Diwali Celebrations

Useful Tips for Decorating Your Bedroom in Diwali, Bedroom Decorations in Diwali, Diwali Bedroom Decor

2014-10-17T09:18:00.003+05:30

Not much time is left for the Diwali celebrations to begin this year and you have probably already started thinking of some interesting ways to decorate your home in Diwali. One of the most important parts of your home is your bedroom, which you undoubtedly would not leave undecorated during the upcoming Diwali celebrations. Here are some innovative ideas, which you can incorporate for decorating your bedroom in Diwali.

Use of colours

You can change the entire look of your bedroom with the use of some vibrant colours since Diwali is not only the festival of lights but also the festival of colours. Painting the walls of your home is an integral part of the Diwali decorations but if you cannot manage enough time you can go for painting just any one of the walls of each of rooms, of which bedroom is undeniably a very important one. Use of bright colours like green, orange, yellow and blue on a wall of your bedroom will add to the delightful atmosphere of your Diwali celebrations. If you are seriously short of time you can just go for hanging a soft sheet board or a screen covered with a vibrantly hued material on a wall of your bedroom.

Use of furnishings

Brightly coloured and shining pieces of furnishing like carpets, curtains, cushions and bedcovers are also ideal for decorating your bedroom during Diwali. You can use your old sarees that have shimmering zaris to make new covers for your cushions and Diwans.

Use of decorative pieces

To complement the festive mood of the Diwali celebrations you can also adorn your room with attractive items of decoration such as flower vases made out of tinted glass and a smart dining set can also make a great difference in the total look of your bedroom in Diwali.

Use of rangolis

Rangolis made with fresh flowers in a varied number of designs on the floor of your bedroom will bring a big smile to the face of every person entering your bedroom since not only bright colours, but also the captivating aroma of fresh flowers, fill the atmosphere with excitement and charm. Whatever colours you choose do not go for a monotonous use of the same colour but use different colours at a time to decorate your bedroom in Diwali more interestingly and attractively.

Use of metallic colours

Metallic colours such as silver and gold can be incorporated in the decoration of your bedroom during Diwali. In India this is one of the auspicious occasions when you can go for the use of these colours in abundance.

So try these innovative solutions and decorate your bedroom in Diwali.

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Interesting Tips for Decorating Your Living Room in Diwali, Living Room Decorations in Diwali

2014-10-16T18:30:00.000+05:30

“Row of clay diyas” is the meaning of Deepavali or Diwali, which celebrates the triumph of many things at a time – light over darkness, good over evil and optimism over pessimism. Lights, colours, sweets and gifts – all make Diwali a gala occasion for enjoyment and merriment, decoration being an indispensable part of the Diwali celebrations. While talking about decoration, from the roads and lanes across all the neighbourhoods to each of the homes are decorated brightly and colourfully with lights and flowers as an integral part of the Diwali celebrations. When it comes to decorating your home, the first part of your house that you need to decorate is your living room. So go through the interesting ideas listed here for decorating your living room in Diwali.

Diyas

Clay diyas have always been the most traditional yet the most beautiful means of decorating a home, which you also use to decorate your living room in Diwali. You can place attractively tinted designer diyas at the doorways, window panels and corners of your living room. During Diwali diyas are available amply at the markets that are embellished with fancy materials.

Diya Decoration in Living Room

Large sized diyas in living room

Candles

You can use candles to decorate your living room as candles are a very crucial part of the Diwali decorations. Attractively coloured candles as well as the gorgeous aromatic candles have always been some of the most favourite means of decoration, especially during the festive occasions like Diwali. You can put these types of candles along the walls, bordering the window seals and table tops in your living room and add brightness and fragrance to the Diwali decorations of your living room. You can also go for floating wax candles, which can add a dramatic look to your living room.

Candles in living room

Candles and Lights Decoration

Lights

Decorative lights are always used to illuminate marketplaces, roads and houses during Diwali and other festive occasions. Available in a wide number of colours and arrangements these fancy lights when used to decorate your living room in Diwali will add brightness and beauty to your living room. Pendant lights and other types of light fixtures also do great in decorating your living room in Diwali.

Diwali-lights

Rangolis

You can create your own rangoli with flowers, colourful sands, rice and diyas on the floor of your living room, to greet your guests into your home in the most charming manner. A rangoli made with dazzling colourful flowers on the top of your center table in your living room will also enhance the beauty of living room during Diwali.

Rangoli

So opt for these great ideas for the Diwali decorations of your living room.

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Check our more in Diwali Living Room Decoration Ideas: Easy Guide on Home Decoration

Auspicious Diwali Gifts for All, Religious Diwali Gifts

2014-10-14T11:52:00.003+05:30

Diwali is one of the most auspicious times of the year for which your near and dear ones wait eagerly all through the year. It is perhaps the best time of the year when you can fill the hearts of your loved ones with joy and fulfillment. Well, you will be delighted to know that this year you can please every person close to your heart by gifting them from a wide range of auspicious Diwali gifts. Some of the finest auspicious gifts for Diwali have been listed below, which give you a fair idea of what you can buy as Diwali gifts this year.

Diwali puja boxes

For this Diwali, Diwali puja boxes are being sold extensively as auspicious gift items for Diwali – these gifts proving to be the smartest item to be gifted to the aged members of a family. You can go for giving your grandmother or mother a Diwali puja box, which contains all of the essential items for worship since worship of goddess Lakshmi is an indispensable part of Diwali celebrations. These puja boxes for Diwali come with sindoor, kumkum, supari, kapoor, moli, agarbatti, moorti and aarti sangrah.

Diwali Puja Thali

Diwali Puja Thali can also be another unique option for you as an auspicious Diwali gift, which contains katoris, diyas, roli chawal, golden gota, flowers and idols. You can always go for this option of gifting while selecting gifts for your wife and sister. A pair of idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha is also a traditional Diwali gift item, which is often considered auspicious. Try gifting this to your neighbours, friends and colleagues as an auspicious Diwali gift.

Metallic Diwali gifts

Any exquisitely crafted item made of pure silver is also thought to be quite auspicious. As such you can also opt for gifting silver made coins, jewelleries, idols and thalis during the Diwali celebrations. Gold is also another very exclusive metal, buying and gifting of gold articles being a very common phenomenon in the Indian households. So you can always go for this option while choosing Diwali gifts for your close ones, gold items being an integral part of the festivities during Diwali.

Colourful and aromatic Diwali gifts

Candles and diyas that are sold during Diwali especially for the festive celebrations happen to be a very cost effective solution for auspicious Diwali gifts. Brass, silver, white metal and clay diyas along with brightly coloured aromatic candles, made exclusively to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Diwali, can be your ultimate choice of Diwali gifts for your children.

All these gift items are found in almost all the shops during Diwali, which prove to be perfect as auspicious gifts for Diwali.

Excellent Gift Options for Diwali for All, Diwali Gifts for All, Diwali Gift Ideas

2014-10-13T10:02:00.000+05:30

Diwali is not only the celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, goodness over evil or hope over despair but also the celebration of relationships and love. It is the time to express your love for your near and dear ones and make them feel special. Diwali is the best time of the year to prove them their indispensability in your life. The smartest means of proving this is to buy for them the finest Diwali gifts that you can think of. So, don’t just wait but choose from the Excellent Gift Options for Diwali mentioned below.

Diwali sweets

An assorted pack of Diwali sweets made from khoya, kaju, pista and various other exotic ingredients arranged in brightly coloured boxes is one of the most interesting gift options for Diwali - perfect for both your family members, your friends and even for your colleagues.

Chocolates and candies

A big pack of chocolates and candies with a fresh bouquet of flowers always creates wonders during any occasion, Diwali being one such occasion. In fact, Diwali and Bhai Dhuj are some of the best times in a year when you can gift chocolates and flowers to your younger brother, sister or cousin.

Dry fruits

A large box of dry fruits has always been the most traditional yet the most alluring gift options for Diwali. You can gift this to each and every person close to your heart - elders in your family, your neighbours, your cousins, your employees - these are ideal for all and everyone.

Gadgets and appliances

Electronic gadgets or appliances, ranging from smartphones to tablets and from glass cooktops to latest version of food processors - happen to be the most exclusive and utilitarian gift options for your wife or mother. It actually goes for all homemakers, if especially she is an enthusiastic cook. A new piece of cookware or kitchenware that is has changed the entire experience of cooking food is also a great option for Diwali gift that you can choose for your wife or sister.

Gifting options for wives and husbands

A gorgeous silk or georgette sari can impress your wife to an unbelievable extent and you can opt for buying her an exclusive designer sari, you are sure to get all her attention during the festive season of Diwali. And if you desire to enjoy watching your husband’s awestruck expression, go for gifting him his favorite brand of perfume. This is a very special means of reminding your husband of your presence with him all the day round.

Go for these excellent options for Diwali gifts and enjoy this Diwali to the optimum.

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Simple Tips to Welcome Goddess Lakshmi with a Rangoli

2014-10-12T16:13:00.000+05:30

A bright and colourful rangoli is known to complement all festive celebrations, rangoli being an integral part of all types of decoration for a number of cultural and religious occasions. The religious significance of rangoli, which is about welcoming goddess Lakshmi into one’s home, makes it widely popular across all the Hindu households in India and in rest of the world. This Diwali you too can decorate your home with rangolis by following the given instructions here to welcome Goddess Lakshmi with a rangoli.

Beautiful rangoli at the entrance

Rangoli: Types and designs

Rangolis made during Diwali and other festive events are usually of two kinds - wet and dry. Fresh flowers, flower petals, natural colours or chemical dyes are used to make dry rangolis whereas wet rangolis are made with liquid paints. The widely popular designs that are created as rangolis during Diwali include flowers like swastiks, lotus, geometric forms and other auspicious symbols. You can try making any of these designs or any other design that you would like to create according to your choice and decorate your home with dry and wet rangolis. You can use the most commonly available things like turmeric and kumkum for making your favourite design, free hand rangolis being mostly done with these things. The materials that you need for creating and decorating your rangoli include diyas, candles, wet cloth, chalk, small glass pieces and a sieve.

Materials needed to make a rangoli

To prepare natural colours for creating your rangolis you can use white rice powder, yellow turmeric powder, pulses, vermillion, rose petals, marigold petals, lavender flower petals, cinnamon powder, coriander powder, mint leaves, mustard seeds and beans.

Steps for creating a rangoli to welcome Goddess Lakshmi

For creating a rangoli to welcome Goddess Lakshmi first clean the floor with a damp cloth and make an outline on that part of the floor where you want to make your rangoli. Then start your rangoli by spreading any colour of your liking with a sieve to create the base of the rangoli. Then make your favourite design with your fingers and after finishing the design border your rangoli with any bright colour. Finally decorate your rangoli with fresh and vibrantly coloured flowers and attractively shaped glass pieces along with diyas, candles and any image of Lakshmi or Ganesha.

Follow these simple tips to create rangolis at the entrance of your home as well as in other parts of your home to welcome Goddess Lakshmi with a rangoli this Diwali and make your Diwali celebrations special.

Check out some designs in our section on RANGOLI DESIGNS

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Popularity of the Tradition of Playing Cards, Playing Cards in Diwali

2014-10-08T15:00:00.000+05:30

The festival of lights, popular as Diwali worldwide, is an age-old festival celebrated by the Hindu community across the Indian Subcontinent and in numerous locations around the world. A wide number of traditions are associated with the celebrations of Diwali in the religions that have their roots in Hinduism, these religions primarily being Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. The rich cultural heritage of India intricately associated with its glorious past is reflected through these traditions. The tradition of playing cards is one of these widely practiced Diwali traditions, the ritual of playing cards being a part of the Diwali celebrations in almost all the Hindu homes in India as well as in other parts of the world where Diwali is celebrated with passion and zeal.

Religious belief about the tradition

The custom of playing cards on Diwali evolves from the common Hindu belief that goddess Laxmi, who blesses her devotees with wealth and prosperity, grins upon the winner and approves luck and fortune. For this reason, people celebrating Diwali await to become a part of this interesting tradition expressing their enthusiasm and joy by indulging into activities such as gambling. In fact, games those involve winning and losing of money by using playing cards, are enjoyed greatly by the people during Diwali. Winners look forward to winning more money whereas losers wait eagerly for becoming a winner.

Legend behind the tradition

The exciting legend, which started the ritual of playing cards on the festive occasion of Diwali involves a number of Hindu mythological characters. It is believed that on a Diwali night goddess Parvati was playing dice with lord Shiva, her consort. It was this night when she declared that persons gambling on the auspicious occasion of Diwali would receive her blessings for prosperity and wealth from the beginning to the end of the new year. People of the present day world are still enjoying this ancient ritual as a part of their Diwali celebrations. Card games like rummy and flush, which involve putting money on stake, are indispensable to the Diwali traditions even today.

Playing of cards on Diwali, as it is related to wealth and prosperity, is thought to be bringing in luck for the card players. Although gambling is a legal offence, yet on Diwali, approval for this activity is given to all. In fact, people go to the extent of declaring that persons not playing cards on this night would be born as a donkey in their next life.

Image source: says.com

Easy to Make Corner Rangolis, Rangolis At The Corners, Design Your Corners with Rangolis

2014-10-06T18:00:00.001+05:30

If your room is small and you really want to decorate it in a unique way, then make a colourful Rangoli at the corner. This will highlight the corner of your room and at the same time make your room look vibrant. Rangoli is basically an art. Use your imagination to the widest extent. Use varied colours, fresh flowers, diyas, candles to decorate the corners of your room. Small rangoli design made in the corner of a room can look very beautiful. You have many design options like as free hand petals and then borders and curved lines, a very simple mehandi design, a lotus at the centre with simple spiral designs on either sides and a few petals, a beautiful floral and diya combination and many more. Have a look at these amazingly designed corner rangolis to give you some ideas on rangoli designs:

You can also check out at RANGOLI DESIGNS AT THE CORNERS

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Popularity of the Concept of Diwali Mela, Diwali Mela Significance

2014-10-06T17:31:00.001+05:30

The popularity of the concept of Diwali Mela all across the Indian Subcontinent as well as in various parts of the world let people enjoy the celebrations of Diwali with festivity and excitement. Diwali is traditionally celebrated across all the households limited to only one community but a Diwali Mela brings many people together from a number of communities belonging to different parts of the world. The weekend that follows the celebrations of Diwali is generally marked by the event of Diwali Mela, which spreads enthusiasm and excitement across communities worldwide. Members of the Hindu community residing in international cities are able to feel connected with their age-old traditions, which they miss, away from their homeland. They also get the opportunity to make their children familiar with their roots by being a part of the excitement that marks the Diwali Melas.

Significance

The notion of Diwali Mela is not only to involve only the Indian Hindu community but also to make the worldwide population acquainted with the true essence of being an Indian. This goes best especially for the various communities that thrive in coherence with the Indian population across innumerable destinations around the world.

Popularity

The widespread popularity of Diwali Mela has taken over the world and is organised across the nations having a considerable number of members from the Hindu community of India. The Diwali Melas serve as the platform to display the uniqueness of Indian art and culture across the many kiosks that are set up featuring exquisite handcrafted objects like the beautiful decoratives and jewelleries.

Attractions

Cultural programs are an indispensable part of the Diwali Melas, which includes varied types of events ranging from magic shows and puppet shows to the display of various handmade articles. Stands are also arranged at these Diwali Melas, which are organized worldwide to offer opportunities to the masses for learning the art of making clay objects and painting henna on hands and feet. Food joints selling a wide array of mouthwatering Indian snacks and sweet dishes are among the other prime attractions of the Diwali Melas. Interesting and fun-filled competitions are also held as integral part of this type of melas and complement the Diwali celebrations. Enthralling display of fireworks and firecrackers complete the entire show.

Live performances

The Diwali Melas are made even more special by the captivating performances of the leading stars from Bollywood. From the top actors to the award-winning singers - all Bollywood stars make these Diwali Melas a great venue for entertainment and fun.

Amazon.in Dhamaka Diwali Offers, Online Shopping Dhamaka at Amazon.in, Diwali Offers 2014

2014-10-04T12:40:00.000+05:30

This press release is taken from the Amazon.in site

For thirty days, starting September 22nd 2014, customers can look forward to hundreds of exciting new deals & offers on the hottest products; new store launches; first access to unique selections & premium brands; exciting contests; and many more surprises on the Amazon Shopping app and on www.amazon.in

Amazon.in Shopping Dhamaka

“This is easily the largest shopping season in India and we want to make it very exciting for customers to experience Amazon.in, India's largest online store with the largest selection of products eligible for next-day guaranteed delivery. We are thrilled to kickoff the Online Shopping Dhamaka ahead of the peak festival season and look forward to delight customers with the convenient and trustworthy Amazon experience," said Amit Agarwal, VP & Country Head, Amazon India.”

The Online Shopping Dhamaka starts on September 22 with the opening of the Deals Store (www.amazon.in/deals) and a Festival Season Gifts Store (www.amazon.in/gifts) making it easy & convenient for customers to find the best deals of the season in one place and to choose the best gifts for their family & friends.

Deals Store
The Deals Store is the leading deals destination this festive season, offering Deals of the Day every day and hundreds of Lightning Deals on numerous products every week. Customers will find more deals than ever before and huge savings across a variety of Amazon.in categories – across home décor, electronics, kitchen appliances, video games, apparels, jewellery and more. In the launch week of the Online Shopping Dhamaka customers can start enjoying the following exciting offers – - Amazon.in Gift Cards worth Rs. 4000 for free with every purchase of Xbox One

- Flat 25% off on backpacks, wallets, luggage
- Flat 60% off on 4000+ best-selling books
- Flat 50% off on music
- Flat 50% off on 20,000+ styles in Fashion, Ethnic and Classic Jewellery
- Flat 30% off on Special Sports Combos

And this is the beginning. Customers should download the Amazon Shopping app and visit often to keep track of exciting offers every week!

Festive Season Gifts Store The Festive Season Gifts Store features thousands of handpicked gifts from across categories as well as the festive season range of Amazon.in Gift Cards. From dry fruit gift hampers, new home appliance or gadgets, smartphones or tablets, home décor ideas, lighting accessories & diyas to perfumes, lifestyle products, jewellery or fashion lines, the store has many unique & interesting gifts available across a wide price range to choose from.

Also available are Amazon.in Gift cards in over 200 designs celebrating various festive occasions like Dussehra, Karvachauth, Durga Puja, Diwali, Dhanteras, Bhai Dooj & more. The Amazon.in Gift Cards can also be purchased in any value starting from Rs. 10 up to Rs. 10,000. Recipients can buy gifts of their choice and get them delivered at their doorstep thus making gifting easy, convenient, fast, enjoyable & happy for all.

Exclusives Customers can also look forward to some exciting brand launches during the next few weeks and get exclusive access to some marquee brands. To mention a few – Arya, a passionate new brand of smartphones, is launching Arya Z2 exclusively on Amazon.in tomorrow. The Arya Z2 debuts with a launch offer price of Rs.6999/- and an 8GB microsSD card for free. Additionally, customers can get exclusive access to several exciting products including Hidesign’s new ICONIC range for both men & women launching tomorrow, APJ Abdul Kalam’s new untitled book, book-sets of Pran’s comics, the Timex Weekender collection of watches, Tommy Hilfiger fashion luggage, the new Micromax Canvas A1 with Android One™, Eddy tablets for children from Metis & Intel as well as Jivi JSP 20, India’s lowest-priced Android smartphone, with more to launch soon.

Customers on www.amazon.in and Amazon’s mobile shopping application can shop anywhere with ease and confidence from over 18 million products across a broad range of departments including Books; eBooks & Tablets; Movies & TV shows; Kindle Devices, Computers & Accessories; Mobiles & Accessories; Consumer Electronics; Toys & Games; Baby Products; Health and Personal Care products; Watches; Fashion Jewelry; Home & Kitchen products; Beauty Products; Video Games; Music; Luggage & Bags; Handbags & Clutches; Sports, Fitness & Outdoor equipment; Shoes; Men’s, Women’s & Kid’s wear; Pet Supplies; Gift Cards. Customers across several cities in India are increasingly enjoying Amazon’s guaranteed next-day delivery on more than 325,000 products fulfilled by Amazon. All customers on www.amazon.in benefit from a safe and secure ordering experience, convenient electronic payments, Cash on Delivery, no-risk hassle-free returns policy, Amazon’s 24x7 customer service support, and a globally recognized and comprehensive 100% purchase protection provided by Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee.

About Amazon.in
The Amazon.in marketplace is operated by Amazon Seller Services Private Ltd, an affiliate of Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN). Amazon.in seeks to build the most customer-centric online destination for customers to find and discover virtually anything they want to buy online by giving them more of what they want – vast selection, low prices, fast and reliable delivery, and a trusted and convenient experience; and provide sellers with a world-class e-commerce platform.

Image source: www.digitallyhot.com

Useful Tips On How To Celebrate an Environmentally Safe Diwali, Eco Friendly Diwali Tips

2014-10-04T12:31:00.001+05:30

Diwali celebrates the dominance of everything that brings positivity to your life – light, knowledge, hope and righteousness. So while enjoying the Diwali celebrations you must keep all your worries and all negativities away from yourself, and concentrate only on Celebrating an Environmentally Safe Diwali. But before celebrating Diwali you should be well informed about the ill-effects of the elements that are integral to the conventional celebration of Diwali with noisy crackers and harmful fireworks.

Safe and Green Diwali

Effects of Conventional Diwali celebrations

Extreme levels of air pollution, noise pollution, soil pollution and consumerism are the leading effects of the usual ways of Diwali celebrations whereas the harmful effects of Diwali celebrations that upset the overall health of mankind include auditory problems, increased blood pressure, sleeping issues, headache, breathing problem, exhaustion, irritability, skin allergies, redness and other problems related to eyes, and burns, accidents and even death caused due to fireworks. In fact, children also die every year while making firecrackers in factories across the Indian mainland.

Reasons to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali

By celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali you can save the various elements of nature from the damages caused by the harmful use of fireworks and crackers as well as get rid of the issues that usually lead to the disruption of daily life by creating problems related to mortal health. Money, which is spent excessively, along with the unnecessary use of the non-recyclable materials, can also be saved if you decide on celebrating an environmentally safe Diwali.

How to enjoy an eco-friendly Diwali?

Giving away to those people who are not privileged as you are, is one of the best ways you can enjoy an eco-friendly Diwali. Do not throw away the articles that would be left after you are done with the decoration of your home. Share them with the little children at the orphanages and NGOs or with the old people at the old age homes so that they can use them for their Diwali decoration.
Also do not spend money on the expensive and noisy firecrackers, which only cause pollution. Instead, donate that money to the poor street children making it possible for them to light diyas and lamps using that money. You can also spread happiness by using your money on buying gifts and sweets for these children.
Make your diyas and lamps at your home and avoid unnecessary use of your money. You can also involve your children and the other kids of your neighborhood in making diyas at home instead of wasting their time in lighting fireworks outside their home.
Stop the use of noise making firecrackers, which not only affect the life of humans but also scares away the animals. Create aesthetically attractive rangolis across your household instead of making noise in your neighborhood by bursting the firecrackers.

Celebrate Greem Diwali

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Significance of Kali Pooja in Bengal, Kali Puja in Diwali

2014-10-03T09:50:00.000+05:30

Kali Pooja is one of the most popular religious festivals in West Bengal for the Hindu Bengalis, celebrations for which draw attention of people from other communities also. The Hindu festival of Kali Pooja in West Bengal is marked by the lighting of diyas across all the Bengali households for casting away the shadow of the evil from the households, worship of goddess Kali being the most important event in the night of Kali Pooja.

Kali Puja

Pooja Day
Temples across the state of West Bengal draw large gatherings and crowds since morning, especially the famous temples at Kalighat and Dakshineswar. The Diwali celebrations in West Bengal are accompanied by the festivities of Kali Pooja as the two festivals coincide most of the time, Diwali also being at times followed by Kali Pooja. The New Moon Day in the Hindu month of Kartik is signified by the worship of goddess Lakshmi during the celebrations of Diwali all across India. Kali Pooja, also known as Shyama Pooja, is performed on this day by the Bengali, Assamese and Oriya Hindus.

Kali Puja Ceebrations

History

In the 18th century Raja Krishnachandra, king of Navadvipa, began celebrating Kali Pooja in Bengal. Regard for Kali Pooja increased during the 19th century as Ishvarchandra, grandson of Raja Krishnachandra, propagated the tradition of Kali Pooja in West Bengal along with the influential people of the Bengali community. This festival of Kali Pooja started to be sponsored by the affluent property-owners with fervor and zeal in Bengal. Apart from Kali Pooja, Durga Pooja is one of the mostly celebrated religious festivals in West Bengal by the Bengali community.

Celebrations and traditions

Clay images of goddess Kali are worshipped in the pandals, which are the open exhibition areas where the idols of goddess Kali are displayed for public viewing. Images of Bamakhepa and Ramakrishna, who were ardent devotees of goddess Kali, as well as the idol of Shiva, companion of goddess Kali, are also exhibited in the pandals, where people gather from near and far. Idols of Kali are also venerated in many of the Bengali households. In the night of Kali Pooja in Bengal mantras are uttered and the Tantric rituals are performed to revere goddess Kali. Red hibiscus flowers are integral to the worship of Kali, which are offered by the devotees at the feet of the clay idols of Kali. Nightlong meditation and worship of the goddess is considered to be essential as a part of the entire ritual. Animal sacrifice is another important part of the customs that are associated with the worship of Kali during the festival of Kali Pooja.

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Safety Tips on Diwali Do’s and Don’ts, Safety Tips on Diwali, Diwali Do’s and Don’ts

2014-10-01T17:39:00.001+05:30

All of you know about the Do’s and Don’ts for Diwali but it is always preferable to recapitulate the necessary tips to be kept in your minds. It is better for you to follow the safety tips for Diwali celebrations to shun all the possibilities of an accident or disaster that may occur during the Diwali celebrations. These safety tips on Diwali do’s and don’ts involve the use of fireworks, which should always be handled with caution.

Safety tips on Diwali

Do’s

The most important of the safety tips for Diwali that you should follow every time you light up your firework include the necessity of reading and following the instructions and precautions that are written on the labels of all fireworks. It is not at all advisable for you not to pay any attention to these guidelines if you are genuinely concerned about the security of your family, other persons and your material belongings.
Keep the inflammable objects such as dry grass and leaves of plants away from the place where you are about to light your fireworks. Also maintain enough distance from buildings and huge gatherings while burning your fireworks.
Always dig down your fireworks into a sand bucket away from the crowd of people and also at a significant distance from the inflammable articles.
Another safety tip on Diwali do’s and don’ts involves the necessity of maintaining a small gap between you and the firework you have chosen to light up. Stand away from your firework turning away your face and light it from a distance.
Always keep water close to you or light your fireworks nearby any source of water so that you can use water to put off the fire if and when necessary.
After pouring water and completely putting off the flame of the firework let that cool out of the children’s reach. Fireworks that take time to cool, if by any means, come in contact with any inflammable article, attires or a minor’s delicate skin, may damage these.

Don’ts

Never collect fireworks in the pockets as they are highly combustible and can cause accident any time.
After lighting a firework, don’t light it again if it goes off without burning up successfully. Leave it for few minutes and then pour water on it.
Do not go for burning fireworks at indoors and covered spaces. Light them in your courtyard or in open spaces.
Keep glass and metal objects away from the fireworks you are going to light up.

Do’s and don’ts for Diwali also includes the requirement of some basic knowledge regarding the use of a first aid box necessary for treating the injuries of an affected person.

So, in order to enjoy a safe and exciting Diwali with family and friends, please take note of these essential safety tips on Diwali do’s and don’ts.

Interesting Facts About The 6 Places To Celebrate Diwali In India

2014-09-28T08:51:00.002+05:30

One of the most popular festivals in India celebrated all across the nation is the five day event of Diwali, which is spiritually and religiously quite significant for the Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities. It is the beginning of a new year for the Marwaris. Diwali indicates eradication of darkness by light, evil by good, enlightenment of the soul and the commencement of a new era of hope. From the religious point of view, significance of Diwali is different for every part of the nation. Out of all, the 6 places in India to celebrate Diwali in a unique manner are Varanasi, Jaipur, Goa, Amritsar, Kolkata and Chennai.

Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the most happening places in India, but its grandeur enhances during the Diwali celebrations when the non-stop display of mounting fireworks keeps on casting glittering reflections of fireworks, electric lamps, diyas and candles over River Ganga all night long. In Varanasi, the breathtaking sights of this attractive display of lights from the riverside, is worth enjoying.

Diwali in Varanasi

Jaipur

Jaipur is one of the most stunning places in India to celebrate Diwali, houses, as well as the markets here being decorated attractively with lights and diyas during the Diwali celebrations. In fact, the decorations of the markets here are judged as a part of a competition and people from near and far visit Jaipur for witnessing this bright display of colourful lights.

Diwali in Jaipur

Goa

In Goa, Lord Krishna is believed to be the exterminator of Narakasura, the demon, and to mark this victory of the good over the evil, people in Goa celebrate this day as Naraka Chaturdasi by making gigantic images of the demon and setting fire to those early in the morning. The casinos in Goa remain crowded during the celebrations of Diwali since gambling is a favourite activity for the people here.

Diwali in Goa

Amritsar

The celebrations of Diwali in Amritsar are defined by the awe-inspiring display of lights at the Golden Temple. Especially the lake here looks stunning with the reflection of fireworks soaring high up in the sky along with the lights that adorn its boundaries and the entire temple premises.

Golden Temple Amritsar in Diwali

Kolkata

One of the 6 places to celebrate Diwali in India is Kolkata, where Diwali, or Dipaboli, is celebrated parallel to the Kali Pooja, another Hindu festival. Candles, lamps and fireworks are burnt and the celebrations continue till the day of Bhai Duj.

Kali Puka Kolkata

Chennai

In Chennai Diwali is celebrated with much enthusiasm to memorialize triumph of Lord Krishna over Narakasura, the evil asura. Oil bath, consumption of Deepavali Lehiyam, new clothing and visits to the temples of Shiva, Vishnu and Ganesha mark the celebrations of Diwali in Chennai.

Diwali in Chennai

Be it anywhere in India, Diwali is celebrated with the same enthusiasm and zeal by the local people, irrespective of caste or creed.

Image source: www.lonelyplanet.in, frangipanidecor.blogspot.com, vedicodyssey.com,
davidcrossland.net, vedicodyssey.com, www.pakwheels.com

Significance of Naraka Chaturdasi, Naraka Chaturdasi in Diwali, Naraka Chaturdasi Importance

2014-09-23T11:33:00.001+05:30

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights celebrated all over the world with zeal and fervor, is followed by another significant festival of celebration, the Naraka Chaturdasi. It falls on the second day of the festival of Diwali. The name is derived from the two words Kali and Chaudas, dark being the meaning of Kali and fourteenth referring to the word Chaudas. The name is like this since this Hindu festival is celebrated in the month of Kartik, on its fourteenth day, which is included in the dark half of this month. This day is dedicated to the devotion of goddess Kali, her other names being Shakti and Mahakali. Naraka Chaturdasi is considered to be the auspicious day, which marks the killing of the notorious demon, Narakasura by Kali. It is the day when light, which represents goodness, triumphs over evil, symbolized by darkness. The festival is celebrated as Kali Choudas on the day following Diwali across the Indian states of Maharastra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Goa.

According to Bhagvata Purana, Narakasura was son of Varaha Murthi, a mythical avatar of Lord Vishnu, and Bhudevi, the earth goddess. The mythological depiction of the events associated with Narakasura has considerable significance in the ancient history of Kamrup, and rest of Assam, as Narakasura is believed to be the forefather of several royal families that controlled Kamarup in the ancient period. The mythological story of Kamakhya Temple and goddess Shakta are also related to this mythical being.

Reverence to Kali on the eve of this festival is expressed with the incorporation of sandalwood, oils and flowers. Offerings of ghee, sugar, jaggery, sesame seed and poha are also essential for this worship, coconuts being presented as offering mainly to the Hindu god Hanumana. The significance of Diwali as a joyous celebration of the harvest season is also established by the ceremonial practices that are vital to this festive occasion.

Poha or rice flakes are used for preparing special food items during on this festive occasion, a very popular ritual across the villages and towns of India, especially in the western part of the nation. Integral to the customs of this festival are application of kohl in both the eyes and washing of head. Offering Nivet, learning mantras and dedicating food to the ancestors are some of the other common rituals associated with the celebration of this eventful occasion.

Hindu men on Kali Choudas rise up very early, adorn their bodies with scented oil, take bath and wear new and clean attires. Enjoying breakfast with friends and families, lighting of fireworks and serving of desserts are other popular traditions that are integral to the celebration of this festive occasion in India.

Diwali Bumper Sale 2014 at Snapdeal.com, Diwali Offers 2014

2014-09-22T20:44:00.001+05:30

Just a month is left for Diwali and Snapdeal.com has come up with some exclusive deals and discounts in various sections. Infact, Snapdeal had done this in a different style this year, taking many TV celebrities in the promotion of the bumper offer. This is supposed to be the biggest diwali campaign seen in India with a mega star cast.

Diwali Bumper Sale on Televisions at Snapdeal: Philips Television Deals at Snapdeal
Snapdeal is offering special discounts on television under its Diwali bumper sale. Customers can save big on Philips televisions that are purchased on Snapdeal. Rs. 300 off on orders above Rs. 5,000, Rs. 500 off on orders above Rs. 10,000, extra Rs. 1000 off is available on orders above Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 3000 extra discount is offered on orders above Rs. 40,000.

Popularity of Diwali celebrations in Other Parts of the World, Diwali Celebrations All Across the Globe

2014-09-22T12:57:00.002+05:30

The “festivals of lights”, Diwali, is one of the most important festivals celebrated all over India. Every year the season of autumn is marked by the festivities of Diwali across the Hindu community embracing the young and the old alike. Symbolising the triumph of good over evil, which is conveyed with the lighting of diyas, the festival of Diwali in India is the time for renewal of everything that is worn out. Cleaning and decoration of homes are integral to the celebrations of Diwali, which need to be completed before the celebrations of Diwali begin. Wearing new clothes is also another part of the Diwali celebrations.

Diwali in Other Parts of the globe

Although Diwali is a major festival in India, the day being an official day all around the nation, Diwali is celebrated also in other parts of the world. Diwali celebrations in other parts of the world outside India include the celebrations in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Guyana, Fiji, Suriname, Pakistan, Netherlands, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Canada, United States, United Kingdom and Trinidad and Tobago.

Diwali in other parts of the world comprise of the festive celebrations in the nations, where the Hindus, Sikhs and Jains cover a considerable part of the total population. People all around the world are becoming more and more interested in the cultural traditions of India and Indian people also are increasingly moving out of their native land for settling down in other parts of the world. As such celebrations of Diwali in other parts of the world are also gaining popularity as evident by the growing number of the nations that are celebrating Diwali. Diwali celebrations in other parts of the world is not only involving people belonging to the Indian Hindu community but is bringing in societies together.

In Malaysia Diwali is a public holiday across the entire monarchy and the customs associated with Diwali are quite similar to those practiced in India during this festive occasion. In Malaysia the Hindu community gathers for open houses and celebrates it with full enthusiasm with the people from other communities. In Nepal “Swanti” and “Tihar” are the names attributed to Diwali, the festival being marked by the offerings made to the crows and dogs, Nepal Sambat and the worshipping of goddess Laxmi. Long processions, Ma Puja and Bhai Tika are the other celebrations, which are associated with Diwali in Nepal. Celebrations of Diwali in other parts of the world like Singapore involve the Hindu community of Tamil Nadu. Diwali in other parts of world outside Asia also is celebrated as a public holiday in some countries, the festivities being more or less alike to a great extent.

Popularity of Chinese fireworks

2014-09-20T16:02:00.000+05:30

Fireworks have become since ages a very important part of festive celebrations all around the world. In fact, competitions for lighting fireworks are held as an event of merriment accompanied by light, sound, colours and smoke in various locations across the globe. Fireworks are actually manufactured in such a way that when lighted up, they can burn giving out numerous colourful sparks and fire with mild or loud noise. Display of fireworks is a major attraction of celebrations, which are religious and cultural as well. China is the place of origin of these fireworks, which are seen today. The oldest records of these Chinese fireworks being found are known to have been created in the 7th century in China.

Chinese Fireworks

Different festive occasions in China were celebrated with fireworks during the ancient times and it was integral to the Chinese culture. People from Arab knew about the use of the gunpowder from the Chinese people in 1240. Fireworks of China were started to be used far and wide during the middle years of the 17th Century. Over time, use of fireworks became indispensable to society and culture in various parts of the world. However fireworks in China are still a fascinating sight to behold during the major festivities and celebrations like the Spring Festival, which is the celebration of Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival. China ranks first in the world in terms of production and export of fireworks.

Chinese fireworks are categorised mainly into two types, fireworks that are burnt on the ground and the fireworks that are displayed in the sky. The skyrockets are the most attractive, popular and expensive fireworks that are lighted up in the air. Fireworks are required to be used with caution and care, as lack of safety measures can put the person using those into grave risk. Not the users but also the people watching the brightly hued display of fireworks should be careful enough while remaining nearby the flammable fireworks. However, the quantity of explosive ingredients is negligible in the fireworks that are used by the common people.

Display and competition of Chinese fireworks, which are also known as pyrotechnics, accompanied by innumerable effects such as Falling Leaf, Crossette, Time Rain, Bengal Fire and Multi-break shells, complemented by various sounds like whistles, bangs and crackles are popular attractions of festivals and celebrations across the world. In fact, laws regarding the safety of consumer fireworks exist in different countries around the world, some of these nations being Philippines, France, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, United States, Australia, New Zealand and Chile.

Religious Significance of Diwali in Jainism, Diwali Jainism, Importance of Diwali in Jainism

2014-09-08T15:23:00.002+05:30

Diwali is an auspicious festival celebrated largely across the lengths and widths of India as well as throughout to expanse of different casts and creeds in distinctive relevance. Religious significance of Diwali in Jainism also has a peculiar pertinence in context with series of events related to lord Mahavira. Here are some facts on the religious relevance of Diwali in Jainism.

Diwali Jainism

Diwali Celebrated in Jainsim as the Day of Moksha Attainment by Lord Mahavira

According to the Harivamsha Puran, Tirthankar Mahavir who was also known as Jinendra, attained nirvana on 15th October, 527 BCE in Pavapuri located within the state territories of Bihar, India. This day was mentioned in the holy books of Jainism as Dipalikaya which is called as Diwali interchangeably. Dipalikaya is deciphered as lightening of lamps to embark the celebration for the occasion of lord Mahavira’s achievement of moksha (Nirvana).

Diwali Celebrated as the Beginning of New Year as per the Jain Calendar

Pratipada, celebrated usually on the following day of Diwali is marked as the starting of a new accounting year in Jainism. Jain Businessmen and jewellers celebrate this occasion by wishing prosperity to each other as well as by offering prayers with traditional rituals. As per the holy books, it is also acknowledge as the day when the main disciple of lord Mahavira, Gandhara Gautam Swami attained nirvana. The day is considered as the best time to begin a new trade or for purchasing ornaments which is believed to bring good luck and property in life. The day also marks the significance of last day in Ashvina month of Jain calendar.

In Jainism, Diwali is celebrated in more over a subtle way. The festival is not celebrated in a loud character and lightening of fireworks is avoided as it creates pollution. People light lamps, decorate their houses, visit others with sweets and offer prayers through meditation. They follow a special ritual of distributing lamps as massively as possible in order to serve lord Mahavira’s teaching of spreading knowledge and destroying ignorance from the world.

Bihar’s Pavapuri becomes a special attraction on the occasion of Diwali. Thousands of Mahavira followers from around the world make a religious visit to the place. Pavapuri temples and streets are decorated to welcome the visitors.

In respectful ode to lord Mahavira’s contribution in enlightening the human kind, Svetambara Jains observe rigorous fasting on Diwali for around three days. Chants and rhymes from Uttaradhyayan Suttra are recited on the occasion of Diwali.

Diwali is addressed as the Nirvana Kalyanaka Divas or Naval Saal for the multi-facet significance of Diwali in Jainism. Moreover, the festival is celebrated with outmost serenity, calmness and as per religious rituals in the Jain community.

Dhanteras Puja 2013 Mahurat : What to Purchase on Dhanteras?

2013-11-01T08:37:00.000+05:30

Dhanteras Puja Muhurat
1. Pradosh Kal
Pradosh Kal is the time of 2 hours 24 minutes after sunset. Deep Dan and Lakshmi Pujan is considered auspicious during this time.

On 1st November 2013, sunset time will be from 17:32 to 20:08 in Delhi. During this period, Taurus Lagna will be the fixed Lagna from 18:20 to 20:15. The muhurat time will bring wealth in Home and family.

Muhurat=18:20 to 20:09
Duration=1 hour 48 Mins
Pradosh Kaal=17:32 to 20:09
Vrishabha Kaal=18:20 to 20:15
Trayodashi Tithi Starts = 22:16 on October 31,2013
Trayodashi Tithi Ends = 21:33 on November 1,2013.

Auspicious Mahurat in Evening
The time of Pradosh Kal,fixed Lagna from 17:44 to 20:19 will be the most auspicious for the Pujan of Dhanteras.

What to purchase on Dhanteras ?
Bringing home the silver idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha, increases wealth, success and growth at house, offices and business organisation.

Lord Dhanwantri appeared in sea with an urn, hence, there is a ritual of buying utensils on this day. It is believed buying utensils or silver increases their count by 13 times. Also, buying seeds of dried coriander and keeping them in house increases wealth. On the day of Diwali, these seeds are sown in garden or farms. These seeds are the symbol of growth and wealth increment in a person’s life.

For more information, Check out About Dhanteras Festival

Rangoli Designs with Flowers, Fresh Flowers and Rangolis

2013-10-25T12:36:00.000+05:30

We have collected here some beautiful rangoli designs. These designs are simple and can be made using fresh flowers. You don't have to be an expert in designing a floral rangoli. Flower rangoli looks very attractive and can cover a lot of space. Use any of these designs to decorate your home this diwali.

You can also check out more designs here at Floral Rangoli For Diwali

Diwali Living Room Decoration Ideas : Easy Guide on Home Decoration

2013-10-23T12:33:00.000+05:30

With just a few days left for Diwali, its time now to start preparing to deck up your home. Living room is the main room which I believe in Diwali will be the busiest room as your guests will come and sit here. Make your living room absolutely gorgeous and attractive during Diwali. You can deck up your living room quite easily. But for that plan beforehand.

Points to be taken care of before

Does your living room need a paint? If yes, call the painter now.
Are you satisfied with the furnishings or you need new? If yes, get them now as you will get many stuff in discounted prices at this time. Pre Diwali sales are going on.
Polish your brass artefacts and figurines.
Clean the light holders.
You don't have to change your furniture. All you can do is to change their placing and re-polish them if required.
Make a list of things that you need like as diyas, candles, lights, flowers, ragoli powder, torans etc.

Pre Diwali Decorations

Clean the living room properly. Throw away the unwanted products.
Clean the curtains and sofa covers and other textiles which are washable at home. If you want, you can use some other curtains or sofa covers which were not used for a very long time.
If you have unwanted old sarees, you can simply use them to drape your windows and sofa covers or cushions.

Diwali Day Living Room Decorations

Rangoli: Start with a rangoli first as this takes time to make. Use the corner of your living room. If you want, you can use any floor space to make the rangoli, provided it is in a place from which it can be easily seen and should not be in anyone's pathway.

Check out more Rangoli Designs Here

Flowers : Don't forget to bring fresh flowers on Diwali. You can make a beautiful floral rongoli or line up the sides of the room with fresh flowers. A bouquet of fresh flowers on the corner table or on the dining table looks great. Garlands also look great when you hang them on the doors and windows.

For more designs check out Diwali Flower Decorations

Diyas and Lights : No diwali is complete without lights and diyas. Illuminate your living room in the best way possible. Use candles, designer diyas to illuminate every part of the room. Floating candles look awesome. Check out some Floating Candle Diwali Decoration Ideas. Floating Diyas also look great. Make use of votive holders and tea lights. If you have a console table, use it properly.

Diwali Torans and Hangings: Usher in prosperity and luck this Diwali with Diwali Torans and hangings.

Nokia Lumia Smart Upgrade Diwali Offer: Diwali Offer Nokia Lumia

2013-10-23T11:01:00.000+05:30

This Diwali, exchange your old phone for a new Nokia Lumia at a Great Price. Celebrate Diwali with a smart upgrade. Exchange your current mobile phone at a mobile retailer’s store and buy a Nokia Lumia smart phone. The options available are :

Nokia Lumia 520
Nokia Lumia 620
Nokia Lumia 625
Nokia Lumia 925

Handset MRP (Inclusive of taxes) Old Phone Buy Back Discount Effective Price

Nokia Lumia 520 11,289/- 4,000/- 7,289/-

Nokia Lumia 620 15,999/- 6,000/- 9,999/-

Nokia Lumia 625 21,919/- 7,000/- 14,919/-

Nokia Lumia 925 38,529/- 10,000/- 28,529/-

Handset	MRP (Inclusive of taxes)	Old Phone Buy Back Discount	Effective Price
Nokia Lumia 520	11,289/-	4,000/-	7,289/-
Nokia Lumia 620	15,999/-	6,000/-	9,999/-
Nokia Lumia 625	21,919/-	7,000/-	14,919/-
Nokia Lumia 925	38,529/-	10,000/-	28,529/-

Make memories out of each moment, this Diwali. There is also an EMI offer on the Nokia Lumia 925 and the Nokia Lumia 625 (the EMI price is post smart upgrade offer). All you need to do is to take your phone to your nearest mobile store and get it assessed for its exchange value. Buy your new Nokia Lumia smartphone, avail discount and join the smart league of Lumia users. Hurry! Offer’s valid only till the stock lasts.

For Details, check out Website: http://www.nokia.com/in-en/buyback/

Diwali Crackers : Buy Crackers Online

2013-10-22T19:57:00.000+05:30

Sparklers, Chakras, Flower Pots, One Shot, Walas, Night Fireworks, Bijli Crackers, Atom Bomb, Rockets: Lots of Diwali Crackers to choose from. When you can find every product online, why not diwali crackers? Check out some of the well known on line shopping portals, that offer Diwali Crackers.

123 Crackers.com
Buy Crackers online and celebrate this diwali in style. The easiest and the cheapest way to buy crackers from Standard Fireworks this Diwali. 123crackers.com has started this website on a mission to provide quality crackers at cheap prices from Standard fireworks at your doorstep. So what are you waiting for. Order now and Get ready to celebrate this diwali in style.

Why order crackers from 123crackers.com ?

Best Quality crackers from Standard Fireworks
No Last minute trouble. Beat the queue.
Free Home Delivery (Delivery only in CHENNAI, COIMBATORE, TRICHY)
Cash on Delivery
Crackers will be delivered from OCTOBER 20th 2013 ONWARDS. (Delivery will be between Oct 20th 2013 to Oct 31st 2013)
ORDER NOW - PAY ON DELIVERY
MINIMUM ORDER AMOUNT Rs.2000 (will be increased to Rs.5000 shortly)
CONTACT NUMBER: 9789245544, 9790978586

Peacock Crackers
Welcome to PeacockCrackers.com, the official website and the leading online franchise for Standard Fireworks, Sivakasi. Get the best quality fireworks & crackers ensuring that all its customers' needs and requirements are met.

In our online showroom, we classify fireworks into four major categories -

Crackers (Noise)
Sparkers (Light)
Rockets (Motion)
Fancy Items (Mixture of Noise, Light and Motion)
i.e., many variants of Fancy Crackers, Rockets, Crackers, Chakkars, Flower Pots, etc.

Shopping.rediff.com

Best offers for diwali crackers on Rediff Shopping, India's leading online shopping portal. Buy diwali crackers online at best price in India with facility of Free Shipping and Cash on Delivery (COD) available. diwali crackers online shopping deals with huge discounts and combo offers. Gift diwali crackers online from Rediff Shopping. Upto 24 offers for diwali crackers across various categories like Gift Hampers , Flowers , Others , and many more are available.

Low Calorie Diwali Sweets : 5 Low Calorie Desserts for Diwali

2013-10-22T19:01:00.004+05:30

Well, its diwali time : time for fun, celebrations, gifts, bursting crackers and of course gobbling up lots of sweets and namkeens. What did you say just now? You are very calorie conscious. Come on, that should not stop you from eating and feasting on such a bright and colourful festival like Diwali. Not to worry. There is always a solution for every thing. Sweets are the most common and the best way of celebrating any festival. This DIWALI, do something different. Make your own sweets and desserts at home. You can serve this to anyone that comes to your house on that day and of course you can also feast and have a great time by eating and gobbling , without feeling guilty.

5 Low Calorie Desserts for Diwali

Ras Malai

Good for: Diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, healthy bones, women's health
Health factor: Low sugar, low fat, low salt, high calcium, high protein, high minerals
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients for 20 pieces

1 litre milk
1 tsp vinegar
1 tsp cornflour
1 cup water
10 almonds
1/2 cup sugar or sugar-free Natura powder

Method:

Boil 1/2 l milk. Add vinegar, till paneer is separated. Switch off the gas and cover the paneer for a minute with a lid.
Strain the water away, but be careful of not pressing the paneer too hard. Add cornflour to it. Beat till it becomes a soft dough and make small balls out of it.
In a pressure cooker, add water and sugar-free powder. Let it boil.
Put the paneer balls in and cover with the lid. Pressure cook till one whistle.
Take the remaining milk in a kadai and boil it. Keep stirring the milk. Simmer on low flame for 15 minutes.
Let it cool. Add the paneer balls to the milk and add sugar-free Natura powder. Decorate with chopped almonds.
Serve cold.

Badam Phirni

Good for: Diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, weight loss, post-menopausal health, gastrointestinal health, healthy bones, women's health
Health factor: Low sugar, low fat, high calcium, high protein
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour

Ingredients for 4

5 tbsps rice (red rice)
5 cups skimmed milk
8-10 almonds, blanched and crushed
4 tbsps grated jaggery (gur)
1/2 tsp green cardamom (elaichi) powder
1 tsp rose water
4-6 blanched, silvered pistachios

Method:

Soak the rice in water for half and hour. Remove the water and grind the rice and make a smooth paste.
Dilute the rice paste in half a cup of water. Set it aside for few minutes. Boil milk in a non-stick saucepan.
Add the diluted rice mixture to the milk. Reduce heat before doing that.
Cook on a medium flame for about few minutes till the mixture thickens, stirring continuously.
Add jaggery, crushed almonds and green cardamom powder.
Reduce heat and cook till jaggery has completely dissolved.
Remove from heat and mix with rose water.
Garnish with pistachios.
Chill in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.

Jowar Laddoos

Good for: Diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, weight loss
Health factor: Low sugar, low fat, low cholesterol, high fibre, high calcium, high protein, high vitamins, high iron, high mineral
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients for 10 to 15 laddoos

1 cup besan
2 cups sorghum (jowar) flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
5-6 cloves (laung)
1-2 tsps cardamom (elaichi) powder
4 tsps vegetable oil
3/4 cup almonds (badam)

Method:

Put a little oil in a pan and roast half the portion of almonds. Set aside.
Pour 1/2 cup of water in 3/4 cup of nature free sugar or brown sugar. Allow it to boil till you have one-thread consistency.
Remove from flame. Pour all the ingredients (besan, jowar, cloves and green cardamom powder) in the hot sugar syrup. Mix well and allow it to cool for one hour.
Now make small round balls out of the mixture. Garnish with the rest of the almonds and serve!

Bran muffins

Good for: Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, weight loss, gastrointestinal health
Health factor: Low fat, low cholesterol, high fibre, high protein, high iron
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes

Ingredients for 10-15 Muffins

1 cup wheat bran
1/2 cup oat bran
2 eggs
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon (dalchini)
1/2 cup sugarfree apple sauce
1/2 cup dry milk powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup sweetener
1 tsp vanilla essence

Method:

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Grease a standard-size muffin pan or line cups.
Mix dry ingredients (wheat and oat bran, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, milk powder, baking powder, sweetener and nutmeg) in a large bowl and set aside.
Combine wet ingredients (eggs, applesauce and vanilla essence) in a small bowl and pour into dry ingredients and mix with a spatula.
Fill muffin cups with batter.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the centre of a muffin comes out clean.
Cool muffins in pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then carefully remove from pan and serve warm, or let cool on a wire rack.

Pineapple Halwa

Good for: Hypertension, thyroid problems, gastrointestinal health
Health factor: Low fat, low cholesterol, high calcium, high protein, high vitamins, high minerals
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients for 4 servings:

1.5 cups pineapple
1/4 cup grated low-fat khoya (mawa)
1/2 cup low-fat milk
1.2 tsp cardamom (elaichi) powder
A few saffron (kesar) strands, soaked in 1 tbsp low-fat milk
1 tbsp ghee
2-3 almonds
2 tbsps Sugarfree

Method:

In a non-stick pan, heat ghee and add the pineapple and sugarfree. Let it cook for around 10 minutes on a low flame, stirring continuously. Now add the low-fat khoya and low-fat milk, stir well.
On a low flame, mix the ingredients well and let cook for till the mixture thickens.
Remove from flame, add the saffron milk and cardamom powder and mix gently. Cover with a lid for 5 minutes.
Serve hot or chilled, garnished with grated almond.

Source: Rediff.com

Buy Online Exclusive Silver Diwali Diyas, Diwali Diyas, Silver Diwali Diyas Onlne

2013-10-17T20:35:00.000+05:30

This Diwali, let your whole world be lighted with some excellent silver diyas. Get them for yourself. Get them as gifts for someone special. Buy online such exclusive silver diyas. There are ample Diwali diya designs to choose from. Check out these lovely silver diyas, along with their price and online shopping address. Make your choice, compare the prices and get it delivered directly to your home. There are exclusive, beautiful and a symbol of purity and divinity. Keep these silver diyas in your worship room or accent your room with these diyas. They will not only illuminate the room but also lend an enhanced look to your room.

Silver Agartan Lotus Diya; Purity 92.5

Silver Agartan Lotus Diya

Price: Rs. 1771
By GRT Jewels
Online Site: http://www.sweetcouch.com/gifts/18155

Silver Diya by Jpearls

Silver Diya

Price: Rs. 1799
Online Shopping Site: http://www.onlineshopper.in/product/silver-diya-by-jpearls-jpaug-106/

Silver Malabar Vilakku - Diya

Price: Rs. 9404
By GRT Jewels
Online Site: http://www.sweetcouch.com/gifts/18160

Diwali Celebrations

Useful Tips for Decorating Your Bedroom in Diwali, Bedroom Decorations in Diwali, Diwali Bedroom Decor

Interesting Tips for Decorating Your Living Room in Diwali, Living Room Decorations in Diwali

Auspicious Diwali Gifts for All, Religious Diwali Gifts

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HandsetMRP (Inclusive of taxes)Old Phone Buy Back DiscountEffective Price Nokia Lumia 52011,289/-4,000/-7,289/- Nokia Lumia 62015,999/-6,000/-9,999/- Nokia Lumia 62521,919/-7,000/-14,919/- Nokia Lumia 92538,529/-10,000/-28,529/-

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Handset MRP (Inclusive of taxes) Old Phone Buy Back Discount Effective Price

Nokia Lumia 520 11,289/- 4,000/- 7,289/-

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Nokia Lumia 925 38,529/- 10,000/- 28,529/-