A Leap Year’s Union of Sacred and Social Equality
Isn’t it a curious coincidence that we get to celebrate both on the same day this leap year 2024?
It got me thinking… could there be a deeper connection between the two? So, I did some soul-searching, and I’m super excited to share what I found!
Let’s take a trip back in time, thousands of years ago, to the cosmic realms where divine energies were busy crafting our universe. There was this incredible divine form called Ardhnarishwar, a perfect blend of masculine and feminine energies, representing Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati as one.
The story goes that when the universe was being created, Lord Brahma needed both masculine and feminine energies to proceed. So, he prayed to Lord Shiva, who then appeared as Ardhnarishwar, teaching everyone the importance of respecting and integrating both energies.
Fast forward to the early 20th century on Earth, this divine lesson resonated with humanity, especially when women began to stand up for their rights. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City for fairer working conditions and voting rights, echoing Ardhnarishwar‘s call for balance and respect.
The movement gained momentum, and by 1910, Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of International Women’s Day, which was first celebrated in 1911. Then, in 1917, Russian women’s protests for “bread and peace” set March 8 as the official date for this special day.
Now, every year, we celebrate Maha Shivaratri, honoring Lord Shiva and the profound symbolism of Ardhnarishwar. It’s a reminder to embrace both masculine and feminine aspects within ourselves and strive for harmony.
Similarly, International Women’s Day on March 8 is all about celebrating women’s achievements and pushing for gender parity, resonating with the message of balance and equality that Ardhnarishwar and Maha Shivaratri represent.
And here’s where it gets even more interesting – this celebration aligns perfectly with Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality too. SDG 5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, echoing the message of balance and equality symbolized by Ardhnarishwar and celebrated on International Women’s Day.
It’s a call to action for all of us to work towards a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities and rights.
Just as Ardhnarishwar and Maha Shivratri symbolize the unity of masculine and feminine energies, International Women’s Day and SDG 5 remind us of the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
It’s a day to reflect, celebrate, and advocate for the rights and recognition of women, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their contributions are valued.
Together, these celebrations and goals teach us the importance of harmony, respect, and equality, guiding us toward a more balanced and compassionate world.
So, as we celebrate these two special occasions, let’s remember the importance of harmony, respect, and equality, and work towards a more balanced and compassionate world. Cheers to all the incredible women out there, and here’s to celebrating the divine balance in all of us!
