Happy Navratri Festival 2016.

From Today Navratri is going to starts on 1st October 2016 and the most auspicious festival is celebrates for nine days which is great and huge celebration in India. 

Happy Navratri

The First day of Navratri is called as "Ghatashtapna" and on this special day many of the Indian women and girl's wear the new clothes and sthapna a mud ghat at home temple. Navratri is the Great festival for hindus. During these periods every peoples keeps the fasting for 9 days and eat the prasad which is made in temple. It is a great festival of happiness and Joy, in several places many peoples attend the Dandiya and Garba events and enjoy a lot. On these days Peoples wear traditional colorful lehenga and choli or silk saree to celebrate the special Navratri festival at the time of Garba or dandiya dance.

For nine days Goddess durga wear the  specific color sari during navratri. If you want to enjoy navratri festivals please visit your respective durga puja halls. Today Many peoples love to wish their nearest and dearest one through social networking sites by sharing,like, or by setting profile images and updating Cover Images of personal social account. 

Jai Mata Di and Finally Happy Navratri Puja.

Welcome Lord Ganesha to your home! - Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Ganesa Chaturthi and Vinayaka Chaturthi, considering Lord Ganesh is also known as Vinayaka. The festival also goes by the name of Vinayaka Cavithi. Celebrated mainly by Hindus, this festival extols Lord Ganesha, the deity with the head of an elephant. Incidentally, Lord Ganesha is supposed to be the deity of common people, making him perhaps the only one of his kind in Indian religious folklore. It is done in order to ensure that person doing the puja is able to complete every new activity without any hindrance whatsoever. This is also one reason why Lord Ganesha is also known as vignaharta or remover of troubles and obstacles. 

     

Celebrations

The word chaturthi in both Hindi and Bengali means the fourth day. As per Hindu calendar this festival is celebrated during the month of Bhaadrapada and is organized on the first fortnight’s fourth day. In Hindi this first fortnight is referred to as Shukla Chaturthi. As per Gregorian calendar it occurs either during August or September. The festival normally goes on for 10 days and ends on the penultimate day of the said fortnight. In Hindi this day is known as Anant Chaturdashi.

The festival is celebrated by people at home, at workplaces, and in public places as well. As part of celebrations, temporary shrines called pandals are built and clay images of the deity are worshipped during the entire duration. During this festival, you will come across plenty of people praying to the deity and taking part in festivities. This practice is known as group worship. When the festivals end these idols are immersed in huge waterbodies such as lakes, rivers, seas, etc. Over time, these clay idols melt away in the water – this is the possible logic behind their immersion.

Preparations for the festival normally start around a month earlier than the actual festival is supposed to happen. Local residents normally provide the funding to build the pandal and make other expenses related to the festival. The idols are normally bought from workshops and fairs. In Maharashtra the ritual of padya pooja starts the process of making the idols. The words padya pooja mean worshipping the feet in English and they imply the worshiping of the deity’s feet.

Vinayaka Chaturthi Celebration in Mumbai

The idols are brought to the pandals 15-20 days prior to the start of the actual festival. An easily-identifiable part of this festival is plenty of colourful decoration all around. Flowers and various other decorative materials are used for this purpose. The idols of this festival can be as small as three to four inches – to be used primarily in homes – to more than 70 feet – to be used in pandals. Priests decide the dates on the basis of chaturthi tithi. During the pujas hymns from Rigveda, Ganapati Atharvashirsa, Upanishads, and the Ganesha stotra from Narada Purana are used.

Where is it celebrated in India?

The festival is celebrated all around the country. However, the celebrations of Maharashtra, and Telangana to a certain extent, are well-known. Music is an integral part of Ganesh Chaturthi festivities in Maharashtra and traditional instruments such as tasha and dhol are key parts of the same. Apart from these, the festival is celebrated in the following areas:

• Gujarat
• Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu
• Andhra Pradesh
• Kerala
• Goa
• Odisha
• Madhya Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh
• Parts of western India
• Parts of southern India  

Outside India, the festival is celebrated in the Terai region of Nepal, which is where Indian-origin Nepalese live. The festival is also observed in countries such as United States of America, Canada, and Mauritius where people of Indian Hindu diaspora live.  

How to Celebrate Janmashtami at your Home?

Janamashtami is one festival which is celebrated in almost all states of India with same vigour, energy and enthusiasm. And why not, after all it marks the birthday of most loved deity Krishna, who is adored as Baal Gopal in his childhood, Kanha or Kanhaiya in his romantic avtar in adolescence and Shri Krishna in his adulthood as the Supreme Teacher. Janmashtami is celebrated in the month of Shravana. The festivities start at midnight when, it is said that Krishna was born and they last for two days. It is really remarkable that this is 5000 years old festival and yet observed with such dedication and enthusiasm.

Raaslila, dahi handi, swings decorated with fresh flowers are integral part of this celebration. And we get to see them quite often, thanks to TV shows and Hindi movies. In Mathura- the birthplace of Lord Krishna and Dwarka, his abode festivities are organized to the maximum. Dance, bhajan and kirtan are performed for two days. But Janmashtami is quite a popular festival to be observed at home, very much like Saraswati Puja, a veneration of Goddess Saraswati who presides education and arts. In household, observance of Janmashtami is quite different from what is portrayed in screens and pictures.

A Famous Hindu Festival Janmashtami 

The main ingredient required for Janmashtami Puja at home is sincere devotion and heartfelt thoughts. Homes are decorated to welcome Lord Krishna. Usually people install swings in garden or hall and decorate it with fresh flowers but these days space is sparse so small cradles are brought and idol of baby Krishna or Baal Gopal is made to sit on it. Children dress like Krishna and Radha. Idols of these two deites are dressed in niceties. The home and especially the Puja aasan is adorned with flowers and beautiful clothes. Bhajan and kirtan dedicated to the Lord are sung and played.  Ladies and kids make preparations whole day and finally puja starts at midnight. It is called Nishitha Puja because of its time. The first phase lasts for at most 45 minutes. The second phase starts in morning, after sunrise.

Abhishek is important part of Janmashtami puja. The idol is bathed in milk, curd, honey and water and ghee is applied to it. Then comes the most important part of this occasion- prasad or offerings. In temples, a total of 108 favourite dishes of Lord Krishna are prepared and offered but it is an impractical, if not Herculean, task to be done at household level. But that does not stop the true devotees to pour their heart out to please their beloved and revered God. In many households, 56 items are prepared to offer 'chhappan bhog'- a celebrated feast among Hindus. Most of the common offerings of Janmashtami are makhan (butter), misri (candied sugar), seasonal fruits, laddoos of different types like sesame seeds, flattened rice, coconut etc. One of the most common form in which Lord Krishna is remembered is makhan chor. His love for milk products is celebrated by the devotees so on His special day, sweets made of milk are must.

There are different foods offered according to the geographical location. Desserts made of pureed palm, shrikhand or flavoured and sweetened hung curd, murukku, aval etc are some of the foods that are especially prepared for this occasion in different states. Not everyone can prepare chhappan bhog at home. Sometimes finance do not allow us to make such spread, sometimes the basic infrastructure at home and sometimes health issues. But God asks for unconditional love, a pious heart and a pious ambiance to accept everything offered. If you have that, your offerings will be wholeheartedly accepted by the Supreme One. 

Top 10 Special Rakhi Gift ideas for your lovely Sister

The festival of Rakhi, also known as Raksha Bandhan is held on the day of Rakhi Purnima that takes place on the month of August. It is a special day in which brothers and sisters express their love for one another and show each other how much they mean to them. The festival of Rakhi is held every year with great pomp and ceremony in Hindu households as it celebrates the unconditional love shared between a brother and a sister. On this auspicious day, the sister ties the sacred thread of Rakhi in her brother’s hand that symbolizes the eternal love between the two. The Rakhi is also meant to ensure the wellness and goodwill of the brother. The brother also promises to love his sister and protect her from all dangers in life and showers her with all kinds of gifts.

The celebrations of Rakhi are never really complete without the exchanging of gifts. Here are some gift ideas for men on this special day who wants to express their love and affection for their beloved sisters.

Rakhi mugs

You can get special Rakhi day coffee emugs for your sister in different attractive shades that look great and carry the message of love that you want to convey. These mugs often come in innovative designs and make for great gifts.

Jewel boxes

Women and girls love jewelry, and you can certainly give your sister the best looking jewel boxes that can accommodate all types of trinkets and pieces like necklaces, chains, bangles and rings.  

Barbie watches

Barbie dolls have attained a cult status among girls all over the world, and your sister would surely love to have a nice Barbie watch as the Rakhi day gift.

Gift Online to your Sister on the Eve of  Raksha Bandhan

Pooja thali sets

Pooja thali sets come equipped with all types of necessary pooja items like tray, bowl, Deepak, agarbathi stand, Pooja spoon, bell and tumbler. Plenty of girls love such gifts as they show deeper love for one’s sister.

Women’s handbags

Women need handbags wherever they go and so you can give your sister a nice handbag that comes in beautiful shades and designs. There are plenty of handbag manufacturers that you can choose from who can get you fine quality products.

Chocolates

Chocolates are an eternal favorite with all girls and you cannot just go wrong with them.

Home décor items

Homedécor items such as show pieces, wind chimes, clocks and flower stands make the perfect gift for your sister. You can choose them in different styles to suit your sister’s preferences.

Idols and artifacts

An idol of Krishna or Ganesha can be the perfect way to shower the Lord’s blessings on your sister. These idols also come in different materials and designs that make them quite attractive.  

Personalized gifts

Personalized gift items are quite popular nowadays as they are known for their uniqueness. You can add pictures of you and your sister in a mug or picture frame and get a personal message written on them.

Flowers

Flowers can be a great way to express brotherly love to your sister.

So if you are looking to buy the best Rakhi day gifts for your sister, then you can find them in an online gift store that stocks different types of attractive festival gifts. These stores can not only provide you with ample choices when it comes to stylish gift items but also offer you attractive discounts which can help you get more items for less. With so many online gift shops coming up nowadays, it has become quite easier for buyers to find quality gifts from the comfort of their own homes. 

Ratha Yatra‬: A Grand Celebration of Car Festival in Puri, Odisha

Ratha Yatra also known as Car Festival, this amazing event is observed in the month of Asadha, on the second day of the lunar fortnight that falls during June-July. Commonly famous as Rath Yatra, this occasion is celebrated in the admiration of Lord Jagannath who is considered to be an embodiment of Lord Vishnu. 

On the day of the occasion, the wooden idols of Jagannatha, Balrama and Subhadra are taken out in procession in three chariots to their summer temple for a week. The main chariot is 14 meters high and 10 meters square with 16 wheels. The actual structure of the carts starts two months before the celebration day, on the third day of the bright fortnight of Vaisakha (April-May). 

Famous Car Festival in Puri

How to Celebrate Raja Parba in Odisha

Odisha is a beautiful land of temples and ancient art and craft. Its festivals, traditions and culture are also quite unique. They draw a lot from their rich past and still have maintained many of the cultural traditions like celebrating the Raja Parba. All their festivals are known all around the world for the pomp and show because they are generally held on a large scale. Festivals are an integral part of the Odisha culture and people there live their lives in the perfect blend of modernity and traditional values. Odisha has a distinct flavor to its cultural celebrations which attracts lot of tourists.

The Raja Parba or festival is one such cultural celebration of Odisha. It is also known as Mithuna Sankranti which marks the beginning of the solar month of Mithuna; the start of the rainy season. The festival continues for 4 days and the second day actually signifies the beginning of the rain month. The festival normally begins from 14^th of June when the entire Odisha welcomes the rainy season and celebrates the first brush of monsoon on their soil with flowers blooming everywhere. From here begins the year of productivity and hence people are happy and celebrate all over Odisha.

There is an interesting myth around this festival. It is believed by the Odisha people that Bhudevi, the divine wife of Lord Jagannath menstruates for 3 days and on the 4^th day she goes through Vasumati Gadhua which means the ceremonial bath of the divine wife of Lord Jagannath and the mother of all. The period of worshipping Bhudevi begins from this day and the name Raja Parba has been derived from the term Rajaswala which denotes a menstruating woman. As a woman gains her fertility through menstruation, so also mother earth begins to realize her power of producing and this entire festival is a worshipping of fertility.

Celebrating Raja Festival In Odisha

Women do not indulge in pampering themselves with new dresses and jewelry. They refrain from doing any household chores during the 3 days. They mostly adorn themselves in traditional sarees and put Alatha on their feet to look more beautiful. Nobody walks barefoot on the ground and lots of delicacies are served like pithas which are sweet and tasty. Chakuli and podophitha are the hot favorites. Women also indulge in playing indoor games and girls spend time on swings with their friends. There is a folk song associated with Raja Parba which is known as Raja Geeta which eulogizes Mother Earth.

All 4 days of Raja Parba have different names- first day is Pahili Raja, second day is Mithuna Sankranti, and third day is Bhu Daaha while the fourth day is Vasumati Snan. The grinding stone representing the fertile earth is bathed by ladies on the 4h day after smearing it with turmeric paste, vermillion and decorating it with flowers. Mother Earth is offered all types of fresh seasonal fruits and the day before the celebration is known as Sajabaja and is a preparatory day when everything in the house is cleaned including the grinding stone.   

Though entire Odisha celebrates Raja Parba, yet Balasore, Puri and Cuttack celebrates it with great grandeur. Puri is already the most popular religious place in Odisha and any festival is observed with splendor there. No agricultural activity is carried on during the 3 days to provide rest to Mother Earth who will later produce crops and sustain life. Soon to be mothers and unmarried girls celebrate it with utmost dedication and abide by all the restrictions during the period. Women are only allowed to take bath on the first day and through the rest of the festival they must refrain. Dance and music is integral to Odisha festivals and here also yatra performances are arranged in Gotipua style. 

How to choose festival saris as per respective occasions?

Saris are some of the most attractive and graceful garment that a woman can wear and it has always been held at high esteem in India. While the sari is predominantly Indian in origin, in the recent times it has been widely accepted by women in other parts of the world as well, thanks to the increasing popularity of a global or cosmopolitan culture all over the world. The sari has evolved in its style and content through hundreds and thousands of years, and over this time many variations of it has been introduced. The widespread variation of saris is something that always sits well with the women who simply love to wear them in numerous occasions. 

India has always been a land of diverse geographical and cultural trends and this is also reflected in the art and craft of sari making. In fact, the cultural heritage of this country is beautifully portrayed in the different styles of saris that are available in the market. Every small or large region of India is known for the different types of sari produced by it. The saris that are produced in different parts of India carry with them the distinct imprint of the region from where they originate. Such aspects have truly contributed in more ways than one to make saris the best form of garments for the Indian woman. Women of all ages in India love to wear the saris in their day to day lives as well as for different types of special occasions.

Festive collection of Indian Sarees available online

There are numerous types of saris that are worn in India which are designated as festival saris. These saris are specifically worn for different types of religious or festive occasions. The extensive variety of cultures and religious practices has given rise to a wide range of festive saris. There is no single standard festival sari that is worn in India. Instead, there are a wide range of traditional saris that are meant to be worn for various specific events. For every festive or special occasion, the types of saris that women will choose to wear will be different in different parts of the country. As most festive or special occasions in India are religious ones, these saris are regarded as auspicious and as such they are often adorned with artwork that specifically cater to the themes, ideas and beliefs associated with that specific festivity.

Typically, festive saris in India tend to be colorful, bright, peppy and elegant. They are generally made in a traditional way and yet they include themes, motifs and elements that make them unique and allow the wearer to stand out in a crowd. While in certain regions of India it is a common practice to include mythological motifs and symbols within the artwork of the saris, this is not really considered to be an essential requirement. The designs and hues that are implemented to decorate the saris frequently reflect the merrymaking and joy that is associated with the festive occasion.     

The type of sari that is to be worn by a woman depends often on the nature of the occasion itself. For instance, women in north India love to get all decked up in fine quality Benarasi silk saris during Diwali that are further adorned with superior golden zari artwork. On the other hand, plain or neutral colored saris are worn to commemorate the occasion of Holi. Similarly women in Bengal love to wear beautiful cotton and silk saris during various special occasions such as Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Saraswati Puja. These saris, when combined with the right kind of ornaments, can make a woman look truly beautiful and regal in appearance.    

Karwa Chauth Festival celebrate by Indian Women.

Karwa chauth is a great festival which celebrate in India. Karwa chauth festival is celebrated on 30th october 2015 in India. This festival was celebrated by Indian women for her husband for long life. On that day women worship and pray to the god for their husband good health and wealth.

Karwa Chauth Thalli

On this beautiful occasion women's takes the fast full day. They will open the fast at night by seeing moon in front of their lovely husband by offering water to the moon.

On this day the married women's wear the red silk saree or lehenga choli but the new brides wear their bridal costumes. All bridal get up with decorative bangles, jwellery and bindis by matching saree to look unique.



Now in this busy days lovely husband give the special gift's through online shopping to their lovable wife's.
                            "Happy Karwa Chauth"
        

Nine Different Avatars Of Goddess Maa Durga.

Navratri is one of the most popular festivals all over the world. Devotees celebrate this festival by worshiping Goddess Maa Durga and various mantras.This big festival started from the Ghatastapna for nine days. Here we bring's the nine different avatars of Maa Durga.

Navratri First Day: Goddess Shailaputri
"Shailaputri" means she is the daughter of mountains. Shailaputri is the first day of Navratri which celebrate by the devotees.

Maa Shailaputri

Navratri Second day: Goddess Brahmacharini
Goddess Brahmacharini is celebrate on the second day of Navratri festival.

Maa Brahmacharini

Navratri Third Day: Goddess Chandraghanta
Goddess Chandraghanta is celebrate on the third day of Navratri festival.

Maa Chandraghanta

Navratri Fourth Day: Goddess Kushmanda
Goddess Kushmanda is the fourth avatars of maa durga. It is celebrate on the fourth day of Navratri.

Maa Khusmunda

Navratri Fifth Day: Goddess Skanda Mata
Goddess Skanda Mata is the fifth avatars of Maa Durga. It is celebrate on fifth day of Navratri.

Maa Skandamata

Navratri Sixth Day: Goddess Katyayani
Goddess Katyayani is the sixth avatars of Maa Durga. It is celebrate on the sixth day of Navratri festival.

Maa Katayayani

Navratri Seventh Day: Goddess Kalaratri
Seventh avatars of Maa Durga. It is celebrate on seventh day of Navratri.

Goddess Kalaratri

Navratri Eight Day: Goddess Mahagauri
Goddess Mahagauri is the eighth form of Goddess maa durga. It is celebrate on eighth day of Navratri.

Goddess Mahagauri

Navratri Ninth Day: Goddess Siddhidatri
Siddhidatri the ninth avatars of Goddess maa durga.It is celebrate on Ninth day of Navratri.

Goddess Siddhidatri

                                                             Happy Navratri

Nine colors of sarees to wear in this Navratri festival 2015.

Navratri is a big festival which dedicated to the Hindu goddess "Maa Durga". The word Navaratri means nine night's and during this nine night's "Maa Durga" worship in nine forms. The tenth day is called "Vijayadasami". According to Hindu Calendar, Navratri puja starts from the beginning of the first fortnight of Ashwin and at the end of rainy season.

Maa Durga

The festival celebrates all over India with purity and great devotion. Peoples from various sections comes to celebrate this festival by visiting temples and offer puja at mother's feet. Many peoples fast for the first and last day, while other's fast for nine days.

Every year on Navratri devotees are too much excited to know the nine forms of "Maa Durga" and the nine colors of traditional wear by the devotees as well as  the deity Maa Durga.

-On first day Ghatasthapna- The devotees wear the traditional yellow saris.
-On second day Dwitiya- Devotees wear the green color sarees or lehenga choli.
-On Third day Tritiya- Devotees wear the grey color.
-On fourth day Chaturthi- Devotees wear the orange color.
-On Fifth day panchami- Devotees wear the white silk sarees.
-On Sixth day Shasti- Women's are supposed to wear Red color saree.
-On Seventh day Saptami- Peoples wear the blue color
-On Eighth day Astami- Devotees loves to wear pink color silk saree on astami day.
-On Ninth Day Navami- Women's wear the Purple color saree.

So for nine days every peoples celebrate with great fun and enthusiasm.
                     Happy Navratri

Top 10 Hindu Festivals Celebrate by Indian people.

India is a land of several festivals and these festivals are the heart of Indians people.India is full of tradition, culture either it is religion, food or language.There are most important festivals which celebrate by Indian's people.

1.Onam:

Onam is a 10 day festival celebrate by South Indian people.Onam always remember the return of King Mahabali and it remembers the tradition and culture of kerela. Every house was decorate with flowers and light and wear the new Traditional Silk sarees.

2.Sri Ram Navami:

According to Hindu calender Ram Navami falls on the 9th day of chaitra month. On that day Lord Rama birthday is celebrated. Devotees read the Ramayana and sing the bhajans and read the hanuman chalisha.

3.Maha Shivratri:

Maha Shivratri means the "great Night of Lord Shiva". According to Hindu calender every year it falls in 14th day of Krishna pakshya chaturdarshi of magha month.Most of hindu women wear new clothes and take fast whole day. Due to mythological Lord Shiva and mother parvati were married on this special day.

4.Krishna Janmastami:

Krishna Janmastami is the celebration of Lord Krishna birth. Every year it always falls on 8th day of krishna paksha in the bhadraba month. On this special day people observe fast and prepare some milk products and offer to Lord Krishna. On that day temples are decorated with flowers for festivals and prayers go to the midnight.

5. Makar Sankrati:

Makar Sankrati is celebrated on 14th january every year. Makar sankrati is the harvest festival and welcomes to the spring season.In that day people take the til ladoos and play with kite flying.

6.Ganesh Chaturthi:

Ganesh Chaturthi is known as Siddhi Vinayaka Chaturthi which is the birth of Lord Ganesha.This festival is celebrated from 4th to 14th day of fortnight of bhadraba(August- september).This festival is celebrated for 3 to 11 days and then immersed in the huge water.On that day people prepare a sweet dish called "Modak" offered to Lord Ganesha.

7. Raksha Bandhan:

Raksha Bandhan symbolize the great love of brother and sister.It is celebrated on the full moon day of shravan. On that day sister tie a holy thread on brother hand and brother promise to protect his sister always. Sister also take the return gift from his brother.

8. Navratri:

Durga Puja is celebrated all over India for Nine days. Every year it falls on Aswin Month. The first nine days celebrate to godess Durga and the tenth day is called dashami or dusshera. During the Navratri women's observe the fast for nine days and wear the new traditional silk sarees or lehenga choli.

9.Holi:

Holi is the festivals of color.The festival is celebrated in the phalguna month. on that day people prepare mouthwatering dish and go place to place for enjoy the festivals.

10.Diwali:

Diwali is the great festivals in India.It is also called "Festivals of Light".Due to mythological On diwali day Lord Rama returns to Ayodha with Goddess Sita and Brother Laxman from exile. Ayodha basi welcomes to Lord Rama by lighting small diyas all over their house.

Now all these festivals are coming soon so try to buy the new cloths from different Onlineshopping stores.

“Ratha-Yatra” The Holy Festival of Puri, Odisha

Ratha-Yatra (Chariot Festival) is a very popular Hindu festival of Odisha, India. This is a very famous festival where millions of people are gathered at Puri to join the festival. Not only the Indian people or only Hindu community people also people from different countries from different communities are coming to Puri (the land of Jagannath) to participate in holy Ratha-Yatra or Chariot Festival.  

Ratha-Yatra or Chariot Festival involves transporting deities on a Ratha (chariot). In this festival the Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra come outside of temple and visit to his aunt’s house.

The name Ratha-Yatra itself describes the festival, Rath means chariot and Yatra means journey. So the journey of Lord Jagannath and his brother and sister are called famous Ratha-Yatra.

Puri is the Land of Jagannath, here the famous Jagannath temple situated and Lord Jagannath worshiped in it. But once in a year Lord Jagannath go to visit Gundicha Temple or mausi maa temple (Lord Jagannath’s aunt’s house). Lord Jagannath left the temple (Shri Mandir) for seven days and after then come back to temple.

Millions of people gathered to see the lord Jagannath on chariot, people gets a divine experience by seeing lord Jagannath on chariot. So people like this chariot festival very much.

Ratha-Yatra usually occurred during the month of Asadha (Rainy Season of Orissa, usually falling in month of June or July). During this time millions of people from different countries come to Puri and stay here and worship lord Jagannath.

Mainly Hindu community people are gathered in a vast population and along with them all other community people are joined them and enjoy the Ratha-Yatra festival.

Also the Ratha-Yatra festival celebrated in different other places of India and also in different countries. Mostly in American countries people very much like to celebrate this chariot festival.