Month: March 2011

Utkal Divas : Odisha Celebrates its 75th Foundation Day on 1st April

Bande Utkala  Janani
Charu Hasmayi Charu Bhasamayi
Dhanye, Punye, Chira Sharanye
Janani, Janani, Janani
 ….. Jai Jagannath …

Utkal Divas or Odisha Day is celebrated on 1st April in Odisha in the memory of the formation of the state as a separate province on 1st April, 1936. Utkal Divas 2Odisha (Oriya: ଓଡିଶା), also known as Orissa (Oriya: ଓଡି଼ଶା), is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal.

The history or Odisha dates back to at least 3500 years. The famous Chedi and Matsya kingdom of Mahabharata is believed to be here. The defeat and demise of the last powerful king of Odisha Mukund Dev after a battle with the renegade Kalapahar saw a period of socio-political decline. The British annexed it in 1803 and on popular demand a separate state was formed on April 1, 1936. The movement was led by Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Pandit Nilakantha Das, Bhubanananda Das among others. The new state had six districts – Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, Sambalpur, Koraput and Ganjam. Cuttack was the capital.

Odisha was the first state to be delineated on the modern line of languages. The struggle was hard. The officialdom of Bengal was not too keen but finally everyone came around to the fact that Odiya as a language is the oldest in the group of Odiya, Bengali and Assamese. The movement persisted and Odisha got its statehood finally. Mahatma Gandhi was in tune with the linguistic line and post independence a number of princely states were incorporated into Odisha to give it the shape it has today.

Penned by Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra the song reflects the pride and love and emotion for the land that once colonized Java, Sumatra, Bali, Borneo. The greatest piece of architecture bearing the Odiya stamp is the world heritage site of Angkor Vat, stately and majestic as the history of this ancient land – that transformed Ashoka to Ashoka the Great – on its way to recover and rekindle its glory.

As part of Utkal Divas celebrations, cultural programmes, seminars and various competitive activities are organised in various parts of the state. The Day is celebrated as State Holiday in Odisha, ideal for a grand vacation witnessing cultural festivals across the state. Since 1st April is falling on friday, it will be great for a long weekend getaway..

Below is the list of Districts of Orissa:

Angul, Balangir, Baleshwar, Bargarh, Bauda, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Deogarh, Gajapati, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Kendrapara, Kendujhar, Khordha, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangapur, Nayagarh, Nuaparha, Puri, Rayagada, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Sundargarh.

Luckily, this year Utkal Divas is on friday and Weekend Getaway is on the card for all… Are you planning to travel to Puri during this time of the Odisha Day celebration. Toshali Sands Wishes a Happy Utkal Divas and offers a Exclusive Package for family and your friends to celebrate “Odisha Day” at Toshali Sands, Puri, http://bit.ly/g9JsMu . You can also contact “Metu” your Travel Consultant at metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com


Below is the list of Districts of Orissa:
Angul, Balangir, Baleshwar, Bargarh, Bauda, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Deogarh, Gajapati, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Kendrapara, Kendujhar, Khordha, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangapur, Nayagarh, Nuaparha, Puri, Rayagada, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Sundargarh

Bengalis get ready for ‘Poila Baisakh’, New Year Festival at West Bengal

Bengali New Year (Bengali: নববর্ষ Nôbobôrsho (from Sanskrit Navavarsha=New Year) or Poela Boishakh (পহেলা বৈশাখ Pôela Boishakh or পয়লা বৈশাখ Pôela Boishakh or Poila Boishakh, from Sanskrit= Pahela Vaisakhi) is the first day of the Bengali calendar, celebrated in both West Bengal, India and Bangadesh. Bengali New Year - Polia Boishak

Freshly printed calendars with the scent of ink and new paper, boxes of sweets and the forbidden Fanta on the lap of an indulgent father – personal, nostalgia of the Bengali New Year ’s Day. Celebrated mid April (14th) this is a Bengali festival irrespective of religious or regional origins.

Mughals collected agricultural taxes according to the Hijri calendar. it didn’t coincide with the harvest. So Akbar ordered changes and Fatehullah Shirazi, a scholar and astronomer, formulated the Bengali year on the basis of the Hijri lunar and Hindu solar calendars. The new Fasli San (agricultural year) was introduced on 10/11 March 1584, but was dated from Akbar’s ascension to the throne in 1556.

Poila Boishakh started from Akbar’s time. All dues were cleared on the last day of Choitro. On the next day, or landlords entertained their tenants with what else but sweets – the indicative epitome of Bengaliness. Time went by and the occasion became turned into a day of merriment. Traders started their new book of accounts on this day.

Poila Boisakh sees the Bengali Sangit Mela (Song fest), held at Rabindra Sadan, sponsored by the Government of West Bengal.

Panta-Ilish-Poila BaisakhPoila Boisakh is widely celebrated in neighboring Bangladesh and the Chittagong area sees Boi-Sa-Bi celebrations where Boisuks of Tripura, Sangrai of Marma and Biju of Chakmas come together to celebrate their variation of the festival. Poila Boishakh connects all ethnic Bengalis irrespective of religious and regional

A day before the Poila Baishakh, that is 14 April, people will mark Sankanranti in which they start the day with ‘Satu and Gudd’. The day involves some prayers and placing of idols in water. It is celebrated in the month of Vaishakh or Baisakh.

In 2011, Naba Barsha or Poila Baisakhis is celebrated on April 15th (Friday).

Luckily, this year Polia Baishak is on friday and Weekend Getaway is on the card for all Bengalis, they all are planning to travel to Puri during this time of the festival celebration. Toshali Sands Wishes a Happy Poila Baishak and offers a  Early Bird Reservation and Booking Open for Family and your friends to celebrate “Poila Baishak” at Toshali Sands, Puri, Puri http://bit.ly/g9JsMu . You can also contact “Metu” your Travel Consultant at metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com

Baisakhi Festival : Celebration of the Sikh New Year

Baishaki Festival

Baisakhi is a Sikh religious festival; it is celebrated in Punjab on the first of Baisakh which marks the beginning of New Year in the northern part of India.

Corresponds to the first day of the Nanaksahi calendar and is usually on April 13. It is a harvest festival of Punjab. On this day in 1699, the 10th Guru, Guru Govind Singh ji established the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib. With the Khalsa the Sikhs had a code of conduct to live by. The day sees devotees line up humbly and tirelessly before Gurdwarasw with offerings. People reflect on the values taught to them by the gurus and celebrate the birth of the Khalsa. Legends of Baisakhi

In Punjab celebrations are centered around Talwandi Sabo – where Guru Gobind Singh stayed and completed the recompilation of the Guru Granth Sahib, and in the gurdwara at Anandpur Sahib, the birth place of Khalsa and of course at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Across the border in Pakistan festivities are centered on the Panja Sahib complex in Hassan Abdal, numerous shrines in Nanakana Sahib, and in various historical sites in Lahore.

Traditional folk dances of Punjab, called the Gidda and Bhangra, are performed. Prayers are offered to the Guru Granth Sahib, ‘Amrit’ is prepared as the Guru did and Kara Prasad is offered – followed by the devotees trooping to the community dining hall – Guru ka Langar. Baisakhi Festival

Vaisakhi or Baisakhi Festival is celebrated on Thursday, April 14, 2011.

On the occasion of Baisakhi Festival, Toshali Resort offers you “Vaisakhi / Basakhi Weekend Getaway Tour Package” http://bit.ly/eP1iAT . Reservation and Booking Open for Family and your friends to celebrate Baisakhi at Toshali Resorts, you can also contact “Metu” your Travel Consultant at metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com

Bohag Bihu Festival : The Assamese New Year Celebration

Bihu is the National Festival of Assam, one of the most beautiful states of India, known for its tea gardens, lush green forests and the mighty Brahmaputra. Bohag or Rongali Bihu happens mid April. It marks the first day of the Hindu solar calendar and is also observed in Bengal, Manipur, Nepal, Orissa, Punjab, Kerala and Tamil Nadu with different names. It is a quintessentially harvesting festival of a predominantly farming community. The first day (the last day of the year) is Goru (cow) bihu, next is Manu (man) bihu, this day sees delicacies and fineries galore, next day is Gosai (God) Bihu – dedicated to the resident and temporal deities of the dwelling, farm, livestock – equate it Thanksgiving. Bihu Festival

Husoris – folk songs, carol style abound during bihu celebrations. The Southwestern monsoon has never missed its date with the vast plains of India for the last thousand years at least. The festivities have evolved over time. The Fat bihu of Lakhimpur area of Assam is one of the earliest surviving types. This is a fertility fest as characterized by the sometimes explicitly worded songs of ‘Mukoli’ bihu and the Jeng bihu – which is performance by and for the women – exclusively. The Bodo people of Kachar hills celebrate Baisago – the rituals being similar to Bihu.

There is a feeling of joy around as the farmers prepare the field for the cultivation of paddy. Bohag Bihu is celebrated for 7 days. Assamese cuisines like pitha, larus and Jolpan.

On 14th April 2011 it is Goru bihu or Cow bihu, on this day, Cow is bathed and worshipped.

On the 2nd Day, 15th April 2011 is manuh bihu or human bihu, on this New Year day all Assamese clean up, wear new clothes to celebrate the new year. Young people gift elders bihuwan, a hachoti, a cheleng etc and seek their blessing.

Third day April 16 2011 is Gosai Bihu or Gods bihu. The statues of God are worshiped with devotion in all houses.

Modern urban lifestyle has seen ‘Bihutolis’ emerging. Bihu in modern times owes its popularity to its undisputed king Khagen Mahanta. Bihutolis combine traditional songs and dances with comedies and other performance to suit city tastes.

On the occasion of Bihu festival Toshali Resort offers you “East India Golden Triangle Tour Package” http://bit.ly/hDdQ6o . Reservation and Booking Open for Family and your friends to celebrate Bihu festival at Toshali Resorts, you can also contact “Metu” your Travel Consultant at metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com

Dol Purnima or Dola Jatra marks the Holi festival celebrations in Orissa and West Bengal.

Dol Poornima 1

“Dolecha Dologovindam, Chapecha Madhausudhanam
Rathetu Bamanam Drustwa, Punarjanma Nalabhyate”

Dola Purnima or Dol Poornima is the auspicious day during Holi festival celebrations in Orissa. Dola Purnima 2011 is celebrated on 19th March. The celebrations of Dola Purnima are similar to that of Dol Purnima festival in Bengal. The festival is also known as Dolajatra or Dol Yatra.

Dol Purnima harks the advent of Spring and is synonymous with Shri Radha Krishna. Around the region of Braj bhoomi – Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon this is one of the prime celebrations, on the last full moon day of Phalguna. It also marks the birthday of saint Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Legend has it that Hiranyakashipu ordered demoness Holika to burn Prahlad in a fire. The fireproof demon Holika died but Prahlad survived due to the grace of Lord Vishnu. The tradition of symbolically burning Holika stayed. In Southern India Holika dahan signifies the burning of Kamdeva due to the wrath of Lord Shiva.

In Orissa and Bengal, Holi Celebrations will begin on Phagu Dasami and end on Phalgun Poornima or main Holi festival will be celebrated on the day after Dol Purnima.

In Bengal Dol Purnima is a day of colours, revelry and as with most celebrations in Bengal – sweets – malpoa, kheer sandesh, basanti sandesh (saffron), saffron milk, payash etc. The west Indian expats brought with them bhang, it stayed. In Shantiniketan Dol Jatra is celebrated with songs and dance of Rabindranath tagore.

Dol Purinima / Dol Jatra Celebration at Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri Odisha
Dol Purinima / Dol Jatra Celebration at Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri Odisha

The tradition followed in Puri is similar. After Holika dahan ladies mark out the site with a mixture of powdered raw rice and turmeric. The idols of Shri Radha Krishna is replaced by Lord Jagannath. After all he is but another synonym of Krishna.

The palanquin with the Lord is taken out in a procession. In the evening, milkmen, carry the Lord on their shoulders, for Krishna belonged to their clan. It is scented ‘abir’, colours, sweets and celebrations till evening, when the Lords take a bath and return to temple.

In some places, the new Oriya Panchang or almanac is read after the swing festival. In some regions, the festival comes to an end only on the tenth day and this is known as Dasa Dola. Numerous fairs are also organized during this period, which is called as Dola Jatra or Dol Yatra.

Dola Yatra from Lord Jagannath temple Puri to ‘’Dolabedi,’’ Jagannath (substitute) Dolagobinda, along with Maa Laxmi & Swarasati going to play holi at Dolabadi Puri Thousand of pilgrims & Tourist Enjoying this day.

“Dola Purnima” is a popular festival in the coastal districts of Odishaa. Lord Jagannath is worshiped as the name of Dolagovinda in this festival. On this day Odiya calendar becomes ready and it is worshiped on Dolabedi infront of Dolagovinda. It is the full-moon day in the month of Falguna.

This festival is mentioned as Basantotsab or Vasantotsav or Basant rithu festival in Puranic texts.

“Holi Mae Sab Miljate Hai, Khusiyo Ke Rang Khil Jate Hai”  Early Bird Reservation and Booking Open for Family and your friends to celebrate colourful Holi at Toshali Sands, Puri http://bit.ly/gQKfGm You can also contact “Metu” your Travel Consultant at metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com

Good Friday and Easter Celebration in India

Good Friday is observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The estimated year of Good Friday is AD 33 or AD 34. On the third day, from his crucifixion, on Sunday, jesus rose from the dead. This is now known as Easter Sunday. The Catholic Church treats Good Friday as a fast day. Good Friday and Easter

The period just before Good Friday is Lent. Fasting and other forms of renunciation are recommended as ways of following the example of Jesus. Liturgical services are held in the church, on this day. They start at noon and continue for the next three hours i.e. till 3 pm. Jesus is believed to have died on the Cross at three in the afternoon.

Christian countries observe Good Friday in slightly different ways. The essence remains similar. It marks the culmination of Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday, and takes place two days before Easter Sunday. Services are aimed at allowing worshippers to experience some of the pain and humiliation that the son of God experienced for humanity.

The celebrations of Easter in India commence with Lent and culminate with Easter Sunday. Christians all over, especially in Mumbai, Goa and the Northeastern states, make elaborate arrangements for Easter festivities. Easter eggs and Easter bunnies are much in demand as gifts.

The exchange of colorful lanterns and replicas of the Holy Cross is also exchanged by friends and relatives. Diversity in the lifestyle and culture sees a lot of variety in the traditional Easter recipes.

In 2011, ‘Good Friday and Easter Festival’ is celebrated in 22nd to 24th April

Toshali Resorts International Invites all Fans, friends, guests to celebrate “Good Friday and Esater” at Toshali Resorts in India booking and accomodation reservation visit http://bit.ly/fghGUY . You can also contact your Travel Manager ‘Metu’ for more details at metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com

A pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi Holy Shrine

Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine

The saying goes until you are invited you cannot visit her shrine. An incarnation of Shakti Shri Mata Vaishno Devi sits in her shrine at the top of the Trikuta hills near Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude of 5200 feet and 14 kms from Katra. Some 8 million piligrims visit annually making Mata Rani the second most visited temple after Lord Venkateshwara.

Legend says Lord Rama found her deep in meditation and gave her the name Vaishnavi. The mother in turn fasted for 9 days on navratras and the practice of reading the Ramayanas during the navratras started from here. The more popular legend is that of the divine mother guiding her humble disciple Sreedhar to organise a grand feast and Bhairav Nath a tantric following her through Banganga and Garbh Joon, to her hilltop abode. The mother took on her Mahakali form to slay Bhairav Nath but granted him a boon that her pilgrimage will henceforth be considered complete only upon a visit to the shrine of Bhairav Nath, some 2.5 km from the holy cave temple.

My Yatra began at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km. of terrain on foot to reach the Darbar. One kilometer away from Katra, you would find Banganga, place where Mata quenched her thirst and at 6 km., the holy cave at Adhkawari. Yatris are advised to obtain a yatra slip only from the Yatra Registration Counter at the Tourism Reception Centre, Katra Bus Stand and nowhere els.e. Without an authentic yatra slip, crossing of Banganga checkpost will not be allowed. The Yatra Slip is absolutely free but is necessary to commence the Yatra. You can obtain caps, canvas shoes, sticks etc. on hire for the Yatra. Those who have problems in climbing on the mountains, can hire the services of a pony or dandi (palenquin). Pithus can also be hired for carrying the children on shoulders. It is advised that you should avail of the services of only registered people be it the pithu, pony or the dandiwalla and keep his token for the period he is engaged. Maa Vaishno Devi

The entire 13 km route is quite wide and tiled. Besides, the whole path is lit up every night by powerful sodium vapour lamps. The entire route is swept and cleaned from time to time throughout the day. Yatris are requested to keep the path clean. Shelter cum sheds and shelter cum cafeterias are setup throughout the route. Pure vegetarian food is available at these outlets. Price charts are exhibited at all these outlets prominently. Drinking water has been made available all along the route, with water coolers and storage facilities. Public utilities with automatic flushing systems along the track and at the Bhawan.

After 6 km. of trekking, you would reach Adhkawari, the holy cave where Mata meditated for nine months. Do visit the cave. After 9.5 km., you would reach Sanji Chhat where you can rest for sometime. Accommodation is also available at this place. Bhawan is just 3.5 km. away. On reaching Bhawan, show your Yatra Slip at the Registration Office and obtain the Batch no. provided on the slip. This number is important as it will determine your place in the queue for darshan. On reaching Bhawan, have a bath and change your clothes. Be sure to get your luggage and leather items booked in the cloak rooms and obtain the receipt. Book the valuables separately and obtain the receipt.

The journey was arduous but the temple trust has done a lot to make the way accessible. The path is paved, food and water are available all along the way, battery operated autos and mules and dolis make the journey easier for the very young and very old. Chants of Jai Mata Di reverberate along the hills day and night except for the peak winters. The cool weather of the hills is an added incentive for visitors. The journey can take some time on foot but the scenery and anticipation makes it worthwhile. It take about 6 hours on foot and another 4 to climb down and can be easily accommodated in a weekend.

Summer Vacation is already knocking at the door…….   Mata Vaishno Devi Tour Package is open now – visit at http://bit.ly/f0vZ2s  for Early Bird Offer. For exculsive Summer Holiday Package, Wedding Package, Honeymoon Package, Festive Package, Summer Vacation package avialable, simply post a comment on your travel plan or mail to metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com . We will send best budget package. Share this post with your friends at Facebook, Twitter, Orkut, Linkedin and other Social Networking sites…

 

Have You Ever Been to Elephant Festival in Jaipur, India…!!!

 Elephant festival of Jaipur (Image Source Rajanthan Tours)Ever thought of the majestic elephant as a canvas? Come down to Jaipur during the elephant fest. Decorated in paints and colorful livery, actually the female elephants get to wear anklets that jingle, they look as bit majestic as in the days of yore when Rajput pride shone bright in Rajasthan. The festival started the Holi festivities. It used to be held at the Chaugan stadium near the Hawa Mahal. The elephants walk through the Old City and usually start out from Ravindra Manch. So you might accompany them but do remember entry is free so arrive before the usual 4 pm start. As for the mundane events after the elephants reach the venue – well they include Elephant ‘beauty’ contests, Elephant polo, Elephant race, the tug-of-war between Elephant and 19 men and women – need I tell you who wins – every time?

Elephant festival (Image Courtesy Rajasthan Tourism)
Elephant festival (Image Courtesy Rajasthan Tourism)

And yes I almost forgot this year onwards it will be held at the Jaipur Polo Grounds. On menu this year are: Gaj Shringar’ exhibition, traditional elephant procession, gair dance, elephant decoration competition, Chang Dhap folk dance, Matka Race for tourists, a tug of war event between domestic and foreign tourists, Braj Holi folk dance and the playing of holi colours on elephants. Then rows of elephants will walk the ramp followed by band recitals and concluding the evening with a display of soundless fireworks.

In 2011, ‘Elephant Festival’ will be celebrated in Jaipur on 19th March… Are you there …!!

Toshali Resorts International invites all Fans, friends, guests to celebrate “Elephant Festival” at Jaipur, India…. For booking and accomodation reservation for weekend tour http://bit.ly/fDm2fW . You can also contact your Travel Manager ‘Metu’ for more details at metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com .. Share this information with your friends at facebook and other social networking sites..

Summer Holiday – Popular Destinations in India

Whether it is Mast Holiday, Holiday Camps, Summer Holiday Destinations, Hill Stations, Summer Camping Destinations or Honeymoon Destinations in India….. Visit to know about best popular places for holidays, vacation & weekend breaks in India.

Coorg Croog

Coorg (Kodagu) borders Kerala and enjoys moderate climate. Besides the scenery is breathtaking, lush greenery, coffee plantations and the deep woods. There’s something for everyone. Madikeri, the headquarters is known as the Scotland of India, Kakabe produces honey, animals abound in Nagarahole national park, Cauvery Nisargadhama is a 2.5 sq. km. island in the middle of the River Cauvery.

Ooty Ooty

Situated in the Nilgiri biosphere reserve Ooty (Udhagamandalam) is known as the queen of the hill stations and sits some 2200 mtrs above the sea level. An added attraction for is the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track from Kallar, and makes its way through hair-raising curves and dark tunnels and deep ravines with some of the most stunning views available.

 

Kodaikanal Kodaikanal

It is one of Tamil Nadu’s finest hill stations, some 7200 feet up in the Palani hills in the Western Ghats. Did you know? The Kurinji Flower is in full bloom around December once in 12 years. Last seen in 2006, the next one expected in 2018. Berijam Lake, Coakers Walk- If you wish to catch the scenic valleys, the best place. Oh yeah its close to the bus stand and do try out the telescope near the main gate. Bryant park and Kodai Lake, Silent valley, suicide point, Devil’s kitchen are some must see places.

Munnar Munnar

It is the most popular hill resort in Kerala. Kerala and greenery are synonymous. Some places of interest include Pallivasal, Chinnakanal, Anayirangal, the Tea Museum and the oddly named Top Station – the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road.

 

 

Srinagar Srinagar

Heaven on Earth. Insurgency and political turmoil haven’t taken its toll. She is as beautiful as on the day she enthralled Jahangir into saying: “Agar Firdaus bar ru-e zamin hast. Hami asto. Hami asto. Hami ast.”  – Farsi for – If there is heaven on earth, it is here, it is here it is here. He recited Kwaja Amir Khusrav. Be careful but do visit it once.

 

Shimla Shimla

A Dilliwala speaking about Shimla. Well the ex summer capital, the most popular hill station in Northern India – simply by numbers. The mall looks a bit like bazaars of Delhi but just go out a bit and Shimla will still enthrall you. Take the train to chug into the Queen of hill stations and she will unravel her beauty. The city is named after goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Kali. Annandale, Jaku hill, Tara Devi and Sankat Mochan temple and Mashobra are some places of interest.

Manali Manali

It is at the North end of the Kullu valley, some 250 km from Shimla. Legend says its home to the seven sages of Hinduism. The name suggests it – its named after the law giver saint Manu. Tourism in Manali picked up after rise of militancy in Kashmir. It’s a place for adventure tourism with its ‘extreme Yak sports’ making it to the covers of the Time. Naggar fort, Hirimba Devi temple, Solang and Rohtang are some of the must see places around.

 

Summer Vacation is already knocking at the door……. Early Bird Summer Package Booking at Toshali Royal View Resort, Shilon Bagh Shimla, visit at http://bit.ly/14Od7GZ . For exculsive Summer Holiday Package, Wedding Package, Honeymoon Package, Festive Package, Summer Vacation package at popular Summer Holiday Destinations in India, simply post a comment on your travel plan or mail to metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com . We will send best budget package. Share this post with your friends at Facebook, Twitter, Orkut, Linkedin and other Social Networking sites…

Shree Ram Navami Festival: The Birthday Celebration of Lord Rama in India

Shri Rama Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama to King Dasharatha and Kausalya of Ayodhya. It falls in the Shukla Paksha on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra and marks the end of the nine-day Chaitra-Navratri celebrations. Lord Rama is the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu who came down to earth to battle the invincible Ravana in human form. Lord Rama

In Bhadrachalam the day also celebrates the wedding anniversary of Sri Rama and Sita. The festival is celebrated for 9 days and is marked by continuous recitals, Akhand Paath, mostly of the Ramacharitamanas, organized several days in advance to culminate on this day, with elaborate bhajan, kirtan and distribution of prasad after the puja and aarti.

On the last day celebrations and festivities begin with prayer to the Sun god early in the morning. At midday, when Rama was incarnated on that day in Treta Yuga is marked with devotional service is performed with Bhakti and piety.

The house is and decorated. Offerings of fruit and flowers are placed before the family shrine and prayers are recited.

An image or picture of baby Rama is placed in a covered cradle. At noon the covering is removed and Prasad is offered to Rama, and then shared by the devotees.

The festival is a focal point for moral reflection and being especially charitable to others. Celebrations at places associated with Sri Rama, like Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and Ramesvaram in Tamil Nadu, attract thousands of devotees.

                     

In 2011, ‘Ram Navami’ Festival will be celebrated in 12th April

Toshali Resorts International Invites all Fans, friends, guests to celebrate “Ram Navami” at Toshali Resorts in India, for booking and accomodation reservation visit http://bit.ly/dVC9iu . You can also contact your Travel Manager ‘Metu’ for more details at metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com