soniavme - Tumblr blog

[soniavme]

Dhanteras Celebration 2020— History and Significance

Dhanteras marks the first day of the grand celebration of Diwali that lasts long for 5 days. It is celebrated by the Hindu on the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha, the month of Kartik. Dhanteras stands for Dhan-money or wealth and Teras means the thirteenth day. 

On this day, Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda. It is considered that Lord Dhanvantari regained and helped humankind by imparting the wisdom of Ayurveda to get rid of the horrible diseases. 

History of Ayurveda 

Ayurveda has a wonderful history for centuries and is still used by the world and its doctors to cure diseases around the globe. And, this is why, The Indian Ministry of Ayurveda, Unani, Yoga and Naturopathy, Suddha and Homoeopathy, first introduced the festival of Dhanteras, as the ‘National Ayurveda Day’ on 28th October in 2016. 

Legend linked with Dhanteras

According to Hindu mythology, Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali festivity of 5 long days, which is associated with a wonderful story about the 16-years-old son of King Hima. Once, King Hima showed his son's palm to an astrologer for his good fortune, then it is predicted that the Prince would get bitten by a snake and die on the 4th day of his marriage. 

After his son’s marriage, on the fourth day, his wife had surrounded the entrance of their chamber with silver and gold ornaments. She then stayed up all night along with her husband, telling stories and singing beautiful songs so that she could prevent him from sleeping. 

The ornaments and jewels of entrance dazzled the God of Death, Yama, so much. On seeing such an alluring, he decided to let the prince live. And thus, the next day came to be known and celebrated as the festival of Dhanteras. 

Another Legend is linked to Lord Indra

According to another legend story, once a sage named Durvasa cursed Lord Indra; the god of heaven, said, “As the pride has reached your head, let Lakshmi leave you”. The curse acted soon and Lakshmi left Lord Indra and in turn, Indra became weak and then demons tried to enter heaven. Eventually, they entered and defeated Indra.

After some years, Indra begged Lord Brahma and then they visited Lord Vishnu. There, Lord Vishnu instructed them to churn the sea of milk. As per the instructions, Indra and other gods did the same and drank the milk that had come out from Samudra Manthan and Amrit Pan after defeating the demons and the gods became powerful again.

The story connected to Goddess Parvati

In this story, Goddess Parvati was in a playful mood and she wanted to play dice with Lord Shiva and eventually, she won the game. Thus, it has become a custom of playing dice and gambling among businessmen and tradesmen so that wealth and prosperity never leave them.

Celebration of Dhanteras 

The Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, is worshiped on Dhanteras in order to gain prosperity and wealth. Families prepare for this day so that they can welcome Goddess into their houses. So, the families get up early in the morning and clean the entire house. 

And, the family begins for the coming festivity which lasts for 5 days, starting with Dhanteras. On this day, after cleaning the house, they get ready and wear new garments. However, this is a common ritual in India. People purchase valuable items such as gemstones, ornaments, and any household appliance, made of metal. 

These all symbolize the bringing in Lakshmi; prosperity and wealth into the house. It is also believed that this brings good health and fortune to family members. And, many people in India wait for this day to buy expensive electronics such as garments, automobiles, phones, kitchen appliances, utensils, and more. 

[soniavme]

Bhai Dooj 2020—Significance, History and Bond

Bhai Dooj or Bhaiya Dooj is a historical and Hindu festival that is enthusiastically celebrated by all the women in India. On this day, they pray for the long life and age of their brothers by putting a Tilak on their forehead and offering sweets to eat. In return, the brothers offer their sisters gifts. However, Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the fifth or last day of Diwali festival, which is celebrated on Shukla Paksha or on the second day (Hindu month) of Kartik.

History of Bhai Dooj

Story 1

Moreover, let’s dive into history so that we can get to know more about how Bhai Dooj started as a festival. Well, as per the Hindu Mythology, Krishna paid a visit to his sister Subhadra, after defeating the evil demon Narakasura. Subhadra welcomed Krishna warmly with flowers and sweets. Then, she applied Tilak on Krishna’s forehead with pure affection. It is then believed, from here, the origin of Bhai Dooj began.

Story 2

However, there is another connection with Bhai Dooj, which is connected to Yama, the God of Death, and his sister, Yami, or the Yamuna. Once an event happened, which describes that Yami wanted her brother to come to her house, but due to work, Yama, the God of Death couldn’t visit her.

After that event, Yami visited her brother’s home and requested him to visit her so that she could welcome him warmly and offer him sweets and delicious food. As promised, Yama visited him and Yami garlanded and fed him special dishes that she cooked herself.

Since the siblings were meeting each other after a long time, they talked and dined with each other to their heart’s content. They also have exchanged gifts. Yama then announced that whoever receives tilak from their sisters, will enjoy life-long prosperity and wealth, thus, Bhai Dooj 2020 is also known as Yama Dwitiya.

The special day for siblings

Bhai Dooj is celebrated every year on the 5th day after Diwali in India. Sisters invite their brothers and prepare scrumptious meals. The ceremony holds the promise that the brother would protect their sister. It is celebrated traditionally where the sister does perform aarti of their brothers and then apply red tika on the forehead.

What is defined by the Tika Ceremony? 

The tika ceremony on Bhai Dooj signifies the bond and prayers of a sister for the prosperity and long life of their brothers. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters, it can also be in monetary terms. In a certain part of India, women who don’t have brothers, worship Lord Moon as brothers. And, on this day, they apply Henna on their hands.

Different Place Celebrate Different Bhai Dooj

In different places, Bhai Dooj festivals are celebrated differently. In Haryana, Bhai Dooj is known as Bhai Phota, which is celebrated with fervor and high energy. However, there are numerous rituals performed during the ceremony that includes a wonderful delicious feast for the brothers. 

On this day, brothers visit their dearest sister’s home and from that time the ceremony begins with an Aarti. On this day, some of the must-have items are needed to welcome brothers such as coconuts, Tilak, Raw rice, etc. however, sister’s present coconut and sweets to brothers. The sister then applies tilak on their brother’s forehead and feeds them handmade savories and sweets. 

She also blesses her brother for a long and beautiful life. As mentioned above, the ritual is followed by exchanging gifts between brothers and sisters. However, Bhai Dooj is one the most famous festivals in India, which is quite similar to the festival of Raksha Bandhan. This festival too, allows family members to meet other relatives and spend some wonderful time together. 

[soniavme]

Festival of Lights—Victory Over Darkness and Diwali Celebration in India

Diwali—the festival of lights is celebrated in an entire India, mainly by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. It is the day when Lord Ram marked the victory of good over evil. The day encourages people to move on in life, let go past grudges and celebrate tomorrow.

The month of October-November is completely dedicated to the festivals, ancient histories, victory, and more. The months are the bringer of happiness, joy, and celebration. People in India proudly prepare things such as earthen lamps, candlelights, décor things; colors to make rangoli, colorful paper chandeliers, and the sweet smell of delicious sweets that bring water to the mouth.

In the evening, people worship idols of gods and goddesses and desire to get their wishes to fulfill. It is the time when friends and family come together to celebrate this charming day and welcome the winter season by offering each other sweets and painting them in the festivity. And, at night, lighten up earthen lamps, candles, and crackers. That’s how India and its people like to sum up the Diwali celebration in India.  

Importance of Diwali Celebration

The festival of earthen lamps, sweets, and victory is celebrated as the wonderful homecoming of Lord Ram with Sita and Lakshman after defeating Ravana; the demon king, and their long exile of 14 years. Diwali means a thrilling and joyous row of lights; Diyas, were lit up by the Ayodhyans—the citizens of Ayodhya to welcome their King Ram. However, the day is also celebrated as it marks Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi’s marriage.

However, in most of the regions, Lord Ganesha is worshipped, who is a god of auspiciousness and wisdom. That’s not all; Diwali also marks the anniversary of liberation or Nirvana of Maharishi Dayanand in Arya Samaj. In West Bengal, the day is celebrated to worship Goddess Kali, who is the prime power, energy, and shakti of this world.

Other reasons for celebrating Diwali

Moreover, Diwali is not just a homecoming of Lord Rama. Here are some of the unknown reasons for celebrating Diwali in India so beautifully.

Krishna killed Narakaasur: a day before Diwali, Gopala, or Krishna defeats Narakaasur, who invaded the three worlds, was killed by the lord. The next day of Diwali is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdasi by devotees of Madhav.

Birth of Goddess Lakshmi: Goddess Lakshmi is one of the most principal deities and a manifestation of Adishakti of Hindu religion and also the ‘Goddess of Wealth’ is worshiped on Diwali for prosperity and wealth.

The return of Pandavas: as described in Mahabharata, Pandavas defeated the Kaurava and returned on this day from the 12 long, painful years of banishment. This is a very auspicious day of Kartik Amavasya, which comes every year.

Lord Vishnu Saves Goddess Lakshmi: on the same day, Lord Vishnu took his 5th incarnation as Vamana-avatar to save Goddess Lakshmi from the captivation of King Bali.

Liberation day of Jains

This is the most auspicious day for Jains because, on this day, Mahavir Tirthankar gets his liberation or Nirvana, who is considered to be the founder of modern Jainism. Mahavir left his royal life and family to become a monastic. It undertakes fasting and mortifications, thus it is considered special for Jains. 

How Diwali is celebrated in India

Traditionally, the festival of lights is celebrated on the third day of the festival and Deepavali 2020 falls on 14th November. It is one of the most famous festivals in India, which is celebrated across India with great excitement and joy.

People on the same day buy silver or gold jewelry.

However, Indian festivals and events have deep and spiritual significance, apart from fun aspects and celebratory. People this day indulge themselves in various activities in order to perform puja beautifully. 

Before the Diwali celebration, people enthusiastically clean their homes to welcome Lord Ram, Sita and Laksham. After cleaning the homes, they buy new clothes and housewares and wear new clothes at night, share gifts, and eat sweets.

And, on the eve of Diwali, people decorate their homes with little diyas, flowers; women create elaborate rangolis on the floor with color powders and blasts firecrackers at night on the terrace. 

[soniavme]

Navratri—Invoke the Divine Energy Worshiping Kanjaks as the Goddess Shakti

Navratri is a divine celebration to offer our prayers and offerings to Navdurga; all the nine forms of Shakti. It is an unseen energy that keeps the human body moving and maintains the creation. Mother divine also is known as Adi Parashakti, who is beyond sustainability and creation. And, these nine days are dedicated to honoring the nine different forms and energies of Mother Divine as Nav Durga.

Shailaputri

Goddess Durga’s first form is Shailaputri; daughter of Shaila or Mountain.

Brahmacharini 

The second form of Shakti is Brahmacharini; the celibate, who has no end, no beginning.

Chandraghanta

The third form of the goddess represents the mind and its fighting over negative thoughts to positive.

Kushmanda

The fourth form of Shakti is Kushmanda; it represents intelligence and cosmic energy.

Skandmata

It is the fifth form of the goddess, representing the mother of Skand (Karthikeya).

Katyayani

It is the sixth form of Goddess Shakti, which represents the most intricate and deep secrets of Divinity.

Kaalratri 

This is a terrifying and fierce form of mother divine in the entire creation, which represents knowledge and dispassion.

Mahagauri

The eighth form of goddess divine is the most beautiful and serene form of Mother shakti. 

Siddhidatri 

The ninth form of the goddess is Siddhidatri, who grants wishes before desire arises to mind. 

However, this festival is widely celebrated on Ashtami and Navmi (8th and 9th day of Navratri) by inviting the 9 kanjaks into the house to worship them as the 9 divine forms of Goddess Shakti.

Meanwhile, this year the celebration of Navratri is beginning on 17th October. Therefore, many devotees of Goddess Shakti are planning their festivity that what gifts they should offer to the Kanjaks as gifts, however, if you are unable to decide that what gift would be perfect for the Kanya Pujan, then here is the list of gifting options—

Sipper Water Bottle 

Gifting after worshipping Kanjaks is a gesture of devotion and surrender of material things of this world. And, we know how it helps you live a peaceful life. For that, you can gift the little girls' Sipper Water Bottle; it can be very useful for them. They can carry the sipper bottle to their schools storing water or juices. 

Notebook Water Bottle

Here is another gifting option for your Ashtami and Navmi Kanya Pujan. Notebook Water Bottle, this beautiful bottle can be a wonderful gift for the girls, which they can use anywhere—school, tuition, picnic, etc. 

Printed Mug

If you want to surprise them with a unique and useful gift, then a ceramic printed mug will be the best option for you. You can ask for beautiful, funky, and cartoon prints on the mugs to gift and when they unwrap your gift will go surprise with the uniqueness of your gifting choice. The Kanjaks can use it for drinking milk, juices, and other beverages happily.  

Girls t-shirt 

You can even offer the Kanjaks printed t-shirt as a gift. They will surely love the colorful Girls t-shirt. And, will happily wear it.

However, you can also give them stationery items such as pens, pencils, notebooks, lunch boxes, color pens, toys, jewelry items, etc.

So, think beyond and give the little goddess useful things as offerings this Navratri.

A little note to make your life beautiful, memorable, and beyond worldly happiness with our kind and progressing gesture. 

Pray Goddess Shakti by enchanting these mantras and get showered with the goddess blessing.

Om Devi Shailputri Namah

Om Devi Brahmacharinai Namah

Om Devi Chandraghantai Namah

Om Devi Kushmandai Namah

Om Devi Skandamataye Namah

Om Devi Katyayanai Namah

Om Devi Kalratrayai Namah

Om Devi Mahagaurya Namah

Om Devi Siddhidatrayai Namah

Happy Navratri to You!!

May this Navratri bring all the happiness, joy and fortune. And, your health remains healthy and lively. Be happy. Stay healthy.

[soniavme]

Men's Color Sando Is Comfortable, Soft, And Breathable. It Is All Day And Night Wearable Due To Its Absorbency Quality.

[soniavme]

How Men’s Fashion and Style Has Evolved Throughout These 100 Years?

Whenever we look back to research on any particular subject to write on, we find something beyond our expectations that surprises us. Today, we have gone back to the past to research men's fashion and style and check where men fashion has reached today.

Well. The idea of an ideal fashion has run from long into our vein that is unbelievable and has taken a great amount of space into our own lifestyle from the very past. Today, we shall talk about how men's fashion has taken great evolution from the idea of formality to the comfort level. Let’s go back!

The Era of Class, Proprietary and Formality (1910-99)

This decade was known for its class and elegance with proprietary and formality. Earlier, fashion designers were using shoulder pads to emphasize the clothing look and give a robust look to men.

The Jazz Era (1920-29)

During this era, men's pants style reflected optimistic vibes with shades of charcoal, black, grey, and dark colors with slimmer and simpler looks. They used to like fitter pants, jackets, shirts, and sloping shoulders. However, to enhance their looks they used bow ties, which were made of silk.

In the consequence of the fashion, by the mid-20s, detachable collars and button-down shirts were in trend. There were also other collars as well such as scrub collars with Windsor tie knots and club collars.  

Trousers came with front creases and cuffs without using belts. However, this was the era when men used to walk on the streets without hats with high boots. Soon, leather jackets, white scarves, and driving caps took place in men fashion clothes.

The Economic Crises and Fabric Era (1930-39)

However, during this era, thin waist-ed coasts, broad shoulders, and tapered legs were famous. The men's suit jackets were pointed, wide and elongated lapel. Though this happened because of the great economic crises, and the suits were then grown thinner and dark shades were worn to take care of the situation and finance. Then, they used to wear low-cost fabrics such as linen, tweed, flannel, and wool. 

Additionally, this was the time, when bush and polo shirts, Ivy caps, rubber-soled shoes, and loafers were introduced in the market. 

Then, zoot suits came with floor elements or designs. To enhance the look, men were wearing tight pants at the waist hanging a keychain and doped by a hat with feather. 

Trendsetting Era (1940-49)

It was the time when the world was facing other great crises, the world war. Society was on the nook of sword and fashion had to be cut out in order to support patriotism. Again, the fashion had to cut costly and luxurious fabric and had to cut pocket flaps, vests, trouser cuffs, etc.

However, after the war, the fashion had come back to its old track, and then wide trousers, silk ties, decorative tie pins were added to the trend. Also, the Hawaiin trend knocked the fashion world with its easy and casual looks.  

The Elvis Presley Era (1950-1959)

This era brought businessman idealism by creating slimmer dark flannel suits. Men were used to wearing pronounced shirt collars and ties to add a formal look in their apparel. And this was ideal clothing for comfort and leisure look. Further, shorts grew shorter and blazers became more comfortable in shape, and sunglasses hit the fashion market with greased back hairstyles, just as Elvis Presley did. 

However, new trends flourished such as—baseball t shirt, black t shirt, ringer t shirt with black or blue denim, leather bombers or jackets, army boots, and so on. 

The Beatles Fashion (1960-1969)

This was the age of The Beatles, where people like to wear relaxed and casual looks. Men were wearing denim jackets, army coats, skinny ties, straight cut suits, and the Beatles signature haircuts. This kick-started the time of casual looks.   

The Fast-Evolving Fashion (1970-79)

After the years of fashion trends, finally, men fashion came in the wash and wear scenario. This was the age when bell-bottom trousers, disco suits, sports shoes, tracksuits came in. Now, men were free to choose bold colors and patterns. And, tracksuits were not linked to sports and athletes anymore.

The Decade of Quirky Fashion (1980-89)

While leisure got a spot on the men's fashion, it was now, then branded clothes were the thing that took place of status in the society and brands began to matter in people’s life. Over the end of the decade, suits, clothes were knitted square bottom, skinny and neutral, graphic prints came in light. 

The Casual Era (1990-99)

This was the decade of youth, was known for casual and minimalistic looks and were high to grunge, hip-hop, and rave. They liked to wear shorts, t shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies. Well, the change didn’t stop here; the youths were rushing with new trends of piercings and tattoos. Knitted sweaters, leather jackets, and baggy denim too added men's fashion to the new height, now wearing caps outside the baseball game was a cool thing along with shorts, parachute pants, manpris, jeans with graphic t shirts, and sneakers. 

During this era, west fashion traveled down throughout the world too and now, jeans were no longer a taboo to wear for men, however, women were still not allowed to wear it. 

The Fusion Era (2000-2010)

It was an era of fusion, where men wore high and low trends, leather jackets, Rockport boots, tracksuits, rust and beige, and forest green colors. This was also the era of light color polos, jeans, cargoes, and khakis. And these all looked sophisticated on people. 

Though the pantsuits were still in and didn't go out of fashion, come in charcoal, black colors again with a Mandarin or Nehru look. 

Casual and Classy Look (2010-2019)

After witnessing the years of fashion, this era added some casual yet classy looks to men's wardrobe and added athleisure with rave and charming sneakers. However, designers used to manufacture hoodies, jackets, leather jackets without a collar and made men wear it with style. It gave a formal yet casual and classy look. The designer, men's fashion and the vogue world and their experts began to give lessons on how to dress casually to express fashion beyond and leave a legacy behind.