Tag Archives: indian festival

5 Ways to Make Your Durga Puja & Dussehra Festival Celebration Special

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Durga Puja, Dussehra Festival

Durga puja and Dussehra are the two different festivals celebrated around the same time across the country with great enthusiasm and excitement. These festivals are celebrated in different ways and forms in different regions across the country. In North India, it is popularly known as Navratri and Dussehra puja.  Navratri celebration lasts for the days and on the last day of Navratri is celebrated Dashmi or Vijayadashami or Dussehra. These Hindu festivals have their own importance & relevance in our lives. Dussehra is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil, when Lord Ram killed Ravana. We celebrate Durga puja to mark the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. In South India, people bring idol of Goddess Durga and worship it during all nine days, whereas in West India people celebrate is differently by organizing Dandiya and Garbha nights.

You can also make this festival special by celebrating it differently with your family. No festival celebration can be considered complete without family. Durga puja and Dussehra celebration can be clubbed together as they are celebrated at the same time.  Here we are sharing five different ways to make Durga puja and Dussehra festival celebration special.

Bring Durga idol home: To feel the spirit of this auspicious festival bring idol of Maa Durga home during this Navratri. This is one of the most common and popular ritual during Durga puja. On the first day of Durga puja people bring the Durga idol at home and place it with kalash, coconut and other auspicious items. You can also do the same and set a small Mata ka darbar at home. You can decorate this darbar with lights, flowers and don’t forget to lit “Akhand Jyoti” as the most popular ritual of the Durga puja. This lamp remains lit up during the all nine days.

Follow the Navratri traditions: This is something you can do during this Navratri to enjoy the festival. Follow the traditions of the Navratri and celebrate the festival. You can cook special Navratri food and dress up in traditional nine special colors of Navratri during the all nine days to receive the blessings of the Goddess Durga.

Organize Durga puja at home: During the last three or four days of Navratri you can organize Durga puja at home. You can organize Durga puja traditionally by offering prayers, special food, fruits and sweets to Goddess. Besides, to add some excitement you can also organize some fun activities like singing/bhajan competition or something similar to feel the spirit of festival.

Garbha/Dandiya at home: Garbha or Dandiya is very popular in West India and especially in Maharashtra and Gujarat. You can also add some fun element and organize special Garbha and Dandiya night at home. Don’t forget to invite the relatives, friends and neighbors to enjoy this to the fullest. To make it more interesting you can also plan some dress code or color code for all the guests who will be going to attend your Garbha/Dandiya night party.

Celebrate Dussehra with family: Dussehra is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil. You can also organize a small Ramayan skit or a special Vijayadashami puja at home. Don’t forget to cook something special and traditional for the family.

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Some Unique Navratri Gifts for Your Family and Loved Ones

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Navratri Gifts Ideas

Navratri is considered as one of the most auspicious festival and celebrated as 9 days long festival in India. However, it is celebrated in different manners across the country. During the whole nine days you follow different traditions and rituals to receive the blessings of Maa Durga. On this special occasion don’t forget to gift something special to your loved ones. You should gift something unique and special to make this festival memorable for all. Your gift should be something unique and match up with the spirit of Navratri. Here, we are sharing some special gifting ideas with you to gift your parents and loved ones to make this Navratri special.

God Idol: This is one the most favorite and best gifting idea as Navratri gift. On this special occasion of Navratri, you can gift idol of Goddess Durga, or Lord Ganesha or idol of some other goddess. These idols are available in different sizes, shapes and even in different material. If you are not short of money then you can gift silver idol to your loved ones on this special occasion. However, there are various other options available in the market to choose from such as stone, marble, bone china, crystal, brass, copper or something else.  But while buying these idols don’t forget to consider the size in mind.

Puja thali: Navratri is considered as most auspicious days of the year. Being a very special and auspicious festival you can gift puja thali to your friends and relatives if you are planning to gift them something special on Navratri festival. While buying this special gift don’t forget to pick the right size. As too big or too small puja thali will not serve the purpose. So, pick the perfect size which they can use daily or they can use in their mandir. These puja plates are available in the market in different sizes, designs and material. Even there are some plates which come with pre-fixed bowls or compartments to place kumkum, flowers and prasad in it systematically.

Festival lamp: This is something unique and different Navratri gifting idea. You can give traditional lamp or a set of small diyas to your loved ones on this special occasion. You can also gift them a traditional looking lamp without oil and thread that glows with electricity. In these lamps the small bulbs are placed evenly and beautifully. These lamps look really nice and elegant. These lamps come in different sizes, shapes and designs. You can pick from the traditional design to the contemporary. Even you can hang these diya lamps indoor as well to match up with the spirit of Durga puja festival.

Copper Puja Kalash and spoon: When it comes to Navratri puja a few things are integral part of puja like diya, marigold garland, puja thali, kumkum, flowers, kalash, coconut, mango leaves and a few more things. So, if you are planning to gift copper puja kalash and spoon to your loved ones on this special occasion then you are making the right choice. Copper has some auspicious connection with spirituality, so this gift will turn out to be apt for the occasion as Navratri gift.

Home Decoration lights: These attractive and trendy decoration lights are another perfect gift for the occasion. During Navratri, there are many people who decorate their home and mandir with these colorful lights. For this occasion, this home light decoration can be an excellent gift choice. These lights come in different colors, sizes, designs, shapes and shades. You can use these lights indoor and outdoor as well. So make your choice from the various available options.

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Navratri Colors: Look Stylish This Navratri By Wearing Something Special

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Navratri festival colors wearing

Navratri is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals of India. Navratri means “Nine Nights”, and celebration of Goddess Durga in her nine different forms on the scheduled nine days. The Navratri festival celebration is very colorful. People keep fast for these 9 days and enjoy with full enthusiasm. Even in some states people organize Garbha and Dandiya nights. This year the Shard Navratri festival will start from 21st September, 2017 and will end on 29th September, 2017. People follow different traditional norms and rituals during these auspicious 9 days to get the blessings of Goddess Durga. The festival is celebrated with so much of pomp and show across the country.  You would never want to miss even a single chance to be part of this auspicious and colorful festival. Here, in this article we are sharing the different colors and dresses you can wear during the nine days to enjoy the spirit of the Navratri festival celebration.

Wear Yellow on first day: On the first day Navratri wear yellow dress as this is the symbol of prosperity and good luck. You can wear anything in yellow on this day. But, to match up the mood of Navratri celebration you can wear long suit with churidar on the first day of Navratri. You can also wear a bright yellow suit during Durga puja on the first day.

Wear Green on second day: The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is known for eternal power and energy. She blesses her devotees with good fortune and prosperity. To please the Goddess of purity, wear green color. To look traditional on this special day, wear green salwar suit in silk or in georgette with some shimmer and thread work. If you don’t want to wear something too gaudy then you can also wear something in green with self-print or patterns. Wear any shade of green to receive the blessings of Goddess Durga this Navratri.

Wear Grey on third day: The third day of Navratri is devoted to Goddess Chandraghanta, the third avatar of Goddess Durga. This form of Goddess Durga symbolizes bravery and fortitude. To receive the blessings of Goddess Chardraghanta wear something in grey color. You can wear grey color suit with palazzo or you can wear grey color suit with different color combinations if you want to look trendy.

Wear Orange on fourth day: On the fourth day of Navratri festival we all worship Goddess Kushmanda, the fourth form of Durga. To please the Goddess Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri wear orange color. Wear something traditional like chaniya choli in orange or orange with some vibrant combinations like green, blue, black to look traditional and enjoy the festival. You can also wear this colorful orange chaniya-choli in Navratri- Dandiya or Garbhi dance.

Wear white on fifth day: On the fifth day of Navratri celebrations, we offer prayers to Goddess Skandamata. Don’t forget to wear the white color on this special day to please Goddess Skandamata and receive her blessings. The Goddess will bring peace and prosperity in life. You can wear something traditional like white saree mixed with some bright colors like pink, yellow, orange, green or some other shades of your choice to look gorgeous on the fifth day of Navratri.

Wear red on sixth day: On the sixth day of Navratri worship Goddess Katyayani, the daughter of Kata. This sixth day of Navratri is celebrated with devotion to welcome the Goddess on earth. To get the blessings of Goddess Katyayani get dressed in the divine red color. Red color long anarkali suit with yellow or green color combination will be the perfect choice for Navratri festival.

Wear Royal Blue on seventh day: The seventh day is known as Saptami. It has its own importance as many people fast on this day. Even those who haven’t fasted for all 9 days, they do fast on Saptami. This seventh day people worship Kaalratri avatar o Goddess Durga. She is considered to provide protection from all kinds of anxiety and problems. Wear traditional dress like lehenga choli or saree in royal blue on this special day to please the Goddess.

Wear Pink on the eight day: On Ashtami or on the eight day of Navratri, Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Goddess Gauri. She is considered as symbol of serenity and beauty and who has the power to wash away all the sins of common man.  On this day, many people offer gifts and other things to little girls to get their blessing and consider them as avatar of Goddess Durga. On this special day don’t forget to wear Pink. You can wear pink suit with green or blue palazzo or long skirt to look trendy and gorgeous.

Wear purple on the ninth day: On the ninth day of Navratri we worship Goddess Durga in the form of Siddhidatri. To receive the blessings from the Goddess wear something in purple on this day. You can wear a purple silk saree or purple georgette saree with thread or stone work to match up the festival spirit.

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Some Interesting Ways to Celebrate First Janmashtami After Marriage

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krishna janmashtami

Janmashtami is one of the important Hindu festivals of the country and celebrated across India. However, it is being celebrated differently in different states. It has its own significance and importance as festival. It is also popular as Krishnashtami or Krishna Janmashtami or Sri Krishna Jayanti. It is a day when Hindu god Vishnu has taken birth as eighth avatar. You really don’t want to miss this important festival to be celebrated after marriage. If your family is very specific about celebrating this special festival, don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this special occasion and celebration. Here, we are sharing some interesting ideas of celebrating this special festival after marriage to make it more memorable.

Buy new clothes for the Krishna idol: This is one of the most important rituals and no Hindu family forgets to do so. If you too have Krishna’s idol at home, buy new clothes for it on his birthday. Even you can buy ornaments, flute and small mukut with peacock feather for him. You can also buy these clothes from any temple or market. Some of the favorite and traditional colors for the dresses are yellow, green, pink, golden and blue. You can choose a color matching the flavor of the festival.

Decorate home for the festival: To make this day special, you can decorate the home with flowers and lights. This is really a special day and should be celebrated with full swing. You can decorate your home traditionally with flowers, toran and lights or you can make some small theme based decoration. Besides, you can also go for some small replica of that period by decorating your home with small status of gopi’s, gwala baal, cows and villagers to get the feel of the festival.

Arrange Dahi-Handi as ritual: There are many places in our country where people arrange special dahi-handi ceremony for the festival. You can also organize a special Dahi-handi ritual and ask family members to participate. Even you can do that on larger level by organizing something within your block or housing society. You can also organize small competition to enjoy the day to the fullest and increase the fun of the day.

Make Rangoli or use some theme: Don’t forget to make special rangoli on the day. This is something very special and important ritual. Make some traditional rangoli with different colors. You can also make rangoli complementing your home decoration or you can make rangoli with the similar color which you are using for the clothes of idols.

Invite family & friends: No celebration is complete without the presence of family and friends. You can’t imagine even a single celebration all alone. You can invite family and friends to become part of this special festival celebration. Even you can get help of your spouse and sister/brother-in-law for making the guest list.

Organize bhajan shandhaya: To get soaked in the true spirit of this festival you can organize special bhajan sandhaya. On this special day, you can chant special songs of lord Krishna to remember him. Even you can hire special professional singer to perform bhajan sandhaya on that day.

Cook special for friends and family: Most of the people fast for whole day on this special festival. Cook something special for all family members and friends on this special festival. You can make favorite food and some sweet dishes made of milk. Don’t forget to make panjiri for the Prasad. To know what to cook and what not to cook you get help of your mother-in-law and other family members.

Organize small skit: You can also organize some special skit on this day. You can also organize Raasleela or some small skit from Krishna leela and some episode from any mythological book in the remembrance of lord Krishna.

Get dressed like Gopis and Krishna: You can also add some more flavors to your festival by getting dressed like gopis and Krishna on this special festival. Even you can ask your all family members and friends to follow the same dress code on the day.

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Know Different Ways Of Celebrating Makar Snakranti In India

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Makar Sankranti - Harvest festival India

Makar Sankranti is the festival of harvest and celebrated across the country in different ways. The cultural significance of the festival varies from state-to-state in India. If you move from one state to another state you will notice a significant change in the ways of Makar Sankranti festival celebration. This is basically celebrated to welcome the new season of harvest.

This special festival has its own significance and stands apart from the other Indian Hindu festivals because date of the Makar Sankranti is fixed. Makar means Capricon and Sankranti is transitions. This is the first Indian festival that falls in the first month of the year. This important festival is celebrated in numerous ways across the county.

Himachal Pradesh: In Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh it is known as Magha Saaji. On this day, people wake up early in the morning and take ceremonial bath. They cook kichadi on that day and enjoy this special food with their family, friends, relatives and neighbors.

Delhi & Haryana: In Delhi, Haryana and other neighboring states Sakraat or Sankranti to be a main festival of the year. People cook different special things like Churma of ghee, halwa and kheer are cooked. In these states, the married women give gifts and clothes to her in-laws and this ritual is popular as manana.

Punjab: In Punjab, the festival is known as Maghi. On this auspicious day, bathing in a river in the early morning on Maghi is very important. Hindus light up the lamps with sesame oil as this is supposed to give prosperity and take away all sins. Even a major mela is also held at Sri Muktsar Sahib. As a tradition people cook kheer and chichadi on this day.

Rajasthan & West Madhya Pradesh: It is one of the major festivals in Rajasthan. People cook special delicacies to celebrate this festival. They cook pheeni, til-paati, gajak, kheer, ghevar, pakodi, puwa and til-laddoo.  As a special ritual of the state the married woman offer special food, make-up items and other household things to 13 married women. People invite friends and relatives to their home for special meal festival. Kite flying is another festival which is observed as a part of this festival. People in Jaipur and other regions fly kites to celebrate the festival.

Tamil Nadu: It is four days long festival in Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated as Pongal from the last day of the Tamil month Maargazhi to the third day of the Tamil month Thai.

Assam: The Sankranti is known as Magh Bihu or Bhogal Bihu in Assam. In Assam, the feasting lasts for a week. The festival is marked by feasts and bonfires. The celebrations also feature traditional Assamese games such as Tekeli Bhonga (pot-breaking) and buffalo fighting. During this festival the people of Assam make cakes of rice with various names such as Shunga Pitha, Til Pitha, etc. and some other sweets with coconut.

Maharashtra: In Maharashtra on Makar Sankranti, people offer multicolor halwa and til-gur laadoo to relatives, friends and family members. In Maharashtra, the Makar Sankranti is celebrated normally for three days.

Gujarat: This festival is celebrated at Uttarayan in this state with full fervor as people fly kites to celebrate the festival. They keenly wait for this festival. They cook undhiyu and chikkis on this festival.

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