HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

New Year is discernible as ending of preceding year and commencement of the next year. New Year Day i.e. 1st January is the first day of the new calendar year. This day is celebrated all over world with great ecstasy and fanaticism. When the timepiece strikes 12 on 31st December merriment initiate to welcome the New Year and leave behind the past. This is how human being carves up and plans their life one year after other and every year is a new beginning with future plans and resolutions.

January is first month of the year and was named after god Janus. Janus observed to have two faces one to look behind in the old year and other to look forward into the new year both at same time and that very moment is 1st January 12:00 AM.

History:
Oldest celebrations for New Year started 4000 years ago in ancient Babylon. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon (actually the first visible crescent) after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring).

Earlier Roman calendar used to have just 10 months (surprisingly no January or February) and New Year starts from 1st of March. Roman calendar was tampered many a times before it settled down to 1st January as the New Year Day in 46 BC but there were 445 days in the previous year in order to synchronize this date.

New Year Celebrations:
New Year is one of the biggest festivals celebrated all over the world with elation and fervor. This festival is great example of unity in diversity as different countries have their own calendar for their own festivals but 1st January is common date to mark the beginning of New Year.

Fireworks are the biggest attraction and ingredient for celebrating New Year and it typically starts on 31st December and prolongs till early morning on 1st January. Next day starts with meeting family and friends and wishing them all the luck for New Year.

Most of the people instigate their carousing for the New Year by visiting their worship places to pray God for a better start in New Year and thanks for all the things he has blessed in the previous years.

New Year Resolutions:
Most fascinating part of the New Year is the New Year Resolutions. Individuals make resolutions to either get rid of their bad habits or to achieve their realistic dreams in the New Year. Some of the popular New Year Resolutions are:

· Quit Smoking
· Quit Drinking
· Loose Weight
· Gain Weight
· Manage Debt
· Save Money
· Spend more time with Family
· Reduce Stress
· Get Organized
· Reduce Stress

Here are some funny New Year Resolutions. Enjoy...

· Thinking of new excuses for taking leaves.
· This year definitely I complete the certification.
· I will not think about appraisal and rating.
· I will not switch job for money but for better role.
· Will not switch on my laptop as soon as I am home.
· Will not read forwarded funny mails
· I will not share my experiences on every topic.

Happy Holi!! Holi Khele Raghuveera!!!

What is Holi?
Holi also recognized as “Festival of Colors” is an admired Hindu festival celebrated in India and its neighboring countries although distinguished by diverse names in different locations.

Calculating the Day of Holi
Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalugna or Falguna. Phalguna Purnima is the final day of the year and the New Year heralding the Vasanta-ritu. In Hindu calendar this festival is also known as - Vasanta-Mahotsava and Kama-Mahotsava.
It is believed that Holi existed several centuries before Christ. However, the meaning of the festival is believed to have changed over the years. Earlier it was a special rite performed by married women for the happiness and well-being of their families and the full moon (Raka) was worshiped.

Legends and Mythology
The most prominent of all is the fable allied with demon king Hiranyakashyap. Hiranyakashyap sought all and sundry in his sovereignty to worship only him but his son, Prahlad became an ardent aficionado of Lord Naarayana. Hiaranyakashyap command his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap. Holika had a boon whereby she could enter inferno without any damage. However, she was not aware that the boon worked only when she enters the fire unaccompanied. As a result she paid a price for her sinister desires, while Prahlad was saved by the grace of the god for his extreme devotion. The festival, therefore, celebrates the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of devotion.
Holi Purnima is also celebrated as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (A.D. 1486-1533).
Legend of Lord Krishna is also coupled with play with colors as the Lord started the tradition of play with colours by applying colour on his beloved Radha and other gopis. Gradually, the play gained popularity with the people and became a tradition.
There are also a few other legends associated with the festival - like the legend of Shiva and Kaamadeva and those of Ogress Dhundhi and Pootana. All depict triumph of good over evil - lending a philosophy to the festival.

Celebrations
Holi is celebrated by citizens hurling coloured powder and coloured water at each other. A night before which is also known as Chhoti Holi bonfires are lit the in memory of the astounding escape that young Prahlad had when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire.

Mahashivratri!!! Har-Har-Mahadev!!!

What is Mahashivratri?
Mahashivratri is one of the supreme Hindi festivals celebrated with devotion and devout vehemence symbolizes the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Another adage is that Lord Shiva performed Tandav Nritya (the dance of the primitive construction, preservation and obliteration) on this holy night. Shivratri is the time when Shiva takes a rest. Shiva rests for one 'prahar' (three hours) of the night. Shiv-Ratri means "Night of Shiva" and this is the moonless fortnight devotees observe day and night fast together with lighting diyas and candles to appease Lord Shiva.

When is Mahashivratri?
Maha Sivaratri falls on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Maagha or Phalguna in the Hindu Calendar, which corresponds to the month of February - March in English Calendar.

Legends of Mahashivratri
There are assortments of interesting folklore allied to the festival of Maha Shivaratri:

Samudra Manthan

During Samudra Manthan by the Gods and Demons, a highly toxic posion came out of the ocean with intensity to wipe out entire creation. As per Lord Vishnu advice Gods approcahed Lord Mahadev who consumed this poison to emerge as Protector. Mahadev held poison in his throat leading to his throat became blue that why Lord Shiva is also known as NeelaKantha. Shiva was advised to keep awake during whole night and Gods performed various dance and music for the purpose.

Jyotirlinga

Once Lord Shiva had to intercede between Lord Vishnu and Lord Bramha as both skirmishing for superiority. Lord Shiva created a pillar of fire (Jyotirlinga) who's both the ends could not be seen. Lord Bramha and Lord Vishnu travelled in the opposite direction in the search of end. Once they were back Lord Vishnu accepted that he wasn't able to find the other end but Lord Bramha lied and then fuming Lord Shiva cursed him that no one will worship him.

Pralaya

On this day Goddess Parvati worshipped her husband Shiva to save the world from Pralaya (deluge).

Traditions and Customs of Shivaratri
An assortment of traditions and customs allied to Shivaratri Festival are submissively followed by the worshippers of Lord Shiva. Devotees observe austere fast in honor of Shiva, though many go on a diet of fruits and milk some do not consume even a drop of water. Devotees strongly believe that sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri, absolves a person of sins and liberates him from the cycle of birth and death. Shivaratri is considered especially auspicious for women. While married women pray for the well being of their husbands' unmarried women pray for a husband like Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the ideal husband.
To mark the Shivratri festival, devotees wake up early and take a ritual bath, preferably in river Ganga. After wearing fresh new clothes devotees visit the nearest Shiva temple to give ritual bath to the Shiva Lingum with milk, honey, water etc.
On Shivaratri, worship of Lord Shiva continues all through the day and night. Every three hours priests perform ritual pooja of Shivalingam by bathing it with milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water amidst the chanting of "Om Namah Shivaya' and ringing of temple bells. Nightlong vigil or jaagran is also observed in Shiva temples where large number of devotees spends the night singing hymns and devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva. It is only on the following morning that devotee break their fast by partaking prasad offered to the deity.

Significance of Shivratri
Festival of Mahashivaratri is the most imperative festival for the millions of devotees of Lord Shiva. The festival has been accorded lot of significance in Hindu mythology. It says that a devotee who performs truthful worship of Lord Shiva on the propitious day of Shivratri is absolved of sins and attains moksha.

26th January! Indian Republic Day!!!

26th January i.e. Republic Day of India is the day when India announced herself as Sovereign, Democratic and Republic state. India got Independence from British rule on 15th August 1947 but on Republic Day Indian Constitution come into force. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru was the first Prime Minister and Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India.
26th January was picked for Indian Republic day as on the same date in 1927 Indian National Congress voted for absolute Independence.
26th January is one of the three national holidays in Indian with other two being 15th August (Independence Day) and 2nd October (Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi)

Indian Constitution:
First draft for Indian Constitution was submitted by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on 4th November 1947 who was appointed as Chairman for the committee of 6 other members to form Indian Constitution. After numerous considerations and amendments document was signed by all the 308 Assembly members on 24th January 1950 and it came into force from 26th January 1950.
Indian constitution is the longest written constitution of any sovereign nation in the world. In the English language version it contains:
395 articles
12 schedules
94 amendments (last was in 12-June-2006)
117,369 words
Official Hindi translated version is also available.

Preamble:
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twentysixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

Celebrations:
Republic Day is eminent all over the country at all the administrative units like the capital cities, district headquarters, sub divisions, talukas, and panchayats.
Presidential address to the nation initiates the carousing of the Republic Day in Delhi. President of Indian then awards medals to individuals for their outstanding valor and gallantry in the time of catastrophe.
Republic Day Parade takes place from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort. The President of India takes salute of the contingents of Armed Forces.
Culture of all the Indian states comes alive with the pageant demonstrated by them.

National Anthem:
Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka, Jaya He
Bharata Bhagya Vidhata.
Punjab Sindh Gujarat Maratha
Dravida Utkala Banga
Vindhya Himachala Yamuna Ganga
Uchchala Jaladhi Taranga.
Tava Shubha Name Jage,
Tava Shubha Asisa Mange,
Gahe Tava Jaya Gatha,
Jana Gana Mangala Dayaka Jaya He
Bharata Bhagya Vidhata.
Jaya He, Jaya He, Jaya He,
Jaya Jaya Jaya, Jaya He!!!

National Song:
Vande Mataram, Vande Mataram!
Sujalam, Suphalam, Malayaja Shitalam,
Shasyashyamalam, Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Shubhrajyotsna Pulakitayaminim,
Phullakusumita Drumadala Shobhinim,
Suhasinim Sumadhura Bhashinim,
Sukhadam Varadam, Mataram!
Vande Mataram, Vande Mataram!!!

National Language:
HINDI is Indian National Language

National Flower:
LOTUS is Indian National Flower

National Animal:
TIGER is Indian National Animal

National Bird:
PEACOCK is Indian National Bird

National Emblem:
LION OF SARNATH is Indian National Emblem

National Currency:
INDIAN RUPEE is Indian National Currency and Coins are called PAISE.

National Tree:
FICUS BENGALENSIS is Indian National Tree.

National River:
GANGA is Indian National River.

National Fruit:
MANGO is Indian National Fruit.

Bol Bachan:
Ae Mere Vatan Ke Logon,
Jara Aankh Me Bhar Lo Paani,
Jo Shaheed Hue Hain Unki,
Jara Yaad Karo Kurbani!!!

I was one of those lucky ones who opened their eyes in Independent India. But I am not unaware of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters (even from our own family) to gave us the India that I live in. Now it’s our responsibility to make it progressive and secure. We need to find out opportunities where we can contribute towards Indian progress. You don’t need to go to the Indian border to prove your patriotism just look around yourself and you will find that prospect to make a difference. Best of Luck!!!

When is Indian Festival 2009?

When is Lohri in 2009?
Lohri in 2009 is on 13 January Tuesday.

When is Makar Sankranti in 2009?
Makar Sankranti in 2009 is on 14 January Wednesday.

When is Vasant Panchami in 2009?
Vasant Panchami in 2009 is on 31 January Saturday.

When is Mahashivaratri in 2009?
Mahashivaratri in 2009 is on 23 February Monday.

When is Holi in 2009?
Holi is 2009 is on 11 March Wednesday.

When is Ram Navami in 2009?
Ram Navami in 2009 is on 03 April Friday.

When is Baisakhi in 2009?
Baisakhi in 2009 is on 13 April Monday.

When is Mother's Day in 2009?
Mother's Day in 2009 is on 10 May Sunday.

When is Father's Day in 2009?
Father's Day in 2009 is on 15 June Monday.

When is Friendship Day in 2009?
Friendship Day in 2009 is on 02 August Sunday.

When is Raksha Bandhan / Rakhi in 2009?
Raksha Bandhan / Rakhi in 2009 is on 05 August Wednesday.

When is Shri Krishna Janmashtami in 2009?
Shri Krishna Janmashtami in 2009 is on 14 August Friday.

When is Ganesh Chaturathi in 2009?
Ganesh Chaturathi in 2009 is on 23 August Sunday.

When is Teacher's Day in 2009?
Teacher's Day in 2009 is on 05 September Saturday.

When is Navaratra Begins in 2009?
Navaratra Begins in 2009 on 19 September Saturday.

When is Id-Ul-Fitr in 2009?
Id-Ul-Fitr in 2009 is on 21 September Monday.

When is Dussehara in 2009?
Dussehara in 2009 is on 28 September Monday.

When is Karva Chauth in 2009?
Karva Chauth in 2009 is on 08 October Thursday.

When is Diwali / Deepavali in 2009?
Diwali / Deepavali in 2009 is on 17 October Saturday.

When is Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2009?
Guru Nanak Jayanti in 2009 is on 02 November Monday.

When is Children's Day in 2009?
Children's Day in 2009 is on 14 November Saturday.

When is Thanksgiving Day in 2009?
Thanksgiving Day in 2009 is on 26 November Thursday.

When is Eid-Ul-Adha in 2009?
Eid-Ul-Adha in 2009 is on 28 November Saturday.

When is Christmas in 2009?
Christmas in 2009 is on 25 December Saturday.

Indian Festival Calendar 2009

Major Indian Festival in 2009

January 2009
01 January Thursday New year
05 January Monday Guru Govind Singh Jayanti
13 January Tuesday Lohri
14 January Wednesday Makar Sankranti
15 January Thursday Pongal
17 January Saturday Swami Vivekananda Jayanti
26 January Monday Indian Republic Day
26 January Monday Mauni Amavasya
31 January Saturday Vasant Panchami

February 2009
14 February Saturday Valentines Fay
23 February Monday Mahashivaratri

March 2009
11 March Wednesday Holi

April 2009
03 April Friday Ram Navami
06 April Monday Bikram Samvat
07 April Tuesday Mahavir Jayanti
09 April Thursday Hanuman Jayanti
10 April Friday Good Friday
13 April Monday Baisakhi

May 2009
09 May Saturday Buddha Purnima
10 May Sunday Mother's Day

June 2009
02 June Tuesday Ganga Dussehra
15 June Monday Father's Day

July 2009
07 July Tuesday Guru Poornima

August 2009
02 August Sunday Friendship Day
05 August Wednesday Raksha Bandhan/Rakhi
14 August Friday Shri Krishna Janmashtami
15 August Saturday Independence Day
22 August Saturday Ramjan Begins
23 August Sunday Ganesh Chaturathi

September 2009
02 September Wednesday Onam
05 September Saturday Teacher's Day
19 September Saturday Navaratra Begins
21 September Monday Id-Ul-Fitr
28 September Monday Dussehara

October 2009
02 October Friday Gandhi Jayanti
08 October Thursday Karva Chauth
15 October Thursday Dhan Teras
17 October Saturday Diwali/Deepavali
18 October Sunday Govardhan Puja
19 October Monday Bhai Duj

November 2009
02 November Monday Guru Nanak Jayanti
14 November Saturday Children's Day
26 November Thursday Thanksgiving Day
28 November Saturday Eid-Ul-Adha

December 2009
25 December Saturday Christmas

Diwali 2008. Dhadaam De Dhoodom

“Diwali” One of the most propitious festivals celebrated with great tenderness and vehemence by all religions in India and Nepal. Diwali is celebrated across the globe as “Festival of Light” and signifies victory of Light over Darkness where Darkness symbolizes Ignorance and Light symbolizes Comprehension.

Many folklore are associated with Diwali. One of them depicts Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman returned to Ayodhya after 14-year of exile and populace of Ayodhya celebrated his return by rows of lighted oil lamps.

Diwali celebration time i.e. close to end of the year is also the last crop of the year and relatively wealthier quarter of the year for all rich and poor gives an opportunity to celebrate everybody and businessmen mark their year end with closure of accounts and begin their new accounting year by praying Goddess Laxmi who is deity of wealth.

Why name Diwali?

Diwali is factually altered form of Deepavali as Sanskrit word i.e. Deep+Avali where Deep means “Light” and Avali means “Row”. Lord Rama retuned to Ayodhya was celebrated with “Rows of Light” hence the name Deepavali.

Significance of Diwali

Ramayana elaborates this festival as triumphant victory of good over evil and the glory of light over darkness, a beam of hope over despair.

Diwali is celebrated over a period of five days and each days has its own significance from historic

Dhanvantari Trayodasi – Celebration of Diwali start from first day termed as Dhanvantari Trayodasi or Dhanteras. Dhanteras is celebrated in honour of Lord Dhanvantari who appeared during Sagar Manthan with Amrit Kalas and this is the major reason people purchase utensils on this day. It is also believed that any thing bought this day will get 13 times more valuable.

Narak Chaturdasi – Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated as notion of Lord Krishna defeating demon Narkasur and freeing 16,100 imprisoned women. This day remind us not to abuse our power and to conduit our strength for the greater benefit of mankind. Narak Chaturdashi also known as Karthik Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi, Roop Chaturdashi or Chhoti Deepavali.

Diwali – The day of Diwali is a ominous day and to make it auspicious people lighten up lamps and pray Godess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha. According to the Ramayana, the people of Ayodhya illuminated the kingdom with earthen lamps (diyas) to celebrate the return of their king, Lord Rama after he defeated the demon king Ravana who captured his wife Sita.

Govardhana Puja – Govardhan Puja marks worship of Cows. Hindus offer thanksgiving to cows and worship Lord Krishna with offerings of food arranged in the form of Govardhana, a hill in Vrindavana. It is a time for ceasefire and exoneration.

Bhaiya Duj - The fifth day of Diwali is called Bhaiya Duj and is dedicated to the relationship between a brother and a sister. It is a day when every brother takes time to visit the home of his sister and her family.

Celebration

The bravura Diwali celebrations are marked by multi-colored Rangoli designs, special pooja ceremonies, lines of lamps, floral decorations fireworks, exchange of sweets and gifts that lends sumptuousness to the occasion. Every home - lowly or mighty - the hut of the poor or the mansion of the rich - shines with the glow of twinkling diyas or candles to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Fireworks

Fireworks are one of the highlights of Diwali among all age groups and they enjoy grandeur and glitter of fireworks. Fireworks shops are installed at least a month before and even one month before Diwali we can hear sound and see sparkle of fireworks. Due to greater prominence by Government and other agencies towards noise and air pollution the amount of fireworks are getting less but enthusiasm is the same.

Bol Bachan:

Festivals are there to commemorate contentment and I wish you all the glee for Diwali. You may like to think about those beneath poverty line don’t have the dispensation of celebrating this Diwali as they might be on work when you are cracking your favorite firecrackers. Lets bring happiness to those I have decided to give away 10% of what I intend to spend on Firecrackers. What about you…

Badalenge Hum. Badalega India…
Keep Smiling. Spread Happiness…

Have a Happy and Astounding Diwali!!!