This is an English translation of @Shiva__1's pinned thread in Marathi. Was thinking of doing this for sometime. Think this is the right time as events which happened the other day have been really triggering, and this is exactly how I feel. Here goes. 1/19

I've honestly had enough, so now it's about time I said this out loud.

•We as a society have routinely backstabbed our fellow citizens belonging to the Muslim community.• 2/19
When I was a kid, dad used to take me to Sambhaji Brigade and Seva Sangh meetings. It was in these meetings that we learned the real history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

So far, the Brahminists have always distorted this history and spread falsehoods to 3/19
sow Islamophobia for their personal benefit, when the real story is completely different.

A lot of Muslims used to speak at and attend these meetings. And whenever I listened to or interacted with them, I sensed a very apologetic tone in their voice. 4/19
It was almost as if they were trying to say, "We Muslims are good people. Look at our contributions in history. Please don't misunderstand us. Please see us as your own people." 5/19
Till date, I see Muslims doing the same. Desperately trying to win the approval of so-called liberal Hindus. This is just Maharashtra that I'm talking about btw. Hindi Belt is beyond redemption. There's no point even trying to talk about it. 6/19
What I mean is, I've never seen them be confident, self-assured, and assertive.

My friend Adil Sheikh lives in the room next to mine. (Poor guy. He's stuck with me). He's studying for the state civil services and is very politically aware. His dad is a welding mechanic. 7/19
Adil and I regularly talk about politics and he knows that I vehemently oppose right wing politics. And yet, he never expresses his views about RW freely in front of me.

He probably feels that because I'm a Hindu, I will feel offended and our friendship will be ruined. 8/19
Imagine how terrible it feels when your own friend can't express himself freely in front of you, just because you're a Hindu and he's a Muslim. When I thought about this after he left the other day, I cried so much. 9/19
I had attended the protest for Maratha reservations and saw a lot of Muslim-owned stalls serving water and refreshments to the protestors. But when Muslims had protested for reservations in a few places, I wonder how many non-Muslims would have served them water? 10/19
I can guarantee, not even one!

On the one hand, our Muslim community has always steadfastly guarded secular principles.

And on the other hand, the 'progressive', 'politically correct' crowd always uses this community for its own political benefits. 11/19

More from India

"Busy Life Daily Puja & Neivedyas"

People would always have several doubts on what to offer bhagwan in their daily puja. For some it will be a million dollar question of how to do an express puja yet a satisfying one.


Upachara - "उपचार"

Refers to the offerings and services made to Bhagwan as part of worship. In shastras there are a count of upachara pujas we do.

पांच उपचार पूजा - 5 Upacharas
षोडशोपचार पूजा - 16 "
चतुःषष्ट्युपचार पूजा - 64 "

Out of these panch is used for daily puja.


Some use 16 upachras who are well versed with the way of doing it Effortlessly and have abhishekam at home daily. 64 is exclusively for festivals and special vrat. One can choose to do 5 upacharas daily and finish your puja peacefully.

How to start your Puja ?

1. Shudhikaran & Aachaman
2. Bhootashudhi & Pranayam
3. Sankalp
4. Choice of Upachara Puja
5. Aarti
6. Pradakshina
7. Mantra Pushpam
8. Bhoomi Sashtanga/Panchanga Namaskaram

Major pujas steps one should ideally follow

Shudhikaran & Aachaman

After bath and dressing with (washed clothes only) should arrange their requirements for puja.
Take water separately for Aachaman and Puja. Water shouldn't be used from same paatra ideally. Perform Aachaman as per your practice & for beginners - YouTube

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