Amazing facts about Ganesh Chathurthi !!

Lord Ganesh

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated throughout India with a great spirit and exuberance. This day symbolizes the birth day of Lord Ganesh, the elder and most beloved son of Lord Shiva and Mata Paarvati.

The celebration of this divine festival begins on the fourth day of the waxing moon period, “Shukla Chaturthi” and culminates on the fourteenth day which is known as “Anant Chaturthi”.

This festival is celebrated by Hindus with a great devotion and enthusiasm. On the last day of the festival the idols are ordained with red emollient or sandal paste and taken out publicly in Pandaals, hymns and mantras are sung by the priests throughout the way, prasad is distributed among-st the devotees and then finally immersed traditionally into the holy water bodies.

A priest performing rituals of the ceremony

Here are some interesting facts about Ganesh Chaturthi that will blow your mind!!

Fact 1: The unknown significance of Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is also the day of proclamation as Lord Shiva declared Ganesha to be superior of all Hindu Gods.

Fact 2: Lord Ganesha and his multiple names

Lord Ganesha is addressed by about 108 names in total.

The most common name by which lord Ganesha is addressed by is Vinayaka.

The other important names are:

‘Vighna Harta'-the remover of obstacles

'Buddhi Pradaayaka' -the provider of wisdom and intellect

Fact 3: Ek dant-the one with only one tusk.

An interesting story lies behind this term ‘Ek dant’. According to Hindu mythology, Ganesha while having ride on His mouse during childhood; the moon observed Him from the sky and made fun of His belly. Angered by this remark, He broke his tusk and tossed it on the moon cursing the moon that no one would ever glance it on His birthday!! Although the curse was undoomed but still it is considered inauspicious to glace moon on Ganesh Chaturthi.

Fact 4: Lord Ganesha has four hands

Rope in upper left hand-to pull the devotees towards the Truth

Axe in upper right hand-to cut the attachment of devotees with pluralism of world

Rice balls in lower left hand-as a reward to devotees for amends

Gesture Of courage in lower right hand-to protect the devotees from the hurdles of life

Fact 5: Lord Ganesha’s marital status

Most people consider Lord Ganesha to be bachelor. Only a few know the fact that He had two wives-Ridhi and Sidhi who were created by Lord Brahma.

Fact 6: The first public celebration

The public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi has its roots in the era of the great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, who promoted the culture in 17^th century.

Fact 7: Struggle for public celebration during the battle for independence

 

In the 19^th century, during our struggle for independence, the ban on the public celebration by the British rulers was revived by the freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak who also bridged the gap between Brahmins and non Brahmins and strengthened the bond between them.

 

Fact 8: The first person who installed Lord Ganesha’s idol publically was Bhausaheb Laxman Javale.

 

Fact 9: The celebration and the environmental issues

In early days, this festival was celebrated by using Eco friendly, mud made Ganesha idols. But sadly, nowadays the idols made with P.O.P (Plaster of Paris) are being used which are contributing to high dose of water pollution.

Fact 10: The duration of ceremony of Ganesh Chaturthi

The duration of ceremony of Ganesh Chaturthi varies in different areas depending upon place and its culture. The maximum celebration takes place in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra which is for for 10 days.  Where as in other parts of India, it is celebrated only for one day. The celebration also takes place in other parts of world  like Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Nepal and China.

Fact 11: The main ceremonies of the festival

The four main ceremonies of the festival are-

Pranapratishhtha – infusion of the deity into idol

Shhodashopachara - 16 forms of paying homage to Ganesha

Uttarpuja –the prayer before the immersion of idol into water bodies

Ganpati Visarjan - immersion of the Idol in the water bodies. 

Ganpati Visarjan

Fact 12: The offerings of ceremony

21 'modakas' (rice flour preparation)

21 'durva' (trefoil) blades

Rakta chandan

Coconut

Jaggery

Red flowers

Modaks

Fact 13: The sources of hymns

Vedic hymns- Rig Veda and Ganapati Atharvashirsha Upanishad

Ganesha stotra- Narada Purana

Every year, the devotees celebrate this festival wholeheartedly to be showered with blessings of knowledge and wisdom, chanting:

"Ganapathi Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya"

(O father Ganesha, come again soon next year). 

Janmashtami in twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan

Janmashtami also known as Gokul Ashtmi, Sree Jayanti, Saatam Aatham or Ashtami Rohini is one of the most popular Indian festivals among Hindus. Janmashtami is a fusion of two words: Janma (birth) and Ashtami (eight). The month of August-September (Bhadrapad) in Hindu calendar on the eighth day of dark fortnight marks the birth of Sri Krishna-the eighth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Owing to his sharp-witted and cheerful nature, he became more of a friend and guide to most of his devotees unlike other Gods.

There was a prediction that Kansa, the ruler of Yadav province ‘Mathura’ would be killed by the eighth son born to his sister Devaki. To escape from this premonition, Kansa imprisoned his sister and her husband-Vasudeva and killed all the six children born to Devaki. Their seventh child Balram was handed to Rohini under cover. The night their eighth child Krishna was born, Vasudeva broke out from the prison and handed over the child to Nanda and Yashodha in Gokula.

Although Janamashtmi is celebrated in almost all parts of India but in Mathura and Vrindavan, it is celebrated with much more zeal and enthusiasm. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and Vrindavan was the place where Lord Krishna performed ‘Rasleelas’ with Gopis.

All the temples are magnificently decorated. The grand celebration is held in Dwarkadhish temple where the ritual of giving holy bath to Krishna with milk and curd is performed. The voice of prayers and devotees chanting hymns echoes in the air.  Several pujas and religious ceremonies are also held all throughout the day. After prayer, Panchamrit (mixture of honey, gangajal, curd and ghee) and Prasad is distributed to the devotees. The devotes who have kept fast;  break their fast with this Prasad. ‘Jhulanotsava’, several natyas (dramas) and Rasleelas (dance performances)  are  also organized all over the city. Besides this, the act of breaking earthen pots is performed  depicting the memories of childhood of Krishna. The earthen pots are filled with curd and butter and hung up over the streets. The young men climb on each other’s shoulders, form pyramids and try to break the pots.

Sri Radha Raman Mandir

Varindavan- There are over 4000 temples of Vrindavan where all the ceremonies and rituals of Janamshtmi are held. A few of them are ISKCON temple, Ranganathji Temple and Radharaman Temple. 

Madhuban is an area in Vrindavan near the Yamuna River There is a temple in the middle of Madhuban forest which is considered to be the place where ‘Rasleelas’ were performed by Krishna with his Gopis and also a separate room is there where Radha and Krishna take rest after dancing. The people of Vrindavan believe that Krishna and Radha still appear every night and play Raasleela in a Madhuban forest. 

There also has been a Hindi song on this folklore:

“Madhuvan Main Jo Kanhaiya Kisi Gopi Se Mile
 Kabhi Muskaaye,  Kabhee Chhede, Kabhee Baat Kare
 Radha Kaise Na Jale, Radha Kaise Na Jale”

The ‘Madhuban forest’  is full of trees and monkeys. Those trees are connected to each other and are believed to be lord Krishna and Radha. People say that all trees become Gopis at night; and monkeys and all other insects disappear away. Till date, no one has ever witnessed the Raasleela of Radha-Krishna in this forest. It is believed that whosoever has even tried or entered the forest at dusk has met with fatal consequences. Some had gone mad, some never went back and some died also. Even those who had gone back were not in condition to describe what they had witnessed. Nobody knows whether it is supreme power or there is really the arrival of Radha-krishna at night.
During the day, the devotees come to worship the place. After 5 PM the temple is closed and after worshiping at 8 PM, the priest of the temple keeps brushes and water every night. In the morning, the items seem to have been used up!!

Even today, this festival is celebrated with great zeal and honor. All this is the result of devotion and faith in ‘Lord Krishna’. ‘His’ birthday is observed as a day of ‘good charm’.  The devotees regard ‘Him’ as the protector of brotherhood and savior of the whole world. 

The author Yann Martel has beautifully written the following lines in praise of Lord Krishna:

“I entered the church, without fear this time, for it was now my house too. I offered prayers to Christ, who is alive. Then I raced down the hill on the left and raced up the hill on the right—to offer thanks to Lord Krishna for having put Jesus of Nazareth, whose humanity I found so compelling, in my way."

Best gift ideas that will make you a wonderful brother on this rakhi!!

Girls of every age love receiving presents in cute packages and wrappings. And the most precious gifts which they admire are Rakhi gifts as these reflect the bond of love with their brothers. When it comes to Rakhi gifts, the key rule is to keep your sister’s personality and likes/dislikes in mind. Whether it is costly or of reasonable price, the most important thing which matters is it must bring smile on your sister’s face. Prove the very wrong myth that guys are insensitive in choosing gifts for their sisters!!

Here are some catchy ideas which will blow your sister’s heart!

For your young little sissy

Little girls love to receive cute and cuddling soft toys, chocolates or some nice stationery items. You may also gift them their favorite story books, video games or dresses which will be relished by them.

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Hobby products

If your sister has a creative mind or is dwelling in a particular hobby, encourage her with a gift that improves her passion.

If she has interest in collecting decorative items, you can add some bizarre figurines and wall decorative.

The blooming photographers could be gifted latest photography cameras or a collection of lenses for their D.S.L.RS! For nature lover, exotic plants are the best option.

Music lover-Get your sister a smart and sleek M.P 3 player that helps her entertain herself during free time. 

Amateur chefs can be gifted cooking books, apps, non stick kitchen accessories and many more.

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Personalized gifts

Another way to strengthen this bond is by personalizing the gifts. With a bit extra effort, customize the gifts with customized photo frames, t- shirts, mugs, diaries or photo albums with the pictures of you and your sister.

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Jewellery

Jewellery is the first love of women. Women’s relationship with necklaces and trinkets is eternal. If you are a brother who believes in investing in your sister’s future, jewellery can serve as a perfect gift. Especially if you buy her gold coins, necklaces, rings, bangles, earrings and other ornamental pieces in precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, etc.  Seal your promise of brotherly love in a simple creation by Tanishq, Malabar, Kalyaan jewelers and many more.

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Fashion Attire

Women are the fashion freaks, everybody knows it. Although having their closets occupied with hundreds of outfits, they will always say: We don’t have a nice dress!! So you can take them to shopping and let her choose apparels of their favorite brands by themselves. Another way is to arrange shopping vouchers for them to have endless shopping. Online shopping sites are also available for instant shopping sitting at home. But always remember; don’t let them empty your pockets!! 

Accessories

For sister who loves to accessorize her looks in trendy way, present her round, cat-eye, brow-line, sporty sunglasses; aviators. A basket full of herbal skin and hair products for the sister who is fond of Ayurvedic products is another great option. Working sisters can be surprised by gifting them nice office bags, laptop bags, satchels or Apple products like I-Pad or I-Phone.

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Home & kitchen care

Everyone loves to decorate their house specially married women. To help revamping her home; bed linen, cushion covers, dinner sets and table wares can be selected.

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If your sister is vintage lover; antique artifacts with rough and natural finishes and pastel palettes color can be chosen.

So, enjoy this Rakhi by surprising your sisters with amazing presents!!!

Celebrating 70 years of Independence of India

"If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India."

—Romain Rolland

August 15 is an auspicious day for India; a day of pride, joy and glory. This day reminds of the priceless struggle and sacrifice of the freedom fighters for the independence of the country. Every year, Indians celebrate this day for their freedom from British colonialism. On 15th August, 1947, Pundit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India; raised the esteemed tricolor national flag above Lahori gate of Red fort in Delhi.

As we all know, Saffron color symbolizes courage and sacrifice. White color symbolizes purity in thoughts and truth in speech. Green color symbolizes faith, fertility and prosperity.  24 spokes of the chakra represents noble teachings of Buddha.

Nehru delivered his famous speech ‘Tryst with destiny’ which represented the struggle of freedom fighters and future of India.

“Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.”

This day still holds great significance in the hearts of Indian citizens. Following the occasion of 1947, the stunning celebrations are held every year with great enthusiasm on the embankment of Red Fort in New Delhi making the capital of India the centre of all celebrations. The Prime Minister hoists the national flag, addresses the nation and pays homage and tribute to the freedom fighters of the country. The National Anthem of India-‘Jana Gana Mana’ is sung and the parades of Indian forces are held. 

India will be now celebrating its 70 years of independence. The great ceremony of hoisting flag is observed in schools, colleges, institutions and government offices throughout India. The buildings are decorated by tricolor lights blossoming the feeling of patriotism in citizens. Several movie channels telecast old and new patriotic movies on TV. Some channels also organize special cultural programs and telecast classics. The people of Indian Origin and NR I's celebrate this day as “India Day” in various parts of the world. This motivates the citizens to join hands and contribute towards the nation.

The aroma of free air we experience is not really free. There are many social, economic and political issues acting as an obstacle for the growth of country. All the issues arising here is because of the lack of national integration and awareness. The need and requirement of the hour is to stand unitedly against these issues . 

Rabindranath Tagore has rightly said in Geetanjli-

“Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action;
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action.”

Top 10 tricks to remove pimples naturally

Beauty is the most precious jewel of women. It is at the top demand of the investors in every field. Every woman has become more conscious of her looks and appearances. Taking advantage of this, the markets have started supplying different skin care products but these are more a bane than boon and are also not pocket friendly.

One of the most common skin problems in this rainy season is pimples.

According to American Academy of Dermatology; Acne plagues about 85 percent of teens in each generation. An estimated 40 million to 50 million Americans have acne.

Here are some easy tricks to get rid of these culprits of beauty!!

1. Ice

Ice can be used to instantly reduce the redness, swelling and inflammation of pimples. It improves blood circulation to the affected area and removes dirt and oil accumulated on the skin.

Directions of use:

Use ice cubes or crushed ice, whichever is convenient.

Wrap the ice in a piece of cloth and hold it on the affected skin area for a few seconds. 
Wait a few minutes and repeat the process.

2. Lemon

Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. It helps pimples dry up faster.

Directions of use:

Dip a cotton swab in fresh lemon juice and apply it to the pimples before going to bed.

You can also mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and put it on the pimples overnight. 
In the morning, wash your face with lukewarm water (remedy is not applicable for sensitive skin)

Note: Always use fresh lemon juice and not bottled juice.

3. Honey

Honey has antibacterial properties which help in curing acne.

Directions of use:

Apply a teaspoon of honey or make a mask of 1/2 cup of honey with 1 cup of plain oatmeal and leave it on for 30 minutes.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an antibacterial. It also helps to decrease the redness and growth of pimples.

Directions of use:

Soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil and apply it on the affected area. Wash your face after 15 to 20 minutes.

An alternative way is to add a few drops of tea tree oil in 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel.
Apply it on pimples and then wash face after 15 to 20 minutes.

Note: Avoid tea tree oil in case of sensitive skin.

5. Green Tea

It is an antimicrobial and antioxidant that help to fight acne.

Directions of use:

Lay the green tea bag over the affected area.

Alternatively, use a cooled cup of green tea as a face wash

6. Mint

Mint can help remove pore-clogging oils of skin.

Directions of use:

Mix 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint with two tablespoons each of plain yogurt and blended oatmeal.

Leave the paste on your face for 10 minutes, and then rinse off with water.

7. Aloe Vera gel

It chills your skin off; diminishes the irritation and redness of pimples.

Directions of use:

Apply the Aloe Vera Gel to the affected area for 15 minutes and wash your face after 15 minutes with warm water.

8. Neem (Indian Lilac)

It contains salicylic acid, an anti-bacterial agent found in many commercial acne products. It also prevents excess oil from clogging pores.

Directions of use:

Make a paste of neem leaves by crushing them; apply it over the affected skin with cotton ball and leave it for 30 min.

9. Olive oil

Olive oil contains vitamins, anti-oxidants and iron.

Directions of use:

Put a few drops of olive oil on finger tips; apply it on pimples; keep it overnight and wish it the next day.

10. Toothpaste

Toothpaste is an extraordinary pimple treatment.

Directions of use:

Apply some white toothpaste to the affected regions of the skin.
Keep them for overnight and wash with cool water in the morning.

Note: use white glue instead of gel.

HAPPY RAINY SEASON!!