Sixty-four years ago this week, the countries of the world came together and signed the United Nations Charter, the treaty that established the organization which bears its name.  Coming out of a brutal and very costly world war which took the lives of some 60 million people, these countries understood that for the human race to survive, they had to cooperate and work together to resolve their differences.

Although it seemed like a radical idea at the time, the creation of the United Nations on October 24, 1945 was based on the simple notion that we all live on the same planet, breathe the same air, and share certain values. 

We all want to live in free societies that value equality, justice and self-determination.  We all care about our environment and believe that children should be given every opportunity to learn and thrive.  We believe that elderly people should be cherished for their wisdom and experience.  And finally, we believe that war is the ultimate violation of these principles and should be prevented at all costs.

Although the United Nations officially began in 1945, it was only in 1971 that the General Assembly adopted a resolution recommending that October 24th be observed as a public holiday by member states.  Traditionally, it has been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the goals and achievements of the UN.

These include supporting human rights and fair elections in the burgeoning democracies of the underdeveloped world, funding a variety of agricultural, educational and health care programs which assist tens of millions of people (whose incredible triumphs include the complete eradication of smallpox in the late 1970s, thanks to the World Health Organization, an agency of the UN), protecting the labour rights of workers, assisting small farmers in poor countries, and cleaning up the environment, just to name a few.  Most importantly, the UN provides a forum for countries to resolve their differences at a conference table instead of a battlefield.

UN Day is also notable for messages issued by the UN Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly.  A video-taped message of the Secretary-General is often shown by national TV stations around the world.

            Some perceive the United Nations as a separate institution from the governments of the world.  But it is important to understand that the UN is in fact a creation of those governments and only reflects what they represent. 

The United Nations has seen many challenges over the past sixty-four years and continues to evolve and adapt to new global issues.  Especially in a world of nuclear and chemical weapons, we need to put old divisions behind us and recognize our similarities. 

Donald Williams, a former NASA astronaut, said it best: “For those who have seen the Earth from space, and for the hundreds and perhaps thousands more who will, the experience most certainly changes your perspective.  The things that we share in our world are far more valuable than those which divide us.”

Here’s to uniting the nations of the world.

 Author: Bilaal Rajan

Come Bhai Dooj and the only image that clouds the mind is that of a doting sister lovingly smearing her brother’s forehead with the red tika. It’s the day of brothers and sisters! Bhai Dooj is an auspicious Hindu occasion celebrated after Diwali. The festival of Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the fifth day of the Diwali festival and as the word ‘Dooj’ suggests, Bhai Dooj falls on the second day after the new moon.

Rachana is applying tilak on her brother Piyush.

Rituals of Bhai Dooj

On the day of Bhai Dooj, I visit my sisters in (Toronto) to have a meal with them. The tradition is explained in Sanskrit with, ‘Bhagini Hastha Bhojanam’ that means having a meal with sister. After invoking the blessings of family deity, she applies tilak and performs aarti and prays for my happy life. Interesting part is the thali. I love the way she decorates it. The aarti is accompanied by a beautifully decorated thali which contains roli and rice in specific katoris. Thalis are festooned with colored grains, pepper, buds, petals, leaves, beads and sequins. Bhai Dooj sweets are also an important part of the thali.

After this, I bless her and promise to protect her from all adversities in life. She also gets pampered with loads of Bhai Tika gifts or some cash.

Story behind Bhai Dhooj

There are several stories supporting the festival. It is believed that Yamraj the god of death visited his sister Yamuna on this day. Yamuna applied the vermillion tilak on his forehead and put a garland around him, wishing him well. They exchanged gifts and sweets. Yamraj was so pleased that he announced that anyone who gets a vermillion tilak on this auspicious day will never be led through hell’s doors. Therefore Bhai Dooj is also known as Yama Dwitiya.

Another legend emphasizes that after vanquishing the demon Narakasura Lord Krishna went to his sister Subhadra’s house. She welcomed him with aarti (lit diya), flowers and sweets. She then applied the tilak on his forehead. Since then it is believed that on the day of Bhai Dooj the brother goes to the sister’s house and the ‘vermillion tilak’ is a symbol of love and prayers from a sister to her brother.

Bhai Dooj Celebration

Bhai Dooj is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm. It offers an opportunity to strengthen our bond of love. In fact, when I go to my sisters place sweet memories of childhood togetherness are shared in an amiable atmosphere. And exchange of gifts further helps to nurture the sweet bond on this occasion.

The latest trend is the e-Tika. Today, with the internet access, I enjoy the sweet memories with my elder sister who is in India and share my future plans too through internet. The whole day just passes in the blissful feeling of togetherness.

  Author: Piyush Maheshwary and Rachana.K are siblings. This article has been written by both Piyush and Rachana.

Once again, it is the month of Kartik and the festival of Karva Chauth is upon us. In October last year, celebrity bahu Aishwarya Rai Bachchan left a juicy Hollywood project to be with hubby Abhishek on her first Karva Chauth.

As we know, it’s a day devoted to fasting (you can’t have even water), dressing up, spending time together and waiting for the never-seem-to-be-rising moon. The very essence of this traditional Hindu festival is togetherness. This festival comes before Diwali on Kartik ki Chauth, the fourth day of the dark moon.

Churi wallas at Gerrard Bazzar, have layered up the tinkle effect, halvais have dished out the karva thali, bright hues have made inroads to the female wardrobe and the traditional henna patterns are still up-and-coming, and so women are gearing up for husband’s day. The markets are alive with the hustle and bustle of women, busy shopping for the day. “The festival is a treat for mehendi wallahs, halwais and bangle sellers, who get busy all day long catering to the needs of their women clients,” says Manika Gupta, a beauty parlour manager on Gerrard Street.

A traditional Hindu festival of feasting and fasting, Karva Chauth over the years has acquired a special significance for the `married queens’. I have been celebrating this festival for past 17 years.

Married women fast one whole day without food or water for the long life of their husbands. The ritual signifies extreme love and devotion to the husband. Here in Canada, I somehow find it little difficult to apply mehendi on my hands. So it`s my husband who makes some imprints on my palms. Or me and my friends get together at someone’s house and apply mehandi on each other’s hands. Though these are not like the original mehndi prints, the joy of sharing sweet moments like this with my husband will be fresh forever in my heart. 

On this day, they observe a fast, praying for the long life, well being and prosperity of their husband. They break their fast in the evening, after moonrise. On this sacred festival, people come together and socialize with friends and family, exchange gifts and share home-cooked meals. It also provides an opportunity to all married women, to get close to their in-laws.

Karwa Chauth is the festival which reflects joy, splendour, brightness and happiness of a married life. There is a difference though celebrating this festival here and in India. In India this festival is celebrated with lots of pomp and show. You can really see the markets all decked up for the occasion, luring women to purchase more than required.  When women go on a shopping spree for this occasion they get a chance to eat gol-gappas, chat-papdi and much more from the Pheriwallas on the street. Here the story is quite different. We can hardly fine the pheriwallas here. And only a handful of people celebrate this special occasion. The only crowd that you see is in the temple where the women get together to pray for the long life of their husbands.

The tradition of gifting

In spite of being one of the toughest fast, Karva Chauth is always looked forward and is welcomed by married woman with great fervor. One of the reasons behind this joy and happiness is the golden chance of receiving expensive and beautiful gifts from their husbands and relatives. As this festival is considered very important for married women, all the symbols that reflects the marriage status of a woman is in high demand such as jewelery, bangles, henna, sarees, lehnga choli and many other traditional gifts.

Gifts given on the Karva Chauth day is an expression of love between man and wife. Karwa Chauth is particularly special for a newly-wed woman who gets decked up in her bridal finery. During this festive occasion, jewelers and apparel makers get into the act, with special collections and designs at every price point imaginable. Thus, women observing a fast for the well-being of their husbands are rewarded with gifts by their husbands and other relatives.

Author:Deepa Vijh

Festivity and laughter are back in the air. The smell of new clothes, sweets and crackers pervade in Indian homes and people are soaking in the excitement of the festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days, where the third day is celebrated as the main Diwali festival or ‘Festival of lights’.

All the five days are based on varied philosophies, with each day dedicated to a special thought or belief. Dhanteras is an auspicious Indian festival that ushers in the celebrations of Diwali, as the first day of the festivities.

“On this day we make colourful traditional rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of wealth and prosperity in homes and offices. To indicate her long-awaited-arrival, small foot prints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Then we perform Lakshmi Puja in the evenings, when tiny earthen diyas are lit to banish the shadows of evil spirits. Bhajans- devotional songs are sung in the praise of Goddess Lakshmi,” says Sarika Verma, Sales Associate at Emergent Systems. It is also referred to as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi.

“The `Dhan` in Dhanteras refers to `wealth` and `teras` to `thirteenth. ` Here thirteenth indicates the day Trayodashi on which Dhanteras falls. It occurs two days prior to Diwali, in the honour of Dhanavantri, the physician of Gods and incarnation of Vishnu. Dhanteras is an auspicious occasion to purchase precious metals like gold, silver and platinum. Dhanteras is also considered auspicious for setting up new businesses, commencing new projects, house warming and fixing wedding dates,” explains Sarika.

After Dhanteras its choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdasi. Narakasura, who was a monster created havoc among the gods and the sages by disturbing their penance or by creating havoc during religious rituals. Dejected by the trouble caused by him, all the gods went to Lord Krishna and pleaded him to protect them from “Narakasura”. Satyabhama (wife of lord Krishna) appealed to Krishna to give her the opportunity to destroy Narakasura as Narakasura had a curse on him that any woman could kill him. So Satyabhama with Krishna`s help kills Narakasura. In the battle field this depicts the victory of good over evil. Since then, Diwali is celebrated by people with great joy. And elated with Krishna`s victory, womenfolk massaged scented oil on the Lord’s body and gave him a special bath to wash away the demon’s blood. From then on began the custom of taking a bath before sunrise on the Narak Chaturdasi day. Bhudevi - Mother of Narakasura declared that the death of Narakasura should not be mourned but celebrated by all.

Preeti Mehta, a regular reader of Generation Next and a student of York University says, “On this day we light diyas and burn crackers. In fact, my dadi makes it customary for us to take an early bath on this day. We mix marigold petals in water meant for bath. An oil and uptan (a paste of gram flour and fragrant powder) massage of the body is also performed before the bath.”

Then it’s the big day – Diwali. Preparations for this day start weeks before with the spring cleaning of the home. Diwali is a special occasion when every family is busy cleaning their home thoroughly. On this day, people elegant up their houses to welcome Goddess Lakshmi – the Hindu Goddess of wealth. People believe that Goddess Lakshmi visits only clean houses on Diwali. “After cleaning, we decorate our house with artistically laid kolams. In fact, mom adorns the doorways with garlands of mango leaves and marigolds, known as “torans”,” says, Anita M, employee at Mc Donald’s.

Then in the evening earthen diyas, candles and layers of electric bulbs are lighted by people to symbol the festival. People wear bright new outfits and women adorn themselves with attractive jewellery. “All members of the family get together in the puja room to perform the traditional Lakshmi Puja on the occasion of Diwali. We pray for prosperity and happiness in the coming year. This is because Diwali symbols the beginning of New Year. A sumptuous family dinner follows the Puja and thereafter, it is time to burn crackers. All our relatives, friends and neighbours gather in the open space like a park or parking space at Gurudwara (as we are not allowed to burst them in front of the house, unlike our home country) and indulge in a show of fire-works; sky looks brilliant with the amazing sparkle of crackers,” says Anita.

“I do miss home during Diwali. But since I have been here since last four years, me and my Indian colleagues get together for a potluck meal at our office. And that’s what I feel good about this festival here,“ says Sameer Chopra, process analyst at Just Energy.    

 Diwali is also the time for finery, where you can see yards of silk, zardosi embroidery and zari all around you. “It’s a festival which requires you to dress up in beautiful ethnic clothes. “Shopping for Diwali starts a fortnight before the festival beckons. It’s a shopper’s time as they never have purchases so good. Almost every shopkeeper has an eye-catching discount offer on clothes, sweets and crackers to attract customers. Stores offer a variety of ethnic wear for women. Be it the traditional saree, salwar kurta or fusion ensembles, there is no dearth of choice for women and men as well. Diwali shopping is great fun for the entire family,” says Pooja Agarwal, house wife.

The fourth day is the Govardhan puja and finally the five days end with Bhai Dhooj. To know more about Bhai Dhooj and other Diwali customs read on the personal experiences of our readers. 

And finally, I can say that, the festival of Diwali is truly a “Festival of Lights”, as it not only involves lighting of Lamps but, it brings the light of happiness, togetherness, spiritual enlightenment and prosperity for everyone. The sounds of crackers killing all bad-omens, the lighted lamps-lighting the lives of people, the prayers and pujas creating an atmosphere full of goodness and purity, the festival of Diwali indeed fills the atmosphere with an aura of goodness and a heaven like atmosphere.

  Author: Ramya Maheshwary

More than 850 people gathered together in a rainy evening at Pearson Convention Centre to support and fundraise for Trillium Health Centre Foundation. The evening was adorned by the presence of Mayor Hazel McCallion, Minister of Labour the honourable Peter Fonseca, MP Ruby Dhalla, MP Rob Oliphant, Indian Consul General in Toronto Mrs. Preeti Saran, Sri Lankan Consul General Mr. Bandula Jaysakara and many other distinguished guests. This year’s fundraiser’s focus was well-being of seniors.

The Ballroom was filled with energetic people who glittered and sparkled in their colourful sarees and dresses. No wonder youth was an integral part of this gathering. To add icing to this beautiful cake was RDB that electrified the crowd.

Seeing our elected representatives at Diwali Fundraiser in coulrful traditional dresses, we took the opportunity to ask some of these distinguished guests as to how South Asian youth – which we identify as between the ages of 15  to 35 – can contribute to our institutions such as hospitals.

Dr. Gopal Bhatangar, Chief of Staff of Trillium Health Centre and Co-Chair of Diwali 2009, noted that October 2^nd is Gandhi ji’s birthday and Gandhi ji’s message was to live life for the welfare of other people; “his philosophy was to sacrifice and be non-violent and our South Asian youth needs to get back to its roots of sacrifice and giving.” Dr. Bhatangar encouraged youth to be engaged in healthcare debate; to give him and his board members ideas on how to recruit youth, so that they can plan, organize and volunteer in events such as these.  His goal, then, is to create a smooth transition from one generation to the next. In other words, he wanted to pass on the torch of serving community and its institutions to Generation Next.

Mr. Anil Shah, Co-Chair of Diwali 2009, enthusiastically gave me his contact number and insisted that it be published so that South Asian youth can get in touch with him. His aim is to groom a leader and be mentor to someone in his or her 20s to become a board member of the hospital and to let youth take charge of position that has been assigned to him. “We need youth,” he said “and we will provide them all kinds of support.” His contact # is 416-843-2645.

Ms. Janet Davidson, the President and CEO of Trillium Health Centre, dressed in a colourful green dress adorned with golden sequins and more, said that today’s youth is much more engaged than the youth of let’s say my generation. This youth takes tremendous interest in humanitarian activities. Citing Diwali Fundraiser 2009, Ms. Davidson said that “if you look at this particular event, youth is out here to support their parents and grandparents, so in essence they are supporting their families.”

Mayor Hazel McCallion looked as strong as ever in shocking pink sari. She told us that she is very much impressed with how South Asian community has integrated into the Canadian society. This community has responded to the call as hospitals need support from the community to provide services. Trillium provides excellent services and the community has recognized this. Earlier in her address to the audience she acknowledged South Asian community generously. “You’re here because you care,” she said.

The Honourable Ontario Minister of Labour, Mr. Fonseca believes that “youth sees the world through different lens..and in government we look up to youth to solve problems.” He noted that Trillium is building partnerships with the community and it is important for youth to understand the importance of healthcare. There are local issues where the youth can work as a team to solve these problems, Mr. Fonseca said.

Ms. Preeti Saran, the Indian Consul General in Toronto, noted that “youth’s immediate active involvement could be in voluntary services and if they could afford monetarily, then they should contribute financially also.” On the question of youth leadership, she said “it’s a good idea, however it is up to the hospital board to make a decision on that.”

Mr. Bandula Jayaskara, the Sri Lankan Consul General in Toronto, excitedly pointed out that “healthcare can be a rallying point for youth to be proactive.” A gathering of more than 850 people, he noted, shows that South Asians care about their hospitals and their communities.

Ms. Ruby Dhalla, the Member of Parliament from Brampton-Springdale, motivated youth to energize the contributions to Canadian institutions through their ideas, energy and time; and if the youth has access to money, they must also contribute financially.

Mr. Rob Oliphant, the Member of Parliament from Don Valley West, wished that corporate sponsors could have sponsored some more tables for youth.

Neil Wadhvana, affectionately known as “Mr. O’Canada”, said that we cannot at this age contribute money to hospitals such as Trillium, however we can spread the message of peace and harmony. He noted that more and more youth are interested in volunteering, and this is one way we can contribute.

Aanchal Dogra, Miss India Canada 2009, wanted youth to be in leadership position if they can put together and present well- thought out ideas.

Author: Asma Amanat

Photography by: Projectedlife

With the festival season in full swing and our festive spirits soaring high, here’s a time to cherish our loved ones, yet again. And when it comes to pamper those we love, what else could be better than giving them a gift. A gift, that’s not given away by them to somebody else, but cherished forever. So here are a few not-so-common gift ideas for special people in your life.

Diwali is the most celebrated and largest gift giving and shopping festival. The tradition of exchanging gifts and shopping is quite prominent because Diwali is associated with prosperity. People go out of their way to splurge themselves and their loved ones as they celebrate Diwali.

With more and more people turning health freaks, those dabbas of laddoos can comfortably be left out as the Diwali gifts. ‘‘What you can gift instead is the large variety of Organic teas and flavoured teas, along with a Ceramic tea set. Another option could be lots of colourful candles, floating or otherwise, along with Table linen on hand-woven silks or on cottons with Zari and sequins for tables,” says Trisha Metha, Customer Service Associate in HSBC.

Decor Items

Diwali is the time to decorate the house and hence an appropriate time to present your friends and relations with decorative items. Gift your near and dear ones nice decorative items to adorn their houses. Popular decor gift items include Swarovski show pieces, Feng-Shui pieces and hanging bells. ‘‘These are a big hit with customers,” says a sales executive at Swarovski store at Square One.

Gadgets

Youth generally prefer to receive some trendy gadgets as gift as a part of any occasion. Mobiles, I pods, digital Photo frames, MP3 players, home theatres, etc are some of the most popular gadgets and are highly appreciated by young people. In fact Barbeque sets, roti makers and deep fryers make a novel gift idea for Diwali.

Office Accessories

These days corporate gift culture is very much in trend. Employees to employers and employers to Employees often gift some unique Diwali apparel as a token of greetings. Also, these gifts are exchanged between different organizations. Flower pots, pen stands, executive diary, table lamps are some of the possible and descent Diwali corporate gifts.

And for guys, it`s time to gift your lady love. ‘‘Take your wife out at her favourite place. Just both of you enjoying luxurious dinner in the amicable environment, will surely make her feel special. Another option is to give her a stunning , beautiful saree and again diamonds or jewellery as they say are a girl’s best friend, so surprise your beloved with sparkling charisma of diamond, gold, pearl jewelry and keep guessing who is shinning more-jewelry piece or your wife!” says jewellery designer, Sherya Singh.

Gifts vouchers designed especially for the festival are yet another ideal option to send to family and friends on Diwali. A special message may be added to make the gift more special. Adding spice to the celebrations is a requisite, more so, if you are separated by distances. What better way to augment the festivities than by choosing to offer pleasant surprises to loved ones, right?

And finally don’t forget to wrap your gift with loads of love.

 Author: Ramya Maheshwary

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States and Canada commemorating the harvest reaped by the Plymouth Colony in 1621. Yes, Thanksgiving is a holiday of Thanking and Giving.   In Canada, However, Thanksgiving Day is on the second Monday of October.

The Thanksgiving Day is observed by church services and family reunions; the customary turkey dinner is a reminder of the four wild turkeys served at the Pilgrims’ first thanksgiving feast. There are slight differences in Canada’s and United States’ Thanksgiving in dates but tradition is very similar.

The history of Thanksgiving in Canada goes back to an explorer, Martin Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Pacific Ocean. Frobisher’s Thanksgiving was not for harvest but homecoming. He had safely returned from a search for the Northwest Passage, avoiding the later fate of Henry Hudson and Sir John Franklin. In the year 1578, he held a formal ceremony, in what is now the province of Newfoundland, to give thanks for surviving the long journey. The feast was one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in North America, although celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for a successful bounty of crops had been a long-standing tradition throughout North America by various First Nations and Native American groups. First Nations and Native Americans throughout the Americas, including the Pueblo, Cherokee, Cree and many others organized harvest festivals, ceremonial dances, and other celebrations of thanks for centuries before the arrival of Europeans in North America ^[6]. Frobisher was later knighted and had an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean in northern Canada named after him — Frobisher Bay. and Labrador

At the same time, French settlers, having crossed the ocean and arrived in Canada with explorer Samuel de Champlain, also held huge feasts of thanks. They even formed ‘The Order of Good Cheer‘ and gladly shared their food with their First Nations neighbours.

After the Seven Years’ War ended in 1763 handing over New France to the British, the citizens of Halifax held a special day of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving days were observed beginning in 1799 but did not occur every year. After the American Revolution, American refugees who remained loyal to Great Britain moved from the newly independent United States and came to Canada. They brought the customs and practices of the American Thanksgiving to Canada. The first Thanksgiving Day after Canadian Confederation was observed as a civic holiday on April 5, 1872 to celebrate the recovery of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) from a serious illness.

Starting in 1879 Thanksgiving Day was observed every year, but the date was proclaimed annually and changed year to year. The theme of the Thanksgiving holiday also changed each year to reflect an important event to be thankful for. In its early years it was for an abundant harvest and occasionally for a special anniversary.

Canada’s federal parliament officially declared October as Islamic History Month in Canada in 2007.

Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier and Official Opposition Critic for Canadian Heritage, Francophonie and Official Languages, Hon. Mauril Bélanger, presented the following motion today in the House of Commons:

“That, in the opinion of the House, due to the important contributions of Canadian Muslims to Canadian Society; the cultural diversity of the Canadian Muslim community; the importance of Canadians learning about each other to foster greater social cohesion; and the important effort now underway in many Canadian communities in organizing public activities to achieve better understanding of Islamic history, the month of October should be designated Canadian Islamic History Month.”

The Ottawa-Vanier MP was delighted that the House of Commons adopted this motion which highlights the important contribution of the Muslim community in Canadian society. “I encourage cultural exchanges between Canada’s diverse communities, which make us a vibrant and dynamic society. I believe that by having a better understanding of our fellow Canadians from various communities and backgrounds that we will achieve a stronger and more cohesive country”, said MP Bélanger.

To date, several Canadian cities have proclaimed October as Islamic History Month in their civic jurisdictions – including Victoria BC, Kingston ON, Ottawa ON, Calgary AB and Burnaby and Port Coquitlam BC – with others planning to follow their example.

Federation of Muslim Women set up the showcase just outside the Central Library in Mississauga on Islamic History Month. The showcase displayed the Holy Quran, the wall hangings having verses of the Quran, Islamic artifacts, mosque-architecture; decorative placates and Islamic calligraphy.

Dandiya beats, Durga Puja arrangements and spa bookings, Toronto too like India is abuzz with the festive season. Read on as Ramya Bajaj Maheshwary gives an insight about Navratri celebrations

Nav’ means ‘nine’ and ‘ratri’ means ‘night’. Thus, ‘Navratri’ means ‘nine nights’. These nine nights of Navratri correspond to nine forms of Goddess Durga. This is the most pious and pure time in the Hindu calendar.

Navaratri is celebrated with pomp and enthusiasm like any other festival in Toronto. Toronto has kept alive the tradition of dancing to the tunes of Garba. Committees are formed by youth, especially to celebrate this festival and fortunately the number of such committees are increasing every year.

Fifteen years old Rekha Shah, born and raised in Canada and regular visitor at Ram Mandir says, “On the night of ‘Navami’, devil was destroyed! So we celebrate Navratri” This shows that even Torontonians are very conscious and awake to preserve Indian  culture and spread the true message through any such celebrations.

Significance of Navratri:

Navratri is celebrated for nine consecutive nights in the worship of Lord Ram and Goddess Durga. It is a belief that Maa Durga, goddesses of power and vitality who is believed to have nine forms called Navadurga, takes a new form on each of the nine days to kill the demon Mahishasur. It is on the tenth day that the Goddess kills the demon and this day is celebrated as Dusshera, the victory of good over evil. There is also another legend to this, Lord Ram had killed Ravan on this day and this day is celebrated as Vijaydashami or as Dusshera. Lord Ram is said to have worshipped the goddesses, seeking her blessing in order to overpower the evil force of Ravan.

Different States and Different Traditions:

They say Gujarat does not sleep during Navratri, it is the time of great merriment. For Bengalis, it is the most auspicious period where they welcome their Goddess Durga with all grandeur. It has special significance in Mysore, South India. Mysore palace is illuminated for a whole month during Dusshera and caparisoned elephants lead a colourful procession through the gaily decorated streets of the city. In South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the festival of Navratri is celebrated in a different manner. Women adorn their houses with dolls (Bommalla Kolu), draw traditional designs or rangolis and light lamps. During this festival families gather to sing songs and depict scenes from various epics. On the 10th day, larger than life effigies of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhakarn are set alight to celebrate victory of good over evil.

The Navratri Look:

Navratri is also the time to put together a dazzling wardrobe. Men and women in colourful ethnic garb, are a common sight. Heavy Silver Jewellery, backless mirrorwork choli’s, bandidni ghagra’s combined with heavy blouses, off-white plastic chuda’s worn till the arms: these can be seen all through this festival of dance. Women wear bright coloured Chaniya Cholis and men wear Kedias.

If you are among those who follow the western fashion trends, then you could definitely flaunt in Navratri too. Remember those spaghetti tops and cotton skirts. Preeti Jhunjhunwala, graphic designer, who enjoys garba nights, says “I go for a blend of modern cuts and traditional style, but I definitely do maintain that authenticity.” “Prints like bandhani and lehriya are going to be seen in blue, green, orange, red and mustard colours,” says Prerna Agarwal, a fashion designer from India. Gold Khadi print blouses and ghagras with plain and simple tikki work dupattas are hot picks this season. Black, maroon, red, purple and mauve shades will rule this Navratri.”

You can also raid your mom’s cupboard for antiques. They are hot and you are sure no one else will have them. Neckpieces and earrings in oxidized silver look great on a dandiya night.

So when you plan your wardrobe put in all the glamour with a mix of tradition.

Piyush Maheshwary, a regular participant in Dandiya nights says, “Festivals not only help to increase devotion, but also bond the society! For me raas garrba is a way to unwind myself and enjoy the festival thoroughly. At the same time it keeps up my tradition too.”

People in India say- Western culture has crept into the celebrations these days. But in Toronto the scenario is completely different. Toronto’s Dandiya lovers don’t want the eastern culture to be wiped out or destroying their playing mood, interest and enthusiasm.

Navratri in GTA is not merely an entertainment festival, but a social cause too as various fund raising programs and charity events are held. Toronto’s youth is quite culture oriented and mature.

So celebrate this victory of goodness with enthusiasm as Maa Durga showers all her blessing and strengths onto you and your family. And if you are thinking where to go for Dandiya this year, then you definitely need to take a look at options like the International Center, Mississauga or Sheridan College, Brampton.

By: Ramya Bajaj Maheshwary

Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.

Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). This corresponds with the month of August-September according to Gregorian Calendar.

Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all. Popularity and presentation of rich culture of the state during the carnival made Onam the National Festival of Kerala in 1961. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam.
Government of India has taken due notice of this vibrant and colorful festival. It promotes Onam internationally in a big way and celebrates ‘Tourist Week’ for Kerala during Onam celebrations. Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit Kerala to be a part of Onam.

The Legend
Story goes that during the reign of mighty asura (demon) king, Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Every body in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had one shortcoming. He was egoistic. This weakness in Mahabali’s character was utilized by Gods to bring an end to his reign as they felt challenged by Mahabali’s growing popularity. However, for all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was so attached.
It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year.
Onam Celebrations
Rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten day long festival. The most impressive part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal.

Another enchanting feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa. It is a colorful sight to watch the decorated boat oared by hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators.

There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played with ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam. Women indulge in cultural activities. They make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of house to welcome King Mahabali. Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti kali and Pulikali add to the zest of celebrations.

Activities, Events and Recreation
There are a lot of activities that takes place all over the state on Onam. Pulikali performers paint themselves in the guise of a tiger and enact hunting scenes to entertain people. Kummattikali artists don an attire of plaited grass and big wooden mask. They move from house to house collecting small gifts and amusing children.

At Thrissur, caparisoned elephants move out in a procession and present a regal view. While at Cheruthuruthy, Kathakali artists cast a spell on the audience with the magic of their performance. Women perform their graceful traditional clap dance, Kaikotikalli on the day and enthrall the audience. Vallamkali, the popular snake boat race is also organized in several parts of the state to mark the day.

Source: www.onamfestival.org