I ,Me n My Blog

Pongalo Pongal !!!!!

2010-01-12T22:12:00.000-08:00

Pongal pandikai Yendral yenna ?What is pongal festival ?
-content courtsey www.pongalfestival.org

Pongal has astronomical significance: it marks the beginning of Uttarayana, the Sun's movement northward for a six month period. InHinduism, Uttarayana is considered auspicious, as opposed to Dakshinaayana, or the southern movement of the sun. All important events are scheduled during this period. Makara Sankranthi refers to the event of the Sun entering the zodiac sign of Makara or Capricorn.
In Hindu temples bells, drums, clarinets and conch shells herald the joyous occasion of Pongal. To symbolize a bountiful harvest, rice is cooked in new pots until they boil over. Some of the rituals performed in the temple include the preparation of rice, the chanting of prayers and the offering of vegetables, sugar cane and spices to the gods. Devotees then consume the offerings to exonerate themselves of past sins.
Pongal signals the end of the traditional farming season, giving farmers a break from their monotonous routine. Farmers also perform puja to some crops, signaling the end of the traditional farming season. It also sets the pace for a series of festivals to follow in a calendar year. In fact, four festivals are celebrated in Tamil Nadu for four consecutive days in that week. 'Bogi' is celebrated on January 13, 'Pongal' on Jan 14, 'Maattuppongal'on Jan 15, and 'Thiruvalluvar Day' on Jan 16.

The festival is celebrated for four days. On, the first day, Bhogi, the old clothes and materials are thrown away and fired, marking the beginning of a new life. The second day, the Pongal day, is celebrated by boiling fresh milk early in the morning and allowing it to boil over the vessel - a tradition that is the literal translation for Pongal. People also prepare savories and sweets, visit each other's homes, and exchange greetings. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is meant to offer thanks to the cows and buffaloes, as they are used to plough the lands. On the last day, Kanum Pongal, people go out to picnic.
A festival called Jalli kattu is held in Madurai, Tiruchirapalli and Tanjavur,all in Tamil Nadu, on this day. Bundles of money are tied to the horns of ferocious bulls which the villagers try to retrieve. Everyone joins in the community meal, at which the food is made of the freshly harvested grain. This day is named and celebrated as Tamilar Tirunal through out Tamil Nadu.

Bhogi PongalThe first day of Pongal known as 'Bhogi Pongal' is a day for family gathering and is dedicated to Lord Indra, the king of the deities and God of the Clouds and Rains. Offerings are made to him to please him so that he blesses us for the plentiful harvest. It is also the beginning of the New Year according to the Malayalam calendar and before sunrise, a huge

bonfire of useless things in home is lit that is kept burning throughout the night. All the time, boys beat little buffalo-hide drums known as 'Bhogi Kottus'. The houses are then cleaned till they shine and are decorated with Kolams painted using rice four. There are yellow pumpkin flowers are set in cow-dung balls in the middle of these designs.
Surya PongalThe second day of Pongal known as 'Surya Pongal' is dedicated to the Sun God. The granaries are kept full on this day and Sun God with his rays are

painted on a plank as he is worshiped with the birth of the new auspicious month of Thai.

Since the word 'Ponga' means 'to boil' representing plentiful and excess yield, a special dish is cooked on this day in a new mud-pot that comes in innovative shapes and have artistic designs on them called 'Pongapani'. The special dish is called 'Sarkkarai Pongal' and is offered to Sun God with sugarcane sticks. It is said that Lord Sundareshwar performed a miracle on this day in the Madurai temple and breathed life into a stone elephant who ate sugarcanes. One can see the depiction of the event in the Meenakshi temple.Mattu Pongal
The third day known as 'Mattu Pongal' is dedicated to the cattle as cowherds and shepherds pay thanks to their cows and bulls, paint their horns and cover them with shining metal caps.

They are fed 'Pongal' and tinkling bells are tied around the

ir neck. Cattle races are conducted and in the game called 'Manji Virattu' groups of young men chase running bulls. Bull fights called 'Jallikattu' are also arranged at some places where young men have to take the money bags tied to the horns of ferocious bulls single-handedly and without the use of arms. Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati are also worshiped

on this day. At some other places, this day is celebrated as Kanu Pongal when girls feed colored balls of cooked rice to the birds and crows and pray for their brothers'

happiness and that they always remember them.
Kaanum Pongal
The fourth day is termed as Kaanum Pongal. On this day, people travel to see other family members. On this day, the younger members of the family pay homage to the elders, and the

elders thank them by giving token money. Another thing many do is leave food out on banana leaves for birds to take. Many South Indian people will take the first bit of rice cooked in any given day and set it outside for the crows to take, so this is not necessarily a habit only

for Pongal.

Pongal recipes

Avial

Avial is one of the most popular side dishes of Tamil Nadu. It is specially prepared on the festival of Pongal. This dish is very healthy and delicious, as a variety of vegetables is used to make it. Apart from that, it also has channa and urad dal as its ingredients.

Ingredients

Drumstick (Muringakai)
Chenai (Yam)Vala Kai (Green Plantain / Raw Plantain)CarrotBeans
Achingapayar
Kovakai
Mango (if not using Yogurt)
Vellarikai
Kumbalangai
Kathirikkai / Brinjal2 - 3 green chilles slit

Cut all the above vegetables into a medium thin strip (similar to our small finger - hope that's

more easy way to explain).

Add 1 tspoon of chille powder, 1 tspoon of turmeric powder, salt to taste and boil till the vegetable are done in very
small quantity of water (as most of the vegetables we are using have water in them it is more than enough if we add less
water).
Grind together desired quantity of fresh scrapped coconut (to get the real taste) along with 2 -

4 red chilles and a tspoon
full of cumin seed (no need to grind with water and make a smooth paste).
Now add 2 - 3 spoons of curd or yogurt to the boiled vegetables if not using mango or tamarind, lower the heat let it mix
with the vegetables, then add the ground coconut, mix well, let the vegetables coat nicely with

ground coconut, off the
stove / gas, decorate it finally with curry leaves and 1 - 2 spoons of coconut oil.

This is a traditional 'AVIYAL' receipe, hope all will enjoy making and having it. It is also a nutritious and good healthfood as it contains almost all vegetables.

The Rice recipes are as follows

Pongal

Pongal is a harvest festival of India, mainly celebrated all over Tamil Nadu and some other parts of South India. The festival is celebrated as a form of Thanksgiving to God, for all the goodness created by him. Food is an important part of Pongal and there is a wide range of recipes that are prepared as a part of the celebration. Pongal is one of those delicacies.

Ingredients
2 cup Jeeraka samba/basmati/raw rice
1/2 cup Moong Dal
4 tsp Ghee
1 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
10-12 pieces Cashew Nuts (roasted or fried)
Salt to taste
1 tsp Pepper
Method
Clean and wash thoroughly the rice and dal. Boil them together in 5 cups of water in a deep pan. When cooked, keep them aside.
In a separate shallow pan, heat the ghee and stir fry cumin seeds and cashew nuts slightly and separately.
Add it to the rice and dal. Add salt and pepper and serve hot.

Sarkkarai Pongal

Pongal is one of the very famous and much-awaited harvest festivals celebrated in South India. To celebrate the festivity of Pongal, traditional recipes are prepared in every household. Sarkkarai Pongal is one of the special dishes for the occasion. It is prepared in an earthen pot, on the second day of Pongal. Sarkkarai Pongal is a very simple and easy-to-make dish, which gives a mouth

watering taste.

Ingredients
2 cup Basmati Rice
1/4 liter Milk
1½ cup moong Dal
1 cup Jaggery
12-15 pieces Roasted Cashew Nuts or Fried Raisins
12-15 pieces Almonds
1/2 tsp Cardamom (dried and grounded)
1 tsp Ghee
1 pinch Edible Camphor
Method:
In a deep pan, boil the milk. Add rice and dal and turn it on low flame after Cleaning and washing them thoroughly.
Stir in the Jaggery until it dissolves. When the rice and dal are cooked, add raisins and nuts, grounded cardamom and edible camphor keep while stirring continuously.
Pour ghee before taking off the fire. Serve it hot or cold as desired.

Paal Pongal

Pongal, a harvest festival with major significance South India, is celebrated by preparing a wide

variety of traditional recipes. Sweet Pongal is one of the popular dishes that mark their presence on Pongal. The dish sweetens the celebration and sets on the festive mood. Pongal is an occasion to indulge in celebrations and merry making.

Ingredients
2 litres Milk
10 Almonds
1½ cups Newly Harvested Rice
1/4 cup Moong dal
15 Cashew Nuts
1½ cup Hard sugar candy(Kalkand)
30 Kishmish
1/4 level-tsp Nutmeg Powder
1/4 tsp Saffron Crushed
1 tsp Cardamom Powder
2 tbsp Ghee
Method:
Chop almonds and cashew nuts and clean kishmish. Pour milk in the earthen pot called `Pongapani` and place it on fire.
When the milk starts boiling add rice and dal, after washing. As soon as the rice and dal are cooked to softness, add Sugar candy and ghee.
Let cook on medium fire for some time and then put in almond and cashew nut bits, saffron nutrieg and cardamom powders.
Finally put in the Kishmis. Bring to one or two good boils

Puli Pongal
Ingredients
2 cups Broken Raw Rice
Tamarind - small lemon size (soaked in water)
1 tsp Mustard Seeds
1 tsp Chana Dal
Dry Red Chilies (according to taste)
1/4 tsp Asafoetida Powder
1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
1/4 cup Sesame Oil
A sprig of Curry Leaves
Salt to taste
Method
Keep the measured tamarind juice. For every cup of broken rice add 2 1/4 cups of tamarind juice.
Heat oil in a pressure pan. Now add mustard seeds and when it splutters add the Chana dal.
When the Chana dal is lightly brown, add turmeric powder, asafoetida, dry red chilies and curry leaves.
Then add the tamarind juice. When it begins to boil, add the broken rice and the required amount of salt.

Thus, the harvest festival of Pongal symbolizes the veneration of the first fruit. The crop is harvested only after a certain time of the year, and cutting the crop before that time is strictly prohibited. Even though Pongal was originally a festival for the farming community, today it is celebrated by all. In south India, all three days of Pongal are considered important. However, those south Indians who have settled in the north usually celebrate only the second day. Coinciding with Makara Sankranti and Lohri of the north, it is also calledPongal Sankranti.

My Trials n Errors n Rights !!

2008-01-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Some of my first works of art (ha ha ha)searched out from my mom's oldest cupboards...hidden from my vain self.

This pic. of the dog is from a greeting card...a glass paintingThis is I don't know what ;) i think i was supposed to be a teddy bear ...or a rabbit..or a Real furry Mouse....It was done in one of the unbroken tiles..that somehow (its fate) remained ,when we redid our Bathroom !!!A stained glass painting of roses with an arch in the background .

My first transition

2008-01-17T08:52:00.000-08:00

mmmm.....When I was small ....probably '97,i used to imagine i can draw well(my handwriting isnt worth mentioning!!!),to tell the absolutle truth...i drew pretty bad ...but i could shade very well ...so hence the appeareance of a good ;) art :) .

I always used to draw cartoons (making a big fuss of how beautiful it was.....my poor parents !!! ) n still pictures..in which the girl always somehow (no ..no ..not my mistake) looked like a boy(probably the paper was not of good quality ! ).Then one day i saw a madhubani pic. on a website....I was drawn towards it...it isn't what we would call the perfectly perfect art ...it was more a natural drawing...vibrant colours....I wanted to try it out ..........

To your right is a painting done by me ...It is a ganesha done on hand made paper .

.A Little about the origin of madhubani paintings by Mr.Sukrith

In their earliest form, Madhubani paintings appear as aripana (floor paintings) and kohabar (wall paintings), done by the women of the Brahmin and the Kayastha castes. Painters today do it on paper. An exhibition of such paintings, titled "Mithila Paintings", was held in Kolkata from January 3 to January 12. It was curated by Neel Rekha, an art historian, whose dissertation on the women painters of Mithila titled "Art and Assertion of Identity: Women and Madhubani Paintings" is to be published shortly.
Traditionally, Madhubani paintings were made on the eve of certain rituals and ceremonies, such as pujas, vratas, or weddings. According to Neel Rekha, who has stayed with the painters and traced the roots of the folk art tradition, these paintings may have had their origins in tantric rituals. Mithila has from time immemorial been a seat of the tantric tradition, with strong leanings towards the Saiva and Sakti cults. The tradition found expression in domestic rituals, and that is perhaps why the art form was once restricted to women. But that did not stop the artists from transcending the domain of practical utility in order to create something exquisite from an aesthetic point of view.

VaraLakshmi Vratham( 24-Aug-2007 )

2007-08-18T05:16:00.000-07:00

Download VaraLakshmi Pooja (Full) Audio File with Instructions
LORD SHIVA describes the glory of this Vrata in the Skanda Puranam. It is said that Lakshmi will enter the house of anyone who thinks of her and bless them. There are many festivals in the year dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Among them, Varalakshmi Vratham is unique . It is also called Varalakshmi Nonbu. The puja falls on the Friday before the full moon in the Tamil month of Aadi.The name Varalakshmi itself can be interpreted in two ways. In one sense, Varalakshmi is one who grants boons. In another, she is the Goddess who is invited into the home and honoured. The different types of benefits that will accrue thanks to performing the Varalakshmi puja are "dhan" (money), "dhanyam" (grains or food), "arogyam" (health), "sampath" (property), "sathsanthanam" (virtuous offspring) and "dheerga saumangalyam" (longevity of the husband).A bronze or silver kalasam (special pot) is filled with rice or water and coins, a whole lime, five types of leaves and betel leaves and betel nut. The kalasam is smeared with sandal paste and covered with a new cloth up to the neck. A coconut applied with turmeric paste is placed on top with mango leaves around. An image of the Goddess made of different materials, including cloth, is affixed to this. The kalasam is deemed to be the Goddess herself. Offerings of pongal are made and arathi is performed. The next morning, before rahu kalam, the kalasam is placed on a bed of rice. This signifies that Lakshmi has entered the house. After the installation, a puja beginning with an invocation to Lord Vinayaka begins. During the puja, the Lakshmi Sahasranamam and other slokas dedicated to Varalakshmi are chanted. Different types of sweets are offered to the Goddess. The women and girls of the house tie yellow coloured saradu or thread around their wrists. Thamboolam is given to other "sumangalis" (married women) who are invited to the house that evening. The woman who has performed the puja observes a fast on that day, eating only certain things. The following day the holy water in the kalasam is sprinkled throughout the house. If rice has been used in the place of water then it is mixed with the rice stored in the house.The legend behind the Varalakshmi puja and vratam is fascinating. It was a game of dice which caused a small tiff between Lord Shiva and Parvati as to who was the victor. An honest gana, Chitranemi, was asked to arbitrate and he decided in Shiva's favour. An angry Parvati cursed him to suffer from leprosy. When Shiva pleaded with her, she gave in and said the day women in the world observed Varalakshmi puja, Chitranemi would get deliverance. Chitranemi got relief when he observed some women performing the puja. Ever since then, this vratham has been observed.-Salonee225

I'm Giving You The Lakshmi Asthotram .The Full Pooja Details (in text) will be posted after I have it Written ;)

Here The Nama is Given according to the serial Number followed by the Nama and its meaning.The meaning is for us to understand what we are telling .The Archana is to be done only for the Nama ,The First one is done follow the Example.
Sri Lakshmi Asthotra SathaNama valli :

(While performing Archana, please add "Om" at the beginning and "Namaha:" at the end of each name.)
01
Om Prakruti Namaha:
Nature
02
Om Vikruti Namaha :
Multi Faced Nature
03
Vidya
Wisdom
04
Sarvabhootahitaprada
One Who Grants Universal Pleasures
05
Shraddha
One Who Is Worshipped
06
Vibhuti
Goddess Of Wealth
07
Surabhi
The Celestial Goddess
08
Paramatmika
The Omnipresent Goddess
09
Vachi
One Who Has Nectar Like Speech
10
Padmalaya
One Who Resides On The Lotus
11
Padma
Lotus
12
Shuchi
Goddess Of Purity
13
Swaha
Auspicious
14
Swadha
One Who Dispels Inauspiciousness
15
Sudha
Goddess Of Nectar
16
Dhanya
Personification Of Gratitude
17
Hiranmayi
One Who Has Golden Appearance
18
Lakshmi
Goddess Of Wealth And Prosperity
19
Nityapushta
One Who Gains Strenght Day After Day
20
Vibha
One Who Is Radiant Faced
21
Aditi
One Who Has Radiance Like The Sun
22
Deetya
One Who Answers Prayers
23
Deepta
Flame Like
24
Vasudha
Goddess Of Earth
25
Vasudharini
Protector Of Earth
26
Kamala
Lotus
27
Kantha
Consort Of Lord Vishnu
28
Kamakshi
Attractive Eyed Goddess
29
Kamalasambhava
One Who Emerges From The Lotus
30
Anugrahaprada
One Who Grants Good Wishes
31
Buddhi
Goddess Of Wisdom
32
Anagha
Sinless Or Pure Goddess
33
Harivallabhi
Consort Of Lord Vishnu
34
Ashoka
One Who Dispels Sorrows
35
Amrutha
Goddess Of Nectar
36
Deepa
Radiant Faced
37
Lokashokavinashini
One Who Removes Worldly Troubles
38
Dharmanilaya
One Who Establishes Eternal Law
39
Karuna
Compassionate Goddess
40
Lokamatri
Universal Mother
41
Padmapriya
Lover Of Lotus
42
Padmahasta
One Who Has Lotus Like Hands
43
Padmakshya
One Who Has Lotus Like Eyes
44
Padmasundari
Beautiful Like The Lotus
45
Padmodbhava
One Who Emerges From The Lotus
46
Padmamukhi
Lotus Faced Goddess
47
Padmanabhapriya
Beloved Of Padmanabha - Lord Vishnu
48
Ramaa
Pleaser Of Lord Vishnu
49
Padmamaladhara
One Who Wears The Lotus Garland
50
Devi
Goddess
51
Padmini
Like The Lotus
52
Padmagandhini
One Who Has Fragnance Like The Lotus
53
Punyagandha
The Divine Perfumed Goddess
54
Suprasanna
Compassionate Goddess
55
Prasadabhimukhi
One Who Grants Boons And Wishes
56
Prabha
Goddess With The Radiance Like The Sun
57
Chandravadana
Moon Faced Goddess
58
Chanda
Calm Like The Moon
59
Chandrasahodari
Sister Of The Moon
60
Chaturbhuja
Four Armed Goddess
61
Chandrarupa
Beautiful Like The Moon
62
Indira
Radiant Like The Sun
63
Indusheetala
Pure Like The Moon
64
Ahladajanani
Goddess Who Bestows Happiness
65
Pushti
Goddess Of Health
66
Shiva
Auspicious Goddess
67
Shivakari
Embodiment Of Auspiciousness
68
Satya
Truth
69
Vimala
Pure
70
Vishwajanani
Universal Mother
71
Pushti
Possessor Of Wealth
72
Daridriyanashini
Remover Of Poverty
73
Preeta Pushkarini
Goddess Who Has Pleasing Eyes
74
Shanta
Peaceful Goddess
75
Shuklamalambara
One Who Wears White Clothing
76
Bhaskari
Dazzling Like The Sun
77
Bilvanilaya
One Who Lives Under The Bilva Tree
78
Vararoha
Goddess Who Bestows Wishes And Boons
79
Yashaswini
Goddess Of Fame And Fortune
80
Vasundhara
Daughter Of Mother Earth
81
Udaranga
One Who Has A Beautiful Body
82
Harini
One Who Is Deer Like
83
Hemamalini
One Who Possesses Golden Garlands
84
Dhanadhanyaki
One Who Bestows Wealth
85
Siddhi
Protector
86
Straina Soumya
Showering Goodness On Women
87
Shubhaprada
One Who Grants Auspicious Things
88
Nrupaveshvagathananda
One Who Lives In Palaces
89
Varalakshmi
Granter Of Prosperity
90
Vasuprada
Bestower Of Wealth
91
Shubha
Auspicious Goddess
92
Hiranyapraka
Admist Gold
93
Samudratanaya
Daughter Of The Ocean
94
Jaya
Goddess Of Victory
95
Mangala
Most Auspicious
96
Devi
Diety Or Goddess
97
Vishnuvakshah
One Who Resides In Lord Vishnu's Chest
98
Vishnupatni
Consort Of Lord Vishnu
99
Prasannakshi
Lively Eyed
100
Narayana Samashrita
One Who Seeks Refuge In Lord Narayana
101
Daridriya Dhwamsini
One Who Eliminates Poverty
102
Devlakshmi
Goddess
103
Sarvapadravanivarini
One Who Dispels Unhappiness
104
Navadurga
All Nine Forms Of Durga
105
Mahakali
A Form Of Goddess Kali
106
Brahma-Vishnu-Shivatmika
Goddess In The Form Of Brahma Vishnu Shiva
107
Trikalagyanasampanna
One Is Aware Of Past, Present And Future
108
Bhuvaneshwaryai
Supreme Goddess Or Diety
Ithi Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtothra Satha NaamavaLi Samaaptha

Sri Lakshmi Durga -- Mahisha-asura Mardhani
Ayigiri Nandhini Nandhitha Mohini Visva vinodhini Nandhanuthe' Girivara vindhyasiro'-athi Nivaasini Vishnu vilaasini Jishnunuthe' Bagavathi He'y Sithi kanta kudumbini poori kudumbini poorikruthe' Jaya Jaya He'y Mahisha-asura Mardhini Ramyaka Barthini Saila suthe'

27'th August

2007-08-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

This coming 27th. of August 2007, at 12.30 am. look up the sky.
You will see 2 moons. Believe it or not, up to you.
Got this news in a from a Friend.
Two moon on 27 August*27th Aug the Whole World is waiting for………….*
Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky starting August.
It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye.
This will cultivate on Aug. 27 when Mars comes within 34.65M miles of earth.
Be sure to watch the sky on Aug. 27 12:30 am .
It will look like the earth has 2 moons.
The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287.
Share this with your friends as NO ONE ALIVE TODAY will ever see it again.

So ,Who's gonna go Moon watching with me ?!?!?

Make it ur self Photoframe

2007-08-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

An easy make it yourself photo frame .It looks cute too .To put up the endless pic.s of babies.

Things u need
Photo
ThickPaper
4 Icecream Sticks(Big)
Scissors
Tape
Glue
Yarn
Glitter Glue
Paint
Markers

Instructions
First, tape or glue the back of your baby photo to a piece of heavy paper.
Then, stack the Popsicle sticks into a square frame shape and glue the corners.
Next, glue a piece of yarn to the frame as a hanger.
Decorate your frame with glitter glue, paint or markers.
Tape or glue your frame to your baby photo and hang it on the wall, using the yarn.

Happy Independance day !

2007-08-15T06:05:00.000-07:00

India - Amazing facts
From -Amazing facts

The official Sanskrit name for India is Bharat.
====================
INDIA has been called Bharat even in Satya yuga ( Golden Age )
====================
More INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT India
====================
The name `India’ is derived from the River Indus, the valleys around which were the home of the early settlers. The Aryan worshippers referred to the river Indus as the Sindhu.
====================
The Persian invaders converted it into Hindu. The name `Hindustan’ combines Sindhu and Hindu and thus refers to the land of the Hindus.
====================
The number system was invented by India. Aryabhatta was the scientist who invented the digit zero.
====================
Sanskrit is considered as the mother of all higher languages. This is because it is the most precise, and therefore suitable language for computer software. ( a report in Forbes magazine, July 1987 ). Chess was invented in India.
====================
Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus are studies which originated in India.
====================
The’ place value system’ and the ‘decimal system’ were developed in 100 BC in India.
====================
The first six Mogul Emperor’s of India ruled in an unbroken succession from father to son for two hundred years, from 1526 to 1707.
====================
The World’s First Granite Temple is the Brihadeswara temple at Tanjavur in Tamil Nadu. The shikhara is made from a single ‘ 80-tonne ‘ piece of granite. Also, this magnificient temple was built in just five years, (between 1004 AD and 1009 AD) during the reign of Rajaraja Chola
====================
India is…….the Largest democracy in the world, the 6th largest country in the world AND one of the most ancient and living civilizations (at least 10, 000 years old).
====================
The game of snakes & ladders was created by the 13th century poet saint Gyandev. It was originally called ‘Mokshapat.’ The ladders in the game represented virtues and the snakes indicated vices. The game was played with cowrie shells and dices. Later through time, the game underwent several modifications but the meaning is the same i.e good deeds take us to heaven and evil to a cycle ofre-births.
====================
The world’s highest cricket ground is in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. Built in 1893 after levelling a hilltop, this cricket pitch is 2444 meters above sea level.
====================
India has the most post offices in the world !
====================
The largest employer in the world is the Indian railway system, employing over a million people !.
====================
The World’s first university was established in Takshila in 700 BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education.
====================
Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to mankind. The father of medicine, Charaka, consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago.
====================
Although modern images & descriptions of India often show poverty, India was one of the richest countries till the time of British in the early 17th Century. Christopher Columbus was attracted by India’s wealth and was looking for route to India when he discovered America by mistake.
====================
The art of Navigation & Navigating was born in the river Sindh 6000 over years ago. The very word ‘Navigation’ is derived from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH. The word navy is also derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Nou’.
====================
Bhaskaracharya rightly calculated the time taken by the earth to orbit the sun hundreds of years before the astronomer Smart. His calculations was - Time taken by earth to orbit the sun: ( 5th century ) 365.258756484 days.
====================
The value of “pi” was first calculated by the Indian Mathematician Budhayana, and he explained the concept of what is known as the Pythagorean Theorem. He discovered this in the 6th century, which was long before the European mathematicians.
====================
Algebra, trigonometry and calculus also orignated from India. Quadratic equations were used by Sridharacharya in the 11th century. The largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were 106 whereas Hindus used numbers as big as 10*53 ( i.e 10 to the power of 53 ) with specific names as early as 5000 B.C. during the Vedic period. Even today, the largest used number is Tera: 10*12( 10 to the power of 12 ).
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Until 1896, India was the only source for diamonds to the world. ( Source . Gemological Institute of America )
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The Baily Bridge is the highest bridge in the world. It is located in the Ladakh valley between the Dras and Suru rivers in the Himalayan mountains. It was built by the Indian Army in August 1982.
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Sushruta is regarded as the father of surgery. Over 2600 years ago Sushrata & his team conducted complicated surgeries like cataract, artificial limbs, cesareans, fractures, urinary stones and also plastic surgery and brain surgeries.
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Usage of anesthesia was well known in ancient India medicine. Detailed knowledge of anatomy, embryology, digestion, metabolism, physiology, etiology, genetics and immunity is also found in many ancient Indian texts.
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Did you know ?
India also celebrates the birthday of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President and Vice-President and great statesman, as “Teachers’ Day”.
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Born on September 5, 1888, at Tiruttani, 40 miles to the north-east of Madras, Radhakrishnan grew to become the most famous Indian teacher and philosopher of all times. In his honour, this day is celebrated as Teacher’s Day.
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He was also the Vice-President of India from 1952-1962. He held the office of the Chancellor, University of Delhi, before taking over as the President of India in May 1962.
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“What makes a nation, is the past, what justifies one nation against others is the past”, says the noted historian Eric Hobsbawm.
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Hence, when talking of a nation, it becomes very imperative that the past should also be talked about. And the past of India is as fascinating and interesting as it is momentous.
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Jai Hind !

I'm proud to be an indian!!! are you ?

Aadi Ammavasai Tharpanam

2007-08-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

(from The Hindu Online )

The new moon day is considered something special in almost all civilizations for one reason or the other. While some civilizations ascribe demonic qualities to this day, others consider this day as auspicious and benevolent.In Tamil society, the two new moon days which matter most in a calendar year are the Thai Amavasai and Aadi Amavasai. Aadi Amavasai comes in Utharayanam period(generally from middle of January to middle of July) and the Thai Amavasai comes in Dhakshanayanam period( from middle of July to middle of January) The Aadi Amavasai day is specially marked for offering prayers and food to the dead forefathers. One can say that this day can be described as the Indian version of All Souls Day that is celebrated in Roman Catholic Churches.

Hindus believe that the offerings they make during this period of 15 days starting from this new moon day would reach their forefathers and appease them quickly. So the Hindus are expected to perform “Tharpanam” on this day, which is a recitation of certain mantras along with some rituals that would appease the dead forefathers and protect the offsprings of the performer of the Tharpanam.Taking a holy dip in a river is considered a pre-requisite for performing a Tharpanam, as it is believed that all one’s physical as well as mental impurities are washed away by doing so.

This day is celebrated with more religious fervour and Bhakti in different temples, both Vaishnavaite and Saivite, situated in India and elsewhere.
Samayal ,Today we do all the dishes with Naatu kai vegtables like Ladies finger,brinjal,Drumstick,all kinds of gourds.

For Recipes please visit Spicy Khana

Charming Snake ?!?

2007-08-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

Today Dawned the same as any other day ...infact a lazy day for me got up late..playing with the kids ..suddenly realised that i'm fresh out of eggs .So,got the egg tray out and started to the grocery two blocks away.That was when ,I saw the snake charmer begging for money a 3 houses from ours .I called to Gurunathan(our help) and said don't let him come near our house and off I went .

Coming back.I saw Gurunathan deep in conversation with the charmer ,who was sitting sqat in front of our house .Gurunathan came running " amma, I saw a snake skin near the jasmine bushes there seems to be a snake around the house .Let us make him catch it " .Now ,Snake skin ...I'm familiar with :) .I called the Charmer and said I'll not give you to much just catch the snake and don't ask lots of money .(ME !! Haggling with a SNAKE charmer .)He was like " amma ,U'll have to pay me Rs.50 for each snake i catch " .I said I can't pay you that much .Now go catch the snake ! .

The Snake Charmer went off ,with his 'Magudi'..with the comments " With this 'Magudi ' I can catch only Cobra and Common Krait nad not the Green Vine snakes and ordinary snakes .I said"Catch that snake which shed its skin" .And so,he wanked around the house bowing his 'magudi' producing a strange linting sound ,which supposedly chars snakes out of hiding .Suddenly the neared the Well ,he ran and caught and he pulled it out .He Pulled n pulled and pulled .Out came it ,at last - a six foot ,shiny ,writhering ,Cobra !!!!!

He Hurried to put the snake inside his jute bag .he sqatted and started tying his sack .Our neighbour came and said If u have found a cobra there is sure to be a mate ...a cobra always is with a mate .Catch that also .

So off he went again ,and caught a Common Krait(its mate ?!? ) asbig as the cobra.He was starting to leave .I said Better check the whole house out there are lots of frogs about .So he walked around again .suddenly he shouted "Bring my stick someone ,Bring my stick" we all rushed to see waht he was about .There he was triumphantly holding 7 baby snakes and their mother !!!! They were Short and fat and slow .

By Now,I was real scared ...where did all these snake hide for so long .I said him

"Enough take all these and go please" .so again we haggled and i ended up paying him Rs.350/- .And the total number of snakes caught were 10 !!!!!!

Orkut Monsterosity ?!?!?

2007-08-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm,These past two months or so has made orkut a taboo in India .It's name being connected to one of the dangers ?!?! faced by the Indian youth (I find so many people of the older generation, i wonder !!!) .

Now lets see Orkut as it defines itself "orkut is an online community designed to make your social life more active and stimulating. orkut's social network can help you maintain existing relationships with pictures and messages, and establish new ones by reaching out to people you've never met before. " - All That is absolutely true !!!! . Now You might be wondering if I support those who use orkut or If i Don't .The truth bespoken I do support people who use orkut as I find it so useful myself .

I am not exaggerating if i tell u I have found my long lost classmates in orkut ... a few cousins too ...who i didn't even know existed !!!

But ,Even the creators of orkut have visioned the use people might subject it to and have excercised caution .orkut makes it easy to find people who share your hobbies and interests, look for romantic connections or establish new business contacts. You can also create and join a wide variety of online communities to discuss current events, reconnect with old school mates or even exchange your favorite recipes.
Who you interact with is entirely up to you. Before getting to know an orkut member, you can read their profile and even see how they're connected to you through the friends network.

Security tips for using ORKUT :
General Safety Tips for Using orkut.com
Using orkut.com is a great way to meet new people and get in touch with old friends. But it's also used by millions of people and there are certain things orkut members should keep in mind while using the site.
Here are some general tips and guidelines you should follow when visiting orkut.com:
Don't forget that millions of people can view your orkut profile:
Don't post anything you wouldn't want everyone to know about you like your phone number or home address.
Share fun information about yourself like your favorite vacation spot or the best movie you've ever seen. Don't trust everyone:
People aren't always who they say they are.
Be cautious when adding strangers to your friends list.
orkut's a great way to make new friends, but be careful about information you share with someone you've never met.
If you do decide to meet someone outside of orkut, bring a friend with you.
Inappropriate content won't be tolerated:
Help keep orkut safe and clean by reporting content that violates theirTerms of Service using the "Report Abuse" button on profiles and communities.
Don't post anything about yourself that might embarrass you later:
Only post info and photos on your profile that you wouldn't mind your parents or boss seeing.
Protect your password:
Never tell anyone your password!
Your Google Account password protects your orkut account so keep it to yourself.
Also try to avoid scams and sites that may try to steal your password.
To learn more about these scams, click here.

Calories Burned !!

2007-08-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

Here below I'm giving the list of activities and how much calories they burn
Here’s a short compilation of the usual activities that we can do and the estimated equivalent calories burned per hour for your guidance:
Cleaning the House 200 to 250 calories
Gardening 300 calories
Sweeping the floor 250 calories
Child Care 180 to 200 calories
Cooking/Food Preparation 150 calories
Driving 110 calories
Office Work 140 calories
Standing 100 calories
Simple Exercises:
Aerobics 350 calories
Badminton, social 300 calories
Golf 240 calories
Walking, brisk 400 calories
Running 400 to 500 calories
Swimming laps 600 calories
Different activities whether done at home or outside the house result in calories being burned. There should therefore be no excuse that one is unable to do physical activity be at work or in the house because… while doing office computer work, you can stand up and walk to accumulate more calories burned per hour!