NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS ALL ROUND THE WORLD - HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011
1) Baby New Year Tradition
The tradition of using a baby to signify the New Year was started around 600 B.C by the ancient Greeks, who, at the start of a year would carry a baby around in a basket. The purpose of it was to honor Dionysus, the God of Fertility and symbolize his annual rebirth.2) Hogmanay
The New Year in Scotland is called Hogmanay. The people in Scotland follow a ritual that appears nutty but actually has a great significance. One can find barrels of tar set afire and gradually rolled down the streets in the villages of Scotland. This ritual symbolizes that the old year is burned up and New Year is going to begin.
3) Burning "Mr. Old Year"
In Columbia, Cuba and Puerto Rico families stuff a life-size male doll with things and then they dress it up in old clothes from each family member. At the stroke of midnight, this 'Mr. Old Year' is set on fire. This is done with the simple belief that a doll thus stuffed have bad memories or sadness associated with them, and that the burning of these will help one to do away with all past grief's and usher in happiness in life with the coming year.
4) Eating Noodles
Late on the evening of December 3 1, people of Japan would eat a bowl of buckwheat noodles called "toshikoshisoba" ("year-crossing noodles") and listen for the sound of the Buddhist temple bells, which were rung 108 times at midnight. The sound of these bells is said to purify the listeners of the 108 sins or evil passions that plague every human being.
5) Eating 12 Grapes
In Spain people eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight (one each time the clock chimes) on New Year's Eve. This peculiar ritual originated in the twentieth century when freak weather conditions resulted in an unseasonable bumper harvest of grapes. Not able to decide what to do about so many grapes at Christmas time, the King of Spain and the grape growers came up with the idea of the New Year ritual.
6) Gifts in Shoes
In Greece children leave their shoes by the fireside on New Year's Day (also the Festival of Saint Basil in Greece) with the hope that Saint Basil, who was famous for his kindness, will come and fill their shoes with gifts.
7) Carrying a Suitcase
In Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, and Mexico, those with hopes of traveling in the New Year carry a suitcase around the house at midnight. Some even carry it around the block to ensure traveling at greater distances.
8) Burning Crackers
The people in China believe that there are evil spirits that roam the earth. So on New Year they burn crackers to scare the evil spirits. The doors and windows of every home in china can be seen sealed with paper. This is to keep the evil demons out.
9) Times Square Celebrations
The first Ball Lowering celebration atop One Times Square was held on December 31, 1907 and is now a worldwide symbol of the turn of the New Year, seen via satellite by more than one billion people each year. The original New Year's Eve Ball weighed 700 pounds and was 5 feet in diameter. It was made of iron and wood and was decorated with 100 25-watt light bulbs.
10) Foods
It was thought that one could affect the luck they would have throughout the coming year by what they did or ate on the first day of the year. It is still held in some regions that special New Year foods are the harbingers of luck. For that reason, the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune. The hog, and its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year's Day. The ancient Persians gave New Year's gifts of eggs, which symbolized productiveness.
11) Black-eyed peas
Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the new year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures.
12) Rings
Many cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle," completing a year's cycle.
13) Wearing new slippers
In China, many people wear in the new year a new pair of slippers that is bought before the new year, because it means to step on the people who gossip about you.
14) Sealed doors & windows
During new year , the doors and windows of every home in china can be seen sealed with paper. The Chinese think that this will succeed in keep the evil demons out.
15) Jewish New Year
The Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah. It is a holy time when Jews recall the things they have done wrong in the past, and then promise to do better in the future. Special services are held in the synagogues, children are given new clothes and New Year loaves are baked to remind people of harvest time.
16) Japanese New Year
On New Year's Day in Japan, everyone gets dressed in their new clothes. Homes are decorated with pine branches and bamboo, both of which are considered to be the symbols of long life.
17) American resolutions
40 to 45% of American adults make one or more New Year's resolutions each year. And these range from debt reduction to giving up bad habits to what not? But the ones that are the most common deal with weight loss to exercise to giving up smoking.
We hope you have enjoyed these pretty little New Year trivia's. New year is simply the perfect time to make resolutions and make for a fun-filled day. Take in the coming year with open arms. Have a blast!
Indian Independence History.. Very rare pictures and Videos !!!!
Video: The newsreel announcing India’s independence to US audiences on August 15, 1947
Last Viceroy of Independent India Lord Mountbatten salutes the Indian national flag hosted at India Gate as Lady Edwina (second right) and India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru (right) looks on, during Independence Day celebrations, in NEW DELHI.
Crowd of revellers gather to celebrate Independence from Britain around Rasina Hill in New Delhi on 15 August 1947.
Video: Original Speech : Tryst with Destiny’
Father of the Nation’ was assassinated on January 30, 1948
Video: Eyewitness: Mahatma Gandhi Assassination
Mahatma gandhi Funeral Cremation
Indira Gandhi moved in along with her sons Rajiv and Sanjay with father Jawaharlal Nehru and became his close confidante
March 8 International Women's Day
It is interesting to note how certain social movements take on colorful dimensions over the years. For instance, March 8th is a red letter day in the history of career women who struggled hard to gain better working conditions and fair wages. The day marks a milestone in the path of persevering women who financially support their families through hard labor. United, powerful and persistent struggle won them decent working atmosphere and better salary. The anniversary of this momentous achievement began to celebrated every year, initially by the working women alone. Gradually the day began to mean a day of celebration and felicitation for all women throughout the world.Republic Day of India, 26th January
India is a nation where humanity has lived since ages. It is a country which is blessed with different religions, societies, cultures and languages, all interplaying with each other in harmony.The month of January creates an aura of patriotism as Republic Day of India falls in this month. It was on 26th January, 1950 that Republic of India was formed and the Constitution of India came into force. Over these years India has come a long way in overcoming various obstacles and hurdles to rejoice in the moments of triumph, glory and the pride of being an independent nation. Republic Day reminds us of the fulfillment of the pledge that was made on the midnight of Independence as a "tryst with destiny".
This day also marks the recognition that we Indians thrive in a sovereign, secular, and democratic land that stands for the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, the golden words that form the essence of our Preamble.
National Youth Day - January 12 (Swami Vivekananda Birth Day)
Introduction:
Indian Government declared Jan 12 as the National Youth Day in 1984. As this day marks the birth day of great Indian philosopher, Swami Vivekananda whose teachings are the biggest philosophical asset of the country. The motto of declaring youth day on the birth date of this philosophical guru was motivating and inculcating these pious ideals to the coming generations.
As per the quote from the Government of India’s Communication, “it was felt that the philosophy of Swami ji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth.”
Celebrations:
National Youth Day is observed with great devotion towards Swami Vivekananda at headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission as well as their branch centers. Members of the organizations observe birthday of Swami Vivekananda in different manner. Celebrations of Swami’s birthday, according to Hindu calendar follow typical Hindu manner of celebrations. This include mangalarati, homa (Special worship of fire), meditation, devotional songs, religious discourses, sandhyarti Swamiji's birth day according to Georgian calendar falls on January 12 each year, the day is also observed as National Youth Day.
Many activities are planned for the day including various processions, speeches, recitations, music, youth conventions, seminars, Yogasana presentation, competitions in essay-writing, recitations, speeches, music, sports, etc.
The National Youth Day is also observed in almost all educational institutes of the country with great enthusiasm. Various programs are planned for the day in different colleges and schools. Students celebrate this day, birthday of Swami Vivekananda with processions, speeches, recitations, music, youth conventions, seminars, Yogasanas, presentations, competitions in essay-writing, recitations and sports on 12 January every year.
2010 Date:
National Youth Day is celebrated every year on January 12 as the date remains fix for each year. The day is observed on Swami Vivekanand's birthday according to Georgian calendar.
While Vivekananda’s birthday according to the Indian Almanac (Vishuddha Siddhanta Almanac) is on Pausha Krishna Saptami tithi, which falls on different dates in the English Calendar every year.
Swamij’s Birthday according to Indian Almanac (Vishuddha Siddhanta Almanac) is on Pausha Krishna Saptami tithi, which falls on different dates of English Calendar every year.
Happy New Years Traditions 2010 Ring in the New Year
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are full of traditions for many. The most popular is likely to be resolutions. Everyone is hopeful for a great new year and New Year's resolutions are one of the biggest topics for the New Year.
Why do we make resolutions?
Traditionally, people start talking about their New Year's resolutions as the new year approaches. More than likely it's a show of confidence that the next year will bring good things and prosperity. It is a time to reflect upon the last year and consider what one has achieved, missed, forgotten to do, and what one thinks one should do in the upcoming year.
What is the most frequently made resolution? There is no "poll" that shows us this, as typically a resolution is very personal. However, many people aspire to lose weight, get in shape, save more money and spend more time with family and friends.
There is no One Indian New Year's Day - Are you confused ?
The Indian New Year's Day is determined by the Mesha Sankranti or the solar transit into Aries, but after that it's up for grabs.
The people of India use around 30 calendars. As a result, they have almost as many New Year’s Days.
In most cases, these are determined by the day the sun transits into the zodiac rashi (rasi) of Mesha (Aries), and event called the Mesha Sankranti. Because the Sanskrit for Aries or Ram, “aja”, means “that which is not born,” the sign is taken to refer to the First Cause: the cause of everything, but itself uncaused. In other words, a perfect, most auspicious new beginning. The belief is that on this day, Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe.
But when that is, depends on which calendar is used (cf. Hindu calendars). Some begin the New Year on the day of the Mesha Sankranti, others start counting on the first day of the month during which it happens. That month can be the lunar month or the solar month, the beginning of which is also subject to variable rules.
For many, New Year’s Day falls on the first day of the lunar month of Chaitra. In the National Indian Calendar, Chaitra begins on 22 March (21 March in a leap year), but in the many more popular religious calendars the first day varies.
- 14 March 2007: Sikh New Year’s Day on the first day of Chet in the Nanakshahi calendar.
- 19-20 March 2007: Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
- 22 March is 1 Chaitra in the official Indian Calendar, but it is ignored by most.
- 30 March: Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra.
For others, the lunar month of Chaitra begins later, around 14 April:
- 10 April: Navreh, the Kashmiri New Lunar Year.
- 14-15 April 2007: Puthandu Vazthukal, the Tamil New Year.
In other calendars, the first lunar month is Baisakh (Chaitra becomes the last month).
- 19 March 2007: the Nepali Nava Varsha on the first day of the month Baisakh according to the solar Bikarami Samvat calendar.
Most of those who count Baisakh as the first month, however, have it begin later:
- 13 April: Baisakhi in Punjab, where peoplefollow the Nanakshahi calendar.
- 14-15 April 2007: Naba Barsha in West Bengal and Pohela Baisakh in Bangladesh.
- 13 April: Rongali Bihu in Assam, where they use the Vaskar calendar, similar to the Bengali one.
Others celebrate around the same time but assign different months:
- 14 April 2007: Pooram Vishu in Kerala, the first day of the month of Medam in the Malayalam calendar.
- 14 April: New Year’s Day in Sri Lanka, called Luth Avurudhy in Sinhala and Puththandu in Tamil, at the beginning of the month of Bak.
In the West of India, New Year’s Day falls much later:
- 9 November: Kartikadi Vikram in Maharashtra and for all Jains, on the first day of the first month of Kartak. This coincides with the fourth day of Deepavali (Diwali), the Festival of Lights that is popular all over India.
- 9 November: Bestu Varas for the Gujaratis.
- 9 November is also the new fiscal year on the stock market.
Are you confused yet?
HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY - 14th NOVEMBER
Here is wishing all the kids a very "Happy Children's Day". Today, 14th of November is being celebrated as Children's day in India to remember fondly Chacha Nehru (Pdt. Jawaharlal Nehru)who was our first Prime Minister and was very fond of kids.Children’s Day is celebrated to honor childhood and is celebrated on 14th November in India, the date which marks the birth anniversary of independent India’s first Prime minister-Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Panit Jawaharlal Nehru was born on November 14. After his death in year 1963, his birthday has been celebrated as children’s day. The reason of celebrating his birthday as children’s day is because of his love and passion for children. Thats the reason he is also known as Chacha Nehru. Apart from being known for his skills as a statesman, Nehru was also immensely fond of children. The more popular and famous of Nehru’s pictures show him with children.
In India this day is not a day to let the future generation have its say. It is a day to remember the great leader Jawaharlal Nehru who was a versatile genius and had the determination to lead India as a world power in the world map.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad - National Education Day (11th NOVEMBER)
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (11 November 1888 – 22 February 1958): Opposed to the two-nation theory he stood for Hindu-Muslim unity. India's real problem, he said, was economic not communal.
Maulana Abul Kalam Muhiyuddin Ahmed was a Muslim scholar and a senior political leader of the Indian independence movement. He was one of the most prominent Muslim leaders to support Hindu-Muslim unity, opposing the partition of India on communal lines. Following India's independence, he became the first Minister of Education in the Indian government. He is commonly remembered as Maulana Azad; he had adopted Azad (Free) as his pen name.
Educational institutions at all levels across the country will celebrate November 11 as the National Education Day, commemorating the birthday of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, an eminent educationist and the first Union Minister of Education of independent India.
The Ministry of Human Resource Development, had on September 11, 2008 announced, "November 11 every year, from 2008 will be celebrated as the National Education Day, without declaring it a holiday".
A brief biography of Abul Kalam Azad with a summary of his works can be found at Major Voices in Islam and Science-Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
HAPPY TEACHERS DAY (IMPORTANCE OF TEACHERS DAY SEP 5th)
A person who helps in shaping our life from our childhood days, a person who wipes our tears and makes us smile. She teaches us, scolds us, plays with us and helps us overcome our fears. These are people specially made by god to look after his small wonders. Come let’s celebrate all those people who have made an impact on us from day one. Let us celebrate Teacher’s Day.
World’s teachers day falls on October 5th, commemorates teachers’ organizations worldwide. The day is celebrated to recognice the untiring work that our teachers do for us and all the pain they take to ensure that we turn out as civilised citizens of the country that we live in. Teacher’s day is celebrated since 1994 and around 100 countries participate to appreciate the efforts of teachers and express gratitude towards them. Education International and its 348 member organizations conduct public campaigns to highlight the importance of the teaching profession. It aims to support the needs of teachers and helps them to adhere to the future needs of the younger generation.
In India teachers day is celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm. 5th September announces the birthday of the great teacher and scholar , the second president of India Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan who was a phenomenal teacher , philosopher, writer,orator,statesman,administrator and above all, a great man. As a mark of respect to this phenomenal teacher, his birthday came to be observed as Teacher’s Day in the country.
In India a teacher is known as ‘Guru’ as ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ in today’s age. The role and position of a teacher is so great and highly important that we have even a sanskrit shlok to prove it, it goes” Guru Brahma, guru vishnu, guru devo maheswaraha, guru shakshat parabrahma tatmaishree guruwe namaha.” This shows that the teacher is given the important of god in the eyes of Hindu culture. We even have the famous Kabir quoting “ guru govind dau kahde kake lagu pai, balihari guru aap ne Govind diyo batai” meaning that if god and my teacher both were standing together, who should be respected first, Kabir continues saying that he show respect to his teacher as he was the one who showed him the path which leads to god. Muslims have their profit saying,’that to gain education is a must for every muslim man and woman”. All these show us the importance of education and teachers are specially created just for the purpose of imparting knowledge and creating a better universe.
Everyone parent looks upon the support of a teacher for the purpose of educating their child. it is therefore a great responsibility on the part of the teacher and they should do justice to this honourable position. Hiting the children and scolding them in front of their friends should be avoided. New and improved methods of teaching should be adopted by them for the purpose of seeing better results in their students.
The student in turn should treat their teachers with respect. Teachers day is a means of showing your love and affection for your teacher. Many students present their tecaher’s with gifts and cards. Some students write poems and messages for teachers. It is a day which is looked forward with great enthusiasm on the part of both the student and teacher
Come lets on this beautiful day remember those who made a difference to our lives. Lets tell them that they matter to us.
Come let’s wish our teacher a Happy Teachers Day!!
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