Posts in category: Celebrations

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, the Muslim community is gearing up to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. This joyous occasion marks the end of a month-long period of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth. For the Hindu living amongst Muslims, this celebration is not only a time of joy but also an opportunity to strengthen bonds of friendship and understanding.

Living in a diverse community, it is natural to come across people from different faiths and backgrounds. However, it takes a special kind of understanding and acceptance to forge meaningful relationships with those whose beliefs and customs differ from our own. Your friendship with your Muslim friends is a testament to the fact that love and respect can transcend boundaries of religion and culture.

Eid al-Fitr is a significant event in the Islamic calendar, and its celebrations are marked by a range of traditions and practices. From special prayers and communal gatherings to feasting and gift-giving, this festival is a time of great joy and celebration. As a Hindu, it may be unfamiliar territory for you, but it is important to embrace the diversity around us and appreciate the customs and traditions of those we care about.

Your presence and participation in the Eid celebrations will undoubtedly bring a smile to the faces of your Muslim friends. It is a chance to share in their joy, connect on a deeper level, and create lasting memories together. This is also an opportunity to learn more about their faith and gain a deeper understanding of their beliefs and practices.

In a world where differences can often lead to division and conflict, your friendship with your Muslim friends is a powerful message of unity and harmony. Your willingness to embrace their culture and traditions is a testament to your open-mindedness and commitment to building a world that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

As the Eid al-Fitr celebrations approach, let us all take a moment to reflect on the importance of unity, respect, and understanding. Let us come together in the spirit of love and friendship, and embrace the beauty of our differences. Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim friends!

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8th to honor and recognize the contributions of women to society. It is a day to celebrate women’s achievements and to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality. The day also serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve full gender equality.

The history of International Women’s Day can be traced back to the early 1900s, when women around the world began to organize and advocate for their rights. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through the streets of New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights. Two years later, Clara Zetkin, a German socialist, proposed the idea of a Women’s Day at an international conference of working women in Copenhagen. The proposal was adopted, and the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.

Since then, International Women’s Day has grown into a global movement. It is now celebrated in countries around the world, and the theme for each year’s celebration is chosen to reflect the current issues and challenges facing women.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on women, particularly in terms of job loss and increased caregiving responsibilities. The theme for this year’s celebration highlights the importance of women’s leadership in responding to the pandemic and building a more equitable future.

There are many ways to celebrate International Women’s Day. You can attend events and rallies in your community, donate to organizations that support women’s rights, or simply take the time to reflect on the contributions of the women in your life. You can also use the day to educate yourself and others about the challenges facing women and the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality.

One of the most important ways to celebrate International Women’s Day is to take action. Whether it’s advocating for policies that support women’s rights, mentoring young women in your community, or simply speaking up when you see gender inequality in action, every action you take helps to build a more equitable and just world.

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the progress that has been made towards gender equality, and we recommit ourselves to the work that still needs to be done. Let us work together to create a world where women have equal rights, opportunities, and representation in all aspects of society.

The Aluva Shivarthri Utsav is an annual festival celebrated in the Aluva town of Kerala, India, which is famous for its grandeur and cultural significance. This festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most important deities in Hinduism, and is celebrated with great fervor by the locals and visitors alike.

The festival is celebrated in the month of February or March, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar, and lasts for seven days. The first day of the festival is known as Aswathy and marks the beginning of the celebrations. It is said that on this day, Lord Shiva came to earth and married Goddess Parvati.

The highlight of the Aluva Shivarthri Utsav is the grand procession known as the Thiruvathira Ezhunnallathu. This procession is held on the final day of the festival and involves the decorated idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati being carried on caparisoned elephants, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. Thousands of people from nearby villages and towns gather to witness this magnificent spectacle.

Apart from the procession, the festival also features cultural and spiritual events such as bhajans, cultural programs, and talks by eminent scholars on Hinduism and its traditions. Many devotees also observe fasts and perform rituals during this time, as a way of seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.

The Aluva Shivarthri Utsav is not just a celebration of spirituality, but also of community and togetherness. During the festival, the entire town of Aluva comes alive with colorful decorations, lights, and stalls selling local delicacies and handicrafts. It is a time when people come together to celebrate their shared cultural heritage and forge new bonds of friendship and camaraderie.

In recent years, the festival has gained increasing recognition and popularity, attracting visitors from across the country and the world. The Kerala Tourism Department has also been promoting the festival as a major cultural event, with various initiatives to attract more visitors and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state.

The Aluva Shivarthri Utsav is a celebration of spirituality, culture, and community that has been an integral part of the Aluva town’s identity for centuries. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Lord Shiva and his teachings, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural heritage for future generations to come. If you ever get a chance to witness this grand festival, don’t miss it!

If you’ve never heard of the Indian state of Kerala, you’re not alone. It might be the smallest Indian state by land size, but it has held its own against the heavyweights of India in terms of culture and development since it won its independence from Britain in 1947. Here are some fascinating facts about how this area came to be, and what it has gone on to become as one of India’s leading states when it comes to providing quality education and healthcare to its citizens.

A Look at Old Kerala
In ancient times, before it was known as Kerala, it was called Keralaputra. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times. It was conquered by several rulers including the British Empire and in 1948 became a part of independent India after Independence. The name Kerala means ‘land of coconuts’.
The first human settlement in this region is believed to be at least 5,000 years old. Before that there were stone age people with hunting and gathering lifestyles who would go through periods of migration. One important cultural legacy from these people is the Hindu temple architecture that can still be seen throughout Kerala today. Agriculture began around 1,200 BC with rice becoming an important crop due to its ability to grow in marshy conditions and its high yields. There are also many freshwater fish which thrive in these conditions making it one of the most fish-rich regions in the world.

The Independence Movement in Old Kerala
In 1838, Maharaja Swathi Thirunal (1813-1847), the ruler of Travancore and Cochin, abolished slavery. He also enacted reforms to promote education for women. For example, he decreed that girls from poor families should be educated at his expense. In 1861, in the presence of Lord Elphinstone, then governor general of India, he inaugurated a college for girls with English as its language of instruction. As early as 1870, there were institutions where Malayalam was used as the medium of instruction.
In 1880, when Malabar returned to British rule after having been under direct royal control since 1792, Indians were appointed to all departments in the provincial administration and thereby given an opportunity to share responsibility for their own welfare.

The quality of Education and health in Kerala. A model to the world.
Kerala was a model to the world. A beacon in Asia. It was one of the few countries that could boast that their literacy rates were over ninety percent, and they had one of the best school systems in Asia. With such a high standard, education became something everyone wanted for their children.
The State health system also attracted many admirers with its low mortality rates and high life expectancy rates. Again it was a model for the world because it proved that these two factors were not mutually exclusive but symbiotic with each other.
In fact, Kerala is often quoted as an example of how good policies can help strengthen social progress and create economic prosperity at the same time.

Scenic beauty of Kerala
Kerala is known for its lush green hills, pastures and beaches. It also has a rich culture and history dating back to over 2000 years. The region is well-known for producing spices like cardamom, pepper and cinnamon as well as being home to over 400 types of plants including bamboo, tea, coffee and rubber trees. In addition, it’s been home to communities practicing Judaism since the 2nd century BC and Christianity since the 4th century AD.
The word Kerala comes from two Sanskrit words, kera which means coconut tree, and ala meaning land.

Independence and After
In 1947, India was granted independence from Britain. This decision triggered many changes in Indian society, including a reorganization of states to accommodate new boundaries. The state of Kerala was created as an administrative district in 1956 by carving off pieces from two different regions. Kerala is now the southernmost part of India and is bounded by Tamil Nadu to its north, Karnataka to its west, and Lakshadweep Sea and Arabian Sea to its west and south respectively.

The Early Post-Independence Period in Old Kerala
The early post-independence period in Old Kerala began with an industrial revolution that propelled the state to become one of India’s most prosperous regions. Manufacturing and service industries were developed during this time, which led to a sizable middle class population.

Modern Day Kerala
Kerala is a state in southern India that was carved out from parts of the states Madras and Travancore-Cochin. On November 1, 1951, it became an independent nation, with its capital at Thiruvananthapuram. The name Kerala comes from Kera, which means coconut tree, and Ala, which means land. It is often referred to as God’s own country because of its geographical features, tropical climate and culture. It has many rivers, backwaters, lagoons and freshwater lakes; people who live there grow rice in their paddy fields or plant cash crops like rubber trees. They also have waterfalls and vast stretches of unspoiled beaches.
Kerala has been an area of commerce for centuries and was part of the spice trade between Asia and Europe during ancient times. Today, tourism is one of the most important industries here – people come to visit Kerala for its palm-fringed coastline, plantations, wildlife sanctuaries and churches built during different historical periods.

The need to maintain the camaraderie between Hindu, Muslim, and Christian followers in Kerala
Kerala is a southern state in India that is known for its beautiful beaches and lush green landscapes. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years by various groups including Hindus, Muslims, and Christians who have mixed and intermarried over time. Although there are many religious conflicts between these different groups elsewhere in India, Kerala has been able to maintain a sense of camaraderie with each group tolerating and respecting each other’s traditions. For example, when Ramadan falls during December or January – the high tourist season – Muslim residents will not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset but they will still serve food to their customers. As a result of this coexistence and communal spirit, Kerala is also considered one of the most progressive states in India as well as having one of the highest literacy rates

Muhammad, or Mohammed, as his name was originally spelled, was the founder of the Islamic faith and one of the most influential leaders in the history of human civilization. Born in Mecca in 570 AD, he received his first revelation from Allah when he was 40 years old and spent 22 years as a prophet before passing away at the age of 63. He married Khadijah, who was 15 years older than him, and had nine children; four daughters and five sons.

Key Episodes in the Prophethood
Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, was born in 570 AD. He was born in a family that belonged to the poorest class in society. His father died before he was born, so his mother had to take care of him all on her own. As he grew up, he gained knowledge about Judaism and Christianity through contact with Jews who were living near them at that time. In 610 AD, when he was 40 years old, he received the first revelation from God through an angel named Gabriel.

What was His Last Sermon?
In his last sermon, he reminded the listeners that their deeds would be judged by their intentions rather than the outcome. He commanded his followers to abide by the teachings of Islam and to care for one another. All mankind is from Adam and Eve, he said, An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over white – except by piety and good action.

Afterlife Beliefs
Islam believes in an afterlife, where the deeds a person has done on earth will be judged. In order to enter Paradise, one must believe that there is only one god, Allah; pray five times a day; fast during Ramadan; give money to charity; go on pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if able. Muslims also believe that Jesus was born from the Virgin Mary but was not crucified or resurrected.

Final Testimony
I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger. He brought a message from Allah to our people, teaching us the worship of One God; he was kind to his relatives; he was kind to orphans, widows, poor people; he helped those who suffered calamities with patience. He had the most perfect character.

October 2nd, 2022, marks the 148th anniversary of the birth of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was born in 1869 in India and went on to become the leader of India’s independence movement against British colonialism. Gandhi Jayanti is one of the most important and celebrated holidays in India; here’s everything you need to know about this day of celebration and national unity.

The Early Years
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 to a Gujarati family living in Porbandar, a coastal city and municipality in the Kathiawar region of Gujarat. His father was Karamchand Gandhi (1822-1885) who served as an administrator for Porbandar state. Mohan’s mother Putlibai (1845-1911) loved Mohan deeply, but died when he was only eight years old.

Education and The Law
A day off work to celebrate one of the most influential figures in history? Sounds like a great idea. But what is Gandhi Jayanti? In fact, it’s an annual national holiday that celebrates Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was born on October 2nd 1869 and died on January 30th 1948. It’s also a day when people make resolutions to devote themselves to Gandhian principles such as truthfulness and nonviolence.

Later Life
Mohandas Gandhi was an Indian lawyer and politician who served as the leader of India’s independence movement against British rule. He is considered one of the most influential figures in history for popularizing nonviolent resistance. The Hindu calendar celebrates his life every year on October 2nd with a holiday called Mahatma Gandhi Day. The holiday has been celebrated since 1930, first on October 2nd, then from 1940 to 1947, from 1958 to 1963, from 1968 to 1977, and now every year since 1980.

The Legacy
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known as Mahatma Gandhi, was an Indian social reformer and politician who led the country’s independence movement against British rule. Born on October 2, 1869, he became a lawyer at age 23 and began advocating for rights and fair treatment for Indians. After a nonviolent protest which won concessions from British authorities, he traveled to South Africa to help fight discrimination against Indians there. He returned to India in 1915 and participated in national politics.

Quotes by Mahatma Gandhi
An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.
A nation’s culture resides in its villages.
I don’t want to be a person who has lived a life that is comfortable, convenient, and luxurious. I want to be someone who knows about suffering and how to bear it.
The greatness of a nation can be judged by how it treats its weakest members.

I hope you have an amazing day with all of your family and friends.

I know that sometimes it can be difficult to express how much we care about someone, but today is the perfect opportunity to let your daughter know how important she is to you. Tell her how much you love spending time with her and how proud you are of everything she’s accomplished so far in life. And don’t forget: no matter what happens in the future, she’ll always be your little girl!

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It’s not about the gifts; it’s about spending time with your daughter. Don’t worry if you don’t have much free time—it’s quality, not quantity that matters most!

Here are some ideas for how to celebrate Daughters Day:

– Write her a letter telling her how much she means to you.

– Call her up and catch up on all the latest family news.

– Take her out for lunch or dinner and have some deep conversations.

– If she has kids of her own, help out with babysitting so they can have some alone time together.

– Send her some flowers to let her know how much you love her!

ഇന്ത്യയിൽ, പ്രത്യേകിച്ച് കേരളത്തിൽ ആചരിക്കുന്ന വിളവെടുപ്പ് ഉത്സവമാണ് ഓണം അല്ലെങ്കിൽ തിരുവോണം. ഈ വർഷത്തെ ഓണം 2022, 2022 സെപ്റ്റംബർ 8 വ്യാഴാഴ്ച ആഘോഷിക്കുന്നു. എല്ലാ വർഷവും കേരളത്തിൽ അംഗീകരിക്കപ്പെടുന്ന 10 ദിവസത്തെ വിളവെടുപ്പുത്സവമാണ് ഓണം.

മലയാളി കലണ്ടർ അനുസരിച്ച്, ആഗസ്റ്റ് മുതൽ സെപ്തംബർ വരെയുള്ള മാസങ്ങളിൽ വരുന്ന ചിങ്ങമാസത്തിലാണ് ഇത് ആചരിക്കുന്നത്. ദയാലുവും കരുണാമയനുമായ മഹാബലി രാജാവിനെ സ്വാഗതം ചെയ്യുന്ന ചടങ്ങ് ഉൾപ്പെടെ സംസ്ഥാനത്തിന്റെ എല്ലാ ഭാഗങ്ങളും ഉത്സാഹത്തോടെയും ഉത്സാഹത്തോടെയും ആഘോഷങ്ങളിൽ പങ്കെടുക്കുന്നു.

അത്തം ഓണാഘോഷത്തിന്റെ തുടക്കം കുറിക്കുന്നു. ഈ വർഷം ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 30 നാണ് അത്തം ആചരിച്ചത്. അതിനാൽ, ഓണം അല്ലെങ്കിൽ തിരുവോണം 2022 സെപ്റ്റംബർ 8-ന് ആഘോഷിക്കുന്നു. ഇനിപ്പറയുന്ന ഉദ്ധരണികളും ആശംസകളും ചിത്രങ്ങളും ആശംസകളും പങ്കിട്ടുകൊണ്ട് നിങ്ങളുടെ സുഹൃത്തുക്കൾ, കുടുംബാംഗങ്ങൾ, ബന്ധുക്കൾ എന്നിവരോടൊപ്പം കേരളത്തിലെ വിളവെടുപ്പ് ഉത്സവം ആഘോഷിക്കൂ.

Happy 75th Independence Day. Bharath Matha Ki Jai. Proud to Be an Indian. Salute our Freedom Fighters. 🙏❤🙏. www.sajeevdev.com

ഭാരതത്തെ അഗാധമായി സ്നേഹിച്ച ഡോ. എ.പി.ജെ അബ്ദുൽ കലാം ഭാരതത്തെ സ്നേഹിക്കുന്നവർ ഉള്ളിടത്തോളം അമരനാണ് അനശ്വരനാണ്. ഈ രാഷ്‌ട്രവും അതിന്റെ സംസ്‌കൃതിയും നിലനിൽക്കുന്നിടത്തോളം അദ്ദേഹം മുറുകെപ്പിടിച്ച ജീവിതാദർശത്തിന് ലോഭമുണ്ടാകില്ല എന്ന് ചുരുക്കം. തമിഴ്‌നാട് രാമേശ്വരത്തെ ഒരു സാധാരണ കുടുംബത്തിൽ നിന്നും ലോകം അറിയുന്ന ലോകം ആദരിക്കുന്ന നിലയിലേക്ക് അദ്ദേഹം ഉയർന്നത് ദേശസ്നേഹവും ലാളിത്യവും അനുഭവസമ്പത്തും മുറുകെപ്പിടിച്ചുകൊണ്ടുള്ള ആദർശജീവിതം കൈമുതലാക്കികൊണ്ടായിരുന്നു. ശാസ്ത്രജ്ഞനായും രാഷ്ട്രപതിയായും രാജ്യത്തിന് വലിയ സംഭാവനകൾ നൽകിയ അദ്ദേഹം തന്റെ ജീവിതത്തെ ഏതൊരു ഭാരതീയനും എക്കാലവും പിന്തുടരാവുന്ന ഉദാത്ത മാതൃകയാക്കി ബാക്കിവച്ചാണ് ഏഴാണ്ട് മുൻപ് ഭൗതികമായി മാത്രം വിടവാങ്ങിയത്. ആ മഹാമനുഷ്യൻ സ്വജീവിതം കൊണ്ട് രാജ്യത്തിന്റെയും സമാജത്തിന്റെയും നല്ല ഭാവിക്ക് നൽകിയ അഗ്നിച്ചിറകുകൾ ഈ രാഷ്ട്രത്തിനും രാഷ്ട്രഭക്തസമൂഹത്തിനും എല്ലാ കാലത്തും വലിയ കരുത്തായിരിക്കും സാർ നിങ്ങൾ 💪ഹൃദയത്തിലുണ്ട് കലാം സാർ. ജ്വലിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ഓർമകളോടെ. ഒത്തിരി ഒത്തിരി ഇഷ്ടത്തോടെ.♥♥♥#APJAbdulKalam