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Friends! Enough of Diwali sweets, Diwali decoration and Diwali firework talk. Here awaits a very exciting news for the people of Indian origin who have been staying in US for years. Guess what? You don't have to miss the very typical Indian flavor of the Festival of light now even in USA. Yes, the US house of representatives has passed a resolution recognising the spiritrual, religious and historical importance of Diwali. So, whether you are in New York or FLorida, you can celebrate Diwali even though you are thousands of miles away from your very own land.

The co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, Mr. Joe Wilson said, "My resolution acknowledges the international, religious, and historical importance of the festival of Diwali as well as the religious diversity in India, the United States, and throughout the world. It shows our support for the strong and growing partnership and dialogue in international efforts between the United States and India".

Isn't that really a great news for us? So why wasting time? Let's freak out for the celebration of Diwali in US. If you feel you are already too late to arrange for the celebation for Diwali 2007, don't worry. Better early than late! You can start making plans for celebrating Diwali 2008.

Labels: Diwali : The festival of Lights, Diwali Celebration, Diwali celebration Facts and History

Diwali is almost around the corner – not even a couple of weeks away. Diwali usually falls on the day of “Amavasya” in the month of October or November. In 2007 Diwali is going to be celebrated on the 9th of November and is expected to be celebrated with its unusual and extraordinary glory like every year. However all that I want to say you all today is may you have a happy and a prosperous Diwali 2007. Wish and be wished with love and fondness. Play safe with fireworks. Have lots of special Diwali sweets like Motichur Laddu and Rabdi. May you be blessed with the fountain of fun on Diwali 2007.




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Labels: Diwali : The festival of Lights, Diwali Celebration, Diwali Sweets and Special Recipes

When it comes to Diwali songs, we mean to say the songs that are usually sung during Aartis. Aartis are the special prayers to the Lords, through which people admire and appraise the Lord and pray Him to shower them with His blessings. Aartis are sung in the melodious tunes usually in groups and that gives a special touch of auspiciousness to the festival. No doubt about it that Diwali songs tend infuse a special spirit on this very glorious festival of light.

Here are some of the aarti songs with their lyrics that you can listen to, although these are of typical Indian tunes:

• Ganesh Aarti
• Om Jai Jagadish Hare
• Shri Ram Aarti
• Jai Aadya Shakti Ma
• Ma Lakshmi Aarti

Labels: Diwali : The festival of Lights, Diwali Celebration

I don't know whether Diwali festival is celebrated in your country or not. But one thing I can say for sure that with this special Diwali recipe you can create a real blast in any of other occasion ... not to exclude Halloween and Thanksgiving. It is also very easy to make this yummy Diwali recipe.

Ingredients:

• Buffalo Milk – 15 cups
• Sugar – 6½ table spoon
• Pistachio powder – 1 tea spoon full
• Kewra essence (concentrated oil made from Pandanus flowers) – 6 drops
• Cardamom Powder (green) – 2 pinches

Direction:

Step 1: Take the milk in a deep heavy pan and heat it until it starts boiling.
Step 2: Once the milk starts boiling put down the flame to simmer and add the sugar, cardamom seeds.
Step 3: Continue to heat it over the low flame for two hours (until the quantity reduces to a quarter) and stir it occasionally.
Step 4: After 2 hours of constant heating, put off the flame, add pistachio powder and stir it well so that the powder gets mixed well.
Step 5: Let it cool down to room temperature. Let it stiffen up and then put it into the refrigerator.
Step 6: Sprinkle some more cardamom powder and serve cold.

This is one of the special Diwali recipes that I love the most among all the huge assortment of typical Indian sweet dishes. I am sure you can also surprise your guests with this yummy Diwali recipe on your birthday party or anniversary or any other major occasions. Just try this out to substitute the desserts from your menu and see the wonder.




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Labels: Diwali Celebration, Diwali Sweets and Special Recipes

Rangoli is the traditional way of making decorative paintings on the floors in any Hindu festival. Read more on Diwali rangoli.

With Diwali drawing closer, you're probably planning to make your own Diwali rangoli. Here are some of the simple steps you need to follow.

• Choose a design: If your are a first time artist it's a good idea to choose a simple, 2-dimensional design. Remember that simple things looks really elegant if drawn properly. Symmetrical geometric art would be the best choice as a Diwali rangoli. You can get loads of designs in art books and magazines and over the net.

• Your own design: I'm sure you can come up with a real blast, if there's an artist within you. Simpler is always better. Try to create a small and simple, yet an elegant art. Too much of details may spoil the very essence of the art.

• Practice first: Once you have planned for your Diwali rangoli, try to make a sketch of whatever comes from your within. All I can suggest is to dip a brush into your heart and paint a design on a paper. Color it so that you know what your Diwali rangoli is going to look like. You can change things if necessary. This will be a blueprint for your original rangoli.

• You are ready now: Wipe off the floor clean before your create the rangoli. Use a wet cloth for cleaning it. Let it dry.

• Outline: Draw the outline of the rangoli design using a chalk.

• Putting colors: Fill up the designs and the gaps according to your blueprint. Sprinkle the powder very carefully lest it doesn't go out side the specific border. Use your thumb and the index finger to take a pinch of powder and sprinkle it carefully by rubbing the fingers. Be careful the colors should not merge up on the borderlines. This is the most challenging part of the story.

• Diyas on rangoli: You can also leave spaces in the rangoli to places the diyas.

So friends good luck! May you be blessed with all the bright colors of life on Diwali 2007

Labels: Diwali Celebration, Diwali Decoration

Rangoli -- the art of painting courtyard, patio floors, doorsteps etc. is traditionally associated with almost all Hindu festivals. It holds a special importance when it comes to Diwali. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi (the Hindu Lord of wealth) steps into every homes on this very auspicious day. Diwali Rangoli is made on the doorsteps to greet the Lord.

Whatever the traditional reasons for making a Diwali rangoli be, it is really one of the most important part of Diwali decoration. It's again a passion for the artists of the family to come up with their innermost artistic sense. Diwali rangoli is created by powdered colors on the cleaned floors to form a beautiful ornamental design. The powder is usually applied 'freehand' to form two dimensional designs, although experts can make three-dimensional arts with shadings.

Rangoli is really an inspirational art that gives a place a special dimension. But all you need to have are an artist within you and lots of patience. I've tried making some designs on my patio floor a couple of times but each time, it turned out to be a flop. Check out some of the awesome Diwali rangoli designs if you are planning to create a special rangoli art. Up next! If you want to know how to make Diwali rangoli, stay tuned!

Let me wish you all loads of peace and prosperity in Diwali 2007. May your days become as colorful as the brightest Diwali rangoli.

Labels: Diwali Celebration, Diwali Decoration

The growing cultural diversity of Hindu religion throughout the globe creates scopes for Diwali celebration all around the world. Although different levels of prominence are given to specific festivals in different parts of the world, most Diwali celebrations around the world tend to focus on enjoyment with family and friends. Here's how Diwali is celebrated in some of neighboring nations of India.

Myanmar: Myanmar has a good number of Hindu population and most of the Hindu festivals are celebrated over there. Diwali celebrations in Myanmar is really full of glory and fun and is celebrated as per the Hindu solar calendar. The day of the festival is celebrated by worshiping God. The Houses are decorated with lights and lamps, special foods are prepared, gifts are exchanged and fireworks are enjoyed to mark the occasion.



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Nepal: Nepal is another good place to see the magnificent Diwali celebration. Diwali in Nepal is called Tihar. Just like Indians, Diwali is celebrated here to honor the goddess of wealth (Lakshmi) and the God of prosperity (Ganesha). The whole of Nepal is decorated with lights and lamps. Special foods like sweets of different forms are prepared to mark the festivity. Fireworks and crackers are used widely all around.



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Thailand: Diwali celebration in Thailand is insanely huge and is called Lam Kriyongh. The celebration is almost the same as the Diwali customs in India. Lamps and candles are placed on banana leaves along with a coin and incense stick and are set afloat on a river. This gives a wonderful view when thousands of candles are set afloat on the river in the evening.



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Sri Lanka: For the people of Sri Lanka, Diwali celebration holds a special importance and are celebrated with extra prominence. Diwali celebration in Srilanka is marked by decoration with lamps and lights, making sweets (misiri), worshiping of the Goddess of wealth, burning crackers and partying with large meals. But the Diwali activities over here do not include the traditional parts of Diwali like games, dancing, singing etc.



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I just came to know about these facts from various sources -- especially over the net. I want to share all innermost feelings for you on Diwali. Have a safe Diwali and enjoy the festival of lights to the fullest extent.




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Labels: di, Diwali Celebration, Diwali celebration Facts and History

Friends! Perfume are something that I always prefer giving as gifts, especially when it comes to time for a party or festivity. There was a time when perfumes were considered to be worthwhile only if they were expensive and exclusive. Those days are gone. Probably because of the high competition, manufacturers have come up with an awesome collection of really attractive fragrances at inexpensive rates. If you want to buy a real good perfume for Diwali, all you need to do is to sit before your computer and search for the right fragrance.



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Choosing for the perfect note is important. You may get the base notes such as "wood" or "tobacco", "floral", “alcohol”, “citrus" etc. While the notes like “wood”, “tobacco” and “alcohol” are best for him, “floral” and “citrus” notes would be the perfect choices for her. A friend of mine turned out to be a flop, buying men's colonge on the same site where women's line of perfumes are also sold. So be careful and read the labels! Don't make haste like her and pick up a wrong item.



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For this Diwali check out for the discounted perfumes and colognes. And trust me, you can save a great amount of money. Are looking for the top ranked perfume designers? Don't worry there are many and all you have to do is to pick what suits you the best.

Tune in for choosing the right designer fragrance for gifts on Diwali.



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Labels: Diwali Gifts

Are you a little old-fashioned when it comes to home décor during the festival of lights? Then you'll perhaps love to go for retro-styled real candles, instead of the contemporary electrical ones. If you've got enough leisure time, you can make colorful candles at home. Soon you'll realize that much of Diwali's fun is making candles by yourself, for decorating your house. And guess what? Your very own handmade perfumed candles can make outstanding diwali gifts too.




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Here are some tips on how to make candles for diwali at home:

Requirements:
1.Paraffin Wax
2.Water – half a gallon
3.Wicks
4.Crayon or wax dye (for color)
5.Fragrance oil (as per your choice)
6.Wooden Spoon
7.A melting pot
8.Thermometer
9.Hammer or mallet
10.A mold or glass jar (heat resistant)
11.A stove
12.Scale (to measure the quantity of wax)
13.A pour pot

Requirements for Safety:
1. Pair of safety goggles (to protect your eyes from hot wax)
2.Anti-burn ointment
3.Fire extinguisher

Direction:
1.Melt the wax at 160 degrees. Measure the temperature of the wax in the melting pot with the help of the thermometer.
2.When the wax reaches the desired temperature, add the Crayon or wax dye and the fragrance oil slowly into the liquid wax. Stir it slowly with a wooden spoon until the color gets mixed properly.
3.Cut the wicks approximately an inch longer than the mold.
4.Place each wick in each of the molds straight, as you carefully pour the wax into the molds using the pour pot. Keep the wicks straight, as you pour melted wax into the molds.
5.Weigh the wax that will go into the pot. 7 lbs. is the best weight.
6.Avoid over filling the pot. Wax will not melt while burning.
7.Use the mallet or hammer to clear off the wax chunk.

Friends, this is not the end. There are certain vital points to be kept in the mind while making candles at home.

Labels: Diwali Decoration, Diwali Diyas, Diwali Gifts

Stuff like bdellium, frankincense, candles and diyas are inseparable parts of Hindu festivals. But one thing I've been noticing these days is that people are much interested in using the electrical candles, although frankincense and bdelliums are still much in use.





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I was quite inquisitive about it and tried to find out as to why people are looking for the electrical candles instead of the real ones. My grandma is hyper-sensitive to the trace of smoke. I found it to be a real blast to decorate my house with all electrical candles instead of the real diyas and candles. There's no smoke and I don't feel uncomfortable with a candles glowing unsupervised in my patio and windows.

• If you want to decorate your garden and entrances with candles without being blown off, electrical candle is the only answer.
• If you don't want the wax to drip on to the floor, electrical candle is the best solution.
• If you want to have a safe Diwali, there's no other substitute of electrical candles.
• If you want to enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner with your loved one where candles should not go off even at a slightest breeze, electrical candle is the right choice. Yes this is how technology has made it possible that flickering LED can keep the flame of your love glitter for ever.

Labels: Diwali : The festival of Lights, Diwali Celebration, Diwali Decoration, Diwali Diyas

Arguments can start over something as simple as whether to buy the traditional diyas -- the earthen oil lamp, or have electric lights instead this Diwali. Your spouse may accuse you of always being indecisive and you may point out that your partner is one of the hopeless spendthrifts. The exchange may end up when you find something which is as interesting and important as this. And you will wonder why both of you always get into such silly arguments over and over again.

If you've decided to go for the electric ones, you can decorate your patio and balcony with diyas and candles that are not real. They will still give an awesome real look when seen from a distance. The electrical candles and diyas are small and very simple electrical gadgets that look like original candles or diyas and glow when plugged into an electrical outlet. This resemble a perfect candle or a diya with a small bulb that glows very much like a flickering flame from a distance.



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The electrical candles are gaining popularity day by day as they can illuminate windows and patios like the original ones and you don't have to worry about whether the oil is still there or burnt off. One thing I really like about these electrical candles is that most of them have in-built sensors that turn the light off during the day and on with the sunset. This will save power.

Labels: Diwali Celebration, Diwali Decoration, Diwali Diyas

In my Last posts -- Play Safe With Fireworks On Diwali – Part I and Part II, I've included certain important points as to how you can have a safe Diwali celebration with fireworks.

Here is more information regarding this:

Firework laws have changed a bit to ensure that all firework users have safe fun with fireworks. The purpose is also to combat noise nuisance. Although different states have their unique legal statutes for the use of fireworks, certain points are general for all states.



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• Fireworks such as maroons, shells, mini rockets, air bombs and bangers are all banned from public sales.
• Fireworks will be sold only to those over 18. The retailers should have notices regarding this displayed.
• Use of adult fireworks between 11 pm and 7 am the next morning is an offense.
• Making fireworks at home is again an offense if your are not a firework specialist and have the firework manufacturing license.

Parents should never let their kids mess with the adult fireworks. Follow the firework codes of your state to ensure that everyone stays safe and have a real fun on Diwali.



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Labels: Diwali : The festival of Lights, Diwali Fireworks

My last post was about how to play safe with fireworks on Diwali . Here are some more important points that are to be kept in mind while playing with fireworks on Diwali:

Keep the kids away: Fireworks in Diwali have always been one of the greatest source of fun for people of all ages -- especially the kids. Parents should be careful about their kids. Make sure that kids are away or at a safe distance from the fireworks.

Purchase fireworks from well known traders: This is especially important if you're in a developing country. A genuine trader knows almost everything regarding his state's firework laws. So he can be a good guide for you. All the more, purchasing things from such traders can ensure your safety.

Sparklers and flashes: Sparklers and flashes are the safest fireworks. But improper use of sparklers and flashes are the most common causes of injuries among children. Even after the sparklers are burnt off, the heat remains for long, which can cause accidents at any moment.



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Labels: Diwali : The festival of Lights, Diwali Fireworks

Friends, I just want to update you on this issue, because I feel it really important, especially when it comes to playing with fireworks in Diwali. I still remember the incident of fanfare of holiday weekend in the year 2005, when three firework experts had to experience some painful days in hospital after being victimized by serious accident during the displays of fireworks in Priest River and Liberty lake. I also remember that sad incident that happened in Montgomery County, near Houston, TX, on 4th of July this year. A 4 month old baby was badly burnt, when an aerial projectile from a mortar tubes that was firing the fireworks up into the sky suddenly went sideways and set the baby's blanket ablaze.

Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time but precautionary measures lessen its possibility.

Abiding by the Basic Safety Rules: Diwali is an occasion that's celebrated with lights and fireworks and no one wants to spoil the day, ending up in the emergency unit of a hospital. Knowing and abiding by the basic safety rules regarding the use of fireworks will ensure an exceptional enjoyment while celebrating this great festival of lights.
Using legal fireworks: The consumers fireworks that include general firecrackers, smokers, sparklers etc. are referred to as DOT 1.4 G fireworks, which are legal as per the federal law. You cant use the fireworks that falls in the category of “Displays”, if you are not a professional expert on fireworks.
Making fireworks at home: Making fireworks at home is illegal even if you have the knowledge of making them. The fireworks are tested by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for composition, quantity of pyrotechnic components and its stability under heat and stress. It's only after the approval from CPSC that the products become legal.

Wish you a safe Diwali and a lot of fun with the most awesome fireworks and delicious dishes.



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