Dining Etiquette - A Shining Predicate

Dining Etiquette - A Practice of Following A Few Guidelines & Behaviors While Having Meal. It ensures a Courteous, Happy & Honorable Meal Time. Arriving Timely, Getting Seated, Using Crockery, Chewing, Polite Conversation, everything is a Part of Dining Etiquette. Whether Hanging Out with Old Friends or Interacting with New Partners, there are always a certain Dining Rules to Be Followed. Different Countries have Different Dining Etiquette as per their Food, Culture & Traditions.

Welcome to Italy! In a Traditional Italian Dinner, Host/Hostess is Always The 1st to Sit. For Others, Please Wait for Being Invited. Having Meal is also Always Initiated by The Host/Hostess Only. Knife is kept in Right Hand & Fork in Left Hand. Once again, Host/Hostess is The 1st to Make a Toast During the Meal. An Honored Guest Always Makes a Toast Later in the Meal. Same as Being Seated, Host/Hostess is Always The 1st to Get Up At End of Meal. If a Little Amount of Food is Left on Plate, It's OK. But Keeping Hands on Lap & Resting Elbows on Dining Table, Not At All. Enjoy Your Meal!

🇮🇹 Benvenuti in Italia! Buon appetito! 🇮🇹

Welcome to Saudi Arabia! A Traditional Saudi Arabic Dinner, Meal is Generally Family Style. Serving Guests with Lavish Meal is a Part of Saudi Generosity & Hospitality. They Offer The Most Treasured Piece, such as Sheep's Head, to Honored Guests. If Meal is Set On Floor, Diners should Sit Down Cross Legged. Food is Eaten Only with Right Hand as Eating with Left Hand is regarded Dirty. Also, Meal is Enjoyed by Keeping Conversation to Minimum. Enjoy Your Meal!

🇸🇦 مرحباً بكم في المملكة العربية السعودية! استمتع بوجبتك! 🇸🇦

Welcome to Japan! In a Traditional Japanese Dinner, Meal is served on Low Table. Diners sit on Cushions lying on Floor. Being Polite, Diners say, "I'm Grateful to Receive the Meal" Before Eating. Japanese People Drink Soup Directly from Soup Bowl, Without Using Spoon. They Pour Soy Sauce in a Separate Dish, Dip Sashimi & Sushi in it & is Enjoyed in Just 1 Go. To Avoid Spilling of Rice & Noodles, their Bowls are Brought Close to Mouth. Crossing, Licking & Sticking Chopsticks is Rude in Japanese Culture. Passing Food With Chopsticks is done Only During Funerals. Tip is Not Left at End of Meal. Again, Being Polite, Diners say, "Thanks for Meal", at End of Meal. Enjoy Your Meal!

🇯🇵 日本へようこそ！お食事をお楽しみください！🇯🇵

Welcome to Colombia! In a Traditional Colombian Dinner, Host/Hostess is The 1st to Be Seated. Diners Keep their Hands Above Table with Wrist on Top of Table, if Hands are Crockery Free. Dishes are Always Passes to Left on Table. In Colombian Culture, Fork & Spoon are Never Swapped During Meals. Also, No Toothpicks During Meal. It is Polite to Leave a Small Amount of Food on Plate. At End of Meal, Silverware is Kept Horizontal & Parallel Across the Plate. Enjoy Your Meal!

🇨🇴 ¡Bienvenidos a Colombia! ¡Disfruten su comida! 🇨🇴

Welcome to France! A Traditional French Dinner begins only after The Host/Hostess says, "Bon Appétit". Diners may be directed to a Particular Seat, in case of a Seating Plan. They hold Fork in Left Hand & Knife in Right Hand. Keeping Fork Over Knife in a Cross Structure shows Unfinished Meal. For Hand Gestures, they are Kept Visible, Not on Lap, but No Elbow on Table. Plates are Always Left Empty. For Wine Glass, it is Left Almost Full, if Not Needed anymore.  Enjoy Your Meal!

🇫🇷 Bienvenue en France ! Bon appétit ! 🇫🇷

Welcome to Morocco! In a Traditional Moroccan Dinner, Diners Wash their Hands Before Eating. Meal is Served either on a Knee Height Round Table or on Floor with a Carpet on it. It is Served Around a Large Communal Plate. The Guest of Honor Sits Next to Host/Hostess & is offered Choice Cuts. Diners take Food from Closest Section of Communal Plate. They Scoop Food either with a Piece of Bread or with Thumb & 1st 2 Fingers of Right Hand. They Never Put their Hands into Mouth. Enjoy Your Meal!

🇲🇦 مرحبا بيك فالمغرب! بصحة و راحة! 🇲🇦

Welcome to India! In a Traditional Indian Dinner, Diners Wash their Hands both Before & After Having Meal. Meal is Served on a Rug on Floor. Diners Sit in a Circular Structure. Being Seated & Having Meal, both are Initiated by The Eldest Person. Indian Meal is Traditionally Vegetarian & is Enjoyed With Hands, preferably, Right Hand. Indian Meal includes Flat Breads, also used to Scoop Food. In Indian Traditions, Wasting Food is Considered a Sin. Enjoy Your Meal!

🇮🇳 भारत में आपका स्वागत है! अपने भोजन का आनंद लें! 🇮🇳

Welcome to Russia! A Traditional Russian Dinner is Initiated by The Host/Hostess by Inviting Diners for Meal. The 1st to Be Served is either The Eldest or The Most Honored Guest. Food is eaten with Fork in Right Hand & Knife in Left Hand. Guests are often requested to have Second Servings. Using Bread to Soak Up Sauce is called Polite. Drinks are Poured by Men for Women Seated Next to them. Hands are Always Kept Visible Without Elbows on Table. At End of Meal, Diners Thank Host/Hostess for Plentiful & Generous Hospitality by Leaving a Small Amount of Food on Plate. Meal is Ended by Host/Hostess Inviting Diners to Leave the Table. Enjoy Your Meal!

🇷🇺 Добро пожаловать в Россию! Приятного аппетита! 🇷🇺

Dining Etiquette are a Reflection of One's Own Personality & Upbringing. It is Far Beyond than Just Consuming Food. From Formal Banquets to Casual Dinners, Knowing, Understanding & Following Dining Etiquette is a Perfect Way to Honor Culture, Food & People & to Harmonize the Dining Atmosphere. In a Nutshell, Dining Etiquette means, Enjoy Your Meal & Let Others Enjoy Their Meal!

Dine With Etiquette

Get Into Everyone's Heart Gate

AIIMS - New Delhi, 1956 To Darbhanga, Bihar, 2024

AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), New Delhi, is a Public Medical Research University & Hospital. It is governed by AIIMS Act, 1956 & Operates Autonomously under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

A recommendation by the Health Survey of Government of India, gave the idea of AIIMS, in 1946. Foundation Stone of AIIMS Delhi was laid in 1952. On 18 Feb, 1956, then Minister of Health, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, introduced a New Bill in Lok Sabha, that would eventually become AIIMS Act, which led to the Establishment of the Institute. She said,

"It has been one of my cherished dreams that for Post Graduate Study & for the Maintenance of High Standards of Medical Education in our country, we should have an institute of this nature which could enable our Young Men & Women to have their Post Graduate Education in their own country."

AIIMS was established as an Institution of National Importance by Act of Parliament with Objects to:

• Develop Patterns of Teaching in Undergraduate & Post Graduate Medical Education in all its Branches so as to Demonstrate a High Standard of Medical Education in India
• Bring Together in One Place Educational Facilities of Highest Order for Training of Personnel in all Important Branches of Health Activity
• Attain Self Sufficiency in Post Graduate Medical Education.

To fulfill above Objectives, AIIMS perform following Functions:

• Undergraduate & Post Graduate Teaching in Medical & Related Physical Biological Sciences.
• Nursing & Dental Education
• Innovations in Education
• Producing Medical Teachers for Country
• Research in Medical & Related Sciences
• Health Care: Preventive, Promotive & Curative; Primary, Secondary & Tertiary
• Community Based Teaching & Research

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Kapurthala Princess & 1st Health Minister of Independent India, was a Major Contributor to Establishment of AIIMS. She envisioned AIIMS as a Premier Medical Institution that would Provide High Quality Medical Education, Research & Healthcare Services.

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was born on 2 Feb, 1889, into Princely Family of Karputhal, Punjab. She was Daughter of Raja Sir Harnam Singh, President of Kapurthala State Council. She received her Early Education in Sherborne School for Girls, Dorset, England & later studied at Oxford University. She was Actively Involved in Indian Freedom Struggle.

She became 1st Health Minister of Independent India, 1947 - 1957. She introduced Several Reforms to Improve Public Health & Healthcare Services in India. One of her Most Significant Contributions was Establishment of AIIMS in New Delhi. Her Persistent Efforts & Advocacy led to Passing of AIIMS Act & Inauguration of Institute in 1956. She served as World Health Assembly President in 1950. She also also became 1st President of AIIMS, 1957 - 1964. She passed away in 1964.

Some of the Achievements of AIIMS, New Delhi are:

• Year 1994, 1st Indian Medical Center to Perform a Successful Cardiac Transplant, by Dr. P. Venugopal, Ex - Director of AIIMS
• Advanced Center of Stem Cell Therapy in India, especially Cardiac & Neurological
• Holds Reputation of Being a Pioneer in Stem Cell Injection
• Year 2008, Set up 1st In - Vitro Fertilization Facility in Public Sector
• Year 2020, Featured in World's Best Hospitals 2020 - Top 100 by Newsweek, Ranked 1st in India by India Today
• Year 2022, Ranked 204th in World & 1st in South Asia in Category of Life Sciences & Medicine by QS World University Rankings, Ranked 1st among Government Colleges by Outlook India
• Year 2024, Ranked 1st among Medical Colleges in India by National Institutional Ranking Framework

Currently, there are 26 AIIMS Colleges in India.

Green Dots - Functional AIIMSs (Except AIIMS Madurai, Not Yet Constructed)

Orange Dots - Upcoming AIIMSs

The Only Fully Functional AIIMS is AIIMS, New Delhi, Announced in 1952 & Established in 1956.

Functional AIIMSs are:

• AIIMS Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Announced in 2003 & Established in 2014
• AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Announced in 2003 & Established in 2014
• AIIMS Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Announced in 2003 & Established in 2014
• AIIMS Patna, Bihar, Announced in 2003 & Established in 2014
• AIIMS Raipur, Chattisgarh, Announced in 2003 & Established in 2014
• AIIMS Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, Announced in 2003 & Established in 2014
• AIIMS Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, Announced in 2012 & Established in 2018
• AIIMS Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, Announced in 2014 & Established in 2018
• AIIMS Nagpur, Maharashtra, Announced in 2014 & Established in 2018
• AIIMS Kalyani, West Bengal, Announced in 2014 & Established in 2018
• AIIMS Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Announced in 2015 & Established in 2019
• AIIMS Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, Announced in 2015 & Established in 2020
• AIIMS Deoghar, Jharkhand, Announced in 2017 & Established in 2019

Partially Functional AIIMSs are:

• AIIMS Bathinda, Punjab, Announced in 2014 & Established in 2019
• AIIMS Jammu, Vijay Pur, Jammu & Kashmir, Announced in 2015 & Established in 2020
• AIIMS Bibinagar, Telangana, Announced in 2017 & Established in 2019

AIIMSs with Classes Started are:

• AIIMS Guwahati, Changsari, Assam, Announced in 2015 & Established in 2020
• AIIMS Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Announced in 2015 & Established in 2021
• AIIMS Rajkot, Gujarat, Announced in 2017 & Established in 2020

Under Construction AIIMSs are:

• AIIMS Awantipora, Jammu & Kashmir, Announced in 2019
• AIIMS Rewari, Haryana, Announced in 2019

AIIMSs whose Only Site Selection is Done are:

• AIIMS Darbhanga, Bihar, Announced in 2015
• AIIMS Kerala, Announced in 2022

AIIMS Manipur is Announced & AIIMS Karnataka is Proposed in 2022.

Foundation Stone of AIIMS Bhubaneswar was laid in Year 2003 by then Prime Minister of India, Late Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. And Today, 13 Nov, 2024, Foundation Stone of AIIMS Darbhanga, will be laid by India's Current Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Damodar Das Modi Ji.

🇮🇳 बनेगा भारत तो बढ़ेगा भारत 🇮🇳

देवउठनी एकादशी - माँगलिक कार्यों का मँगल आरम्भ (Devuthani Ekadashi - Auspicious Beginning of Auspicious Works)

देवउठनी एकादशी (Devuthani Ekadashi), देवोत्थान एकादशी (Devotthan Ekadashi), देवउठनी ग्यारस (Devuthani Gyaras) or देवप्रबोधिनी एकादशी (Devprabodhini Ekadashi) is celebrated on एकादशी of शुक्ल पक्ष (Shukla Paksh) of कार्तिक माह (Kartik Month) of हिन्दू विक्रमादित्य पञ्चाङ्गम (Hindu Vikramaditya Calendar). It is believed that on this day, भगवान विष्णु (Lord Vishnu) Wakes Up from his Long 4 Months Sleep since आषाढ़ माह (Ashadh Month) of हिन्दू विक्रमादित्य पञ्चाङ्गम.

A Major Story of देवउठनी एकादशी is about राक्षस शंखासुर (Demon Shankhasur). He had created a lot of havoc in त्रिलोक (All 3 Worlds). On request of all देवता (Gods), भगवान विष्णु fought with him for years & killed him. After that he went to rest. He woke up after 4 months on the day of कार्तिक शुक्ल एकादशी when देवता worshiped him.

As per शिव महापुराण (Shiv Mahapuran), दैत्यराज दम्भ (King of Demons Dambh) had a son named शंखचूड़ (Shankhchud). Pleased with his घोर तपस्या (Severe Penance) in पुष्कर (Pushkar), भगवान ब्रह्मा (Lord Brahma) granted him a वरदान (Boon) of being अजर - अमर (Immortal), who couldn't be killed by any देवता. भगवान ब्रह्मा also told him to marry तुलसी (Tulsi).

After marrying तुलसी, शंखचूड़ created a great havoc for all देवता. He could only be killed by त्रिशूल (Trident) of भगवान शिव (Lord Shiva) & that too only after he looses कवच (Armor) of भगवान विष्णु & तुलसी looses her सतीत्व (Chastity). भगवान विष्णु took कवच from शंखचूड़ in donation by disguising as an Old Brahmin & broke सतीत्व of तुलसी by disguising as शंखचूड़. शंखचूड़ was killed but तुलसी gave a श्राप (Curse) to भगवान विष्णु to live as a पाषाण (Stone) on earth.

भगवान विष्णु blessed तुलसी to become a Sacred Tree & her body to become River Gandaki. Respecting her श्राप, he said that he'll reside on Gandaki's Banks as शालिग्राम (Shaligram). On the day of देवप्रबोधिनी एकादशी, auspicious works are started with तुलसी - शालिग्राम विवाह (Tulsi - Shaligram Marriage), which is believed to bring अपार पुण्य (Immense Virtue).

For another story about the day, please watch this video 👇🏻:

National Legal Services Day - Know Your Rights

National Legal Services Day, Nov 9, Commemorates the Enactment of Indian Legal Service Authorities Act, 1987. It is celebrated to Spread Awareness about Various Provisions Under Legal Services Authorities Act & Rights of Litigants, A Person Engaged in a Lawsuit.

Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 was enacted on 11 Oct, 1987. But it came into effect on 9 Nov, 1995. Under its provisions, India's National Legal Services Authority, NALSA, was constituted on 5 Dec, 1995. It Ensures Justice to All Citizens, Regardless of their Social or Economic Status & Oversees Legal Aid Programs Implementation at National Level. It Helps to Minimize Backlog of Indian Courts via Lok Adalats.

The Main Objectives of Legal Services are:

• Lok Adalat - Settlement through Conciliation
• Mediation/Conciliation - Resolving Disputes Without Going to Trial
• Victim Compensation - Compensation to Victim by State
• Legal Aid - Free Legal Aid for Weaker Sections
• Legal Advice - Formal Opinion Regarding the Substance
• Legal Literacy Programs - Creating Legal Awareness Programs

To fulfill its Objectives, NALSA performs following Functions:

• Conducting Lok Adalats
• Payment of Court Fee, Process Fee & All Other Charges Payable or Incurred in Connection with any Legal Proceeding
• Providing Service of Lawyers in Legal Proceedings
• Obtaining & Supplying Certified Copies of Orders & Other Documents in Legal Proceedings
• Preparation of Appeal, Paper Book including Printing & Translation of Documents in Legal Proceedings

NALSA Organizational Structure consists of State Legal Services Authority (SLSAs), District Legal Services Authority (DLSAs), Taluk Legal Services Committee (TLSCs), Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSCs) & High Court Legal Services Committee (HCLSCs).

NALSA Provides its Services to the following:

• Women & Children
• Members of SC/ST
• Industry Workmen
• Victims of Mass Disaster, Violence, Flood, Drought, Earthquake, Industrial Disaster
• Disabled People
• Persons in Custody
• Person with Maximum Annual Income of Rs. 1 Lakh
• Victims of Human Trafficking

As a Recent Initiative, NALSA has launched Legal Services Mobile App on Android & iOS Versions to Enable Easy Access to Legal Aid to Common Citizens. Another Initiative is DISHA Scheme. Department of Justice (DoJ) has launched a Scheme, Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA). Under this Scheme, All Access to Justice Programs is Merged & Up-scaled to All India Level.

Know Your Legal Services, Know Your Rights. Towards Yourself, its Both, Your Duty & Your Right.

Know Your Place, Know Your Worth

Let's Try Something New. Take Out an Orange Slice from an Orange & a Garlic Clove from a Garlic. Now Insert Removed Orange Slice in Garlic Empty Portion & Removed Garlic Clove in Orange Empty Portion. Do They Both Fit? No? OK. At least, 1 of them! May be Orange Slice is Unfit in Garlic but Garlic Clove is Perfectly Fit in Orange. Or Garlic Clove is Unfit in Orange but Orange Slice is Perfectly Fit in Garlic. No. Both are Highly Unfit.

Now the question arises, Does this Unfit Status of Removed Orange Slice & Removed Garlic Clove Degrade their Value? Does it make them Useless? Do they need to Feel 'Good For Nothing'? Have they Lost their Worth? Well! I think both, Yes & No.

No. They are still Worthy! They still have their Own Qualities, their Own Specialties. Garlic Clove is still a Taste Enhancer. Orange Slice is still Sweet & Juicy. Still! They have Lost their Worth! One who Wants to Eat a Sweet Orange will Throw Away the Garlic Clove. And One who Wants to Add Garlic in any Recipe will Throw Away the Orange Slice. For them, the Removed Orange Slice & Removed Garlic Clove are Useless!

Every Person is Worthy is his/her Own Way. Each one of us has his/her Own Capabilities, his/her Own Qualities. We all are Skilled in our Own Ways. But our Capabilities, Qualities or Skills Don't Decide Our Worth. It's Our Place & Our Position, which Decides Our Worth. If we're at a Wrong Place, we're Unworthy. If we're at a Right Place, we're Worthy.

Feeling Ignored? Don't Change Yourself. Change Your Place, Your Position. Worth Yourself!

World Tsunami Awareness Day

Nov 5, World Tsunami Awareness Day. A Day to Spread Awareness About Dangerous Effects & Security Precautions of Tsunami. United Nations General Assembly declared this Day on Dec 22, 2015. Theme of the Day for 2024 is, 'Empowering the Next Generation with the Lessons of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami'.

As per a Traditional Japanese Tale, 'The Fire of Rice Sheaves', it was Nov 5, when Village Hiro of Japan was hit by a Tsunami after Nankai Earthquake, 1854. Fortunately, The Village Headman, Hamaguchi Goryo protected Hiro by Burning his Rice Crop to Warn & Guide Villagers to Safety. The Day was requested specifically by Japanese Delegation.

According to Yuki Matsuoka, Head of United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Japan, "Rather than selecting a Memorial Day or a Tragic Day, such as 11 Mar or 26 Dec, 5 Nov was selected as a 'Forward - Looking' Day when Many Lives were Saved due to Proactive Actions."

Tsunami (津波) is a Japanese Word where Tsu (津) means Port (ポート) or Harbor (港) & Nami (ナミ) means Wave (波). Tsunami is a Series of Ocean Waves, called Wave Trains. It is caused due to Underwater Earthquake, Explosion, Volcanic Eruption, Landslide or Drastic Atmospheric Pressure Changes. As it is generated by Seismic Activity such as Earthquake, it also called Seismic Sea Wave. Another Name of Tsunami is Killer Wave.

Tsunami has 2 Types of Generations, Local Tsunami, Tsunami that Travels Towards Nearby Coast & Far Field or Distant Tsunami, Tsunami that Travels Out to Deep Ocean. Mega - Tsunami is a Tsunami with an Initial Wave Amplitude (Height) in Several Tens, Hundreds or possibly Thousands of Meters. It is usually caused by Giant Landslides. Nearly 80% of All Tsunamis occur in 'Ring of Fire', Pacific Ocean.

Tsunami travels at a Speed of Around 500 Miles Per Hr (805 Km Per Hr), similar to Speed of a Jet Airliner. Its Wave Period ranges from Mins to Hrs. It can cause High Level Flooding, Disruption of Transportation, Power & Other Services, Destruction & Disruption of Fresh Water Supplies, Movement of Large Rocks Weighing Several Tons. It can even Kill or Injure People caught in Water both Coming In & Receding.

Since 1900, most Tsunamis have been generated in Japan, Peru, Chile, New Guinea & Solomon Islands. Highest Percentage of Tsunamis was generated off Japan (21%) followed by Russia (8%) & Indonesia (8%). Hawaii get Tsunami about once a year with a Damaging One happening about every 7 Yrs. Alaska is also at High Risk. Coastal States, like California, Oregon & Washington experience a Damaging Tsunami about every 18 Yrs.

Here are Some Most Deadly Tsunamis. Lisbon, 1755. It Almost Totally Destroyed Lisbon & took around 10,000 to 1,00,000 Lives in Lisbon alone. Italy, 1783. The 1st 2 Earthquakes of 5 Strong Earthquakes in Calabria, caused Tsunamis, killing around 32,000 to 50,000 People. Italy, 1908. Messina Earthquake & Tsunamis took about 1,23,000 Lives in Sicily & Calabria. Major Cities of Messina & Reggio Calabria were Almost Completely Destroyed. Sumatra, Indonesia, 2004. Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami, also called Boxing Day Tsunami, was The Most Devastating & The Deadliest Tsunami in History. Dec 26, 2004, 7:59 am. A 9.1 Magnitude Quake struck off Northern Tip, Sumatra, Indonesia & killed more than 2,30,000 People across 14 Countries, with up to 30 m High Waves. It was The 3rd Largest Earthquake Recorded with Longest Time Duration of 8.3 min to 10 min. It was so Strong that it Vibrated The Entire Planet. Japan, 2011. Japan has Longest Recorded History of Tsunamis in World. A 8.9 Magnitude Earthquake struck Northeast Coast, Japan & triggered a Huge Tsunami. It caused the Entire Towns Virtually Disappeared.

Whenever a Tsunami is About to Hit Coast, Ocean appears to Drain Away, called Drawback. Always Be Alert to Signs of a Tsunami, such as Sudden Rise or Draining of Ocean Waters. Leave as soon as you see Any Natural Sign of a Tsunami or receive Any Official Warning. Listen to Emergency Information & Alerts & Follow Instructions from Local Emergency Managers. Go to High Grounds As Far Inland As Possible. Safest Place during Tsunami is Up High on a Mountain. If you're in a Boat, Go Out to Sea. If Taken by a Tsunami Wave, The Best Thing to do is Grab a Floating Object & Let the Current Carry You.

As we always say, Precaution is Better than Cure. So, Be Alert, Be Proactive. Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

यम द्वितिया - दीपावली 🪔 का शुभ समापन 🙏🏻 (Yam Dwitiya – Auspicious End 🙏🏻 of Deepawali 🪔)

यम द्वितिया (Yam Dwitiya) is celebrated on 2nd Lunar Day of शुक्ल पक्ष (Bright Fortnight) of Kartika Month of Hindu Calendar विक्रम संवत (Vikram Samvat). It is the 5th or Last of 5 Day Long Festival of Lights, दीपावली (Deepawali) 🪔.

According to Hindu Scriptures, देवी यमुना (Goddess Yamuna) was quite close to her Brother, यमराज - मृत्यु के देवता (Lord Yama - God of Death). They hadn't seen each other since long. On his arrival, she placed तिलक (Tilak) on his Forehead & cooked Delicious Meals for him. Moved by his Sister's act, he asked her to seek a Boon (वरदान). She said, "Anyone whose Sister applies तिलक on his forehead won't be scared of you as his Sister's Love will Safeguard him." He fulfilled her favor & the Day is celebrated as यम द्वितिया.

It is known by Different Names in Different Regions. भाई दूज (Bhai Dooj) in उत्तर प्रदेश (Uttar Pradesh) & बिहार (Bihar). भाई टीका (Bhai Tika) & भारदुतिया (Bhardutiya) in नेपाल (Nepal). भाई फोण्टा (ভাই ফোনটা, Bhai Phonta) in पश्चिम बंगाल (West Bengal), त्रिपुरा (Tripura) & बांग्लादेश (Bangladesh). भाई जिऊँटिआ (ଭୋଇ ଜିଆଣ୍ଟିଆ |, Bhai Jiuntia) in ओडिशा (Odisha). भाऊबीज (Bhaubeej) or भाई बीज (Bhai Beej) in महाराष्ट्र (Maharashtra), गोवा (Goa), गुजरात (Gujarat) & कर्नाटक (Karnataka). भ्रातृ द्वितिया (Bhratra Dwitiya) & भगिनी हस्थ भोजनमु (Bhaghini Hastha Bhojanamu) in (Andhra Pradesh) & (Telangana).

गोवर्धन 💩 पूजा 🙏🏻 - उत्सव 🎊🎉 प्रकृति 🌳 के महत्व का (Govardhan 💩 Puja 🙏🏻 - Celebration 🎊🎉 of Nature's 🌳 Worth)

गोवर्धन 💩 पूजा 🙏🏻 (Govardhan 💩 Puja 🙏🏻) or अन्नकूट - भोजन का पर्वत ⛰️ (Annakoot - Mountain ⛰️ of Food), is a Hindu Festival celebrated on 1st Lunar Day of Bright Fortnight of Kartika Month of Hindu Calendar. It is 4th Day of 5 Days of Celebration of Lights, Deepawali 🪔. People worship 🙏🏻 गोवर्धन पर्वत 💩 (Govardhan Hill) & Prepare & Offer ५६ भोग (56 Offerings of Vegetarian Food) to भगवान कृष्ण (Lord Krishna).

As per भगवत पुराण (Bhagwat Purana), ग्वाले of ब्रज (Cowherds of Braj) used to worship 🙏🏻 भगवान इंद्र - वर्षा 🌧️ व तूफान 🌩️ के देवता (Lord Indra - God of Rain 🌧️ & Storm 🌩️). भगवान कृष्ण suggested them to worship 🙏🏻 गोवर्धन पर्वत 💩 instead of भगवान इंद्र as it gives Food 🥙 & Shelter 🛖 to them Selflessly. Villagers followed his advice. This made भगवान इंद्र angry & he initiated Thunderstorms 🌩️ & Heavy Rains 🌧️ throughout the City. भगवान कृष्ण protected villagers by Lifting गोवर्धन पर्वत 💩 on his Little Finger, Providing Shelter ⛺ to People & Cattle 🐄. After 7 Days, भगवान इंद्र Accepted his Defeat & Stopped Storms 🌩️ & Rain 🌧️.

On the Day of अन्नकूट, people perform गोवर्धन पर्वत 💩 परिक्रमा (Circumambulation of Govardhan Hill) & Offer ५६ भोग to गोवर्धन पर्वत 💩. गोवर्धन पर्वत 💩 परिक्रमा is around 21 km long. By Walking, it takes about 5 - 6 hrs for its completion. Some people also perform दण्डवत प्रणाम परिक्रमा (Full Body Prostrations Circumambulation). दण्डवत प्रणाम परिक्रमा usually takes about 10 - 12 Days for its completion.

In Homes 🏡, an Image of भगवान कृष्ण, carrying गोवर्धन पर्वत 💩, is made from Cow 🐄Dung 💩 (गाय 🐄 का गोबर 💩). It is decorated with कौड़ी (Cowrie), आटा (Flour), रोली (Auspicious Red Powder used in Hindu Ceremonies), हल्दी (Turmeric), दिया 🪔 (Earthen Lamps) & Small Branches of Tree 🌿 (पेड़ की छोटी छोटी डालियाँ 🌿). In Night, people perform परिक्रमा of This Image & Offer ५६ भोग.

It is said that भगवान कृष्ण used to eat 8 Times in a Day. But he didn't eat anything for 7 Consecutive Days of Thunderstorms 🌩️ & Heavy Rainfall 🌧️. So, After 7 Days, to Thank 🙏🏻 him, Villagers offered him Total 56 Delicious Dishes (8 Dishes X 7 Days) or ५६ भोग.

🙏🏻 ॐ गोवर्धन धराधराय नमः 🙏🏻

Festivals - Let's Go Home

Childhood Deepawali Memories! Home Cleaning on Last Sunday Before Deepawali. Home - Made Sweets by Mom. School Deepawali Holidays. Home Decoration with Rangoli, Toran, Lights & Diyas. New Clothes & Firecrackers. Buying Something New on Dhanteras with Family. Laxmi Pujan on Deepawali. Delicious Festive Food & Bursting Firecrackers on All 5 Days, Dhanteras, Choti Deepawali, Deepawali, Govardhan Puja & Bhai Dooj. Mom making Govardhan at Home. Doing Govardhan Parikrama in Night. Morning Celebrations on Bhai Dooj. Wow! Isn't it all Nostalgic?

We all are Grown Up now. Many of us are Living Alone, far away from our families, in some other city, may be in some other country too. We have our New Lives, New Dreams, New Ambitions, New Targets, New Goals. And to achieve them all, We all are Too Busy. Even on Festivals! Social Media & Video Calls are our New Family Connections. Is it Really Enough?

Cadbury Celebrations New Advertisement says, "Technology Itni Bhi Advance Nahi Hui Hai Ki Hum Message Par Kisi Ka Mooh Meetha Kar Sakein". That's The Real Truth! Yes! You can Send Money & Gifts via Online Mode. Can we send Emotions & Feelings too? No. Never.

One Smile, One Touch, One Helping Hand, One Hug, One Praise, One Gesture of Love! No Technology, No Online Mode can share any of these. Even Artificial Intelligence is a Failure to Share Them! Wanna Share Them? Then Share Them On Your Own! Make Yourself Available for Your Family & Live The Most Touching Moments!

Festivals! A Moment to Be Together, Laugh Together, Live Together!