Yesterday and today were observed with piety and compassion by many people around the world.

Yesterday was Eid al-Adha, the holy day of sacrifice in Islam, where Ibraham was ready to sacrifice his dearest possession, his son.

Today is Vamana Jayanti. In Hinduism, the omnipresent God Vishnu reincarnated in the form of Vamana for the sake of Bali, the benevolent emperor. Bali had to sacrifice his most dearest possession, ego to evolve to the next stage of his life.

In both these incidents, when they were ready to sacrifice for the greater good, God always ensured these sacrifices never go in vain. Abraham got back his son and Bali would become Indra in the next manvantara cycle as per the respective religions.

The associated rituals and festivities are of specifics based on individual, regional and religious traditions. So keeping these rituals aside for the observance of respective followers, let both of these holy days remind us of the importance of raising above selfish deeds. Sacrifice the narrow personal possessions of material or ego for the greater good of the world.

Wishing you all blissful days of piety, compassion and festivities associated with these holy days.