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Popular Indian Festival Dussehra Celebrations : Indian Festivals Ceremony and Celebrations
Dussehra is the culmination of Navaratis in India. Popularly known asVijayadashmi, Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm, all over
India. It is observed differently in different parts of the country, depending upon the legend that is followed in each region. In North India, Ramlila forms the highlight of Dusshera, while in south India, it is the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura that is celebrated. Eastern state of West Bengal has its own story connected to the festival, while in Mysore the concept of Shami tree is centered. Learn
about the celebrations of Dussehra in different parts of India, by going through the following lines.
India. It is observed differently in different parts of the country, depending upon the legend that is followed in each region. In North India, Ramlila forms the highlight of Dusshera, while in south India, it is the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura that is celebrated. Eastern state of West Bengal has its own story connected to the festival, while in Mysore the concept of Shami tree is centered. Learn
about the celebrations of Dussehra in different parts of India, by going through the following lines.
Dusshera Celebrations In India
In North India
Ramlila is the backbone of the celebration of Dusshera in northern India, where the scenes from Rama’s life are depicted, especially Bharat Milap, the reunion of Rama with his brother Bharat, the destruction of Ravana (the highlight of Dussehra) and the return of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita to Ayodhya, their kingdom after fourteen years of exile. In Himachal Pradesh’s Kulu valley, the very ceremonial festivities and grand processions of the village deities of the hill people marks Dussehra.
In Delhi and nearby states, oversized effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and
Kumbhkaran are burnt in Ramlila, a mela that is organized by different committees, at huge grounds. It is a week long affair in the hill town of Kullu, in Himachal Pradesh. Deities are brought in process to ‘maidan’ in Kullu, to pay respect to the reigning deity of the place - Raghunathji. The huge procession consists of more than hundred deities that are mounted on the colorful palanquins. Ramlila is the next major attraction of Kullu Dusshera.
Kumbhkaran are burnt in Ramlila, a mela that is organized by different committees, at huge grounds. It is a week long affair in the hill town of Kullu, in Himachal Pradesh. Deities are brought in process to ‘maidan’ in Kullu, to pay respect to the reigning deity of the place - Raghunathji. The huge procession consists of more than hundred deities that are mounted on the colorful palanquins. Ramlila is the next major attraction of Kullu Dusshera.
In South India
In Tamil Nadu, the nine days preceding Dussehra have been equally divided for worshipping the three Goddesses namely Lakshmi (the first three days are dedicated to the Goddess of wealth and prosperity), Saraswati (the next three days are dedicated to the Goddess of learning and arts) and Durga (the last three days are dedicated to Mother Goddess, Shakti). The women and children of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka arrange small statues and dolls, known as ‘Bommai Kolu’, on artificial steps and decorate the steps and the nearby place with beautiful lamps and flowers.
From the very first day of the festival, songs and stories form a part of the celebration and a dish made out of chickpeas known as ‘choondal’ is made for the dolls as prasad to relish on. Vijayadashmi is the day when the Bommai Kolu is taken down ceremoniously. On the day of Vijayadashami, vidya aarambh (vidyaarambam) is observed. The day is considered very auspicious, especially for the children to begin their education in academics as well as art. Saraswati puja is done on Vijayadashami. A similar tradition can be seen in Kerala as well.
Mysore is famous for a gala procession of richly bedecked elephants on the brightly lit streets of the city on Dussehra. In Mysore, effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran are burnt. The Mysore palace is illuminated for a whole month during the festive season of Dussehra. Caparisoned elephants lead a colorful procession through the vibrantly decorated streets of the princely city. In Andhra Pradesh, Dussehra is popularly referred to as Dasara.
In East India
In the eastern state of West Bengal, Vijayadashmi is celebrated as the
victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, the demon who ruled the swarglok and the earth with his invincible power. It is the last day of the ten-day festival - Durga Puja. On Vijayadashmi, the idol of Ma Durga is immersed in the nearby river or lake ceremoniously, by the devotees. This is called visarjan (submersion of diety). The idol is preceded by a huge procession of devotees. In Orissa, the festival is called Vijoya Dashami. The day is considered the last day of the Sharodiya Durga Puja. After offering the last ritual (Aparajita Puja) to the Goddess, a tearful farewell is bid to her. The immersion of diety is known as ‘Bisarjan Jatra’. After immersing the idol, people in Orissa celebrate ‘Ravan Podi’, wherein the effigies of demon Ravana are burnt.
victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, the demon who ruled the swarglok and the earth with his invincible power. It is the last day of the ten-day festival - Durga Puja. On Vijayadashmi, the idol of Ma Durga is immersed in the nearby river or lake ceremoniously, by the devotees. This is called visarjan (submersion of diety). The idol is preceded by a huge procession of devotees. In Orissa, the festival is called Vijoya Dashami. The day is considered the last day of the Sharodiya Durga Puja. After offering the last ritual (Aparajita Puja) to the Goddess, a tearful farewell is bid to her. The immersion of diety is known as ‘Bisarjan Jatra’. After immersing the idol, people in Orissa celebrate ‘Ravan Podi’, wherein the effigies of demon Ravana are burnt.
In West India
In Maharashtra, Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Ashwin
month, as per the Shaka Hindu Calendar. On the last day of Navratri, that is Dussehra, the idols installed on the first day of Navratri are immersed in water. Dussehra marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. People celebrate the occasion with fun and fervor. They visit their friends and relatives and exchange sweets. Aapta tree is worshipped on this day. Exchange of leaves of aapta tree is considered auspicious. The legend of Shami tree, under which the Pandavas of Mahabharata stored their weapons during their 12 years of exile, is associated with the celebrations. As per the legend, the weapons were retrieved by them on this day. Dussehra is considered auspicious to start any new venture, according to the Maharashtrians.
month, as per the Shaka Hindu Calendar. On the last day of Navratri, that is Dussehra, the idols installed on the first day of Navratri are immersed in water. Dussehra marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. People celebrate the occasion with fun and fervor. They visit their friends and relatives and exchange sweets. Aapta tree is worshipped on this day. Exchange of leaves of aapta tree is considered auspicious. The legend of Shami tree, under which the Pandavas of Mahabharata stored their weapons during their 12 years of exile, is associated with the celebrations. As per the legend, the weapons were retrieved by them on this day. Dussehra is considered auspicious to start any new venture, according to the Maharashtrians.
Popular Indian Festival Dussehra Celebrations
Dussehra Legends
Significance of Dussehra
Dussehra Greetings
History of Dussehra
Dussehra Poems
Dussehra Puja
Dussehra Rituals
Dusshera SMS
Dussehra Date
Eid ul Fitr Customs : On 21/09/2009
Eid ul Fitr, also known as Choti Id, is celebrated by different names in different Muslim nations. It is called Idul Fitri in Indonesia, Shemai Eid in Bangladesh, Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Lebaran in Malaysia and Ramazan Bayrami in Turkey. It marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. While, it is celebrated in varied ways in different countries, some rituals are common in the entire Muslim community across the world. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor everywhere in consonance with its sheer spirit and significance for the Muslims. The article gives an insight into the traditions and customsobserved on this pious day.
Id-ul-Fitr Customs
On the morning of Eid, Muslims all over the world take bath and have their breakfast, typically comprising of dates and sweets. They wear new clothes on this occasion and visit the mosque (masjid) to worship Allah. Special Eid ul Fitr prayer ceremony is carried out in open areas, under the sky. All the Muslims recite Takbir, a poem in the praise of the greatness of Allah. It starts at the time of the sighting of crescent moon and lasts till the prayers are said. Muslims are supposed to pay Zakat al Fitr i.e. a donation for the month of Ramzan. This donation is given at a nearby mosque, to begin the Eid prayer.
On the morning of Eid, Muslims all over the world take bath and have their breakfast, typically comprising of dates and sweets. They wear new clothes on this occasion and visit the mosque (masjid) to worship Allah. Special Eid ul Fitr prayer ceremony is carried out in open areas, under the sky. All the Muslims recite Takbir, a poem in the praise of the greatness of Allah. It starts at the time of the sighting of crescent moon and lasts till the prayers are said. Muslims are supposed to pay Zakat al Fitr i.e. a donation for the month of Ramzan. This donation is given at a nearby mosque, to begin the Eid prayer.
Zakat al Fitr can be given in way of money or eatables like dates, wheat, barley, raisins etc. After the prayer, the Imam, or the spiritual head delivers a discourse on social and family duties, also known as Khutba (sermons). Everyone prays for forgiveness for their sins and for protection against misfortune, after which people embrace and greet each other with 'Eid Mubarak' or 'Happy Eid' and head back home for the feast! It is customary to embrace the person sitting on your either side, after the prayers are over. Near and dear ones are also embraced.
On Eid, women pray at home and then get busy organizing a lavish spread of eatables, like sivai - the special sweet for Eid (vermicelli cooked in milk and sugar), dry fruits, sweetmeats, biryani (meat cooked in spicy rice) and other things. They don new clothes and pay special heed to their make-up. The men return home to their beautiful wives and the family sits down for the grand meal. People embrace each other and exchange greetings of 'Eid Mubarak'. Non-Muslims make it a point to visit their Muslim friends to join in their happiness and especially to
consume some of the scrumptious food made for Eid ul Fitr.
consume some of the scrumptious food made for Eid ul Fitr.
Gifts are also exchanged on the festive occasion of Id. Daughters and married sisters are, especially, given gifts. In fact, brothers pay a visit to their married sisters and take sivai and other eatables, along with clothes, bangles and money. Children also receive money from elders,
known as eiddi.. Celebrations extend to three days of merry-making and enjoyment. While in countries like India, Eid ul Fitr calls for a one day holiday all across the country, in some nations, Eid holidays span up to three days. Every country has its own way of celebrating Id, but most of the customs and traditions remain similar around the world.
known as eiddi.. Celebrations extend to three days of merry-making and enjoyment. While in countries like India, Eid ul Fitr calls for a one day holiday all across the country, in some nations, Eid holidays span up to three days. Every country has its own way of celebrating Id, but most of the customs and traditions remain similar around the world.
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Eid ul Fitr Customs
Significance of Eid ul Fitr
Eid ul Fitr Activities
Eid ul Fitr Cards
Eid ul Fitr Celebrations
Eid ul Fitr Date
Eid ul Fitr Decorations
Eid ul Fitr Prayers
Eid ul Fitr Recipes
All About Navratri Festival : Begin 19th September 2009
Navratri Introduction
‘Nav’ means ‘nine’ and ‘ratri’ means ‘night’. Thus, ‘Navratri’ means ‘nine nights’. There are many legends attached to the conception of Navratri like all Indian festivals. All of them are related to Goddess Shakti (Hindu Mother Goddess) and her various forms. It is one of the most celebrated festivals of Hindu calendar, it holds special significance for Gujratis and Bengalis and one can see it in the zeal and fervor of the people with which they indulge in the festive activities of the season.
Dandiya and Garba Rass are the highlights of the festival in Gujarat, while farmer sow seeds and thank the Goddess for her blessings and pray for better yield. In older times, Navratri was associated with the fertility of Mother Earth who feed us as her children.
The first three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Warrior
Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a lion. Her various incarnations - Kumari, Parvati and Kali - are worshipped during these days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl and the mature woman. Next three days are
dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity),
dressed in gold and mounted on an owl and finally, last three are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess Of Knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan. Sweetmeats are prepared for the celebrations. Children and adults dress up in new bright-colored dresses for the night performances. In some communities, people undergo rigorous fasts during this season that lasts for the nine days of Navratri. The festival culminates on Mahanavami. On this day, Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped.
Navratri Introduction :
Navratri Customs :
NavratriAarti :
Navratri Bhajans
Navratri Date :
Navratri Fast :
Navratri Garba :
Navratri Gifts
Navratri Greetings :
Navratri Katha :
NavratriLegends :
Navratri Mantra
Navratri Pooja :
Navratri Quotes :
Navratri SMS :
Navratri Thali :
Navratri Wishes
History of Navratri :
Dandiya Raas in Navratri :
Significance of Navratri
Navaratri Celebrations in India :
Nine Days of Navratri
Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a lion. Her various incarnations - Kumari, Parvati and Kali - are worshipped during these days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl and the mature woman. Next three days are
dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity),
dressed in gold and mounted on an owl and finally, last three are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess Of Knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan. Sweetmeats are prepared for the celebrations. Children and adults dress up in new bright-colored dresses for the night performances. In some communities, people undergo rigorous fasts during this season that lasts for the nine days of Navratri. The festival culminates on Mahanavami. On this day, Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped.
Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered new clothes as gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country. With commercialization, the festival has moved on to be a social festival rather than merely a religious one.
However, nothing dampens the spirit of the devout followers of Goddess Durga, as they sing devotional songs and indulge in the celebrations of Navratri, year by year.
Related Articles:
Navratri Introduction :
Navratri Customs :
NavratriAarti :
Navratri Bhajans
Navratri Date :
Navratri Fast :
Navratri Garba :
Navratri Gifts
Navratri Greetings :
Navratri Katha :
NavratriLegends :
Navratri Mantra
Navratri Pooja :
Navratri Quotes :
Navratri SMS :
Navratri Thali :
Navratri Wishes
History of Navratri :
Dandiya Raas in Navratri :
Significance of Navratri
Navaratri Celebrations in India :
Nine Days of Navratri
Overcoming a Bad First Impression
Have any of these situations happened to you? Forgetting your client’s name, unintentionally insulting a co-worker, spilling coffee on your boss, not recognizing an old friend, drinking too much at the company party, sending a racy e-mail to the wrong person, or asking a woman’s due date when she’s not pregnant - ouch! You never have a second chance to make a first impression, so what happens when that first impressionis a negative one?
We all make mistakes.
Effective communicators are not only aware of how their actions impact others; they also know how to respond in uncomfortable situations. It’s actually possible to earn more respect after making a flub by owning up to it rather than running away. If you’ve committed a social faux pas here is how you can recover.
Apologize Immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes
to image damage control. As soon as you realize that you may have offended someone, address it. The more time that passes, the more the story can become blown out of proportion. While first impressions stick, so do last impressions. Take control of the situation by making your last impression a positive one.
Avoid Over-Apologizing.
Saying you’re sorry is important, but overdoing it can create another uncomfortable situation. First, your goal in apologizing is to acknowledge your mistake and re-position yourself as being responsible and sensitive. If you repeatedly bring up the past, groveling and begging for forgiveness, you’re defeating your purpose. Second, it puts the other person in the uncomfortable position of having to constantly reassure you. Eventually that person may choose to avoid you altogether.
Make No Assumptions. It’s easy to assume that others think the worst of you, but usually what we imagine is far worse than reality. Approach your apology by owning your feelings rather than telling others how you assume they feel. This gives you a chance to test their perceptions and get a real handle on the situation. So, instead of starting out with, “You must think I’m a
total idiot.” speak for yourself, “I’m uncomfortable with how I behaved yesterday because I realized I might have offended you. Did you feel the same way?” Starting out this way also prevents over-apologizing because the other person may think it was no big deal.
Be Sincere. No matter what the circumstances, a sincere apology requires three steps. First, own what happened fully without blaming it on other people or circumstances. Second, acknowledge how your actions affected the other person which means listening without defending yourself. Third, commit
to what you will do differently in the future to avoid making the same mistake. Such an apology might sound like, “I want to apologize for what I said yesterday. After speaking with you, I can hear how much my comments offended you and caused embarrassment. I want you to know that in the future I will be more sensitive.”
Humor Works.
Depending on the situation, a little self-deprecating humor can save you. Make sure it’s directed only at you and does not increase anybody else’s level of discomfort. Sometimes calling it like you see it in the moment breaks the tension and provides an opening for you to recover. Be careful not to over indulge though. Too much self-deprecation can have the same effect as over-apologizing.
Monitor Future
Behavior. Communication has a cumulative effect, so every impression you make builds on the previous one. Overcoming a bad impression requires that all future behavior be consistent with how you want to be perceived. It will take time and trust to change perceptions, but it can be done!
to image damage control. As soon as you realize that you may have offended someone, address it. The more time that passes, the more the story can become blown out of proportion. While first impressions stick, so do last impressions. Take control of the situation by making your last impression a positive one.
Saying you’re sorry is important, but overdoing it can create another uncomfortable situation. First, your goal in apologizing is to acknowledge your mistake and re-position yourself as being responsible and sensitive. If you repeatedly bring up the past, groveling and begging for forgiveness, you’re defeating your purpose. Second, it puts the other person in the uncomfortable position of having to constantly reassure you. Eventually that person may choose to avoid you altogether.
total idiot.” speak for yourself, “I’m uncomfortable with how I behaved yesterday because I realized I might have offended you. Did you feel the same way?” Starting out this way also prevents over-apologizing because the other person may think it was no big deal.
to what you will do differently in the future to avoid making the same mistake. Such an apology might sound like, “I want to apologize for what I said yesterday. After speaking with you, I can hear how much my comments offended you and caused embarrassment. I want you to know that in the future I will be more sensitive.”
Depending on the situation, a little self-deprecating humor can save you. Make sure it’s directed only at you and does not increase anybody else’s level of discomfort. Sometimes calling it like you see it in the moment breaks the tension and provides an opening for you to recover. Be careful not to over indulge though. Too much self-deprecation can have the same effect as over-apologizing.
Behavior. Communication has a cumulative effect, so every impression you make builds on the previous one. Overcoming a bad impression requires that all future behavior be consistent with how you want to be perceived. It will take time and trust to change perceptions, but it can be done!
If You Don’t Agree? Then Leave your comments!
If You Agree, then don’t forget to comment!
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