Blog

31 August 2020 –

Onam is the most important festival of Kerela which has now earned an all- India character. It coincides with harvest season and is an occasion of spontaneous revelry. Onam celebrates home coming of Mahabali, the legendary king, who ruled over Kerala in an age of plenty but was pushed down to infernal regions by Vishnu in the form of Vamana. It is now celebrated as a national festival under government auspices.
Onam comes on the Shravan Bhadrapada according to the Hindu lunar calendar around August or September. On this occasion, people clean their houses and their surroundings and decorate it beautifully. They start their preparations a few days before the festival. Two little mounds of earth are placed in the centre to represent king Mahabali and Lord Vishnu.

There is a fervour of festivity all around. Ladies prepare floral rangoli with beautiful designs at the entrance of their houses to please King Mahabali, who was very fond of all these beautiful things. Family puja is performed with great care and prayers are offered. The women of Kerala, who are famous for their beauty, do the belle to grace the occasion. People of all ages enjoy each and every moment of this festival.

People also perform classical dance-the Kathakali in the courtyard of their house. Even at public places, they dance with full vigour and gaiety. The masked Kathak dancers enact the mythological stories in a very lively manner. Onam is a welcome occasion for King Mahabali. A song is sung on the auspicious occasion which tells the people of Kerala about the glory of the king and his rule. Needless to say that the king was famous for his truth, justice and peaceful coordination.

People seem to be in high spirits on the occasion of Onam. The houses and the streets are lighted as lighted on Deepawali throughout the country. On the next day of Onam, people visit their relatives and friends and offer them saffron clothes. They express good wishes to each other and enjoy the day in an atmosphere of love and compassion.

Thus, Onam is the most important festival of Kerala. They still remember the prosperity of King Mahabali by celebrating it enthusiastically. They have a belief that the king will come every year to bless them and grace the occasion. Hence they celebrate this festival with fresh vigour and zeal.

29 August 2020 –

India celebrates its National Sports Day every year on the 29th August. The day is celebrated to honor the legendary hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand Singh. 29th August happens to be the birth anniversary of Dhyan Chand, who made India proud by his extraordinary sporting skills. He was the greatest hockey player India has ever seen.

Dhyan Chand had joined the army at the early age and learnt the game of hockey from his coach Pankaj Gupta and soon became an expert in ball dribbling and goal scoring. He quickly became the Indian Hockey Team captain due to his excellent playing techniques and was given the nickname ‘Chand’ which means ‘Moon’. During his sports career Dhyan Chand had won three Olympic medals and till date remains the only hockey player who has received the Padma Bhushan award. He had won the Olympic Gold medal six times in a row for India in hockey. His lifetime awards and achievements in sports are considered as the highest point in the history of Indian sports.

The National Sports Day is dedicated to the brilliant hockey player Dhyan Chand. This day is celebrated by organizing friendly matches between different Indian hockey teams at the Dhyan Chand National stadium in New Delhi which was constructed in the respect and honor of Major Dhyan Chand.

Sports persons commemorate this day in a sportive way. The President of India Bestows prestigious awards such as the Arjuna and Dronacharya Award, Dhyan Chand Award, etc to the sports persons who have contributed to the growth of sports all through their sports career and also after retirement. A lot of schools throughout the country celebrate this day as their Annual Sports Day and young people are also encouraged and made aware of the possibilities in sports and what all advancement the country has obtained in sports.

26 August 2020 –

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

Mother Teresa was a humanitarian. She was a tiny woman of just 4 feet 11 inches and less than 100 pounds. Yet, she spent many years lifting and carrying those who were dying or sick. Mother Teresa chose to “serve the poorest of the poor and to live among them and like them.” She saw beauty in every human being. She, along with others of the Missionaries of Charity, strove to make the lives and deaths of those around them more peaceful and full of love. She fed, washed, and cared for anyone who needed the assistance.

Mother Teresa started working as a missionary in the year 1948 and adopted new look that of a nun completely. She spent few months of her life in Patna to acquire basic medical training in Holy Family Hospital. Soon after completing the training, she started helping the poor and many women joined her and community known as poorest among the poor was found. Her efforts were soon noticed and were appreciated by the Indian Government.

She arrived in India in 1929 and became a nun two years later. The poverty and suffering she saw around her in Calcutta deeply disturbed her. A famine in 1943 killed thousands and worsened the situation. In 1946 she received a call from God. “I was to leave the convent and help the poor while living among them. It was an order,” she said.

She was an international symbol of charity, visiting many countries to help poor children. At the time of her death, her organization was operating in 123 countries. After she died, the Pope started the process that might one day make her a saint. An international survey ranked her as the “most admired person of the 20th Century.”

19 August 2020 –

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Martin Luther King Jr.,

World Humanitarian Day is celebrated every year on 19th August. World Humanitarian Day 2020 is observed to pay tribute to aid workers who involve themselves in humanitarian services by risking their lives. World Humanitarian Day is celebrated to create awareness about those affected by the crisis of the world. It was established in 2008 by the United Nations General Assembly, which was first officially celebrated in 2009. The date of 19th August was chosen as it marks the anniversary of the Canal Hotel’s bombing in Baghdad, an event in which the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello and twenty others sacrificed their lives.

This year, World Humanitarian Day is extra special as we have a number of people who risk their lives to save the sick ones. The year 2020 has been a disaster to all of us, and yet people who work for saving lives amid COVID-19 deserve to be celebrated. Humanitarians are not only doctors but also nurses, hospital workers, police officers, and many other government employees who are involved in the betterment of the world during this time.

Humanitarians are not those who help humans who are in need but also animals. This World Humanitarian Day is dedicated to every individual who works for the needy by risking their life. Even if you step out to provide face masks or food for the underprivileged, you are a humanitarian, and this day is to celebrate your efforts.

18 August 2020 –

“In later days from Brahma came,
to rule our land, a noble dame,
kind was her heart and bright her fame,
Ahilya was her honoured name,” wrote poet Joanna Baillie in 1849 in honour of one of the greatest Maratha woman ruler of Malwa.

Born in the village of Chondi in Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharani Ahilyabai as she was fondly referred to Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar was the Holkar Queen of the Malwa kingdom.

She was married to Khanderao Holkar in 1733 at the tender age of 8. But distress was quick to befall the young bride when her husband Khanderao was killed in the battle of Kumbher in 1754, leaving her a widow at only 29.

When Ahilyabai was about to commit Sati, her father-in-law Malhar Rao refused to let it happen.

He had been her strongest pillar of support at that time. But a young Ahilyabai could see her kingdom fall like a pack of cards after her father-in-law passed away in 1766, only 12 years after the death of his son Khanderao.

One can imagine how a woman, royalty would suffer after losing her husband, father-in-law and only son. But Ahilyabai stood undeterred. She did not let the grief of her loss affect the administration of the kingdom and the lives of her people.

She took matters into her own hands. She petitioned the Peshwa after her son’s death, to take over the administration herself. She ascended the throne and became the ruler of Indore on 11 December 1767.

The Queen of Malwa, apart from being a brave queen and proficient ruler, was also an erudite politician. She observed the bigger picture when the Maratha Peshwa couldn’t pin down the agenda of the British.

“Far and wide the roads were planted with shady trees, and wells were dug, and rest-houses for travellers were made. The poor, the homeless, the orphaned were all helped according to their needs. The Bhils, who had long been the torment of all caravans, were routed from their mountain fastnesses and persuaded to settle down as honest farmers. Hindu and Muslim alike revered the famous Queen and prayed for her long life,” writes Annie Besant.

She was 70 when she died and was succeeded by her commander-in-chief, Tukoji Rao Holkar I.

According to Besant “Indore long mourned its noble Queen, happy had been her reign, and her memory is cherished with deep reverence unto this day”.

15 August 2020 –

“Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err.”
Mahatma Gandhi

The Independence Day of India, which is celebrated religiously throughout the Country on the 15th of August every year, holds tremendous ground in the list of national days, since it reminds every Indian about the dawn of a new beginning, the beginning of an era of deliverance from the clutches of British colonialism of more than 200 years. It was on 15th August 1947 that India was declared independent from British colonialism, and the reins of control were handed over to the leaders of the Country. India’s gaining of independence was a tryst with destiny, as the struggle for freedom was a long and tiresome one, witnessing the sacrifices of many freedom fighters, who laid down their lives on the line.
On this day, India witnesses a huge celebration of independence with tricolor flag hoisting, parades and cultural functions across the country. Independence Day is one of the most significant days in the Indian history that remarks the bravery of our freedom fighters. With buildings illuminated by the tricolor, people pay homage to our leaders and great fighters who fought and gave up their lives for India’s freedom “Our Freedom”. Laid on the sacrifices of many freedom fighters and celebrated with much dedication, the 74th Independence Day on 15th August is a national holiday when people express their happiness by flying kites, listening patriotic songs and hoisting national flag.

To continue with the legacy, this Independence Day will be celebrated online by hosting the tricolor followed by National Anthem, patriotic songs and motivational speeches​ by Students and faculties.

12 August 2020 –

“The Youth of a Nation are the trustees of Posterity.” – Benjamin Disraeli

International Youth Day seeks to raise awareness to the cultural and legal issues faced by youth throughout the world. The United Nations defines youth as people between the ages of 15 and 24 years, although locally, youth can be interpreted in a more flexible manner.

In 1995, the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) adopted the World Programme of Action for Youth with the intention of establishing guidelines and policies for action and support that would lead to a brighter future for tomorrow’s youth. The World Programme of Action for Youth, which consists of 15 priority areas, including education, employment, hunger and poverty, health, environment and drug abuse, paved the way for the UN’s declaration of International Youth Day in 1999. Since its inception on August 12, 2000, International Youth Day has served to increase the quality and quantity of opportunities available to the youth to actively participate in society.

In 2009, the UN Economic and Social Council further expanded each of the 15 youth priority areas by developing goals and targets for monitoring youth progress, an expansion that now serves as the basis for International Youth Day’s annual theme. Each year, the theme is selected based upon immediate and relevant issues that youth are facing today. The youth is leading the change, and International Youth Day ensures that they have the ability, skill, motivation and recognition to continue to do so.

12 August 2020 –

Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in India. According to the Hindu calendar this religious festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon.

Sri Krishna is considered as one of the most powerful human incarnations of the Lord Vishnu. He was born around 5,200 years ago in Mathura. The sole objective of Sri Krishna’s birth was to free the Earth from the evilness of demons. He played an important role in Mahabharata and propagated the theory of bhakti and good karma which are narrated deeply in the Bhagwat Geeta.

Sri Krishna was born in a prison in the custody of Kansa. Vasudev, His father immediately thought of his friend Nand and decided to hand over his child to him to save Krishna from the clutch of Kansa. Krishna grew up in Gokul and finally killed his uncle, King Kansa.

The actual celebration of Janmashtami takes place during the midnight as Sri Krishna is believed to be borned on a dark, stormy and windy night to end the rule and violence of his uncle, Kansa. All over India this day is celebrated with devotional songs and dances, pujas, arti, blowing of the Conch and rocking the cradle of baby Sri Krishna.

The Janmashtami celebration of Mathura and Vrindavan, the places where Sri Krishna had spent his life, are very special. On this day temples and homes are wonderfully decorated and illuminated. Night long prayers are offered and religious mantras are chanted in the temples.

9 August 2020 –

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only once.” (George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons)

National Book Lovers’ day is an unofficial holiday observed to encourage bibliophiles celebrate reading and literature, reading and learning! People are advised to put away their smart phones and every possible technological distraction and pick up a book or two, and read. Reading is a process, an ongoing activity. People say, there are not enough days in human life to finish the best writings that humanity presented – To Read And Enjoy, To Read And Learn.

Research studies have shown that reading can not only be entertaining, but can also have many health benefits. Reading helps in reducing stress, keeps the brain sharp, and can help the sleeping disorders. Scientists have also found that those who read are much more likely to be empathic and possess ability to understanding of others.

There is a book for everyone’s taste – from the scent of a rare first edition book found in an antique books collection, to a crisp, fresh book at the local bookstore. The very sight of a book can bring back memories of childhood reading, to enjoy a short story or a poem. The long books novels are bringing on the magic ability to lose yourself in a story so powerful that at the end it is like missing good friends. This is for the reader in everyone, the celebration of Book Lovers Day!

Started from carving on stone tablets, the book was designed to make portable the writings and drawings of those who could not carry around stone tablets. In the more modern age, printing capabilities (Thank you, Guttenberg!) made books cheaper, and easier to obtain. The printing press, the typewriter, and the computer all had an effect on the market of books. However, the upsurge in electronic devices that can be used for reading books – computers, tablets, and most cell phones now have the ability to access any small or big book, and to enjoy reading books not matter where you are, at any geographical location.

In order to truly appreciate Book Lovers Day, one must only find a story and read it. Maybe some wish to dive into the unknown with a good mystery, or see magic in a high fantasy setting, or be enthralled in a steamy romance. The individual genre of reading is not the big part of this ‘book lovers’ celebration, just that someone practices the reading.

Today, we encourage to find time to read as many books as someone can, to live the many lives of the heroes, to learn new things, and the open the mind to new forms of knowledge.

3 August 2020 –

Raksha Bandhan’ is a famous festival of Hindus. It is also called the festival of ‘Rakhi’. It falls on Purnima or full moon day in the month of Shravan according to Hindu Calendar. It is celebrated all over India.

‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ means bound. Thus ‘Raksha Bandhan’ means the ‘Bond of Protection’. On this day, Sisters tie a special band on their brothers’ wrist as a mark of affection. This thread is called the ‘Rakhi’. The brothers in return takes a lifelong vow to protect their sisters. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, brothers and sisters reaffirm their pious bonds of affection.
Raksha Bandhan is all about celebrating this bond. It is a symbolism of the unique and special relationship shared by the two. This day has been rightly recognized to have a good time and focus on this beautiful bond. It serves as a symbol of their love, togetherness, and confidence in each other.