Famous Indian Festivals

Vaishaki 2016

2016-04-11T06:17:00.000-07:00

Vaisakhi is an ancient harvest festival celebrated in the Punjab region by all Punjabis regardless of their religion.The auspicious festival of Baisakhi is celebrated on first day of Vaisakh month (April-May) according to the Nanakshahi calendar. Hence, the festival of Baisakhi is also popularly known as Vaisakhi. According to Gregorian Calendar, Baisakhi falls on April 13 every year and on April 14 once in 36 years. This variation in date is due to the fact that date of Baisakhi is reckoned according to the Indian solar calendar and not the lunar calendar.

Time for Harvest
Vaisakhi marks the beginning of the new spring year and the end of the harvest of rabi crop in India. The festival is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm in agriculture dominated state of Punjab and Haryana. Here, farmers thank God for the bountiful harvest and pray for prosperity in the coming year. To celebrate the day, people wake up early and take a dip in the holy rivers. Soon after, cries of “Jatta aai Baisakhi" rent the skies as the people of Punjab attired in their best clothes break into the Bhangra dance to express their joy.

Astrological Importance of Baisakhi Date
The date of Baisakhi has major astrological significance as it marks the sun’s entry into Mesh Rashi. Some people therefore know Baisakhi as Mesha Sankranti. The auspicious date of Baisakhi is celebrated as 'Rongali Bihu' in Assam, 'Naba Barsha' in Bengal, ‘Puthandu’ in Tamil Nadu, 'Pooram Vishu' in Kerala and ‘Vaishakha’ in Bihar.

Significance of Baisakhi Date in Sikhism
The date of Baisakhi festival has tremendous significance in Sikhism. They celebrate the festival as a collective birthday of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh and the foundation of the Khalsa (the Sikh brotherhood) in 1699. Sikhs all over the world celebrate the day with lot of enthusiasm and joy.

The Importance of Gudi Padwa

2016-04-11T02:43:00.000-07:00

Gudi Padwa is the festival that enhances the Hindu new year and is celebrated on the first day of the Indian month of Chaita according to the lunar calendar. Most of the Indian festivals have a notable and fascinating Chronicle and it is spellbinding to see the manner in which they are celebrated. This Maharashtrian festival is also no exception and provides you with many tales and events related to it. Gudi Padwa is also know as Ugadi in the Indian state of Karnataka, this is a festival, which is not only filled with vibrance and colours that is visually delightful.

The day, begins with the following ritual showers (oil bath) followed by pooja to god and Panchanga Shravana. Houses are decorated with Mango Leaves and Rangoli and everyone in the family wear new clothes and celebrate the festival by wishing each other New year greetings.

The eating of a specific mixture called Bevu-Bella (Neem and Jaggery) in Kannada, symbolizes the fact that life is a mixture of good and bad, Happiness and Sorrow. Eating Neem and Sweet Jaggery means one need to take both Good and Bad or Happiness and Sorrow should be accepted together and with equanimity through the New Year.
The special mixture consists of:
Neem Buds/Flowers for its bitterness, signifying Sadness
Jaggery which is sweet, signifying Happiness

I would like share some of the interesting stories that show the culture and traditions of Gudi Padwa. This is a celebration of the victory march of Shivaji Maharaja the veteran Maratha leader. The festival is celebrated in honour of this great king who had a kingdom that spread across the entire part of western India. This is the reason people worship the gudi which is a cloth which flies like a flag that is usually a sign of victory in an army.

Gudi Padwa also considered as the harvest festival, which shows that the Rabi crop has ended for the season. This is the time when the king of fruits mangoes are reaped.

Another auspicious reason why this festival is celebrated it's believed that this is the day when the universe was created. It's believed by all Hindus that this is the day Lord Brahma created the world. It is thus dedicated to the innumerable Gods we have in India. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu took the Matsya incarnation or the form of fish on this very day. This was an incarnation to save the entire earth from destruction or pralaya.

Gudi Padwa is a celebration that is much awaited for and this is a time when people pray for the well being of the people. It is believed that good wins over evil and is an auspicious day for starting new business, investments, buying property.

Steps for raising the Gudi:
Position of the Gudi : Care should be taken to raise the Gudi next to the main entrance of the house. The spot selected should be on the right side of the entrance(when facing outwards from the entrance of the home). The right side symbolizes the active state of the soul.

1. The area selected for raising the Gudi should be cleaned and then a Swastik rangoli should be drawn on the ground. Turmeric and vermilion (Haldi-kumkum) should be offered at the centre of the Swastik.

2. While raising the Gudi, the ‘Shiva-Shakti’ principle in the Universe should be invoked. This enables all the constituents of the Gudi to accept divine principles.

3. The Gudi symbolizes the ‘Sushumna nadi’ of our body. Hence, the Gudi should be raised at the entrance. And it should be kept tilted at an angle.

Prayers to say when raising the Gudi.

‘O Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu ! Please enable me to absorb the Principle of Creation and the Fire Principle present in the atmosphere. Let the Divine consciousness present in these principles be preserved constantly. Let the energy thus received, be used for my spiritual practice.’

Akshaya Tritiya - Eternal Success

2015-04-15T03:18:00.000-07:00

Akshaya Tritiya-Tuesday, 21st April 2015 is a momentous occasion, which is considered one of the most auspicious days by Hindus and Jains. It is considered as one of the most important days for the Hindus as it is the day of the birth of the Lord Parasurama. Hindus considers this day as a lucky day and believes that any venture such as a business or the construction of a building started on that day will follow betterment and prosperity. Akshaya Tritiya is a one day festive celebrated in the mid-month of April or early May.

Akshaya Tritiya

Most Hindus celebrate this day, as per belief, Akshaya Tritiya is the day when the God of Wisdom, Lord Ganesha, and the great Sage Ved Vyas began to write Mahabharata.

Akshaya Tritiya - Golden Luck

Golden Luck

Any initiative made on that day or anything bought on that day is considered to be a great fortune. The most popular belief is the buying of gold and it is believed it will be a sign of good fortune, prosperity for the buyer. New business or new venture’s, wedding celebrations are planned in advance for Akshaya Tritiya.

Akshaya Tritiya Stories:

According to legend, it’s believed that during the time of the Mahabharata, when the Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna, on this day, presented them a bowl named ‘Akshaya Patra,' which would never go empty and produce an unlimited supply of food on demand.

Akshaya Tritiya - Stories

The most favorite Akshaya Tritiya story is the legend of Lord Krishna and Sudama, childhood friend. As the tale goes, on this day, Sudama came over to Krishna's palace to ask him for some financial support. As a gift Krishna, Sudama had nothing more than a handful of beaten rice or 'poha'. So, he was embarrassed to give it to Krishna, but Krishna took the pouch of 'poha' from him and relished having it.

Sudama was so overwhelmed by the hospitality shown by Krishna that he could not request for the financial favor and returned home empty handed. When he home, Sudama's old hut was transformed into a palace and his family dressed in royal attire. Sudama at once knew it was a blessing from Lord Krishna, who endowed him with more than the wealth he actually could dream of. Akshaya Tritiya is therefore, associated with material gains and wealth acquisition.

Akshaya Tritiya Observances

On Akshaya Tritiya Hindus worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi and purchase gold, whereas the Jains the image of Lord Rishabhadeva. The Lord is bathed with sugarcane juice and a special worship ritual is performed to commemorate Lord Rishabha's ending his one-year fast by consuming sugarcane juice poured into his cupped hands.

Significance of Akshay Tritiya
1. Lord Parashurama appeared on this day.
2.Ganges descended to Earth on this day.
3.This day marks the beginning of Treta-yuga.
4.Sudama visited Krishna at Dwaraka.
5.Pandavas received Akshaya Patra from Sund God.
6.Vyasadeva started composing Mahabharata on this day.
7.Adi Sankaracharya composed Kanakadhara Stotram on this day
8. Kubera received his wealth and position as custodian of wealth and It is said that Goddess Annapoorna Devi appeared on this day.
9.The construction of the charitos for Ratha Yatra begins on the day of Akshaya Tritiya.
10. In the temple of Kshira-chora Gopinatha (Remuna, Orissa) the Deities of Madana-mohana, Govinda and Gopinatha are smeared with sandalwood pulp on this auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.
references :ISKCON Desire Tree
www.iskcondesiretree.com

Diwali Decoration Items

2011-10-19T00:08:00.000-07:00

Diwali Decoration Items

A host of traditional Decoration Items are used in Hindu households to redecorate the house on Diwali. Besides, presenting a bright new outlook, these also lent a joyful feel of the festival to the house. Presented below is a brief description of some of the most popular Diwali Decoration Items.

Torans or Door Hangings
Torans, Bandhanwars or Door Hangings call what you may are the most important of all Diwali decorative items. These are used to adorn the main entrance door and that of the worship room to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Diwali Toran are handcrafted and come embellished with embroidery, bells, beads, mirror, shells, image of Lord Ganesha etc. Torans are very much in vogue these days and are the most fashionable Diwal Decorative Gift.

Diwali Diyas
The word, ‘Deepavali’ means rows of lamps. This explains why Diyas are an integral part of the festival. The traditional Diwali Diyas or lamps have witnessed a makeover in past few years. Erstwhile they were the sole creation of the potter’s wheel but today they are being handled by creative designers and craftsman who paint and turn diyas in innovative shapes and pattern. Wax filled diyas are the very much in demand as they are more convenient to use than the conventional oil ones. Brass and aluminum diyas are also quite popular. These days one can find a variety of ready to gift Diyas sets in the market.

Diwali Candles
Aromatic and designer candles are an important Diwali decorative item. Besides, illuminating the house they present a calm and soothing atmosphere. Just as Diyas, candles too have undergone a major transformation in terms of looks. Today they come in artistic shapes and innovative designs. It is considered auspicious and blissful to light floating candles in a glass pot filled with water and decorated with flower petals. One can browse through a variety of candles in popular Diwali shopping sites and order them for dear ones as Diwali gift.

Decorative Lamps
Diwali Lanterns and Lamps come in variety of shapes and material ranging from clay and paper to glass, brass and marble. They are considered to be an important Diwali decorations item as they turn a room bright in an artistic manner. Diwali Lamp are a wonderful gift for those wishing to redecorate their house.

Wall Hangings
Wall Hangings adorned with the image of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are a popular Diwali decorative item. As the festival is a traditional one, wall hangings with ethnic touch are preferred over others. Embroidered cloth panels too work wonderfully as a Deepavali decorative.

Laxmi Ganesh Sculptures and Idols
As Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja is an intrinsic part of the Diwali Festival, Lakshmi-Ganesh sculptures and idols are a very important Diwali decorative item. These come in interesting designs in various sizes to suit the varied requirements of people. Brass and silver Lakshmi-Ganesh decorative are popular as Diwali Gift these days.

rakhi wallpapers

2010-08-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

Rakhi Wallpapers

Rakhi wallpapers are one of the best among all options that create a special aura on the festival. This web-page consists of various splendid free Rakhi wallpapers for your mobile phones and Personal Computers. Available in all sizes and magnificent colors, one only need to download these Raksha Bandhan wallpapers to make the occasion all the more exciting.

Raksha Bandhan Traditional Wear

2010-08-04T05:52:00.000-07:00

Rakhi is celebrated with great excitement and joy across India and other parts of the worlds where Indians reside. From early morning everybody starts getting ready for the occasion. On the day of Rakshabandhan, people generally prefer to wear traditional attires. Men mostly wear kurta pyjama on this occasion whereas women prefer to wear sari or salwar suits, which are mainly Indian traditional clothes. People generally prefer to wear cotton material cloths, as this is comfortable during this season. But with the changing fashion trends every year, people generally tend to follow the fashion of that season during the festival time. But for Indians, the traditional and cultural chord is so strong that no matter where the siblings are, they will try to wear traditional Indian clothes that reflect our values, tradition and culture.

So get dressed this Raksha Bandhan with the latest Traditional wear and celebrate with love and joy with your siblings.

Rakhi Thali Decorations

2010-07-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

Rakhi Thali Significance

Rakhi is celebrated with pomp and gaiety by Hindus in different parts of India. The ceremonious occasion commemorates the strong bond between brother and sister. On the festival of Rakhi/Raksha Bandhan, sisters would conduct an aarti and apply tilak on their brothers' forehead, before tying the Rakhi (sacred thread) on their brothers' wrist. All the puja items are beautifully arranged on a plate, which is called puja thali.

Rakhi Thali Decoration Ideas

Floral and Fragrance Thali
Place the puja items including diya, rice and roli and sweetmeat in a bronze or stainless steel thali in which petals of flowers are arranged as the base. You can decorate the puja thali with an assortment of fresh colorful flowers full of fragrance. Either fill the entire thali with the flowers, or decorate them only on the thali's rim. The thali can be decorated by single color flowers also. Instead of an entire flower, make use of only the petals of the flowers, so that the thali looks pretty.

Rich Dry fruits Thali
Decorate your puja thali for Rakhi with rich dry fruits like cashew nuts, chestnuts, raisins, cocoa nut, pistachio or almond. One after another, many circles of different dry- fruits can be made in the thali, which gives a colorful look. Another idea is to make an entire base of mixed dry fruits in the thali, and then place the puja items. For the purpose, you may make use of a stainless steel thali.

Auspicious Roli Turmeric Thali
Auspicious Roli turmeric thali is one of the basic types of puja thalis for Rakha Bandhan. Take a bronze thali. Now, mix roli with turmeric powder, so that it becomes a thin paste. The red and yellow combination of these two would give a traditional look to your pooja thali. Smear the thali with the fresh roli-turmeric paste. After the paste is dried, place the puja items in the thali, including diya, sweetmeat and rice.

Colourful Thali
You may make use of different colorful paper cuttings your Rakhi puja thali decoration. Although the thali will wear a look of collage painting, it is definite that it would look unique and catch the immediate attention of your brother. Make use of paper cut outs from a magazine or newspaper, for the purpose. The papers used in such decoration could be plain papers with single color or the printed papers containing some or other pictures on them.

Chocolate Thali
This Rakhi, come up with unique ideas for the puja thali decoration and please your brother, on the auspicious occasion. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, then go for chocolate thali decoration. Divide the area of the thali by drawing lines of chocolates and Others Sweets candies. In every division, place one puja item. This would look very different from the traditional puja thalis.

Traditional Sweets Rakhi Thali
Traditional Sweets can be used as decorative items for pooja thali. Either put full pieces of the sweets in a decorative manner in the thali, or put small pieces of sweets by cutting them into different shapes. You can also use a combination of both the ideas. Place the puja items in between the sweets.

Raksha Bandhan Sms for brother and sisters

2010-07-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

Raksha Bandhan Sms: In Today's Tech savvy world wishing your dear ones by sending SMS has become a tradition. Whether its diwali, holi or christmas, the day before festival mobile phone networks get jammed. So, if you also want to wish your sibling with same way on Raksha Bandhan then instead of forwarding other messages or last years SMS, just look on the following Raksha Bandhan SMS's collection, which are suitable for your brothers and also for so called 'don't likable brothers'.

Rakhi SMS for Brothers

* “Brothers are like streetlights along the road, they don't make distance any shorter but they light up the path and make the walk worthwhile.”

* “You were always my best friend, looking out for me, making sure the path I traveled on was smooth. Even if I searched the world over, there cannot be a better brother than you. Wishing You Life's Best Always.”

* “We were always close, looking out for each other even when life led us along different paths... Like an invisible thread, our love binds us together, making sure we'll remember where we came from and what we mean to each other. Wishing you a joyous Raksha Bandhan, Dear Brother.”

Rakhi SMS for Sisters

* "Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship."

* “Sister is someone who is caring and sharing. Sister can understand things you never said. She can understand pain which is not visible to anyone. I love my sister.”

* “It leaves a smile on my face when I think of those trifling fights we had and suddenly used to make up. The memories may fade away with passing time but the love we share will only grow. Happy Raksha Bandhan, Dear Sister.”

Raksha Bandhan Poems

2010-07-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

Rakhi Poems,Raksha Bandhan Poems,Free Rakhi Poems,Rakhi Poetry

A Raksha Bandhan poem can explain the incomprehensible and express the unexpressed. This is how poetry plays an important role in our lives. Raksha Bandhan poems help us to understand and express thoughts, experiences and feeling
SDome Rakhi poems contains meaningful and heart-touching poems for siblings.

A Sister Like You

Someone who will understand
Who knows the way I feel
In every situation
Her concern is very real
Someone who has walked my ways
Who knows my every need
Times when she would see me cry
Her heart would nearly bleed
Everyone should have a sister
Just the way I do
Richly blessed is what I am
To have a sister like you.

Sibling Love

Growing up as kids we were blessed
To have come from a loving home
Parents that guided and loved us
And never did us wrong.

We had a beautiful childhood
Many memories we all hold
We've always had that sibling bond
That's more precious than gold.

Mom and Dad had it hard
Raising six kids way back then
But we never went hungry or unclothed
And their love was Heaven sent.

I'm thankful that we were loved
Something money could never buy
This was the richness that filled our hearts
Because Mom and Dad always tried.

Now as I'm getting older
I've learnt to appreciate things much more
I'm thankful we loved each other
And each one of you I adore.

Today I want to say to each of you
I Love You with my whole heart
I'll Love You beyond this lifetime
And my love will never stop.
Ann Stareyes

Rakhi Day is Righteous Day
by A.P.J.Abdul Kalam

This full moon day our hearts are in brim
Feeling of faith and serenity in mind.
We light the lamps and our hears glow
Radiance of happiness and peace are in flow.
Harmonious homes are like streams of joy
Flowing and flourishing the landscape en route.
Nobility in heart and character in deed
Righteous homes alone make a beautiful State.
Sisters will tie the thread on the brothers
Abiding them to do only what is right and clean.
Put the Kumkum and blessed rice on the head
Where will dwell right thoughts and noble action.

A Brother Just Like You

I just want to let you know
You mean the world to me
Only a heart as dear as yours
Would give so unselfishly

The many things you've done
All the times that you were there
Help me know deep down inside
How much you really care

Even though I might not say
I appreciate all you do
Richly blessed is how I feel
Having a brother just like you.

Raksha Bandhan Messages

2010-07-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

Raksha Bandhan Messages / Rakhi Greetings / Rakhi Messages for Brothers / Sisters

Go on and reach out to your Brothers and Sisters this Raksha Bandhan with these special Rakhi Messages .

Dear Brother
On this Raksha Bandhan I wish to say that you are the best brother and you mean to me the whole world
I love U
Happy Rakhi!!!

You helped me while I was in trouble, you made me feel safe when I was scared and other things you did to make me happy. Thanks is insufficient for all this.
Happy Raksha Bandhan to you, Brother.

May God bless you always. You are such a darling. You deserve the very best in life. May all your dreams come true.
Happy Raksha Bandhan

Dear Sister

This message is dedicated to you. You are most wonderful person I know. Your ability to take things in your stride makes you extraordinary and special. You can fight adversity with your will power and faith in God. Your good nature and awesome smile wins you fans and well wishers in first glance. Make God give you strength to always remain you and give you happiness you truly deserve.
Yours sincerely

I am really thankful to God to have the precious gift of a sister like you.

Happy Raksha Bandhan.

We laugh and cry, we play and fight. We shared moments of joy and happiness ,sorrows and grief , which made our grow bond stronger.

Happy Raksha Bandhan .

Rakhi Sweets and recipes

2010-07-12T00:04:00.000-07:00

Raksha Bandhan is a special Day in the Hindu calender. It stands for the pure and impalpable bond between the brother and sister , this joyful occasion thus calls for special festive feasting .Raksha Bandhan is the day to arrange a lavish feast for your brother and sisters and show them you love with these mouth watering recipes.

Coconut Burfi Recipe

Ingredients Required:

Shredded coconut
Butter
Milk
Dry fruits

Procedure:
In a non-stick pan, take milk, add sugar and bring it to boil. Then add coconut to it. Let it boil on simmered flame for quite sometime until the milk is reduced to half. But you should keep on stirring frequently to avoid the milk getting burnt.
As soon as the milk gets thickened, just like condensed milk, add edible yellow color to it. Finally, after a couple of minutes pour it onto a greased plate. Let it stand for half an hour and cut it in the shape of a burfi. It could be diamond shaped, square or triangle shaped as per your liking. Garnish it with pistachios and almonds.
And the coconut burfi is ready!

Malai Gulab Jamun Recipe

Ingredients Required :

1 Cup full-cream powder milk
4 Teaspoon Suji
4 Teaspoon Cake Flour ( Maida )
4 Teaspoon Ghee
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
Milk to make dough
Ghee for frying.
For Sugar Syrup:
2 Cups Sugar
2 Cups Water
For The Filling:
Some cream ( malai )
Desicated Coconut

Procedure :

Make a dough with Powder- milk, suji, maida, ghee, baking powder & milk. Set aside for 2-3 hours.
Again make a dough by adding some more milk ( as the dough becomes stiff & hard after 2 hours ).
Make Sugar syrup and cool. Make elongated-shaped Jamuns and fry in ghee at medium heat.
Add to the syrup. Leave aside for about 4 hours. Squeeze out the syrup gently.
Make a slit at one end & fill with malai.
Roll in the desiccated coconut.

Dal Ke Laddu Recipe
Ingredients Required:

1 cup moong dal (dhuli)
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
3/4 tsp garam masala
2 tblsp mint chutney
2 tblsp tamarind chutney
chaat masala
salt to taste
1 tblsp coriander leaves
250 gms radish (grated)
water to soak dal

How to make dal ke laddu:

Soak dal overnight.
Drain excess water and grind to a fine paste.
Add salt, red chilli powder and garam masala.
Mix well.
Make small balls and deep-fry till they are golden in colour. Keep these balls on a plate.
Garnish with radish (mooli) lachha, mint chutney, tamarind chutney, chaat masala and coriander leaves.

Raksha Bandhan Gifts

2010-07-08T23:43:00.000-07:00

Raksha Bandhan Gifts are exchanged as a integral part of rakhi ,
Rakhi gifts are given by elder brothers to the sisters in acceptance of their raksha. They bless their sisters after the thread tying ceremony and give gifts. In the case of younger brothers, it is the sisters who give them gifts along with the Rakhi. The gifts given on Rakhi include gifts, sweets , dry fruits or clothes etc.Raksha Banhan is on Tuesday, August 24 2010.

Of late, it has become customary for the sisters to gift something in return to the brothers, younger or elder. The reason for this change are the ever increasing distances. Rakhi gifts are an extended expression of love and affection that the siblings share.

One of the major changes that has occurred in Indian tradition of Rakhi gifts is that men's Bracelets- fashion accessory made of gold or silver are gifted as Rakhi Gifts. Men's Bracelets are long lasting and are a constant reminder to the brothers of their love for their sisters . It is the most readily acceptable replacement among gifts for a Rakhi, as it is tied on the wrist and is useful.

Some Sister's do gift their brother's wrist watches, to remind their brothers of the precious times they shared .

Sweets and chocolates have always been a part of the gifts given on Rakhi. Dry fruits are a convenient alternative and more preferred these days as Rakhi gifts. Pen sets, shirts or mobile accessories or a jeweled tie pin are other nice Rakhi gift options.

So, this Raksha Bandhan, gift your brother something he loves. Gift him something that will remind the two of you of the lovely time spent together on Raakhi.