tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80820582024-03-05T19:05:25.133-08:00diwaliNight Watchmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02892442860322347295noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082058.post-29369244679925179662007-10-31T04:42:00.000-07:002011-07-06T23:50:14.995-07:00Diwali Hampers below $10<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBG3Gkm39aTufDoc-g1QKVwS-7jUS1J4iYmUYMuETl1G6F2aSLkFPeuQRVQitprwgEynzUNWiYM4VQsxfe__gdeC2jN0iqKgsFa7PkQBUvEsxD8yWSNEHP-XqWNfyvwX6PqrB/s1600/Diwali.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBG3Gkm39aTufDoc-g1QKVwS-7jUS1J4iYmUYMuETl1G6F2aSLkFPeuQRVQitprwgEynzUNWiYM4VQsxfe__gdeC2jN0iqKgsFa7PkQBUvEsxD8yWSNEHP-XqWNfyvwX6PqrB/s320/Diwali.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626498924212092258" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><br />Diwali can be delightful within your budget.<br />Gifting can be as simple as shopping at IndusMall.com.<br /><br /><strong>This delightful hamper consists of : </strong><br />Sweets<br />Steel Diyas &<br />Diwali Greeting card<br /><br />Then grab the opportunity without a second thought.Night Watchmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02892442860322347295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082058.post-1159516292898935832006-09-29T00:46:00.000-07:002011-07-06T23:53:57.973-07:00Diwali Decorations<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jFA0pXd9b_yke1usO112bIgP-JeOjX44dby26GyGDqeJBmp5VxVWVLb_9dJBuF0ncFnvinr7vzsbxUGp5byS4D9hKO_Kmh3LfVIR3Tf0Di7RHMBDdKAJdKWq0tw9jko9U6Du/s1600/lakshmi-maa.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jFA0pXd9b_yke1usO112bIgP-JeOjX44dby26GyGDqeJBmp5VxVWVLb_9dJBuF0ncFnvinr7vzsbxUGp5byS4D9hKO_Kmh3LfVIR3Tf0Di7RHMBDdKAJdKWq0tw9jko9U6Du/s320/lakshmi-maa.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626500028385187730" /></a><br /><br />There are a number of traditional decorative items that are employed during <span style="font-weight: bold;">Deepavali</span> in by Hindu to decorate their houses. Apart from bringing a new look to the houses, the decorations also bring a pleasant feeling of the festival. The decorations add to the joy of the occasion. Decoration is one of the many activities associated that mark the festival.<br /><br />The first item of decoration is the string of mango leaves tied at the top of the main door to the house. Mango leaves are a symbol of newness. People tie the string early in the morning. Apart from the string of mango leaves, Torans or Door Hangings are decked on the main door to the house and the puja room (the room in which the deity is housed) where Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. The Door Hangings are handmade and are ornamented with embroidery, bells, beads, shells, mirrors etc. Door Hangings or Torans are in vogue these days and make a decent decoration for Diwali.<br /><br />The word Diwali is a modified form of the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’, which means a row of lamps. That is why the lamps are an inherent part of the festival. For Diwali, small oil lamps made of clay are lighted and arranged in rows. The lamps are made in different sizes and patterns, varying from the complex Rajasthani types to the plain earthen lamps of clay. The rows of lamps adorn the house on either side of the entrance. This arrangement is made to guide Goddess Lakshmi when she visits every house, right from the pompous palace to the humble hut. Lights also indicate the victory of light over darkness.<br /><br />Aromatic candles are another decorative item for Diwali. They are available in many shapes and designs. Lighting candles and placing them in a glass pot full with water to float and decorating them with flower petals is an auspicious activity on Diwali day. Diwali lanterns and lamps are made in many shapes from different materials such as clay, glass, brass and marble. These <span style="font-weight: bold;">Diwali</span> decorations make a room aesthetically pleasant. Diwali lamps are marvelous gifts to order for self and near and dear. These lights hang from balconies, are wound around a tree or arranged as series of bulbs. They create an exciting atmosphere with their sparkling radiance.<br /><br />Wall Hangings with the images of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are another popular Diwali decorative item. These hangings with the artistic and cultural touch are favored by people. Cloth panels with embroidery also form part of Deepavali decorations. Idols of Gods and Goddesses are an inherent part of this grand festival. Rangolis are another beautiful art form. Different patterns with innovative combinations adorn the entrances to houses with young girls competing to outdo each other. All the places will have a charged atmosphere during <span style="font-weight: bold;">Diwali celebrations</span>.<br /><p><b>Send Diwali Gifts to India</b></p>Night Watchmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02892442860322347295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082058.post-1095931834296682772004-09-23T02:27:00.000-07:002011-07-06T23:55:23.196-07:00Maa Lakshmi Aarti<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc3f7cVkTK8Y9jkPjSCsxfG9igr7oHqsiemmG8TjeOJkNxhkkReGQ3XO8Gncxeb8Qg-COhVy0dfy2ZMAig_V9UGTqAM9MmIJIsGC2IAWH25sWuVJ2NRIq998RWTsO8uiNB2_v/s1600/lakshmi-maa.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc3f7cVkTK8Y9jkPjSCsxfG9igr7oHqsiemmG8TjeOJkNxhkkReGQ3XO8Gncxeb8Qg-COhVy0dfy2ZMAig_V9UGTqAM9MmIJIsGC2IAWH25sWuVJ2NRIq998RWTsO8uiNB2_v/s320/lakshmi-maa.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626500406205959442" /></a><br /><br />JAI LAKSHMI MAATAA,<br />MAIYAA JAYA LAKSHMI MAATAA<br />TUMAKO NISHADINA DHYAAVATA,<br />HARA VISHNU VIDHAATAA<br /><br />BRAHMAANII, RUDRAANII, KAMALAA,<br />TUUHII HAI JAGA MAATAA<br />SUURYA CHANDRAMAA DHYAAVATA,<br />NAARADA RISHI GAATAA<br /><br />DURGAA RUUPA NIRANTARA,<br />SUKHA SAMPATI DAATAA<br />JO KOI TUMAKO DHYAAVATA,<br />RIDDHI SIDDHI DHANA PAATAA<br /><br />TUUHII HAI PAATAALA BASANTII,<br />TUUHII SHUBHA DAATAA<br />KARMA PRABHAAVA PRAKAASHAKA,<br />JAGANIDHI KE TRAATAA<br /><br />JISA GHARA MEIN TUMA RAHATII,<br />SABA SADAGUNA AATAA<br />KARA SAKE KOII KARA LE,<br />MANA NAHIN GHABARAATAA<br /><br />TUMA BINA YAGYA NA HOVE,<br />VASTRA NA KOII PAATAA<br />KHAANA PAANA KAA VAIBHAVA,<br />SABA TUMASE HII AATAA<br /><br />SHUBHA GUNA MANDIRA SUNDARA,<br />KSHIRODADHI JAATAA<br />RATANA CHATURDASHA TUMA HII,<br />KOII NAHIIN PAATAA<br /><br />AARTII LAKSHMII JII KII,<br />JO KOII NARA GAATAA<br />URA AANANDA UMANGA ATI,<br />PAAPA UTARA JAATAA<br /><br />Diwali GiftsNight Watchmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02892442860322347295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082058.post-1095931088750858822004-09-23T02:09:00.000-07:002011-07-06T23:57:31.672-07:00The 5 day celebration for diwali<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ51airsCp9Z110333gSfW16xubcRCf2vpb-jy5Fpqt1ZTj-yFyGe0-LauVxz8YayBN88IrPt85wXyx2o2Ij1FHUUBEvD0Ux5yfRsgbGQw21yaLSVRTbpuJZuC0Knaywt50gNl/s320/diwali-5days.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127463719797954978" border="0" /><br /><br /><strong>5 day Diwali celebration</strong><br />The First day is called Dhanteras or Dhantryaodashi, which falls on the thirteenth day of the month of Ashwin. The word "Dhan" means wealth. This day has great importance for rich community. It is believed that sixteen year old son of King Hima according to his horoscope was to die on the fourth day of his marriage by a snake-bite. So on that particular fourth day of his marriage his worried wife lighted innumerable lamps all over the place and laid all the ornaments and gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband's boudoir. And she went on telling stories and singing songs through the night. When Yama the god of death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent he was bedazzled by the bright lights thus blinded by the overwhelming brilliance he could not open his eyes and thus he could not enter the Prince's chamber. So he climbed on the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat their whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the wife saved her husband and since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in adoration to Yama, the god of Death.<br /><br />The Second day is called Narka-Chaturdashi or <strong><u>Chhoti Diwali</u></strong> that falls on the fourteenth day of the month of Ashwin. The story related to this day is about King Bali, ruler Paataala (the netherworld) who had extended his Kingdom far and wide even covering the earth. His vastly spreading conquests and enormous power had become a threat to the gods and the universe itself. In order to curb his powers Lord Vishnu in the guise of a dwarfish Brahmin by the name of Vaaman visited him and begged him to give him only that much land which he could cover with his three steps. King Bali known for his charity proudly granted him his wish. Vaaman then grew into a gigantic form and with his first step he covered the entire heaven and with the second step the earth and asked Bali where to put his third step. Bali offered his head and putting his foot on his head Vishnu pushed him down to the netherworld. But for his generosity Lord Vishnu allowed him to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance and spread the radiance of love and wisdom.<br /><br />The Third day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day of <strong><u>Lakshmi-Puja</u></strong>, which is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. This day is also known by the name of "Chopada-Puja". The day of <strong><u>Lakshmi-Puja</u></strong> falls on the dark night of Amavasya. It is believed that on this auspicious day Lord Krishna discarded his body. One more interesting story related to this day is of a small boy called Nichiketa who believed that Yama, the god of Death was as black as the dark night of amavasya. He on this day met Yama in person and was puzzled seeing Yam's calm countenance and dignified stature. Yama explained to Nichiketa on this day of amavasya that by only passing through the darkness of death, man sees the light of highest wisdom and then only his soul can escape from the bondage of his mortal frame to mingle with the Supreme Power without whose will nothing moves in the world. And then Nichiketa realised the importance of worldly life and significance of death. Nichiketa's all doubts were set at rest and he whole-heartedly participated in Diwali celebrations.<br /><br />The Fourth day is called Padwa or <strong><u>Varsha Pratipada</u></strong> that marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day. <strong><u>Govardhan-Puja</u></strong> is also performed in the North on this day. The people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honor of Lord Indra and worshipped him after the end of every monsoon season. But one year the youthful Krishna stopped them from offering prayers to Lord Indra. The infuriated Indra sent a deluge to submerge Gokul. But Krishna saved his beloved Gokul by lifting up the Govardhan Mountain as an umbrella over all the people.<br /><br />The Fifth and final day of Diwali Festival is known by the name of "<strong><u>Bhaiya-Duj</u></strong>" This day is observed as a symbol of love between sisters and brothers. It is believed that on this day Yamraj -the god of death visited his sister Yami and she put the auspicious till on his forehead, they ate talked and enjoyed together and exchanged special gifts as a token of their love for each other and Yamraj announced that anyone who receives tilak from his sister on this day will never be thrown. Since then it became imperative for the brother to go to his sister's house to celebrate <strong><u>Bhaiyaduj</u></strong>.<br /><br /><br /><b>Best place to Send Diwali Gifts to India</b>Night Watchmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02892442860322347295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8082058.post-1093498457175527722004-08-25T22:31:00.000-07:002011-07-06T23:56:36.154-07:00Diwali –the festival of lights ;India’s very own Son et Lumiere<center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v464/amitabh/diwali.jpg" alt="Diwali –the festival of lights" /></center><br />Come September, and India shifts gears and gets into mode for the biggest, brightest, loudest and longest bash of the year. It goes on for five fun filled days with loads of <a href="http://www.indusmall.com/diwali_gifts-to-india"><strong> Diwali gifts </strong></a>, Diwali sweets and how can one forget- Diwali crackers. For the kids Diwali time, better known as diwali holiday is that fun filled time of the year when you get special diwali clothes, diwali gifts from elders, and loads of diwali sweets, prepared from special diwali recipes.<br /><br />Diwali or Deepavali the most important of the Indian festivals has become synonymous with light and knowledge. Diwali celebrations go on for a period of five days commemorating various momentous events associated with the Hindu calendar. It also marks the Hindu New Year, and is generally a time of unbridled festiveness and merry making. So how do the Hindus celebrate diwali?<br /><br />For five days the country is bedecked and bejeweled with diwali lights of all kinds, there are the ethnic Deepavali diyas also called as deeps or diwali diyas. The nation wears a carnivalesque look, witnessing massive diwali shopping sprees and almost every store worth its salt hosting Diwali Mela Sales. Its also the time of the year when thanks are given , goddesses and gods propitiated, various rituals observed to ensure year long prosperity and good fortune and also a time for rounding off the old year and ringing in the new one with prayers , diwali poojas, gifts , sweets and diwali crackers. On television Deepavali festival is showcased through programs that demonstrate diwali designs, diwali food, and diwali recipes.<br /><br /><br /><b>Best place to Send Diwali Gifts to India</b>Night Watchmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02892442860322347295noreply@blogger.com0