Festivals of India

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). The religious Ed is a single day (a Muslim is not permitted to fast that day), but it is usually celebrated for 3 days. Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fiṭr means "breaking the fast". The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The first day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month Shawwal. 

In India, the night before Eid is called Chaand Raat, which means, "Night of the Moon." Muslims in these countries will often visit bazaars and shopping malls with their families for Eid shopping. Women, especially younger girls, will often apply the traditional Mehndi, or henna, on their hands and feet and wear colorful bangles.

Designer Mehendi

Muslims believe that the Quran is sent down from heaven during this Ramadan month. Eid Al-Fitr, the festival of happiness comes after the end of this month of Fast for recurring happiness. It is also believed that one day near Mecca Muhammad was sitting alone. At this time Angel Gabriel came to him and asked him to read. But Prophet Muhammad did not know how to read. Then the angel made him learn how to read and taught him verses from the Quran. This great festival is followed by the Islamic calendar. With utmost devotion the people of Muslim religion celebrate this festival.

Eid in Kolkata

The traditional Eid greeting is Eid Mubarak, and it is frequently followed by a formal embrace. Gifts are frequently given — new clothes are part of the tradition — and it is also common for children to be given small sums of money (Eidi) by their elders. It is common for children to offer Salam to parents and adult relatives.
 

Eid in Burdwan

Eid in Ahmedabad, Gujrat.

After the Eid prayers, it is common for some families to visit graveyards and pray for the salvation of departed family members. It is also common to visit neighbors, family members, especially senior relatives called Murubbis and to get together to share sweets, snacks and special meals including some special dishes that are prepared specifically on Eid. Special celebratory dishes in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh include sivayyan, a dish of fine, toasted sweet vermicelli noodles with milk and dried fruit. 

After Prayer

On Eid day before prayers, people distribute a charity locally known as fitra. Many people also avail themselves of this opportunity to distribute zakat, an Islamic obligatory alms tax of 2.5% of one's annual savings, to the needy. Zakat is often distributed in the form of food and new clothes. Eid Ul-Fitr is a festival that makes people to celebrate all the good things in life.

 Image Courtesy: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=eid+mubarak

Destination India

West Bengal (PART-XV)

Purulia (2)

Garh Panchakot

 

 

 

Garh Panchakot was the seat of the Panchakot Raj during the 18th century. The palace now in ruins was destroyed by Maratha army under Bhaskar Pandit. Garh Panchakot is surrounded by Panchakot hill which is situated in the north eastern part of Purulia. It is 2200 ft high and is covered with dense forests of mahua, palash and sal trees. The ruins of the Panchakot Palace are a silent testimony to the Bargi attack during the 18th century. Two temples exist in this area. The one on the western side is in a broken state. The other which is centrally located still stands with its intricate terracota designs of duck, creepers, dancing lady etc. Garh Panchakot is gaining popularity as a weekend getaway.

Rekh Deul

 

 

The Rekh Deul or Temple at Telkupi is the lone survivor of a group of 22 temples. The temples built by the Jains between 9th-11th centuries are of Rekh style. Mostly unknown to the outside world these temples are made up of stone or terracota bricks.

Joychandi Hill

 

 

 

Joychandi Hill is a hill near Raghunathpur. It is a dormant volcano and is ideal for rock climbing training. Internationally acclaimed film maker Satyajit Ray shot parts of his famous film "Hirak Rajar Deshe" in this region.

Cheliama

 

 

 

Cheliama is considered as one of the most popular destinations in Purulia. It has a rich history and is also known as a paradise for historians and archaeologists. The village has remnants of civilization in the region dating to the 17th century. Temples around the village are good example of the architecture, artistry and culture of their eras; and this is seen in the figurines and carvings in these temples. Apart from this, the renowned Radha-Govinda Temple in Cheliama attracts many tourists.

Saheb Bandh

 

 

 

Saheb Bandh is a 50 acre lake in Purulia, that is known to have been constructed in the mid of 19th century. It is said this water body was dug by convicts, at the instigation of Colonel Tikley, during the British Raj. This process was started in the year 1843 and took five years for it to be completed. Now, Saheb Bandh is also considered as a home for migratory birds. During the migratory season, birds fly from Baluchistan, Siberia and several places in Europe, to this place. Thus, for local birdwatchers, Saheb Bandh is a popular retreat.

 Image Courtesy: https://www.google.co.in/search?biw=1600&bih=754&tbm=isch&sa

Talk about India, from India with you

Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening my friends out there! This is 10:30pm. 3^rd August, 2013, Saturday in India. Tomorrow is the Friendship Day in India; so, I am here for you today! August is the month of celebration for my blog; because, if you remember, 15^th August is the Birthday of my blog! Years flow like water! It’s a long 1 year, you all are with me and in that celebrating moment, I have planned a surprise for you. In coming post, I will reveal the surprise! So, stay tuned!

Well friends, let’s me allow to say something about Friendship Day.

Friendship Day is dedicated to the bond of friendship and companionship. The International Day of Friendship is a United Nation’s (UN) day that promotes the role that friendship plays in promoting peace in many cultures. It is observed on July 30 each year. The idea of honoring friendship has been appreciated by people in many countries of the world. With the advancement in the field of science and technology, connecting to friends on the wonderful occasion of Friendship Day has become easier. It is the perfect occasion to show your friends that you care and to recollect sweet memories of the time spent together. True friends are hard to find, so if you have one, make sure that you let your friend know on this day how much they mean to you.

In India, Friendship Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August every year. This year 2013, it will be celebrated on 4th August. The occasion began as a small event, to commemorate the relation shared by friends. Today, it has taken the shape of a grand festival. Over the passing years, the festivities related to Friendship Day have become even more colorful. The exchange of gifts, flowers, friendship bands and greeting cards has become an important part, rather, a tradition of Friendship Day. Apart from the exchange of gifts, partying all through the night is one of the recent developments of Friendship Day which is seen largely among the youngsters.

 That’s all for today.  Enjoy the weekend and keep watching the space for a great surprise! Take care of your family and yourself! Have a good day/ afternoon/evening/night! Namaskar.

"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." -- Bernard Meltzer.

Image Courtesy: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=world+friendship+day