Halloween is a special occasion when you’d like to have ghoulish fun and exchange creepy yet exciting gifts with your loved ones. There are different types of Halloween gifts to choose from. Be it a treat bag filled with candies, a plastic pumpkin, or a trick-o-treat themed item, just make sure you choose a gift that matches the occasion and brings a smile to your dear one’s face.
Halloween Gift Ideas for You to Explore
1) Gift baskets:
Raise your loved one’s spirit with a gift basket full of iced pumpkin cookies, candies, and delightful treats like chocolate mice, milk chocolate truffles, chocolate hazelnut toffees, and chocolate brownies.
Alternatively, you may choose a gift basket that includes Halloween jack-o-lanterns, a teddy dressed like a pumpkin, pretzels shaped like bats, candy corn, peanut butter cups, and chocolates.
2) Mummy cupcakes:
Get your dear ones spooktacular chocolate cupcakes that are decorated to resemble the faces of mummies. Such a present perfectly matches the theme of Halloween and as such, it’ll be highly appreciated by your loved ones.
3) Pumpkin patch autumn bouquets:
One of the interesting Halloween gift ideas may be a beautiful arrangement of autumn flowers like hypericum, roses, carnations, and cushion poms in combination with green apples and fall leaves. Your dear ones will surely love to receive such a fantastic gift from you on this festive occasion.
4) Foam pumpkin decorating kit:
Let the kids enjoy Halloween by carving out foam pumpkins with the help of a decorating kit. It’ll be a fun way to celebrate this festive occasion.
5) Healthy snack box:
Just when your dear ones would celebrate Halloween with frightfully delicious treats, let them balance out the sweets with tasty snacks. Gift them a snack box which includes nuts, trail mix, granola bars, tea, and other healthy food stuffs.
6) Luminary kits:
One of the popular Halloween gift ideas is a luminary kit with which your loved ones can decorate their walkways or yards. Such a kit includes festive jack-o-lanterns, battery candles, and tea light candles.
7) Halloween wall stickers:
Gift your dear ones a variety of wall stickers with which they can decorate their homes during this occasion. Most of these stickers come in shapes of pumpkins, skeletons, witches, goblins, and bats which symbolize the festive occasion of Halloween.
Make the Halloween memorable for your loved ones by sending them any of these adorable gifts.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Diwali Messages
The festival of lights, Diwali (or Deepavali) is widely celebrated by one and all. It is a special occasion when you can spread your love and warmth among your dear ones and friends by sending your best wishes with ecards and SMS messages.
If you too would like to convey your warmest Diwali greetings to your loved ones on this festive occasion, you may use the Diwali messages shared below.
Diwali Messages to Delight Your Loved Ones
1) May you be blessed with
peace, wealth, and happiness
on this Diwali and the coming year.
Wishing you a happy Diwali!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Let’s hope that the Diwali rangolis
will add colors of
happiness and merriment
in your life on this
special occasion and always.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wish you loads of cheerful moments on Diwali!
3) May the fireworks of Deepavali
brighten your life and help you
fight off the evil spirits that
may come your way.
Hope that you have a sparkling Deepavali!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Wishing that you receive
the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha
and find your dreams becoming
a reality on this Diwali.
Shubh Diwali!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5) Sending you loads of love, affection, and blessings on this auspicious occasion. Have a happy and blessed Deepavali!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6) Deepak ki roshni,
patako ki awaz,
khushiyon ki barsaat
aur apno ka pyar…
Yehi sab laye aapke liye
Diwali ka teyohar.
Wishing you and your family
a very happy Diwali!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7) Is Deepavali me,
apke ghar me dhan ki barsaat ho,
khushiyon ki bauchar ho,
aur Lakshmi mata ka waas ho.
Deepavali ki shubhkamnaye!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let your dear ones feel that you care for them by sending these Diwali messages which are sure to liven up their festive celebrations
Send free Diwali Cards and wish everyone Happy Diwali!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you too would like to convey your warmest Diwali greetings to your loved ones on this festive occasion, you may use the Diwali messages shared below.
Diwali Messages to Delight Your Loved Ones
1) May you be blessed with
peace, wealth, and happiness
on this Diwali and the coming year.
Wishing you a happy Diwali!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Let’s hope that the Diwali rangolis
will add colors of
happiness and merriment
in your life on this
special occasion and always.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wish you loads of cheerful moments on Diwali!
3) May the fireworks of Deepavali
brighten your life and help you
fight off the evil spirits that
may come your way.
Hope that you have a sparkling Deepavali!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Wishing that you receive
the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha
and find your dreams becoming
a reality on this Diwali.
Shubh Diwali!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5) Sending you loads of love, affection, and blessings on this auspicious occasion. Have a happy and blessed Deepavali!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6) Deepak ki roshni,
patako ki awaz,
khushiyon ki barsaat
aur apno ka pyar…
Yehi sab laye aapke liye
Diwali ka teyohar.
Wishing you and your family
a very happy Diwali!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7) Is Deepavali me,
apke ghar me dhan ki barsaat ho,
khushiyon ki bauchar ho,
aur Lakshmi mata ka waas ho.
Deepavali ki shubhkamnaye!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let your dear ones feel that you care for them by sending these Diwali messages which are sure to liven up their festive celebrations
Send free Diwali Cards and wish everyone Happy Diwali!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Spread Festive Joy and Cheer with Diwali Greetings and Wishes
Your best wishes are sure to brighten up your dear ones’ celebrations on Diwali or Deepavali. So, cheer them up on this festive occasion by sending your warmest greetings with beautiful ecards.
Types of Diwali Greeting Cards
Get an idea of the different types of ecards with which you can convey your greetings on this special occasion.
Diwali wishes cards: Wish your dear ones a joyous Diwali with ecards which usually come with images of sparkling diyas and candles. These cards also include visuals of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha which reflect the fact that Diwali is considered as an auspicious occasion.
Rangoli greeting cards: These ecards offer a unique way to send your colorful wishes and greetings to your loved ones on this occasion.
Fireworks cards: Fireworks are a special highlight of Deepavali celebrations. You can add to the cheer and fun by sending fireworks ecards to your family and loved ones on this festive occasion.
Virtual aarti cards: There are animated cards that help perform a virtual Lakshmi Puja on Deepavali. These cards include the text of Diwali aarti which is an important part of the puja ceremony.
Business greeting cards: Wish your business partners, colleagues, and boss a happy Diwali with warm business greetings, and make their festivities bright and colorful.
Funny cards: Share the fun and excitement of the festival by sending ecards with funny greetings to your loved ones. Such cards are sure to add cheer to their celebrations on this occasion.
Make your Diwali greetings special by choosing Diwali cards which reflect your heartfelt wishes on this festive occasion.
More: Diwali Messages
Types of Diwali Greeting Cards
Get an idea of the different types of ecards with which you can convey your greetings on this special occasion.
Diwali wishes cards: Wish your dear ones a joyous Diwali with ecards which usually come with images of sparkling diyas and candles. These cards also include visuals of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha which reflect the fact that Diwali is considered as an auspicious occasion.
Rangoli greeting cards: These ecards offer a unique way to send your colorful wishes and greetings to your loved ones on this occasion.
Fireworks cards: Fireworks are a special highlight of Deepavali celebrations. You can add to the cheer and fun by sending fireworks ecards to your family and loved ones on this festive occasion.
Virtual aarti cards: There are animated cards that help perform a virtual Lakshmi Puja on Deepavali. These cards include the text of Diwali aarti which is an important part of the puja ceremony.
Business greeting cards: Wish your business partners, colleagues, and boss a happy Diwali with warm business greetings, and make their festivities bright and colorful.
Funny cards: Share the fun and excitement of the festival by sending ecards with funny greetings to your loved ones. Such cards are sure to add cheer to their celebrations on this occasion.
Make your Diwali greetings special by choosing Diwali cards which reflect your heartfelt wishes on this festive occasion.
More: Diwali Messages
Monday, October 17, 2011
How to Worship Goddess Lakshmi On Diwali.
One of the highlights of the 5-day Diwali festival is Lakshmi Puja. This Puja is performed on the 3rd day of the festival, which is celebrated as Badi (main) Diwali. There is a certain procedure for performing this Puja. Read on to know about Lakshmi Puja or Diwali Puja Vidhi
Diwali Puja Vidhi – How to Worship Goddess Lakshmi
Prior to starting the Puja, you should ensure that your home is clean and tidy. That’s because it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi resides somewhere only when the place is neat and clean. You should perform the Puja in new dresses.
You should decorate your home by creating elegant designs of rangolis at the entrance of every room and the main entrance as well. By drawing these rangolis, you actually welcome Goddess Lakshmi into your home. Once you create rangolis, spread a red cloth close to the place where you’d like to keep the idols of Lakshmi Narayana, Ganesha and Saraswati. Spread 9 mounds of rice along the sides of the cloth and place a supari above the rice mounds. This is done to represent the 9 planets or the Navagraha devatas. Next, you should perform the ritual of Kalash Sthapana.
Prior to starting the Puja, you should ensure that your home is clean and tidy. That’s because it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi resides somewhere only when the place is neat and clean. You should perform the Puja in new dresses.
You should decorate your home by creating elegant designs of rangolis at the entrance of every room and the main entrance as well. By drawing these rangolis, you actually welcome Goddess Lakshmi into your home. Once you create rangolis, spread a red cloth close to the place where you’d like to keep the idols of Lakshmi Narayana, Ganesha and Saraswati. Spread 9 mounds of rice along the sides of the cloth and place a supari above the rice mounds. This is done to represent the 9 planets or the Navagraha devatas. Next, you should perform the ritual of Kalash Sthapana.
Kalash Sthapana:
Fill a pot with water and place it in front of the idols. Put some betel leaves into the pot. Place a coconut on top of the pot. Tie a red cloth around the pot. Draw a ‘Swastik” sign on the pot as a sign of prosperity and purification. This pot is termed as Purna Kumbh, and is believed to represent the supreme power.
Decorating the idols: Once the Kalash Sthapana ritual is over, you should adorn the idols with fruits, flowers, and turmeric-vermillion powder. Place the puja thali in front of the idols. Make sure the thali includes all essential items for Diwali Puja. In addition to puja accessories, the thali should have some gold and silver coins as a sign of wealth and prosperity.
Start the puja: Once you have the puja items ready, it’s time to begin the worship. Take some water in your left hand and sprinkle it on your head so as to purify yourself. Now, you should take sankalpa by calling out the names of your family members. Offer your prayers to Lakshmi and Narayana. Light up lamps filled with ghee and offer incense in order to perform your worship.
Worship of Ganesha:
Offer some flowers, akshata (sacred rice), and a supari to Lord Ganesha. Chant Ganesha shloka and offer your prayers so that he helps you get rid of all obstacles that come your way. Next, you should pray to Goddess Saraswati and request her to give you the intelligence that can help you succeed in life.
Once Saraswati Puja is complete, perform Kalash Puja by offering sweets, fruits, and akshata. Then convey your prayers to the Navagrahas. Sprinkle water toward all the four directions as a sign of purifying the four “dishas” of the universe. Next, you should perform Panchmitra Abhishekam.
Lakshmi Narayana Abhishekam: Lakshmi Narayana Abhishekam (or Panchamitra Abhishekam) is all about praying to Lakshmi and Narayana. Panchamitra is a combination of ghee, milk, honey, sugar, and curd.
Wash the silver and gold coins in the puja thali with water and milk. Then offer some flowers and gulal to Lakshmi and Narayana. Now, break the coconut and offer a sweet dish to the deities. Chant Lakshmi mantra, shlokas and stotras so as to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into your home.
Once you offer your prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, you should worship Narayana with complete sincerity so that you can please him as well as Goddess Lakshmi who is believed to reside at the place where Narayana stays. Next, you need to perform the aarti for Goddess Lakshmi.
Aarti: Before you start the aarti, you should light the diya and ring the bell. Perform the aarti by taking reference from the book - “Lakshmi Ji Ki Aarti”. Once the aarti for Goddess Lakshmi is over, you should perform the aarti for Narayana.
When the aarti is over, place the thali near the idols and recite Kshama Prarthana Stotram. Through this recitation, you actually request god to forgive you for the mistakes you have committed so far. Leave the place of worship for quite some time and then distribute the “prasad” to one and all.
These are Diwali Puja rituals which will help you worship Lakshmi, Narayana, Ganesha, and Saraswati during the festival of lights. Browse some Diwali decoration ideas.
Send Diwali Wishes and Diwali cards and wish Happy Diwali to Everyone!!!
Diwali Puja Vidhi – How to Worship Goddess Lakshmi
Prior to starting the Puja, you should ensure that your home is clean and tidy. That’s because it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi resides somewhere only when the place is neat and clean. You should perform the Puja in new dresses.
You should decorate your home by creating elegant designs of rangolis at the entrance of every room and the main entrance as well. By drawing these rangolis, you actually welcome Goddess Lakshmi into your home. Once you create rangolis, spread a red cloth close to the place where you’d like to keep the idols of Lakshmi Narayana, Ganesha and Saraswati. Spread 9 mounds of rice along the sides of the cloth and place a supari above the rice mounds. This is done to represent the 9 planets or the Navagraha devatas. Next, you should perform the ritual of Kalash Sthapana.
Prior to starting the Puja, you should ensure that your home is clean and tidy. That’s because it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi resides somewhere only when the place is neat and clean. You should perform the Puja in new dresses.
You should decorate your home by creating elegant designs of rangolis at the entrance of every room and the main entrance as well. By drawing these rangolis, you actually welcome Goddess Lakshmi into your home. Once you create rangolis, spread a red cloth close to the place where you’d like to keep the idols of Lakshmi Narayana, Ganesha and Saraswati. Spread 9 mounds of rice along the sides of the cloth and place a supari above the rice mounds. This is done to represent the 9 planets or the Navagraha devatas. Next, you should perform the ritual of Kalash Sthapana.
Kalash Sthapana:
Fill a pot with water and place it in front of the idols. Put some betel leaves into the pot. Place a coconut on top of the pot. Tie a red cloth around the pot. Draw a ‘Swastik” sign on the pot as a sign of prosperity and purification. This pot is termed as Purna Kumbh, and is believed to represent the supreme power.
Decorating the idols: Once the Kalash Sthapana ritual is over, you should adorn the idols with fruits, flowers, and turmeric-vermillion powder. Place the puja thali in front of the idols. Make sure the thali includes all essential items for Diwali Puja. In addition to puja accessories, the thali should have some gold and silver coins as a sign of wealth and prosperity.
Start the puja: Once you have the puja items ready, it’s time to begin the worship. Take some water in your left hand and sprinkle it on your head so as to purify yourself. Now, you should take sankalpa by calling out the names of your family members. Offer your prayers to Lakshmi and Narayana. Light up lamps filled with ghee and offer incense in order to perform your worship.
Worship of Ganesha:
Offer some flowers, akshata (sacred rice), and a supari to Lord Ganesha. Chant Ganesha shloka and offer your prayers so that he helps you get rid of all obstacles that come your way. Next, you should pray to Goddess Saraswati and request her to give you the intelligence that can help you succeed in life.
Once Saraswati Puja is complete, perform Kalash Puja by offering sweets, fruits, and akshata. Then convey your prayers to the Navagrahas. Sprinkle water toward all the four directions as a sign of purifying the four “dishas” of the universe. Next, you should perform Panchmitra Abhishekam.
Lakshmi Narayana Abhishekam: Lakshmi Narayana Abhishekam (or Panchamitra Abhishekam) is all about praying to Lakshmi and Narayana. Panchamitra is a combination of ghee, milk, honey, sugar, and curd.
Wash the silver and gold coins in the puja thali with water and milk. Then offer some flowers and gulal to Lakshmi and Narayana. Now, break the coconut and offer a sweet dish to the deities. Chant Lakshmi mantra, shlokas and stotras so as to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into your home.
Once you offer your prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, you should worship Narayana with complete sincerity so that you can please him as well as Goddess Lakshmi who is believed to reside at the place where Narayana stays. Next, you need to perform the aarti for Goddess Lakshmi.
Aarti: Before you start the aarti, you should light the diya and ring the bell. Perform the aarti by taking reference from the book - “Lakshmi Ji Ki Aarti”. Once the aarti for Goddess Lakshmi is over, you should perform the aarti for Narayana.
When the aarti is over, place the thali near the idols and recite Kshama Prarthana Stotram. Through this recitation, you actually request god to forgive you for the mistakes you have committed so far. Leave the place of worship for quite some time and then distribute the “prasad” to one and all.
These are Diwali Puja rituals which will help you worship Lakshmi, Narayana, Ganesha, and Saraswati during the festival of lights. Browse some Diwali decoration ideas.
Send Diwali Wishes and Diwali cards and wish Happy Diwali to Everyone!!!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Celebrating the festival of lights for 5 days!!!!!!!!!
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated on the 21st day after Dussehra, in the month of Ashwin. It is one of the widely observed festivals of the Hindus in India. However, it is enjoyed by people of all religions.
Celebrations on Diwali
Diwali is celebrated for five days. Here’s a brief summary of the celebrations on each of the five days.
Day 1: Dhanteras
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped so as to seek her divine blessings and acquire wealth and prosperity. During this occasion, people buy gold or silver jewelry as well as kitchenware. God Yama is also worshipped on Dhanteras.
Day 2: Chhoti Diwali
The Chhoti Diwali falls on the 14th day of the month of Kartik. On this day, people celebrate the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Diwali celebrations on this day include the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the lighting of diyas, and the bursting of fireworks. Chhoti Diwali coincides with the birthday of Hanumanji. Hence, the festival of Hanuman Jayanti is also celebrated on this day.
Day 3: Diwali
The 3rd day is the most important day of the Diwali celebrations. This day is entirely devoted to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. People create colorful rangolis on this day and decorate their homes with a variety of oil lamps, candles, and electric lights. This day is considered as an auspicious occasion by Hindu businessmen, and many of them start a new accounting year or a new venture on Diwali.
Day 4: Padwa or Varshapratipada
The 4th day of Diwali is celebrated as Padwa or Varshapratipada. On this day, Govardhan Puja is performed in North India. This day is also observed as Annakoot. People pray to Goddess Lakshmi on this day and dress up in new clothes. This is the day when people put on new jewelry as well. They send exciting gifts to their near and dear ones on this festive occasion. Whether it is a box of sweets, a pack of dry fruits, or a box of fireworks, gift your loved ones something interesting to make their Diwali celebrations fun and exciting.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
The 5th day is observed as Bhai Dooj. On this day, sisters put a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their well-being. The brothers offer exciting gifts to their sisters and vice versa.
This is how people indulge in Diwali celebrations with a lot of fun and enthusiasm.
Celebrate by sending Diwali Wishes Through our ecards
Celebrations on Diwali
Diwali is celebrated for five days. Here’s a brief summary of the celebrations on each of the five days.
Day 1: Dhanteras
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped so as to seek her divine blessings and acquire wealth and prosperity. During this occasion, people buy gold or silver jewelry as well as kitchenware. God Yama is also worshipped on Dhanteras.
Day 2: Chhoti Diwali
The Chhoti Diwali falls on the 14th day of the month of Kartik. On this day, people celebrate the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Diwali celebrations on this day include the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the lighting of diyas, and the bursting of fireworks. Chhoti Diwali coincides with the birthday of Hanumanji. Hence, the festival of Hanuman Jayanti is also celebrated on this day.
Day 3: Diwali
The 3rd day is the most important day of the Diwali celebrations. This day is entirely devoted to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. People create colorful rangolis on this day and decorate their homes with a variety of oil lamps, candles, and electric lights. This day is considered as an auspicious occasion by Hindu businessmen, and many of them start a new accounting year or a new venture on Diwali.
Day 4: Padwa or Varshapratipada
The 4th day of Diwali is celebrated as Padwa or Varshapratipada. On this day, Govardhan Puja is performed in North India. This day is also observed as Annakoot. People pray to Goddess Lakshmi on this day and dress up in new clothes. This is the day when people put on new jewelry as well. They send exciting gifts to their near and dear ones on this festive occasion. Whether it is a box of sweets, a pack of dry fruits, or a box of fireworks, gift your loved ones something interesting to make their Diwali celebrations fun and exciting.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
The 5th day is observed as Bhai Dooj. On this day, sisters put a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their well-being. The brothers offer exciting gifts to their sisters and vice versa.
This is how people indulge in Diwali celebrations with a lot of fun and enthusiasm.
Celebrate by sending Diwali Wishes Through our ecards
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
How Dussehra is celebrated in various parts of India.
Dussehra is observed with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm by the Hindus. It is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over demon king Ravana of Lanka.
Celebrations on Dussehra
A common feature of the celebrations during Dussehra is the burning of effigies of Ravana as a sign of the destruction of evil. In places like Rajasthan, huge effigies of Ravana are created several months before this festival is held. Craftsmen are also asked to create idols of Ravana’s brother, Kumbhakaran and son, Meghnad. On the day of the festival, these idols are burned in huge grounds or ‘maidans’ in the midst of several thousands of people who reach there to witness it.
The burning of these effigies signifies that people are getting rid of their evil deeds and will now be performing good deeds. Aside from the destruction of these idols, a number of fairs and exhibitions form a part of Dussehra celebrations.
In Himachal Pradesh, Dussehra celebrations go on for a week in the town of Kullu. Deities from the temples in Kullu are brought in to offer homage to the reigning deity, Lord Rama or Raghunathji.
In Tamil Nadu, Dussehra celebrations include the worship of three goddesses – Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for the first three days after which Goddess Sarawati is worshipped for another three days. During the last three days, Goddess Durga is worshipped. So, Dussehra gives the people of Tamil Nadu the opportunity to pay their respect and homage to the goddesses of wealth, learning, and strength.
Dussehra celebration in Mysore is one of the biggest of its kind. The whole of Mysore Palace is illuminated during this festival. Processions of elephants dressed in colorful clothes and decorated with embellishments are taken out during this festive occasion. Thousands of people join on the streets to witness this event.
An important part of the celebrations of Dussehra is the Ramlila. This is a kind of drama where people enact the story of Ramayana, especially the way Lord Rama killed Ravana and saved his wife from the latter who had kidnapped her. Aside from the Ramlila, the Shami tree and Aapta tree are worshipped during the festival of Dussehra. People also exchange the leaves of Aapta tree and Shami tree, which is considered to be auspicious. Some people perform a puja regarding their work-related tools and cooking appliances during this festival.
This is how the festival of Dussehra is celebrated in different regions of India.
Celebrate the victory of Goodness Over Evil and send Dussehra greetings and cards to your friends and dear ones.
Celebrations on Dussehra
A common feature of the celebrations during Dussehra is the burning of effigies of Ravana as a sign of the destruction of evil. In places like Rajasthan, huge effigies of Ravana are created several months before this festival is held. Craftsmen are also asked to create idols of Ravana’s brother, Kumbhakaran and son, Meghnad. On the day of the festival, these idols are burned in huge grounds or ‘maidans’ in the midst of several thousands of people who reach there to witness it.
The burning of these effigies signifies that people are getting rid of their evil deeds and will now be performing good deeds. Aside from the destruction of these idols, a number of fairs and exhibitions form a part of Dussehra celebrations.
In Himachal Pradesh, Dussehra celebrations go on for a week in the town of Kullu. Deities from the temples in Kullu are brought in to offer homage to the reigning deity, Lord Rama or Raghunathji.
In Tamil Nadu, Dussehra celebrations include the worship of three goddesses – Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for the first three days after which Goddess Sarawati is worshipped for another three days. During the last three days, Goddess Durga is worshipped. So, Dussehra gives the people of Tamil Nadu the opportunity to pay their respect and homage to the goddesses of wealth, learning, and strength.
Dussehra celebration in Mysore is one of the biggest of its kind. The whole of Mysore Palace is illuminated during this festival. Processions of elephants dressed in colorful clothes and decorated with embellishments are taken out during this festive occasion. Thousands of people join on the streets to witness this event.
An important part of the celebrations of Dussehra is the Ramlila. This is a kind of drama where people enact the story of Ramayana, especially the way Lord Rama killed Ravana and saved his wife from the latter who had kidnapped her. Aside from the Ramlila, the Shami tree and Aapta tree are worshipped during the festival of Dussehra. People also exchange the leaves of Aapta tree and Shami tree, which is considered to be auspicious. Some people perform a puja regarding their work-related tools and cooking appliances during this festival.
This is how the festival of Dussehra is celebrated in different regions of India.
Celebrate the victory of Goodness Over Evil and send Dussehra greetings and cards to your friends and dear ones.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Few mythological facts and history related to Diwali
History of Diwali
Diwali is one of the biggest festivals of the Hindus. However, it is popular among people of other religions as well. It is not only celebrated in India but in different countries around the world.
History of Diwali and its Legends
The history of Diwali involves a number of mythological stories. Some of these stories are mentioned below.
Legend of Lord Rama and Sita: The story of Lord Rama, son of King Dasaratha of Ayodhya and his wife, Sita is the most popular among all legends of Diwali. Lord Rama was sent to exile by his father on insistence of the former’s step-mother. Rama’s wife, Sita and his brother, Lakshmana followed him. While they were in exile, Sita was abducted by demon King Ravana of Lanka. The reason behind it was that Lakshmana had cut off Surpanakha’s (Ravana’s sister) nose when she expressed her desire to marry him.
To save Sita from Ravana, Rama waged a war against him with the help of monkey god Hanuman and his army. Ravana was defeated and killed in the war. Lord Rama then returned to Ayodhya with his brother and wife.
The people of Ayodhya gave him a warm welcome and celebrated his return by lighting earthen lamps or diyas in his honor. Since that day, Diwali is celebrated with a lot of fervor and enthusiasm and observed as the day when the good triumphed over evil.
Defeat of Narkasura by Lord Krishna:
The story of Lord Krishna, the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and demon Narakasura is related to the history of Diwali celebrations. Narakasura used to capture young women and compelled them to stay with him. When Lord Krishna came to know about this, he fought with the five-headed monster who guarded the demon’s home.
Narakasura realized that if he died, it would give relief to thousands of people. Lord Krishna granted him death and freed the women who were tortured by the demon. This story reminds us of the victory of good over evil, which is the underlying concept for celebrating Diwali.
There goes another story of Lord Krishna in which he protected the people of Gokul from the rains and thunder sent by Lord Indra. Lord Indra was worshipped by the villagers of Gokul. But Lord Krishna asked them to worship the Govardhan Mountain instead. This enraged Indra, which is why he had brought in destruction for the villagers.
However, Krishna lifted the top of the mountain (which had fertile land around it) with his finger and protected the villagers. This story is a reminder of the fact that we should be thankful to nature for its bounties, just as Lord Krishna wanted the villagers of Gokul to worship Govardhan Mountain.
On Diwali, the food that we offer to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is a symbol of our gratitude to the almighty for having created nature which provides us with the essentials we need to sustain our lives.
Story of King Bali and Vamana Avatar:
King Bali was a ruler with a lot of power. So, the gods approached Lord Vishnu and requested his help to reduce Bali’s powers. Vishnu arrived on earth in disguise of a dwarf or ‘Vamana’ dressed as a priest.
Vamana asked King Bali as to whether the ruler of the earth, sky and underworld would give the former some space to cover with three strides. The King laughed, although he consented to Vamana’s request. The dwarf then changed into Lord Vishnu whose three strides covered the earth, sky, and the entire universe. King Bali was then sent to the underworld. The Hindus recollect this story as a sign of victory of goodness over evil.
Aside from the legends on Hindu mythology, there are stories of the Sikh and Jains associated with the history of Diwali. The Sikhs celebrate this festival to commemorate the day when their sixth Guru, Hargobind Ji returned from Gwalior where he was held in captivity.
On the other hand, the Jains celebrate Diwa
li in honor of the attainment of Nirvana by Lord Mahavira who had propounded the principles of Jainism. This is how the history of Diwali is associated with ancient stories remembered by people of different religions.
Send our free Diwali Greetings and Wishes and reach out to your friends, family, relatives and acquaintances
Diwali is one of the biggest festivals of the Hindus. However, it is popular among people of other religions as well. It is not only celebrated in India but in different countries around the world.
History of Diwali and its Legends
The history of Diwali involves a number of mythological stories. Some of these stories are mentioned below.
Legend of Lord Rama and Sita: The story of Lord Rama, son of King Dasaratha of Ayodhya and his wife, Sita is the most popular among all legends of Diwali. Lord Rama was sent to exile by his father on insistence of the former’s step-mother. Rama’s wife, Sita and his brother, Lakshmana followed him. While they were in exile, Sita was abducted by demon King Ravana of Lanka. The reason behind it was that Lakshmana had cut off Surpanakha’s (Ravana’s sister) nose when she expressed her desire to marry him.
To save Sita from Ravana, Rama waged a war against him with the help of monkey god Hanuman and his army. Ravana was defeated and killed in the war. Lord Rama then returned to Ayodhya with his brother and wife.
The people of Ayodhya gave him a warm welcome and celebrated his return by lighting earthen lamps or diyas in his honor. Since that day, Diwali is celebrated with a lot of fervor and enthusiasm and observed as the day when the good triumphed over evil.
Defeat of Narkasura by Lord Krishna:
The story of Lord Krishna, the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and demon Narakasura is related to the history of Diwali celebrations. Narakasura used to capture young women and compelled them to stay with him. When Lord Krishna came to know about this, he fought with the five-headed monster who guarded the demon’s home.
Narakasura realized that if he died, it would give relief to thousands of people. Lord Krishna granted him death and freed the women who were tortured by the demon. This story reminds us of the victory of good over evil, which is the underlying concept for celebrating Diwali.
There goes another story of Lord Krishna in which he protected the people of Gokul from the rains and thunder sent by Lord Indra. Lord Indra was worshipped by the villagers of Gokul. But Lord Krishna asked them to worship the Govardhan Mountain instead. This enraged Indra, which is why he had brought in destruction for the villagers.
However, Krishna lifted the top of the mountain (which had fertile land around it) with his finger and protected the villagers. This story is a reminder of the fact that we should be thankful to nature for its bounties, just as Lord Krishna wanted the villagers of Gokul to worship Govardhan Mountain.
On Diwali, the food that we offer to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is a symbol of our gratitude to the almighty for having created nature which provides us with the essentials we need to sustain our lives.
Story of King Bali and Vamana Avatar:
King Bali was a ruler with a lot of power. So, the gods approached Lord Vishnu and requested his help to reduce Bali’s powers. Vishnu arrived on earth in disguise of a dwarf or ‘Vamana’ dressed as a priest.
Vamana asked King Bali as to whether the ruler of the earth, sky and underworld would give the former some space to cover with three strides. The King laughed, although he consented to Vamana’s request. The dwarf then changed into Lord Vishnu whose three strides covered the earth, sky, and the entire universe. King Bali was then sent to the underworld. The Hindus recollect this story as a sign of victory of goodness over evil.
Aside from the legends on Hindu mythology, there are stories of the Sikh and Jains associated with the history of Diwali. The Sikhs celebrate this festival to commemorate the day when their sixth Guru, Hargobind Ji returned from Gwalior where he was held in captivity.
On the other hand, the Jains celebrate Diwa
li in honor of the attainment of Nirvana by Lord Mahavira who had propounded the principles of Jainism. This is how the history of Diwali is associated with ancient stories remembered by people of different religions.Send our free Diwali Greetings and Wishes and reach out to your friends, family, relatives and acquaintances
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