All Saints Day

The festival of All Saints Day is celebrated by the church to remember and honor all the faithful men of Christianity. The liturgical color for All Saints' Day is white as also testified in the book of Revelations in the Holy Bible. In the life of the church, this day is a special event because it enhances the worship life of everyone who observes it. 1st November is the traditional date to observe the All Saints Day.

The origins of the festival of All Saints Day are found in the Roman Catholic Church of the Middle Ages. An extensive practice of Christians had been reflecting on the lives and examples of the saints. This practice is followed since the earliest days of the church. The liturgical calendar was packed with the commemorations of a huge number of martyrs and saints by the early Middle Ages. A large number of these lesser observances were pooled into a joint celebration called All Saints' Day.

On this day offerings are made in Mexico, Portugal and Spain. The play ‘Don Juan Tenorio’ is customarily performed in Spain. The celebration of ‘Dia de los Inocentes’ or Day of the Innocents, coincides with All Saints Day in Mexico. On this day deceased infants and children are honored. The tradition of Pao-por-Deus is celebrated by children in Portugal and they move door to door and receive nuts, pomegranates and cakes. In Italy, Spain, Malta, Luxembourg, France, Belgium, Hungary, Austria and Portugal people put flowers on graves of their relatives.
People follow the tradition of lighting candles and visit graves of their relatives in the Czech Republic, Finland, Slovakia, Croatia, Romania, Hungary, Catholic parts of Germany, Sweden, Poland, Austria, Lithuania, Slovenia and Moldova.

All saints Day is known as ‘Undas’, ‘Todos los Santos’ and sometimes ‘Araw ng mga Namayapa’ (roughly ‘Day of the deceased’) in the Philippines. Here it is celebrated as All Soul’s Day. One day before, one after and on this day, people visit graves of their relatives, offer flowers and prayers and lit candles on graves. In short, visiting cemeteries and giving ‘Soul Cakes’ to the poor are customs and traditions of All Saints Day.

In the English-speaking countries, the festival is customarily celebrated with the hymn ‘For All the Saints’.

All Saints Day is also known by the names of All Hallows or Hallowmas. The eve of All Saints is known by the names of All Hallows Eve or Halloween. All Saints Day is a solemnity which is celebrated in the Western Christianity. This day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost in Eastern Christianity to give honor to all the saints whether known or unknown.

The entire church is celebrating the feast of All Saints on 1st November for over a millennium. This feast is the most important feast of the Catholic Church. It is a divine day of obligation. In other words, it is compulsory for all Catholics to attend Mass on that day.

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Have a Scary Samhain

Samhain marks one doorway out of the two great doorways of the Celtic year. The Celts separated the year into two seasons: the light and the dark; at Beltane and Samhain. People believed that whisperings of new beginnings are heard clearly in dark silence. The most magically effective time of this festival is the night of 31st October, today known as Halloween.

Literally Samhain means ‘summer’s end’. The night before this day became famous as Halloween. On 2nd November All Souls Day started to be observed and people worshipped for all souls who were waiting to enter heaven. Throughout the centuries, Christian and Pagan beliefs got interlaced in a gallimaufry of celebrations.

Approximately around eighth century or so, Catholics decided to use 1st November as All Saints Day. This was actually a quite smart action on their part. The reason was the local Pagans were already celebrating that day, so it was sensible to use it as a church holiday. All Saints’ Day became the festival to tribute any saint who did not already have a day of his or her own. The mass which was delivered on All Saints Day was called All Hallowmas – the mass of all those who are hallowed. The night before All Saints’ Day naturally became known as All Hallows Eve and finally morphed into an event what we call Halloween today.

The Celtic New Year commences with the sunset on Samhain. The old year is over, the harvest has been gathered, cattle and sheep have been brought in and leaves have fallen from trees. The earth around us steadily begins to die. At this time people look at wrapping up the old things in life that are still unresolved. So that when the incomplete stuff clears away, you can start looking towards the next year.

For some people, Samhain is the time to honor their ancestors. Samhain gives you the perfect night to celebrate the memory of your dear ones who have died in the past year. If you are lucky enough, your ancestors will return to converse with you from beyond the veil. They also advice you, guide you and offer protection for the forthcoming year.

Samhain is a harvest festival which has its primordial roots in Celtic polytheism. This harvest festival was associated to other festivals that took place around the same time in other cultures of the Celts. The celebration of this festival continued in late medieval times. Samhain actually refers to the portion of the holiday on 1st November.

If you desire to observe Samhain in the Celtic tradition, extend the festivities for over three successive days. You can have a ritual and a banquet every night. As far as Samhain rituals are concerned they are End of the harvest, ritual for animals, holding a séance, honoring the ancestors, holding a dumb supper, celebrating the cycle of life and death, honoring God and Goddesses and ancestor meditation. Now, you are fully acquainted with Samhain, have a nice time on this occasion this year.

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Halloween- A Creepy Carnival

A frightening festival that chills the spine is Halloween. It is observed on 31st Oct. This festival has its roots in All Saint’s Day-a Christian holiday and the Celtic festival of Samhain. In the present day and age, Halloween is chiefly a secular celebration. This year it is falling on Sunday. So, this year people have entire weekend to decorate homes.

The day of Halloween is the last day of the Celtic calendar. It was a pagan holiday which honors the dead. Halloween dates back to more than twenty eras. Halloween is celebrated before All Saint’s Day. Culture of Halloween can be traced back to the Druids which is a Celtic culture in Ireland, Britain and Northern Europe. Several practices of this scary festival were based on superstition. According to Celt belief, souls of the dead roamed in streets at night. As all spirits were not thought to be affable, gifts were left out to placate the evil.

As there are various versions associated to the beginning and old customs of Halloween, some are consistent. Various cultures view Halloween in a different way but traditional Halloween practices are the same.

A number of activities take place on this festival that symbolize fright and fear. These activities include visiting haunted attractions, telling ghost stories, committing pranks, trick or treating, apple bobbing, watching horror movies, attending costume parties, carving jack-o’-lanterns, bonfires, and ghost tours.

Jack-o’-lanterns (candles carved from pumpkin) are carved while commemorating souls in purgatory. Candle lanterns are also carved from turnips. These candles are carved in such a way that scary faces are formed and then they are placed on windows to keep away evil spirits. Many families carve a comical or scary face on a pumpkin and when it’s dark, they place it on their doorsteps.

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There are several sources from which the imagery of Halloween is derived. These sources include works of Gothic and horror literature, national customs and classic horror movies. Corn husks, pumpkin and scarecrows are also ubiquitous. Around Halloween, homes are often decorated with these symbols.

Themes of evil, occult, mythical monsters, death or magic are included in Halloween imagery. Witches, ghosts, vampires, demons, werewolves, skeletons, black cats and bats are some of the traditional characters. With celebrations orange and black colors are linked. It is so, may be because the color of darkness of night and the color of autumn leaves, fire or pumpkins are black and orange respectively.

Also known as All Saints’ Eve and All Hallows’ Eve, Halloween is an exciting and thrilling frightening festival and it continues to fascinate people of every age.

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Eid- Ul- Adha - A Sacred Festival of Sacrifice

One of the major festivals of Muslims is Eid- Ul- Adha. Eid- Ul- Adha is also known by the name of Bakr- Eid. It is the festival of sacrifice. Muslims sacrifice their domestic animals like goat, sheep, cows and camels on this festival. The sacrifice Muslims make on this day symbolizes the sacrifice made by Prophet Abraham. The celebrations of this festival begin after the Hajj. On the tenth day of Duhl-Hijja, the very first day of Eid-Ul-Adha is celebrated. Duhl-Hijja is the last month of the Islamic year. In some areas, Muslims rejoice in the celebrations of Eid-Ul-Adha for many days. This year, Eid- Ul- Adha will be celebrated on 16th November.

Throughout the planet, Eid-Ul-Adha is known by several names such as ‘Sacrifice Feast’ or ‘Kurban Bayrami’. It is known as ‘Hari Raya Haji’ in Singapore and Malaysia. It is known by the name of Tabaski in West Africa. The name ‘Hari Raya Aidiladha’ is famous in South East Asia. In India it is known as Eid- al-Adha or Idu’z Zuha. Eid-ul-Azha or Id al-Adha names are famous in Bangladesh. Though this festival differs in name but the spirit to celebrate it is the same throughout the globe.

Eid-Ul-Adha occurs around seventy days after the end of Ramadan month. This festival is celebrated in the memory of Prophet Abraham to be ready to sacrifice his son to obey God. God instructed Abraham to lift up the foundation of Kaaba which was a sacred place in Mecca. In a dream, God also asked Abraham to forfeit his son. Abraham took his son to sacrifice him and obey God. When Abraham reached the place where he was instructed to sacrifice his son, God has already kept a sheep there to be sacrificed instead of his son. Thereby this festival is said to be a festival of sacrifice. Some people commemorate Eid- ul- Adha because it ends the Hajj for those Muslims who make a trip to Mecca every year.

On Eid- ul- Adha people recite prayers early morning followed by Khutba and then the breakfast of Sheer Korma gives a delicious start to the day. The animal is sacrificed after the breakfast. There are certain age and quality standards for sacrificial animal or else the animal is considered an unacceptable sacrifice. Meat of the slaughtered animal is distributed among friends, family and poor people. It is an assumption that Eid- ul- Adha lasts for three days but according to some Islamic traditions Eid- ul- Adha lasts for four days and it is Eid- ul- Fitr that lasts for three days. People visit their near and dear ones in the evening. Those who visit Muslim places on this day are served lip smacking food and drinks.

On this festive occasion, markets are decorated nicely and the cheerful Muslims do shopping to their heart’s content. Children are very excited to wear new clothes. They enjoy receiving gifts, perks, sweets and new clothes.

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Diwali-The Extravaganza of Lights

A beautiful display of lights and fireworks portrays a picture of Diwali night. Literally, Diwali means rows of clay lamps. This festival signifies its connection with the uplifting of spiritual dimness in the souls of people. It also sets on the commencement of the Hindu New Year. A lot of reverence is paid to Lord Ganesha on this day. People consider it as a correct time to begin new endeavors, business transactions, shopping and house warming. Houses are spotlessly cleaned and doorways are lavishly lit and adorned with Rangoli on Diwali to give a warm welcome to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth. It is believed that she brings riches and good fortune with her.

This light carnival represents the victory of brightness over darkness and good over evil. The reason for Diwali celebration is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Laxman after fourteen years of exile. The exile was followed by Lord Rama’s victory over Ravan and release of Sita from his cruel clutches.

This festival is equally imperative for Sikh and Jains.

Diwali is a five day gala. Dhanteras marks the commencement of this festival which is celebrated with buying of new utensils. Chhoti Diwali or Chaturdashi is the second day when devotees bath before daybreak as it is propitious. Lakshmi Puja is performed on the third day to seek blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Govardhan Puja is performed on fourth day. On the fifth and last day Bhai Dooj is observed which is celebrated by brothers and sisters.

Depending on the cycle of moon, Diwali is celebrated in the month of October or November. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on 5th November. The exquisite show of diyas or clay lamps presents dazzling beauty on Diwali night. Fireworks and firecrackers add exuberance to the festival. Diwali night is the night of ‘amavasya’ but the lavish lighting show brightens the night. It is necessary to take precautions on Diwali to avoid any mishap. Be careful while playing with firecrackers and being amidst diyas and electric lights, so that this festival of light brightens your life and darkness flees from your life as well as your soul.

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Boss Day-A Salute to Your Boss at Workplace

Boss day is also known by the names of National Boss Day, Boss’ Day or Bosses Day. This day is celebrated on 16th October and is a secular holiday. This day has turned into an international celebration in recent years. Countries such as Australia, Ireland, UK, India and South Africa celebrate this occasion.

National Boss Day was registered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in the year 1958. Patricia Bays Haroski holds the credit for this. While she was working as a secretary at Illinois, she forgot birthday of her boss, who was her father. His birthday was actually on 16th Oct. After four years, in the year 1962, Otto Kerner, the Governor of Illinois officially proclaimed the Boss’ Day.

On Boss’ Day, employees show appreciation to their bosses. On this day, they also get a chance to thank their boss for the guidance and support they provide to their employees. They also thank him for his help and making his employees achieve their targets. Usually, employees give gifts, flowers, cards, gift baskets etc. to their boss. The gifts are based on the hobbies and personality of the boss.

If you are trying to find a nice gift for your boss, you can go for coffee mugs with nice words on it, a sophisticated notepad or a diary and the like. He can use these things to decorate his office or cubicle. If you want to give a gift to your boss that is more professional, a glass paperweight will be a good choice. A desk clock, personalized money clip or a distinguished leather portfolio are other nice choices you can go for. Your boss will not only like these gifts but also will appreciate you for your thoughtfulness and good choice.

Boss’ day is the time to show your boss how much you admire and value him. So, mark this day in your calendar and be ready with a perfect gift to make him glad on this day.

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Dusshera-The Victory of Good Over Evil

Generous shower of lights, blaze-burn, sizzle-scorch followed by a fabulous show of fireworks celebrate the victory of good over evil. This is Dusshera, one of the favorite festivals of India. As its name suggests, it is celebrated for ten days and this extravaganza finally concludes in Vijayadashmi. Nine days prior to Vijayadashmi, are celebrated as ‘Navratri’. Dusshera, also spelt as Dasra is a festival of parade and pageant which falls in the month of October. This year, it will be celebrated on the 17th of October. Calculations made according to the lunar calendar determine the date of this fiesta.

As already known, this Hindu festival marks the remarkable triumph of Lord Rama when he released Sita, his wife from hands of the iniquitous king Ravana. After ten days of pomp and celebrations, huge paper and wood effigies of impious ten-headed king Ravana, his son Meghnad and brother Kumbhkaran are set ablaze. The sight is worth seeing.

This festival is not just about processions and explosive displays of the three effigies. It has a beautiful color in every part of India. In most of the parts in Northern India, story related to Dusshera is enacted in Ramlilas in all neighborhood fairs. In Western parts, fasting and feasting go on with clacking sounds of dandiya in garba. In Kullu Valley, people celebrate it with a pageant of idols, animal-sacrifice ritual and ample liquor brewed locally. In Southern parts, the ten days are equipped with worship, banquets and music. Mysore in Karnataka and Kota in Rajasthan are also famous for joyous celebrations. In East, the festive fervor is celebrated as Durga Pooja.

At some places Shami Pooja is performed. Ayudha Pooja is among the main rituals during Dusshera. Being the last day of Durga Pooja, worship of Goddess is done with greatest devotion. Goddess Shakti is also known by the name of Aparajita. On this day Aparajita Pooja is also observed. Dusshera is among the most high-spirited festivals of India. It brings time to rejoice, have fun and commemorate the victory of good over evil.

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Durga Puja- Prowess of Maa Durga to Bowl You Over

Durga Puja is a much awaited festival of India and the festival of supreme importance in West Bengal. This festival is celebrated in the Ashwin month of Hindu calendar. According to English calendar, festival of Durga Puja is celebrated in late September or mid of October. During this festival triumph of the honored and admired warrior Goddess Durga over the malevolence buffalo demon Mahishasura is celebrated. In the last five days of Navaratri, this pious festival is celebrated. Maha Ashtami and the Maha Navami are the most auspicious days of Durga Puja. This year Durga Puja will be celebrated from 13th Oct to 17th Oct.

The carnival of Durga Puja is best celebrated in West Bengal, especially in Kolkata. Here, this is the greatest and the most significant annual occasion. People of Bengali communities celebrate this festival across the country with great pomp and show. Delhi and Mumbai also carry extensive festivities of Durga Puja.

With the commencement of this festival, colossal statutes of Goddess Durga are installed in homes. Marvelously adorned podiums are seen throughout the city. When the festival sees an end, there is a parade of statues all over the city. Music and dancing accompanies the parade. Statues are then immersed in the Holy Ganges River.

The very first day of Puja, Goddess Durga is welcomed and the ritual of Pran Pratisthan is observed. Special worship is performed to call upon her sacred being into the statues. Mothers fast for their children’s well-being. Branches of nine trees are tied together on the second day. Then they are dipped in water of River Ganga and then worshipped. The third day, worship of Goddess Durga is done where she is in form of a small girl. On the fourth day, the worship is concluded with lots of food offering to the Goddess. Statues are taken to be immersed in water, the fifth day which is the last day.

This fiesta is a very societal and theatrical. Cultural performances, drama and dance widely take place. Evenings in Kolkata witness flooded streets with people when they come to admire the huge statues of Goddess Durga. At this time, feasting and celebration reach the top. Durga Puja is the festival when Maa Durga showers her blessings copiously on her devotees. Receive her blissful showers this year as this festival is fast approaching.

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Navratri Celebrations

The entire Navratri Festival ceremony is carried out with the chanting of mantras conveying the theme- “This is my offering to God”. The day following Navratri is hailed as Vijaya Dasami, more popularly known as Dussehra. In many of India's northern states, enormous effigies of Ravana stuffed with firecrackers are torched with flaming arrows to the delight of throngs of revelers. It is also valued by devotees as an auspicious occasion to start enterprise and for the business communities to open their annual books of account.

Men, women and children who have fasted during the day have a light repast of fruit or other non-cereals before traipsing out into the streets and lanes and public squares. There, to the beat and rhythm of drums, the harmonium, and cymbals, they dance and sing the age-old dandiya raas garbas and garbis.

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Commonwealth Games Wallpapers

Commonwealth Games 2010 has Shera as the mascot. Shera is a loving name given to sher (Hindi) and Tiger (English). The Royal Bengal Tiger is the national animal of India and Shera is an anthropomorphizing form of the same. Emerged as a character of strength, athletic prowess and intelligence; Shera warmly welcomes the international players on its motherland to participate in a fair play. Within a short time his fame has brought him to wallpapers. These days maximum wallpapers are occupied by Shera.

Shera’s popularity is celebrated in form of various wallpapers. You can find him on desktops and mobile screens. His pleasant smile and cool attire easily attract people towards him. In wallpapers, he is seen standing in different postures. At some places, he will be posing with his never fading cheerful smile; at some other places you can see him holding the flag of India. Yet at some more places, he is seen standing with folded hands in true Indian spirit of welcome. The list of variety of Commonwealth Games wallpapers goes on and on. No doubt, wallpapers of Shera are in great demand.

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