Category:Mangalams

From Sahityam

maGgaLam-s are benedictory songs. The term literally means "auspiciousness." In Hindu custom, any ceremony (including worship, marriage, etc.) is concluded with some form of a maGgaLam, expressing best wishes for the well being of the individuals connected with it. In Hindu worship, devotees offer best wishes to the deity with the pronouncement of "jaya!" (victory) and zubham (good fortune).This is usually accompanied by hAratI, (called "ArAtrikaM" in Sanskrit and 'aarti' in North India), waving lit camphor in front of the deity (or people being blessed) in a vertical clockwise motion, or kuMkuM and turmeric powder dissolved in water waved in a horizontal clockwise motion. In the Carnatic Music concert, the maGgaLam features as the last item following this tradition.