It is that time of the year again! If the beautifully lit oil lamps and lanterns bring hope and positivity, the vibrant and intricate rangoli patterns liven up the festive fervour. Just seeing a rangoli filled with different colours enhances the vibe of ‘Diwali’ and makes us realise that happy times are just around the corner. However, creating rangoli is considered a challenging and time-consuming task. Don’t worry if you are not a pro at drawing rangoli, here are some tips and tricks that will help you decorate your home entrances with beautiful designs. 1. Make use of kitchen utensils: One does not need to spend money on expensive art tools to create rangoli on Diwali. With the help of kitchen utensils, one can easily create beautiful rangoli patterns. Plates and bottle caps act as the best go-to tools to make rangoli designs. If you want to make big circular designs, you can place the food plates on the floor and then use a pencil/pen to draw their circumference. Use bangles to create smaller circles and then accordingly fill them with colours. Bottle caps can also be used to draw smaller circles. 2. Opt for natural elements: Flowers undoubtedly add more colour to Diwali decorations. Not only to your home walls but you can also add a floral touch to your rangoli designs. And, if you are someone who is sometimes scratching their brains […]
The United States is commemorating the 101st year of Women’s Equality Day. On August 26, the day is largely commemorated in the United States to honour American women gaining the constitutional right to vote. The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in 1920. The legislation makes it illegal to deny citizens of the United States the right to vote based on their gender. HISTORY OF WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY The United States Congress established August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day” in 1971, at the request of Rep. Bella Abzug, and it was approved in 1973. It is declared by the President of the United States every year. President Richard Nixon issued the first official proclamation. Since then, every US president has made a proclamation establishing this day. The date was chosen to honour the 1920 approval of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. This was the conclusion of a vast, nonviolent civil rights campaign led by women, which began in 1848 at the world’s first women’s rights conference in Seneca Falls, New York. SIGNIFICANCE OF WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY Women’s Equality Day not only honours the 19th Amendment’s passage, but also draws attention to women’s ongoing struggles towards gaining full equality. Over the last century, great women have proven the traditional stereotypes wrong by demonstrating to the world what women are capable of doing, from Rosa […]
August 23 is marked as the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. During the imperialist regimes run by the colonial powers of Europe, slave trade was a cruel yet common practice. Through this practice, a section of the world and its peoples, mainly from Africa and Asia were reduced to mere slaves who were bought and sold and transported to colonial settlements in Haiti, Caribbean, and other parts of the world. History The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is commemorated on August 23 because of a significant event that took place surrounding this date. Santo Domingo, which is modern day Haiti and the Dominican Republic, was an erstwhile colonial settlement of France in the eighteenth century. The days of August 22 and August 23, 1791 saw the start of the uprising that would play a vital role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade led by the European colonial powers. The uprising inspired the Haitian Revolution which was led by the Black and the mixed race people against the colonial rulers. SIGNIFICANCE This United Nations designated day is intended to remember and honour the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples who were dehumanised by the cruel practice or systemic racism. According to the UN, the day should offer an opportunity for collective consideration of the […]
The harvest festival of Kerala, Onam holds great significance for Keralites. The festival generally falls in the month of August/September and is celebrated across India and the world by people. Onam is marked by the harvest season of the standing crops. The festival marks the beginning of the Malayalam year, called Kolla Varsham. Onam is celebrated by people with varied activities, which include Vallam Kali (boat race), Pullaki (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower Rangoli). Onam celebrations span over 10 days and fall on the 22nd Nakshatra Thiruvonam in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, overlapping with August-September. Onam began this year on August 12 and it will end on August 23. Significance Of Onam 2021 Onam festival is a symbol of King Mahabali’s annual homecoming. In Kerala, it is believed that King Mahabali’s reign was the most prosperous time for the state. The festival also commemorates the appearance of the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu. Keralites during Onam celebrate the annual visit of Asura King Mahabali from Patal Lok (the underworld). It is believed that on the day of Onam, Asura King visits every Malayali home and meets his people. The festival is celebrated with great pomp among Keralites across the nation and the world. Onam 2021: Wishes, Quotes And Messages On this auspicious occasion of Onam, may you be showered with good luck, prosperity and happiness. Have a wonderful Onam I hope you celebrate […]
Raksha Bandhan celebrates the purity and sanctity of the bond that exists between siblings. Raksha means safety and Bandhan means bond. This festival is celebrated between siblings for their undying support and a vow of protection of each other under any dire circumstance. This year, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on 22nd August which falls on Sunday. This festival is full of joy, merriment, exchange of gifts and sweets. Like all other festivals, even Raksha Bandhan has a deeply traditional and cultural significance. History Of Raksha Bandhan 2021 Raksha Bandhan has its roots in a popular incident described in the epic, Mahabharata. Once Lord Krishna was flying a kite and cut one of his fingers with the thread. Then Draupadi tore a piece from her saree and tied it on Krishna’s finger to stop the bleeding. Moved by the gesture, Krishna promised her that he will protect her from all evils throughout his life. This day, when sisters tie rakhi, brothers offer them gifts and sweets. Sweet dishes are cooked at home and all family members wear new clothes. Significance of Raksha Bandhan 2021 According to Hindu norms, a sister applies tilak on her brother’s forehead and ties a rakhi around his wrist, praying for a happy and healthy life. In return, the brother gifts her with something that she likes or gives cash as a token of appreciation and love. This festival has become more of a playful exchange of gifts and understanding. […]
World Photography Day is celebrated every year on 19 August. The day is observed all over the world to celebrated the art, craft, science and history of photography. Photography is a very important medium of storytelling. Moreover, it is one of the few mediums which can convey a feeling instantly and more effectively than words can. A photograph has the ability to capture a place, an emotion, an experience, an idea, and a moment in time. World Photography Day: History History of World Photography Day can be traced back to late 1830s when Louis Daguerre developed the first-ever photographic process by inventing the ‘daguerreotype’. According to Planeta.com, The French Academy of Sciences on 9 January, 1839, announced the process. It was followed by the French government announcing the invention as a gift free to the world on 19 August, 1839. Therefore, 19 August is celebrated every year is World Photography Day. World Photography Day: Significance As mentioned above, Photography is one of the most significant storytelling medium. A good photograph is often timeless. One can appreciate it the day it was clicked and even after 50 years. Being a visual medium, it also informs and makes us more aware about the world we live in. World Photography Day 2021: Quotes When words become unclear, I shall focus on photographs When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence Happy World Photography Day “Indulging in […]
15th August every year is celebrated as Independence day. India received freedom from the oppressive rule of the British Empire in 1947 and the Indian national flag was hoisted by the first Prime Minister of Independent India, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru above the Lahori Gate of Red Fort in Delhi. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the culmination of our freedom struggle. This day is celebrated across the nation with much ardour and pride, with people coming together to remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and leaders who dedicated their lives to liberate our nation. The Indian freedom fighters started many movements that in some way or the other helped broke the shackles of slavery after 90 years. From the Revolt of 1857 to sepoy mutiny, there were many movements that were a major benchmark in the fight against Britishers. We owe this freedom to our valiant freedom fighters who didn’t hesitate for once to give up their lives, just so their future generations can breathe the free air of India. As we commemorate the occasion, let us take a look at the history and significance of this date History of Independence Day: The British had ruled over India for almost two centuries, starting from 1757. The British Empire first set foot in India through its trading company called The East India Company in Surat, Gujarat, in 1619. Their rule became oppressive and sowed […]
Nag Panchami or Naga Panchami is celebrated on the Panchami date of Shravan Shukla Paksha. It consists of traditional worship of snakes as they hold an important place among the gods. The day is celebrated by Hindus throughout India, Nepal and other countries with Hindi inhabitants. The snakes are believed to reside in Patala Lok and the lowest of them is known as Naga Loka, the regions of Nagas. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna describes himself as Vasuki among the snakes and Ananta among the serpents. On the day of Nag Panchami in South India, snakes are made from red sandalwood on wooden posts or idols of snakes in yellow or black colors are made with clay or are bought to be worshipped with milk. People sought their blessings for the well-being of the family. Nag Panchami 2021: History and Significance Snakes are considered to be auspicious according to Hindu religious beliefs. It is believed that the prayers offered on Nag Panchami reach the serpent Gods. Live snakes are worshipped on this day as people consider them the representatives of serpent Gods. There are many serpent Gods, however, the following 12 are worshipped on Nag Panchami. Ananta Vasuki Shesha Padma Kambala Karkotaka Ashvatara Dhritarashtra Shankhapala Kaliya Takshaka Pingala Nag Panchami 2021 Puja Vidhi, Vrat Vidhi In many houses, a place of worship is made by smearing ocher on the wall, then a shape […]
People across the country will observe the monsoon festival Hariyali Teej 2021 today. The Hariyali Teej is marked on the third day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan. It is also called Shravani Teej as it falls in the month of ‘Shravan’ month. There are three teejs that are celebrated throughout the year – Hariyali, Kajari and Hartalika. According to belief, on the auspicious day of Hariyali Teej, women, who are married, pray for the well being of their husbands. Unmarried women seek Lord Shiva and Parvati’s blessing on this day so that they get an eligible match. This year this auspicious occasion will start from August 10 at 6:08 pm and will go on till 4:56 pm on August 11. Since it is starting in the evening of August 10 it will be celebrate the next day. Women observe ‘nirjala upvas’, which means not to even drink water, through the day for the blessings of Lord Shiva and Parvati. They also get ready and do ‘Solah Sringar’. Wishes, Quotes, Messages And WhatsApp Greetings Wishing your life to be full of happiness, your days full of new experiences and your surroundings full of positivity. May Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati bless you with health and prosperity and protect you from evil. Happy Hariyali Teej! May this teej bring peace, bliss and abundance in your life. Happy Hariyali Teej 2021. May Lord Shiva bless […]
August 7 is observed as National Handloom Day to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement and to celebrate our country’s rich fabrics and colourful weaves. This year, India will mark the seventh National Handloom Day to showcase the legacy of the Indian handloom industry and to honour the weavers across the country. The day is dedicated to raise awareness among the public and to increase the contribution towards the socio-economic development of the weavers. The day was first observed in 2015 by the Government of India. NATIONAL HANDLOOM DAY : HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE The handloom sector is one of the major symbols of the Indian cultural heritage. It has been an important source of livelihood, especially for women. They form around 70% of the weavers or allied workers in the sector. National Handloom day is celebrated to honour the handloom community and acknowledge their contribution to India’s socio-economic development. The government of India announced August 7 as National Handloom Day to mark the 100th anniversary of the Swadeshi Movement, which started in 1905. The first National Handloom Day was organised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Chennai. The main aim of this day is to make people aware of the rich history of Indian handloom as synthetic fabrics have taken over the textile industry in the present era. Hence, the day is observed to celebrate India’s rich fabrics and colourful weaves. Last year, our PM launched […]
Ahead of Ganeshotsav in Gujarat’s Vadodara, Dakshesh Jangid makes Ganesh idol, showing him sitting on a vaccine vial, with a syringe beside him and a face mask in hand to raise awareness on Covid-19 protocols and encourage people to get vaccinated. Amid the relaxations given by the government permitting people to celebrate the festival following Covid-19 protocols, Dakshesh Jangid urges people to stay safe and avoid a third wave in the country. He has made the idol with a height of about 2.5 feet and added little structures of Covid warriors beside the vial, depicting Covid-19 vaccination. “I have been making eco-friendly Ganesh idols for the past four years,” he told in an interview. He further stressed that the idea behind making this is to raise awareness on following Covid-19 protocols and also to get vaccinated in order to prevent a third wave amid relaxations given by the government. “The message is that we should celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi while following all Covid guidelines this year,” the artist said. The idol maker said he took two days to make this unique idol. “A team of 3-4 people helped me to make it,” he said. He added that an organisation that sets up Ganesh mandals on the festival has selected his idol and decided to set up a vaccination camp along with establishing this idol on Ganeshotsav. Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival that starts on the […]
The Harappan city of Dholavira in Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch has found a place in UNESCO’s World Heritage list, making it the 40th world heritage property in the country. The UNESCO announcement on Dholavira, which was made Tuesday, follows the agency’s announcement listing Rudreswara Temple, also known as the Ramappa Temple, in Telangana as a world heritage site. India had submitted the nomination dossier for ‘Dholavira: A Harappan City to the World Heritage Centre’ in January, 2020. The site was on the UNESCO’s tentative list since 2014. It is one of the very few well-preserved urban settlements in south Asia dating from the 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE. Spread over 22 hectare, the Harappan-era metropolis is the fifth largest archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilisation, dating back to around 3000 BC and is believed to have been occupied till 1500 BC. It draws its name from present-day village Dholavira. Locally known as Kotda Timba, the expansive site was discovered in the 1960s by archaeologist Jagat Pati Joshi, who served as director-general of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) between 1987 and 1990. The site was excavated under the supervision of ASI archaeologist Ravindra Singh Bisht in the 1990s. Bisht: “This is recognition of my work. I am surely very happy. It is also a great thing as Dholavira is the first Harappan site from India to be inscribed on the world heritage sites list of […]
It is that time of the year again! If the beautifully lit oil lamps and lanterns bring hope and positivity, the vibrant and intricate rangoli patterns liven up the festive fervour. Just seeing a rangoli filled with different colours enhances the vibe of ‘Diwali’ and makes us realise that happy times are just around the corner. However, creating rangoli is considered a challenging and time-consuming task. Don’t worry if you are not a pro at drawing rangoli, here are some tips and tricks that will help you decorate your home entrances with beautiful designs. 1. Make use of kitchen utensils: One does not need to spend money on expensive art tools to create rangoli on Diwali. With the help of kitchen utensils, one can easily create beautiful rangoli patterns. Plates and bottle caps act as the best go-to tools to make rangoli designs. If you want to make big circular designs, you can place the food plates on the floor and then use a pencil/pen to draw their circumference. Use bangles to create smaller circles and then accordingly fill them with colours. Bottle caps can also be used to draw smaller circles. 2. Opt for natural elements: Flowers undoubtedly add more colour to Diwali decorations. Not only to your home walls but you can also add a floral touch to your rangoli designs. And, if you are someone who is sometimes scratching their brains […]
