एक पत्र नव वर्ष के नाम.........

आते आते तुम भी कहीं हो जाओ न बदनाम ,
एक पत्र लिखता हूँ नव वर्ष तुम्हारे नाम |
चंपा बेला औ गुलाब के ज़ख्मी बदन हुए,
मौसम के बदले मिजाज़ से कांटे मगन हुए |
नहीं है किस्मत में फूलों के वह छावं ,
नागफनी ने जमा लिए हैं फुलवारी में पाँव |
इस युग के पंछी का जीना हुआ हराम ,
एक पत्र लिखता हूँ नव वर्ष तुम्हारे नाम |

फूल से चेहरे लेकर आते हैं बस्ती में पत्थर,
और मोहफ्हीज़ बनकर जाते हैं शीशों के घर घर |
देख के सारी लीला दर्पण काँप रहा है थर थर ,
राज खुला इनका तो ये वार करेंगे उनपर|.
आज हमारे शहर में मचने वाला है कुहराम ,
एक पत्र लिखता हूँ नव वर्ष तुम्हारे नाम |

प्यार से अपनी गोद में लेकर जिसका रूप निखारे,
जिसकी जिद में थाली पे भी सूरज चाँद उतारे |
आज वही बेटा माँ दामन पे दाग लगाये,
भाषा और मजहब के नाम पे खंजर रोज़ चलाये |
प्यारी माँ का आँचल यहाँ पर होता है नीलाम,

एक पत्र लिखता हूँ नव वर्ष तुम्हारे नाम ........

Many accounts have been written about the life of Nicholas. It was said that he would spend all night studying God’s Word to bring it to the people. He was known for helping the poor, for praying, fasting, and standing steadfast in faith and goodness. There were many accounts of miracles that were brought about through his faith and prayers. Among the accounts of his ministry is the report of the twin brothers who were raised from the dead. It was written about him that that one could hardly keep count of the virtue and goodness that he spread around him.

One particular story of St Nicholas ‘ goodness is the reason many pictures show him with three golden spheres. These represent three bags of gold that he gave to the poor man so that his three daughters could be married. The man was so poor that his daughters had no dowries, and he was so desperate he was planning to sell them into slavery. To keep this from happening, Nicholas threw a bag of gold pieces through the man’s window at night so no one would know who had done it. He wanted God to get the credit for it. Because of this, the eldest daughter had a dowry. She was no longer an outcast and therefore could be married.

Not long after that, Nicholas did the same thing for the second daughter, saving her from a similar fate. When he did it for the third daughter the father caught him. Nicholas made the father swear an oath that he would never reveal who was responsible for the gifts as long as he was alive. 

 Nicholas died on 6 December A.D. 343.December 6, the day of his death, became St Nicholas Day on the roman catholic calendar, the custom of gift-giving on this date began in France and spread right across Europe. 
Similarities between Nicholas’ characteristics can be seen in the Santa Claus character, as he is known worldwide. He gave gifts at night and was not to be seen by anyone. Haven said that one has to ask how did the story of this Godly man get turned into the lie we know it today, the story of elf’s workshops, the North Pole and much, much more. 

A Spritual day..........

I personally believe visit to any religious place is only possible when it is destined.Otherwise you plan and plan and plan but if it is not destined ,you can't .Yesterday it was in my destiny ,that I got opportunity to visit Iscon Temple Delhi.

• Though I am strict follower of only one particular religion i.e. humanity,yet I love to pick-up the valuable bits and bites from everywhere.As I believe every religion teaches only to love humanity, method may be different but purpose is same.
• The method here to serve humanity and systematically to propagate spiritual knowledge to the society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.
• To propagate a consciousness of Krishna as it is revealed in the Bhagavad-gita andSrimad Bhagavatam.

Primary concept 

The master plan of the project on the Hare Krishna Hill was conceived by Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, who is a qualified civil engineer from IIT (Mumbai). The initial concept as it stood from outside was conceived by Sri Jagat Chandra Dasa who is an architect as well as product engineer from IIT (Mumbai). The unique combination of glass and gopuram, blended modern and traditional elements. Considering the nature of the sloping rocky hillock, this unique concept was further developed architecturally into the present design as it stands by Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa and Bhakti Lata Devi.

Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma said, “It gives me immense pleasure to associate myself with the inauguration of this Center For Advancement of Culture of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) here in Bangalore. This magnificent complex, a blend of tradition and modernity, is a symbol of the dedication and devotion of ISKCON to the cause of bhakti and service. It is an architectural landmark.

I congratulate all those who have worked tirelessly to set up this splendid edifice.” 


I really appreciate the dedication, hard work and religious spirit of the people over here............
Fully enjoyed........

Hare Rama Hare Krishna!!!!!!!!!!!!!

31st India International Trade Fair 2011.

Last week I visited Trade fair in Delhi,Pragati Maidan. Being in army ,visited many places and saw so many exhibitions,still the craze for trade fair was something different. Though the stuff were not new for me.different stalls were representing the handicrafts of the respective states, yet the excitement was new.

The question arises that why so much pain and effort is taken. Usually   trade fairs  are organized so that companies in a specific industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products, service, study activities of rivals and examine recent market trends and-opportunities.

 In contrast to consumer fairs, only some trade fairs are open to the public, while others can only be attended by company representatives (members of the trade, e.g. professionals) and members of the press, therefore trade shows are classified as either "Public" or "Trade Only". 

History of Trade Fair....

Modern trade fairs follow in the tradition of trade fairs established in late medieval Europe, in the era of merchant capitalism. In this era, produce and craft producers visited towns for trading fairs, to sell and showcase products. From the late eighteenth century, Industrial Exhibitions in Europe and North America became more common reflecting the technological dynamism of the industrial revolution.

Here is a glimpse of 31st India International Trade Fair 2011.

 31st India International Trade Fair 2011. 

• IITF is the largest integrated Trade Fair with both B2B (Business to Business) and B2C (Business to Consumer) components. It presents an impressive range of products from artisans to MNCs covering diverse sectors primarily from consumer goods category.
•  It is one of the largest trade fair in the world both in terms of exhibitor and visitor participation and has evolved its unique character as an iconic national event.
•  The unique feature of the fair is the participation of almost all states and Union Territories of India apart formed Domestic and Foreign companies.
• IITF Offers to participants from different segments of industry adequate visibility for their products and services among fair visitors with demarcated halls representing different sectors. 
• Through its Special Display sections of techmart, representing products and technologies of small and medium enterprises, Saras, Highlighting tribal and rural handicrafts, and Good Living, with focus on products and goods relevant to daily living, the fair ensures a distinct visibility for generic product categories.
•  These represent engineering, software and hardware, automobiles, electronics, telecom, leather, textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, furniture and furnishings besides a wide range of consumer goods.

So friend don't ignore such shows...instead follow some tips given below:

Manage things in order to get your pass ready in advance, not to lose 1 hour in the queue. Equip yourself with a map and have a look at the organization of Halls and decide of your run. This is important mainly for Big fairs, when you must tick the Halls you already visited… Small Tip: Try not to start your run where all others will start, go in the opposite direction!! you won’t be jostled by the crowd and exhibitors will have time to spare you. If necessary, tick the stands you want to go back at the end of the day.

No way!! You’d better not wear your new heel shoes 
They are gorgeous, but they will become a torture after a while. 
Visiting a fair means walking, walking…and walking a little bit more…

Get dressed with correctness and try to adapt the fair you’re going to! Actually, your go there as a buyer, but your clothing reflect a certain image of your company. Customs are different depending on the country:Visitors from USA always wear jeans and tennis, Japanese with their black strict suit…it’s rather funny to ty to guess which country a person comes from according to its garments … the French wears its eternal checkered shirt, the Portuguese trying to make himself taller when they walk next to the blond tall Nordic people, and of course, the Itaaalian with the class that characterizes them….

You’ll probably know other visitors, so have a coffee with them at mid-term,exchanges opinions and discoveries. Do not ignore this advise! They will never see the same things like you did, but above all, they won’t see them the same way!

Bring with you a note-pad and a pocket stapler.
Staple some notes together with the business cards of exhibitors that worth an immediate follow up next to the fair. Ok, it’s not what we can call modern and some will prefer their Blackberry but at least my notepad will not have a battery failure at the end of the day.

My last tip but not least, locate the toilets .

¡¡Enjoy the trade show!!

Kite Festival At India Gate.........

This festival is organised by the Delhi tourism, in association with Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corpor-ation and Development Corporation and Department of Art and Culture of the Delhi government as part of efforts to revive the age-old sport. Kite flying is one of the most popular sports in India.
“The festival will have expert kite makers from all over India. There are participants from Tamil Nadu, Uttarpradesh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, and Jodhpur etc. There will be a kite cutting competition for professionals and another for ladies and children,” the official added.
The authorities have also set up theme pavilions for the visitors to ensure the best view of designer kites.
Cultural performances and magic shows are also being organised as part of the festival, besides a mini-food court serving various delicacies of Delhi.

HISTORY OF KITE FLYING :  In fact, kite flying has a fascinating history; man had the desire to fly since time immemorial. It was the spirit of man and his imagination that ultimately saw the invention of kites. Their fascinating history is depicted in the Kite Museum of Ahmedabad.. According to Greek literature, kite flying dates back to as old as 14 century and later came back to India and other Asian countries,” said an organiser.Such kite flying festivals are often organised in various part of India.200 BC : Huein Tsang flew a kite at night to overawe the army of Liu Pang of Han dynasty in china. THE BELIEF : The festival is a time of thanksgiving for the religious, since it marks the awakening of the gods from their long slumber. The gods who are believed to have slumbered for six long months are now awake and the portals of heaven are thrown open. It is also a signal for merry-making. The temples are thronged with visitors and alms are distributed freely.

Significance of Kartik Purnima........

• Karthik Poornima is celebrated all over world irrespective of Religious inclinations.
• Kartik Poornima (Kartik purnima) is a Hindu holy day celebrated on the full moon day or the fifteenth lunar day of Kartik (November–December). 
• It is also known as Tripuri poornima and Tripurari Poornima. It is sometimes called Deva-Diwali or Deva-Deppawali - the festival of lights of the gods.
•  The Kartik Purnima festival also coincides with the Sikh festival of Guru Nanak Jayanti.
• Shantrunjay Teerth Yatra, this walk is an important religious event in the life of a Jain devotee, who cover 216 km of rough mountainous terrain by foot to worship the Lord Adinath temple atop the hill.

• Kartik Poornima is closely associated with Prabodhini Ekadashi which marks the end of Chaturmas, a four-month period when Vishnu is believed to sleep. Prabodhini Ekadashi signifies the awakening of the god. Chaturmas penance ends on this day.
•  Many fairs that begin on Prabodhini Ekadashi end on Kartik Poornima, Kartik Poornima usually being the most important day of the fair. Fairs that conclude on this day include Prabodhini Ekadashi celebrations at Pandharpur and Pushkar Fair.
•  Kartik Poornima is also the last day to perform Tulsi Vivahceremony that can be performed from Prabodhini Ekadashi.
  
• In Pushkar, Rajasthan, the Pushkar Fair or Pushkar mela commences on Prabodhini Ekadashi and continues till Kartik Poornima, the latter being the most important.
•  This fair is held in the honour of god Brahma, whose temple stands at Pushkar. A ritual bath on Kartik Poornima in the Pushkar Lake is considered to lead one to salvation.
•  It is believed circling the three Pushkars on Kartik Poornima is highly meritorious. Sadhus gather here and stay from ekadashi to full moon day in caves. 
• About 200,000 people and 25,000 camels assemble in Pushkar for the fair. Pushkar fair is Asia's largest camel fair

• A ritual bath at a tirtha (a sacred water body like a lake or river) at a pilgrimage centre is prescribed on Kartik Poornima. This holy bath is known as "Kartik snana". An holy bath at Pushkar or in the Ganges river, especially at Varanasi is deemed as most auspicious. Kartik Poornima is the most popular day for bathing in the Ganges at Varanasi.
• Kartik poornima is also the birthday of Matsya, god Vishnu's fish-incarnation (Avatar). It is also the birthday of Vrinda, the personification of theTulsi plant and of Kartikeya, the god of war and son of Shiva. This day also is considered dear to Radha, the lover of Krishna - Vishnu's incarnation. It is believed that Krishna and Radha danced rasa and Krishna worshipped Radha on this day. 

(all pictures are from google.)

I wish u a very happy kartik Purnima !!!!!!!!!
May our lives shine n glow like the moon of purnima...........


(Compiled from Internet......)

वाहे गुरूजी का खालसा ,वाहे गुरूजी की फ़तेह !!!!!!!

(चित्र गूगल से साभार)

गुरुपर्व के साथ ही  एक बार फिर अतीत की गलियारे में चलते हैं | पिताजी के एक मित्र, जिन्हें  हम  प्यार से "सरदारजी" कहते थे याद आते हैं |अच्छी कद काठी ,स्वस्थ शरीर सफ़ेद दाढ़ी, सर पे पगड़ी और जब भी मिलते तो कहते ",सरदारजी' नमस्ते बोलो तो टॉफी  दूंगा....." उनके प्यारे से व्यक्तित्व से अभिभूत होकर हम उनसे टॉफी ले ही लेते थे | गुरुपर्व के दिन पिताजी के साथ  गुरुदारे जाने का काफी उत्साह रहता था ,वहां पहुँच  कर जहाँ भी सरदारजी दिखते जोर से  सरदारजी नमस्ते बोले बिना नहीं  रहते |बदले में उनका खिलखिलाता चेहरा देख के हम खुश हो जाते.|अरदास तो ज्यादा कुछ नहीं समझ पाते पर लंगर का एक अलग ही उत्साह रहता था| अपने हाथों से थाली उठाना ,कड़ा प्रसाद और फिर परसादा   चखना .....ये सब अब अधिक आनंद देते हैं ,जब असली मतलब समझ आता  है|

शाम को सरदारजी के घर भी जाना होता था तब वो गुरु नानक जी  की बाते सुनाते  थे......उनके बच्चों के साथ खेलते थे |कहानी कुछ इस प्रकार थी.......

(चित्र गूगल से साभार )

एक बार गुरूजी अपने शिष्य के साथ एक गाँव गए वहां एक जमींदार और एक गरीब दोनों ने उन्हें खाने पर आमंत्रित किया |बाबाजी ने पहले  गरीब का आमंत्रण स्वीकार किया ,जिससे जमींदार ने पूछा,"ये  भेद भाव क्यों?" बाबाजी ने कहा ,"तुम भी अपना खाने का सामान  ले आओ ,दोनों का साथ में खाते हैं " गरीब अपनी रूखी रोटी और अमीर अपना ढेर सा पकवान लाया |

बाबाजी ने एक एक हाथ में दोनों का सामान लिया हाथ में लेके निचोड़ा ,जमींदार के पकवान से खून की धार , गरीब के रोटी से दूध की धार निकली |यह देख कर सब आश्चर्य चकित रह गए |बाबाजी ने स्पष्ट किया," जमींदार अपनी कमाई गरीबों के खून से करता है और गरीब दिन भर पसीना बहा के अपनी कमाई करता है|अब आप लोग फैसला करिए किसकी रोटी स्वादिष्ट है ?"

जमींदार  यह  देख  कर  शर्मिंदा  हो  गया  और  उसने  नेकी  की   राह अपनाई|"

इसी कहानी  को सुनते बचपन बीता,उसके बाद पूर्व पधान मंत्री श्रीमती इंदिरा गाँधी  के निर्मम हत्या के बाद हिन्दू सिख दंगों के दौरान कुछ दिन वो हमारे पास रहे अपने उजड़ते आशियाने को देख कर रो पड़े थे ....हम चाहते हुए भी कुछ न कर सके |अंत में  परन्तु फिर अपने पैत्रक निवास लुधियाना  चले गए एक दिन पता लगा उन्होंने इस लोक को अलविदा कह दिया.......

\

May happiness and blessings 
surround you as we join together 
to remember the beloved Sri 
Guru Nanak Dev ji and the 
Beginnings of Sikhism. 
HAPPY GURPURAB TO ALL…!!

The festival of Eid- ul- Adha is celebrated in the remembrance of prophet Abraham’s readiness to forfeit Ishmael,  his son for god. The story about this festival tells, how Abraham was ready to kill his son and remained true to God. The story tells, how Allah told Abraham, to lift up the foundation of Kaaba that was a holy place in Mecca.God also asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, in a dream. Abraham along with his son started moving towards Mina for the sacrifice. Some of the daemons tried to direct Abraham away from his way but Abraham was true to god and as he was just set to kill his son, God stopped him and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead of sacrificing his son. This festival is thereby said to be a festival of sacrifice. Some people celebrate Eid- ul- Adha because it ends the pilgrimage or Hajj for those Muslims who make a trip to Mecca each year.

Just like Eid- ul- Fitr, Eid- ul - Adha also commences with a small prayer followed by Khutba. The delivery of this Khutba is done from Mount Arafat in Mecca. It is assumed that Eid- ul- Adha should last for three days but some of the Islamic traditions think that Eid- ul- Fitr last for three days and Eid- ul- Adha last for four days.      On       wishing that your sacrifices are         appreciated and your prayers         are answered by the almighty.        Have a blessed Eid-ul-Adha!

Diwali Celebration........Fifth Day........Bhai Duj.......

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a five day long celebrations. The fifth or the last day of diwali is Bhaiya Dooj, popularly know as Bhai Dooj. The reason why this festival is known as bhai dooj is that it falls on the second day after the new moon, that is the Dooj day. And it is a day to pray for the long life of the brother, which is referred as “bhayya or bhai”. According to religious scriptures, Yamaraj, the God of death, went to visit his sister's house after a long period of separation. His sister, Yami was very happy to see him and welcomed him by putting an auspicious mark on his forehead for his welfare. Yami and Yamraj then shared a meal. He was so pleased with his sister's reception, he proclaimed that every year, on the dooj day, if a sister puts a tilak on her brother's forehead, then no one can harm her brother. Till date, this tradition is followed. Sisters perform puja for their brothers safety and well being. Brothers in return give gifts to their sisters as a token of love.

Another version Lord Krishna, after killing Narakasur, the asura king, went to meet his sister Subhadra. Subhadra welcomed him in the traditional way by showing him a light and putting on his forehead a tilak of her sisterly protection.
Some other legend says that Bhagawaan Mahavir found nirvana, his brother Raja Nandivardhan was very say and missed his brother a lot. Sister Sudarshana then comforted his brother. Since then, women have been revered during this festival.
The festival of Diwali is incomplete without bhai dooj. It is referred as “Bhaiyya-Duj” in the Hindi-speaking belt, “Bhav--Bij” in the Marathi-speaking communities, "Bhai fota" in Bengal and "Bhai-Tika" in Nepal.

The essence of the Bhai dooj festival is that it is celebrated to strengthen the love between brothers and sisters. It is a day of food-sharing, gift-giving and reaching out to the inner most depths of the hearts. Brothers and sisters indulge themselves on this day by gifting each other gifts. Varied gifts specially meant for bhai dooj is available in the market.

 Sky is blue, feel this hue,
My love is for you Bhaiya…always true.
Loads of good wishes for Bhai Dooj..!!
(compiled from internet)

Diwali Celebration........Fourth Day......... Padwa & Govardhan Puja

The day following the Amavasya is "Kartik Shuddh Padwa" and it is only on this day that the King Bali would come out of Pathal Loka and rule Bhulok as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami". This day also marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day.

Gudi Padwa is symbolic of love and devotion between the wife and husband. On this day newly-married daughters with their husbands are invited for special meals and given presents. In olden days brothers went to fetch their sisters from their in-laws home for this important day. 

Govardhan-Puja

Govardhan-Puja is also performed in the North on this day. Govardhan is a small hillock in Braj, near Mathura and on this day of Diwali people of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar build cowdung, hillocks, decorate them with flowers and then worship them. This festival is in commemoration of the lifting of Mount Govardhan by Krishna. As per Vishnu-Puran the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honor of Lord Indra and worshiped him after the end of every monsoon season but one particular year the young Krishna stopped them from offering prayers to Lord Indra who in terrific anger sent a deluge to submerge Gokul.

People were afraid that the downpour was a result of their neglect of Indra. But Krishna assured them that no harm would befall them. He lifted Mount Govardhan with his little finger and sheltered men and beasts from the rain. This gave him the epithet Govardhandhari. After this, Indra accepted the supremacy of Krishna.

This day is also observed as Annakoot meaning mountain of food. Pious people keep awake the whole night and cook fifty-six or 108 different types of food for the bhog (the offering of food) to Krishna. In temples specially in Mathura and Nathadwara, the deities are given milkbath, dressed in shining attires with ornaments of dazzling diamonds, pearls, rubies and other precious stones. After the prayers and traditional worship innumerable varieties of delicious sweets are ceremoniously raised in the form of a mountain before the deities as "Bhog" and then the devotees approach the Mountain of Food and take Prasad from it.


Krishna jinka nam, gokul jinka dham, aise Shree Krishna bhagwan ko, ham sab ka pranam, jai shree krishna.

HAPPY Govardhan Puja!!
(Compiled from Internet )

Diwali Celebrations......Third day...Lakshmi Puja..

The third day of Diwali festival is the most important one for Lakshmi-puja and is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. On this very day sun enters his second course and passes Libra which is represented by the balance or scale. Hence, this design of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and their closing. Despite the fact that this day falls on an amavasya day it is regarded as the most auspicious.
The day of Lakshmi-Puja falls on the dark night of Amavasya. The strains of joyous sounds of bells and drums float from the temples as man is invoking Goddess Laxmi in a wondrous holy "pouring-in" of his heart. All of a sudden that impenetrable darkness is pierced by innumerable rays of light for just a moment and the next moment a blaze of light descends down to earth from heaven as golden-footed Deep-Lakshmi alights on earth in all her celestial glory amidst chantings of Vedic hymns. 
A sublime light of knowledge dawns upon humanity and this self enlightenment is expressed through the twinkling lamps that illuminate the palaces of thewealthy as well as the lowly abodes of the poor. It is believed that on this day Lakshmi walks through the green fields and loiters through the bye-lanes and showers her blessings on man for plenty and prosperity. 
Lakshmi Pooja, or the worship of the goddess of wealth, is the main event on Diwali in North and West India. It is extremely important to keep the house spotlessly clean and pure on Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi likes cleanliness, and she will visit the cleanest house first. This is also the reason why the broom is worshiped on this day with offerings of haldi and kumkum (turmeric and vermilion). Lamps are lit in the evening to welcome the goddess. They are believed to light up Her path. Lakshmi Puja consists of a combined puja of five deities: Ganesha is worshiped at the beginning of every auspicious act asVighnaharta; Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms - Mahalakshmi (the goddess of wealth and money), Mahasaraswati(the goddess of books and learning), and Mahakali; Kuber (the treasurer of the gods) is also worshiped.


A festival full of sweet childhood memories,
sky full of fireworks,
mouth full of sweets,
house full of diyas and heart full of joy.
Wishing you all a very happy Diwali!

Choti Diwali.........Narak chaturdashi.........

The day before Diwali is celebrated as Chhoti Diwali / Narak Chaturdasi or 'small Diwali'. It is Diwali on a smaller scale, with fewer lights lit and fewer crackers burst. The morning after Choti Diwali, the women of the house make beautiful, colored rangoli in the doorway and courtyard. Tiny footprints made out of rice paste are a special feature of the rangolis made for Diwali. In Hindu homes, Chhoti Diwali celebrations involve a ritual puja to Goddess Lakshmi and also to Rama in the evening. Songs in honor of the god are sung and aarti is performed. 
Legends behind Chhoti Diwali
The story goes that the demon king Narakasur ruler of Pragjyotishpur (a province to the South of Nepal) after defeating Lord Indra had snatched away the magnificent earrings of Aditi, the Mother Goddess (the ruler of Suraloka and a relative of Satyabhama, Lord Krishna's wife) and imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of the gods and saints in his harem. 
On coming to know about this, Satyabhama was enraged by Narakasura's malevolence towards women, and she appealed to Krishna to give her the golden chance to destroy Narakasura. The legend also says that Narakasura was given a curse that he would be killed by a woman. Krishna granted Satyabhama a boon to fight with Narakasura. With Krishna as the charioteer, Satyabhama entered the battle field. During the war, Krishna swooned for a while, a preordained divinely act adopted to empower Satyabhama to kill the demon. After Narakasura was beheaded, the imprisoned women were released, and Krishna accepted to marry them. 
So on the day previous to Narakachaturdashi, Lord Krishna's divine intervention led to the killing of the demon, Narakasura and liberation of the imprisoned damsels as well as recovery of the precious earrings of Aditi. As a symbol of that victory Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon king's blood. Krishna returned home in the very early morning of the Narakachaturdashi day. The womenfolk massaged scented oil to his body and gave him a good bath to wash away the filth from his body. Since then the custom of taking bath before sunrise on this day has become a traditional practice specially in Maharashtra. 
It is interesting to note that Bhudevi, mother of the slain Narakasura, declared that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and rejoice. Since then, Deepavali is being celebrated by people every year with joyous celebrations with lot of fun and frolic, and fire works. 
In South India that victory of the divine over the mundane is celebrated in a very peculiar way. People wake up before sunrise prepare a paste by mixing Kumkum in oil, symbolizing blood and after breaking a bitter fruit that represents the head of the demon King that was smashed by Krishna, apply that mixture on their foreheads. Then they have an oil bath using sandalwood paste. 

In Maharashtra also, traditional early baths with oil and "Uptan" (paste) of gram flour and fragrant powders are a `must'. All through the ritual of baths, deafening sounds of crackers and fireworks are there in order that the children enjoy bathing. Afterward steamed vermicelli with milk and sugar or puffed rice with curd is served.
May D Joy, Cheer,
Mirth And Merriment Of Dis Divine Festival
Surround U Forever.
May D Happiness,
Dat Dis Season Brings,
Brighten Ur Life & Fulfills All Ur Dearest Dreams!
HAPPY DIWALI!!!!!!!!!!!!

Diwali Celebrationstarts.........

First Day..........

धनतेरस Dhan Teras falls two days before Diwali. The word “Dhan” means wealth and “Teras” means 13th day of lunar fortnight. God Yama is worshipped on this day to provide prosperity and well being.

As such this day has a great importance for the community of North & Western India . Houses and Business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colourful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli rangolee designs to welcome the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.

Celebrations include shopping of new clothes, jewelry, new utensils, sweets and beautiful lanterns, especially for Dhantrayodashi . On the occasion, corporate and any enterprise find it the perfect time to gift their employees. Gift hampers are marked with corporate name and logo; also used for promotional handouts.

As per a legend, when the gods and demons stirred the ocean for Amrit (the potion which makes one immortal), Dhanavantri – physician of the gods – who is also supposed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu emerged from beneath the waters carrying the jug containing the potion.

According to another legend, King Hima’s sixteen-year-old son was preordained to die on the third day following his marriage because of snakebite, according to soothsayers. On the critical day, his wife illuminated the house by lighting up numerous lamps. She took out all the ornaments and gold and silver coins piled them up at the entrance of her husband’s room. She related tales to the people gathered at their house and also sang songs through the night.

Yama (god of death) arrived at the fated time in the guise of a serpent. However, the bright lighting in the house dimmed his vision. He couldn’t sight the prince’s chamber. So he made himself comfortable by seating himself on the pile of ornaments and coins. As he sat there, he could not help, but get enchanted by the songs rendered by prince’s wife. At daybreak on the following day, he left the place with his mission unfulfilled. Thus, the wife was successful in saving her husband’s life. It became a sacred day, and Dhanteras also came to be referred as “Yamadeepdaan” . So on Dhanteras lamps are aflame throughout the night for the worship of Lord Yama.

Preparation for the Puja

- One Deepak made out of atta/clay with 4 wicks

- Wicks for the Deepak oil/ghee, matchstick

- One shell with a hole

- Flowers, roli, chawal

- Water in panchpatra and a spoon
                                                       
- Some money

- Pata & Aasan

- Kheel & batasha

- Dhoop (sambrani) & dhoop daan

- Chopda with roli, chawal for applying tikka

- Suhali, petha (shaker para)
    

Vidhi / Method of Performing the Puja

• In the evening, after seeing the star, the women of the house get together for puja. In some houses both men & women do the puja.
• The 4 wick Deepak is placed on the pata
• Oil/ghee is put in the Deepak with the Four Wicks.
• The Cowrie shell is placed on the Deepak.
• The Deepak is lit. This is referred as Yamadeep. This Deepak pleases Yamaraj and the pitars/departed ancestors of the family.
• Some water from the panchpatra is sprinkled around the Deepak, puja is performed with roli, chawal and money.
• Four suhali and little pethas are offered.
• Some people offer kheel and batasha also Dhoop is lit.
• Women performing the puja go around the Deepak four times & do pranam.
• The eldest woman of the family or unmarried girl of the house puts tilak from the roli in the chopda to everyone sitting for the puja.
• One male staff member of the house, covers his head with a cloth, takes the lit Deepak and keeps it outside on the right side of the main gate. This person is given dakshina.
• After puja, the family members do pranaam to all the elder people to them. 

 ---------Compiled from Internet