Kuchela dinam or 'Kuchela's day' is an yearly festival celebrated by Hindus in south India. It is observed on the first Wednesday of the month of Dhanu in Malayalam calendar.
Erudite Kuchela (also known as Sudama), the childhood friend of Lord Krishna hesitantly visited his friend the Lord and made a humble offering of beaten rice (aval) to Krishna despite his abject poverty.
For Krishna and Rukmini it was the joy of greeting a childhood friend of great moral standing, and they greeted and hosted Sudama with love and reverence, doing his Pada Pooja and enjoying the food that he brought as Kanikkai (offering).
Following the offering, and every act of Krishna, changes were happening to Sudamas family situation, more than what they could have expected and wished for; the reason Kuchela was
Unconditional in his love and offering and never expected or asked anything in return from
The Lord.
The benevolence and blessings of Lord Krishna was overflowing with love
Several temples in South India, including the famous Guruvayur Temple observes kuchela dinam in remembrance of Kuchela's willingness to part his food despite extreme poverty.
Devotee's offer specially prepared beaten rice in Krishna temples on Kuchela dinam.
The offering is known as aval nivedyam and contains grated coconut, jaggery, ghee, dried ginger and cumin in addition.
Devotees believe that poverty will be eradicated and prosperity will follow after aval nivedyam.
Kuchela represents the ‘selflessness’ in us;
He represents the hesitation of using one’s friendship and privileges for personal gains;
He represents unconditional love;
He represents simplicity;
He represents abundance of goodness even under abject poverty;
Kuchela’s meeting with Krishna represents the depth of friendship;
That the omniscient force is aware and witness to everything in creation and draws the sincere and dharmic one for transformation into abundance even without one asking for it.
That anything we offer with unconditional love is invaluable;
The the Krishna the Collective Consciousness is your soul-
Atma;
Poverty is a myth in a heart-land which has a heart to share and care. Nature has everything for everyone!
Kuchela Dinam
Krishna shows the world that
Poverty is Adharma when nature is abundant!
The lesson for the Sudama Dinam.
Let’s care! Let’s share.
Let’s unconditional to hug the sweat of every Sudama;
Let’s be humble to wash his feet;
Let’s be respectful to offer a equal status in every relationship;
Let’s bless and wish abundance for all. !
Happy Kuchela Dinam