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		<title>Gaja Lakshmi Puja : The Festival of Prosperity, Good Luck and Abundance.</title>
		<link>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=765</link>
		<comments>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=765#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:14:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Metu</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[ 
“Maha Lakshmi Namastute Divya Kamala Lochane,
Sankha Chakra Gada Haste Maha Lakshmi Namastute”.
 
~ Lakhmi Puran 
Gaja Lakshmi, is a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi – as Gaja Lakshmi she is the Goddess of Elephants – symbol of represents Power, Strength, Grace and Fertility.
Gajalakshmi Puja starts from Ashwin Purnima or Kumar Purnima (Full Moon day in Ashwin month). [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><em> </em></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px; "><strong><em>“Maha Lakshmi Namastute Divya Kamala Lochane,</em></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px; "><strong><em>Sankha Chakra Gada Haste Maha Lakshmi Namastute”.</em></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px; "><strong><em> </em></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 360px; "><strong><em>~ Lakhmi Puran </em></strong></p>
<p>Gaja Lakshmi, is a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi – as Gaja Lakshmi she is the Goddess of Elephants – symbol of represents Power, Strength, Grace and Fertility.</p>
<p>Gajalakshmi Puja starts from Ashwin Purnima or Kumar Purnima (Full Moon day in Ashwin month). However at a few places it is also observed on Shukla Paksha Dasami in Bhadra.</p>
<p>Goddess Gajalakshmi is one of the Ashtalakshmi (eight aspects of Goddess Lakshmi). The others being &#8211; Adi Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, Veera or Dhairya Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi and Vidya Lakshmi. She is the most powerful Goddess among the eight aspects. She is the one who brought back all the wealth lost by Indra. She is also the Goddess of cattle. The festival is also associated with the birth of Goddess Lakshmi. There is a popular belief that whoever keeps awake during night would be blessed with wealth and prosperity. Card games are particularly popular method of staying awake. She is four-armed, clad in red garments, she carries two lotuses, other two arms in abhaya mudra and varada mudra and she is flanked by two elephants bathing her with water pots.</p>
<p>Gaja Lakshmi is believed to be the giver of animal wealth like cattle and elephants. Swami Chidananda interprets Gaja Lakshmi as giver of power of royalty. According to Hindu mythology, Gaja Lakshmi brought back the wealth lost by Indra (king of demi-gods) from the ocean.</p>
<p>In Orissa this day coincided with Kumar Purnima. According to the mythology, “Kumar” or “Kartikeya” was an extremely handsome of Lord Shiva. He was born on the full moon day in the month of Ashwin. maidens seek the blessings of Lord Kartikeya to have a handsome life partner in life.</p>
<p>Actually the legend of Goddess Lakshmi is the legend of Samudra manthan. Rishi Durbasha cursed Indra to lose all his wealth and when Indra apologized he said that Lord Vishnu would undo the damage. With Lakshmi power, wealth, enthusiasm and radiance left the demi gods. In time the gods lost their immortality and valour. As demonic power occupied the heavens sage Brihaspati with Lord Brahma appealed to Lord Vishnu. He suggested churning the sea of milk. Cutting long story short ambrosia appeared which gave the gods immortality and extremely beautiful and radiant Goddess Lakshmi emerged and restored Indra to his position. She is Gaja Lakshmi.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 60px;"><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="425" height="350" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xi2266mo9sQ" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xi2266mo9sQ"></embed></object></p>
<p>Gaja Lakshmi Puja is the longest festival celebrated in the Dhenkanal and Kendrapara, Orissa. Here Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped. It continues for eleven days. The practice started in 1923 at Kunjasahu Chowk (now Ganesh Bazaar). The entire town is decorated. The Polishree Mela organized by the district administration and cultural programs add charm to the festival. In 2010 Gajalakshmi Puja will be celebrated in October 22nd in Orissa.</p>
<p>Idols of the Goddess are installed and worshipped. Devotees observe fast on this day. Offerings are made to the Sun God. And in the evening, food offerings are made to Moon and the fast is broken. The festival has special significance for maidens. They play a special game called ‘Puchi on Kumar Purnima day.</p>
<p>Toshali Resorts invites you to witness and celebrate this year Gaja Lakshmi Puja Festival on October 22<sup>nd</sup> in Orissa, which is observed for 11-days. For Gaja Lakshmi Puja Festival Reservation Package http://bit.ly/beYTe7  You can also  contact your travel consultant <a href="mailto:metu@toshali.in">metu@toshali.in</a> for more details.</p>
<p>If you feel, we have missed any information that is helpful for your friends visiting this blog, do post your comments and conversation.</p>
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		<title>Guru Purnima Festival: Devotional Worship of the Guru &#8211; the preceptor.</title>
		<link>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=757</link>
		<comments>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=757#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:31:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Metu</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Gururbrahmaa Gururvishnuh Gururdevo Maheswarah &#124;
Guruh-Saakshaat Parabrahma Tasmai Shrigurave Namah &#124;&#124;
Ishaa Vaasyamidam sarvam, yatkincha jagatyaam jagat &#124;
Tena tyaktena bhunjeethaah maa gridhah kasyaswiddhanam &#124;&#124;
 


In Hinduism Gurus are often equated with God and always regarded as a link between the individual and the [...]]]></description>
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<p style="padding-left: 90px; ">Gururbrahmaa Gururvishnuh Gururdevo Maheswarah |</p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px; ">Guruh-Saakshaat Parabrahma Tasmai Shrigurave Namah ||</p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px; ">Ishaa Vaasyamidam sarvam, yatkincha jagatyaam jagat |</p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px; ">Tena tyaktena bhunjeethaah maa gridhah kasyaswiddhanam ||</p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px; "><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><strong><em> </em></strong></span></p>
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<p style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In Hinduism Gurus are often equated with God and always regarded as a link between the individual and the Immortal. Just as the moon shines in Sun light so can disciples dazzle in the reflected glory of their Gurus.</span></span></p>
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<p style="display: inline !important;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The full moon day in the month of Ashad (July-August) is observed as the auspicious day of Guru Purnima, a day sacred to the memory of the great sage Vyasa. It is believed that on this day Krishna-dwaipayana Vyasa – author of the Mahabharata – was born to sage Parashara and fisher woman Satyavati. Veda Vyasa, did yeoman service to the cause of Vedic studies by gathering all the Vedic hymns extant during his times, dividing them into four parts based on their use in the sacrificial rites, and teaching them to his four chief disciples – Paila, Vaisampayana, Jaimini and Sumantu. It was this dividing and editing that earned him the honorific &#8220;Vyasa&#8221; (vyas = to edit, to divide).</span></span></p>
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<p style="display: inline !important;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">He divided the Veda into four, namely Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva and wrote the 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavata. Vyasa even taught Dattatreya, who is regarded as the Guru of Gurus.</span></span></p>
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<p style="display: inline !important;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">On this day, all spiritual aspirants and devotees worship Vyasa in honor of his divine personage and all disciples perform a &#8216;puja&#8217; of their respective spiritual preceptor or &#8216;Gurudevs&#8217;. Traditionally, spiritual seekers commence to intensify their spiritual &#8217;sadhana&#8217; from this day.</span></span></p>
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<p style="display: inline !important;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The period &#8216;Chaturmas&#8217; (&#8221;four months&#8221;) begins from this day. In the past, wandering spiritual masters and their disciples used to settle down at a place to study and discourse on the Brahma Sutras composed by Vyasa, and engage themselves in Vedantic discussions.</span></span></p>
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<p style="display: inline !important;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Swami Sivananda asks: &#8220;Do you realize now the sacred significance and the supreme importance of the Guru&#8217;s role in the evolution of man? It was not without reason that the India of the past carefully tended and kept alive the lamp of Guru-Tattva. The Guru is seen as the only guarantee for the individual to transcend the bondage of sorrow and death, and experience the Consciousness of the Reality.&#8221;</span></span></p>
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<p style="display: inline !important;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Buddhist celebrate it in the honor the lord Buddha who gave his first sermon on this day at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. The sermon Buddha gave to the five monks was his first sermon, called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. Buddhists observe on this day uposatha i.e. to observe eight precepts. Vipassana meditators practice meditation on this day under the guidance of their teachers.</span></span></p>
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<p style="display: inline !important;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">According to Jain traditions, it was on this day, Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, after attaining Kaivalya, made Indrabhuti Gautam, later known as Gautam Swami his first disciple, thus becoming a Guru himself.</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you feel, we have missed any information that is helpful for your friends visiting this blog, do post. We would be glad to receive your comments and conversation to make it better</span></span></p>
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		<title>Nuakhai Sunia : Harvesting Festival of Odisha, Thanking the Mother Earth</title>
		<link>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=750</link>
		<comments>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=750#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:39:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Metu</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Nuakhai (also known as Nabanna) is an important social event and festival mainly observed in Western Orissa (Kosal) in India particularly Sambalpuri cultural area in the Oriya month of Bhadrab.  The festival is sort of thanks giving to Mother Earth for a good Kharif season harvest. Nuakhai means partaking of the first grains of paddy.
Nuakhai is observed [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Nuakhai (also known as Nabanna) is an important social event and festival mainly observed in Western Orissa (Kosal) in India particularly Sambalpuri cultural area in the Oriya month of Bhadrab.  The festival is sort of thanks giving to Mother Earth for a good Kharif season harvest. Nuakhai means partaking of the first grains of paddy.</p>
<p>Nuakhai is observed on the day after Sri Ganesh Chaturthi. It is the fifth day during the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrab month (August – September).</p>
<p>On Nuakhai day, Mother Nature is worshipped for providing food and all those elements essential for the survival of living beings. Goddess Shakti symbolizes Mother Earth and is worshipped in some regions and the new Kharif season crop is offered at a Shakti temple. Different types of local sweets and rice from fresh harvest is cooked on the day. Fresh rice is eaten along with Manda Pitha, Khiri Puri etc The offering is made in leaf-cups made from Sal, Palasa, Tendu or Kurei leaves known as ‘Dana.’ Family members then consume the holy offering. There is a queer belief that one who does not eat meat on the Nua-Kahi day, shall born as a heron in the next life <img src='http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  The Kolhas in Keonjhar celebrate Nuakhai by cooking the new rice in a new earthen pot, prepare fowl curry, brew rice beer and offer it all to &#8216;Dharam Banga&#8217; or Sun God on one leaf and to their ancestors on another. This is done by men and only men in the tribe.</p>
<p>It is difficult to ascertain an &#8216;age&#8217; for the festival, as ‘Anrna’ or rice paddy, is offered to the Gods since pre-Aryan times. Hindu philosophy believes Anrna to be Brahma. It is also equated to Goddesses Laxmi, hence on the day of Nuakhai Laxmi Puja is observes as well.</p>
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<p>Nuakhai has been observed by different tribes in different names, as the Dud Khadia and Pahadi Khadia called it as Jeth Nowakhiaa the Oram called it NowaKhani, the Munda called Jam-nowa, the Santhali called it Janthar and Baihar Horo Nawabai, the Birjia called it Nawaba and Jam-nowa, the Parajas of Bastar and Orissa called as Nowa-aani, Bihara called it Nowa-jam. In Chotta Nagapur area the Ashur tribe which a sub-clan of the Birjhia called it as Nowaa. In Tripura the tribes called it Mikatal, in East  Bengal it is known as Nabanna.</p>
<p>People believe that if Nuakhai is observed then all the sorrow, pain, disease, crop failure is avoided. This seems to have its antecedents from the nature worshipping aborigines. During the 2nd Century BC Ptolemy described Sambalpur as the kingdom of the Mundas and Sabars. Gand, Binjhal, Sabara, Munda were staying in this area much before to the Arayns. With the passage of time this festival has found its place in daily life.</p>
<p>In 2010, the date of Nuakhai Festival is on September 12. Toshali Sands welcomes all to be the part of Nuakhei Sunia festival to experience  happiness and mass development of the society. Exclusive arrangement has been done for the guest to witness and be the part of the festival.. For more details write to metu@toshali.in</p>
<p>If you feel, we have missed any information that is helpful for your friends visiting this blog, do post. We would be glad to receive your comments and conversation</p>
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		<title>Ganesha Chaturthi Festival: The Birthday Celebration of Shree Lord Ganesha</title>
		<link>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=725</link>
		<comments>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=725#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:20:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Metu</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[

Vakratu.nDa Mahaakaaya koTisuuryasamaprabha &#124; 
NirvighnaM Kuru me Deva Arvakaaryeshhu Sarvadaa &#124;&#124;

II O God Ganesha (large bodied with a large belly), radiant as millions of Suns, Please, remove obstacles in all of my tasks all the time II

Ganesha Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi, is the festival of Shree Lord Ganesha (The Elephant God). He is the Lord [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p align="center"><a rel="attachment wp-att-726" href="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?attachment_id=726"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-726" title="Lord ganesha" src="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Lord-ganesha.jpg" alt="Lord ganesha" width="300" height="44" /></a></p>
<p align="center">
<p align="center"><strong>Vakratu.nDa Mahaakaaya koTisuuryasamaprabha |</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong>NirvighnaM Kuru me Deva Arvakaaryeshhu Sarvadaa ||</strong></p>
<p align="center">
<p align="center"><strong>II </strong>O God Ganesha (large bodied with a large belly), radiant as millions of Suns, Please, remove obstacles in all of my tasks all the time <strong>II</strong></p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-738" href="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?attachment_id=738"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-738" title="ganesh chaturthi" src="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ganesh-chaturthi1.jpg" alt="ganesh chaturthi" width="119" height="151" /></a></p>
<p>Ganesha Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi, is the festival of Shree Lord Ganesha (The Elephant God). He is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. In fact, Ganesha is one of the five prime Hindu deities (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Durga being the other four) whose idolatry is glorified as the Panchayatana Puja. He bestows his presence on earth for all his devotees in the duration of this festival. It is his birthday.</p>
<p>Before 1893, Ganesh Chaturthi used to be an important family festival during the Peshwa rule in Maharashtra, but that year, Indian freedom fighter and social reformer Lokmanya Tilak transformed the annual festival into a large, well-organized public event. He recognized the wide appeal of the deity Ganesh as &#8220;The God for Everybody&#8221;, and popularized Ganesh Chaturthi as a national festival in order &#8220;to bridge the gap between Brahmins and &#8216;non-Brahmins&#8217; and find a context in which to build a new grassroots unity between them&#8221;, and generate nationalistic fervor among people in Maharashtra against the British colonial rule.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 60px; "><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="425" height="350" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HnUuL-SuDXI" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HnUuL-SuDXI"></embed></object></p>
<p>The Lord is welcomed in homes/community pandals with Coconut, Jaggery, 21 &#8216;Modakas&#8217; (Laddus), 21 &#8216;Durva&#8217; (Trefoil) blades and red flowers. He is anointed with red unguent or sandal paste.</p>
<p>His form is symbolic. His head symbolizes the soul and his human body signifies Maya or the earthly existence of human beings. The elephant head denotes wisdom and its trunk represents Om, the sound symbol of cosmic reality. In his upper right hand Ganesha holds a goad which gently guides us on teh righteous path and remove obstacles from our path. The noose in Ganesha&#8217;s left hand is a gentle implement to capture all difficulties.  The broken tusk that Ganesha holds like a pen in his lower right hand is a symbol of sacrifice, which he broke for writing the Mahabharata. The rosary in his other hand suggests that the pursuit of knowledge should be continuous. The modak he holds in his trunk indicates that one must discover the sweetness of the soul or self. His fan-like ears convey that he is all ears to our petition. The snake that runs round his waist represents energy in all forms. And him riding a mouse symbolises and preaches humbleness.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 60px; "><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="425" height="350" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hr9v28Kcym4" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hr9v28Kcym4"></embed></object></p>
<p>Toshali Resorts invites you to witness and celebrate this year Ganesh Chaturthi festival on Saturday, 11th September’2010 at Puri, Odisha where the god is fervently worshipped for about 7 days. For Ganesh Chaturthi festival Special Travel Package click on <a href="http://bit.ly/b5O4Kf">http://bit.ly/b5O4Kf</a>. You can also contact your travel consultant metu@toshali.iin</p>
<p>If you feel, we have missed any information that is helpful for your friends visiting this blog, do post your comments and conversation.</p>
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		<title>Travel through The Eyes of Travel Writer.. Know Them!!</title>
		<link>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=715</link>
		<comments>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=715#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:14:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Metu</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=715</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Homer (8th century BC) probably started it with Odyssey — epic poem of the travels of Greek hero, Odysseus, on his voyage home from Troy. Faxian (c. 337 – c. 422), Chinese monk or traveler to India and Ceylon continued the trend in Search of the Buddhist Books of Discipline. Hieun Tsang in 646 AD [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Homer</strong> (8th century BC) probably started it with Odyssey — epic poem of the travels of Greek hero, <strong>Odysseus</strong>, on his voyage home from Troy. <strong>Faxian </strong>(c. 337 – c. 422), Chinese monk or traveler to India and Ceylon continued the trend in Search of the Buddhist Books of Discipline. Hieun Tsang in 646 AD carried travelogue forward. Then on <strong>Marco Polo, Ibn Batuta, Samuel Johnson, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, Mahapandit Rahul Sankrityayan, Ian Fleming, Vikram Seth </strong>have all enriched the genre and I havent even named a &#8216;few&#8217;.</p>
<p>Travel literature sometimes intersects with essay as in <strong>VS Naipaul&#8217;s</strong> India: A Wounded Civilization or <strong>Rebecca West</strong>&#8217;s account of Yugoslavia, <strong>Black Lamb</strong> and <strong>Grey Falcon</strong>. Some are fictions &#8211; beginning with Homer,  <strong>Jonathan Swift&#8217;s</strong>, <strong>Gulliver&#8217;s Travels, Voltaire&#8217;s Candide</strong> etc. Some part fiction like Marco Polo or <strong>John Mandeville</strong>. As a recognised area of writing its not very old. The first international travel writing conference, “Snapshots from Abroad”, was organized by Donald Ross at the University of Minnesota in 1997,  it led to the foundation of the International Society for Travel Writing.</p>
<p>Travel writing is a varied genre &#8211; say <strong>Seizal Mehta</strong> writing about biking through Manali, Sarchu, Debring, via Leh to Khardungla, Karen Anand&#8217;s culinary travelogues or <strong>Joan Fry</strong>&#8217;s &#8211; &#8216;How to Cook a Tapir&#8217; &#8211; recipies from a year&#8217;s stay in a Maya village in the Amazonian rainforest. <strong>Karen Anand</strong> is all about places and their culinary delights. <strong>Sarina Singh</strong> writes for Lonely Planet and specializes in the Indian subcontinent, <strong>Samantha Brown</strong> is your host for several Travel Channel shows, <strong>Sucheta Potnis</strong> writes beautiful pieces on Goa, <strong>Michael Palin</strong>, almost legendary is an unique combo of a comedian and travel writer. You can go on.</p>
<p>Can you earn your living writing travelouges in India? If you are a <strong>William Dalrymple</strong> it helps <img src='http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> . You need to be seriously good. The editor probably has 20 identical pieces so unless you are the first to land on Titan or Mars you better be good. A varuied perspective helps. Everyone writes about beaches in Nicobar &#8211; how many accounts of hunting with the Jarwas or the Onges exist? you get my drift. As television invades our home and we get used to seeing <strong>Ian Wright</strong> frolicking in Rio and <strong>Nigella</strong> cooking up a storm or <strong>Bear Grylls</strong> scooting across Patagonia we are getting used to exclusives.</p>
<p>A century ago you had to take a  camera to Africa to become an wildlife photographer and look at the effort these days. Its not that Africa has become less exotic but people have invaded almost every corner of the globe. Just surf the net there are hundreds of travel experiences jotted down, its all free and so if you are not thinking out of the box, forget making decent money. The next time when you are around Shilon Bagh or Puri maybe you can discover a ghost or two at the old presidential retreat near Shilon bagh or you&#8217;ll catch a blackbuck looking at a mermaid drying her tresses on the banks of Nuanai on a moonlit night <img src='http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  Write in about your experiences.</p>
<p>In India the travel industry has not penetrated in say more than 60% of the destinations. So there is scope to visit places less travelled and write about them. But selection, perspective and quality are the key. Good luck and yes the scope of fictional travel writing is getting better &#8211; <strong>Rivendell </strong>to<strong> Gondor</strong> to <strong>Mordor</strong> or <strong>Hogwarts</strong> to <strong>Azkaban</strong> &#8211; they are getting better <img src='http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Guess you know bit more about your favorite Travel Writer…. Why not share with us and your friends !! Share this blog with your friends</p>
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		<title>Janmashtami : Festival to celebrates the birth of Lord Shree Krishna</title>
		<link>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=699</link>
		<comments>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=699#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:57:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Metu</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Krishna Janmashtami is also known as &#8220;Krishnashtami&#8221;, &#8220;Saatam Aatham&#8221;, &#8220;Gokulashtami&#8221;, &#8220;Ashtami Rohini&#8221;, &#8220;Srikrishna Jayanti&#8221;, &#8220;Sree Jayanthi&#8221; or popularly as &#8220;Janmashtami&#8221;, it celebrates the birth of Lord Shree Krishna. Lord Krishna was born at midnight in the second fortnight of Krishna Paksha (lunar Fortnight) in Rohini Nakshatram.
It is observed on the eighth day of the dark [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Krishna Janmashtami is also known as &#8220;Krishnashtami&#8221;, &#8220;Saatam Aatham&#8221;, &#8220;Gokulashtami&#8221;, &#8220;Ashtami Rohini&#8221;, &#8220;Srikrishna Jayanti&#8221;, &#8220;Sree Jayanthi&#8221; or popularly as &#8220;Janmashtami&#8221;, it celebrates the birth of Lord Shree Krishna. Lord Krishna was born at midnight in the second fortnight of Krishna Paksha (lunar Fortnight) in Rohini Nakshatram.</p>
<p>It is observed on the eighth day of the dark half of the month of Bhadrava. The festival always falls within mid-August to mid-September in the Gregorian calendar. On a dark, stormy night went the Lord from his prison birthplace atop his father&#8217;s head in a small basket as the angry river gave way and the serpent Seshnag protected him from the driving rain &#8211; to his foster care &#8211; the reciter of the Geeta &#8211; the avatar who both created and played out Mahabharata, slayer of Kansa arrived, son of Devaki &#8211; Yoshoda Nandan &#8211; on the darkest of night &#8211; the brightest of lights. I am not sure of the literary translation from sanskrit &#8211; tried to stick to the &#8216;feelings&#8217; part.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 60px;"><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="425" height="350" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WpnBvD6zYaU" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WpnBvD6zYaU"></embed></object></p>
<p>Rasa Lila or dramatic enactments of the life of Krishna are a special feature in regions of Mathura and Vrindavan, and regions following Vaishnavism in Manipur. While the Rasa Lila recreates the flirtatious aspects of Krishna&#8217;s youthful days, Govinda Pathaks or Dahi Handi celebrate the God&#8217;s playful and mischievous side, where teams of young men form human pyramids to reach a high-hanging pot of butter and break it.</p>
<p>In the Banke Bihari temple of Vrindavan at midnight Maha Abhishek is conducted in the inner sanctum followed by special darshan from 2am to 6 am. At midnight, the idol of the infant Krishna is bathed, clothed in silk and finery, placed in a cradle and worshiped.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 60px;"><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="425" height="350" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rgBtaVgIWbE" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rgBtaVgIWbE"></embed></object></p>
<p>Janmaashtami, popularly known in Mumbai and Pune as “Dahi Handi” is celebrated with enthusiasm. The clay pot filled with buttermilk is positioned at a height prior to the event; the topmost person on the human pyramid breaks it spilling buttermilk over the group, symbolizing their achievement through unity. “Govinda” troops compete with each other to break handis to commemorate the breaking of pots by the young Lord and his group of friends. Janmashtami is also celebrated fervently in Manipur.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 60px;"><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="425" height="350" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zMA3Q6PnSKI" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zMA3Q6PnSKI"></embed></object></p>
<p>In Dwarka (Gujarat) Jagad Mandir &#8211; which traces history back to 400BC on this special day Shreejee or the Thakur gives darshan to his devotees. Rituals are performed by Aboti Brahmins; they are said to be performing this auspicious task since centuries.</p>
<p>Toshali Resorts invites you to witness and celebrate this year Janmashtami on Thursday, 2nd September’2010 at Puri, Odisha where Lord Shree Jagannath abodes. Lord Jagannatha is no other than Lord Krishna who is also known as Madana Mohana, Ramakrishna, Gopala, Gopinath….. For Janmashtami Festival Special Travel Package contact your travel consultant <a href="mailto:metu@toshali.in">metu@toshali.in</a>.</p>
<p>If you feel, we have missed any information that is helpful for your friends visiting this blog, do post your comments and conversation.</p>
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		<title>Raksha Bandhan Festival &#8211; Bond of protection, love and togetherness.</title>
		<link>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=689</link>
		<comments>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=689#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 05:10:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Metu</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[In which other country do you have a festival where brothers vow to protect sisters?
Rani Karnavati of Chittor and Mughal Emperor Humayun is the most significant evidence in history. Around the 15th century, there were frequent wars. Rakhi was a spiritual bond and protection of sisters was foremost. When Rani Karnavati the widowed queen of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In which other country do you have a festival where brothers vow to protect sisters?</p>
<p>Rani Karnavati of Chittor and Mughal Emperor Humayun is the most significant evidence in history. Around the 15th century, there were frequent wars. Rakhi was a spiritual bond and protection of sisters was foremost. When Rani Karnavati the widowed queen of Chittor was defenceless against the invasion of the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, she sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun. Touched by this gesture he abandoned an ongoing military campaign to ride to her rescue.</p>
<p>Other legends include how Draupadi once tore a strip of silk off her sari and tied it around Krishna&#8217;s index finger to stop the flow of blood. The Lord was so touched by her action that he promised to repay the debt. He aided Draupadi during &#8220;Vastra-Haran&#8221;. The creator of all &#8216;maya&#8217;  indefinitely extended her saree, in another instance he gifted Draupadi an utensil that would satisfy the hunger of any number of guests and so on.</p>
<p>Another legend states the bond between the great devotee of Lord Vishnu and the great demon emperor Bali or Mahabali (grandson of Prahlada) and Goddess Laxmi &#8211; and how the Lord while subduing Bali in the Vamana avatar granted him the boon to visit his land (Kerala) once a year and also promised him the role of the eigth Indra. Goddess Laxmi tied a thread on the wrist of the great devotee.</p>
<p>Again the God of death Yama used to have a thread tied on his wrist by Yamuna &#8211; his sister. The Yama promised immortality to anyone getting a rakhi tied and promising his sister protection.</p>
<p>There is another legend associated with King Porus and Alexander&#8217;s &#8216;Indian&#8217; wife Roxana or Roshanak &#8211; but I guess that has got more patriotism than truth to it <img src='http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Rakhi is celebrated as Rakhi Purnima in North and South India. It is also celebrated as Grahma Purnima in Orissa. On this date all the domesticated Cows and Bullocks are decorated and worshipped. In parts of western India the day is celebrated as Nariyal Purnima. An offering of a coconut (nariyal) is made to Lord Varuna, the God of the Sea and it marks the beginning of the fishing season. The people of the Kumaon, Uttarakhand, celebrate it as a day on which people change their sacred thread. In Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkand and Bihar this day is celebrated as Kajari Purnima. In parts of Gujarat, this day is celebrated as Pavitropana. On this day people perform the grand pooja or ritual or the worship of Lord Shiva.</p>
<p>In Rabindranath Tagore&#8217;s vision of celebrating Raksha Bandhan was a celebration of mankind and of humanity. In 1905 when the British decided to divide Bengal Tagore arranged Raksha Bandhan to be celebrated to strengthen the bond of love and togetherness between the Hindus and the Muslims and unite them in the fight against the British.</p>
<p>We all should learn from The great Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore&#8217;s vision…  the bond of love and togetherness should prevail in the society. Raskha Bandhan festival are worth inculcating by the whole human race, the sentiments of harmony and peaceful coexistence. We all need a “PEACE”… !!</p>
<p><strong>Celebrate Raksha Bandhan on 24th August 2010, gift a holiday voucher this Rakhi festival, your sister is looking forward to it, read her mind !</strong> Contact your travel consultant for travel voucher <a href="mailto:metu@toshali.in">metu@toshali.in</a> Post your comment, how are you going to spend your Raksha Bandhan..</p>
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		<title>Why Toshali Royal View Resort is The Place for Next Corporate Meet !</title>
		<link>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=655</link>
		<comments>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=655#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:21:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Metu</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Toshali Royal View resort, has one of the the largest conference centre in Himachal.  Located near Shimla, its surrounded by conferous populated hills, reserve forest and acres of greenery, not to overlook the class one technologies available at your beck and call makes it an unique conference destination.
Client hospitality or management training, a sales conference [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Toshali Royal View resort, has one of the the largest conference centre in Himachal.  Located near Shimla, its surrounded by conferous populated hills, reserve forest and acres of greenery, not to overlook the class one technologies available at your beck and call makes it an unique conference destination.</p>
<p>Client hospitality or management training, a sales conference or a board meeting &#8211; we believe its is all about people. Your delegates need to be relaxed, and fresh to focus on the issues at hand and our focus as such is on the guests. </p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-657" href="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?attachment_id=657"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-657" title="TRVR Collage" src="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/TRVR-Collage-300x221.jpg" alt="TRVR Collage" width="300" height="221" /></a></p>
<p>We&#8217;ve tried to think about you to create the ambience. We&#8217;ve noticed that you notice the little things. So you&#8217;ll find cosy, intimate spaces, attention to details that speak of that discerning personal, human touch. A dedicated conference coordinator will be your personal point of contact, able to make all the necessary arrangements both within and without. The Conference Coordinator ensures that the client’s expectations in terms of service, theme, and cuisine are met to the last detail.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-658" href="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?attachment_id=658"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-658" title="TRVR Conference facility" src="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/TRVR-Conference-facility-300x228.jpg" alt="TRVR Conference facility" width="300" height="228" /></a></p>
<p>The conference centre can accommodate 200 people. It has &#8211; the chamber of prince, chamber of princes, and also a mini hall to cater to board meeting, we have for you audio visual facility, secretarial services, PC and printer hire/usage, telephone, fax, email, etc. The halls have flexible seating arrangements, and can be adapted for small and large groups, either in theatre or classroom style.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 120px;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-663" href="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?attachment_id=663"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-663" title="formal buffet1" src="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/formal-buffet12-217x300.jpg" alt="formal buffet1" width="217" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Fine details of acoustics, sound proofing, adequate ventilation, air conditioning and the maximum use of natural lighting ensure aesthetics and usability. Both the Chamber of Princes and the Chamber of Princess are self-contained with exclusive leisure spaces for serving refreshments. For every event the banquet has a choice of menus for light buffet lunches and breakfast.</p>
<p>The staff, will on request, arrange for private dining facilities for those meetings running late. Informal gatherings can ask for bar facilities as well. Any requests for theme based dinners, bar-be-que, and special menus are most welcome.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-664" href="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?attachment_id=664"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-664" title="TRVR Conference facility 1" src="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/TRVR-Conference-facility-11-300x245.jpg" alt="TRVR Conference facility 1" width="300" height="245" /></a></p>
<p>Gama, our fitness centre, is outfitted with sauna, steam and jacuzzi facilities in addition to cardio vascular and weight training equipment.</p>
<p>Choose between the table tennis and pool table indoors. For golf enthusiasts, we make arrangements at a course 24 km from the resort. There is a jogging track circling and yes we haven&#8217;t forgotten our junior guests while installing play equipments at the resort.</p>
<p>The Viceroy restaurant &#8211; our multi cusine restaurant serves Indian as well as Continental, Chinese and Mughlai dishes. Our trained chefs cater to individual tastes of our guests on request. And the Head over Heels Bar is well stocked with Indian and foreign liquors and ya the windows overlook the fabulous Shilon Valley, Shimla Region.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px;"> <a rel="attachment wp-att-665" href="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?attachment_id=665"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-665" title="Toshali Royal View Resort_shimla" src="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Toshali-Royal-View-Resort_shimla1-300x191.jpg" alt="Toshali Royal View Resort_shimla" width="300" height="191" /></a></p>
<p>Toshali Royal View has been the highly recommended hotel by TripAdvisor. A photo walk-through of the Toshali Royal View Resort, Shimla &#8211; click on <a href="http://bit.ly/dinYBk">http://bit.ly/dinYBk</a></p>
<p>To Know and book the conference venue for your Conference, Workshops, Seminars, Boardmeetings, Sales Meeting, AGM, Product Launch, Reseller, Distributor  &amp; Dealer meeting, Corporate Event Management, etc. Please contact our conference manager or simply mail your query at <a href="mailto:metu@toshali.in">metu@toshali.in</a> . Looking forward to your conversation&#8230;<a href="mailto:metu@toshali.in"></a></p>
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		<title>Why Toshali Sands is The Place for Next Corporate Meet !</title>
		<link>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=636</link>
		<comments>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=636#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:30:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Metu</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[BaliGhai Beach]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chain of Hotels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conference Facility]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=636</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[30 acres of lush greenery, beautifully landscaped, on the stunning Konark marine drive Toshali sands, the ethnic village resort was designed and conceived to be an ideal environment in complete harmony with the habitat. We have one of the country&#8217;s most comprehensive conference and convention Centre, 103 rooms, health spa, the Phulpatna restaurant with its [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>30 acres of lush greenery, beautifully landscaped, on the stunning Konark marine drive Toshali sands, the ethnic village resort was designed and conceived to be an ideal environment in complete harmony with the habitat. We have one of the country&#8217;s most comprehensive conference and convention Centre, 103 rooms, health spa, the Phulpatna restaurant with its multi cuisine spread. </p>
<p style="PADDING-LEFT: 60px"><a rel="attachment wp-att-637" href="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?attachment_id=637"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-637" title="Toshali Sands Collage" src="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Toshali-Sands-Collage-300x225.jpg" alt="Toshali Sands Collage" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p>Toshali Sands, has the largest conference centre in Orissa &#8221; now its is called ODISHA&#8221;, located in the Temple city, Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath. Its unique location, surrounded by the sea, river, reserve forest and acres of greenery, makes Toshali an ideal conference destination with leisure. We strove hard to provide a set up with facilities equivalent to any five star resort hotel.</p>
<p style="PADDING-LEFT: 60px"><a rel="attachment wp-att-640" href="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?attachment_id=640"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-640" title="Conference Facility at Toshali Sands" src="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Conference-Facility-at-Toshali-Sands-300x225.jpg" alt="Conference Facility at Toshali Sands" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p>Indraprastha is our large conference hall that can accommodate between 44 to 220 plus depending on seating arrangements. Panchayat Conference hall can accommodate upto 200. And Mantrana Conference hall &#8211; the smallest can accomodate upto 100 people. We offer you Audio &#8211; Visual facilities, use/hire of PCs and printers, Secretarial Services, Telephone, Fax, E-mail &amp; other matters of communication, providing materials for writing, etc.</p>
<p style="PADDING-LEFT: 60px"><a rel="attachment wp-att-642" href="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?attachment_id=642"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-642" title="Toshali Sands Conference Facility" src="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Toshali-Sands-Conference-Facility-300x243.jpg" alt="Toshali Sands Conference Facility" width="300" height="243" /></a></p>
<p>We&#8217;ve thought of everything to create the perfect atmosphere. Your dedicated conference coordinator will act as your personal point or contact for all arrangements we offer a lighter buffet lunch and breakfast, as well as tradition fare. Should your event call for themed Gala dinner, bar-be-que, or a special menu of any kind, you&#8217;ll find the hotel welcomes your suggestions and requests.</p>
<p>Today&#8217;s conference organizers and training providers recognize the great potential of time outside the seminar room. At Toshali Sands, we have taken care to ensure that we offer the best strange of in-house and external activities to complement to your conference programme. So you can relax individually in the swimming pool, sauna, hi-tech gym or exercise room etc.</p>
<p style="PADDING-LEFT: 60px"><a rel="attachment wp-att-644" href="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?attachment_id=644"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-644" title="Toshali Sands_ Conference undergoing" src="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Toshali-Sands_-Conference-undergoing1-300x198.jpg" alt="Toshali Sands_ Conference undergoing" width="300" height="198" /></a></p>
<p>We can help you include team-building activities in your schedule with combat or adventure games. Through Toshali Sands, you also have access to a wide range of adventure activities designed to challenge and motivate, from forest trekking, beach walk, river crossing and lots more. You will find your Toshali Sands, conference co-ordinator more than happy to organise special events for whole conference, for a small VIP group, or as individual incentives. We can even arrange an workshop with the world renowned sand sculptor Sudarshan Patnaik for you. We are also in the process of identifying a cycling trek through the banks of the serene Nuanai, the reserve sanctuary and who knows in seasons maybe para-sailing and kite boarding too. Toshali Sands depends on YOU for the inputs and ideas. We are what you want us to be.</p>
<p>So do write in.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 60px;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-645" href="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?attachment_id=645"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-645" title="Toshali Sands Coconut trees" src="http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Toshali-Sands-Coconut-trees-300x244.jpg" alt="Toshali Sands Coconut trees" width="300" height="244" /></a></p>
<p>To Know and book the conference venue for your Conference, Workshops, Seminars, Boardmeetings, Sales Meeting, AGM, Product Launch, Reseller, Distributor  &amp; Dealer meeting, Corporate Event Management, etc. Please contact our conference manager or simply mail your query at <a href="mailto:metu@toshali.in">metu@toshali.in</a> ; Facebook Photo Walk -Through of Toshali Sands Resort, Puri <a href="http://bit.ly/b2afDi">http://bit.ly/b2afDi</a></p>
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		<title>Jhulan Yatra &#8211; The Golden Swing Festival of Lord Krishna</title>
		<link>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=623</link>
		<comments>http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=623#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Aug 2010 11:01:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Metu</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.toshaliresort.com/?p=623</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ 
&#8220;Jhula Jhule Radha Damodara Vrundavan Main,
Kaisi Cchayi Hariyali Ali Kunjan Main&#8221;
Jhulana Yatra ia a favourite pastime of Srimati Radharani and Lord Sree Krishna&#8217;s. It celebrates Srimati Radharani&#8217;s yearly sojourn to Varshana to her parents&#8217; house. Another myth is that with the onset of monsoon, when the nature assumes green form, Sri Radharani prepares a swing [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> </p>
<p align="center"><strong>&#8220;Jhula Jhule Radha Damodara Vrundavan Main,</strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong>Kaisi Cchayi Hariyali Ali Kunjan Main&#8221;</strong></p>
<p>Jhulana Yatra ia a favourite pastime of Srimati Radharani and Lord Sree Krishna&#8217;s. It celebrates Srimati Radharani&#8217;s yearly sojourn to Varshana to her parents&#8217; house. Another myth is that with the onset of monsoon, when the nature assumes green form, Sri Radharani prepares a swing deep in the jungle and invites Lord Krishna for &#8216;Raasleela&#8217;. In Vrindavan among the local villagers and inhabitants this festival lasts for 13 days. It starts on Shravana Dasami, the bright fortnight and lasts until the full moon night of the month.</p>
<p>Some of the main temples where this festival is celebrated at are the Banke Bihari Temple and the Radha-Raman Temple in Vrindavana, the Dwarkadish temple in Mathura, and the Larily Lal Temple in Varsana, and selected Mathas such as Emarmath, Radhaballavi Math, Uttarparsa math and many mothas and the temple of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Odisha. In some temples it is observed only for seven days. In some temples on all five days from Ekadashi to Poornima.</p>
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<p style="padding-left: 120px;">Jhulan Yatra Festival Celebration in Mathura</p>
<p>Jhulana is celebrated in other parts of India in Shravana. For example in Shree Kshetra Lord Jagannath&#8217;s Utsav Vighraha (Madan-Mohan ji), celebrates Jhulana from Shravana Shukla Dashami (10th phase of the Moon of the light fortnight) until Pratipada (1st tithi of the dark fortnight), a period of seven days. Sri Madanmohan ji, goddess Laxmi and Vishwadhatri are placed on a decorative wooden swing on Muktimandap of Puri (Jhulana Mandap). There worshippers swing the Lord, symbolically playing with and entertaining the Lord of the Universe.</p>
<p>On the day of the full moon (Gamha Purnima or Jhulana Purnima), Lord Balabhadra&#8217;s appearance day is celebrated. Lord Jagannath is but another form of Lord Krishna, but Jhulana Yatra became popular in Puri, Odisha after Sri Chaitanya visited and the festival in the temple was first initiated by the Gajapati king Dibyasingha Dev-II (1793-1798). These days Jhulana Yatra is scrupulously observed in the temple of Lord Jagannath and other Mathas in Puri, for a week.</p>
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<p style="padding-left: 120px; text-align: left;">Jhulan Yatra Festival Celebration in Vrindavan</p>
<p>In the ISKCON headquarters in Mayapur Jhulan is a major festival. It is one of the Astaka Lila pastimes of the Lords.  It is celebrated for 5 days.</p>
<p>The Lord Shree Krishna resides as Jhule Lal in Gujarat and festival of Janmasthami is celebrated in dedicated temples in a big way, during month of Shravan, for example in Dwarka.</p>
<p>Vaishnavism is popular in Manipur too. Mandil Nartan is a festival dance performed during the Jhulana Yatra there. The dancers use small cymbals (Mandila) to provide the musical accompaniment to their dance depicting Sri RadhaKrishna on the swing surrounded by Gopis.</p>
<p>Childhood memories of cutting and arranging moss beds, decorating a swing and placing an idol of Sri Radha Kishna, lighting it all up is still fresh. Sometimes the idol of Sree Radha Krishna were substituted with a small boy and a girl &#8211; gorgeously dressed up, complete with a flute. I fondly remember Jhulana Yatra used to be a favourite excuse for staying out till late evening <img src='http://blog.toshaliresort.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>This year Jhulan Yatra is celebrated on 19 August 2010 for next 13 Days. Toshali Resorts has exclusive arrangement to manage your tour and travel to witness and make you participate in Jhulana Yatra Festival. Contact your travel manager <a href="mailto:metu@toshali.in">metu@toshali.in</a> or just post the details on the comments to find out more details.</p>
<p>Share this blog post with your friends, peers, family religiously… Any information you feel we have missed, please feel free to post the update on comments and conversation. </p>
<p>~~ Radha Ramana Hari ~~ …. Keep Chanting….</p>
<p style="padding-left: 150px; text-align: left;"> </p>
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