Glimpses of India with Koyeli

Festivals of India

2021-01-13T12:44:00.000-08:00

Lohri

Lohri is a harvest festival and is celebrated in the land of Punjab. Lohri is mainly a festival of Punjabis, but it is also celebrated by people of other Northern Indian States like Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Lohri is the most popular harvest festival of Punjab and is celebrated amidst great gaiety and splendor. Lohri marks the culmination of winter, and is celebrated on the 13th day of January in the month of Paush or Magh, a day before Makar Sankranti. In 2021, it falls on today.

Lohri marks the movement of the son towards the north (Uttaryan) as opposed to the south. (Dakshinayan). It is considered to be an extremely auspicious time as the sun enters the Tropic of Capricorn from the Tropic of Cancer. It is a festival dedicated to the Sun God and fire. The Bhagawad Gita deems it an extremely sacred and auspicious time, when Lord Krishna manifests himself most tangibly. And so, across India, people celebrate the month and the prodigious harvest it brings - Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Bhogi in Andhra Pradesh and the Sankranti in Karnataka, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

The festival Lohri has a very old history. The festival marks the end of the cold chilly winter and welcomes the arrival of spring and New Year. It is believed that Lohri is the longest night of the year. After Lohri, the days become longer and the nights shorter. Lohri is celebrated in remembrance and praise of Dulha Batti. Dulha Batti was a Muslim robber who lived during the era of King Akbar. He was a robber but a good person. He would steal from the rich and distribute the wealth among the poor. He rescued girls who were being forcibly taken away. He arranged marriages of young girls with Hindu Boys and paid the dowries. He was a hero among the local Punjabis there who loved and respected him. Most Lohri songs are sung in praise of Dulha Batti which expresses their gratitude to him.

Til ke Laddu

There are many assumptions as to how Lohri got its name. Some believe that the name Lohri is derived from Loi, who was the wife of Sant Kabir. Some others believe that the word Lohri comes from the word Loh which is an appliance used for making chappatis in community feasts. Another belief says that the festival Lohri is named after Lohri who was the sister of Holika. It is believed that Holika perished in the fire while her sister survived. Some others believe that the items til and rorhi were merged together to form the word tilorhi which eventually got shortened to Lohri.

For Punjabis, more than just a festival, Lohri is also an example of a way of life. Like any other festival, Lohri brings together family, relatives and friends. People meet each other and exchange sweets. It is a harvest festival and especially important for farmers, but it is celebrated with great fervor by all Punjabis. On this day, they light a bon fire and dance around it. People throw rewaries, sugar-candy, popcorn, sesame seeds, gur, etc into the fire and sing and dance around it.

People wear their colourful and brightest clothes and dance the Bhangra or Gidda to the beat of the Dhol. Lohri to farmers signifies the commencement of a new financial year. Every year Punjabis who are far away from Punjab and live in other cities of India also celebrate Lohri. In places like Mumbai, Punjabis get together to light a bon fire and celebrate Lohri.

The focus of Lohri is on the bonfire. The traditional dinner with makki ki roti and sarson ka saag is quintessential. The prasad comprises of six main things: til, gazak, gur, moongphali, phuliya and popcorn. There is puja, involving parikrama around the fire and distribution of prasad. This symbolizes a prayer to Agni, the spark of life, for abundant crops and prosperity.

The first Lohri of a newlywed bride and a new born child is considered very auspicious and important.

Image Courtesy (except Til ke Laddu): Google.Com

Festivals of India

2020-10-30T03:49:00.000-07:00

Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth is a festival that provides an opportunity for all married women to get close to their in-laws. All married women observes fast that ensures the well-being, prosperity and longevity of their husbands. This Hindu festival has a cultural and social significance and all Indians celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm.


	The festival of Karwa Chauth is celebrated mostly by North India.This event is growing bigger with each passing day. In addition to the traditional items such as henna, beauty products and fashionable clothes, the demand of special eateries are also gearing up. Nowadays, Karwa Chauth is more of fun than a serious festival.

Karva is another word for diya (a small earthen oil-lamp) and chauth means 'fourth' in Hindi (a reference to the fact that the festival falls on the fourth day of the dark-fortnight, or krishna paksh, of the month of Kartik). It is uncertain how the festival originated and how it came to be celebrated only in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. One hypothesis is that military campaigns and long-distance travel usually resumed around the time of the festival, as the area dried and numerous rivers of the region subsided from the effects of the monsoon. Women observed the fast to pray the Moon for the safety of their husbands at this time as they ventured away from home. The festival also coincides with the wheat-sowing time (i.e. the beginning of the Rabi crop cycle). Big earthen pots in which wheat is stored are also sometimes called karvas, so the fast may also have begun as a prayer for a good harvest in this predominantly wheat-eating region.

Karwa Chauth is an occasion that encourages people to gather and socialize with friends and family, exchange gifts and share home-cooked meals. The gifts exchanged on this occasion reflect joy, splendor, brightness and happiness of a married life.

Sargi

Sargi and Baya are the two most important gifting items, as without them the festival of Karva chauth is incomplete. These gift items are very traditional and are supposed to bring good luck in the lives of the married couple. It is Mother-in-laws who gift 'sargi' for their daughter-in-laws. This 'sargi' is a collection of sumptuous food consists of various types of sweetmeats and sometime clothes. 'Sargi' is given to the married woman so that she can eat them before sunrise, as the fast starts before sunrise and ends only after worshiping the moon at night. It is a tough fast, as the women do not take any food or water.

Baya

In the afternoon, mothers of newlywed girls gift 'Baya' to the parents of their son-in-law. This Baya contains few Mathris, Almonds and some gifts. This gift pack should reach the girl's house before evening. A small pooja to Gaura Ma or goddess Parvati is performed. Married women sit around Gaura ma and pray to her for the well being and long life of their husbands. A small pitcher or Karva with some water is placed in the center. While the story is being narrated, ladies circulate their Baya thalis. Apart from traditional gifts, nowadays there is a norm of showering various designers’ clothes, bindies and jewelries, especially to a newlywed woman.

Lockdown Saga

2020-06-20T13:59:00.007-07:00

“COVID 19” – the word has changed the World around us! It just has shaken the World and all the systems, we have been following since birth. Mid of January 2020, my husband told me about the disease, when it became fatal in China. I was then not so much worried, because I couldn’t imagine that it could spread in India, too. After that day, one after one news were coming from our friends, who are settled in foreign countries like America, Italy, Germany etc. And finally, COVID 19 arrived in India, was first reported on 30 January 2020. The situation has deteriorated day by day. Prime Minister of India, Sri Narendra Modi, announced 'Janta Curfew', a 14 hour voluntary public curfew on 22 March; and ordered a nationwide lockdown for 21 days, on 24 March, 2020.

I live in Malda, in West Bengal, with my husband and rest of our family lives in Burdwan, another district in West Bengal. I was very scared for my parent and in-laws, they all are aged; at the same time, I was afraid of the situation, we have to face. We were compelled to grant paid leave to our househelps from mid of March. I was just puzzled then. I didn’t understand how to manage all the daily chores! Here came my husband with his hands to help me out of this situation. I’m quite lucky I guess! Generally my hubby remains very busy with his works, but in this lock down period, he was instructed to do his works from home. So, he is sharing my loads happily. I really consider myself lucky and blessed, getting such a man as my buddy!

As the days go by, I discover we are getting closer. We enjoy the life by sharing domestic chores. I never can imagine my hubby to cook anything; but he now prepares breakfast daily! He helps me in so many work, that he never does before. But, I am really surprised, when a very morning, I find him front of washing machine with dirty clothes and Ariel Matic to do laundering!

He was smiling, said – ‘why do always you take the responsibility to clean the dirty cloths both of us? I #ShareTheLaundry from now, so we can enjoy more time together!’ Although I felt emotional to hear the words, but I wanted to load the washing machine, because I was afraid about my cloths! But he did it all alone with the instruction, written on the packet of Ariel.

After washing the cloths, when my husband open the machine and showed me the cloths; I was surprised! I think, he did it better than me and I congratulated him loudly! My husband was smiling like a king, who just won a battle!

The smile of my hubby made me smile; and I felt, the World around me became happier! I felt, that #ShareTheLoad makes relations better, happier and closer. All the lock down period, we leave together without any stress; because, we share our thoughts during work together. This lock down teaches me #ShareChoresMultiplyLove!

I will #ShareTheLoad and help in household chores in association with Ariel India and BlogAdda.

Festivals of India in the month of June

2020-06-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

Urs Festival

Tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti

The Urs festival is held at Ajmer, Rajasthan every year at the tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, commemorating his symbolic union with God. The Urs, commemorative celebration is held in the solemn memory of Khwaja Muin-nddin Chisti, a sprightly respected Sufi saint fondly revered as the benefactor of the poor, popularly known as Gareeb Nawaz. The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the place where the Saints mortal remains lie buried and is the site of the largest Muslim Fair in India.

The Khwaja came from Persia and established the Chishtia order of fakirs in India. He is popularly known as Gharib Nawaz (protector of the poor) because he dedicated his entire life to the service of mankind. His spartan life spanned almost a hundred years and he embraced death in solitude while he had withdrawn to his cell for six days, asking not to be disturbed.

The shrine

The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the site of the largest Muslim fair in India. More than five lakh devotees belonging to different communities gather from all parts of the subcontinent to pay homage to the Khwaja on his Urs (death anniversary) during the first six days of Rajab (seventh month of the Islamic calendar.) Pilgrims from all over the world gather to pay homage. Qawalis (poems) are presented in the saint's honor and religious assemblies (mehfils) and 'fatihas' (mass prayers) are held. The lakeside town of Ajmer also called Ajmer Sharif (holy) comes alive during the Urs which attracts thousands of devotees irrespective of caste, religion etc. The largest Muslim fair in India that springs up at this time displays religious objects, books, rosaries, embroidered carpets and silver ornaments and much more.

Pilgrimages are carrying Chadar to the shrine

The Urs is initiated with the hoisting of a white flag on the dargah by the Sajjada Nashin (successor representative) of Chishtis. It is done on the 25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir (sixth lunar month), with the accompaniment of music. On the last day of the sixth month, the Jannati-Darwaza (gateway of heaven) is flung open early in the morning. People cross this gate seven times with the belief that they will be assured a place in heaven. On the 1st of Rajab, the tomb is washed with rose water and sandalwood paste and anointed with perfumes. This ritual is called ghusal. The Sajjada Nashin then covers the tomb with an embroidered silk cloth.

The shrine receives a number of Chadars, Ghilaph and Neema, which are votive offerings from several hundred thousand devotees. These are brought by devotees on their heads and handed over to the khadims inside the sanctum. Outside the sanctum of the dargah, professional singers called qawwals in groups sing the praises of the saint in a characteristic high-pitched voice. People gather around them and listen attentively, sometimes clapping to the rhythm of their instruments.

Flow of devotees

Ajmer is 132 kms. Southwest of Jaipur and 198 kms. East of Jodhpur. It is connected by road to Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur and Kota. Ajmer is a railway junction on the Delhi-Ahmedabad section of the Western Railway. During the Urs, special buses ply from cities all over India carrying people to Ajmer and back.

Image Courtesy: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=urs+festival+ajmer&tbm

Destination India: Baranti - A World Of Romantic Tranquility

2020-02-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

Love is the feeling that joins two souls and brings two hearts together; and, the day of love - we call Valentine's Day! When it comes to romantic times of the year, Valentine’s Day is number one on many people’s list. Traditionally, everyone goes all out to let their special someone knows how much he/she is appreciated on this day and every day. Some will say it with flowers while others will bring on the bling! Others will get creative with customized dates while some will play it low-key with an at-home dinner date and together time. I can suggest you, this year, go for an outing to a totally romantic and calm place; and Express the wonderful feeling of love to your partner on the Valentine's Day!

Baranti

If you ever want to get away from urban life, try ‘Baranti’ for a refreshing change. Baranti is a small picturesque hamlet surrounded by hillocks. It is situated in Purulia district, West Bengal. It takes just 4-5 hours to reach there from Kolkata.

Baranti, due to its effortlessly serene and peaceful environment has become one of the most famous gateways for people who seek to indulge in the virginity of nature and rejuvenate their souls by becoming one with the Mother Nature. It is a perfect spot for a short break from the hustle and monotony of city life. This place is one of those very few locations which remain fresh and evergreen in the memories of people who witness its beauty.

Baranti is located in the midst of two hills; Panchet hill at one side and Biharinath on the other. A water reservoir has been constructed by erecting a small earthen dam between Muradi Hill and Baranti Hill. The tribal village is named after the Baranti hill and the lake is named after the Muradi Hill. The water of the reservoir look like a large blue painted glass mirror reflecting the vast expanse of sky over it.

The view of the sunset at the lake is awesome. The area is shrouded with trees like Sal, Mahua, Piyal, Palash etc. the lake is filled with seasonal birds in the winter.

The hilly forest often transforms into different colours during the change of seasons. It is intensely thrilling to hear the wild cries of nocturnal birds wafting out of the hills in the dead of night. A walk through the villages like Jibanpur and Dandahit is a pleasant experience.

If you have some extra time, visit some interesting places near Baranti:

Joychandi Hills

It is About 12 km away from Baranti. The hills provide good terrain for a moderate trek. The hills were where a portion of Satyajit Ray’s ‘Hirok Rajar Deshe’ was shot.

Garh Panchokot

Panchkot was a part of an ancient East Indian kingdom known as Rajchakla Panchkot, locally known as Panchet. Damodar Sekhar, established Panchkot Raj probably during early 90 AD with the help of Sardars of Jhalda and expanded his kingdom over several other parganas. To give recognition to the main five (panch) clans (khunt) of the locals, the kingdom assumed the name Panchkot. A group of temples are still standing as mute spectators of the rise and fall of the dynasty. The Pancharatna temple still carries some depleted but exquisite piece of presumably pre-muslim period terracotta work on its arches and pillars.

Maithon Dam

Maithon also known as 'Kashmir of Koyalanchal’. The Dam is Independent India's first Dam Project (one of Nehru's dreams). The Dam is the biggest dam of damodar valley corporation and was built for flood control and power generation. It is a very famous picnic and weekend destination.

Kalyaneshwari Temple

The Kalyaneshwari Temple is famous as the “Temple of the Lady of Fulfillment”. It is a 500 years old centre of Shakti worship. The present temple, however, is not very old and was constructed by Panchakot Raj. The temple of Goddess Kalyaneshwari is believed to fulfill the wishes of childless women. The worshipped deity in the temple is Maa Kalyaneshwari, who is present in the form of Shakti or Goddess Kali.

Also, you can visit some more places like Panchet Hills, Panchet Dam, Susunia Hills, Kashipur Rajbarij (palace), Raghunathpur Tasar Silpa.

It is surprising that this unique tourist spot is not much known to tourists, even though it is located so close to Kolkata. If you are a nature-lover, you must have a trip to Baranti

How to reach:

By Train:

At first, reach Kolkata by train or flight. Then reach Asansol by any train from Howrah/Sealdah/Kolkata Railway Station. You can find so many cabs at Asansol Railway station. Hire one of them to Baranti. Also, you can go to Muradi Station and reach Baranti village either by Cycle Rickshaws or by hired vehicles.

By Bus:

Many buses are available from Kolkata to Asansol. They depart either from Dharamtala or Salt Lake Bus Stand (Karunamoyee) to Asansol in the morning. Tourists can avail either Volvo service or any other Express bus service to reach Asansol within 4 hours and can proceed described above.

Where to Stay:

There are so many family Resorts at Baranti – Baranti Wildlife & NatureStudy Hut, Palashbari, Akaashmoni, Ankhaibari, Aaronnok etc. You can book online any before you go there.

Talk about India, from India with you: National Youth Day

2020-01-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening my friends out there! This is 12^th January, 2020, Sunday in India. At first,

Happy New Year to All of You my friends!

This is my first post of this year and I have chosen this day to be with you! Because, this is the ‘National Youth Day’! In India, Swami Vivekananda is regarded as a patriotic saint of modern India and his birthday is celebrated as National Youth Day. Let me allow sharing some thoughts and facts about him………

Swami Vivekanand's name was Narendra Nath Dutta in his pre-monastic life. He was born in an affluent family in Kolkata on 12th January, 1863. His father, Vishwanath Datta, was a successful attorney with interest in varied subjects, and his mother, Bhuvaneshwari Devi, was endowed with qualities like deep devotion, strong character etc. The precocious boy, Narendra mastered music, gymnastics and studies. By the time he completed his graduation from Calcutta University, he had acquired a vast knowledge of different subjects, especially Western philosophy and history. He had a yogic temperament and used to practice meditation even from his boyhood, and was also involved in 'Brahmo Movement' for time being.

He was a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world and was credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion in the late 19th century. He was a major force in the revival of Hinduism in India and contributed to the notion of nationalism in colonial India. He was the chief disciple of the 19th century saint Ramakrishna and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission. Shri Ramakrishna instilled the spirit of renunciation and brotherhood in these youngsters. He is perhaps best known for his inspiring speech beginning with "Sisters and Brothers of America," through which he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893. In the last two centuries, no other individual has captured the hearts of the youth of Bharat, the way Swami Vivekananda did. He blew energy into the Hindu race which was indulging in self-loathe. He exhorted people of Bharat with his words -

“This is the ancient land, where wisdom made its home before it went into any other country… Here is the same India whose soil has been trodden by the feet of the greatest sages that ever lived… Look back, therefore, as far as you can, drink deep of the eternal fountains that are behind, and after that look forward, march forward, and make India brighter, greater, much higher, than she ever was.”

Swami Vivekananda Jayanti or National Youth Day is a great occasion to remind ourselves of his thoughts and vision for Bharat and dedicate ourselves to the cause of dedicating ourselves to the glory of our motherland and Dharma.

Well, that’s all for today. Hope you all have joined the Giveaway, running in this blog! New posts coming very soon; please stay tuned with me and take care of your family and yourself. Have a good day/ afternoon/evening/night! Namaskar!

Where are the men? That is the question. Young men, my hope in you. Will you respond to the call of your nation? Each one of you has a glorious future if you dare believe me. Have a tremendous faith in yourselves. Ay, we will then go to every country under the sun, and our ideas will before long be a component of the many forces that are working to make up every nation in the world. We much enter into the life of every race in India and abroad; shall have to work to bring this about. Now for that I want young men. “It is that young, the strong, and healthy, of sharp intellect that will reach the Lord”, say the Vedas.CW: VOL 3: Lectures from Colombo to almora: The future of India p: 303 – 304.

Heads Up For Tails - A New World for Pets

2019-12-30T11:06:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! Do you have pets? Want to do the best for your pets? Then, today’s post is only for you!

My Hubby

You all know that I am a cat-lover and I have so many cats in my household. It was really confusing, when I need something special for my cats; because, in India, you hardly find a shop which is only for pets! But, the wait is over now! I find something very spacial for my cats. Here I'm going to introduce ‘Heads Up For Tails’ –exclusive shop only for pets!

What is ‘Heads Up For Tails’?

It is India's exclusive luxury pet brand that indulges animals and their families in the finer things in life. However, if time is of the essence, simply shop online for your pet.

What you can find here?

If you’re the perfectionist type of parent, a visit to the dog store is a must! Here you can find a huge products range from comfy customized dog beds to chic dog collars and leashes; as well as for cats!

Get access to fashionable apparel, grooming products, toys and an awesome range of high-class accessories for your pets. You can choose from a huge collection of exclusive pet products from famous brands like Royal Canin,

Chomp, Twistix, and for simply the best- it has own unique in-house brand- Heads Up For Tails. This ever-growing range is well researched and hygienic.

What you can exclusively get for your Dog?

The WAG BOX:

This fun box contains grooming products, pet toys, accessories and treats that are carefully handpicked by their dedicated experts, each month. Of course, the Wag Box can be customized to suit your pet’s every desire.

‘Heads Up For Tails’ says – “We understand dogs, we know the products and we understand specific needs of each breed and size. Based on what you tell us about your pet, our team will put together the perfect gift box for your precious pet”!

Extraordinary Surprise Offer:

Birthday Club

Birthdays are FUN and exciting! Memorable experiences like birthdays can be unforgettable by adding the right touches. Join Pet birthday club of ‘Heads Up For Tails’ and they'll help you celebrate your pet's birthday!

Sing Up for it and they will send you a voucher for 15% off during your pet's birthday month which you can redeem on the shop; also they will give you a free birthday gift for your pet when you use the voucher!

So, don’t waste time, go to the ‘Heads Up For Tails’ and bring so many happiness for your pet!

Shop Online: http://www.headsupfortails.com/

Join the Birthday club!
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Contact: +91 11 40581228, +91 9717175707

Bhoot (Ghost)

2019-10-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

Bhoot (Ghost)

In my childhood, I was a tom-boy and never feared of anything! My mom was so much disgusted with me all the time! Every day, so many complaints used to come from our neighbors. But, the one word that I always scared from was – Bhoot! By the name of ‘Ghost’; my mom made me agreed for any work in night! Just one sentence – ‘do this or I call ghost to scare you from the tree’; and I jumped to do the work! I have been a book-worm from my childhood days and my favorite subject was ghost stories! Actually, I love to read the books still now. I enjoyed so much these books; but, when remember them in the night, I imagined, the characters stood by the window.

I couldn’t get rid of this even after my childhood. I tried, but, I had carried this fear throughout my collage, university, even after marriage! And one day, finally I said ‘bye bye’ to this fear! Today, I’m going to tell you the story of my ‘Rise above fear!’

My husband was posted at Malda district in West Bengal just after our marriage. We lived there in a flat in Govt. Housing. There was a park in just opposite of our flat. Before we went there, a man had passed away in an accident beside the wall of that park. My husband knows very well about my ghost-fear and every day in the evening, he told me the story of the accident during power cut! He took it as joke. One day, he said in husky voice, ‘the man was an electrician and his job was to solve the electrical problems in the housing; so if we have any problem in night, his spirit will come to solve!’ I was just crying in scare and shouting on to make him stop. I was being very serious and my face was being pale in scare! My husband understood that I was really scared. He said – ‘I never would be kidding like this in future’; but, he didn’t know that time; It could be more dangerous!

After 5-6 month of the incident, we almost forgot the evening; one day Subhankar (mu hubby) told me that he had to go to Kolkata for a meeting for 2 days; that means, I had to stay alone for 2 days! Generally, I have no problem to spend times with myself; but, in night I never stay alone before! Our family lived so far from Malda and there was no one, who could give me company. I know that, it was so important meeting. So, I told Subhankar to go. He asked me again and again if I had any problem, but I assured – don’t worry; it is just 2 days! I can manage carefully without you! Please go and complete your work!’ at last, he left the station with so much worry and love for me.

The first day was going smoothly. It was winter then. At night, I took dinner and went to bed with a romantic novel (because thriller or horror story was strictly prohibited for those 2 days by my hubby!!). I also locked the bedroom. When I felt sleepy, I wrapped myself head to toe with blanket and yes, I put on the light all the night! The second day also was going smoothly. That day, I was so much happy to think that Subhankar will come after ending the night. I took dinner at 10’O clock and went to bed with a novel. I read till 11-11.30 and then was trying to sleep in blanket. The light was put on as before. Suddenly….. I felt there was darkness! I removed the blanket and found………………

It Was Power Cut!!!!!!

I wrapped myself tightly and tried to do not remember any ghost stories; but, unfortunately, all the stories I read since my childhood, came in a flow in my mind! Suddenly, I heard a sound of refrigerator, stood in dining place just beside my bedroom and thought the power is on. In a second, I became so much happy and removed the blanket from the head and…………..

There Was The Same Darkness As It Was Before!!!!!!!!!

And the story of the electrician sparkled in my mind! A cold wave of fear washed over me! I wanted to call somebody but my voice was chocked. It is said, that too much scaring begets too much bravery! After this spell of scaring, I thought – ‘I have to see the matter! If there is any ghost, he would kill me and this much & nothing more! So, I have to get out of my bedroom!’ Then, I took the torch and opened the door; focus the light all over the dinning; but, nobody was there! I put the light on and oh my god!

The light was there!!!!!!!

I thought about all the matters one by one and yes, solved the problem! There were two fuse of the electric connection. Bedroom, veranda and bathroom were in one fuse and dining place & drawing room were in one fuse. The fuse, which included bedroom, was cut and the other fuse was ok. So, the light and refrigerator were going perfect. After that, I went to bed without locking the door of bed room and slept in dark & had a sound sleep! And after that day, I never fear at anything! Because, now I know very well – ‘Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hain’!

* To know so many great stories of ‘Rise above fear’; visit Mountain Dew India Facebook Page.

Talk about India, from India with you - Some unknown stories of a well-known man

2019-08-15T02:10:00.000-07:00

Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening my friends, wherever you are! This is 2:00am. 15^thAugust, 2019, Thursday in India. Today is the Independence Day of India; a proud day for all the Indians! And this day is more special for us, because, you know that it’s our anniversary day! I want to congratulate you all for the 7th anniversary of this blog; because, this journey never can be completed without your love and support. Thank you so much my friends for your love!

On every Independence Day, I really miss a person, who is not in my family list, or I didn’t know him personally, but, I remember his words in several times in my life! He is our former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He has passed away on July 27, 2015. It is really a great loss for India as well as Indians. His life is a ‘Teaching-Institute’ itself, I think! Today I want to remember him and show him my respect by telling you some unknown stories about him. Here I go………

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam who was popularly known as APJ Abdul Kalam was one of the most influential personalities of India. This former president of India (11th president of India) is a lot more than just a political figure. He is a scientist, thinker, Inspiration and a youth icon. Undoubtedly he was in true sense “the missile man” of India. Despite achieving such a stupendous success on every front in life, he always believed in simplicity and humility. People know him as a renowned scientist, played a pivotal role in giving spur to India's space technology. But very few would be aware about multifaceted life of Kalam.

The school of Kalam Sir

Abdul Kalam was born as the youngest of five children of a Muslim boat owner named Jainulabudeen and his wife Ashiamma, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. His father, a humble boat owner, Jainulabdeen, was a devout Muslim and a close friend of the Rameswaram temple priest. Kalam grew up in humble surroundings and had to take up a job while he was still in school in order to augment his family’s meager income—he distributed newspapers to help his father in providing for the family. He was a bright young boy, blessed with a thirst for knowledge and was always eager to learn new things. Kalam used to get up at 4 am, bathe, and then go for his mathematics class, which was taught by a teacher who took only five students in the whole session; and bathing before class was a condition he had laid to all his students. He completed his schooling from Ramanathapuram Schwartz Matriculation School and proceeded to study physics at the Saint Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, from where he graduated in 1954. Then he studied aerospace engineering in Madras Institute of Technology, graduating in 1960. His childhood ambition was to become a fighter pilot but he narrowly missed achieving his dream.

Muslim by religion, he believed in all religion. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam used to read both Kuran, Bhagvad Gita. Not only that, he was expert in playing Saraswati, Veena. Dr. Kalam was a scholar of Thirukkural (a classic of couplets or Kurals). In most of his speeches, he quoted at least one kural.

Kalam was the third President of India to have been honored with a Bharat Ratna before being elected to the chair of President. The Bharat Ratna was conferred on Dr. Kalam by K. R. Narayanan who was then President of India. Not only that, the Government of India has honored him with the nation’s highest civilian honors: the Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990) for his contribution in ISRO and DRDO and his role as a scientific advisor to the Government of India. In 2003 and in 2006 he was nominated for the MTV Youth Icon of the Year award.

Kalam was a part of country’s first nuclear test. He was the Chief Scientific Adviser to Defense Minister and Secretary, Department of Defense Research & Development (July 1992 to December 1999). Pokhran-2 nuclear tests were conducted under his leadership. He is the first scientist and first unmarried person to become the President of India.

Sir Kalam took great care of his colleagues. He is very kind and caring person. A co worker had promised his kids that he would take them to the local carnival after returning from work, the co-worker had also obtained the prior permission of Mr.Kalam to leave early. The colleague was involved in his work that it was well into and then he realized that he had made a promise to his kids. On rushing back home, he came to know through his wife that Mr.Kalam had come earlier and taken his kids to the carnival!

Soon after becoming president in 2002, he was supposed to address students at a school function. When he was about to start his speech, the electricity suddenly went off. Nothing was working but Kalam remained nonchalant. He told huge crowd of students to gather him around listen him. Kalam gave the mesmerizing lecture without any interruption for hours. Such was the aura of the Kalam.

Once Kalam ordered not to put broken glass on the wall for its protection as it will harm birds. This had happened when he used to serve at Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).When Organization had planned to put glass on the wall as a protection cover, Kalam rejected the idea without thinking it twice.

In one of the event when President Kalam was offered special seat to him, he had refused the offer. The reason being the chair was bigger in the size and was meant to give Kalam special honour. He had given up all his life savings and salaries to a trust he founded named PURA (Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas).

As the President, Dr. Kalam was entitled to invite anyone as the “Presidential Guests” to the Raj Bhavan of Kerela during his first visit to Trivandrum. Dr. Kalam had spent a significant time as a scientist in Trivandrum and he invited a road-side cobbler – who was quite close to Dr. Kalam during his time in Kerala; and so was the owner of the small hotel where Dr. Kalam would often have his meals. Can you imagine any other politician or a celebrity inviting a cobbler and a small business owner as their most prestigious guests?

Truly, Dr. Kalam was a man who believed in serving the humankind with love and magnanimous attitude.

That’s all for today! Hope you liked today’s story. I’m always trying to manage more time to blog, as you all want; hope this year I can blog more here! Take care of your family, children and of course of yourself! Have a good day/ afternoon/evening/night! Namaskar.

Those who cannot work with their hearts achieve but a hollow, half-hearted success that breeds bitterness all around.’ – APJ Abdul Kalam.

JAI HIND

Image Curtsey: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=apj+abdul+kalam&biw=1600&bih

Ezebee.com – A Revolutionary Step For The Entrepreneurs

2019-07-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening my friends, wherever you are! Today, I want to introduce a unique website to you! It’s for those, who are entrepreneurs; searching for a marketplace to present their work to the World! I know so many, who are really good in there job, but can’t find a platform to showcase. Don’t worry! Here I present you such a great website, made just for you!

What is “ezebee.com”??

'ezebee.com' is all you need to sell anywhere and to promote your small business to a worldwide audience. It’s a new online selling site for those, who have a small company, wants to create their own online shopping website. It is very simple to use and have all the things you need to get started.

Is “ezebee.com” costly to use??

It’s absolutely free to sign up at ezebee.com! Sell or swap your products by creating your own FREE showroom or posting a classified ad here. You can make your own showroom and sell whatever you like; “ezebee.com” does not take any commissions; also, you don’t need to pay extra to buy from the site! Sellers will get the full prices for their items without losing a percentage of the price. It’s great, right!!

What you can get there at “ezebee.com”??

For a buyer, here you can find great products from all over the world!

It’s a global marketplace for both of sellers and buyers; where you can find and buy unique products, offers and services.

How can we communicate with others here at “ezebee.com”??

“ezebee.com” is the largest growing community of creative vendors, bloggers and designers. Post your newest blogs, activities and events real-time on wall feed of “ezebee.com”. People can build and manage their own valuable network of business contacts and partners on “ezebee.com”.

So friends, don’t be late; rush to “ezebee.com” and sign-up now to open your own showroom. Remember, it’s an great opportunity to show your work and ability to all over the World! I think, from today, anyone can become an entrepreneur. It’s really not a matter where you live or how much you can spend for your showroom; because, it’s online marketplace; and as I said before, it’s totally free! Now, you don’t need to do struggles for new start-ups, “ezebee.com” is your new path to introduce your creative company and to get what you deserve!!

Click Here to Sing-Up at “ezebee.com”

Talk about India, from India with you

2019-04-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening my friends, wherever you are!

Since last two months, I have been facing so many problems with my health and Internet! I have not able to blog properly in my way! After changing some system (in my computer, of course! LOL); now the problems are solved (I think!) and hope it will be alright in future. Also, after a long treatment, my health is quite OK now. Let’s hope for good in future!

On 15^th April, we have celebrated ‘Naba Barsha’; the celebration of Bengali New Year !! ‘Naba Barsha’ in Bengal marks the first day of Baisakh - the first month of Bengali Calendar. The festival usually falls on the 13th or 14th or 15^th day of April according to English Calendar Year. Naba Barsha festival is known as Poila Baisakh in Bangladesh and is celebrated as a national holiday. Let me allow to share more about my one of the most favorite festivals….

Joyful and culturally rich people of West Bengal celebrate Naba Barsha by dutifully performing set customs and traditions. To welcome the New Year, people clean and decorate their houses. A very important tradition of Naba Varsha is the making of elaborate rangolis or alpanas in front of the house by womenfolk. Rangolis are prepared with flour and its center is adorned with earthenware pot decorated with auspicious swastika. This pot is filled with holy water and mango leaves to symbolize a prosperous year for the family. On Naba Barsha, people of West Bengal propitiate Goddess Lakshmi - the Hindu mythological Goddess of Wealth to pray for prosperity and well being. Many devotees also take a dip in a nearby river to mark the occasion.

For Bengalis, Naba Barsha is the beginning of all business activities. Businessmen and traders purchase new accounting books and start new account known as Haalkhata. People also worship Lord Ganesha by chanting mantras.

Naba Barsha celebrations are marked with joy, enthusiasm and hope. Songs, dance, games besides reciting of poems are organized in various parts of the West Bengal to mark the occasion. Enthusiastic people of Bengal also celebrate the eve of Naba Varsha as Chaitra-Sankranti and bid farewell to the past year.
Early in the morning of Naba Barsha, Bengalis take out processions known as Prabhat Pheries. To participate in Prabhat Pheris ladies clad themselves in traditional Bengali sari (white sari with red border) and flowers in hair while men wear dhoti kurta. The day is spent in feasting and participating in cultural activities. People also visit friends and dear ones to wish each other "Shubho Nabo Barsho !!"

That’s all for today. Take care of your family and yourself! Have a good day/ afternoon/evening/night and SUBHA NABABARSHO to all of you lovely people! Namaskar.

12 Great Women in Indian History

2019-03-08T01:42:00.000-08:00

The history of Indian women is full of pioneers, who have always stood up for their rights and fought their battles despite restrictions and limitations. They are the shining beacons of hope and have displayed exemplary dedication in their respective fields. This Women’s Day, I want to share the stories of 12 Indian women, who clearly deserve a standing ovation.

Ahilyabai Holkar

Punyaslok Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar (May 31, 1725 – August 13, 1795) (ruled December 11, 1767 – August 13, 1795) of India ruled as a Holkar dynasty Queen of the Malwa kingdom, India. Khanderao Holkar, Ahilyadevi's husband, died in the battle of Kumher in 1754. Twelve years later, her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar, died. She inherited the throne and became the queen of Malwa (present-day Malwa falls into western Madhya Pradesh and south-eastern Rajasthan. She was one of India's great women rulers. Her reign lasted for 30 years and she ruled with the utmost compassion and pride. During her time, the region prospered and scaled many new heights. She is often cited as the "philosopher queen" and an "absolute ideal ruler." She even personally led armies into battle. As a tribute, Indore's domestic airport and university are named after her. Her war time exploits became legendary. Ahilyadevi earned a reputation for administering justice fairly during her rule without partiality or partisanship. She sentenced her only son, found guilty of a capital offense, to death by being crushed by an elephant.

Abala Bose

Abala Bose was a British Indian social worker, Known for her efforts in the advancement of women’s education and her contribution towards the alleviation of the condition of widows. Abala Das born in 1865; died in 1951. She attended Calcutta University; studied medicine in Madras. She was married to physicist Jagadish Chandra Bose, in 1887.

Abala Bose was an early feminist and frequently wrote about why women needed more education and stressed that women's minds were just as important as men. Later in her life, she set up the ‘Nari Shiksha Samiti’, a non-profit whose mission was to educate girls and women. She also opened a home for widows and a rehabilitation center for women.

Cornelia Sorabji

Cornelia Sorabji (1866 - 1954) is the first female advocate in India; first woman to study law at Oxford University. After received a first-class degree from Bombay University in 1888, Cornelia Sorabji was admitted to Oxford in 1892, a milestone that predates the women’s suffrage movement in Britain. Here, Sorabji became the first woman to sit the Civil Law exams but was not able to graduate as women could not be awarded degrees until 1920. She returned to India in 1894. After a long struggle with the authorities, she became legal advocate for women in purdah, whose religious and cultural beliefs prevented them from speaking to men outside their family.

Anasuya Sarabhai

Fondly known as 'Motaben', pioneering labour leader Anasuya Sarabhai (1885-1972) holds a unique place in the history of India. Anasuya Sarabhai completed her higher education at the London School of Economics. Then she return to India, where she helped women by advocating for labour rights. She founded the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association, India's oldest union of textile workers, in 1920, becoming the first female leader of a trade union in India. On her 132nd birthday, Google India celebrated with a doodle remembering her achievements.

Anandi Gopal Joshi

Anandi Gopal Joshi, considered by some as India's first female doctor, was one of the earliest female physicians in India. Anandi died at a tender age of just 21. But before that, she became the first female physician and the first Indian woman to obtain a medical degree in the United States in 1887. Her condition was deteriorating while she was in the second year of studies. Yet, she still completed her studies and returned to India. She was later diagnosed with tuberculosis, which ultimately caused her death.

Justice Anna Chandy

Justice Anna Chandy (1905 - 1996), also known as Anna Chandi, was the first female judge not only in India but the entire British Commonwealth. She was also the first woman in India to become a High Court judge. She achieved this feat in the pre-independence era in 1937. After independence, in 1948, she became a district court judge. After serving 11 years at that position, in 1959, she was promoted to the high court in Kerala. She wrote an autobiography, Atmakatha, that discussed her achievements and inspired future generations. She founded a magazine named Shrimati, which aimed to promote the cause of women’s rights.

Amrita Sher-Gil

Amrita Sher-Gil was a prominent Indian painter, and one of the notable avant-garde women artists of the early 20th century. Amrita Sher-Gil was born in 1913 and started painting at the age of eight. She is one of the pioneers of modern Indian art and was known as India's Frida Kahlo. She died at the early age of 28, but her artwork is still praised and sold for top dollar. She received recognition with her oil painting named Young Girls in 1932.

Begum Akhtar

Begum Akhtar was born on 7th October, 1914 in Faizabad town of Uttar Pradesh. Her name was Akhtaribai Faizabadi though she was much popular as Begum Akhtar. Begum Akhtar is known as "Queen of Ghazals" in Indian classical singing circles. Most famous for ghazals, she also composed them. She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for vocal music, and was awarded Padma Shri and later, Padma Bhushan, posthumously by Govt. of India.

Begum Akhtar performed last in a concert in Balaramapuram near Thiruvananthapuram. That day she felt that her voice was not up to the mark and raised her pitch. This put much stress on her and her health deteriorated. The situation became critical and she had to be rushed to the hospital. She breathed her last on 30th October 1974, leaving many fans disappointed and heart broken.

Ismat Chugthai

Ismat Chughtai (August 1915 – 24 October 1991) was an eminent Urdu writer, known for her indomitable spirit and a fierce feminist ideology. She is addressed as the first Urdu writer who highlighted and wrote on female sexuality, femininity, and women rights. She is considered one of the four pillars of Urdu afsana along with Saadat Hasan Manto, Krishen Chander and Rajinder Singh Bedi. She also wrote stories for mainstream cinema. Some of her notable films include Ziddi (1948), Aarzoo (1950), and Garam Hawa (1973).

Asima Chatterjee

Asima Chatterjee (1917 - 2006) became the first female scientist in India when she received a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. She was the first woman to be awarded a Doctor of Science by an Indian University - in 1944, by the University of Calcutta. She was also the first woman to be elected as the General President of the Indian Science Congress, a premier institution that oversees scientific research. Her area of interest was natural products with special reference to medicinal chemistry. She devoted her time extensively to developing anti-epileptic and anti-malarial drugs.

Arati Saha

Arati Saha was an Indian long-distance swimmer. Born in Calcutta, West Bengal; on 24^th September, 1940. In 1959, just five days past her 19th birthday, she became the first and fastest Asian woman to successfully swim across the English Channel in 16 hours 20 minutes. She is the first female sportsperson to be awarded Padma Shri—the fourth highest civilian award in India—in 1960.

Kalpana Chawla

Kalpana Chawla was an American astronaut, engineer, and the first female of Indian origin to go to space. She was born in Haryana's Karnal on March 17, 1962. She flew to the US to obtain Master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas in Arlington. Later, she settled in the US and became a citizen. After finishing her PhD in 1991, she applied for NASA Astronaut Corps where she kick-started her space journey.

She conducted her first flight in 1997 as a primary robotic arm operator and mission specialist. On her second space mission in 2003, Kalpana Chawla along with other six crew members died when the Space Shuttle disintegrated over Texas and Louisiana.

Let's together build an HIV-free nation with IRA

2019-02-20T21:12:00.000-08:00

Hello my friends! In past days, I have shared with you the stories of Indian culture, history, culinary, travel spots and many more. I have received many positive responses from you, too. But, today I am going to discuss a serious matter. Yes, you guess it right - HIV. I want to share the solution to overcome the fear, that comes in our mind, hearing the word - HIV.

Tell me first, do you really aware about HIV? Did you know there are 2.01 million people still in India who live with HIV, or that there are about 80,000 people who get infected every year? Not to mention the overall stigma & amp; prejudice associated with the condition which marginalizes the infected and the lack of information that perpetuates all of these. Bad news, indeed.

Good news, however, is that HIV is preventable, manageable and a lot of it is just to do with

providing people the right information with sensitivity and tact at the right time!

Ask IRA your questions about HIV/AIDS at https://yes4me.net/IRA now.

Introducing IRA

IRA is a conversational platform where people can seek answers to their pressing HIV/AIDS queries. She was created to help people gain information about HIV and motivate people to manage HIV responsibly. She is friendly and chatty and wants the world to be free of HIV.

IRA will be available on the yes4me website. Anyone with an internet connection can access IRA which makes her a powerful ally in the fight against HIV. Because of the stigma surrounding HIV, people can visit IRA from the security of their own home and seek answers to urgent

questions without facing any of the discrimination that they would face anywhere else.

With IRA by their side, millions of Indians will be able to find the right information at the right

time and thus solve the root cause that perpetuates HIV.

Let’s join hands to make India HIV/AIDS free. You can reach IRA for all your questions from the

link below.

https://yes4me.net/IRA

We would love to hear back from you as your feedback makes IRA better!

#hivfreeindia #hiv #aids #rethinkhiv #speakouthiv #EndAIDS.

Talk about India, from India with you

2019-01-23T00:23:00.000-08:00

Some Rare Pictures of My Hero - Netaji

Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening my friends, wherever you are! This is 11:00am. 23^rd January, 2019, Wednesday in India. Hope you are doing very well there!

23rd January is a special day for Indians. The country celebrates this day as the birthday of Indian freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose who gave his entire life to free the country from the British. Subhas, often referred as Netaji, was born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack. The born hero had planned to get rid India of the British rule during World War II with the help of Nazi Germany and Japan. However his dream to unite India under his leadership couldn’t see the light of day, but, he has been hailed as a patriot and finds a distinct space in the struggle for Indian Independence.

Today the nation is celebrating his 122st birth anniversary. I told you so many stories about the hero in past years; this year, I have collected some rare pictures of this great patriot for you. Also, it’s a small tribute to the great leader, Netaji!

Netaji in his childhood!

Netaji only 17 year old 1914.

Subash Chandra Bose At Cambridge.

Bose on the ship to Europe,early 1930s.

Subash Chandra Bose at Europe .He used to call himself as Indian Ambassador who wants to fight for Indian Independence.

Rabinranth Tagore & Netaji 1935.

Mahatma Gandhi with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Calcutta, 1937.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose with his brother Sudhir Chandra Bose and his wife at 1939.

Bose with Gandhi ji and Sardar Patel at Congress Meeting.

At meeting of Congress.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose with Shankaracharya of Puri, Orissa.

George Lansbury, the Labour politician greets the Indian nationalist leader and President of the All-India Congress Subhas Chandra Bose.

Subhas Chandra Bose, the new President of the 51st Indian National Congress, wearing traditional formal clothing in 1940.

Subhas Chandra Bose enjoying a meal at Bardoli Ashram on his way to the 51st Indian National Congress during WWII in 1940.

Subhas Chandra Bose with mother Prabhabati Devi in his bedroom in Calcutta after release from jail in 1940.

Bose in Berlin, 1941.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Adolf Hitler - Germany 29 May 1942.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose inspects the notorious Cellular Jail on Andaman Island, 1944.

With Indian Prisoner of war.

Bose with Nazi Commanders.

Subash Chandra Bose in Japan ,after his trip to Germany was over he went to Japan with help of Nazis in Submarines.

Bose with his army.

Well’ that’s all for today! Hope you like today’s post. Take care of your family and yourself! Have a good day/ afternoon/evening/night! Namaskar.

Original Autograph of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose.

Image Courtesy: Google.com

The Unsung Melodies of Indian Freedom Movement

2018-08-15T02:30:00.000-07:00

“When woman, whom we call abala becomes sabala, all those who are helpless will become powerful.” - Mahatma Gandhi; at the All India Women's Conference in Dec 1936.

A large group of people, belonging to different regions and different timelines, gave their all life to regain India’s independence from the colonial regime of the British invaders. Amongst these patriots, millions were women, some known and others uncelebrated, about whom most of us never heard before. They fought equally hard but never got any share of the limelight. Their only focus was seeing an independent India. As citizens of this country, we should know about them. Because, they deserve every Indian’s acknowledgement, ovation and respect. Here’s taking a look at some of those unknown women who inspired India’s freedom struggle.

Velu Nachiar

Rani Velu Nachiyar (1730-1796), was a queen of Sivaganga estate in 1760-1790. She became the first revolutionary who opposed the rule of British in Tamil Nadu even before the Sepoy mutiny which is considered as the first war against the British rule in India. In collaboration with Hyder Ali and Gopala Nayaker, she waged a war against the British and emerged victorious. Eventually she went on to produce the first human bomb as well as establish the first army of trained women soldiers in the late 1700s.

She is celebrated by Tamilians as Veeramangai (brave women).

Abadi Bano Begum

Abadi Bano Begum was born in 1852 in Rampur (U.P.).

Abadi Bano Begum, popularly known as Bi Amma was an ardent nationalist whose family members had suffered the trauma of 1857 revolt and she had a strong desire to see the country free from British rule.

Abadi Bano came from a simple conservative Muslim family of Lucknow who had rarely
stepped out of the house on her own. She was mother of Maulana Mohammad Ali
Jauhar, who was the leader of the Khilafat Movement and co-founder of the Jamia
Milia Islamia University. He joined the freedom movement and was arrested for
his activities. The year was 1917, Abadi Bano took the brave decision to
address a political gathering to speak out in support of her son. She addressed
the crowd from behind her burqa but her message was strong and firmly in
support of the freedom struggle. This was perhaps the first instance of a
Muslim woman addressing a public gathering.

Begum Hazrat Mahal

Begum Hazrat Mahal also known as Begum of Awadh, was born on 1820 at Faizabad, Awadh. She was the first wife of the then Lucknow ruler Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.

Begum Hazrat Mahal rebelled against the British East India Company during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. She was also a big supporter of fellow mutineers like Nana Saheb.

Begum Hazrat Mahal, famously known as the 'Lakshmi Bai' of Awadh, took charge of Awadh during the rebellion, after her husband was exiled to Calcutta. She fought boldly and also urged the rustic folks to take part in the war. Later her armed forces seized control of Lucknow and she placed her 14-year-old son on the throne of Awadh on July 5, 1857. She greatly motivated the common peoples to rebel against the British Raj. Such was her devotion and pledge to her people that the Begum even went on to brace the city of Lucknow against the advancing British troops. After a long siege, Lucknow was again re-captured by the British, forcing Hazrat Mahal to retreat in 1858 to Nepal.

She spent the remaining years of her life in Nepal, passing away in 1879 in Kathmandu.

Bhikaji Cama

Bhikaji Cama was born on September 24 1861 into a large, wealthy Parsi family. Influenced by an environment in which the Indian nationalist movement was taking root, Bhikaji was drawn toward political issues from a very early age. At the age of 23, she was married to Rustom Cama, who was son of K. R. Cama.

Madam Cama had set up ‘Free India Society’ in London in order to rally Indian youths. She also went to Paris and started a center there. She was the one who planned the Indian national flag. She waved the flag in the International Socialist Congress held at Stuttgart in Germany, 1907, as an Indian representative. She appealed to the delegates to co-operate with the Indians so that they all can free themselves from the British rule.

As an active social worker and philanthropist, she gave away all her assets to help out an orphanage for young girls. A number of Indian cities have streets and places named after Bhikhaiji Cama, or Madame Cama. On India's 11th Republic Day, 26 January 1962, the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department issued a commemorative stamp in her honor.

Matangini Hazra

Matangini was born in the small village of Hogla, near Tamluk in 1869. She was married and was widowed by the age of eighteen. Thereafter she devoted herself to social service, working tirelessly for others.

In 1905, when the Nationalist movement was at its peak in Bengal, Matangini Hazra became deeply inspired and influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, and followed his teachings so religiously that she later came to be known as 'Gandhi Buri' (old lady Gandhi). She also played a great role in Non-Cooperation Movement.

This unsung heroine was shot dead by the British during a procession, when they realized she was too feisty and would be able to sprout more nationalism among fellow Indian. Despite being shot thrice, she never backed down, and marched forward with the national flag, repeating the slogan, “Vande Mataram!”

Bhogeswari Phukanani

Bhogeshwari Phukanani was born on the year of 1885, in Assam. She was one of the prominent martyrs of 1942 Independence movement. She is very well known as the "60-yrs-old martyr" in the central Assam.
Bhogeshwari, a house-wife, actively participated in the freedom struggle and instructed her six sons and two daughters to do the same. The valorous fighter was brutally shot down by the British for launching the revolutionary mass program, the 'Bharbhuj'.

Raj Kumari Gupta

Raj Kumari Gupta was born on the February 2, 1889 in Lucknow to princely family of Kapurthala, a part of undivided India.

Raj Kumari Gupta was one of the leading lights in India’s fight for independence. Very few people are aware of her contribution to the famous Kakori conspiracy. Raj Kumari and her husband worked with Mahatma Gandhi and Chandrashekhar Azad and she played a crucial role in the Kakori case as well. She was in charge of supplying revolvers to those involved in the operation. While hiding firearms in her undergarments, she was arrested with her three-year-old son. Ironically though, her in-laws disowned her.

She was the first Indian woman to hold the position of Cabinet Minister.

Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay

Kamaladevi was born on 3 April 1903 into a Saraswat Brahmin family in Mangalore. She was initiated into politics at an early age.

We may be known Kamaladevi as a distinguished theatre actor, but, very few are aware of the important role she played in India’s fight for independence. She was the first woman to run for a legislative seat in India and also the first Indian woman to be arrested by the British regime for her active role as a patriotic leader. She played a very vital role as a social reformer and brought back handicrafts, theatres and handlooms to help in uplifting the socio-economic standard of the Indian women.

Lakshmi Sahgal

Lakshmi Sehgal was born Lakshmi Swaminadhan on October 24, 1914 in Madras. She was one of the brave hearts who served a sentence in a Burma prison for her role in the World War II. When she heard that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was recruiting women soldiers as well, she returned to her motherland to enroll herself into the army. As ordered by Netaji, she established and lead the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, comprising of women soldier in Azad Hind government.

An officer of the Indian National Army, she was a pioneer personality of the Indian Freedom Movement and aided numerous wounded people during her time of service.

Tara Rani Srivastava

Tara Rani Srivastava was born into a very poor family in Saran, Bihar. She was married at a very young age of 13. She along with her husband Phulendu Babu actively participated in the Quit India movement.

It was the day, when Mahatma Gandhi called the people for hoisting the flag in front of Siwan police station. On Gandhiji's call, Phulendu gathered a massive crowd of men and women in front of the police station to hoist the national flag on its roof. Both Tara and Phulendu stood in front of the crowd. Soon police started firing and Phulendu fell to police bullets. But Tara Rani was not dispirited, she bandaged her husband's wounds and marched with the national flag straight towards the police station. By the time she returned, her husband had died. She without losing her courage continued her struggle despite of facing all hurdles on her way.

Sucheta Kriplani

Sucheta Kriplani was born in Ambala, Punjab to a Bengali Brahmo family on 25 June 1908^.

She was a Gandhian and worked with him during the partition riots as well as the independence movement. She also was a formidable member of the Indian national Congress and was the founder of the All India Mahila Congress in 1940. On 15th August, 1947, she sang Vande Mataram in the Constituent Assembly. Sucheta Kriplani was the first woman to become the Chief Minister of an Indian state (UP).

Durga Bai Deshmukh

Durgabai Deshmukh was born on 15 July 1909. She was an Indian freedom fighter, lawyer, social worker and politician. She played a prominent role in Indian freedom movement. She led many Satyagraha movements and as a volunteer for the Indian National Congress, worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi. She was a member of the Constituent Assembly of India and the Planning Commission of India.

Aruna Asaf Ali

Aruna Asaf Ali was born as Aruna Ganguly on 16 July 1909 in Kalka, Punjab, into a Bengali Brahmo family.

Aruna was an active social worker and freedom fighter who, along with her husband Asaf Ali, was involved with the Indian National Congress. She took part in the Salt Satyagraha movement as well as other protest marches. She was imprisoned for her so-called impertinence. While in prison, she continued her struggle, and also raised her voice against the inhuman treatment of convicts. When she was 33 years old, she gained some prominence as she hoisted the Indian National Congress flag during the Quit India Movement at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay, 1942.

Parbati Giri

Parbati Giri, is better known as the Mother Teresa of Western Odisha, was born in Samlaipadar village near Bijepur of the undivided Sambalpur district on 19 January 1926.

Parbati Giri was a prominent brave heart from Odisha who played a significant role in the Indian Freedom Struggle. She became an integral member of the Quit India Movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi at the age of sixteen. Due to her anti-British government activities, she was imprisoned for over two years. Even after her release, she continued serving the nation by giving shelter to orphans of her village. She opened an orphanage at Paikmal village and devoted rest of her life for the welfare of orphans.

Kanaklata Barua

Kanaklata, also known as 'Birbala' was an Indian freedom fighter, who was born in the Borangabari village of the undivided Darrang district of Assam on 22 December 1924.

This unsung heroine from Assam played quite a crucial role in India’s struggle for freedom. During the Quit India Movement Kanaklata joined the Mrityu Bahini, a death squad comprising groups of youth from the Gohpur sub division of Assam. On one fateful day, she accompanied other volunteers of the Movement to hoist the national flag, but was prohibited by the police. Though she tried convincing that her intentions were noble, the British police force shot her down, along with several others. Thus, at the tender age of seventeen, this young woman sacrificed her life for her country.

Wait, Let Me Take a Selfie - #EnjoyMore

2018-05-22T09:08:00.002-07:00

Love for Photography is in my heredity, I presume! My father, uncle and my elder brother are all very good photographers. They travel many places, only to click a good shot. In my childhood, I, too, was very curious about camera. Any person with a camera used to become my favourite in a second. There were two cameras in our home; but I was not permitted to even touch them! I never missed any chance to cultivate them, when my elders went out. This affection for photography was rising with my age and still on. When I was in school, I belong to a gang of five girls. Every year, on the day of Swaraswati Puja, it was our girlie-ritual to go to a photo-studio and click a group picture. How can I forget the day of the marriage ceremony of my brother; where I continuously nagged after the cameraman to click some pictures with my friends. My hubby and I went to Rajasthan for our honeymoon trip. During our tour, a foreigner asked me to click his picture with his camera in front of a Royal Palace. Also he clicked for us. Today, whenever I remember those days, I wonder; because no one from today’s generation imagine these types of incidents. Nowadays, it is so easy to click photos whenever& wherever I want; who cares I’m in a marriage party or in a remote place! Technology gives people smart phones; we can talk from anywhere and click anything, anytime. It is “Selfie”; that makes us free to say – ‘would you mind to take a picture of us?’

The term “selfie” was declared as“the word of the year” of 2003 by Oxford Dictionaries; after its first known use was revealed by an Australian; describing a photograph taken at a 21st birthday party.I wonder, if there exists any perfect selfie at all ! when you want to express your mood to the World, take a selfie. And it would be the perfect for you for that particular moment! If you ask me; yes, I click many selfies everyday. Some of those I share with my friends and some I store for future, when I need to refresh myself! I have so many favourite selfies; but you asked about the best, it is the below one. It was our 6^th marriage anniversary. Every year my hubby arranges a surprise tour as my anniversary gift; and most of them are any remote place, where nobody can disturb us. That year, we went to Baranti;a small picturesque hamlet surrounded by hillocks; situated in Purulia district, West Bengal. We just forgot about our urban life there! It was really a lifetime memorable tour. On the last day of the tour; we sat on the sand beside the lake. At the time of sunset, suddenly it started raining! My hubby stood up and told me to run to our resort. That moment, I said – ‘wait, let me take a selfie’! This selfie is my all-time favourite; I have framed it and placed at my working table.

My Favourite Selfie

Framed on my work-table

Few days back, in a conversation with a well known photographer, I asked –
– Is it possible to click a stunning photo during travel in mobile? He answered – “absolutely! I think equipment doesn’t really matter. Vision does!” Actually, he is damn right. Vision and mood are more important to click a good picture; no matter you use a DSLR camera or a mobile. But remember, all mobiles do not give you same picture quality. So, if you want to capture a beautiful vision or to click a perfect Selfie, check the camera-features thoroughly before buying a Smartphone. And if you are not satisfied with your present mobile; here is a better option for you – Mobiistar #EnjoyMore!

Mobiistar, a Vietnamese smartphone brand was founded by Mr. Carl Ngo in 2009. The #Mobiistar brand-promise is to ‘Enjoy More’ which is focused towards giving their customers the opportunity to explore more possibilities. The rationale behind ‘Enjoy More’ is driven through the products functionality and aimed at giving users a meaningful selfie experience provided with their front, dual selfie camera that captures a 120° wide-angle shot.

This means that you can now get more of the picturesque background into the frame and not have to worry about fitting in everybody either!

Also, you will get smoother Smartphones with best-in-segment Snapdragon Processors. Not only that, it comes with powerful, long lasting battery for unlimited fun. And guess what, all these specifications are available at an attractive price! So India, get ready for a star-studded welcome of #Mobiistar – coming very soon!

Keep your eyes at: Mobiistar on Flipkart

Talk about India, from India with you

2018-04-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening my friends, wherever you are! It is 11:00am. 18th April, 2018, Wednesday Here in India. How are you friends? After a looong ‘HOT’ summer, it’s raining here and I feel so happy! Here is one more cause to be happy today! It is a holly occasion - Akshaya Tritiya, celebrated by almost all the Indian today! Allow me to say something about this……

Akshaya Tritiya also referred as Akha Teej, is considered as the most auspicious days of all by Hindus in India. The pious day of Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day (Tithi) of bright phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Vaishakha. The name Akshaya Tritiya describes the special planetary positions of Moon, Sun and Jupiter, as on this day all three unanimously come under Mrigshira Nakshatra. Moon and Sun both glow at their brightest level, indicating the auspiciousness of the day.

The day of Akshaya Tritiya is considered highly auspicious by Hindus as the day is thought to bring good fortune and prosperity for every one. The literal meaning of Akshaya in Sanskrit means imperishable or “never diminishing” and thus the day is believed to be the best time for beginning new ventures or investing money in precious metals and land. On this day, many of Indians buy gold or silver ornaments.

Gold Ornaments, specially made for Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya is also referred as a golden day of eternal success because the Golden Age or the first of the four Yugas, Satya yug is believed to have begun on this day. Akha Teej also marks the birthday of Sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu - Lord Parshuram. The auspicious day also holds a special importance as the holy river Ganga also descended down to earth from heaven on this very same day. Vedavyas along with Lord Ganesha started writing the great Hindu scriptures, Mahabharatha on the eve of Akshaya Tritiya. The first Tirthankar in Jainism- Bhagwan Rishabdev also broke his fasting spell of one year by taking juice on the day of Akha Teej.

Time to go now…………Take care of your family and yourself! Have a good day/ afternoon/evening/night! Namaskar.

#CuttingPani - Conserve Water To Get Closer To Life

2018-03-25T09:59:00.001-07:00

"Water Water Everywhere Nor Any Drop To Drink"

The other name for water is ‘Life’. Without fresh water we shall die in just a few days. But, how much we know about our life? Do you know that 70 percent of the world is covered by water; but, only 2.5 percent of it is fresh? The rest is salt or ocean-based water or is permanently frozen and we can't drink it or use it. As our population grows, more and more people are using up this limited resource. Therefore, it is important that we use our water wisely and not waste it. Let’s discuss it in detail –

Why do we need to conserve water:

In one sentence, saving water helps protect our Nation's, as well as the World’s water supplies. It is clear that water is one of our most precious resources. Considering that every single person on the planet needs water to survive. Conserving water can diverts less water from our rivers, bays, and estuaries, that helps keep the earth safe. It can also reduce water and wastewater treatment costs and the amount of energy used to treat, pump, and heat water. This lowers energy demand, which helps prevent air pollution.

Before marriage I lived in Railway Housing; and now I live in Govt. Housing. In both places, 24 hrs. Water facility is available. I find almost every family use water meaninglessly! They always wash their clothes in running water; no one use bucket for bath; they water there plants in their Garden as like they give shower them and many more! They behave like - “if we get water enough, why should we not use?” It's not just the dry western areas of our country or those villages that need to be concerned with water efficiency. As our population continues to grow, demands on precious water resources increase. There are many opportunities to use household water more efficiently without reducing services.

Ways to Save Water:

Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or saving or scrubbing your hands your hands before washing. Don’t let all that water goes down the drain while you brush! Turn off the faucet after you wet your brush, and leave it off until it’s time to rinse.
Check all faucets, pipes and toilets for leaks; fixing leaky faucets can mean big water savings.
Re-use your pasta or noodles cooking liquid by watering plants instead of dumping that water down the drain.
Use bucket for bath or cut your showers short for some serious water savings. If you have a habit of taking shower multiple times a day or even daily; skip the shower from time to time.
Don’t run the dishwasher or washing machine until it’s full. Those half-loads add up to gallons and gallons of waste water
When you hand-washing a lot of dishes, fill up your sink with water, instead of letting it run the whole time that you’re scrubbing.

Educate Children about Conserving Water:

It is very important to teach our children about the importance of water, as well as saving water. We need to grow our children with a good habit of water conserving

Be aware your children about these initial steps:

Learn your kids to turn of the faucets properly after using. Ask your kids to double-check the faucets after they are done washing their hands or brushing their teeth.
Tell your children to fill their glasses as they need; or drink the full glass.
By telling your kids to use the half-flush every time they need to use the loo, you can save a lot of tank water. Similarly, a inculcating a habit of quick showers will result in saving thousands of liters of water in every household.
Childhood is the best time to learn anything new. People remember things all their life, what they have learnt in their infant age. So, tell your child about the importance of water and how they can use it wisely Encourage kids to reuse leftover water from glasses for gardening or fill the bowl of your pet.

Take a pledge to make a habit of #CuttingPaani

The #CuttingPaani is an initiative of Livepure, they has developed based on the ‘cutting chai’ culture of Mumbai. They says – ‘The #CuttingPaani campaign implements the Mumbaiya concept for saving drinking water’.

When we serve water in dinner table or to gusts, every time we leave a half-empty glass. We do not drink the full glass of water. The #CuttingPaani concept is create to restore those drops of water, which are dump to sink after every sip. By asking for #CuttingPaani, meaning the only the amount of water you can comfortably drink, you can save a lot of water.

Here is some way; you can use to support #CuttingPaani:

1. When you serve water to your gusts, don’t fill the glasses first. Serve a jug, full of water with empty glasses. Request them to fill their own glass as much as they need.

2. Use water container or purifier with tap in your home; so that you can fill your glass as much as you need.
3. Put a container in a corner of kitchen and store leftover waters in it. Use all the water for gardening and watering indoor plants.
4. Use leftover water for cleaning and mopping.
You can use it to fill your pet's water bowl, too..

Finally, I request to all my readers, please conserve water for your nation, as well as the World and its people; and also for your future generation. I urge each of you to Sign The #CuttingPaani Petition, and to save water by adopting #CuttingPaani.

See this video to know more about #CuttingPaani:

Famous Four Places in India to Enjoy Holi

2018-03-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Holi is an ancient and popular Hindu religious festival celebrated throughout India. The colourful Holi festival is not only an obsession for the Hindus; it has attracted many people from various nations of the world. It is a spring festival, celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which occurs around the month of March. It is the second most widely celebrated festival of India after Diwali.

This festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the victory of good over bad. There are several mythological stories behind the origin of the festival. According to one belief, the festival celebrates the killing Holika, the sister of Hrinyakashyapu. Holi festival is also widely associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha. The festival also holds significance with respect to end of winter season and the onset of summer season.

Here are four most famous places in India to watch or play the Holi festival.

Mathura & Vrindavan

The Holi of Mathura and Vrindavan is extremely famous throughout the country. It attracts tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.

Mathura is the birth-place of Lord Krishna and Vrindavan is the place where he spent his childhood. Drenched in traditions and in the love of Lord Krishna, Mathura is definitely one of the top places to celebrate Holi in India. According to legend, the tradition of playing colors on Holi originated from the leela of Radha and Krishna. Mathura holds a renowned show in the week before Holi. A colourful and musical procession takes place from the temples to river then to the Holi Gate, where the festival is marked. The best place in Holi to catch the throwing of colors in Mathura is Dwarkadheesh Temple.

Dwarkadheesh Temple

The Banke-Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is hosts a week long Holi celebrations. The event here takes place just a day before the main Holi festival. The temple opens up its doors to all visitors to come and play Holi. The town echoes with tales of Radha-Krishna and celebrates the festival with traditions, devotion and serenity.

Banke-Bihari Temple

The Holi customs in the temple are unique, as there is not play of conventional dry or wet colors, but flowers, and hence the name Phoolon wali holi (Flowers’ Holi). The temple priests’ shower the pilgrims with flowers in a way showering the blessings of the Lord. Arrive quite before the gate opens to get a close up position.

Barsana

Barsana in Uttar Pradesh is famous for ‘Lath mar’ Holi. Barsana was the home of Radha where Krishna went to tease her and her friends. On the first day of Holi, men from Krishna’s village Nandgaon, travel to Barsana to tease the women there. The women chase men and hitting them with sticks, hence the name Lathmar Holi. The main celebrations at Barsana, take place at the Ladliji temple, dedicated to Sri Radha Rani. Sweets, Thandai, spiritual songs related to Radha and Krishna and play of color make it a fun place to enjoy the festival.

Shantiniketan

Santiniketan has the distinct identity of culture and heritage, which gives the place a unique soft touch. Santineketan was previously called Bhubandanga (named after Bhuban Dakat, a local dacoit). Tagore family came to be owned this place. Rabindranath Tagore's father Maharshi Debendranath Tagore attracted by the beauty of this place and established Saantiniketan in 1863.

The Holi festival in Shantiniketan has a unique flavor. The Holi is celebrated as Basanta Utsav or Spring Festival here. Rabindranath Tagore started Dol utsav or Basanta Utsav in his institution with colorful cultural programs. The students of Visva-Bharoti celebrate Basanta utsav in very special way. They make the festival more colorful and attractive with their magnificent live performance.

Students dress up in yellow color and present some wonderful folk dances and cultural programs followed by the throwing of colours. The celebrations start a day earlier than Holi and are now considered an important part of the Bengali heritage. A huge number of tourists arrive every year at Shantiniketan to witness and participate in these celebrations.

Jaipur

Holi is one of the major festivals celebrated in Rajasthan and Jaipur celebrates the festival in royal style with great patron from royal families of Rajasthan. The celebrations stretch for two days. The first day of Holika Dahan is observed at the City Palace in Udaipur. The customs of lighting the Holika Dahan is traditionally performed by the current custodian of the Mewar dynasty. The following morning, the celebrations of Holi are all out on the streets.

The Pink City, Jaipur used to celebrate the festival of colors extravagantly with the elephant festival. Every year the Holi festival begins with a massive parade including elaborately decorated elephants, camels, horses, and folk dancing through the streets. There are also elephant polo, elephant races and tug-of-war between elephants.

😀 Happy Holi 😀

💖💖💖💖

Talk About India, From India, With You - Republic Day

2018-01-25T03:23:00.000-08:00

*Janaganamana Adhinayaka, Jaya He, Bharatabhagyavidhata!

Republic Day, celebrated on January 26^th every year, is one of India’s most important national events. It was on January 26^th, 1950 that the constitution of India came into force and India became a truly Sovereign, Democratic and Republic state.

India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru signing the constitution on 24th Jan,1950.

A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Assembly on 4 November 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on 24 January 1950. Two days later, it came into effect throughout the nation.

On this day, India finally enjoyed the freedom of spirit, rule of law and fundamental principle of governance. The patriotic fervor of the Indian people on this day brings the whole country together even in her embedded diversity. When regional identity takes a backseat and what matters most is the universal appeal of unity and brotherhood projected by all Indians.

PM Modi arrives at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, to mark his respects

Jammu & Kashmir tableaux at Rajpath

Meghalaya tableaux at Rajpath

Republic Day is celebrated most majestically in the capital, New Delhi. The grand parade on Rajpath in New Delhi on the 26th of January is the main event of the celebration of India's Republic Day which is a three-day celebration, culminating in the beating retreat ceremony on the evening of the 29th January.

India celebrates Republic Day

The dare devil stunts of motorbike riders of BSF

The symbols of the great nation's military might and cultural wealth are displayed in what is the world's most impressive parade. All Government buildings are illuminated lending the city the atmosphere of a fairyland. This day is celebrated with much zeal and pride all across the nation.

Since 1950, India has been hosting head of state or government of another country as the state guest of honour for Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. The chief guest at India's first Republic Day on January 26, 1950 was the President of Indonesia. This year, leaders from the 10 ASEAN nations - Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei - will be the chief guests at Republic Day. For the first time in Indian Republic Day history, the Republic Day parade in 2018 will be attended by 10 heads of state from ASEAN or Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional grouping of 10 Southeast Asian countries.

JAY HIND!

* "Janaganamana....." is the National Song of India.

Image Courtesy: google.com

Do You Know About Vitamin E?

2018-01-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

‘Loss of muscle mass’, ‘muscle weakness’, ‘unsteady walking’, ‘abnormal eye movements’, ‘vision problems’ - are you familiar with any of the issues? Do you or any of your family facing those problems? Well dear; it can be caused of vitamin E deficiency! Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays the role of antioxidant, which preventing free radical damage to specific fats in the body that are critical for your health.

Quickly have a look on top health benefits of vitamin E:

Balances Cholesterol
Balances Hormones
May Lower Cancer Risk and Improve Effects of Medical Treatments
Repairs Damaged Skin
Helps PMS Symptoms
Improves Vision
Improves Physical Endurance and Muscle Strength
Important During Pregnancy for Growth and Development
Helps People with Alzheimer’s Disease

So, consume more vitamin E-rich foods; it can treat and prevent diseases of the heart and blood vessels, such as chest pains, high blood pressure, and blocked or hardened arteries. Vitamin E is found only in plant foods, including certain oils, nuts, grains, fruits and wheat germ. It’s also available as a supplement.

Let’s find out some sources of vitamin E, which you can easily add to your daily foods.

Sunflower seeds
Almonds
Spinach
Beet greens
Mango

Avocado

Peanut butter

Wheat germ oil

Pumpkin

Red peppers

Asparagus

I can suggest you an easy way to get enough vitamin E in your diet. Make a spinach salad, and toss in some almonds and roasted sunflower seeds to get a crunchy boost of vitamin E. Add a tablespoon of wheat germ oil to a recipe. Alternatively, you can snack on sunflower seeds.

If you have a busy lifestyle and can’t effort enough time in kitchen; you can buy Vitamin Supplements. I suggest you to switch to #Evion for "Evion Supplements".

So, don’t waste your time my friends! Start to take Vitamin E to start a good, healthy lifestyle!

To buy #Evion Supplements, go to: Evion.co.in/

Hello Ladies! Did You Take Iron Today?

2017-11-17T10:31:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, a person can feel exhausted without any reason. A person, even though physically fit; can’t stairs up without taking pauses! It can be caused by lack of iron - especially if you're a woman.

Iron is a mineral which is essential to ensure healthy blood, normal growth and development. Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin, which is the protein molecular in red blood cells that carries oxygen from our lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. If you don't have enough iron, your body can't make enough healthy red blood cells; and without healthy red blood cells, your body can't get enough oxygen.

Women aged between 12 and 50 need more iron than men. Women and men metabolize iron from food at almost the same rate. However, while men need around 8 mg of iron in their daily diet, women need up to 18 mg (or 27 mg if pregnant). Women need more iron than men to make up for the amount of iron they lose in their menstrual period. Around 1 mg of iron is lost for every day of bleeding. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in women. Insufficient iron can lead to anemia. Iron is especially important during pregnancy.

So, ladies; please be aware of your food-habits! Choose your foods wisely, so that you can get sufficient Iron. Ask yourself a question daily – Did You Take Iron Today? If the answer ‘Yes’; you are safe!

Let’s talk about the sources of Iron -

The body absorbs two to three times more iron from animal sources than from plants. Some of the best dietary sources of iron are - Lean beef, Turkey, Chicken, Lean pork, Fish.

Although fruit, vegetables, nuts and cereals absorb less of the iron animal sources; but adding a source of vitamin C to vegetarian sources of iron will enhance absorption. For example, if you are eating a vegetable dish, add two oranges or grapefruit juice. The vitamin C in the oranges or juice will help to promote the absorption of iron from the vegetables. Some of the best plant-sources of iron are – Beans (including pinto, kidney, soybeans) and lentils; dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach; fortified breakfast cereals; enriched rice; whole-grain and enriched breads.

I have already included these in my diet; and I request you all the ladies, to add these iron-rich foods to your daily meal. For a good start, I am now going to share with you a unique iron-rich recipe! It is healthy, good for any age; and it is delicious, too!

Green Chicken

Ingredients:

Chicken: - 500gm.
Small Onion: - 5-6
Onion Paste: - 2 tablespoons
Garlic: - 10-12 cloves
Garlic Paste: - 4 tablespoons
Fresh Coriander paste: - 1 cup
Green Chili paste (if you want): - to taste
Tomato: 1
Refined / Olive oil: - 2 teaspoons
Turmeric Powder: - 1/4 teaspoon
Salt: - to taste
Sugar: - 1/4 teaspoon

Process:

Marinate chicken with onion paste, garlic paste, coriander paste, green chili paste, turmeric powder, salt and sugar.

Keep the marinated chicken in refrigerator at least for an hour.

Heat the oil in a non-stick pan.

Add the marinated chicken, small onion, garlic and tomatoes in the oil.

Stir and cook for 1 minute. Then cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked well.

Sprinkle fresh coriander on cooked chicken. Keep the pan covered for about 5 minutes before serving.

Serve hot with Roti, Paratha or smoked rice.

*You can use Tamarind Pulp or Yogurt 1/3 cup in the place of tomato.

**If you use yogurt, whisk it with added pinch of salt.

That’s all for today. Ladies, don’t forget to add iron-rich foods to your daily diet. If you want more recipes of iron-rich foods, go to LIVOGEN You can find so many delicious recipes there. Also, they are running an iron rich recipe making contest for all. If you have a good recipe, go and participate there; you can win many exiting prizes!

Festivals of India

2017-10-16T01:44:00.000-07:00

Thalai Deepavali

Diwali or Deepavali is a very famous festival among the World. But, a few known about ‘Thalai Deepavali’; aunique custom native to Tamilnadu. It is the first Deepavali celebrated by a couple after their marriage. The Tamil word “Thala” or ‘Thalai”means “the Head or The First. It is the most revered custom in the Tamil communities.The tradition is the son-in-law would visit his wife's family during Deepavali with a handful of gifts. In return he also gets lots of gifts, along various sweets like laddu, Jangiri and snacks.

On the day of the Thala Deepavali, couple arise even before the sunrise and take Oil bath using the sandalwood paste and Segakai paste.After the bath, the bride and the bridegroom attend the pooja organized by the Bride’s parents.The bride’s parents along with bride and bridegroom prayer for the couple happy long life and present them new dresses and ornaments. After wearing the new dresses,the newly married couple seek the blessings by gently touching the feet of elders.

The newlyweds will then be pampered and showered by bride’s family members with gifts called “Seer varisai”, which is considered as a part of the dowry, according to the Tamil custom. The couples then visit the nearby temple, sometimes the groom’s parents, brothers and sisters also join them in the celebration. After couple return from the temple they will be given a great feast by the Bride’s. In the evening of the celebration, the couples burst crackers and enjoy the aerial fireworks along with their family members and decorated inside and outside the home with row of lighted diyas called “Agal vilakku” in Tamil.

The newly wedded couples of Tamil Nadu enjoy the Thala Deepavali with high level enthusiasm. It is considered as once in a lifetime event. The grooms spend their quality time with their in-laws on the occasion of the ThalaiDeepavali.This festival brings an opportunity for the bride’s parents to know his son-in-law better.

**This Deepavali, don’t forget to make your kitchen safe and cockroach-free with LALHIT!

Festivals of India

2017-08-07T04:06:00.002-07:00

Narali Purnima

Narali Purnima, also known as ‘Coconut Day’ takes place mostly in Maharasthra & Kerala. It is an important festival celebrated majorly by Hindu fishing community in the western coastal regions of India. They celebrate this festival to ward off untoward incidents while sailing in the sea. It is observed on the ‘Purnima’ (full moon day) in the month of ‘Shravana’ in the Hindu calendar, which is referred as ‘Shravana Purnima’. The word ‘Narali’ is derived from ‘Naral’ or ‘Nariyal’ (coconut) and ‘purnima’ signifies the ‘full moon day’ and therefore coconut holds an important purpose on this day.

On the day of Narali Festival, fishermen of Maharashtra worship Samudra (Sea God) and Varuna Deva (Rain God). On this occasion, a ‘nariyal’ (coconut) is offered to the Sea God. It is believed that brightly performing the puja rituals on Shravana Purnima, they can please the Lord and seek His protection from all dangers of the sea. Coconut is important for all religious occasions. Thus, coconut is considered to be an ideal offering to the Sea God as well. On Narali Purnima, devotees also offer prayers to Shiva as it is believed that the three eyes of coconut are a depiction of 3-eyed Lord Shiva. The ‘Upnayan’ and ‘Yagyopaweet’ rituals are among the most widely followed rituals. On Narali Purnima, as a gesture of gratitude and respect towards Mother Nature, people also plant coconut trees along the coast.

After the Puja, fishermen sail in the sea, in their ornately decorated boats. They perform the pooja to the Sea God to protect them from natural calamities. A coconut is broken in front of the deities before taking up a new venture to seek blessings. Narali Poornima marks the monsoon season and represents the beginning of new fishing period.

Pieces of coconut and coconut are distributed as 'prasad'. Coconut rice is the main dish on this day. Dancing and singing form the main attraction of this festival.

In the other regions of the country, the festival of Narali Purnima coincides with other festivals like ‘Shravani Purnima’, ‘Raksha Bandhan’ and ‘Kajari Poornima’. Even though the traditions and cultures may differ, the significance remains the same.

Image Curtesy:

1. https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/maharashtra/festival/narali-pournima-or-raksha-bandhan

2. Google.com

An Unknown Story of A Popular Festival - Raksha Bandhan

2017-08-07T01:44:00.000-07:00

In India, Raksha Bandhan is one of the most important festivals; celebrated during the month of August. The day is usually the full moon day of the Hindu month Shravan. It is a special occasion to celebrate the emotional bond of love between a brother and a sister, by tying a holy thread called ‘Rakhi’ around the right wrist of the brother. It signifies that the strong must protect the weak from all that’s evil. There are so many popular historical and mythological stories are behind this festival; but today, I want to share a quite unknown story of Raksha Bandhan.

It was July 1905. Lord Curzon, the contemporaneous Viceroy of India, announced the Partition of Bengal. As details of the plan became public knowledge, prominent Bengalis began a series of demonstrations against partition and a boycott of British products. At that time, the Indian first Nobel Laureate for literature, Rabindranath Tagore took initiative to take the British Emperor back their decision. They wanted to break the unity of Hindus and Muslims in during India's colonial era. Rabindranath Tagore used the idea of Raksha Bandhan to spread the feeling of brotherhood. He arranged a ceremony to celebrate Raksha Bandhan to strengthen the bond of love and togetherness between Hindus and Muslims of Bengal, and urge them to protest the British Empire together. He composed a poem titled "Rakhi" and marched through Calcutta with Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Aurobindo Ghosh for a holy mass dip in the Ganges. They tied rakhi to people's hands as a symbol of the unbreakable unity of Bengal. In certain parts of India, especially to the east, Hindus and Muslims tie rakhis to each other to promote communal harmony.

Unfortunately, all the efforts were unsuccessful; But, the Rakhi Mahotsavas, started by Rabindranath Tagore remain as a symbol of Bengal unity, and as a larger community festival of harmony. In parts of West Bengal, his tradition continues as people tie rakhis not only to brothers, as well as to their neighbors and close friends.

This year, Rakhi Bandhan festival falls on 7^th August; and 22 Shravan according to Bengali calendar, which is the death anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. I salute this great soul from the core of my heart.

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