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Saturday, January 14, 2012

Best Vitamins For Your Skin




Best Vitamins For Your Skin
The best defense against premature ageing, wrinkles, fine lines and
discoloration is vitamins supply that helps to protect your skin
from of sun exposure, pollution and other harmful effects.
Best Vitamins For Your Skin
Many skin care products are filled with healthy antioxidants and other
nutrients to keep your skin look younger, but they are not enough
as our skin needs variety of vitamins from the inside. What
are the most powerful vitamins for a younger, healthy
skin? See the full post after the break...
Vitamin C
Best Vitamins For Your Skin
Vitamin C plays a vital role in production of collagen, the basic
protein in connective tissue. And it is known that decrease in collagen
supply may lead to skin ageing, dry and rough skin. The best sources of
vitamin C are fruits and berries, such as pineapples, oranges, strawberries,
blueberries, as well as vegetables such as peppers, cabbage and others.
Vitamin E
Best Vitamins For Your Skin
Vitamin E is another antioxidant that reduces the damage caused by free
radicals they increase natural defense of your skin and prevent the
damage. Vitamin E is found in nuts, sunflower oil, and wholegrain
products, eggs and many natural oils.
Vitamin A
Best Vitamins For Your Skin
Vitamin A helps to repair your skin from damage caused
by various factors, preventing the effect of free radicals,
and keeping your skin moisturized. Keep in mind that vitamin
A is fat-soluble and you should be careful not to overdose it since
it can have toxic effect. The best way to avoid vitamin A toxicity is by consuming variety of healthy foods, such as carrots, pumpkin, and green
leafy vegetables, apricots, cantaloupe, liver and eggs.
B vitamins
Best Vitamins For Your Skin
The B vitamins are essential for cell functions, preventing premature
ageing of the skin, dry and itchy skin. It is important to ensure the
appropriate supply of B vitamins, eating a well-balanced diet
that includes eggs, fortified grains, milk, chicken,
Zinc
Best Vitamins For Your Skin
Zinc is an important antioxidant that effectively protects your
skin from free radicals damage. The lack of zinc may result in
various skin problems, such as acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis
and others. To ensure the right zinc intake for healthy skin, eat
whole grains, red meat, seeds, oysters, some beans and peas.
Selenium
Best Vitamins For Your Skin
Selenium benefits your skin and hair, contributing to cell growth and
preventing skin cancer. This antioxidant can be found in Brazil nuts,
turkey, cod, wheat flour, rice, chicken and tuna.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Best Vitamins For Your Skin
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for younger, healthier skin. They
strengthen cell membranes, providing more nutrients for your skin and
protecting it from harmful things. Omega-3s also make your skin look
softer, moister and prevent wrinkles. The good sources of Omaega-3
fatty acids are canola oil, flax seeds, salmon and walnuts



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Kite flying festival in gujarat




Kite flying festival in gujarat

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About Uttarayan
Uttarayan (known as Makar Sakranti in other parts of India) is the day when the sun starts to travel northwards marking the decline of winter. The days become longer, the skies clearer and the breeze cooler. A feeling of anticipation, joy and jubilation grips all who celebrate the occasion of thanksgiving and merry-making.


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Gujarat celebrates 2,000 festivals every year! Among these, the festival of Uttarayan is one of the grandest and stands tall. In Gujarat, Uttarayan is a holiday when every family can be met outdoors. People of all ages fly kites from dawn to dusk. Crowded rooftops, fun-loving rivalry to outdo each other in kite flying skills and delicious traditional Gujarati feast are the hallmarks of the day.

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History & Significance
The fascination and the revelry associated with the kite flying cuts across age groups, class and communities. Although, Uttarayan is predominantly a Hindu festival marking the awakening of the gods from their deep slumber, history has it that India developed a rich tradition of kite flying due to the patronage of the Kings and 'Nawabs' who found the sport both entertaining and a way of displaying their prowess. Trained fliers were employed to fly kites for kings. Slowly, the art started becoming popular amongst the masses. Today, manufacturing of kites is a serious business. It attracts big names of the corporate world as kites provide for the most cost-effective opportunity for branding. The stakes are high and prizes for the competition grand.

Months before the festival of Uttarayan, homes in the localities of various cities in Gujarat turn into kite producing factories with all family members doing their bit in the seasonal cottage business. The paper and sticks are cut, the glue is stirred and thousands of kites are prepared in the market. The string is coated with a special glass powder and rice paste, all set to cut each other's strings and knock down the kites. The size of the kite ranges from nine inches to three feet.
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Members of various communities irrespective of cast and creed are engaged in the business of kites. Rich or poor, people enjoy this festival in their own ways. The aerodynamic skill, devotion and ingenuity that goes into the kite making and flying is almost a religion in itself, honed to the level of an art form, though it looks deceptively simple.

Ahmedabad: Kite Capital
Although the Kite Festival is celebrated all over Gujarat, it is the most exciting in the capital city of Ahmedabad. The night before is electric with brisk business in buying and selling kites, in amazingly numerous bulk purchases. The Patang Bazaar (kite market), situated in the heart of Ahmedabad city, is open 24 hours a day during the Uttarayan week. A visit to the Bazaar in the middle of the night proves beyond all doubt that the entire population of the city is obsessed with kites and they crowd the streets and buy the stocks while negotiating and enjoying through the night.

Uttarayan is the time to indulge in ceaseless amazement - in the most pulse racing kite competitions. There are kites and more kites, in all shapes and designs, but some stand out for their sheer size and novelty.

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SMILE WITH
RAMNATH


Thursday, January 12, 2012

Swami Vivekananda : Life and Teachings [1863-1902]




 

Swami Vivekananda, known in his pre-monastic life as�Narendra Nath Datta, was born in an affluent family in�Kolkata�on 12 January 1863. His father,Vishwanath Datta, was a successful attorney with interests in a wide range of subjects, and his mother,�Bhuvaneshwari Devi, was endowed with deep devotion, strong character and other qualities. A precocious boy, Narendra excelled in music, gymnastics and studies. By the time he graduated from Calcutta University, he had acquired a vast knowledge of different subjects, especially Western philosophy and history. Born with a yogic temperament, he used to practise meditation even from his boyhood, and was associated with Brahmo Movement for some time.

With Sri Ramakrishna


At the threshold of youth Narendra had to pass through a period of spiritual crisis when he was assailed by doubts about the existence of God. It was at that time he first heard about�Sri Ramakrishna�from one of his English professors at college. One day in November 1881, Narendra went to meet Sri Ramakrishna who was staying at the Kali Temple in�Dakshineshwar. He straightaway asked the Master a question which he had put to several others but had received no satisfactory answer: �Sir, have you seen God?� Without a moment�s hesitation, Sri Ramakrishna replied: �Yes, I have. I see Him as clearly as I see you, only in a much intenser sense.��
Apart from removing doubts from the mind of Narendra, Sri Ramakrishna won him over through his pure, unselfish love. Thus began a guru-disciple relationship which is quite unique in the history of spiritual masters. Narendra now became a frequent visitor to Dakshineshwar and, under the guidance of the Master, made rapid strides on the spiritual path. At Dakshineshwar, Narendra also met several young men who were devoted to Sri Ramakrishna, and they all became close friends.

Difficult Situations


After a few years two events took place which caused Narendra considerable distress. One was the sudden death of his father in 1884. This left the family penniless, and Narendra had to bear the burden of supporting his mother, brothers and sisters. The second event was the illness of Sri Ramakrishna which was diagnosed to be cancer of the throat. In September 1885 Sri Ramakrishna was moved to a house at�Shyampukur, and a few months later to a rented villa at�Cossipore. In these two places the young disciples nursed the Master with devoted care. In spite of poverty at home and inability to find a job for himself, Narendra joined the group as its leader.

Beginnings of a Monastic Brotherhood


Sri Ramakrishna instilled in these young men the spirit of renunciation and brotherly love for one another. One day he distributed ochre robes among them and sent them out to beg food. In this way he himself laid the foundation for a new monastic order. He gave specific instructions to Narendra about the formation of the new monastic Order. In the small hours of 16 August 1886 Sri Ramakrishna gave up his mortal body.
After the Master�s passing, fifteen of his young disciples (one more joined them later) began to live together in a dilapidated building at�Baranagar�in North Kolkata. Under the leadership of Narendra, they formed a new monastic brotherhood, and in 1887 they took the formal vows of sannyasa, thereby assuming new names. Narendra now became Swami Vivekananda (although this name was actually assumed much later.)�
Awareness of Life�s Mission


After establishing the new monastic order, Vivekananda heard the inner call for a greater mission in his life. While most�
of the followers of Sri Ramakrishna thought of him in relation to their own personal lives, Vivekananda thought of the Master in relation to India and the rest of the world. As the prophet of the present age, what was Sri Ramakrishna�s message to the modern world and to India in particular? This question and the awareness of his own inherent powers urged Swamiji to go out alone into the wide world. So in the middle of 1890, after receiving the blessings of Sri Sarada Devi, the divine consort of Sri Ramakrishna, known to the world as Holy Mother, who was then staying in Kolkata, Swamiji left Baranagar Math and embarked on a long journey of exploration and discovery of India.

Discovery of Real India


During his travels all over India, Swami Vivekananda was deeply moved to see the appalling poverty and backwardness of the masses. He was the first religious leader in India to understand and openly declare that the real cause of India�s downfall was the neglect of the masses.�

The immediate need was to provide food and other bare necessities of life to the hungry millions. For this they should be taught improved methods of agriculture, village industries, etc. It was in this context that Vivekananda grasped the crux of the problem of poverty in India (which had escaped the attention of social reformers of his days): owing to centuries of oppression, the downtrodden masses had lost faith in their capacity to improve their lot. It was first of all necessary to infuse into their minds faith in themselves. For this they needed a life-giving, inspiring message. Swamiji found this message in the principle of the Atman, the doctrine of the potential divinity of the soul, taught in Vedanta, the ancient system of religious philosophy of India. He saw that, in spite of poverty, the masses clung to religion, but they had never been taught the life-giving, ennobling principles of Vedanta and how to apply them in practical life.

Thus the masses needed two kinds of knowledge: secular knowledge to improve their economic condition, and spiritual knowledge to infuse in them faith in themselves and strengthen their moral sense. The next question was, how to spread these two kinds of knowledge among the masses? Through education � this was the answer that Swamiji found.

Need for an Organization


One thing became clear to Swamiji: to carry out his plans for the spread of education and for the uplift of the poor masses, and also of women, an efficient organization of dedicated people was needed. As he said later on, he wanted �to set in motion a machinery which will bring noblest ideas to the doorstep of even the poorest and the meanest.� It was to serve as this �machinery� that Swamiji founded the�Ramakrishna Mission�a few years later.�

Decision to attend the Parliament of Religions

vivekananda centenary banquet closeup.JPG (17047 bytes)

It was when these ideas were taking shape in his mind in the course of his wanderings that Swami Vivekananda heard about the World�s Parliament of Religions to be held in Chicago in 1893. His friends and admirers in India wanted him to attend the Parliament. He too felt that the Parliament would provide the right forum to present his Master�s message to the world, and so he decided to go to America. Another reason which prompted Swamiji to go to America was to seek financial help for his project of uplifting the masses.
Swamiji, however, wanted to have an inner certitude and divine call regarding his mission. Both of these he got while he sat in deep meditation on the rock-island at Kanyakumari. With the funds partly collected by his Chennai disciples and partly provided by the Raja of Khetri, Swami Vivekananda left for America from Mumbai on 31 May 1893.

The Parliament of Religions and After

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His speeches at the World�s Parliament of Religions held in September 1893 made him famous as an �orator by divine right� and as a �Messenger of Indian wisdom to the Western world�. After the Parliament, Swamiji spent nearly three and a half years spreading Vedanta as lived and taught by Sri Ramakrishna, mostly in the eastern parts of USA and also in London.

Awakening His Countrymen

He returned to India in January 1897. In response to the enthusiastic welcome that he received everywhere, he delivered a series of lectures in different parts of India, which created a great stir all over the country. Through these inspiring and profoundly significant lectures Swamiji attempted to do the following:
�to rouse the religious consciousness of the people and create in them pride in their cultural heritage;
�to bring about unification of Hinduism by pointing out the common bases of its sects;
�to focus the attention of educated people on the plight of the downtrodden masses, and to expound his plan for their uplift by the application of the principles of Practical Vedanta.

Founding of Ramakrishna Mission


Soon after his return to Kolkata, Swami Vivekananda accomplished another important task of his mission on earth. He founded on1 May 1897�a unique type of organization known as Ramakrishna Mission, in which monks and lay people would jointly undertake propagation of Practical Vedanta, and various forms of social service, such as running hospitals, schools, colleges, hostels, rural development centres etc, and conducting massive relief and rehabilitation work for victims of earthquakes, cyclones and other calamities, in different parts of India and other countries.

Belur Math


In early 1898 Swami Vivekananda acquired a big plot of land on the western bank of the Ganga at a place called Belur to have a permanent abode for the monastery and monastic Order originally started at Baranagar, and got it registered as Ramakrishna Math after a couple of years. Here Swamiji established a new, universal pattern of monastic life which adapts ancient monastic ideals to the conditions of modern life, which gives equal importance to personal illumination and social service, and which is open to all men without any distinction of religion, race or caste.�

Disciples


It may be mentioned here that in the West many people were influenced by Swami Vivekananda�s life and message. Some of them became his disciples or devoted friends. Among them the names of�Margaret Noble�(later known as�Sister Nivedita),Captain and Mrs Sevier,�Josephine McLeod�and�Sara Ole Bull, deserve special mention. Nivedita dedicated her life to educating girls in Kolkata. Swamiji had many Indian disciples also, some of whom joined Ramakrishna Math and became sannyasins.

Last Days

In June 1899 he went to the West on a second visit. This time he spent most of his time in the West coast of USA. After delivering many lectures there, he returned to Belur Math in December 1900. The rest of his life was spent in India, inspiring and guiding people, both monastic and lay. Incessant work, especially giving lectures and inspiring people, told upon Swamiji�s health. His health deteriorated and the end came quietly on the night of�4 July 1902. Before his Mahasamadhi he had written to a Western follower: �It may be that I shall find it good to get outside my body, to cast it off like a worn out garment. But I shall not cease to work. I shall inspire men everywhere until the whole world shall know that it is one with God.��


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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

LIVE LIFE IN FULL!!!



Hi Friends,

HOW TO LIVE LIFE

 Be Calm. . . . Quiet. . . . Tranquil. . .
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Bloom as often as you can.

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Stay close to your Family.

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Explore the world around you.

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Enjoy the relaxing rhythm of waves.

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WATCH THE MOON RISE.

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Spread your wings and take off on your own.

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Then enjoy the comfort of coming home again.

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Life is short. 


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Please, while you can take time to enjoy 
all the little pleasures that God has provided for you.
If you need some hints, go back and read this again!


Smile Is The Hand For Friendship

Smile Is The essences of LIfe

Smile Is The blow of breeze

Smile Is The fragrance of flowers

Smile Is The courage to face life

Smile Is The mask of success

Smile Is The way of happiness

Smile Is The key to Love

Smile Is The colors of rainbow

Smile Is The sunlight to brighten a day

Smile Is The shine of stars

Smile Is The sing of beauty

Smile Is The Power which can rule ever hearts

Smile Is The key which opens one’s heart

Smile Is The medicine for wounded person

A Sincere Smile is the most precious wealth in the world.

SO, Always keep Smiling

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You take care and keep in touch!!!


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SMILE WITH
RAMNATH


Sunday, January 8, 2012

HAPPY MAKARSANKRATI=तुम्हा सर्वाना शुभ मकर संक्रांति


Dear parivar members / friends / well-wishers,
 
Greetings & Namaskar.
तुम्हा सर्वाना शुभ मकर संक्रांति Til gud ghya, god god bola

एक तिळ रुसला , फुगला 
रडत रडत गुळाच्या पाकात पडला 
खटकन हसला हातावर येताच बोलू लागला 
तिळगुळ घ्या गोड गोड बोला . 


Happy Makar Sankranti Scraps  

Happy Makar Sankranti Comments  

 

Happy Makar Sankranti Graphics  

Makar Sankrantyach Shubhachha Pictures  

Makar Sankrantyach Shubhachha Comments  

 
Wish you all a very
 
happy and prosperous
 
MAKARSANKRATI 
 

REGARDS
R.RAMNATH

Pongal-O-Pongal ! YEN INIYA PONGAL VALTHUKAL



 
Pongal Pot Pongal Pot Pongal Pot Pongal Pot Pongal Pot Pongal Pot Pongal Pot Pongal Pot Pongal Pot Pongal Pot Pongal Pot Pongal Pot Pongal Pot

Dear parivar members / friends / well-wishers,
 
Greetings & Namaskarams.
 
Pongal ( Makara Sankaranthi ) Festival is around the corner( 14-1-2012 ) and it is time to send in our best wishes in advance.
 
Ungal ellorukkum engaluduya ullam kanindha anbududaya
munkoottiya pongal vazhthukkal
 
 
 
 
  
***V*A*N*A*K*A*M***  Pongal Festival  


Pongal is a four day long harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, a southern state of India. For as long as people have been planting and gathering food, there has been some form of Harvest Festival. Pongal, one of the most important popular Hindu festivals of the year. This four-day festival of thanksgiving to nature takes its name from the Tamil word meaning "to boil" and is held in the month of Thai (January-February) during the season when rice and other cereals, sugar-cane, and turmeric (an essential ingredient in Tamil cooking) are harvested.

Mid-January is an important time in the Tamil calendar. The harvest festival, Pongal, falls typically on the 14th or the 15th of January and is the quintessential `Tamil Festival'. Pongal is a harvest festival, a traditional occasion for giving thanks to nature, for celebrating the life cycles that give us grain. Tamilians say `Thai pirandhaal vazhi pirakkum', and believe that knotty family problems will be solved with the advent of the Tamil month Thai that begins on Pongal day. This is traditionally the month of weddings. This is not a surprise in a largely agricultural community -- the riches gained from a good harvest form the economic basis for expensive family occasions like weddings. 


The First Day

This first day is celebrated as Bhogi festival in honor of Lord Indra, the supreme ruler of clouds that give rains. Homage is paid to Lord Indra for the abundance of harvest, thereby bringing plenty and prosperity to the land. Another ritual observed on this day is Bhogi Mantalu, when useless household articles are thrown into a fire made of wood and cow-dung cakes. Girls dance around the bonfire, singing songs in praise of the gods, the spring and the harvest. The significance of the bonfire, in which is burnt the agricultural wastes and firewood is to keep warm during the last lap of winter. 


The Second Day

On the second day of Pongal, the puja or act of ceremonial worship is performed when rice is boiled in milk outdoors in a earthenware pot and is then symbolically offered to the sun-god along with other oblations. All people wear traditional dress and markings, and their is an interesting ritual where husband and wife dispose off elegant ritual utensils specially used for the puja. In the village, the Pongal ceremony is carried out more simply but with the same devotion. In accordance with the appointed ritual a turmeric plant is tied around the pot in which the rice will be boiled. The offerings include the two sticks of sugar-cane in background and coconut and bananas in the dish. A common feature of the puja, in addition to the offerings, is the kolam, the auspicious design which is traditionally traced in white lime powder before the house in the early morning after bathing. 


The Third Day

The third day is known as Mattu Pongal, the day of Pongal for cows. Multi-colored beads, tinkling bells, sheaves of corn and flower garlands are tied around the neck of the cattle and then are worshiped. They are fed with Pongal and taken to the village centers.. The resounding of their bells attract the villagers as the young men race each other's cattle. The entire atmosphere becomes festive and full of fun and revelry. Arati is performed on them, so as to ward off the evil eye. According to a legend, once Shiva asked his bull, Basava, to go to the earth and ask the mortals to have an oil massage and bath every day and to eat once a month. Inadvertently, Basava announced that everyone should eat daily and have an oil bath once a month. This mistake enraged Shiva who then cursed Basava, banishing him to live on the earth forever. He would have to plough the fields and help people produce more food. Thus the association of this day with cattle. 


The Fourth Day

The Fourth day is known as Knau or Kannum Pongal day. On this day, a turmeric leaf is washed and is then placed on the ground. On this leaf are placed, the left overs of sweet Pongal and Venn Pongal, ordinary rice as well as rice colored red and yellow, betel leaves, betel nuts, two pieces of sugarcane, turmeric leaves, and plantains. In Tamil Nadu women perform this ritual before bathing in the morning. All the women, young and old, of the house assemble in the courtyard. The rice is placed in the centre of the leaf, while the women ask that the house and family of their brothers should prosper. Arati is performed for the brothers with turmeric water, limestone and rice, and this water is sprinkled on the kolam in front of the house.
 
Traditions & Customs  

Traditions & Customs

Inspite of immense urbanization, the traditions and customs attached to the harvest festival of Pongal has not diminished. Though the nature of these tradition and customs has changed, the glitter of this festival has not dimmed. The fast changing times notwithstanding, certain things do not change. The way we celebrate the festivals, for instance. The festival of Pongal captures the quintessence of south Indian culture in all its entirety and traditional practices and customs continue to hold their own even today.

The spirit is alive and Pongal is still treated as a time to discard the old and welcome the new. The new crop that is harvested is cooked and offered to the Almighty. Celebrated for four days, the various traditions and customs of this harvest festival are: 


Bhogi Pongal

The 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 Pongal

The 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 their 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.
 
What is Pongal?  

What is Pongal?

Pongal is the only festival of Hindu that follows a solar calendar and is celebrated on the fourteenth of January every year. Pongal has astronomical significance: it marks the beginning of 
Uttarayana , the Sun's movement northward for a six month period. In Hinduism, 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 katthu  is held in Madurai , Tiruchirapalli and Tanjavur,all in Tamil Nadu, on this day. Bundles of money are tied to the horns of Pongal 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 Tamiliar Thirunal  in a fitting manner through out Tamil Nadu.

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 called Pongal Sankranti.  
Meaning & Significance
 
Thai Pongal is an occasion for family re-unions and get-together. Old enmities, personal animosities and rivalries are forgotten. Estrangements are healed and reconciliation effected.

Indeed, Thai Pongal is a festival of freedom, peace, unity and compassion crystallized in the last hymn on unity in the Indian spiritual text the Rig Veda. Thus, love and peace are the central theme of Thai Pongal.





 
                                     


  


"May the pot of prosperity boil over
May the Pongal that we cook,
the fragrance of turmeric
the taste of sugarcane, ginger and honey
Bring the joy of Pongal into our homes
May the blessings of the Sun God flood our lives
"


***YENINIYAPONGALVALTHUKAL...!!!*** 







 




 
 
 






YEN INIYA PONGAL NAL VALTHUKAL.....


PEACE ON EARTH!!!
Have A Blessed & Wonderful Pongal 




 

MAY THIS PONGAL BRING  SUCCESS,PROSPERITY AND    HAPPINESS IN OUR LIFE 

Wishing you more Prosperity, Happiness ,
 Sound Health and Peace of Mind
on this Auspicious Pongal ( Makara Sankaranthi ) Day.


RAMNATH