Festivals In India | Indian Festivals| Festivals Culture Blogs India

Navratri: Are these the only days to bestow your love on a girl child?

2009-04-01T05:22:00.000-07:00

Chaitra Navratri, also known as Chait Navratras, is observed during the Chaitra month (March – April) in a traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Shakti and three of her most popular forms– Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati – are worshipped during this period.

Chaitra Navratri begins on the first day of the Chaitra month and ends with Ram Navami. It is known by different names like Ram Navaratri, Vasant Navratri, Basant Navrathri and some people also refer it as Spring Navaratras.

Chaitra Navratri is observed when Mother Nature undergoes an important climate change. It also marks the beginning of the summer season. There is a popular belief that the fasting during Chaitra Navrati is to prepare the body for the ensuing summer season.

The festival of Navratri culminates in Mahanavami. On this day Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. The little girls who are invited to be worshipped are known as ‘kanjaks.’

This ritual is held mostly in Punjab and Haryana – two states famous for female foeticide. Since last few years, many household in these states are finding it difficult to get girl children to worship as Goddess Durga.

Is is not an ironical situation where girls are treated as Goddess on one hand and killed on the other?
And it is not the uneducated class that is practicing female foeticide. The act of female foeticide prevails more in the educated and affluent society.

It is a disgrace for the Indian society which considers the birth of a girl child as a bad investment in future. This narrow viewpoint of the Indian patriarchal society has led to horrid practices like female infanticide and female foeticide. A present study reveals that Punjab has one of the lowest sex ratios in the country.

Escalating demands of dowry are cited as the main reason for this heinous crime. And what are we doing in return, instead of removing the root of the problem – the dowry--, we are killing innocent girls for no fault of their's.

I need you to answer some questions. Do we now have a right to celebrate Navratri? Do girls hold importance for just nine days in a year? What is the use of worshipping a Goddess when you cannot protect her children? Do you think Goddess Durga will forgive you for such an act and accept your prayers?

I feel it's high time to curb the practices of female foeticide. The government has already declared January 24, 2009 as the national girl child day that focuses on targeting the scourges of female foeticide, domestic violence, and malnutrition.

Men without women are not human. This transformation of the male into animal if the world were to become womanless is the theme of "Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women". The movie is not imaginative (fact: over 35 million girls have gone missing in our country in the last decade; killed while still foetuses, executed soon after they were born, or murdered because of sheer neglect) but depicts what our future will be if we do not curb the practices of female infanticide and female foeticide.

The movie shows that in a village without women, confused and sex-starved men hanker for release, through pornography, bestiality, homosexuality, and violence. And when they find a girl then begin exercising their physical rights over her, turn by turn by turn! It's time we take some action.

Gudi Padwa: New Year Wishes to All of You

2009-03-26T04:43:00.001-07:00

Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month as the New Year day by Maharashtrians. Also known as Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, this festival marks the beginning of the spring season. People celebrate this festival with great spirit and joy.

Houses are cleaned prior to the festival. Colorful rangoli are designed at the entrance and people wear new clothes on this day. Maharashtrian delicacies like puran poli or sweet rotis, soonth pak, and usal are prepared.

On this day, gudis are hung outside the houses or in the localities. A 'gudi' is a pole on top of which an upturned brass or silver pot called a kalash is placed. The gudi is then covered with a colorful silk cloth. It is decorated with marigold flowers, mango leaves, and coconuts. The gudi is a symbol of nature's bounty. It is worshipped by offering sandalwood paste, turmeric, and vermilion. Then, boys and young men of the locality form a pyramid and the person on top of the pyramid breaks the coconut which is in the kalash.

My neighbors are Maharashtrians and every year on Gudi Padwa, they bring sweets or some kind of goodies to our house. Even though I am not staying in Maharashtra, my neighbors give me a feel of the Maharashtrian culture. I am very glad that my five year old child, who knew January 1^st as the New Year, has learned that New Year according to Hindu calendar is different. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month.

Traditionally, families are supposed to begin the festivities by eating the leaves of the neem tree. Sometimes, a paste of neem leaves is prepared and mixed with ajwain, jaggery, and tamarind. All the members of the family consume this paste, which is believed to purify the blood and strengthen the body’s immune system against diseases.

Taking Gudi Padwa to be the suitable occasion to sensitize people towards trees and environment, the Maharashtra State Social Forestry Department has planned to sell saplings of Neem trees through 300 stalls across the state on this auspicious day.

The festival of Gudi Padwa is considered very auspicious. People begin new ventures and also choose to buy gold, silver, or property on this day. With the launch of Tata Motor's Nano, auto dealers are all excited and are looking forward to a huge demand for the product. They expect a number of inquiries for bookings to come in on this day.

Celebrate Holi in Its True Essence

2009-03-10T01:36:00.000-07:00

As a child, I took a special delight in the festival of Holi. Going out with friends with pichkaris in hand filled with different hues of gulal (or aabeer, as called in Bengali), it was indeed great fun. It all used to get started in the morning and continued till afternoon (although we wanted to continue it till the evening). After coming back home, completely drenched in colored water, we used to get a good bath. My mother had a tough time bathing me. Today, I do not play Holi anymore. In fact, I find it as one of those festivals which are celebrated in complete contrast to their significance.

Holi is a festival to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. However, today I find every bit of Holi celebration no less than an evil. To elucidate, I can begin with the use of colors in today's time. In most cases, we find people celebrating it with colors having strong chemical base. These chemicals can simply ruin somebody's life by causing strong allergies on skin and even, in the eyes. These colors can also destroy your hair. Some colors are so strong that your skin and scalp bear them for many days. We all know that there is an alternative to these chemical rich colors in the form of herbal colors. But, how many us really buy them. However, we are not alone to be blamed. This is because there are many shops that charge exorbitant price for the herbal colors, making them out of reach for the common man. So, if you have a sensitive skin, playing Holi is completely a “no”.

Let us now talk about the second evil that you witness every year during this festival. Holi, for many, is simply a festival where you can drink openly with your friends. Perhaps this is the reason why I could find a huge rush in every liquor shop, while on my way back home from work, just two days before Holi. The shops were flocked by men of every age- young, middle aged and old. No wonder, we get to read so many cases of drunken driving around the time of Holi. The cases of eve teasing are also on rise during Holi. In fact, drinking and misbehaving with women and young girls can be seen as a favorite way of celebrating Holi for many. However, molesting girls in the name of Holi has become quite a trend for many years now. Whether you are drunk or not, who wants to miss the opportunity of being close to girls and touch them? The countless number of television reports on all major news channels depicting the stories of helpless girls just after Holi simply brings tears into my eyes. This is the prime reason why girls stop playing it after attaining an age. They rather enjoy being at home with their parents and feel safe.

Holi is a festival that signifies truth, goodness and bravery. Can't we celebrate it in its true essence?

Let Us Abhor What Is Wicked This Holi

2009-03-05T03:34:00.000-08:00

The slogan which says`Bura Na Maano Holi hai' is being completely misused by people nowadays. This slogan is being treated as an excuse to do anything like playing Holi forcibly with girls, molesting girls, throwing water balloons and stuff like that. It’s both sad and ridiculous that all our festivals are being celebrated in the wrong way.

When the festival of Holi began, it was meant to be celebrated with safe colors, but now it has become a sadist festival where people are deriving pleasure out of troubling others. Instead of good wishes and harmless colors, bad behavior and stuff like rotten tomatoes and eggs, grease, and permanent colors have come into the scheme of things.

Most of us have forgotten the first rule about Holi: Don’t play Holi with the unwilling. I remember the incident that took place with one of my friends after which she completely stopped playing Holi. Just like any other excited kid, my friend was out with her pichkaari to play Holi, when a big bully came and covered her entire face with grease. She went back home crying because there was no possible way to take it off. Finally, her mother had to resort to petrol to wash her face off. It was a complete nightmare for her and she never plays Holi after that. This is just one incident. Hundreds of such incidents take place every year during Holi.

Not only this, rowdy elements treat Holi as an appropriate time to get close to girls, some even trying to molest them. They indulge in all sorts of dirty acts like forcibly rubbing color on the faces of girls and misbehaving with them. The same thing was depicted in a serial where two girls from an NGO-house were shown walking when a group of guys forcibly rubbed colours on their faces. One of the girls slapped one of the guys. In retaliation, the group surrounded and forcibly molested her. It was broad daylight. The girl’s companion asked for help from the passerby, but none paid heed. This is not just a reel life incident, such incidences happen every year during Holi.

Adding to the woes is the trend of throwing water balloons. You will find groups of young boys at every nook and crevice of a road throwing balloons, full of water, weeks before the festival. They are not even bothered of the consequences it would lead to. So, when Holi approaching, you have to think twice before going out of your house.

Is this the kind of Holi we want? Just think. Are we not losing on the significance of the festival. If you agree with me, just watch yourself before taking any step and the result will be good for all.

Make Holi Fun: Use Herbal Colors

2009-02-26T03:16:00.000-08:00

Holi, also called the Festival of Colors, is a popular Hindu spring festival observed in India, Guyana, Trinidad, the UK and Nepal. In West Bengal, Holi is also known as Dolyatra or Boshonto Utsav ("spring festival").

The festival begins by burning of the demoness Holika, Hiranyakashipu's sister, in huge bonfires at night. The next morning is the time to rejoice and celebrate. People move out of their houses to play Holi by throwing colored powder and water at each other. They greet each other and eat lots of mouth-watering delicacies, such as Gujiya, papad, sweets, and various other items that are a treat for everyone's taste buds. A special drink called thandai is prepared, sometimes containing bhang.

The day passes off in celebration and rejoice. It is only the next day that we get to see the newspaper full of heart-breaking news like a five year boy lost his eye-sight while playing Holi, many children developed temporary blindness, some people complaining about severe rashes all over their bodies, and so on. These are some of the harmful effects of playing Holi with chemically produced industrial dyes.

Gone are the days when people used to play Holi with natural colors and flowers. Now synthetically produced colors are being used to play Holi. These colors are associated with severe health hazards. The black pastes used in Holi is found to contain lead oxide which can result in renal failure. Silver color contains aluminium bromide and is found to be carcinogenic. Red color, on the other hand, contains mercury sulphate. The prussian blue used in the blue paste has been associated with contact dermatitis, while the copper sulphate in the green has been documented to cause eye allergy, puffiness and temporary blindness.

The colorants used in the dry colors, also called gulals, was found to be toxic, with heavy metals causing asthma, skin diseases and temporary blindness. Both of the commonly used bases in gulals—asbestos or silica—are associated with health issues.

Have we completely forgotten the meaning of the festival of Holi? Or have we turned insensitive towards others and even our own self? Holi is the festival when even the enemies unite and become friends again, and we are making this festival our own enemy. Colors, which are meant to spread brightness and joy all around, are being used to take away all the light and joy from someone's life. This is not what Holi is all about. Just ponder on this for a few minutes.

If you think that you want your Holi to be a festival of joy, start using natural colors. Herbal colors are safe for playing Holi and also have a medicinal significance. The colors are traditionally made of Neem, Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva, and other medicinal herbs prescribed by Āyurvedic doctors. So, no skin disease, no asthma, no temporary blindness, and no bad news on Holi this time. Play Holi with herbal colors.

Too Much of Media Attention to Valentine's Day

2009-02-18T03:20:00.000-08:00

For past few years, no other festival has ever attracted so much of media attention than the Valentine's Day. In the era of globalization, the whole world has become one common place, with people of one country openly welcoming the culture of other nations. As a result, no festival can be considered as unique to one country or religion anymore. Like Christmas has become a universal festival, similarly, Durga Puja or Ganpati Puja are also celebrated with much pomp and show in many foreign countries. In such a scenario where people are no more prejudiced towards those belonging to other ethnic backgrounds, it is quite common for a festival like Valentine's Day to find acceptance worldwide.

In late nineties, some Hindu and Muslim activists did protest against the celebration of Valentine's Day in India. However, it did not have much impact on our society. Couples were free to express their love for each other. There were also many who did not want to celebrate this day because they did not attach much importance to the day. Whatever be the case, it was completely an individual's decision to celebrate it or not. It is only in recent times that we have started witnessing a lot surrounding the celebrations on this day. In fact, many state governments have started taking stringent steps to curb any kind of social unrest on this day. Why all this is happening? The answer is simple: too much of media attention to those handful of extremists who have been trying to gain some kind of political mileage by protesting against the V-day.

Who knew Muthalik ( the head of Sri Rama Sene) before his goons thrashed some young girls and boys sitting inside a Mangalore pub? For 1 week, we found all news channels showing detailed news reports on that episode, not to forget, the entire bio-data of this so-called Muthalik. Attracted by the wide scale media coverage on the nuisance created by Sri Rama Sene workers, many other big and small, extremist groups (both Hindu and Muslim) started raising their voice against the V-day. They were least bothered about protecting the rich Indian culture and heritage, their sole aim being able to gain some kind of media attention and publicity.

It's really pity that the Valentine's Day has been used by some groups for their political interests. Who is to be blamed for all this? It is only we who have given so much of attention to these groups for no reason. Second on the row to be blamed is our media for there is much more for them to capture and present to the viewers. The audience as well as the media need to be least bothered about groups like Sri Rama Sene and soon we will find them fight for better causes.

Changing Trends in The Gifts Meant For Your Valentine

2009-02-09T03:03:00.000-08:00

14th February is a special day for the lovers. Known as the Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day, this day has always been celebrated as a special occasion where two people freely express their love for each other and exchange Valentine's Day gifts.

In earlier times, this day was celebrated by sending mutual love notes. However, since the 19th century, sending of valentines in the form of greeting cards became a common phenomenon. Amongst all forms of greeting cards, the heart-shaped cards have always been the most popular. It is a true symbol of the passion that two people share. The real story, however, is the sacrifice made by Saint Valentine for his beloved. On being rejected by his mistress, he was so heartbroken that he sent his still-beating heart to her as a token of his eternal love for her. However, cards depicting doves and cupid along with the heart symbol are also equally liked by people. During mid 19th century, hand-made Valentine's Day cards also became immensely popular. In fact, till date, Valentine's Day greeting cards are being considered as the most ideal gift for this day. This is the reason why this day is the second largest card-buying day of the year, worldwide, after Christmas.

As time passed by, the celebration of this day of love started involving more interesting gifts. People started clubbing flowers, stuffed toys, perfumes, and even confectionery with attractive greeting cards as a gift for their beloved. While red roses are considered just perfect for this day, people have started experimenting with other flowers as well, such as orchids, lilies, tulips, and many other exotic varieties. However, no one can deny the charm that is offered by red roses. In fact, even today, a red rose is considered synonymous with Valentine's Day.

Gift shops all across the world have also started offering various confectionery items as Valentine's Day gifts. The most preferred of them all is a wide assortment of chocolates. Heart-shaped chocolates have always been a favorite with lovers. Those who want to go to that extra bit for their beloved also love to team up a bottle of champagne with creamy lemon tarts, scrumptious brownies, luscious tirramisu and tasty yule logs. Wow! It's heaven in a box! This, however, demands quite a good budget. One can also impress his/her partner on Valentine's Day by simply gifting a good perfume brand. Of late, gifting perfumes has also become no less than a trend.

Another popular trend in Valentine's Day gifts is giving of soft toys such as teddy bears. Although, you are not a kid anymore, you can still get a cute, little teddy bear from your partner on Valentine's Day. What if you get a box of chocolates along with it! Won't it be the best day of your life?

At the end of the day, everyone wants to offer something different on the Valentine's Day. This is the reason why gift shops are coming up with new ideas every year for the Valentine's Day.

Why Should You Feel Scared on This Valentine's Day?

2009-02-05T02:32:00.000-08:00

Celebrated on February 14, Valentine's Day is a special day on which lovers express their love for each other. On this day, people exchange mutual love notes in the form of “Valentines”. Every year, over one billion valentine's cards are sent worldwide, making it the second largest card-selling holiday after Christmas. This day is also marked by the exchange of flowers, confectionery and various other valentines day gifts between lovers.

Couples make great plans for this day. They want to make this day truly memorable. This is true for the people of not only Western countries, but also India. Today, Valentines Day is more of a universal festival. Back to my hometown, Kolkata, which is known as the “City of Joy” (more rightly, “City of Love”), Valentine's Day has always been very special. Couples there are free to express their love for each other, and that too, well in front of the beautiful Victoria Memorial. People there are hardly interested in bothering these love birds.

However, not every place in India is as liberal as Kolkata. In recent times, there have been many incidents in different corners of India which are enough to terrorize love-bound couples. A handful of troublemakers who claim themselves to be the so-called guardians of “Indian Culture” have been protesting against this day. They label this Day as a Christian celebration that erodes our cultural foundation. If someone can ask them, “Who has given them the authority to assume the role of a moral police?” Where are these people when a girl is gang raped? Is this not against our rich culture and heritage? What these people do when a woman tourist is molested by some sick Indian? Does such an act not defame our nation? In most cases, they do not have any answer. Their sole purpose is to gain some political mileage at the cost of the festive mood on the V-Day.

The recent horrendous pub attack at Mangalore is enough to speak about the awful situation in India which is no better than Taliban. The attack was carried out by Sri Ram Sena that is led by Pramod Muthalik. In his recent interview, he felt no remorse on the incident (some young girls and boys were publicly thrashed and molested; their crime being only that they were sitting in a pub). He has proudly announced that his Sena is all ready to stop the celebrations on this Valentine's Day and will continue to do so even in future. Now, with that being said, how many of you can really gather the courage to celebrate the day with your beloved?

Although, the Chief Minister of Karnataka has assured that no one will be allowed to take law in their hands, the pub attack followed by the nation-wide outcry against the incident has encouraged groups like Ram Sena to create nuisance on the V-Day as well. Shouldn't government ban such terrorist groups, when they are doing nothing except terrorizing young girls and boys? Shouldn't the task of moral policing be left to parents? Shouldn't our government deal with a tough hand with these goons? If the answer to all these questions is “Yes”, I can once again start believing that we are living in a democratic country where showing your love for someone is not a crime.

India celebrates 60th Republic day amidst high security

2009-01-27T02:27:00.000-08:00

Although, India gained independence from the British rule on 15 August, 1947, the declaration of the spirit of independence became a reality on 26 January, 1950. It was this day when the Constitution of India framed by the Constituent Assembly of India came into force. Ever since then, this day is celebrated as a Republic Day all over the country with much fervor and enthusiasm.

In New Delhi, kaleidoscopic images of India's rich cultural diversity and the might of its military forces are displayed on the Republic Day. The spectacular celebrations include march past by the three armed forces, massive parades, traditional folk dances, and aerial shows by the Indian Airforce, and much more. Participants are selected from different parts of India.

However, the celebrations this time, which happens to be the 60th Republic Day, were not as grand as usual owing to the security concerns. Thick security was positioned at all the strategic places across the country and a surface-to-air shield was put in place in the national capital.

Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharp-shooters of the elite NSG were deployed at various locations while paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos kept a tight vigil along the route of the Republic Day parade. Furthermore, nearly 20,000 gun-toting policemen fanned out across Delhi, stepping up the security measures especially in the backdrop of Mumbai carnage. Owing to the security concerns, even the Republic Day celebration programs were cut down. This is the reason why we could see only a few tableaus and traditional folk dances this year.

The Republic Day of 2009 was also different in a way because this is the first time a Prime Minister skipped the January 26 Republic Day celebrations. While Prime Minister Manmohan Singh watched the celebrations from the hospital, Defence Minister A.K. Antony performed all his customary duties.

A complete strike was observed in Indian-held Kashmir (IHK) on the Indian Republic Day, with businesses, offices, banks and courts remaining closed. On the other hand, the tainted promoters of Satyam Computers, Ramalinga Raju and Rama Raju, and the former chief financial officer Srinivas Vadlamani were ordered to stay away from the flag hoisting ceremony and other celebrations of the Republic Day.

Lohri: A festival to be Celebrated with love and equality

2009-01-14T02:30:00.000-08:00

Lohri is fundamentally an agricultural festival, and is celebrated on the 13th day of January, a day before Makar Sankranti. Lohri is filled with fun and merry-making. While, it is essentially a Punjabi festival, it is celebrated in many states of North India as well. It also marks the culmination of winter, and people also believe that it is the time after which the biting cold of the winters begins to taper off.

For Punjabis, Lohri is not merely a festival, but is an example of a way of life. People gather round the bonfires, throw sweets, puffed rice, and popcorn into the flames, sing popular songs and exchange greetings. During the day, children go from door to door singing songs in praise of Dulha Bhatti, the Punjabi version of Robin Hood, a thief who helped the poor and fought for their rights.

Lohri holds a special significance for the newly weds and the newborns. The first Lohri celebrated by a new bride or a newborn represents a grand occasion. It is celebrated with great fervor and on a larger scale. Females attire themselves in heavy clothes and jewelry, while men wear attractive clothes and turbans. The festival is then celebrated with traditional dancing and singing around the bonfire. This was my first Lohri after my marriage and the celebrations were huge. Song, dance, fun, frolic, food, decoration, gifts....the list was endless. The entire atmosphere was filled with exuberance and excitement. As for my friend, it was her son's first Lohri and the celebrations at her place were also grand.

There is however, a sad story behind the celebrations of Lohri which tells us the intensity of the still prevailing gender bias in our society. And I became a witness to this discrimination because it happened in my own neighborhood. I was surprised to see that the first Lohri of my neighbor's daughter was not celebrated on a grand scale. When I questioned them, they sternly replied that it was only a girl child, and so it did not demand a big celebration. It is painful to see that people still discriminate between a boy and a girl child. They make their actions so apparent that even a tender mind receives a wrong message. When my cousin's daughter asked me why our neighbors were not celebrating their Lohri in a grand manner in spite of the arrival of a newborn, I had no answer for her question. I did not want to tell her that even a joyous festival like Lohri is targeted by people to display how they discriminate between the two sexes.

If the alarming trend of gender bias against female children is not arrested immediately, it is bound to have dangerous repercussions on the society. So not just a family, these notions need to be changed on a wider scale for creating an unbiased society for women. Let us all pledge on this auspicious occasion of Lohri to eliminate gender bias from our minds completely and make this world equally desirable for both a girl and a boy child.

Muharram: A festival of commemoration of the martyrdom of the good

2009-01-07T02:12:00.000-08:00

I did not know the essence of Muharram until one of my Mohammmedan friends helped me understand the deeper meaning embedded in it. The word Muharram, as I have been told, is derived from 'haram' meaning forbidden and is considered the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar – which comprises four months.

And yes there is an interesting story behind Muharram like any other festival. It is said that Muharram festival is celebrated to honor the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Holy Prophet. The festival begins on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar and lasts for 10 days. It is said that during this month only, the soldiers of Yazid, a Muslim ruler, surrounded Hazrat Imam Hussain, along with his family and followers at a place called Karbala in Iraq. In the days that followed, they were denied food and water and many of them were even eliminated. It is to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Iamam Hussain that some people of Islamic faith also hit themselves with a sharp metal tied to chain to express their pain and sorrow.

Now, before you start wondering about the significance of this festival, Muharram is one of the four months of the year in which fighting is prohibited. So can it have more significance than in today's times when the Islamic faith is under scanner for all the wrong reasons. Personally, I do not think any faith that propagates hatred would have wider acceptance among the general public – be it Hindus, Muslim, Christianity or any other for that matter. Or else why do we take pleasure in wishing people across all faiths on the festive occasions. Why do we await those get-togethers and the sumptuous meals that are arranged during Id, Christmas or any other festival.

But while on the one hand, we are united by these religious celebrations, on the other hand we are also becoming witnesses to bloodbaths and war crimes that are carried out in the names of religions. The impulsiveness and hatred, that have its genesis in the wrong interpretations of the religious doctrines has led to horrendous and dastardly killings among people across all religions.

The ongoing war between the Israeli forces and the Hamas for instance is over a piece of land that each party claims to be the birthplace of their respective prophets! And how else are we to forget the recent terror carnages that India has been a witness to. And the recurring theme that runs across these carnages is the religious aspect – the terrorists taking pride in their brutal acts of mass murders.

The legends, cutting across all faiths, speak volume of the triumph of the good over the evil and I feel this ongoing tussle will continue and it is upon us to take on the baton of living with the good messages and yet be adamant when it comes to fighting the evil within us as also those outside. Or else that day will not be far when Muharram or for that matter any other religious ceremony will be marked by bloodbaths and fratricides.

Let Us Welcome 2009 Constructively by Saying “No” to Wild Celebrations

2008-12-31T01:35:00.000-08:00

People all across the world have started making arrangements for the New Year. Year 2008 may have been a good year for some, however, for many it has not been so good. The reason being global recession resulting into large scale lay offs and pay cuts. As a result, for many the celebration for the New Year may be a low key affair. Back home, we are also going to witness less celebration owing to Mumbai terror attacks. In fact, most of the New Year shows which were supposed to showcase famous Bollywood actors and actresses have already been called off. This is indeed a great way to pay our salute to those who laid their life for the nation. In addition, security concerns have made the police more vigilant and so, most of the celebrations have been cancelled.

But, the thing that concerns me the most is the celebration that is planned for the New Year by the youngsters. Every year, we hear of some wild celebrations around this time. The most common feature of such celebrations is the involvement of young children. They smoke, booze, and dance the whole night, forgetting our old age value system. Celebration is not a bad thing, however, it has to be within the acceptable limits. How often we hear of sexual assault and sometimes, even molestation at such celebrations? The worst case is when young boys and girls drink and drive. By doing so, they not only pose a threat to their own lives, but also that of others. It is not surprising that most of the road accidents in India are the result of drunken driving. This is not restricted to only youngsters, but also grown-ups, who think that drinking is the only way to celebrate and rejoice.

In the past, we have also seen cases where indecent dance parties have been arranged by some influential people in their farm houses or 5-star hotels. For such people, these dance parties become an integral part of celebration. By hiring bar dancers, who in most cases come from financially weak families, they mock openly at our tradition, culture, and most importantly, our value system.

Are all these the right way to welcome the New Year? Instead of promising a great future for ourselves, we celebrate it wildly, without paying any heeds to our and that of others' well-being. This is high time that we all should start thinking constructively, and make our efforts to make 2009 a great year, full of prosperity, good health and growth. This is even more important as we are going through a bad phase characterised by economic slowdown, coupled with terrorist attacks on our soil. Let us all pledge to make 2009 a prosperous year for our nation, away from all insecurities that we have been living with during the last few months of 2008. This is possible by focusing on the current problems, and not wasting time in all those irrelevant wild parties.

New Year Resolution 2009: Learning From the Past Mistakes to Shape up The New

2008-12-24T03:25:00.000-08:00

Come Dec 31 and we are all set to step into a New Year – year 2009. There will be celebrations, booze parties and all other pomps that each one of us would love to indulge ourselves. The reason is simple – bidding the past a wonderful adieu as we gear up to embrace the New Year. But, does year 2008 leave us with enough scope for celebration? Year 2008, indeed, has been not a very delightful year in India. What with the dastardly terror attacks in two of the nation's major metropolis? In retrospect, the series of five blasts that ripped through the national capital on September 13. The ghastly terror strikes in Mumbai, which took place on November 26 added salt to an already wounded nation.

The “finesse” with which the terrorists, who apparently belong to our neighbours carried out this barbaric strike is indeed a big question mark on our administration. Then again there is the global recession that is showing its ugly face even in India – even as our ministers are trying their level best to project an optimistic image of the same. Leave alone the small scale business, even the big corporate houses could not remain unaffected from this phenomenon. The result - thousands amongst us losing jobs at the snap of a finger. Not to forget the drastic pay- cuts!

Can we really slip into a celebration mood with so many of our fellow citizens succumbing to blasts and some being stripped of their daily bread, thanks to recession? May be yes, may be no. And even if it is yes, we need to analyse as to what are the reasons that we can celebrate the by-gone year for. No doubt, the terror attacks have left a dent in our national conscience, but there was a positive sign too. I found it amazing how the common man has taken the centrestage to get his heard voice through various mediums.

I was reminded of the historic sights that filled my history books – of a mass holding processions against the tyrannical British regime. It really touched me when I saw people taking to streets, posting blogs, holding mass protests to take up the cause of the safety and security of the common man. Such was their impact that even a crucial anti-terror bill was unanimously passed in Parliament – which is otherwise a house of the hooligans.

The government will be faced with a tough task this New Year. First, to come out of the question marks that is posed on the security scenario of the country. It has to adopt stringent security means to ensure that every individual feels free to move in any part of the country and rather not sleep on the threats posed to the nation. Second, on ensuring that recession does not mar the new hopes that the common man hinges on. This will happen only when there are more economic opportunities.

But I also feel, you and I have a major role to play when it comes to better ourselves as citizens as well as individuals. So, this New Year, let's all make the resolution – raising hopes in the minds of the people of a tattered nation by being an active and responsible citizen.

Ongoing global recession may cloud the Christmas Celebration

2008-12-18T02:29:00.001-08:00

Christmas, also known as Christmastide is one of the major festivals of the Christian population that marks and honours the birth of Jesus Christ. Every year, it is celebrated on December 25 with great pomp and show. The celebration takes the form of gift giving, special prayers in the church, and not to forget, display of attractive decorations, including lights, mistletoe, Christmas trees, and so on. The popularity of this festival is growing everyday. This is the reason why Christmas is being celebrated with equal ecstasy by many non-Christians. For many, it has become a secular, cultural festival.

Exchanging gifts is the most important part of the celebrations surrounding Christmas. In European countries and other nations with Christian population, people begin to make preparations for this festival at least a month back. They start buying gifts for their loved ones. There are also many people who plan to go on a vacation to some distant place during this time. It would not be wrong to say that this is the time when they love to be extravagant. However, this year, the scenario has changed.

Global recession has resulted into large scale lay offs. Some global giants have already announced even more job cuts. Those who are fortunate enough to continue in their jobs are facing the threat of pay cuts. In fact, some big companies have already resorted to the path of pay cuts by a significant amount. As a result of all this, the heightened economic activity that we have always witnessed during Christmas holidays is likely to be missing this time.

People are not as excited as they always used to be during Christmas. The ongoing global recession, which has already hit the budget of every common man, is likely to restrict the celebration. People living in both developing and developed countries are equally hit. The retail industry which has always made huge profits on Christmas is all set to make huge losses owing to the declining purchasing power of people. Even the elite class that has always thrown big parties on the occasion of Christmas are feeling the crunch in their pockets.

A common man has already started looking for less costly alternatives for Christmas gifts. This is the reason why most of the companies are offering their products or services at highly affordable prices. With this low pricing strategy, they are hoping to attract buyers who are facing a tight budgetary constraint this time.

Id-ul-Zuha (Bakr-Id) Celebrated to commemorate those who lost their life in 26/11 Mumbai Terror attack

2008-12-10T02:13:00.000-08:00

Id-ul-Zuha or Bakrid is one of the major Muslim festivals celebrated all over the world. It is celebrated in honour of Prophet Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to sacrifice his son for God. Thousands of Muslims offer their prayers for peace and prosperity on this auspicious day. Exchange of greetings and gifts is also a common feature of this festival, besides the sacrifice of goats.

This year, although Bakrid has been celebrated all across India, the celebrations have been kept much low profile. This gesture has not been shown by a handful of Indian Muslims, but every single Muslim in India, who strongly condemns the recent 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. Addressing the attacks as unholy and completely non-Islamic, Indian Muslims joined their hands to fight against terror. They chose the auspicious occasion of Id-ul-Zuha to express their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this barbaric attack.

Different news channels also captured images of people wearing black bands to show their protest against those handful of lunatics who kill innocent people in the name of Islam. They were also processions arranged by the Muslim community at many places to show their protest against terrorism and also to demand justice for the martyrs.

Special prayers were also organized in the mosques for peace. Some even went to the extent of waging a war against Pakistan. Although, this day marked the sacrifice of goats (an integral part of this festival) by Muslims all across India, preparation of special delicacies, exchange of gifts and a festive mood- all were missing from the scene. Like every other Indian, they too showed their support to the government to fight terrorism. Such a gesture by Indian Muslims show the greatness of our country.

This is the land where people from different religions live in peace and harmony. This is a big slap on the face of our enemies, sitting in different parts of the world, who think they can create unrest and tension in the name of religion. Likewise, this incident should also be taken as a learning experience by those who have formed a hatred towards the Muslim community. They should realize that by hating the people of their own country (on the basis of religion), they are destroying the foundation of our nation. Till date, all Hindu-Muslim riots were politically motivated, killing innocent people. Let us say 'No' to such irrational incidents. This is the moment of crisis, and we all need to stay united for the sake of our nation. We all are Indians and love our country equally, irrespective of our religion.

Dec 1, 2008 Celebrated as the 20th Anniversary of World AIDS Day

2008-12-03T01:55:00.000-08:00

Like a demon, AIDS has killed more than 25 million people worldwide between 1981 and 2007. It has been recognized as one of the worst diseases for the mankind. Seeing the severity of the disease, Jonathan Mann, director of the Global Programme on Aids at the World Health Organization (WHO) propounded the concept of World AIDS Day. Consequently, WHO declared December 1, 1988 as the first World Aids Day.

On Dec 1, 2008, the World AIDS Day completed its 20th anniversary. This gives us an opportunity to assess how much progress has been made by India in the direction of AIDS awareness and its prevention. I must admit that our government, several NGOs, and charitable institutions have made AIDS awareness campaign a big success during the last two decades. This has been possible also due to the involvement of international organizations and WHO in the various campaigns related to AIDS.

Today, it is common to find numerous TV advertisements that are aimed at making every common Indian aware of this deadly disease. The most interesting feature of these TV Ads is their boldness, which until recently was considered to be unacceptable for the Indian audience. Now, condom ads are no more a taboo in our society. Today, every Indian has understood the importance of AIDS awareness. Big hoardings and posters, informing people about different ways of contacting HIV and preventive steps for the same, are found to be displayed at bus stations, railway platforms, streets, shops, medical stores, hospitals, and so on.

The success that we have achieved so far, however seems small when compared to that achieved by the developed countries and many other developing countries. We may have become tolerant towards advertisements featuring the factors that cause transmission of the deadly HIV virus, but somewhere deep in our heart, we do not acknowledge the fact of getting our children know about it thoroughly. Even today, there are many families that either switch off their TV sets or press the mute button whenever there is an advertisement related to AIDS. For them, viewing such advertisements with the whole family is against our culture or tradition. This is only one aspect where we need to work upon. There are other issues as well.

Even today, an HIV positive person has to undergo social boycott, and that too from his/her own people. Recently, there have been also a few instances, where an AIDS victim has been beaten up or thrown out of the village by his neighbours. And, who will forget the controversial Richard Gere and Shilpa Shetty kiss? It was sad to see that our media gave their full attention to the 'kiss' and not the cause of the function. Richard Gere was here to address an AIDS awareness campaign. However, the whole nation simply ignored it and talked only about how he hurt the sentiments of our countrymen.

There is indeed a long way to go.

Children's Day and Child Labor: A Picture in Contrast

2008-11-11T03:22:00.000-08:00

The festive spirit in India has always held me in thrall. Talking of festivals that are a celebration of individuality, one cannot forget the Children's Day. I still remember my scholastic days when we were informed a week earlier about the programmes that will mark the Children's Day celebration in the school, and when even the most shy guy/girl in the class would raise hands to enter his/her name in various competitions. I shall always be thankful to late Ex-Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, whose love for children resulted in dedicating a special day- November 14, Nehru's birthday- for celebration of the spirit of childhood.

As we grow up, we tend to probe into the meanings of these special days. What I considered a day for celebration, has hence become a day of purpose – the underlying meaning of Children' Day. Is Children's Day really worth when millions of children in India toil in factories or beg in the streets and are forced to pick rags as usual to feed their stomach, even as their well-off counterparts partake of the festive spirit of Children's Day? This difference is indeed a blot on our economy. Development, as I see it, should encompass every section of the society. To quote the dismal figure, there are over 8.4 million child labors employed in different industries. Hardly aware that there is a special day for children, these kids dedicate this day to making their ends meet, some even by being engaged in hazardous jobs. This is indeed a pathetic plight, when there are laws screaming out that it is a serious offense to make children below 14 years work.

Chacha Nehru himself believed in providing children with a safe and loving environment, so that they can take great strides and contribute to the progress of the nation. No doubt there have some efforts on the part of the government to bring the underprivileged kids in the fold of various child development schemes like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid Day Meal and many more. However, their implementation has been marred by many socio-political (including red tapism) and economic factors. Again, there are various NGOs which organize different functions for the street kids and the school dropouts on Children's Day. But these are only patches in the whole scheme of development.

Why not use the Children's Day as a platform for awareness about the evils of child labor? Why not award those industries which do not employ child labor on Children's Day? These efforts might sound the “good only in paper” sorts, but yes a strong political will and yes, a more strong public will- from citizens like you and me - can surely go a long way to add a holistic meaning to the Children's Day. After all, children are the future of every nation.

Guru Nanak Jayanti: Let's Celebrate it in its True Essence

2008-11-05T04:33:00.000-08:00

Guru Nanak was the first guru of the Sikhs. Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Guru Parab is celebrated on the full moon day of Kartika. It is all about celebrating the birth anniversary of a great saint like Guru Nanak, who will always be remembered as one of the greatest social reformers, preachers and saints. Although, I am not a Sikh, I always eagerly wait for this sacred festival. This is because, I simply love the prasad and food which are distributed through free lungers, all across the country, and even abroad. There are pandals at different places to organize free lungers and distribute prasad. Visiting a Gurudwara on this auspicious occasion is also very exciting. But, of late, I have started realizing that there is more to this festival than just eating at free lungers.

Guru Nanak taught mankind non-violence, love and unity. Are we following it? I don't think so. Today, there are communal riots, regionalism and hatred everywhere in India. On one hand, there are some politically motivated groups who are destroying church and humiliating nuns. On the other hand, in Maharashtra, a handful of people are on roads protesting against the North Indians, who have gone their to earn their bread. Is this a country that Guru Nanak dreamt of? Whether you are a Sikh or not, you need to think deeply about all that Guru Nanak has taught us. He was a saint who tried to bring harmony among all religions. Not only this, he traveled to different places all over India and preached humanity, unity, and also liberalized many social practices for the betterment of common people. In spite of all this, today he is only remembered on his birthday. His teachings have not found a place in our day to day life. This is reason why we are witnessing so much of hatred, violence and greediness for power in today's time.

According to me, today, on this auspicious occasion, we should take a pledge to follow what Guru Nanak taught us. We should live with peace and love. We should respect one another and try to make the world a better place to live. This would be the celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti in its true essence.

Deepawali: A Festival Celebrated at the Cost of Lost Childhood in Fire Cracker Factories

2008-10-22T05:27:00.000-07:00

Deepawali is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in India. People make numerous plans to celebrate it with great pomp and show. Children in particular look forward to burn fire crackers, wearing new dresses. Their parents make it a point that they buy enough fire crackers for their children, which can last for at least 3-4 days.

When I was small, I too loved to burn as many fire crackers as possible. I always counted the number of crackers given to me and that to my sister to see whether I got an equal number of fire crackers or not. However, as I grew up, I came to know the cruel story behind all that brightness and sound of fire crackers. It was alarming to know that children of my age were made to work in fire cracker factories for countless number of hours.

Poverty and parental negligence compelled numerous children in the age group of 10-16 years to work in a hazardous place like a fire cracker factory. As the process of making fire crackers involves dangerous raw materials and techniques, the life of children are always at a grave risk. The fire factory owners allure small children from poor families to work for them in return of just a few rupees. For these children, Deepawali does not mean fun and enjoyment.

Today, I no more burn fire crackers and also discourage other people to burn them. How can we even think of celebrating Deepawali by burning fire crackers at the cost of innocent lives? There are many other ways to celebrate it. For instance, you can worship Goddess Lakshmi, distribute gifts and sweets among your relatives and friends, and also buy new things for your home. Today, with increasing number of people buying fire crackers on Deepawali, it no more signifies the triumph of the truth over evil. Rather, it is more of a celebration that encourages child labour and that too, in extremely gruelling conditions. In a way, people who burn crackers on Diwali are becoming a part of the exploitation of innocent children.

This Deepawali, if you are planning to burn fire crackers with your family, think one more time. This is because your decision to abstain yourself from burning crackers may go a long way in promising a better future to numerous unfortunate children, who are forced to forget their childhood and work in fire cracker factories. Government may have taken stringent steps to curb child labour, but it is you who can make a difference.

Karva Chauth: A Glamourized Festival that is Popular Even Amongst the Younger Generation

2008-10-16T05:36:00.000-07:00

As I am unmarried, I have never celebrated the festival of Karva Chauth. However, this festival has always fascinated me for its inherent charm and significance. What is even more exciting is its glamorous status in today's time. This is the result of increasing interest of companies in this festival, who see it as a great opportunity to market their products and services. Now, it is not only Diwali that witnesses intensive marketing by big companies, but also the festival of Karva Chauth.

Many companies have started offering their products and services with attractive schemes to people who are looking for ideal gift items for their wives. I For instance, I have seen one of my friends waiting eagerly for Karva Chauth as her husband always gives her expensive gift items on this particular day. It has become customary for husbands to offer gifts to their better halves on this auspicious occasion. So, companies are also targeting people who celebrate Karva Chauth with great pomp and show.

Last week I went to a nearby mall. I could find that every shop was beautifully decorated for the occasion of Karva Chauth. The jewelry and saree shops were offering special discounts and other attractive schemes. Even restaurants were advertising special delicacies for the couples who love to dine outside on the night of Karva Chauth. Some renowned beauty salons and clinics, with international fame were also seen targeting customers with their special beauty packages, leave aside the local beauty parlours. One thing is clear, husbands now do not require to indulge themselves into too much of thinking while deciding an attractive gift for their wives. The market is ready with numerous options, suiting every budget.

Another recent trend that I have observed is the increasing participation of young generation in this festival. This is indeed surprising because our hectic life schedule and western influence have made us, particularly our young generation, to forget many festivals. There are many people who do not even know the significance and essence of many festivals, which we have been celebrating for ages. In such a scenario, it is surprising to find young generation celebrate the festival of Karva Chauth for their loved ones. Even many of my unmarried friends keep this fast for their to-be-husbands. What ever be the reason, it is good to see that Karva chauth still holds importance in the lives of old and young alike.

Dussehra Celebrations might turn sour this year

2008-10-07T05:26:00.001-07:00

My friend has come all the way from London to celebrate Dussehra and Diwali with us in India. He loves the way festivals are celebrated in India. The pomp and gaiety of festive celebrations in our country is known all over the world.

My friend asked me to visit a nearby Ramlila. I was a bit reluctant in going to Ramlila initially as there is a huge crowd over there but as he pushed me hard, I took him there. I was really surprised to find a lesser number of people over there. At first I thought that it is yet another cause of the latest Mall culture in Delhi where people prefer to go for shopping, watching movies, having dinner or just chilling out. Who has time to visit these crowded, noisy places like Ramlila? But then after looking at the tight Police security in the Ramlila ground, I realised what is the exact cause for this. The number of blasts that took place in different parts of Delhi in last few days have seriously affected the usual Ramlila celebrations. Although, Delhi Police has tightened its security system but people are scared and prefer to stay at their homes only. Since so many years, Ramlila is considered as an important part of Dussehra celebrations. It generally starts nine days before Dussehra. Be it rural or urban areas, people really cherish going to this fare. It is a place full of fun-filled activities such as riding on swings, eating street food, watching theatrical performance based on Lord Ram's life and lot more.

But, this year many people did not visit Ramlila. Terror has taken such a toll on Delhiites that they prefer to stay at their homes than enjoying themselves at such fares. I do not think many people will visit Ramlila on Dussehra too. They will rather prefer to watch the effigies burn on their Television sets. When Ramlila could not bring people out of their homes, who can expect the usual crowd and festive spirit during Diwali too. I am sure it can be a cause of concern for many who do good businesses during Diwali days.

Navratra: Do we celebrate it in its True Essence

2008-09-25T02:32:00.000-07:00

As Navratras approach, people can be seen making so many arrangements for its celebration. While big decorated pandals in some big parks become a customary phenomenon, arrangements for “Dandiya” and “Jagaran” get on a full swing mode. Celebrating Navratras is an old age custom and therefore has become an integral part of our tradition and rich heritage. While Dandiya offers full enjoyment to people by giving them an opportunity to sing and dance the whole night, Jagaran allows them to offer devotional prayers at the feet of Goddess Durga. People also do not drink liquor or eat non vegetarian food during the nine days of Navratras.

In spite of all the pomp and show that we get to see during Navratras, I have never felt anything special about it. Although as a

child, I had enjoyed a few celebrations arranged during Navratras, as I started growing, the charm of this festival was simply fading away for me. All I felt was how can a country where Goddess Durga is worshipped in a special way, afford to go on with the prevalent discrimination against women in the society. It is no more a hidden fact that Indian women not only face discrimination, but are also the most vulnerable victims of both domestic and social violence. How can we worship a goddess when women in our country a

re living in an undignified manner? Do we actually celebrate Navratras in its true essence? Well, the answer is a big “No” as can be evident from the rising rape and molestation cases in India.

Back to my hometown, Koltata, where Durga Puja is the most important festival, is also celebrated during Navratras. The whole year we used to wait for those five days of celebration. New dresses and shoes were an integral part of our celebration. As long as I was a small girl, I used to wait eagerly for it. However, as I grew up, I had to face several incidents of eve teasing right inside the pandal where the idol of Goddess Durga had been placed. It did not matter whether I was there with my parents or brothers. As a result, I did not feel like going to pandals any more. My enjoyment during Durga Puja got restricted to only attending the morning puja and eating the 'prasad'.

All I know is that the celebration of Navratras would make sense when every Indian would take a vow to respect womanhood. Goddess Durga will also shower her blessings when she would be worshipped on a land free from all atrocities against women.

Onam - A Festival Full Of Mirth and Celebrations

2008-09-18T03:11:00.000-07:00

I think that there can be no better term to describe our country than “Incredible India”. It is a comprehensive way to describe the beauty of India's rich tradition and customs. India-land of different cultures, religions and customs, a country where every state is unique in its own special way. The love and pride for my country gets stronger every time I visit a new state.

Few days back, I visited my friend's ancestral home in Kerala and enjoyed the beautiful festival called Onam. Onam is one of Kerala's most important harvest festivals that celebrates the grace and abundance of nature after a year of hard labour. According to the legends, Onam is the celebration that marks the homecoming of King Mahabali. It is the day when people of Kerala pay glorious tribute to the memory of this benign king who gave his all for his subjects. Celebrated every year in the Malayalam month, Chingam, (end of August and beginning of September), this year Onam festival was celebrated from September 10-16.

Onam ranges from four to ten days, starting from Atham to Thiruvonam, depending on the region. The festive celebrations include worshiping, enjoying music and dance, indulging in sports, boat races and eating delicious food. To celebrate the mirth of the season, new clothes are bought. Women wear new sarees and elaborate jewellery. Children go out of their homes to gather beautiful flowers to decorate the yards of their homes for ten days of Onam. I was surprised to know that there is a different flower to be used for every day of the festival. Together with their mothers; children decorate their homes with beautiful and artistic designs of rangolis and pookkalam. The rangoli is made using coloured rice pasta and pookkalam with flowers. They also make the native flower carpet known as 'onapookalam'. It is the highlight of all these decorations.

Being a sports lover, I personally enjoyed the spectacular snake boat race on River Pamba. Thousands of people gather to witness the exciting Snake Boat races. Each snake boat belongs to a village along the banks of the river Pamba and is named after it only. People take pride in their boats and worship it like a deity. Only men are allowed to board or even touch a boat and that too barefoot. Every year the boat is oiled mainly with fish oil, coconut shell, and carbon, mixed with eggs to keep the wood strong and slippery in the water.

Thus, Onam is the carnival of Kerala and every single person living there looses himself in its celebrations and rituals. I feel lucky to be a part of this merry-making festival.

BPO Culture: Good or bad for Indian youth?

2008-09-09T05:07:00.000-07:00

BPO or Business Process Outsourcing has become a common phenomenon in India. Targeting undergraduates and those who are in their late twenties, BPOs are currently one of the major sources of employment for the Indian youth. Even, I started my career as a customer care executive at a reputed BPO for US clients. While working there, I have always felt that BPOs provide a golden opportunity to all those young girls and boys who want to work for financing their future studies. An undergraduate working for a BPO today, earns quite a handsome salary to support his day-to-day expenses as well as studies. I personally know many youngsters who have come from small cities to establish themselves in a metropolitan city. They feel fortunate enough to be able to grab a decent job in a BPO, which allows them to feel financially independent for the time being. They no more need to ask their parents to send them money. But, this is the only positive side of the BPO culture.

Today I am no more working for BPOs. This is primarily because I was working in night shifts, as I had to serve US clients. Today, most of the BPOs are US based as companies there constantly look for an educated human force available at cheap rates. Such an opportunity is readily available in developing countries like India. As a result, most of these BPOs have to work in various odd shifts. In a recent study conducted, it has been established that prolonged night shifts can adversely affect our entire biological cycle resulting in many ailments. So, are we ready to get our young generation entrapped into an unhealthy work schedule? In addition to this, BPOs also bring with them a strong western culture which has made our youngsters accustomed to a lifestyle characterised by fast food, smoking, boozing, branded clothes, expensive gadgets and many more.

There is another crux in the whole matter concerning BPO culture. More and more youngsters are getting attracted to BPO jobs owing to a higher starting salary coupled with various perks and incentives that are not offered in any other industry. As a result, somewhere we are losing a workforce which could have been one of the most productive human resources for India by diverting them into engineering, medical science, economics, and other fields which are crucial for the development of the country.

Relevance of Teachers Day in the Present Day Context

2008-09-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

The month of September starts with celebration in its very first week. This is on the occasion of Teacher's day, which is celebrated on September 5 every year. In school, we used to look forward to the teachers' day celebrations. On the day, a large number of students used to perform different plays and dance numbers, and then present each teacher with gifts and mementos. When I look back and remember those days today, I realize that all the rejoicing and effort we used to put in for the celebration came from the deep regard we held for our teachers.

In fact, a tutor plays a very important role in shaping the future of all his/her students. For all the students, their teachers are their idols, whom they look up to in the formative years of their life. Students usually follow their teachers in the manners, dressing style, etiquette and everything else. However, this is not the case anymore. In fact, I am yet to come across any student who respects his teachers as much as we did. A few days back, when I asked my niece (who studies in the same school as I did) as to how she was planning to celebrate Teacher's day, and whether she had bought gifts for her teacher, I was surprised to hear her response. She said that she had no plans for celebration, and completely lacked enthusiasm in even talking about the event.

Such attitude amongst students can be attributed to the decreased dedication amongst the teachers. The new age teachers do not consider it to be their responsibility to shape the lives of their students. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that very few of them are dedicated towards their work, of influencing the personality of their students. This is why they also fail to command respect from the students. This has given a major setback to the student-teacher relationship. As a result of this, the present day students also fail to respect their teachers. In many cases, they do not fall short of disrespecting the tutors and disregarding their orders. This is why; Teacher's Day holds little importance in the present day scenario.

So, presently, all students and teachers who intend to celebrate the day should take this opportunity to make a new beginning and do away with their shortcomings. They should strive to start afresh and give a new meaning to the student-teacher relationship. While the teachers should try and create a congenial atmosphere for the students to grow up in and also inculcate high virtues in the students, the students should also try to give due respect to the tutors. This would be celebrating Teacher's day in its true meaning.

The Art of Bargaining In India

2008-08-31T22:47:00.000-07:00

India is a country of many languages, ethnicities, cultures, traditions and customs. And if you happen to live in a metropolitan city in the country, then you also tend to meet people from diverse backgrounds, who are striving to co-exist in one place. They follow different practices, celebrate different festivals, believe in different Gods, and even speak different languages. However, one skill that you would find common amongst them all is the art of bargaining. That's right- to survive in any village or city in India, having the skill of bargaining is a big necessity. And if you do not have it, you are sure to learn it in the formative years of your life.

In my case, ever since I was a child, I would see my grandma haggle with the local vegetable hawker on the prices of veggies. And after a few minutes, she would end up convincing the vendor to accept lower prices. Also, as a child when I would accompany my mom to the different markets in old and New Delhi such as the markets of Lajpat Nagar and Sarojini Nagar, the markets would be full of outcries of vendors selling their ware and urging people to purchase them. Right from the fruit shopkeepers, to the cloth vendors, the crockery owners and most of the other vendors would be ready to bargain and in the end sell the products at prices ranging from are 25 percent to 70 percent of the original values offered by them. And even after so many years, things haven't changed a bit.

As I grew older, bargaining became a recurring activity even for me. Now, every time I need to get an auto rickshaw, I have to haggle with the driver to settle the price for the journey, as their meters are customarily out of order. Also, every time I need bric-a-bracs for the house from Sarojini Nagar, junk jewelery and handicraft items for myself from Dilli Haat, trendy clothes from Janpath or electronics from the underground Palika Bazaar, I ensure to spend enough time in bargaining with the shopkeepers. In this way, I am able to get the best possible value for my hard earned money besides enjoying the experience of bargaining with the shopkeepers, which adds more pleasure to shopping!

Tarnetar Fair - Saurasthra, Gujarat

2008-08-25T04:32:00.000-07:00

While traveling to Gujarat last year, I also visited the picturesque area of Saurashtra. Luckily, I got to visit the Tarnetar fair, which coincided with my visit to Saurashtra. Visiting the traditional fair was a truly awe-inspiring experience, which I will remember all through my life. The Tarnetar mela is an popular festival for the natives of Gujarat, which is organized in the month of August or September every year. The site of the fair is the Trineshwara temple and its inception dates back to thousands of years. During my visit, I also got to know about the historic significance of the fair. The mela takes place every year to celebrate the wedding of the two important character in the epic of Mahabharata, namely Draupadi with Arjuna. Before the legendary wedding, Draupadi's father had organized a "Swayamwar", which was won by Arjuna, and culminated in the marriage of the two. Listening to this story from one of the locals brought tears to my eyes, as I was instantly reminded of my childhood times, when my grand mother used to relate stories from the epics of the Mahabharata to us.

During my visit, I saw a lot of local women and men folk, who come in to the place dressed up in their ethnic attire, looking for prospective grooms and brides in the area. The men folk who were looking for brides carry Tarnetra Chhatirs or embroidered umbrellas as an indication of their bachelorhood. The maidens, on the other hand, were decked up in very colorful Gujarati clothes and ethnic jewelery. I also noticed that if a girl would stop by a suitor, this would indicate that she is interested in tying the knot with him. This whole atmosphere of matchmaking was heightened by some commendable performances of folk dances of garba, ras and hudo, songs, devotional music and other cultural aspects. Apart from this, the place was full of exhibitions of handicrafts of all types from different local artisans.

During my visit, I also saw a lot of enthusiastic foreigners who had come to visit the place in large numbers. In this way, the fair also proves to be a great platform to promote the country's rich heritage and culture. It is also a source of occupation to many and at the same time, the mela promotes the Indian tourism across different country. Even this year, I am looking forward to visit the place again and have a blast in the most colorful fair all across India!

Can you tie the Band of Rakhi to anyone? Think again!

2008-08-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

The month of August brings with itself a host of festivals to celebrate. Of them, the one that keeps me waiting throughout the year is festival of Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan. Rakhi emphasizes the relation that every sister shares with her brother, who vows to save her from all perils of the world. Well, that's the significance of the festival of Rakhi. However, it really hurts to see how the purity of the festival is being maligned and its significance mellowed by many people. The practice is especially prevalent amongst young boys and girls, who tie the band to almost anyone, not with the motive of establishing a real brother and sister relationship but to be able to freely speak to and be with people whom they like. Sometimes, they also tie the band to ween away people with different intentions towards them. I guess an incident that I witnessed recently would help you to understand that statement properly.

A couple days of back, a friend of mine was narrating an incident where a guy had approached her with some different intentions. She also reciprocated his feelings and was rather keen to start up with a relationship with him. But at the same time, she was also scared of coming out in the open about the relationship, lest her parents come to know about it. To avoid this situation, she tied a rakhi on him to legalize their relation. Though she was quite happy with her feat, I some how could not agree with her point of view.

For me, rakhi is extremely auspicious. Even if I would tie it to someone who is not in my blood relation, the person has to be very special in order to get the stature of a brother in my life. If you ask me such an act only demeans the the significance of Raksha Bandhan and also maligns the pious relationship between a brother and a sister. Recently it is a trend mostly with school and college going girls who also follow the same thing, with the intention of getting liberty to be with the person they like.

Its not as if this trend has originated recently. It was quite in vogue even when I was in school some ten years back. Although I used to laugh it off then, now, when I am more mature and exactly understand the significance of that tiny silk thread. This is why I find this practice to be grossly unethical.

So, here's urging all those girls to understand the importance and sacred nature of the ceremony. There sure are many other ways to be with the person you love, other than demeaning the pious festival.

Is Friendship Day (3rd Aug) Truly Meant For India?

2008-08-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

“We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun,” ...These famous lines from a song from the Back Street Boys holds up the image of an evergreen friendship in my mind. It brings back the reminences of my school days when every year on the first Sunday of August, we six boys used to take a firm oath to maintain our friendship for ever. Today almost after ten years of passing out from the school, we don't even know each others whereabouts.

This thing makes me ponder over the fact that what is the relevance of friendship day now for me and even what relevance does it have in India. I remember spending a lot of my pocket money in buying greeting cards, gifts and even treating my friends on this very day, but were they worth enough? After so much exposure in life and facing so much harsh reality that life offers, I just find it a waste of time, energy and money.

I still have friends whom I never wish at all on this day, but they are still my best friends in place of those with whom I use to swear for maintaining friendship and taking holy oath on this 'auspicious day'. I think it depends upon the emotion and dedication for each other that strengthen the bond, not expressing your feeling for a friend on one particular day. I see people wearing friendship bands and flaunting them in front of everyone just to show that they have so many friends or they are liked by so many people. Even the thing that makes me laugh is people have made friendship bands as their style statement and their parameter of measuring a friendship has become the cost of the gifts that they are offered by their friends. So, what is the sense of celebrating such day?

I find it a sheer copy of the western culture like the other imposed 'auspicious occasions' such as Mother's day, Father's day or the most 'auspicious day'- valentines day. I feel do we need any particular day to show our emotion, gratitude and love for our father, mother or our beloved ones? I think every day is a mother's day, father's day and a valentines day. These all auspacious days are imposed on our Indian culture to milch money. Who are the benefeciaries out of the celebrations of these occasions? These are western greeting cards and gifts suppliers like Archies or hallmark. This is the reason why they are always promoting such occasions in a big way. They are banking upon the youths who are completely obsessed with everything western. If you don't celebrate such days, you are not a trendy or a modern guy.

The celebration of such occasions, I feel, will only lead us to such a situation when we will start remembering our friends or our beloved only due to these days. So, I firmly believe that the celebration of friendship day is only a sheer copy of the west and is being promoted in India to harness rich profits by the multinational companies. It is not at all meant for India where still 27 percent of the populatin is living below poverty line and fighting each day to satiate their hunger.

Status of India after 61 Years of Independence

2008-07-28T03:33:00.000-07:00

India

is going to complete 61 years of Independence on 15^th August, 2008. Now, one more year is going to get added when we can proudly call ourselves a free nation. But, are we free in real terms? Does it make sense to celebrate this day with great pomp and show when we are still living under the clutches of poverty, corruption, injustice, inequality and most importantly, illiteracy? At least, I don't think so.

Inequality in different forms is still the face of free India. It mainly exists on the basis of gender and caste. Let us take the case of inequality on the basis of gender. Although a lot has been done for the upliftment of women and more and more women are attaining equality with their male counterparts, yet there are many women who get suppressed by their family and society on matters like pursuing higher studies or choosing a life partner or having a say in family planning or wearing a dress of her choice. Another aspect of such kind of inequality is the preference for male child, still prevalent in many parts of our country largely evident by the rampant female infanticide. Even today, when I let people know that we are only two daughters of our parents, they give an astonished look as if my parents are living an unhappy life without a son. People are also facing discrimination on the basis of caste. Let me just remind you all of an incident took place last year. An ex-army personnel belonging to a lower caste was beaten to death by his own villagers when he tried to dig a well on his land for farming. Now, what kind of achievement of India does it show after so many years of independence?

If inequality is an evil we still need to fight strongly, poverty is another major issue still holding our country in the league of third world countries. In fact, poverty has resulted into another kind of inequality between rich and poor. On one hand, you find those affluent people who can spend one lakh rupee just on a single dinner with their friends and family in a five or seven star hotel, while on the other hand, you find people living on streets with no proper clothing, food and other basic necessities.

Poverty has also resulted into a major social evil and that is child labor. In my locality, there is a slum area where majority of children are the bread earners for their family without any time to attend government schools. Their financial condition does not allow them to attend a full session in the school. If they at all are attending classes, it is only for satiating their hunger with mid day meals. But, this problem has got another dimension. There is a class of people who have literally no interest in making their children educated and look at them only as an additional source of income. So, isn't there a need to take a strong initiative by the government to make these people let their children attend school? Only constructing school buildings is not enough, I think.

It is not only poverty that is spelling a curse on common people, but also corruption. The common man of our free nation still needs to bow his head to corruption, which is rampantly found in our administrative machinery. If I ask you, how many times you had to pay some kind of bribe to get your work done, I am sure you would have forgotten the number as it has become close to countless.

There are many other issues that show our susceptibility to get succumbed to pressures at individual level as well as national level. So, shall we celebrate this day? Of course, but in a way that promises a great future for every Indian in coming years. On this day, we all should take a vow to join hands and cooperate with our government to get our nation free of all evils so that we get a reason to celebrate this day in true sense.

Raksha Bandhan - A Festival of Bonds

2008-07-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

Come August and I gear up for one of the most revered festivals of the Indian Calendar. Yes this is the festival of bonds that I am talking - 'Raksha Bandhan' or more popularly Rakhi. I specially look forward to this festival as my brothers visit me on this day, no matter in which part of the country they are. where they are stationed It is on Rakhi that we revive those vows which we had taken ever since we were born.

For the ones who are not tête-à-tête with the festival, Rakhi captures the essence of the relationship between a brother and sister. Raksha means 'to protect', and Bandhan means a 'bond', therefore Rakhi is a bond of protection. Like every sister, I tie a band or an amulet around my brother's wrist as a protecting charm and pray for his wellbeing. My brother in turn vows to protect me from all sorts of evils and perils of the world. The festival is celebrated on the "Shravan Sud Poornima" every year, according to the Hindu calendar. An inetegral part of my rakhi celebrations are the gifts that my brothers lovingly shower upon me. The mere thought of the box of chocolates or the new dress that might be in store for me still brings a glitter to my eyes.

This festival has special meaning for me and my entire family as it very fondly reminds us of my grandmother. As children, I use to hear the mesmerizing legend behind Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan. Since time immemorial this festival has been attached to the ritual of protecting your loved ones from the evils of the world. The tradition actually dates back to the Mahabharata and the Hindu Mythological Godhead 'Indra.'

Rakhi is fun time as it also serves the purpose of a refreshing family get-together. The entire house basks with the presence of relatives from all corners of the country. Be it my paternal aunt or my maternal uncles, it is fun to have all of them under one roof.

Now, with Rakhi just round the corner, my mind is full of joy and I am waiting for all the action to happen. It’s not just me, I am sure that all sisters are waiting for it too.

Amarnath Land Controversy - Was This Move Required?

2008-07-02T04:29:00.001-07:00

The controversy in the state of Jammu & Kashmir on the allocation of 100 acres of the land to the Amarnath Shrine board has brought forth the pent-up sentiments of the Muslim residents in the area. This move on the part of the Government has large repercussions on the already volatile political scenario in Jammu and Kashmir. This thoughtless move was a clear attempt to lure the Hindu residents' votes in the area, but it has resulted in uprooting the entire normalcy in the state. Ever since this announcement was made, it was evident that the Muslim residents in the state would raise their voice against it. However, an even stronger impact on this has been from the Separatist forces, who have taken this platform to draw the pro-India populace to their side.

As a result of all this political flutter, the PDP had also gone on to pressurize the Government to withdraw the land order, so as to satiate the feelings of the Muslim voters in the state. In fact, the PDP had even threatened to withdraw its support from the coalition government if this was not implemented. As a result, the Congress government in the state succumbed to the pressure and has taken back their move.

But all these developments raise a pertinent question in our minds that was this step really required? In the volatile states of Jammu and Kashmir, where the public feeling has always been bent towards Pakistan, such an inconsiderate move only ignites the fire that has always been given air by the separatist forces. The peace and tranquil atmosphere was predominant in the state from the past few years and everyone was hoping that things would be normalized again. But, with this move, things have again been pushed to the same politically corroded state.

Amarnath Yatra - Holy place of India

2008-06-21T04:48:00.001-07:00

India is land of age old spiritualism. Unlike other religions Hinduism, the main stay of India does not recognize a single prophet and idolizes innumerable gods and goddesses. Evidently, the country also has numerous pilgrimages scattered throughout, from north to south. One such pilgrimage that holds enormous significance for Hindus is the Amarnath Yatra. I have been fortunate enough to take this yatra last year. It was such a memorable journey that I want to share my experience with you. This Yatra or journey is taken up by devotees during ‘shravana’ or the monsoon season. So, I along with my friends started our pilgrimage to Amarnath on 15th of July as Darshan at the Holy Cave is generally open from early July (Ashad Purnima) to early August (Sharvan Purnima).

For yatra to Baba Amarnath Holy Cave, we have to trek a height of about 14,500 ft and the journey was full of joy and thrills. The environment was divine and we were feeling as we are walking through the heaven on earth. It is said that the devotees attain ‘Moksha’ or freedom from rebirth by reaching to this cave of Lord Shiva- the most important God Head of Hindu mythology and even we were thinking it to be true. Pilgrims gather from all around the world to offer their prayers to the ‘Shivlinga’ residing in the cave. Surrounded by beautiful valleys and mountains, we felt like walking in the Kailasha hills which is said to be the abode of lord Shiva. The enchanting of mantras and the religious slogans like “Bam Bam Bhole”, “Jai Baba Amaranth”, “Jai Baba Barfani” and others made us feel the presence of lord Shiva everywhere around me. It was such an experience that would hardly vanish with time. I feel the journey to the Amarnath cave is such that pilgrims can rediscover Mother Nature and her love for human beings.

Legend has it that Shiva recounted to his wife Parvati, the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath. Unknown to them, a pair of mating doves heard this conversation and having learned the secret were reborn again and again and they made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the doves-pair, when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva), but I was not that fortunate to see them.

The Amarnath Yatra is conducted once in year by the Jammu and Kashmir Government. The climatic conditions are extremely uncertain. Rain or snowfall may take place at any time or place during the Yatra. It is to be particularly noted that abrupt changes in temperature might occur. Sunny weather may turn into rain / snow fall in a short span of time. The temperature also may fall up to -5 degree Celsius. Uncertain climatic conditions often make the journey unpleasant and difficult for the pilgrims and you should take proper care and make adequate arrangement before taking up Amarnath Yatra. Such is the faith and dedication, that all pilgrims brave the adverse conditions and reach the abode of their God. But, one thing that really hurt me was the garbage being spread by the pilgrims which is causing great environmental hazard to this beautiful abode of God. I think persons should behave little responsibly and should not indulge in such things. Then, only we would be able to save the utmost beauty of nature coupled with divinity.

Rath Yatra - The Orrissan festivals

2008-06-11T01:48:00.000-07:00

India is a land of festivals. Every part of this country has a different festival to celebrate. Each of them has a separate background and a special significance of their own. Amongst the seem-to-be-countless such religious occasions, the Rath Yatra at Puri is extremely well known. Devotees from all over the country flock to this region of Orissa to have a mere glimpse of their favorite God.

Better known as Jagannath Rath Yatra or 'the chariot journey of Lord Jagannatha', the festival is observed in the month of Ashadha (June-July). The historical-religious event commemorates the annual visit of Lord Jagannath to his birthplace Gundicha Mandir (temple). A conglomeration of millions of people can be seen at the Jagannath temple at Puri during this chariot festival, which is celebrated for eight consecutive days.

The festival commences with several rituals and offerings to Lord Jagannatha. Then the king of Puri or any descendant of the royal dynasty brings the idols of their respective beautifully decked chariots lined up before the temple. He sweeps the chariots' platforms with a gold-handled broom and sprinkles scented water. It is only the King of Puri and the King of Nepal who are allowed to touch the idols as they belong to the Chandravanshi dynasty.

Now, the Images of Lord Jagannath - Lord of the Universe, his sister Subhadra and brother Balbhadra are taken out in a procession in three magnanimous chariots. The main chariot is 14 meters high and 10 meters square with 16 wheels. It is said that one can attain salvation with a single view of the Gods in their chariots. However, in the olden days, the die-hard devotees used to throw themselves under the wheels of the raths with the believe to free their soul from the cycle of birth-and re-birth.

The chariots of the Gods are drawn by the devotees to the Gundicha Mandir amidst devotional songs and prayers. After a week's stay here, on the tenth day, the 'Ashadha Sukla Dasami', the deities start their return journey. The return of the Lords is called 'Bahuda Yatra' or 'Phera Rath Yatra'. The journey of the Lord's chariot to and from its sanctum-sanctorum is believed to purge and purify the city.

To seek detailed information on Jagannath Rath Yatra, you can log on to www.festivals-culture.blogspot.com

Valentine’s Day

2008-02-03T23:17:00.000-08:00

"Within you, I lose myself.
Without you, I find myself wanting to be lost again."

Celebrated on February 14 every year, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as the festival of love. Lovers cherish this day to express their feelings to their dearly-loved ones along with flowers, gifts, cards and chocolates. The day for lovers is celebrated all over the world including Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The exchange of chocolates and flowers is traditional on Valentine's Day in America. Flowers, cards and gifts businesses make brisk trade on the occasion.

People in some countries celebrate this day differently. In some North American elementary schools, students give a Valentine card or a small gift to everyone in the class. The greeting cards exchanged between students mention what they appreciate about each other. In Slovenia, a proverb says that "St Valentine brings the keys of roots," so on February 14, plants and flowers start to grow.

This day has been celebrated in Europe since long. There is literary record conveying that the day was celebrated by people in some countries of the continent. The day was associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. The day was closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "Valentines". Valentine's Day and romance has found mention in Chaucer's Parliament of Foules. This day is also mentioned by Ophelia in Hamlet: "Tomorrow is Saint Valentine's Day."

On this day, it is believed that people earlier offered their loved ones handwritten notes expressing their feelings for them. And since 19th century, handwritten notes have given way to printed greeting cards. Since the mid-19th century, greeting card-makers all over the world have a field day on this special day. In the second half of the 20th century, the practice of exchanging cards was extended to all manner of gifts in the US, usually from a man to a woman. Such gifts typically include roses and chocolates. In the 1980s, the diamond industry started to promote the day as an occasion for presenting jewelry as a gift to loved ones.

Now on Valentine's Day, people send greeting cards widely. US Greeting Card Association estimates that about one billion cards are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that women buy approximately 85 per cent of the Valentine Cards.

Republic Day

2008-02-02T05:58:00.000-08:00

India celebrates January 26th every year as the Republic Day with zeal and pride all across the nation. Hoisting of the tri-colour and colorful parades at all administrative units such as the capital cities and district headquarters mark the celebration on this day. The major ceremonies are held in New Delhi and the state capitals. On this day in 1950, the India’s constitution came into force and it became a sovereign, democratic and republic state.

In the country’s capital New Delhi, main celebrations are organized in the form of a majestic parade showcasing the country's military might and cultural diversity. The parade covers an eight-km route, starting from the Rashtrapati Bhavan through the picturesque Rajpath down to India Gate before winding up at the historic Red Fort.

The parade consists of mechanised, mounted and marching contingents of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Paramilitary forces and Police. After the march past, models of lethal fighter jets, missiles and battle tanks are displayed. Then the cultural extravaganza consisting of floats are presented by various States. The cultural exhibits depict scenes of activities of people in different States and the music and songs of that particular State accompany each display. Each display brings out the diversity and richness of the Indian culture and the whole show lends a festive air to the occasion.

The events of the day begin with the Prime Minister laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in memory of the martyrs and soldiers who laid down their lives for the country. He then drives up to the central enclosure and awaits the arrival of the President and the Chief Guest of the occasion who is generally a Head of another country.

On his arrival, the President meets the dignitaries present there and unfurls the national flag. After this, the national anthem is played with a 21-gun salute to the national flag. Then, in a brief investiture ceremony, the President presents India's top gallantry awards, the Param Veer Chakra, the Veer Chakra and the Maha Veer Chakra to outstanding soldiers from the defence services.

After that, four helicopters fly past the parade area showering rose petals on the audience. Each chopper carries a flag - the first being the National flag and the other three, the flags of the Army, the Navy, and the Indian Air Force. The march past begins immediately after the fly past.

Children also take part in the celebrations a big way in their respective schools all over the country. Three days after the Republic Day parade, a moving ceremony known as "Beating Retreat" is held at the Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. This ceremony marks the formal end of the Republic Day celebrations.

PONGAL

2008-01-21T21:56:00.000-08:00

SOUTH INDIANS’ FESTIVAL

Pongal is an important festival of south India. In the north, it is known as Sankranti. Pongal is usually celebrated in January for three successive days to commemorate the harvest festival. The festivities are known as Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal and Mattu Pongal on successive days. Pongal is a traditional festival of variegated colors, with ceremonies devoted to different deities.

The festival serves as an occasion for farmers to express their gratitude to the Sun God and pay obeisance to the deity for its role in fostering growth of plantation. The Sun God, being very powerful, helps in the growth of paddy and other plantation. The festival is celebrated in a grand manner with much revelry. As the festival approaches nearer, people clean and decorate their houses and complete all the repair/maintenance work. During the four-day long festivities, people draw beautiful rangolis i.e., colorful columns in front of their house.

Bhogi Pongal: This celebration commences on the last day of Margazhi, which is called “Bhogi.” People wake up very early in the morning and take a bath. All the trash is placed in front of the house and set aflame. Old and useless things are disposed off and replaced with new ones. Then, the entrance to every home is decorated with colorful rangolis.

Surya Pongal: Paddy is harvested during this festival. Using the “new rice”, people prepare pongal and offer it to the Sun God who travels in a chariot drawn by seven horses. People draw a picture of the chariot in an open space when sun rises and place a small sun in the centre of the chariot. Then they place sugarcane and turmeric sprigs and perform pooja on the chariot. Next, all the prepared dishes are offered to the deity. Once these rituals are over, every member of the family takes a small portion of the pongal and sprinkles it all over the house saying, “Pongalo Pongal.” This is a prayer the Sun God to bless their homes with peace and prosperity.

Maatu Pongal: The next day is known as Maatu Pongal, or pongal for the cows. On this day people worship the cattle. Milk suppliers adorn their cows: paint horns, apply colors and tie pieces of colorful cloth. Then, the decorated cows are taken from house to house.

Kaanum Pongal: On this day people spend their time outside in revelry, fun and entertainment. In some places like Madurai and Tanjore etc., bullfights are organised.

Pongal is a festival of color that binds the entire community together in a common celebration of worship, joyousness and revelry. Community meals are also organized at many places.

Makar Sankranti (Uttarayana) - Worship of the Sun

2008-01-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

The festivals of India speak volumes about our country’s rich, traditional and cultural heritage, and these festivals have become an integral part of every Indian’s life. Decoration of homes and temples, processions on streets, folk tales and songs, dance performances, prayers and rituals signify the elaborate celebrations of a multitude of festivals in India, each made of its own unique legend and folk tale.

Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious days for the Hindu people, and is celebrated all over the country in innumerable cultural forms with great fervor, devotion and gaiety. ‘Makar’ literally means Capricorn and ‘sankranti’ is the day when the Sun passes from one zodiac to another. In fact, Sankranti falls in every month and the day is considered as auspicious as it indicates a fresh start of a new month. But Makar Sankranti is held in the month of ‘Magha’ in which the Sun passes from Cancer to Capricorn.

Millions of people take a dip in holy waters at places of pilgrimages like Prayag, Haridwar and Ganga Sagar. The devotees after the pious bath worship the Sun and offer their prayers. According to popular belief, one who does not bathe on this day is born a donkey in his or her next birth.
In southern parts of India, the festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, whereas in the state of Gujarat, apart from worshipping the Sun, the devotees also offer their colorful oblations in the form of kites. In the Eastern States of India such as Assam, the festival is celebrated as Bhogali Bihu.

Makar Sankranti is also known as the Kite Festival, and by flying kites in the skyline, people try to send their prayers to reach the glorious Sun God. The legendary Bhishma Pitamah of the great Indian epic ‘Mahabharata’ waited for this day to leave his mortal loop. According to mythological belief, it is said that, on this day the Sun travels on his chariot drawn by 7 horses from the southern sky to the northern sky. For pastoral people, the day signifies the end of winter and returning of the sun to the north.

In some parts of India, Makar Sankranti is observed as the harvest festival as it is the time when the farmers bring their harvest home. It is a method of thanksgiving to the elements of nature which help mankind in various forms. The day is also known as Khichri Sankranti, because on this day, people eat and give away khichri as charity to the poor and the needy. In the State of Maharashtra, the people celebrate the festival by preparing a dish called tilgul or laddoo, made of sesame seed and jaggery.

Lohri- Celebrated on the 13th of January

2008-01-11T22:52:00.000-08:00

Lohri is basically more than just a festival for Indians. It is a festival of prime importance for natives of Punjab as this festival symbolizes their love for celebrations and light-hearted flirtation. It is celebrated on the 13th of January every year and is the most prominent harvest festival of Punjab, the State more popularly known as the Breadbasket India.

Lohri is the festival that prompts people to be thankful to God’s provision and celebrate His creations and gifts to mankind. In Punjab, wheat is the major crop that is sown in the month of October and then harvested in the months of March or April. January is said to be the period of rest since after this month the crops mature and the farmers are ready to gather their year’s hard labour. As a result, the people or farmers residing in Punjab have a great sense of attachment to the festival of Lohri.

Lohri is celebrated as a harvest festival with spirit, joy, and enthusiasm and marks the culmination of the chilling winter. Punjabi women and men perform the Bhangra, Gidda on Punjabi Folk songs around a bonfire. On this festive day, enthusiastic children go from house to house singing Lohri songs and the elders oblige the children by offering them eatables as well as money.

As dusk settles in, logs of woods are collected for a bonfire where all the family members, relatives and friends gather around it. It is a ritual for people to go around the bonfire thrice, offering peanuts, sweets, rayveri and popcorns to the fire. Then, they break into dance around the fire on the beats of Dhol while prasad of til, puffed rice, gajak, popcorn and peanuts is distributed amongst the people.

Lohri is a propitious occasion to celebrate the arrival of a new bride in the family or for a newly born baby. Family members gather and host a feast that includes mouth watering winter cuisines of ‘Sarson ka Saag and Makki ki roti’ with a dessert made up of sugarcane juice and rice. The basic motive behind celebrating Lohri is to thank God for his protection and care.

On the whole, Lohri is a festival that signifies the jubilation at the onset of a bountiful harvest. The best feature about the festival is that it shows the festive spirit of Indians towards food, which they consider as God’s gift to humanity. Apart from celebrating the festival in their respective ways, people also tend to enjoy the fairs which are organized at various places.

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti- a pious festival of Sikhs

2008-01-11T02:16:00.001-08:00

Whether the event is Vaisakhi (Khalsa Sajna Diwas), Dewali (Bandi Chhor Diwas), or the Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Sahib (Sahidi Diwas), Sikhs assemble and commemorate their respectable Gurus and worship to pay homage to their worthy Martyrs. Gurpurabs, as they are more commonly known, are celebrated with immense devotion by the Sikh community all over the globe.

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, is one pious festival of the Sikhs which is celebrated with great fervour. The festival witnesses a huge convoy of Sikhs who congregate to offer extraordinary prayers at Gurudwaras. Guru Gobind Singh was born at Patna Sahib on 22nd December. Generally, his birthday is celebrated in the month of December or in January. At times it falls twice a year as per the Hindu Bikrami Calendar. However, the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh comes on January 5 every year according to the Nanakshahi Calendar.

It is chronicled that after the death of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur, Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Guru felt obliged to organize a community of Sikhs into a saint-soldiers’ community. In the year 1699, he assembled thousands of Sikhs together and addressed a massive audience asking his followers to sacrifice their life for him in his devotion. Not long after, five Sikhs came forward to sacrifice themselves, and the sword of Guru Gobind Singh was completely stained with their blood. To the revelation of the huge audience, Guru came out with those five followers wholly dressed in the Pure or Khalsa uniform. The demonstration given by Guru symbolizes the rebirth of the Sikh community into a complete distinct identity saint-soldiers. After initiating the five sacrificed followers or ‘beloved ones’, into a completely new identification of Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh requested them to initiate him. In the chronicle of human history, the absolute conversion of a solidified and distinctive community remained a defining and unique moment.

Guru Gobind Singh and his followers were engaged in many battles against several Mughal rulers during his lifetime. During that turbulent period, he lost his mother and four children in fighting for righteousness. Nevertheless, the Khalsa soldiers stood determined as a sovereign and distinct body, and could efficiently withstand their enemies.

Before his death in 1708, he added a few writings to the Sikh scriptures and requested his worshippers to take spiritual guidance out of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs. The words enclosed in Guru Granth Sahib are from now on and will forever be present as their Guru for the Sikhs.

New Year Celebrations

2008-01-04T04:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2008: New Year New Hope

New Year is a festive occasion for all. Much before the arrival of new year, people start making preparations to celebrate this gala event. The basic idea is to give a warm welcome to the new year and cherish golden moments of the past. New year is perceived differently by people. Some take it as a time to look back and remember the positive happenings in life. They take them as a motivation and promise themselves to keep doing good work in the future as well. Also, they take note of the negativities that had an adverse effect on their level of performance. They do so with the aim of learning from their mistake. While, there are others who crib about the fact that they have lost one more year of their life.

New year celebrations usually revolve around friends and family. It is the time when the entire family gets together and enjoys to the fullest. Special food is prepared, songs are sung and people especially youngsters party. Elderly people share laughter, play games and chitchat. The trend of celebrating New Year is not new, though you can find notable variations in the style of celebration. Infact, when it comes to celebration, as you travel from one region to another, you'll find a great diversity.

The date of New Year varies from country to country like in the US, it is celebrated on the first day in the month of January. China and Israel follow the lunar calendar and celebrate New Year in accordance with the movement of moon around the Earth. There are a couple of countries that celebrate New Year during the spring season when it is the time of growing of fresh crops. Few countries look forward to welcome autumn season for New Year celebrations. New Year is a great occasion for gifting and promotional products are the best giveaways.

Large number of people visit their respective places of worship on the festive period of New Year and offer prayers to the Lord. They seek the blessings of the almighty God with the hope that New Year would bring happiness and prosperity to them. They light candles on the first day of New Year and wish that new year may fill their lives with brightness ad shine. Devotees perform religious dances to appease God. Many people give old clothes and their other belongings as charity to help the poor and needy people. Women adorn their house with Happy New Year banners. DJ nights are organised to mark the beginning of New Year. The entire world rocks and rolls in the New Year party. It is nothing less than an extravaganza that becomes a lifetime memory.

Chatt Pooja

2007-11-12T21:37:00.000-08:00

Chatt pooja is a Hindu festival celebrated especially by Biharis. The event occurs twice a year – once, on the sixth day of ‘Chaitra’ (as per the Hindu lunar month) which falls in the month of March and secondly in ‘Kartik‘, which falls in November or remembered as an occasion a week after Diwali. The word “Chatt” means the number six in Hindi It is, however, not concentrated in Bihar but is equally popular in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and in some northeast regions of India. People in parts of Nepal, particularly in the Terai region, also celebrate this festival.

Other parts of India too do not remain untouched by this festive colour. Biharis migrated from their native place to several parts of the country celebrate them with equal zing. Chatt Pooja has been recognised on national level. Where the Delhi government has sanctioned holiday for this day, Mumbai witness unofficial jam packed beaches.

The Chatt festival is dedicated to the Sun god. It is a belief that people worship Sun and thank Him for bestowing the bounties of life in earth and fulfilling their wishes. It is also a faith that the prayers of the devotees on this occasion are always answered; and the sinners get punished for their any wrong doings. It is celebrated for three-four days. During this occasion, the worshipers, usually women, observe ritual purity. They sleep on the floor on a single blanket or a mat. They pray and fast for the well-being of their family and prosperity. On the eve of this festival, houses are scrupulously cleaned. The worshippers observe a fast from dawn to the dusk. On the occasion, the entire family accompanies the worshiper to a ritual bathing and worship of the Sun god, usually on the bank of a river or a large common water body. The devotees take a holy dip.

Throughout the festival, the food prepared is totally vegetarian, without even onions and garlic. On Chatt, women of the family recite regional folk songs and entertain themselves with the family members. Friends and relatives are invited to the household to share the ‘prashad’ of the ritual.

But the question that eggs up in my mind is whether there any specific scientific reason backing the worship of sun during this period of the year?

Bhai Dooj

2007-11-12T21:36:00.000-08:00

Bhai dooj is a Hindu festival which is celebrated two days after Diwali, the festival of lights. Bhai dooj (in Hindi), is known as Bhaubeej in Marathi, Bhai beej in Gujarati, Bhai phota in Bengali. It occurs on a new moon night in Kartik month as per the Hindu calendar. Usually it falls in October/November.

This festival is celebrated by sisters for the well being and long life of their brothers. They offer prayers and good wishes to their brothers. On the day, sisters worship and pray for their brothers. They put an auspicious tilak, made from vermilion or sandalwood paste, on the forehead of their brothers and perform aarti of theirs as a mark of love and protection from evil forces. If the sister is elder, brother touches her feet and she blesses her brother with rice grains and dubya grass. It is a belief that anyone who receives a tilak from his sister on this day is saved the agony of evils or hell-fire.

Sisiters prepare sumptuous, mouth-watering food including sweets for brothers on Bhai dooj day. In return, brothers offer gifts to their sisters expressing their love on the occasion. Brothers also pledges protection and support to their sisters on the day. On Bhai dooj after the rituals, the family members engage into singing songs, play games and other entertainment that is enjoyed by all.

As per the Hindu mythology, on Bhai dooj day Yamraj, the Lord of Death, visits his sister Yami. She welcomed him warmly and cordially by applying a tilak on his forehead. She prays for his brother’s well being and long life. The festival is celebrated mostly in the northern India.

But now it is being celebrated all over India including , , , . Hindus living in other parts of the world also celebrate this occasion which enhances the bond of love between sisters and brothers.

Diwali

2007-11-12T21:35:00.000-08:00

Diwali is one of the major Indian festivals celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains and infact all creeds of people. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is observed on the new moon day of Kartika, as per the Hindu calendar that falls in the months of October and November. The celebrations commence two days prior and ends two days later than this religiously fixed date. Diwali, colloquially called Deepawali, is celebrated exactly 20 days after Dussehra. In 2007, the festival is celebrated on November 9.

People celebrate Diwali by decorating their homes with lights, fireworks, gift-giving, worship, prayers and religious rituals. On the occasion, people purchase gold, gifts and household appliances. People distribute food and sweets as acts of charity during the festival. Companies offer huge discounts on products during Diwali to attract customers. Business communities start their financial year on Diwali and open new account books on this day. Offices and schools remain closed on this day.

The belief is that the Diwali festival marks the victory of good over evil. As per the Hindu mythology, on this day Lord Rama came back from exile and the people of Ayodhya lit lamps to welcome him back home. Hindus also worship Vishnu and Laxmi on the Diwali day. In Jainism, it marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, which occurred on Oct. 15, 527 B.C. Jains observe fast and chant the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, which contain the final pravachans of Lord Mahavira. Jains distributes Laddus and sweets in temples during the occasion.

Diwali is celebrated not only in India but all over the world where Hindus, Sikhs and Jains are staying. The festival is celebrated in countries like the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, Suriname, Canada, Guyana, Myanmar, Nepal, Mauritius, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, Australia, much of Africa and the United States.

The major concern that this festival draws attention to is the issue of massive air and sound pollution that occurs with bursting crackers. Certain category of crackers have, however, been banned on certain parameters of social and environmental health, but it could not be implemented to full action.

No law can curb this problem until people are willingly conscious about it and generate self awareness, isn’t it?

Durga Pooja

2007-10-15T05:27:00.000-07:00

Now Durga Pooja is very much near so its urgently required to put more details of pooja date, pooja process, regional values etc. Also we should start for diwali...

‘Durga Pooja’, the words that runs a thrill in every heart and body of a Bengali is the immensely cherished occasion much awaited throughout the year. Though the essence of this auspicious festival starts from the eastern part of the country (West Bengal), it spreads across every region and religion binding them with a common fervor of celebration.

According to the lunar movements in Hindu Bengali calendar, Durga pooja falls in the autumn months of September/ October. Though the preparations like buying new clothes and setting up and decoration of pandals starts a month ago or before, the celebration mood commences with the Mahalaya, seven days before the main pooja. Mahalaya is the heralding note for the homecoming of Ma Durga as the air gets heavy with the soothing fragrance of shefali flowers and river banks covered with milky white kash grasses.

There are various mythical and religious stories backing the reason for Durga Pooja. Where on one hand it is said that the Adda Shakti was invoked by the trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara to rescue heaven and Gods from the atrocities of demon Mahisasura and so is one of the names of Durga ‘Mahisasura Mardini.’ The other states that it was the time when God Rama invoked her to seek blessings to win over Ravana and is called ‘Akalbodhon’. ;so termed because it is believed to be an uncustomary time of her appearance on earth as conventionally spring is the right time to worship the Goddess, when it is known as Basanti pooja. Tradition also speaks that shorod (autumn) is the time when Ma Durga comes to her father, Himalaya’s abode along with her sons Ganesha and Kartikeya and daughters Laxmi and Saraswati.

Be that as it may but the motif is to rejoice, bask in the culture, spirituality and ultimately ‘eat, drink and be merry’. The four days viz. saptami, ashtami, navami and dashami are enjoyed with utmost zeal and verve. Relatives and friends gather and a feeling of togetherness warm up the atmosphere. Wearing that exclusive dress each day, visiting every pandal to see the idols and partying till the wee hours of night revives all that zing in life which people tends to loose in their daily chores.

The last day of the event is Bijoy Dashami or Dusshera. Married women prepare special sweet dishes for their beloved Mother like naru, takti etc, offers it to her and smear other women with vermillion. The day ends with Visarjan i.e. immersing the idol in river or pond which, however, starts with an enthusiastic possession of the idol till the river bank but bidding adieu leaves behind a sense of emotional loss in everyone with the only hope that our Ma will return again the next year with all her blessings and love.

Navratra: A Glimpse of Indian Culture

2007-09-26T22:36:00.000-07:00

Navratra is celebrated each year and the name signifies ‘nine days’ of the festival. This story begins with fifteen years of Lord Ram’s exile that ends up with a war with Ravana. It is believed that this war lasted for nine days and on the tenth day of war, Ram won by killing Ravana. On Dussehra, huge models of Ravana are exploded with fire crackers. People start reading Ramayana with the aim of completing it in nine days.

It is believed that celebration of Navratra is of symbolic importance as it is considered to be a celebration of good over evil. During Navratra days, people perform a special dance known as ‘Garbha’. It is popular folk dance of Gujarat. The ethnic dress code in Garba is chania choli for females and male’s dress code is dhoti-kurta. This garba dance in done through out Navratra days. The other form of folk dance that is played during this festive day is Dandia or stick dance. Dandia dance is done holding sticks in hand and these sticks are used in a rhythmic manner.

Thus, Navratra is a pious and sacred nine days festival where people spend days in devotion and religious activities.