The Attire Of Elegance Sari Continued…The Colorful Rajasthani Sarees

Readers of the post are suggested to read my earlier three posts The Attire of Elegance under the label Indian Tradition
http://meghanaunleashed.blogspot.com/2009/05/attire-of-elegancesari.html
http://meghanaunleashed.blogspot.com/2009/06/attire-of-elegance-sari.html
http://meghanaunleashed.blogspot.com/2009/07/attire-of-elegance-sari.html

The people of Rajasthan, living in the barren and monotonous landscape, add a whole range of colors in their lives through their costumes. Their inclination towards colors can been seen in the way people of Rajasthan decorate their houses, animals and themselves. From the simple village folk or tribal belle to the Raja's and Rani's, the preferred colors are bright red, dazzling yellow, lively green or brilliant orange, highlighted by a lavish use of sparkling gold and silver zari or gota.


Tie & Die/Lehriya/Bandhini Saree - Tie and die is a multi colored craft of Rajasthan. A large number of colors are used because once the base color is tied in; a lot of colors can be applied on to the fabric at different stages and then tied and detached gradually.
The motifs that are used are birds, leaves, animals, creepers, and human figures in dance poses.
Designs are known by their names such as mountain design, doll design and kite design. Dots are used to make up the designs. A different color on either side is also practiced by the craftsmen. Lehariya has long lines in a variety of colours found all over the body of the sari or dress material. Turbans are also a good outcome. The lehariya cloths have their own names depending on the designs. Bandhanis are related to festivals, seasons and rituals for which there are particular patterns and colors.

Rajasthani Kota Doria Saree –Kotha Doria sarees are one of the most popular sarees and a possession of every cotton lover woman. The literal meaning of Doria is thread and Kota is city in Rajasthan. Kota Doria is a fine quality cotton and silk yarn woven in the form of a graph. Hand woven check patterned and printed saris are quite popular. Originally these saris were known as Masuria because Mysore was the first place to take up this type of weaving. This art of weaving was brought to Kota by Rao Kishore Singh, a general of the Mughal army.
He brought the weavers to Kota in the 17th and early 18th century. Since then the saris were called Kota saris. The production entails spinning, dyeing and weaving and involves several workers. It takes them around three weeks in preparing three saris of similar designs. These saris are best worn in summers as they are made of cotton (the coolest fabric) and are airy. They are light in weight and easy to handle. The gossamer-fine fabric Kota Dorias are known to be the best quality weave and are extremely light in weight




Rajasthani Embroidery Saree - Famous are the embroidered Indian sarees of Jaisalmer, renowned for their unique colors, styles and stitches.
Embroidery has become the most elegant and enriching part of the craft heritage of India. The needlework tradition dates back to 2300-1500 BC and has been richly inherited by various regions, each having special style and an individual inspiration

Navratri –Nine Divine Nights devoted to Shakti

'Nav' means 'nine' and 'ratri' means 'night'. Thus, 'Navratri' means 'nine nights' The festival which is devoted to the Mother Goddess known variously as Durga, Kali, Bhavani, Amba, and Chandika, has been celebrated in it's most unique and different nature in various parts of India and abroad with devotional songs, bhajans and cultural programs with the world renowned Garba or Dandiya Raas in the state of Gujarat while farmer sow seeds and thank the Goddess for her blessings and pray for better yield. In older times, Navratri was associated with the fertility of Mother Earth who feed us as her children. A period of introspection and purification, Navratri is traditionally an auspicious time for starting new ventures. Hinduism is the only religion in the world, which gives so much importance to the mother aspect of God because we believe that mother is the creative aspect of the absolute. Just as a child finds all these qualities in his or her mother, similarly, all of us look upon God as mother.


There are three Navratri as per the Hindu calendar. Sharad Navaratri, Vasant Navratri, Ashada Navaratri. Sharad Navratri is celebrated in the Sep –October and ends with the celebration of Dussera. Sharad Navratri is celebrated across the county. Vasant Navratri is celebrated during Vasant Ritu (beginning of summer) (March- April). This Navratri is celebrated mainly in North India. Ashada Navratri celebrated in July –August in the state of Himachal Pradesh. There is specific significance of celebrating Navratri twice in a year. Every year the beginning of summer and the beginning of winter are two very important junctures of climatic change and solar influence. Hindus believe that there is divine power that provides energy for the earth to move around the sun, causing the changes in the outer nature and that in this way we can thank the divine power for maintaining the correct balance of the universe.

These nine nights are dedicated to the three main goddesses of Hinduism - Parvati, Lakshmi and Sarasvati. The first three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Warrior Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a lion. Her various incarnations - Kumari, Parvati and Kali - are worshipped during these days. Durga is worshipped order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for the next three days in her various aspects as the goddesses of peace, plenty and bliss. Last three are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess Of Knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan. In order have all-round success in life, we need the blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother; hence, the worship for nine nights.

In western part of India Garba or Dandiya Raas is the most significant feature during the festival of Navratri.In Eastern part of India Navaratri is known as Durga puja where beautiful idols of the Goddess are decorated and adorned, and worshipped for a period of nine days and immersed on the tenth day. In Northern India specially in Punjab and Delhi, even the name of the festival is changed, this becomes Navratras, here this is a period of fasting for seven days, and the people are said to keep their "Navratras" or fasts. On the eighth day or Ashtami, devotees break their fasts by calling young girls home and these girls are treated as the goddess herself. They are called "Kanjak Devis" in north India and Kanya puja in other parts of the country. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered new clothes as gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country. Generally, all Hindus do not eat non – vegetarian food during these nine days.

On the eighth day of this colorful festival, Yagna or Homam (holy fire) is performed. Pure Desi Ghee (clarified pure butter), kheer (rice pudding) and sesame seeds form the holy offering to Goddess Durga Maa (Divine Mother). Many people in north India worship the 8th day as ashtami. This colorful festival spreads a atmosphere of joy, purity and color in the whole atmosphere.This year Sharad Navratri starts on 19th Sep to Sep 27th 2009.I have tried to sum up this grand festivals in view lines, rituals may vary based on regional basis but the essence of worshiping mother goddess remains the same.

Tips to Balance Work and Family Life

The title is a misnomer because balancing work and family life can never be achieved with ease. This takes a lot of juggling, planning, experimenting, emotional upheavals, professional compromises – among others. In other words it is one of the toughest things an adult would ever have to do.

Both family and work are glass balls, neither ball can be dropped without serious consequences. Thus balancing these two areas of responsibility can be particularly challenging. The following suggestions for achieving a good balance between work and family life.

• Be very organized - you will be amazed how much time you could save is you spend just 15 minutes every morning to prioritize and plan your day’s tasks. Ensure that you impose on yourself to be organized – both in your personal and professional life. A lot of time is wasted by doing things haphazardly.
• Do not try to be a perfectionist –Learn to say NO particularly at your boss, though sometimes even co-workers can be pretty painful. The ability to say ‘no’ would buy a lot of time that you would otherwise had to spend in doing things that you would not have wanted to do/ did not have time to do/ were not really qualified to do.
• Delegate -understand you cannot possibly be in two places at the same time and since you would need to spend at least eight hours at work, you need to work out alternatives for the time you are not there at home. Get a driver to drive your children/ spouse to where they need to be taken; get a cook, a relative, a friend or a neighbor who could supervise your children meal time (usually lunch) or leave them with their grandparents.
• Do two things at once – Sometimes multitasking helps in balancing work and family. Take children to work at occasions. While you work let them stack papers or take their coloring books along and let them do some creative work. Use your frequent flier miles to take an older child with you on a business trip.
• Get a better sleep – If you are well rested than you will be able to have more fun with your family.
• During breaks, call home to talk to your spouse and children. This will help your children feel your presence.
• Try and healthy as a healthy person can deal in a better way with stress and emotional ups and downs.
• If you’re on a business trip be closely in touch with your family. Talk to ever child individually. Discuss their homework and daily routine.
• When your work is through, stop. Don’t work more than you need to. Remember the spending quality time with your family is as important as your work.
• When chatting with your co-workers try and talk more about your family, your kids rather than discussing office politics.
• Enjoy quality time with your family – When you are with your family give them your full attention. Celebrate birthday’s anniversaries and festivals this helps in bringing closeness in the family.
• Try and have dinner with your entire family. This is the time when all can get together.
• Always have a contingency plan at your work place. Have some friends, relatives who can help you in case of emergency at your family front.
• Last but not the least Work to live, don’t live to work..

Remember, there is no single formula for balance. It is a personal decision how one combines spouse, children and career.

Ramlila – A Unique Stage Performance Which Brings All Religions Together.

The festival of Dussera or Vijayadasham bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu autumn month of Ashvin and as per the western calendar this period falls in October.

Dussehra celebrates the victory of Lord Ram over the demon king of Lanka, Ravana (Ravana was 10 headed). The sacred Indian epic 'Ramayana' mentions the birth of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu,some ten thousand years ago in Ayodha that belongs to the present day state of Uttar Pradesh in India. Ramlila is generally held in almost every part of India to celebrate the return of Lord Rama from exile for 14 years. On a similar day as Dussehra in Satyug, Ram (the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu), is said to have killed Ravan, who had abducted his wife Sita. Ramlila, meaning “Rama’s play”, is a performance of the epic Ramayana in the form of a series of scenes that include song, narration, recital and dialogue. Seeing the Ramlila in open rural surroundings is an experience of a lifetime that cannot be replicated in a theatre even with the best of technology. It originated in Kashi modern day Benaras (Varanasi).It is believed that Ramlila was first staged in about 1625 AD and was based on Ramacharitamanas written by Goswami Tulsidas although some scholars believe Ramlila’s origin to be much older.

Most Ramlila’s in north India are based on the Avadhi version of Ramayana, Ramacharitamanas. The killing of Ravana by Lord Rama is enacted in a beautiful way by local actors, often amateur performers and drawn from the same social grouping as the audience. On the tenth day, the effigy of Ravana is burned, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The Ramlila brings the whole population together, without distinction of caste, religion or age. Ramlila of Ramnagar is very famous is enacted almost two centuries. Ramnagar is just some kilometers from Varanasi. Other famous Ramlila’s in India are Ayodhya,Vrindavan, Almora, Satna and Madhubani,Chitrakoot and Delhi which is staged on Ramlila Ground outside the historic Red Fort.

Ramlila is not only staged in India,but also in Nepal,Pakistan.Also its performed in places outside Indian subcontinent like Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Guyana,Canada, Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago, Great Britain, the United States, and Australia. UNESCO proclaimed the tradition of Ramlila a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.

Prostrating Before Parents and Elders - Integral Part Of Indian Tradition

Prostrating before Parents and Elders is deep rooted in Indian culture. Those who are not aware much about the Indian culture get very puzzled when they see children touching feet of their parents or elderly people. Touching elders' feet is the first lesson in manners and etiquette that all Indian children are taught. As per this Indian tradition when elders feet are being touched, they are suppose to extend their hand of blessing by touching the head of the young ones. The Aashirvada (blessings) of elders are highly valued in India and which we seek during prostration. We invoke the good wishes and blessings of elders which flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us, when we prostrate with humility and respect. That’s why the posture assumed whether it is in the standing or prone position, enables the entire body to receive the energy thus received. To touch the feet in prostration is a sign of respect for maturity, nobility, age and divinity that our elders personify. It reflects the strong family ties, which has been one of India’s enduring strengths as well as our social security.

Not only touching elder’s feet is a symbol of respect but also another aspect is that whenever we touch the feet of our elders we withdraw their positive energies flowing through their toes. This positive energy scientifically blesses us by giving positive attitude, positive feelings and encouragement when the withdrawn energy is polished over the forehead or face.

Touching the feet is an integral part of the Indian culture and tradition and not adhering to it by natives is considered as disrespectful. It is a way of humbly acknowledging the greatness of another and creates an environment of mutual love and respect among people ensuring harmony in the family and society.

Some Interesting Facts about Hinduism

• Hinduism is the oldest religion where its origin occurs before history was ever recorded. There is no founder to give credit to its discovery and establishment. The foundation of Hinduism has been laid on the bedrock of spiritual truths. The entire structure of Hindu life is built on eternal truths, the findings of the Hindu Rishis or seers. That is the reason why this structure has lasted through scores of centuries.

• Hindus hold the belief of the four Vedas high in their mind. This is considered the most ancient scripture throughout the world. Hinduism is not based on one single text book. Though it could be said that vedas are the base, in essence veda is nothing but knowledge. It is the science of the self and Supreme. The science can not be limited to one book so is Hinduism.

• Ongoing cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution within the universe is a main belief of this religion. Hindus believe that the soul can be reincarnated, undergoing a cycle of rebirth. Hindus believe that a soul is able to undergo numerous lifetimes within a physical body. All of the past lives that you have led, contribute to the person you are today.

• Hinduism is more a way of life, than being a religion, Dharma, that is, the law that governs all action. It has its own beliefs, traditions, advanced system of ethics, meaningful rituals, philosophy and theology. The religious tradition of Hinduism is responsible for the creation of such concepts and practices as Yoga, Ayurveda, Vastu, Jyotish, Yajna, Puja, Tantra, Vedanta, Karma, etc.

• Hinduism considers that the world is a manifestation of God. There is no concept of Creation and a Creator. The world came from God, exists in God and will return back to God, just like waves arise from the ocean, exist in the ocean and subside back into the ocean. And this happens in cycles, again and again.

• Karma is the universal principle of cause and effect. Our actions, both good and bad, come back to us in the future, helping us to learn from life's lessons and become better people.

• Hindus believe that all living entities have a soul, or ãtma. Each is eternal – it was never created and will never perish. The ãtmã is characterized as unchanging truth, consciousness and bliss.

• Reincarnation is the phenomenon where the immortal soul is continuously born and reborn in any one of 8,400,000 life-forms until it attains moksha. Moksha is ultimate liberation. This is the goal of human life. Moksha is the liberation of the soul from the cycles of birth and death; thereafter, it remains eternally in the service of God.

• An attitude of understanding and tolerance is taught within the religion, where all religious teachings are not to be looked down upon and that no one way of worship should be considered better than another.

• Hinduism is a religion of 330 million Hinduism gods.

• Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. Hinduism grants you a healthy lifestyle. The Hindu practices like bath in the morning, do Yoga, stay away from meat etc. promote health and hygiene.

These are some of facts about this vast religion,in my coming post I would come up with some more facts about Hinduism.

Fasting or Upvas A Way In Hinduism To Attain Self Discipline

Fasting in Hinduism indicates the denial of the physical needs of the body for the sake of spiritual gains. As per the Holy Scriptures through fasting one can establish a relationship or a strong bond with body and soul. Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. In Hindi language fasting is known as Upvas or Vrat.Hindus fast on certain days of the month, week or depending on individual choices of one’s favorite god or goddess. For example some Hindus fast on Tuesday to please Lord Hanuman and some fast on Monday in the honor of Lord Shiva. Hindus also fast on various festivals which are celebrated all the year round. Though fasting has been associated with God but it has many other benefits, the reasons why Hindu religion advocates fasting.

• Fasting helps in achieving self discipline. Hinduism is the belief that by learning to fast, you also learn how to face other obstacles in your life. Fasting teaches us how to face hardships of life with self control.
• To train our minds to reach high levels of concentration and enlightenment, we must deny our body's worldly gratifications.
• The pangs of hunger that one experience during fasting make one think and extend one's sympathy towards the destitute who often go without food.
• Fasting is also a non – violent protest. A hunger strike draws captures people’s attention. Mahatma Gandhi has set a wonderful example of non-violent protest of fasting.
• Fasting relives stress.
• Fasting has been effective in metabolism management and has the ability to cleanse your body.
• Fasting also controls emotional imbalances of the body and prevents acidity and flatulence.
• The fasting ritual in Hinduism contributes to clean living and moral thinking.
• Fasting is well explained in Ayurveda medicinal system. The human body is composed of 80% liquid and 20% solid, like the earth, the gravitational force of the moon affects the fluid contents of the body. It causes emotional imbalances in the body, making some people tense, irritable and violent. Fasting acts as antidote, for it lowers the acid content in the body which helps people to retain their sanity.

Fasting rituals is of many type:

• A common fasting ritual may mean avoidance of foods like fish and meat for a couple of days (for non-vegetarians). Most Hindus abstain from eating such foods for one or more days.
• Moderate fasting involves avoiding solids and following a liquid diet consisting of vegetable or fruit juices. This fasting ritual is generally followed during festivals.
• Some follow a strict fasting ritual by taking only water or avoiding any liquids for a set number of days. The Karva Chauth ritual among women is the best example of such kind of fasting.

Wish You All A Very Happy Independence Day

Today India celebrates its 62nd Independence day.

Pitr-Paksha – Hindu Way Of Paying Gratitude To Ancestors

The dark fortnight which falls in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapad (September) is known as Pitr-Paksha or Mahalay Paksha all over the Hindu World. Pitra Paksha is performed from the 1st day / tithi of the Ashwin month and goes up to the following New Moon (Amavasya) day. Each of these 15 days is dedicated to the Shraddha of those ancestors who had met eternity on that particular day/tithi. During Pitra Paksha, Shraddha is performed for the departed immediate relatives usually up to three preceding generations. Shraddh is the name of the ceremonies performed by relatives to help the departed soul in Pitr-Paksha. The word Shraadh comes from Shraddha or devotion. Pitrapaksha gives a chance to repay debt to our deceased ancestors by gratifying their spirits. The Lord of death, Yamaraja enables the dead ones to come to earth and receive offers from the descendants.

Shraddh must be performed with faith, devotion and reverence. As per the ritual, three cakes are offered to the father, grand-father and great grand-father. Gifts to deserving Brahmins (priests) for the benefit of the Pitris, in the proper time and place and with faith, are known as Shraddh. Shraddh gives satisfaction to the Pitris. Performance of Shraddh and Tarpan (libations of water) relieves the hunger and thirst of the departed soul during its journey to the Pitri Loka. By the offering of the Shraddh, the son helps his father to dwell in joy with the Pitris. Departed souls in the family, for whom Shraadh is not performed, are said to wander aimlessly on Earth. The Pitr Paksha Shraadh is also offered to ancestors whose dates of death are not known Rituals are offered in the names of the departed in the many holy Ghats spread across the country. The whole fortnight preceding Amavasya is considered to be apt for this occasion. People gather in the banks of Godavari and Krishna to perform rituals and rites for the departed. The Holy waters of the river plays a major part in the ritualistic festival.

The customs and rituals performed vary regionally. Some people fast on the day; some abstain from non-vegetarian food, avoid onion and garlic and some do not cut their hair or shave through out the fortnight. Generally, no new clothes are worn nor purchased out the fortnight.

The Hindu festival Pitr-Paksha 2009 starts on Saturday 5 September and lasts a fortnight until Friday 18 September. The next day after this Amavasya marks the beginning of the wonderful celebration of Navaratri when the Devis are worshipped

Paan (Beetle Leaf)

Chewing Beetle leaf (Paan) play an important role in Indian Tradition. In many Hindu religious ceremonies Paan is used for performing the rituals also it holds a great significance in wedding rituals and all other important functions where its offering is a mark of respect for the guests. The betel leaf is known as Paan in Urdu/Hindi, and Taambuul and Nagavalli in Sanskrit. The betel plant is an evergreen and perennial creeper, with glossy heart-shaped leave. The Betel plant originated from South and South East Asia (India and Sri Lanka). Farmers called barui prepare a garden called a barouj in which to grow betel. There are various types of leaves, the most popular being : Calcutta, Banarasi, Magahi, etc. In South Asia Dinajpur, Rangpur, Chittagong, Faridpur, Jessore, Narayanganj, Barisal and Sylhet are the areas producing most betel in India. Banarsi Paan is famous worldwide.

According to Indian traditional Ayurvedic medicine, chewing areca nut and betel leaf is a good remedy against bad breath. Chewing Pan also helps in diseases such as bleeding or hemorrhages, tuberculosis, reduces the blood pressure assists in digestion, decreases menstrual bleeding and also its acts as an antiseptic etc. Commonly used herbs for this purpose are jatiphal (Myristi cafragrans), Lavang (Syzygium aromaticum), kapur (Cinnamomum camphora), kankol (piper cubeba), supari (areca catechu, lata kasturi (hibiscus abelmoschus) are the herbs which are to be accompanied by Pan. Sometimes tobacco is also added in Pan. Some of the popular preparations of Paan in India are Meetha Paan and Sada Paan.

Beetle leaf and areca is also a very important part of Vietnamese culture. In Vietnamese there is a saying that "the betel begins the conversation. Pan is not only chewed in India but also Burma, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and may other parts of south Asia. In Malaysia beetle leaf is used to cure headache, arthritis and joint pain. In the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and China they are used to relieve toothache.

The Only Unsinkable Ship Is FRIENDSHIP

• When your heart has been broken, a best friend is the best band-aid for it.
• A good friend is my nearest relation.
• Best friend's family soon feels like your own.
• The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had
• Fate chooses your relations, you choose your friends.
• Best friend is more important than a boyfriend.
• True friendship has many memories, both good and bad, but all important.
• The best mirror is an old friend.
• When a best friend is happy, you find yourself happy too, even when it has nothing to do with you
• A mere friend will agree with you, but a real friend will argue.
• Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer.
• Anyone can give advice, but a real friend will lend a helping hand.
• Friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.
• When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends
• Books and friends should be few but good.
• True friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance
• Friendship isn’t a big thing, its a million little things.

Hartalika Teej – A Festival For Hindu Women.

Hartalika Teej is observed in Bhadrapada or Bhaadra month. It is celebrated by Hindu women mainly in Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. This Varat (Fast) is observed by both married and unmarried women. Married women observe Hartalika Teej ‘Nirjala Vrat’ (Fasting without even taking water) for happy and peaceful married life and unmarried girls observe this ‘nirjala vrat’ for getting good husbands.

Hartalika Teej is observed in the Honor of Goddess Parvati. It is believed Goddess Parvati will be pleased with women who observe this Vrat. As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that after the death of Goddess Sati Devi, Shiva ignored the whole world and as well Goddess Parvati Devi. To get Shiva back, Parvathi observed severe penance in Himalayas for several years. After the severe penance of Parvati for several years, Lord Shiva noticed her love and affection towards him and married her.

On this auspicious day, women wear new clothes, apply mehendi on their hands and feet wear their best jewelery, complete ‘Solha Shingar’ .Melas (Fairs ) are organized regionally to celebrate this festival.

There are several regional variations of this Teej Vrat in India but the essence remains the same. The other two Teej Vrat’s are Hariyali Teej and Kajari Teej but Hartalika Teej being the most important. This year Hartalika Teej will be celebrated on 23th August 2009.

For Hartailka Vrat Katha (story) please refer the below link
http://www.indif.com/nri/Kathas/hartalika_teej/hartalika_teej_vrat.asp

Tips For Happiness

Readers of this Post are suggested to read my earlier post '30 Things That Make you Happy'.You can find this post under May 09 archive or under the label My Journey Of life.


Happiness is a state of mind, therefore the real source of happiness lies in the mind, not in external circumstances.

• Surround yourself with others who are happy.
• This shall pass. When bad things happen, and you're having trouble accepting it, think to yourself the same thing the ancients did: "This, too, shall pass." And it will. And you'll survive.
• Follow your passions. If you do what you love to do, especially for a living, you will be extremely happy.
• Realize that you deserve it. Frame you mindset that you deserve happiness.
• Get inspired. Take time to read blogs or books or magazine articles about success stories related to what you want to do. It will get you energized.
• Celebrate small occasions or achievements. When you do something right, when you accomplish something, when you feel like it, reward yourself. Celebrate. Have fun, and pat yourself on the back. Also try and celebrate festivals, birthday’s, anniversaries this will give you happiness for those moments and happy memories to cherish later. That man is richest whose pleasures are cheapest.
• Meditation, exercise and healthy eating habits also helps one to find happiness.
• Jumping for joy is good a exercise.
• Limit your information intake, it will simplify your life.
• Spend quality time with family and loved ones.
• Don’t compare yourself with others. It is difficult, but try it. And realize that you are different, with different strengths.
• Try and be romantic .If you have someone special in your life then try and be romantic.
• Go outdoors. Instead of spending time with TV, internet, video games try and go out and appreciate nature, the beauty of the world around us, and the fun of physical activity.
• Help others. Try and offer your help to others you will find out how tremendously happy this will make you. You might even become addicted. Mark Twain said ‘The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.’
• There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness.

Hindu - God and Goddess

Hinduism world’s oldest religion with no specific founder with billions of followers makes it’s the third largest religion of the world. Unlike other religions, Hinduism is a way of life, a Dharma, that is, the law that governs all action. It is a beautiful religion revolving around karma (one's deeds). Hinduism is a conglomerate of diverse beliefs and traditions, in which the prominent themes include:

* Dharma (ethics and duties)
* Samsara (rebirth)
* Karma (right action)
* Moksha (liberation from the cycle of Samsara)

Hinduism believes that there is only one supreme Absolute called "Brahman". However, it does not advocate the worship of any one particular deity. In total, there are 330,000,000 (33 crores or 330 million) of these supernatural beings in various Hindu traditions. Hinduism, such as Vaishnavism and Saivism, teach that occasionally, God comes to Earth as a human being to help humans in their struggle toward enlightenment and salvation (moksha.) Such an incarnation of God is called an avatar (or avatāra.). Gods are called devas (or devatās) and goddesses are called devis. The most fundamental of Hindu deities is the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - creator, preserver and destroyer respectively. Hindus also worship spirits, trees, animals and even planets. Some main Hindu deities are:

• Brahma - The God of Creation.
• Vishnu - The God of Maintenance (Lord Rama and Lord Krishan are believed to be avatar’s of Vishnu)
• Shiva - The God of Destruction
• Saraswati - Goddess of Wisdom - Consort of Lord Brahma
• Lakshmi - Goddess of Wealth, Consort of Lord Vishnu
• Parvati - Goddess Sakti, Consort of Lord Shiva
• Ganesha - Son of Shiva & Parvati. Lord Who Removes Obstacles
• Muruga - Son of Shiva & Parvati
• Anjaneya also known as Hanuman
• Venkateshwara (Venkateshwer or Venkatachalapathi) is another form of Lord Vishnu who is also very popular as a Hindu deity. He is also known as Balaji or Bithala.

• Goddess Durga, also known as Parvati or Lalitha is the wife (consort) of Lord Shiva and exists in various divine (both friendly and fearful) forms. Two of her fierce but very powerful forms are Durga (goddess beyond reach) and Kali (goddess of destruction). Parvati was called Sati in her previous divine incarnation. The family of Lord Shiva, Parvati and their sons Ganesha and Kartikeya is an ideal example of family unity and love.
• Lord Satyanarayana is another form of Lord Vishnu who is commonly worshipped by Hindus in their homes along with family and friends.
• Kartikeya, the second son of Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati is also known as Subramaniam, Skanda, Guha, Shadannana or Sanmukha (because he has six faces). While Ganesh removes all obstacles, Skanda bestows all spiritual powers, particularly the power of knowledge.

Superiority Complex – A Personality Disorder

Readers Of this post are suggested to read my post Recognize your Inferiority complex …Causes, Signs & Ways to Overcome. You can find this post under the label My Journey of Life or July 09 Archive.

In our day to day life as we meet people suffering from Inferiority complex, same there are some of our friends, relatives, colleagues who suffer from superiority complex ‘having a very high opinion of oneself ‘.This is another type of subconscious personality disorder. These poor uplifted souls cannot control their own boasting, tendency to discredit others opinions, intentionally drawing attention of others. You should not mix superiority complex with confidence; some people have developed feelings of confidence in a certain field due to their real strength in it. You may feel very confident about public speaking, for example, if you’ve been practicing it for years; it doesn’t mean you feel superior on account of inner inferiority, it just means that you know and are confident that you’re good at it. Studies have suggested that almost every species having at least one case of Superiority Complex.


The problem with superiority complex is that it’s usually a direct result of an underlying inferiority complex; the subject is suffering from feelings of inferiority and thus compensates those feelings by acting superior. The problem with superiority complex is that although the person is one hundred percent sure he is inferior in some way, he still acts arrogantly. He may refuse to see a doctor for example as he feels superior to the doctor and will thus never get a proper treatment.

Many Presidents, priests, celebrities and distinguished scientists sometimes suffer from Superiority Complex.

Raksha Bandhan - A Hindu festival Of Social Importance

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by Hindus every year on 'Shravan Purnima' (Full Moon Day of the Hindu month of Shravan), which generally falls in the month of August. A festival to celebrate the bond between a brother and a sister. Hindu religion considers attaches a lot of purity for the relationship of brother and sister. This pious relationship is celebrated in a special manner on the day of Raksha Bandhan. The literal meaning of 'Raksha-Bandhan' is 'the bond of protection. A sister ties a decorative thread called 'Rakhi' on the wrists of her brother symbolizing her love and affection for her brother. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the ‘Rakhi’. The brother in return vows to protect his sister during all times and also buys his sister attractive gifts.

One of the tales associated with this festival is related from the great Hindu epic Mahabharata. Draupdai the wife of Pandavs had tied the a strip of silk off her sari and tied it around Krishna's wrist to stop the flow of blood Krishna was so touched by her action that he found himself bound to her by love. Krishna repaid the debt of love during Vastra haran of Draupadi. Draupadi's Vastra Haran was done in the assembly of King Dritrashtra, when Yudhishthir her husband lost her in gamble. At that time Krishna provided her with sari (extender her sari) to save her pride. This is how he paid his debt towards Rakhi tied to him by Draupadi. There are many other such tales associated with this festival of Raksha Bandhan.

This festival attaches a lot of social importance in Hindu religion. This festival conveying the love a sister has for her brother and vice versa, the occasion spreads the message of harmonious family ties. At the same time, all responsible individuals should strive to nurture brotherly and sisterly feelings towards each other and live in harmonious coexistence with each other. Not only this festival is celebrated between brother and sister of blood relation but also among the extended family of cousins, friends. In today modern busy world this is the day when far off brother and sister remember each other by sending this holy thread through courier, internet etc.

This year Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on 5th August. Check out http://juhishandmadecards.blogspot.com/ for some beautiful Raksha Bandhan cards.

Alta or Mahawar – Indian Tradition of Decorating feet

Painting feminine toes in deep red Alta is a tradition of India. Alta is red color dye which is used by Indian women for decorating their feet specially during marriages and religious festivals. Adoration of foot is a glorifying and humble experience. Traditionally an Indian woman devotes as much attention to her feet as she does to her face and hair. Feet are bathed and rubbed with scrubbers to remove ingrained dirt and rough skin. They are massaged with scented oils for pleasure and relaxation as well as to maintain a healthy body. The soles are stained red with henna or mehendi. For special occasions the upper foot is painted with Alta elaborate designs and ornamented with jewellery.

Beauty of Indian bride is incomplete without decorating her feet with Alta. Almost every Bengali woman applies Alta on her feet during Durga puja. The make up kit of a Bengali woman is incomplete without Alta. Traditionally Alta was made from beetles, but now its made from artificial colors.

Alta not only makes the feet look beautiful but also provides a cooling effect which makes the entire body feel fresh and cool. Alta is also known as Mahawar in some parts of the country. The only difference is that Alta is bright red in color whereas Mahawar is dark pink in color. Alta and Mahawar are both used for decorating feet.In the second picture Lord Krishna decorating Radha's feet with Mahawar.

Symbols Of Hinduism

Hinduism employs the art of symbolism with amazing effect. No religion is so replete with symbols as this ancient religion. And all Hindus are touched by this all-pervasive symbolism all through the life in some way or the other. They usually signify Hindu concepts, the attributes of deities, or the gods or goddesses themselves. Some common symbols of Hinduism are :

Om – Also spelled as Aum is Hindu greatest sounds considered the greatest of all mantras. The eternal process of birth, life, death and rebirth, and life incarnate. The Aum is the Universal symbol of Creation. Its four parts represent the four stages of consciousness: Awake, sleeping, dreaming, and the transcendental state. Although Om symbolizes the most profound concepts of Hindu belief, it is in use daily. The Hindus begin their day or any work or a journey by uttering Om. The sacred symbol is often found at the head of letters, at the beginning of examination papers and so on. Many Hindus, as an expression of spiritual perfection, wear the sign of Om as a pendant. This symbol is enshrined in every Hindu temple premise.

Swastika - The next religious symbol which is also revered by Hindu. Hitler's use of the Swastika as a Nazi emblem, on the flag of National-socialist Germany has besmirched the Swastika. But the Swastika continues to hold a religious significance for the Hindus. In Hinduism, the two symbols represent the two forms of the creator god Brahma: facing right it represents the evolution of the universe, facing left it represents the involution of the universe. It is also seen as pointing in all four directions (north, east, south and west) and thus signifies stability and groundedness.

Trihsula –Also spelled as Trishul or trisula. It is usually a Hindu-Buddhist religious symbol.The word means ‘three spears.’ The three prongs of the trishula represent Shiva's three aspects of:
* creator,
* preserver
* destroyer
as well as the three shaktis (powers):
* will
* action
* wisdom
The fearsome goddess Durga also brandishes a trishula in one of her hands.

Lotus - In Hinduism, the lotus (Sanskrit: padma) primarily represents beauty and non-attachment. The lotus is rooted in the mud but floats on the water without becoming wet or muddy. This symbolizes how one should live in the world in order to gain release from rebirth: without attachment to one's surroundings. The lotus is the foremost symbol of beauty, prosperity and fertility. According to Hinduism, within each human inhabiting the earth is the spirit of the sacred lotus. It represents eternity, purity and divinity and is widely used as a symbol of life, fertility, ever-renewing youth and to describe feminine beauty, especially the eyes. Goddess of Wealth ‘Lakshmi’ sits in a Lotus flower and holds blossoms in her hands.

Kalasha, also spelled as Kalash.-It is a metal (copper, silver or gold ) pot with a large base and small mouth. "Kalasha" also refers to such a pot filled with water and topped with a coronet of mango leaves and a coconut. Kalasha is believed to be a symbol of abundance, wisdom, and immortality. Kalasha is not only used for daily prayers by Hindus but also in Griha Pravesha (house warming), child naming, havan (fire-sacrifice). Kalasha represents material things: a container of fertility - the earth and the womb, which nurtures and nourishes life. The mango leaves associated with Kama, the god of love, symbolize the pleasure aspect of fertility. The coconut, a cash crop, represents prosperity and power. The water in the pot represents the life-giving ability of Nature.

Rudraxa - Rudraksha is a tree that can be found at the foothills of the Himalayas; the trees are, according to a legend (Shiva Purana), a product of Lord Shiva's tears. Shaiva rosaries are made from Rudraksha beads. Rudraksha beads are the natural product of Rudraksha trees and are used for many things.

If Marriages are made in heaven, then is Divorce made in Hell ?

To readers of this post,I would recommend to read my earlier posting 'An Institution Of Marriage' and 'How Can Communication Help In Building a Strong Relationship'?.You can find these posts in Archive May 09 or even under the label My Journey Of Life


Divorce, the word that was taboo till sometime back, has today become the easiest solution for people having problems in marital life. Slightest tensions, slightest arguments and married couples are ready to go their separate ways. Divorce or dissolution of marriage is the final termination of a marriage, canceling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between two persons. Divorce rates are higher in European or American countries, where individual freedom is given higher stress, than in, say, Asian or African ones, where familial and social opinions cause higher stress. With globalization, of course, the developing and under developed countries are catching up. The Common reasons of Divorce are:


• Lack of communication between spouses
• Infidelity
• Abandonment
• Alcohol Addiction
• Substance Abuse
• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Inability to manage or resolve conflict
• Personality Differences or ‘irreconcilable differences’
• Differences in personal and career goals
• Financial problems
• Different expectations about household tasks
• Different expectations about having or rearing children
• Interference from parents or in-laws
• Lack of maturity
• Intellectual Incompatibility
• Sexual Incompatibility
• Insistence of sticking to traditional roles and not allowing room for personal growth
• Falling out of love
• Religious conversion or religious beliefs
• Cultural and lifestyle differences
• Inability to deal with each other’s petty idiosyncrasies
• Mental Instability or Mental Illness
• Criminal behavior and incarceration for crime
• Nosy Mother in Law (This reason is seen more in eastern countries where the concept of joint family is still prevailing)
• Venereal Disease

There are some reasons where Divorce is unavoidable. But there are lots and lots of reasons that can be sorted out among couples.

• Respect your marriage and work together as a team. Divorce may be the easy way out of frustrating relationship, but staying married is worth the effort.
• It’s well said “When people get married because they think it's a long-time love affair, they'll be divorced very soon, because all love affairs end in disappointment. But marriage is recognition of a spiritual identity.”
• A good marriage is the union of two forgivers. Remember the three "F"s in a successful marriage.
"F"riendship
"F"reedom
"F"orgiveness
You are each others "F"riend, give each other "F"reedom and "F"orgive each other at times.

To conclude, Heaven and Hell are two states of mind. When you marry you become happy feels like heaven and when it comes to divorce then we feel sorrow then it feels like Hell. Just to recall one of my favorite quote here,

“My wife Mary and I have been married for forty-seven years and not once have we had an argument serious enough to consider divorce; murder, yes, but divorce, never.”

The Concept of Arrange Marriage

The concept of arranged marriage may sound impractical to the Western world, but in India, it is a usual norm. No matter how westernized India may have become, arranged marriages are still viewed as the most preferred choice in the Indian families. Love marriage is still considered a taboo in India. Not Only India, in many parts of Asia the concept of Arrange Marriage is practiced. Such marriages had deep roots in royal and aristocratic families around the world, including Europe. Arranged marriages should not be confused with Forced Marriage. Factors which are considered in India in an Arranged Marriage are reputation of the family, Vocation, Wealth, Religion, Caste, Dietary pattern, Language, Horoscope, physical attributes such as height, looks, weight, and age difference and also pre-existing medical conditions.

Modernization Of Arrange Marriages – The traditional arranged marriage has long been an integral part of the Indian culture. In earlier times, there were marriages where bride and groom were not even allowed to see each other before marriages. But with advent of industrialization, arrange marriages are taking a modern outlook. As against love marriage, it is the concept in which the parents and family members search for the prospective bride or the groom, through their acquaintances or advertisements in newspapers and marriage portals. In the earlier times, with everything being fixed by family members, the bride and groom used to be practically clueless about the person they were marrying. Today the arranged marriage system of India has become more flexible.

• Parents or family members select few proposals through marriage websites, matrimonial advertisements, friends, relatives and keep them forward in front of their children. Then, prospective bride or groom has a lot more say as to who they will eventually marry.
• The prospective candidates can get a chance to know each other by telephone, internet and through series of dates before they decide whether they are right for each other.
• Now the period of courtship is longer, where the prospective candidates are given a chance to know more about each other.
• Parents introduce their child to the prospective spouse. Parents of the children may have spoken to the parents of the potential partner as well, but a strict “no interference” policy is observed. It is up to their children to manage the relationship and come to a decision on their own.

To conclude this post I just recall a saying ‘Marriages are made in heaven and consummated on Earth’