Ohh Bhagavad Gita, but...

1. Is it some kind of preaching?

Well, its just Krishna and Arjuna talking to each other. The reader is the third person. Aren't you curious what they were up to?

Shivaji Maharaj

Shivaji Maharaj (1630 - 1680)

“Shivaji is one of the greatest national saviours who emancipated our society and our Hindu dharma when they were faced with the threat of total destruction. He was a peerless hero, a pious and God-fearing king and verily a manifestation of all the virtues of a born leader of men described in our ancient scriptures. He also embodied the deathless spirit of our land and stood as the light of hope for our future.”
- Swami Vivekananda

He inspired and united the masses to fight the tyranny of unjust rulers, by inculcating a sense of pride and nationality in them. Shivaji Maharaj successfully built, led and marshalled his forces to cope and overcome several major enemy invasions of his territories.

Pooja - That which is born out of fullness

Sri Sri performing Puja

The ancient sages brought sacredness in every celebration, so that you don't lose the focus in the hustle-bustle of the activity. Observing rituals and religious practices (called Puja) is simply showing  one's gratitude to the Divine. This brings depth to the celebration.

These practices, along with promoting spiritual values and harmony in the family and society, have a scientific foundation as well. Unfortunately today people do not have access to this understanding and the value systems and traditions are lost as a result.