and touch them to their mouth. While doing this sing

 “Datun karlo oh madhavji,datun keka oh madhavji;Datun duba ka madhavji… “

4. Also take out some fine and nice dub for doing gangaur puja. And now on keep it in

your hand till the puja is done.

5. Now put “tilak” (vermicilli-kumkum and rice) on the idol’s forehead.

6. Then offer red thread (Moli) and flowers.

7. Now offer phals to them.

8. Now make 7 small dots each of vermicilli,mehndi and kohl (kajal) at the plain white

paper and 16 for unmarried girls and newly wedded women.

9. Now mix milk and water in a container and leave kodi,piece of turmeric (haldi),-

coin,silver ring and betel nut in it.

10. Now take some janwara with dub in your both hands and dip them into the container

of milk and water and then sprinkle the water which is on the dub and janwara to the

idols. Start a gangaur song  (gaur aye gangaur mata) while doing this and continue this

action till the song comes to an end.  Keep them in your hand for kahani.

11. Now hear gangaur kahani by taking some dub and janwara in one hand and dipping

it into the water and milk and making fine and nice pearls on the upper side of your 2nd

hand.

12. Once this kahani is finished wipe away all the pearls from your hand with the dub

and janwara towards the idol. And at last make bangles on your both hands with this

water with the help of dub and janwara and sprinkle some water on your head.

13. Now offer these dub and janwara to the idol and place it near to them and take

some 4-6 pieces of these dub and janwara and tie it on ur both hand’s bangles and also

put some on your hairs.

14. Now catch that container and do “El khel” by moving that container and dropping

some water from it by accompanying “El khel” song with it. It is believed that the water

which is dropped outside goes to the gaur and isar for their bath.

20
15. Now take out half of the phals which you have offered to the idol.

16. Here our gangaur puja comes to an end by taking out kodi,turmeric,coin,ring and

betel nut from the water and touch them to the idol’s eyes and then to oneself’s.

17. The last and the final ritual is to take the container of water and milk mixture with

which puja is performed and then drop that in little little amount around oneself as if you

are making ghaghra’s flare. It is believed that by doing this gaur mata will always bless

with that much flares of ghaghra,happiness and marital bless (Suhagini’s bless).

Rituals of Gangaur Festival

The first important ritual of the colourful festival of Gangaur is the collection of ashes

from the Holi fire and burying of wheat and barley seeds in it. These seeds are the

religiously watered every day until the germination takes place. The ritual is performed

with songs of Isar and Gauri (Shiva and Parvati) and the varying of pots of water on the

head.

A week after Holi, women make clay images of Gauri and Isar. The ritual is

made colourful and joyous with the traditional folk songs sung in praise of

Gauri.

On the evening of the seventh day after Holi, unmarried girls take out a pa-

rade with ghudlia and singing songs related to it. Ghudlia is an earthen pot

with holes around and a lamp inside. On their way, the girls are gifted small

presents like sweets, jaggery, ghee, oil and a little cash. The ritual continues

for ten days, upto the conclusion of the Gangaur Festival. On the last day

girls break their pots and throw the remains into a well or a tank and enjoy a

fest with their little collections.

However, Gangaur Festival celebrations reaches its peak during the last three days of

the festival. At this time women take special care to decorate themselves and also the

clay images that they had prepared. At an auspicious hour in the afternoon, a proces-

sion is taken out to a garden, tank or a well with the images of Isar and Gauri, placed on

the heads of married women.

Gangaur aptly reflects the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and is celebrated with

great pomp and show in Bikaner, Jodhpur, Marathwara and Jaisalmer. Gangaur Festival

is also observed at some places in Gujarat.

21
Vrat katha of Gangaur

Reading the vrat katha is mandatory for the devotees to get the positive results of the

ritual. Once upon a time, Lord Shiv, along Goddess Parvati and Narad Muni went out

to take a small trip. When they reached a nearby forest, the news of their arrival spread

like wild fire. All the women of the high class families wanted to

offer them delicious food. As the women were busy preparing a

gorgeous spread for the Gods and Goddess, the women of the

low class came with their offerings. Lord Shiv and Goddess Par-

vati happily ate the food and Goddess sprinkled the “suhagras”

on them.

After a certain time, the women of the high classes came with

the food they had prepared. They arranged it on the golden

and silver platters. This food was also consumed by the deities.

When they had finished eating Lord Shiv asked his wide that

with what was she going to bless the women as she had already

finished every bit of the “suhagras” on blessing the women of

lower classes. To this, Goddess Parvati replied that she intend-

ed to bless these women with her own blood. Saying so, she

scratched the tip of her finger and sprinkled the blood on these

women.

Once this was done, Goddess Parvati went to take a bath in the nearby river. Afther her

bath, she stepped on the beach and made a Shivalinga out of sand and worshiped it.

She offered the Shivaling with food that she prepared out of sand. All these took a lot of

time and when she went back to her husband, he asked the cause of her delay. Goddes

Parvati lied to Lord Shiv and said that she met her family on the way. When Lord Shiv

asked what she ate, she said that her relatives offered her milk and rice. Upon hearing

this, Lord Shiv also wanted to taste the same. In reality Lord Shiv knew that Parvati was

not being true. When he said that he too wanted to meet his in-laws, Goddess Parvati

started praying to Bholenath (Lord Shiv) to save her face.

As the three reached the banks, they saw a palace and all the relatives of Goddess

Parvati waiting for them. The palace and the relatives were nothing but illusion. It was

created by Lord Shiva himself. They were received and enjoyed their stay for two days.

22
After this, Goddess Parvati wanted to leave while Lord Shiv wanted to stay for a few

days more. When Goddess Parvati pressed to leave, Lord Shiv had to leave along

with Narad Muni. While on their journey back home, Lord Shiv realized that he had for-

got to bring his garland. Narad Muni was sent to fetch it. When he reached the place,

he saw nothing but thick forest and wild beasts roaming around. He saw that the mala

was resting on the branch of a tree.

When Narad went back to Lord Shiv, he narrated the entire incident to the god. On

hearing this, Lord Shiv said that all this was the “leela” of Goddess Parvati. She felt

embarrassed. On seeing this, Narad Muni said that there was nothing to be embar-

rassed about doing the pooja in secret. He also said that Mata Parvati was the epit-

ome of marital bliss for all women. She is the “adi Shakti” and anyone who does the

pooja in secret will be duly be blessed by Lord Shiv. Since that day onward, the popu-

larity of the Gangaur festival started spreading on earth.

Activities:

Each day all girl’s & women wear new traditional dresses

with Mehendi in hands, and assemble at married women

home. Then Songs are sung by all women the song is –

Gor gor ganpati, iswar puje parvati,

parvati ka aalaa gila, gor ka sona ka teeka , De Tamka

de,

Bala Rani vart karyo, khero khato laadu diyo, laadu le

beera ne diyo,

beero mane chunner di, chunner mane gor udai, gor mane suhag diyo.... bhag

diyo...

tan man 16, iswar gora, donyo joda, jod jawara, gefu 11,

raani pujae raj ne, me puja suhag ne, rani ko raj tapto jaye, maharo suhag badh-

to jaye,

idi khidi jaat de, jaat de gujrat de, gujarata ko paani, lele tapka tani, tani pe sing-

hada,

bhade pe pichoda, hari hari dhup le, doob ka dand le, soono ko kachoro le, suraj

ji ko kero le, gangaur puj le, mharo bahi, em liyo, sem liyo, sarnari ki sem liyo,

23
charjar ki jalebi liyo, ghi ka chata, ghewar liyo, imli ko chor liyo, naye odh liyo,

gangaur puj liyo.

Gauri’s Departure

The idols of Gauri and Isar are dressed in new attires and

bejeweled with sparkling ornaments especially made for

the occasion. The beautifully decorated statues looks like

they are brought to life by these girls and married women.

The idols of Isar and Gauri placed on the heads of mar-

ried women are taken in a procession in the afternoon, to

a garden, bawdi or johad or well. Vidaai songs are sung

as Gauri departs to her husband’s house. The idol of Gauri was offered water by the la-

dies present in the procession, they then comes back. On the final day, the procession

came to an end with the Visarjaan of all the idols in the waters of a tank or a well. The

women bid farewell to Gauri and return back towards their home with teary eyes and in

this way Gangaur Festival comes to an end.

The whole procedure is accompanied by singing gangaur songs (geet). Here are the

sequences of the gangaur songs.

1.Badiwala badi khol – Dub lane ka geet

2.Doobaa mala gobaliya kun kadasiji raajj…

3.Geroji phool gulab ko

4.O kun aye gora daal marora to

5.Gaur Aye Gangaur Mata Khol aye Kiwadi

6.Uth Uth aye mhari gaur mata

7.Datun karlo o madhavji…

8.Uncho Chavaro Chaukunto jal

9.Jiyo me Hindo mandyo

10.Hindo

11.Tikki

12.Chunari

13.Janwara

24
14.Gangaur

15.Gaur gaur gomati - Gangaur puja song

16.Isarji toh – Sithana

17.Gangaur ki kahani

18.El khel nadi beva – After doing gangaur puja

19.Gangaur Aarti

20.Sevara

21.Badhawa

Main Attraction of Gangaur Festival

The last three days of the festival are the most happening as the Gauri’s are dressed

in beautiful cloths and ornaments and the women who have kept their fast dress their

dolls as per their will. A procession is taken out during the afternoons where the idols

are placed on the top of their head and songs of Gauri and Isar are sung by those

women. On the last date, the idols and the pots are then flown into the water and the

fast is completed by the women where the festival also comes to an end.

25
 Knowledge Capsule
A Grading Method for Mangoes on the Basis of Peel
Color MeasurementmUsing a Computer Vision System
Yoshio Makino, Kenjiro Goto, Seiichi Oshita

Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Akari Sato, Masato Tsukada

Data Science Laboratories, NEC Corporation, Kawasaki, Japan

Abstract

An objective grading method using a Computer Vision System (CVS) for mangoes is pro-

posed. Red peel was selected using two types of color space values at chroma = 22 and

hue angle = 52˚. Eighteen out of 25 fully-ripened fruits were graded as “excellent,” deter-

mined by the share of red area per fruit being in the range of 80% - 100%. In contrast, all

green-mature fruits were graded as “fair,” where the share of red area per fruit was <30%.

If the threshold for the share of the red area on the peel is set between 10% (maximal

green-mature fruits) and 18% (minimal fully-ripened fruits), automatic removal of green-ma-

ture fruits on a grading line is feasible. CVS was effective for nondestructively assuming

anthocyanin concentration. A linear relationship between the natural logarithm of the con-

centration and hue angle was observed (y = −0.0542x + 7.83), with a correlation coefficient

accuracy of 0.94 and root mean square error of 1.31 mg∙kg−1. This result may be effective

for the visualization of anthocyanin distribution on mango skin. The threshold for red peel

can be in the range of 131 - 186 mg∙kg−1. This suggests that the pigment concentration is

usable as a universal threshold. This value is unaffected by conditions for image acquisition

or color measurement (e.g., light source, sensor, filter, and optical geometry), unlike color

space values as hue angle.

1. Introduction

Mango is a popular fruit worldwide; the total production of mangoes, mangosteens, and gua-

vas was 43 Mt in 2013, which has linearly increased from approximately 1 Mt/y since 1993

[1]. Many researches have attempted nondestructive evaluation of the internal qualities of

mangoes using light sensing, for example, Soluble Solid Content (SSC) [2]-[8], dry matter

[6]-[9], and other contents [2] [4] [5].

26
External fruit quality, as determined by skin color, is as important as internal factors be-

cause it is the first aspect sensed by consumers. However, there are few studies on the

evaluation of the external quality of mangoes. Malevski et al. [10] associated HunterLab

color values with the ripening velocity of “Haden” mangoes. Jha et al. [11] associated

SSC with color space values of “Dashehari” mangoes, measured using HunterLab col-

orimeter and by Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Principal Components Regression

(PCR), and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) analyses. Kang et al. [12] mon-

itored the change in maturity of “B74” mangoes on the basis of hue angle measured

using a Computer Vision System (CVS). Moreover, Makino et al. [13] predicted antho-

cyanin concentration in mango peels using hyperspectral imaging combined with PLSR

analysis.

Kikuchi et al. [14] reported that mangoes can be graded on the basis of the share of red

area on the surface of the fruit; such a type of grading can be done with the naked eye.

However, subjective methods may be unreliable as the threshold depends on an indi-

vidual’s evaluation; this may cause human errors. Therefore, evaluating external fruit

quality objectively is desirable.

In this study, an objective determination of the share of red area on the surface of

mangoes (i.e., peel) was attempted using CVS in combination with a digital still cam-

era. Some thresholds were proposed on the basis of color space values and pigment

concentration in a Region of Interest (ROI) on the surface of the fruit, and the share of

red area was calculated on the basis of the proposed thresholds using a mathematical

procedure. CVS was found to be usable for determining anthocyanin concentration in

mango peels. Anthocyanin is responsible for the red color of this fruit [15]. A scientifi-

cally-based calculation method to select the red area of mango peel is proposed in this

study.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Samples

Twenty-five fully-ripened and 15 green-mature mangoes (Mangifera indica L., cv. “Ir-

win”) were harvested on July 14, 2014 at a farmland in Yaese (Okinawa Prefecture,

Japan; 26˚09’43.5”N, 127˚42’53.1”E). This cultivar show brilliant red color on the peel

27
around ripe stage. Typical appearance of fully-ripened and green-mature fruits were

shown in Figure 1. After harvest, the samples were transported to a laboratory within 1

d at ambient temperatures. Samples consisting of 40 fruits were stored at a constant

temperature and humidity [27˚C, 90% (RH)] for 1 d for subsequent experiments.

2.2. Shooting Samples Using CVS

CVS was used for shooting the samples. A USB camera

(FMVU-13S2C-CS, Serial #: 13088045, Point Grey Re-

search Inc., Richmond, British Columbia, Canada) with

lens (13FM06IR, Tamron Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan) was

fixed to the central pole of a color viewer (PIAS IS-500,

Sugiura Laboratory Inc., Tokyo, Japan). The lower side

of the lens was 187 mm above the top of the sample.

This color viewer was equipped with six 10 W fluorescent lamps with a color tempera-

ture of 6500 K (D65) as the light source. The angle between the camera lens and light-

ing source axis was approximately 45˚, the same as that used by Mendoza et al. [16].

To determine the thresholds to select red peel, the following experiment was conducted.

sRGB images of a mango were acquired before and after ROI sampling. The images

were acquired in bitmap format by FlyCapture2 ver. 2.4.3.11 (Point Grey Research Inc.).

The shutter was set at 30 ms and the white balance (red and blue) was 530. By com-
paring both images shot before and after ROI sampling, the mean sRGB value of the

ROI (a square piece of peel measuring 30 × 30 mm) was calculated using MATLAB ver.

8.3.0.532 (MathWorks Inc., Natick, Massachusetts, USA). This value was used for sub-

sequent mathematical analyses. The ROIs were subjectively classified into three red,

yellow, and green. Then, a square piece of the peel equivalent to the ROI sampled was

used for measuring anthocyanin concentration.

2.3. Calculation of Color Space Values of the ROI

The conversion from sRGB to device-independent L*a*b* cannot be directly done using

a standard formula [17]. Therefore, an equation for the calibration of the camera was

made. When sRGB values are transformed to XYZ values, the following formula [16]

can be used:

28
where sR, sG, and sB are the intensities of light on red, green, and blue colors acquired

using CVS; X0, Y0 and Z0 are values of the Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage

(CIE) XYZ color space before being calibrated using a standard color chart. Color-

Checker Classic (X-rite, Inc., Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA) was captured using the

same camera. X0Y0Z0 values were calibrated to the correct XYZ values supplied by

the maker of the standard color chart using quadratic equations, referred in the litera-

ture [17].

The values for elements in the matrix M were calculated by MLR using the Unscrambler

X (ver. 10.3.39870.111, CAMO Software AS, Oslo, Norway). CIE L*a*b* values were

calculated from the calibrated XYZ values using the same equations as those used

by Papadakis et al. [18]. Chroma and hue angle were calculated using a* and b*, ac-

cording to the study conducted by Kang et al. [12]. Then, hue angle (radian) was trans-

formed to degree (˚) by multiplying 180/π.

2.4. Calculating the Share of Red Area on the Peel

The share of red area on the peel was calculated using the Image Processing Toolbox
complemented in MATLAB. First, background was removed from the image of a fruit.

The number of pixels (A) on the fruit was then counted. The image without the back-

ground was also used for counting the number of pixels on the red area (B) using the

thresholds. The thresholds to define the red area were determined by plotting color

space values of the ROI on chroma-hue angle coordinates. The share of red area [S

(%)] on the fruit was calculated using the following equation:

2.5. Calculating the Share of Red Area on the Peel

Anthocyanin concentration in the sampled peel was measured according to the method

proposed by Nagata et al. [19]. Formic acid (5%) was used as the solvent for anthocy-

29
anin extraction. The absorbance of the extract at 530 nm was converted to the mass of

delphinidin (molar extinction coefficient: 2.154 × 104 L∙mol−1∙cm−1), a type ofanthocy-

anin. This value was expressed in fresh weight basis. The relationship between antho-

cyanin concentrations and color space values was investigated.

3. Results

The matrix M to convert X0Y0Z0 to XYZ used in Equation (2) was determined by MLR

as follows:

Color space values of the ROI plotted on chroma-hue angle coordinates are shown in

Figure 2; ranges of red coloring were determined using the thresholds at chroma = 22

and hue angle = 52˚. According to the results, two color space values were needed to

select the red color. Hue angle was effective for determining the difference between

red and yellow. However, the value of green peel was in a wide range and chroma was

thus needed for selecting green.

Typical selection results of red color pixels

are shown in Figure 3 as binary images. The

shares of red pixels in a whole fruit were cal-

culated by dividing the number of pixels for red

peel areas in a binary image by the number of

pixels for the complete area in a binary image

[Equation (3)]. The images expressed as Ew

and Er were of a fully-ripened fruit, and those

as Fw and Fr were of a green-mature fruit. The

difference in the share of red areas between

the two fruits was apparent, according to the

30
calculated results.

In this study, 40 fruits

were graded on the basis

of the share of red area

reported by Kikuchi et al.

(2011) calculated using

thresholds determined on

chroma-hue angle coordi-

nates (Table 1). Eighteen fully-ripened fruits of 25 were graded as “excellent.” In con-

trast, all green-mature fruits were graded as “fair”. The minimum value

for fully-ripened fruits was 18, which was higher than the maximum value of 10 for

green-mature fruits. This suggests that the share value of the red area is useful for re-

moving green-mature fruits on a grading line. The relationship between hue angle and

anthocyanin concentration in mango peels (ROI) is shown in Figure

4. A linear relationship was observed between both variables. This suggests that CVS

is effective for nondestructively assuming anthocyanin concentration. The ROI of the

green area, however, did not fit the relationship. The distribution of the concentration of

the pigment on the surface of a fully-ripened fruit was visualized as a two-dimensional

map (Figure 5). This image may be useful for objective confirmation of the distribution

of the strength of redness on the fruit surface.

4. Discussion

A method to objectively grade mangoes using images acquired by CVS has been

proposed in the present study. Some thresholds to select pixels equivalent to red peel

are proposed. When the surface color of mangoes was classified into red, yellow, and

green, two types of variable were needed to determine the range for the red color.

Hue angle was ineffective for determining the difference between red and green peels

31
because the green ones were in a wide range (Figure 2). This value is decreased with

the color change from green to red; therefore, the value for red peels may be low. How-

ever, when the peel of a green-mature fruit

includes high anthocyanin concentrations,

the color is close to purple and hue angle is

low. Chroma was also needed to determine

the difference between red and green peels.

Chlorophyll a and b absorb light at 427, 429,

and 660 nm [20]. CIE designated that red

(sR) and blue (sB) are determined using

reflectance at 700 nm and 435.8 nm, respec-

tively. These findings suggest that chroma

as the strength of a color was decreased

by reducing the strength of reflection from a

sample including chlorophyll as green-mature

fruits. This phenomenon may be the reason that chroma was effective for determining

the difference between red

and green peels.

According to the graded

results, a gap was ob-

served between the min-

imum values of the share

for fullyripened fruits and

the maximum values for

green-mature ones (Table

1). This suggests that the

threshold set between the

minimum and maximum val-

ues is effective to remove green-matured ones that may have slipped into fully-ripened

ones.

32
Figure 4 shows that CVS is used for determining anthocyanin concentrations in the peel

of fully-ripenedmangoes. Makino et al. [13] reported that a hyperspectral camera can be

used for the same objective at a correlation coefficient accuracy of 0.94 and root mean

square error of 1.31 mg∙kg−1. In the present study, the concentration of anthocyanin

was more precisely assumed using CVS than using the hyperspectral camera. The

accuracy, however, may be affected by system devices and optical geometry. The dis-

tance between the lens and a sample in the present study was shorter by approximately

110 mm than that reported in a previous study by Makino et al. [13]. The data accuracy

improves with the strength of the ray. Reduction in distance in the present study might

improve accuracy for assuming anthocyanin concentrations. According to the study con-

ducted by Makino et al. [13], prediction accuracy for anthocyanin concentrations in the

peel of green-mature fruits using a hyperspectral camera was affected by chlorophyll

a concentration on the basis of the analytical results obtained on using PLSR analysis.

This may be caused by the chlorophyll a compound seriously affecting the intensity of

the ray reflected from the fruit. This suggests the reason why the ROI data of green-ma-

ture fruits did not fit the equation presented in Figure 4.

Grading results for fully-ripened fruits using 151 mg∙kg−1 of anthocyanin concentration

(=52˚ of hue angle) agree with the results presented in Table 1. According to the result

in Figure 4, the threshold for red peel may be in the range of 131 - 186 mg∙kg−1. This

may represent scientific evidence of a threshold for determining red peel and suggests

that the pigment concentration is usable as a universal threshold. This value is unaffect-

ed by the shooting conditions of light source, sensor, filter, or optical geometry, unlike

color space values as hue angle.

In the present study, the thresholds were subjectively determined; however, the share

of red area was objectively calculated. In the conventional method, all the processes to

determine the grade of a fruit are subjectively treated [14]. This suggests that the meth-

od proposed here progresses the grading method toward an automatic one. The thresh-

olds and linear equation to estimate anthocyanin concentration may also be usable for

grading further varieties of red-colored mangoes other than “Irwin,” such as “Tommy

Atkins” and “Heidi” [15]. The time required to acquire an image and the cost to purchase

a device for CVS are 1/4000th and 1/100th of a hyperspectral camera, respectively. This

contributes to high efficiency of fruit selection on grading lines, indicating that CVS can

33
 be easily and practically used at grading lines.

Acknowledgements

Financial support was provided to our research group by the Japan Society for the Pro-

motion of Science Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A) 25252045.

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[2] Tanabe, T., Akinaga, T., Kohda, Y., Kouno, Y., Maeda, H. and Mizuno, T. (1995) Internal Quality Mea-

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[5] Hasbullah, R., Tanabe, T., Tanaka, M. and Akinaga, T. (2002) Non-Destructive Prediction of Internal

Quality of Heat-Treated “Irwin” Mango by Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Journal of the Society of Agricul-

tural Structures, Japan, 33, 155-166.

[6] Saranwong, S., Sornsrivichai, J. and Kawano, S. (2004) Prediction of Ripe-Stage Eating Quality of

Mango Fruit from Its Harvest Quality Measured Nondestructively by Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Posthar-

vest Biology and Technology, 31, 137-145. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2003.08.007

[7] Subedi, P.P., Walsh, K.B. and Owens, G. (2007) Prediction of Mango Eating Quality at Harvest Using

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[8] Subedi, P.P. and Walsh, K.B. (2011) Assessment of Sugar and Starch in Intact Banana and Man-

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[10] Malevski, Y., Gómez, B.L., Peleg, M. and Silberg, M. (1977) External Color as Maturity Index of Man-

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eng.2005.08.048

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Distribution Estimation for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Using Hyperspectral Imaging. Journal of Science

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35
 SPECIAL REPORT
Is Really Indian Media Still Fourth Pillar of Democracy ?
On 20th Jan 2017, The World Economic Forum released a very shocking report , that

labelled the Indian media as the “MOST UNTRUSTED INSTITUTION” after Australia in

the world.

The survey was conducted by Edelman trust Barometer, who is in the media business for

over 20 years now and has business in over 38 countries.  The survey showed that the

trust of people of media, NGOs and business was in all time low and the credibility and

motive of these institutions have been under question.

The Indian media which is well known for spreading fake stories, false propaganda have

completely lost their credibility and become one of the most corrupt institutions with abso-

lutely no ethics or responsibility.

The hypocrisy of the media got exposed with the emergence of social media. Media

people who call themselves journalists turned into PR (personal) agents of few political

parties to earn benefits.

A total of 28 countries were survey, out of which 17 countries expressed their mistrust on

the media.

Majority of people in 28 countries have expressed displeasure over the media reports.
It is also said that people cannot trust the media content as most of them have found to

have vested interest and exploit the situation for gaining TRPs. Eldem report said that

overall there has been an “ global implosion” in trust.

Richard Edelman said in his reports that people today see media has a corporate ma-

chine and part of elite class. The media which is suppose to reflect the opinion and voice

of the unheard, today speaks for the rich and influential people and hence there is total

trust deficit with the corporate institution and people said Edelman.

Definitely no one can surprise on report for indian media. Just recall last year , how Indi-

an journalists have used silly issues and blown it out of proportion to create panic among

people. The Intolerance issue which was scripted by media showed how Indian was

maligned in the international level. The issue was orchestrated as few people in the elite

class could not accept the fact that Modi won the elections and wanted to tag India and

36
his government as communal.

Building a narrative against the country using anti national voice like Kanhaiya Kumar

and Burhan Wani was something which can be called a disaster of this country. In all

cases, it is very much evident that it was media and people form Lutyens club of Delhi

who played main role in spreading fake stories in the country. While the middle class

and the poor had no idea about the word intolerance, the media and the elite club was

jumping on the fake issues.

It is absolutely true that there is no trust in media and the news channels have turned

out to be a gossip box, with people ranting nonsense 24 hours. The main stream media

has already lost relevance with the emergence of social media. The best examples is

how NDTV viewership has fallen below 2% especially after their Anti national stand.

37
 HINDU’S PRIDE
Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on
the forehead?

The tilak or pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others. It is recognized

as a religious mark. Its form and colour vary according to one’s caste, religious sect or

the form of the Lord worshipped.

In earlier times, the four castes (based on varna or colour) - Brahmana, Kshatriya,

Vaishya and Sudra - applied marks differently. The brahmin applied a white chandan

mark signifying purity, as his profession was of a priestly or academic nature. The ksha-

triya applied a red kumkum mark signifying valour as he belonged to warrior races. The

vaishya wore a yellow kesar or turmeric mark signifying prosperity as he was a business-

man or trader devoted to creation of wealth. The sudra applied a black bhasma, kasturi

or charcoal mark signifying service as he supported the work of the other three divisions.

Also Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of “U”, Shiva worshippers a

tripundra of bhasma, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on). The tilak cover

the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and thinking. It is known as

the Aajna Chakra in the language of Yoga.

38
The tilak is applied with the prayer -

“May I remember the Lord. May this pious feeling pervade all my activities. May I be righ-

teous in my deeds.”

Even when we temporarily forget this prayerful attitude the mark on another reminds us

of our resolve. The tilak is thus a blessing of the Lord and a protection against wrong

tendencies and forces.

The entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves - the forehead

and the subtle spot between the eyebrows especially so. That is why worry generates

heat and causes a headache. The tilak and pottu cools the forehead, protects us and

prevents energy loss. Sometimes the entire forehead is covered with chandan or bhas-

ma.

The space on the forehead between the eyebrows is the center of the brain’s thinking

faculties. The Yogis calls it the Ajna Chakra. It is also termed as Lord Shiva’s third eye as

it is the abode of noble thoughts. Application of sandalwood paste or vermillion as a tilak

on the spot helps in nurturing the Ajna Chakra and the two adjacent glands. This also de-

velops intellectual power, vitality and faculty of thinking. Therefore ,application of tilak is

beneficial from both a scientific and spritiual point of view. That is why there is a custom

in Hindus religion to apply tilak before starting any auspicious task.

The focus of consciousness in the majority of women is generally centered at the

Swadhishthan or Manipur centers. These centers are filled with attributes of fear, emo-

tions and fancy. Rishis have prescribed the use of tilak for ladies so that they are not car-

ried away by emotions and fancies ; and their third eye ; the abode of the brain’s thinking

faculties, is properly developed .

Using plastic reusable “stick bindis” is not very beneficial, even though it serves the pur-

pose of decoration.

39
The Great Indian Irony

40
 AYUR PLANT
Haritaki – The Wonder Medicine for the Brain

Botanical name : Terminalia chebula Retz. & Willd. (Combretaceae)

Sanskrit Name:  Haritaki, Abhaya, Pathya

Vernacular Names: Chebulic myrobalan (English), Harda (Hindi), Analekai (Kannada), Kadukai

(Malayalam), Kadukaai (Tamil), Kaduka (Telugu)

The power of Haritaki is recorded in ‘Chikitsa Sthana’, the special therapy section of the the early

Ayurvedic text, the “Charaka Samhita”, or the ‘Compendium of Charaka’ dating back to 300 B.C.

Ayurveda is the sacred science of longevity, hoslitic health, wellbeing in the vedic tradition.

Paramahamsa Nithyananda has announced the Haritaki as the wonder medicine for the brain.

This discovery is one of the biggest gifts to humanity, which can rapidly heal numerous diseases

and ailments. Paramhansa Nityananda’s words

41 56
“The oxygen level in the blood increases to 300%. The whole stomach gets

cleansed. That is one thing. The main thing is the whole blood becomes pure. 300%

oxygen means equivalent to 2 hours of Pranayama.

Your whole ulcer gets healed. The stomach has subtle small ulcers. The whole ulcer

gets healed. Mouth ulcer, stomach ulcer, gets healed. And the oxygen level in the

blood drastically increases.

The laziness, sleep comes down. Feels like as if you have done 2 hours of Pran-

ayama. So do not miss Kadukai podi in powder. Don’t take as a legyam and all just

Kadukai podi one teaspoon. Somehow swallow and drink the water. It is a ‘Sarvaro-

ga Nivarani’. Just like morning neem juice, night Kadukai podi. Night Kadukai podi.

Your blood pressure, diabetes everything becomes normal.

If you have mouth smell, take Kadukkai podi for three days, it will be healed. Mouth

smells only because of stomach ulcers and the heat. You may be from any back-

ground, Kadukkai podi is the healer of all deceases. Kadukai podi increases your

longevity. The power of the Kadukkai podi – it just makes you young.”

1. The Cure All Herb –   The Master has termed Kadukkai Podi as ‘Sarva Roga

Nivarani’ (‘that which heals all diseases’) in Sanskrit.  For centuries, Ayurveda heal-

ers have called Haritaki the ‘king of medicines’. Ayurvedic healers believe it exists to

destroy all diseases, eliminates all waste from the body, and promote tissue growth

and health.

In the vedic tradition, the word ‘roga’ not just implies to physical diseases, but also

extends to all sufferings that make us powerless, and thus out-of-integrity – phys-

ically, mentally, consciously. This wonder-medicine removes the body’s toxins in a

natural way and makes one more energetic. It also purifies the blood and removes

fat residues from the arteries and veins. It heals diabetes, hypertension and heart

problems. It helps the vision to become sharp.

42
2. Weeding Out the Root Patterns – Made of the powdered nut of the kadukka tree

native to India, this medicine works in a subtle way on the mind as well, wiping away

all the engraved memories (samskaras) and negative mental patterns, helping one to

become aware of the inauthenticities, and complete with their root patterns.

3. Awakening Non-Mechanical Parts of the Brain – It enhances the build-up of

prana, a subtle energy which awakens the non-mechanical parts of the brain, mak-

ing the brain and body fresh and alive. When the non-mechanical parts of the brain

are awakened, it makes one more capable, sensitive and intelligent, and the person

starts growing in awareness. With these new capabilities, when one receives the

higher truths, they are absorbed more easily. The person starts using and applying

the great truths and understandings as a key to every situation. This kind of psycho-

logical revolution helps one reorganize one’s thoughts and activities towards a more

healthy, joyful and ecstatic life based on the newer understandings.

 4. Body-Mind Rejuvanation – Haritaki helps in the intellect, the strength of the

body, stimulates the senses and aids to expel the urine, stool and other waste materi-

al from the body easily, rejuvenating the body. The gargles with the decoction of Harit-

aki Powder soothes the throat. It is a digestive aid. It helps in the pulmonary system

of the body. It is also very beneficial for gums. It improves digestion, promotes the

absorption of nutrients, and regulates colon function.

How to use :

Every day before going to bed take 1 tbsp of Haritaki powder. Take the raw powder

into the mouth. You can even use your finger and brush it all over your mouth, like

brushing. Please take it gently and allow it to fully mix with your saliva. Then, simply

drink water, and gargle down the water. While Haritaki has its unique taste during

intake, within few minutes, you will enjoy the nectarine sweet flavor.

Source : http://bfoodfree.org/practice/haritaki-nectar-the-spiritual-cleanser/

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