Teacher’s day: A tribute to their efforts

Teacher’s day is celebrated annually to appreciate their role in the society. The reason behind celebration is that teachers do need encouragement and support from the community to recognise their efforts. It is also known as Teacher Appreciation Day or National Teacher's Day. It is celebrated on 5th of September every year. It is also the birthday of one of the greatest teacher Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan who became the president of India.

Teachers play a very imporant role in the building of society. They lay the foundation of a student character. The things thaught in an educational institute remains in the life of the student forever.They influence the students with their thoughts. Students learn a lot from a teacher's action so he should be careful with his actions. They are our role models. They help in deciding our future. Teachers prepare the student for the society from an early stage.  

On teachers day student show their respect and gratitude to their teachers for their effort. Various colourful cultural programs, feast and other activities are organised on this day. This make this day special and memorable. Students gift flowers, cards or gifts to show their love towards them. The latest trend is to organize Teacher's Day party.

Some great movies which shows the role of the teachers in the society are Taare Zameen Par and three idiots. Amir Khan who is one of the best actor portrays his role to perfection in these films. Aarakshan is also a great movie to watch on the eve of teacher’s days. Rocford is hindi film based on school life. These movies are Inspiring in their own way.

Sending animated or e-greeting card is also a rage in the contemporary times. Available absolutely free of cost, these Teacher's Day Greetings e-cards have become a preferred way to send warm wishes and shower emotions on teachers.

If we go back in our past we can find that we were students once. We were guided by the teacher. They helped in building our personality. They helped use in taking future decision. They helped us building our carrier. If teachers were not there we would not have become what we are today.

Teacher’s day is the time to thank them for their contribution. One of the best and effort less way to thank them is to send an e-card.  Desievite is the portal which has an excellent collection of Teacher’s day e-cards. Thank you e-card is also a best option. We are missing our teacher. Miss you e-cards are also an option. In addition to that the process of sending e-cards is very simple. Don't think a lot. Just visit www.desievite.com and send Teacher’s day e-card today.

Labor Day a tribute to American workers

Labor Day commemorates the economic and social contributions of workers to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country. It also pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It also marks the end of summer for many Americans. People plan trips and hold outdoor events. In United States it is a national holiday and it is celebrated on first Monday in September (3rd of September).One of the reasons for choosing to celebrate this on the first Monday in September was to add a holiday in the long gap between Independence Day and Thanksgiving.

The first Labor Day was held in 1882.Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday in 1887.On June 28, 1884, the U.S. Congress passed an act making it a national holiday. 

It is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events. People enjoy the day with their friends and families, go for boating, picnics, fireworks and much more. A street parade is held followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations. Labour Day was mainly celebrated by the trade unions in collaboration with the political parties.

Labor Day is (or was) considered the last day of the year when it is fashionable to wear white or seersucker. In the U.S., most school resume school  after this day.

In U.S. sports, Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons.

Labour Day has its origins in the labour union movement, specifically the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest. Before this great day men and women were working 6 to 7 days a week 12 to 14 hours a day most of the time. 

Labor Day History

Bridal Shower Party Ideas

Bridal Shower is one time activity in anybody life. After it passes the couple there is no point in regretting. It is the time of bonding. It is the time of introduction with new people. It is time of fun. It needs planning.

Here are a few ideas for Bridal Shower  

I read on a portal that in a Bridal Shower the guests brought unwrapped gifts. They had to keep their gifts on a big table and walk away. The couple would walk to the table and open the gifts. The guests could also see the couple checking their gifts and admiring them.

After the Bridal Shower the couple was moving to a different location. They requested their guests to give gift cards of the place they were moving to. It saved the trouble of the guests. The couple would place all the gift cards in a big envelope and take to the place they were moving to.

From decades it is a tradition to celebrate the bridal shower at home or restaurants. The trend is changing quickly. Now the couple can plan their shower on a beach on weekends. They can change it from a shower to a wine tasting party or a spa weekend.

Giving token of appreciation to the guests is a very old tradition. It can be creative. It is a great idea and saves money. We serve tea at the shower. Instead we can create three different packages like brightly coloured mugs with English breakfast tea, white tea cups with white or green tea and small espresso-style cups with chamomile.  We have to place them on a table with some catchy signs.

One of the popular games in Bridal Shower is HOW WELL DOES THE GROOM KNOW THE BRIDE?  This game needs some planning. We have to list some question. Before the event we ask these questions to the groom. In the event we are going to ask the same questions to the bride and check how many answers match. It is a great game and should be kept in every Bridal Shower.

Let me tell you about a nice game that you can keep in you bridal shower. You have to spend on an apron. It takes less space and needs concentration. Concentration keeps everybody involved. Here are the details. The bride walks around the room modelling an apron covered in kitchen utensils- peelers, masher, etc. After she leaves the room the guests have to try to write down as many utensils as they can remember- the guests with the most correct answers wins the apron.

Wedding party funny ideas

If you want it fun then chose something that has to do with your interests. Suppose a couple likes boxing, the party should be introduced in a ring announcer style. They should be in their best poses in the ring. It looks very funny.

A fun dance song should be played. The couple should start first and then the guest should join them latter. The plan should be explained to the guests.

A mixed type of song can also be played for example one song would be a funny one where the small children can dance. When it finishes the serious song should be played where children and other guests can join the dance.

The couple should wear some mismatch dresses. The bride should wear mismatch pair of slippers. The bridegroom should wear different type of shoes in both the feet. 

  

A packed gift should be given to the couple and the bride is asked to unpack the gift. When she finishes unpacking, a joker should pop out from the gift box. It is a funny idea and is tried frequently.

A game introduced in the party is a funny idea. Hide and seek is one of the simplest game. The person who is found first has to tell a joke or a funny. He can also present a funny act if he knows one. When it finishes the game can be continued.

The bride should gather with other ladies in the party with their faces covered and the groom should be asked to identify her bride. This game is full with fun and excitement.

We can call some magicians who should dress in a weird way. They will do some slap stick comedy and close up magic to entertain the guests. Don’t tell any of the guests about it. Give them a surprise.

Medium size photo frames should be arranged in advance. At the time of group picture the people should put the frames in front of their faces. A friend should be asked to put the frame in front of the couple face. The couple should stand close to each other. It would look very funny and can be tried in a weeding.

The bridegroom should be blindfolded. He should be brought to the party by the bride. 

Onam and the Ritual of feeding poor people

Once upon a time some men were travelling in a boat named Palliyodam. The boat was filled with goods. The goods consisted mainly of food items. They were sailing effortlessly.

Suddenly a strange thing happened to their boat. The boat got stuck in the river. Efforts were taken to take out the boat from the lock down. The efforts went in vain. A kind hearted and spiritual man named Bhattathiripad was the in charge of the boat. He ordered the oarsmen to push the boat from behind. They got down and tried to push the boat from behind but the efforts did not paid off. Now everybody in the boat were sad and depressed. They were worried about the eatables because it would perish soon.

After a few hours Bhattathiripad called the crew. He told them that he would go to the bank and return with whatever help he can get. Everybody agreed with his plan. He took a small boat and sailed to the river bank.

He reached to the river bank. He could see a maiden hut there. He decided to go there and ask for help. He knocked the door. A widow opened the door and asked him to come inside. When he went inside he found a boy crying. He asked the widow for the reason. She told him that there is no grocery in the house and they were hungry from a few days.

This made him sad. He decided to help the poor family. He told the widow that he would return after a short while. He went back to the boat took some of the eatables and returned. He gave the eatables to the poor family. This made him and the poor family happy. They started praising him.

In the meantime a miracle happened. The boat which was not able to free after a lot of efforts started sailing. Everybody on the boat was astonished and free from tension. They started thanking the Lord.

The boat sailed to the bank. One of the oarsmen went to the hut to inform the master that the boat has reached to the bank. When he knew that he was happy. He gave some supplies to the poor family and returned on the boat.

Since that day, it has become a tradition to feed a poor person at least on the day of Onam.

Atham: The first day of celebration

Onam is the biggest festival of Kerala. Onam is celebrated in honour of the homecoming of King Mahabali. It is also known as Vamana Jayanthi. In addition rice is harvested at the time of Onam. It is also known as harvest festival in Kerala. The festival lasts for ten days. Atham marks the start of celebrations of the ten day festivity of Onam. Each day has its own impotance. It is the first day of celebration.

Atham is considered as a holy and fortunate day by the people of Kerala. It is believed that King Mahabali started his preparations to descend from heaven to earth on this day. One of the impotant activities on the day of Atham is to make Pookalam. It is also known as Athapoo. Pookkalam is the symbol of secularism. It is a carpet made up of yellow flowers. It is placed outside the house to welcome the great king Mahabali. These carpets enhance the beauty of the veranda and the wall of the house.

Another important event which marks this day is the great colourful procession which takes place at Thrikkakkara Temple which is situated near Kochi. It was the early capital of kingdom of Cochin. It is also known as Athachamyam. The procession reflects the royal custom of Kochi. It was believed that the king used to travel with his group in the fort. The procession included elephant procession, music and dance.

The status of King Mahabali and Vamana are also installed on the junctions of the roads.

 Atham creates an atmosphere which initiates joy and fun. It also shows the high spirit of the people.

Seniors birthday party theme: Around the World

Seniors have reached a certain age. They are mature. They are serious and sensible. They have feeling we should not forgot. We as son or daughter or grandson or granddaughter should fulfill some of their wishes. This would make them happy. Here is an idea for the senior’s birthday party.

Around the World Theme

When people retire, they like to visit places. If the person, for whom we are planning to throw a party, likes to visit different parts of the country then around the world theme is a perfect one. This needs a little preparation and research.

We have to gather picture of different cultures we would use to decorate the place. In addition to that we need to gather picture of different countries and flag associated with them. We can put the flags on different tables. We should try to gather some pictures of the places which are very popular there. We should try to collect the pictures of famous people there. This is not enough. To make the party more memorable we need to gather the picture of different cruise ships that go there. Furthermore we should collect fake tickets that are used to go there. If that person has not traveled to that place he would love the decoration. We can search the internet to gather this information.

If the person is a pet lover try to gather some picture of famous animals there. If he loves vegetation we should try to collect some picture of flowers present there. If the person is foodie we should try to gather the pictures of favorite food and drinks consumed by people there. If we could prepare one or two dishes the birthday senior it would be a plus point. It would add a different flavor to the party. The party would look lively. We can print the pictures downloaded from the internet or if the stores have the pictures available we can visit it. 

We can make their day by throwing this type of party. These can increase our bonding with them.

Onam and the Snake Boats

People believed that many years ago a Brahmin used to live near Aranmula temple whose name was Katoor Mana. He was a good person. He used to visit the Aranmula temple and Pamba river for worship daily. One day after finishing his prayers he decided to do a noble thing. He decided to find a poor person whom he can feed. After waiting for many days he was not able to find one.

He continued going to the temple to offer his prayers. One day after finishing his prayers he opened his eyes. He saw a poor boy standing right in front of him. He was happy. He went to the boy and asked him to have a meal with him. When they finished eating he started searching for the boy. He could not find him anywhere. The boy disappeared. He decided to search the boy in his locality but there were no traces of him.

A strange thing started to happen with Katoor Mana. Whenever he used to visit the temple he used to see the glimpses boy. He started searching for the boy around the temple but he could not find him.

He had full faith in God. He thought that God has appeared to him in the human form. The moment he thought that his faith in God became stronger. He made a promise to him. He decided to offer food to the poor people in Aranmula temple every year at the time of Onam.

The food has to be transported to the temple through the Pamba river. It was dangerous because the sea robbers were always ready to snatch the food from the people. He went to the people who owned the snake boats. He told them about his noble cause and requested to accompany his to the temple.

After listening to him many people decided to help him so that this noble cause is accomplished. This was the start of the snake boat race which became a national sport in 1961.

Facts about Onam

1. The word Onam or Thiruvonam is derived from the Sanskrit word Shravanam. Thiruonam is one among the 27 nakshatras or constellations. The word ‘Thiru’ is used to address places and activities associated with Lord Vishnu. Thiruvonam is also believed to be the nakshatra of Vishnu.


2. It marksthe beginning of a new life. That is why it is celebrated by wearing new clothes and resolving to lead a new life.

3. Onam was declared as the national festivalof kerala in 1961.


4. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was so impressed by this race that he announced a trophy for this race known as Nehru Trophy Boat Race. It is the biggest team sport event in the world today.

5. The harvest festival of Onam corresponds with the Malayalam New Year.


6. Record of celebrations can be found from the time of Kulasekhara Perumals (800 AD). At that time Onam celebrations continued for a month.


7. A procession of decorated elephants is carried out in Trissur, the cultural capital of Kerala. Bejeweled elephants in their full majesty and grandeur are a magnificent sight to behold.


8. Onamsadya: It is a 9 course meal that is served on a banana leaf with a fixed menu, served in a fixed manner.


9. Vallamkali boat used for racing are 100 feet long and has a seating capacity of 150 men.


10. UNESCO recognizes the making of ritual flower beds such as Onappookkalam as tek (traditional environmental knowledge) practices and evidently underlines their conservation and progression.

Lord Vishnu and Mahabali

In the ancient time Mahabali ruled Kerala, India. He was a great ruler. The subjects were very happy with him. Kerala was prospering day by day. It is assumed that Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlada who was the son of Hiranyakashyapa. Hiranyakashyapa tried to kill Prahlada in numerous ways but at last he was killed by Lord Vishnu in Nirshima avatar. Mahabali was influenced by Prahlada. He also started worshiping Lord Vishnu.

Under the influence of his Guru Shukracharya, he started a war against the Gods. He defeated the Gods and became the king of the three worlds. Seeing his success Guru Shukracharya persuaded him to perform Aswamedha Yagam. The speciality of this sacrificial rite was that if it was performed in an ordered manner he would become the strongest person in the world. Nobody would be able to defeat him.

Shukracharya started the Aswamedha Yagam. Before it Mahabali announced that he would give the person whatever he asked for. The Gods became frightened. They went to Lord Vishnu and asked them for help. Lord Vishnu promised the Gods that he would help them. Lord Vishnu decided to test him.

Lord Vishnu transformed him into a Vamana a small Brahmin boy and went to the place where the Yagam was taking place. He was welcomed by the King Mahabali. The Vamana reminded him about his declaration. Mahabali thought that the Vamana would ask for some petty things. He would be able to full fill his wish. He told him to ask for the wish. In the meantime Shukracharya came to knew that it is Lord Vishnu who had come in the form of Vamana. He advised Mahabali not to commit anything to this Vamana but Mahabali was the man of words. He didn’t retreat. He walked forward to the Vamana and asked him his wish. The Vamana told him that if he was not able to full-fill his wish he would become his slave. Mahabali agreed to that.

The Vamana boy told that whatever land he covered with his three footsteps would be his. Mahabali told the boy to start measuring. He started measuring.  His size started increasing. With one footstep, he measured all of the earth. With the second, he claimed all of heaven. One footstep was still remaining. He told Mahabali that there is no space remaining for the third footstep.

Mahabali thought for a moment and told him to put the third footstep on his head. The boy put the third footstep on his head and he was pushed underground with the force of his footstep.

Lord Vishnu came in his original form. He was happy with Mahabali. He made him the King of the underworld (the kingdom beneath the earth). He told him that he can visit the earth once a year.

Onam is celebrated to remember the great king Mahabali because it is assumed that he visits the earth during this time.

Onam: A festival of rich festivities

Onam is a Hindu festival which is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm in the state of Kerala, India. It is also known as Vamana jayanthi because on this day the Emperor Mahabali returned home. It starts in between August and September. This year it falls in August. It lasts for ten days. It is also a harvest festival. During this time rice is harvested. It is also known as festival of rain flowers.

This festival is full of fun and playfulness. It includes large banquet lunches, snake boat races, Onappottan, Kaazhchakkula in Guruvayoor, Puli Kali, Kaikottikkali etc. People wear new dresses, visit the temples and perform dances like Thiruvadhira kali Thumbi Tullal etc. People also put colourful flower mats in front of their houses to welcome King Mahabali. People make Pookkalam from Various kinds of flowers. Pookkalam is the symbol of secularism. The swing is another integral part of Onam, especially in the rural areas.

A feast called onam sadya is also observed during this festival. It is organised in the afternoon. A Dessert called payasam is also a common ingredient of this feast. It is made up of milk, sugar and other traditional Indian herbs.

A snake boat race called vallamkali is a huge event organised during onam. It is known that one hundred men are required to row this boat. The race can be seen in Kochin, Trivandrum, Thrissur, and Kottayam.

Special prayers are also organised in the homes.

Onam is a colourful festival which is rich in cultural activities. It has a variety which makes it a unique festival. The variety is not found in other festivals. 

Sri Satyanarayana Puja Stories - 4

In the ancient times a thief named Ghatam used to live in Rajpur which was ruled by Brahmapur. He used to steal things from people’s houses for his living but he had one good habit. He used to attend Satsang once in a while and listened to the disclosures of the Saint.

One day he called him and asked him to leave his current job. Ghatam told him that he is illiterate and stealing is the source of bread and butter for his family. In addition to that if he quits his job what he would do to earn his living.

The Saint told him to do three things. First, he had to always tell the truth no matter what happens. Second, he had to pray daily to Sri Satyanarayana before going to the work. Third, either he has to attend a satsang daily or remember God for a few minutes daily. In addition to that he told him that if he follows these instructions, this would bring peace and happiness in his life. Ghatam agreed to follows these instructions. The Saint used to travel to different towns. After a couple of days he went to a different town.

A few days later he got a letter from the Saint. The Saint had requested him to attend a satsang in another town. It was very far away but he was eager to go there. He decided to steal a horse from the king’s stable. He went there. He saw that the door of the stable was guarded by the guards. The guards stopped him and asked what he is doing here. When he was about to reply it came to his mind that Saint has told him to tell the truth. Ghatam replied that he has come here to steal a horse. The guards thought that he was joking. He was an officer from the king’s court and allowed him to go inside.

Ghatam went inside the stable, choose a good horse, sat on it and started moving. He was again stopped at the gate for questioning. Again he told the truth that he was a thief. He had stolen this black horse to go to satsang in another town. The guards didn’t believe him. They thought that he is joking and allow him to go outside.

Ghatam reached the town in the evening. He tied the house to the tree and went inside to listen the disclosure of the Saint. In the mean while the king’s came to knew that his favourite white horse has been stolen. He ordered his guards to catch the thief and bring him to the court. They found the horse tied to the tree in front of the temple. They were not sure who had stolen the horse that’s why they waited for the disclosure to end. When the disclosure ended Ghatam came out of the temple. The guards recognised him. They arrested him and took him to the king’s court.

The king was very happy to find his favourite horse. He asked him why he stole the horse. Ghatam replied that he had stolen the horse to attend a satsang in another town. The guards also verified that he was telling the truth. Ghatam also told the king about the three things the Saint had told him to do in his entire life.

The king was pleased with his behaviour. He told the guards to release him. He gifted him the horse so that he can attend Saint’s disclosure without any problem. In addition to that he gave him lots of money so that he can live his life happily.

From that day Ghatam stopped stealing and started his new life. He became a good person and started a small business.

This was only possible by Lord Satyanarayan’s Grace.   

Sri Satyanarayana Puja Stories - 3 The Story of a Wood-cutter

There was a Brahmin who performed Satyanarayan Puja with full faith and pure mind. His fate was changed. He transformed into a rich man from a poor beggar. People in Kashi were amazed by his overnight fate. A woodcutter used to live there. He was very poor. He used to work all day just for a few pennies. He always thought how he can change his life but he could not find a solution.

One day he decided to go to the Brahmin who was now a rich man. He went to him and asked for the secret. The rich man told him to perform Sri Satyanarayan Puja. He also told him the procedure to perform the Puja. In addition to that he told him the effect of the Puja. Furthermore he told him to perform the Puja with a pure mind. He also told him that whatever he earned in a day he can use the money for performing the puja. The woodcutter thanked him and went home.

He told his family members that in a few days he was going to perform Sri Satyanarayan Puja. Next day he went to work and earned a few pennies. He bought a few things and went home. Next day he started the Sri Satyanarayan Puja. Whole family performed the Puja with full faith.

Next day the woodcutter started his daily routine. He went to work, cut a bundle of wood. He went to the market. In a couple of hours his whole bundle was sold. He didn’t have to put more effort. The customers were attracted towards him. What ever price he told the customers, they were ready to pay. He earned more than he used to earn usually.

When he was returning home in the evening a thought came into his mind. It was the effect of Sri Satyanarayan Puja. He started earning more and more each day. His life style changed. Now he was a rich man. He can afford things which he can’t in the past.

It was the effect of Sri Satyanarayan Puja. Whoever performs Sri Satyanarayan Puja with devotion gets the grace of Lord Satyanarayan.

Eid-ul- Adha: Festival of Sacrifice

It is one of the religious festivals celebrated by the Muslims which remind us about Abraham. He obeyed the order of God and without no doubt got ready to sacrifice his son.

Four thousand years ago Abraham used to live in Canaan with his wife Hagar and his son Ishmael. One day he dreamt that God has ordered him to move to Arabia. He has full faith in God. He immediately executed his order. After they reached Arabia he decided to go back to Canaan. He told her wife that he is going back to Canaan. He told her that there is an ample quantity of food for two persons to survive. Her wife knew that it was an order of God and she allowed him to go away.

After a couple of months the food finished. They started starving. They prayed Lord for help. The Lord replied the prayer by pouring water from a spring. The spring is known as Zamzam Well. This is how Hagar and Ishmael were saved.

Many years passed away. Everybody was happy. One day God came in the dream of Abraham. He dreamt that God has ordered him to sacrifice his dearest thing. Ishmael his son was his dearest possession in the whole world. He remembered the prayers he and Hagar had done to get Ishmael. He loved his son from the bottom of the heart. He was the dearest person on the earth. He was unhappy but he was a true follower of God. He has full faith in God. He decided to sacrifice his son.

With a heavy heart he went to his son Ishmael. He told him about his dream in which God has ordered him to sacrifice his dearest thing. He told him that he was the dearest person on the earth. He asked him for his opinion. Ishmael knew that his father is a true follower of the God. In addition to that he knew that God has saved him once. He knew that his positive response would provide courage to his father. He nodded in a positive way. People and the evil powers tried to change his decision but he was unturned.

The day of sacrifice came. He took Ishmael to the place where the act will be accomplished. He laid his son’s neck in the round oval which was used for killing sheep for meat. He brought a sword. When the sword was in air an echo came from the sky. The echo was God’s voice. He told him that he was happy with his act. He told him that he can replace Ishmael with a sheep. Abraham untied the hands of Ishmael. He kissed him on his face. He was so happy that he started crying. He followed God’s order. In this way Ishmael life was saved by God’s Grace.
   
On every Eid-ul- Adha Abraham sacrifice is remembered.

Eid-ul-Fitr: Feast of Fast-Breaking

Eid-ul-Fitr also known an Eid marks the end of Ramadan which continues for 29 or 30 days. It is one of the important festivals amongst the Muslim community. The festival begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen in the sky.

Eid al-Fitr was originated by the Islamic prophet Muhammad in 624 CE and the place of origin was Madinah. It is believed at that time he with his friends and relatives got the victory of the battle of Jang-e-Badar. The entire month of Ramadan constitutes dawn to sunset fasting. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated all around the world.

Preparations of Eid start ten days before starting Eid. People start cleaning their houses. People start visiting the local market to buy new clothes, grocery and sweets.

On Eid people clean themselves, dress with new clothes, take a light breakfast and then go to offer prayers.

On this scared day people greet other by saying Eid Mubarak. This is a common practice in India. In many countries a holiday is observed. People attend wear new clothes and go to the mosques to offer prayers. Gifts are also exchange on this day and visit their relatives. Gifts are also Eidi.

Eid is performed in open areas like fields, community centers, etc. or at mosques. The most common dress wore on Eid is Salwar Kameej.

Eid is also known as Sweet Eid because a variety of sweets are consumed on this day. Sheer Khurma is one of the most popular sweet dishes consumed. In other countries different forms of Cakes as well as Ras malai are also consumed.

       

Eid-ul-Fitr is important because this is the day on which all Muslims around the world have a common goal. They are also encouraged to forget any indifference between them. Ramadan fasting is thought to create a stronger bond between the human beings and the Lord.

Ramadan lanterns

Ramadan is considered to be the most holy and blessed month. It traditionally begins with a new moon sighting. Ramadan is associated with a mysterious tradition. The tradition is very old and some believed that it started in the Fatimid era. For Muslims the Ramadan celebrations include the display of Fawanees (plural for Fanous). People hang different types of pretty lanterns out in the streets, balconies, shops and mosques. The kids were associated with these lanterns. They were fascinated with these and used to wander the streets. In addition to that they used to go to different houses asking for sweets and nuts. 

Stories associated with Ramadan lanterns (Fanous)

This story is associated with Fatimid era. Fatimid caliph began a search of the new moon. He started wandering on the street in the night. At that time there was no electricity. It used to be pretty dark. The small children noticed them. They brought the lanterns from their homes and started walking with him.

Second story states that women were not allowed leave their house except Ramadan but on one condition. They would be followed by little boys carrying a copper Fanous. This action told the public that women are arriving in the market. 

Materials Used

Initially the Fanous were made of coloured glass. People used to light candles inside it. These old Fanous have lost their heritage in time but still they are very popular. These days they are made up of tin, brass and plastic. The battery operated Fanous play music also. Now Fawanees (plural for Fanous) are available in different shape and sizes. The most popular shapes are minaret, crescent or tree.

Fanous is still one of the beautiful features of Ramadan. Fanous is still very popular in Egypt. One can notice lanterns hanging out in the streets, balconies, shops and mosques at the time of Ramadan.

Ramadan is a special time. It doesn’t matter about the origin of Fanous, about how it looks but it is one of the features of Ramadan month. It has moved from generation to generation. 

Bhagat Singh: Acts of Bravery -2

After the assignation of John P. Saunders who was an Assistant Superintendent of Police, the british government was shaken from the roots. They should have found out the reasons for the discontent. Instead they took more repressive measures. They brought a bill named ‘Defence of India Act ’. It gave the police a free hand. Now they can arrest persons to stop processions. In addition to that they can also arrest suspicious persons whom they thought were involved in anti british activities. The whole country was against the bill.

These days Bhagat Singh was hiding from the police. When he heard about the bill he was unhappy. He decided to protest. He along with Batukeshwar Dutt planned to throw a bomb in the Central Assembly Hall while the session was going on. Their motive was to protest in a peaceful way. They didn’t want to hurt anybody. They also decided to throw pamphlets about Indian Independence. Furthermore they decided not to run away from the scene.

On April 8, 1929 they threw bombs on the Central Assembly Hall. After throwing the bombs they started throwing the pamphlets in the air about Indian Independence. They were also shouting slogan “Vande Matarm”. Panic spread around the Central Assembly Hall. People in the assembly started running here and there. The police came and arrested Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt who were still busy in shouting slogans and throwing pamphlets. Nobody was hurt. It was a peaceful event. After their arrest they were put in the jail. 

When they were in Jail they noticed the discrimination between European and Indian prisoners. They noticed that European prisoners were given more amenities than the Indian prisoners. European prisoners stayed in hygienic places, they got good food, tables and chair to sit. They can also read books and newspaper. Bhagat Singh decided to fight against this indifference. Everybody explained him that it would be of no use but he was adamant. He explained the prisoners that somebody has to take a step forward to change the present situation. The prisoners decided to support him.

Bhagat Singh proposed a hunger strike. They started it and it was endless. It was gaining popularity in the country. The jail authorities tried to break it by taking some illegal steps like placing milk in the pots instead of water, feeding the prisoners with a pipe and placing food items in the cells. These activities didn’t shake the motive of the prisoners.

Now the british government was helpless. They decided to start the Saunders murder trial. The trial was carried out in the absence of the accused. They were ordered to be hanged. On 23rd March 1931 one day in advance to the original date were hanged. The crowd stood at the prison gates to get the last glimpses of these Independence soldiers. After their death their bodies were not handed to their families. They were secretly cremated and the ashes were thrown in the Satluj river.

He was an inspirational icon in the Indian freedom struggle. He gave a new direction to the revolutionary movement in India. He thought that it was legal to use violence to throw the britishers out of the country. His contribution to the Indian independence would be remembered forever.