UTI’s golden jubilee year stamp

Today I received cover from sent by UTI Mutual Funds.  In fact this is statement sent by them. Cover contains commemorative stamps issued to mark golden jubilee year of UTI. 

India makes history on first try as Mangalyaan enters Mars orbit

India’s Mars Mission : India created history on Wednesday, becoming the first country to successfully get a spacecraft into the Martian orbit on its maiden attempt.

Indian Space Research Organization’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) spacecraft started orbiting the red planet at 7.47am, but it was only 12 minutes later —because of a time delay in radio signals travelling the 680 million km -- that scientists at Isro Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network in Bangalore, could erupt in joy as Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood a happy witness.

For most of the time the main engine was firing — 20 of the 24 crucial minutes — MOM was hiding behind Mars, adding to the suspense.

The scientists had waited for more than 300 days as MOM journeyed on through space, but the last 54 minutes were virtually unbearable. For, it was during this period that the orbiter first reoriented itself and then fired its engine and thrusters for about 24 minutes to get into the Mars orbit.

Philatelic Diwali Greetings:

 

Philatelic Diwali Greetings:

INDIA ISRAEL- JOINT ISSUE

Diplomatic relations between India and Israel were established in the year 1992. A set of two stamps is being issued by both the countries to mark the completion of twenty years of diplomatic relations. The stamp depicts the two festivals of lights, Deepavali and Hanukkah.

Theme of the stamps is “Festival of Lights” Israel’s stamp features the menorah with the word “Zion” inscribed inside a magen david star, and India’s shows a row of lamps, representing the Indian holiday of Deepavali.The menorah featured on the stamp was inspired by the wooden menorah used by the Jewish community in Bombay, India.

Themed on the “festival of lights”, one stamp depicts the Jewish festival of Hannukah with a row of candles. The other, depicting the Hindu festival of Diwali, features diyas.

Israel and India established full diplomatic relations in 1992. Israel opened its embassy in New Delhi in February, although it operated at a somewhat limited capacity. The friendly ties between these two countries have flourished ever since and currently include agricultural cooperation, joint scientific and technological development, water management collaboration, thriving trade and more.

Date Of issue:- 05.11.2012.



Happy Birthday Dear BAPU

 



Philatelic tribute to our Father of Nation “MAHATMA GANDHI”

Save Tigers, Save Our National Heritage.........

The Bengal Tiger is generally found in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. This is the biggest subspecies of Tigers in the world.  Bengal tigers are on the edge of extinction, but if we try spread, share about them, we still have a chance to save them. And this is my first blog in the series to tribute to mission Save Tigers. The Bengal tiger’s populations estimated at 1,411 in India, 200 in Bangladesh, 155 in Nepal and 67–81 in Bhutan.

Only 1411 are left save them in India. Save our National Animal, Save our National Heritage………

Basics and Physical Characteristics

The total length for the male Bengal Tiger is of 270-310 cm and those of the females is of 240–265 cm, The average weight of a Bengal Tiger is 221.2 kg (487.7 lb) for the males and 139.7 kg (308 lb) for the females, also it is found that who inhabit the north of India and Nepal have an average weight of 235 kg (518 lb) for the males and 140 kg (308.6 lb) for the females. The biological info is as below,

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Felidae

Genus species: Panthera tigris

Sub species: Panthera tigris tigris

Mutation/Sub Species

Bengal Tigers normally are of same appearance as other species. But a special subspecies exists due to mutation, called as White Tigers. They have dark brown or reddish brown stripes on a white background color, and some are entirely white.Please see the picture aside to know how beautiful are they.

Behaviour and Food

Behaviour of Bengal Tigers is different. They don't live in groups as the Male Tiger is not responsible for growing the offspring.Tigers mark their territory by spraying urine on a branch or leaves or bark of a tree which leaves a particular scent behind. This is also useful to attract the opposite sex.

Bengal tigers are  obligate carnivores, it means that they have a diet of strictly meat. Bengal tigers eat a variety of animals found deer (sambar, chital, barasingha, hog deer and muntjac), wild boars, water buffalo, gaur, nilgai antelope.

Tiger Kill Count

According to Wikipedia following is the chart of Tigers killed in last two decade.

Year Tigers known to be killed

1994     95

1995    121

1996    52

1997    88

1998    44

1999    81

2000    53

2001    72

2002    43

2003    35

2004    34

2005    43

2006    37

2007    27



Official Website of Save Tiger Mission : http://www.saveourtigers.com/

For your views and suggestion, Please write me : olympic125@gmail.com

Happy Diwali

I WISH ALL MY FRIENDS, PHILATELISTS, WELL-WISHERS, READERS, BLOGGERS AND ONE AND ALL A VERY HAPPY DIWALI.

Happy Diwali

दीपावली की शुभकामनाएं

शुभ दीपावली /दिवाळीच्या शुभेच्छा

தீபாவளி நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்

ദീപാവലി ആശംസകള്‍

ದೀಪಾವಳಿ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಶುಭಾಷಯಗಳು

దీపావళి శుభాకా౦క్షలు

 

Deepavali (also: Depawali, Dipavali, Dewali, Diwali, Divali, Dipotsavi, Dipapratipad ) marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Lunar Calendar. It literally translated means 'Row of Lights' (from Sanskrit: dipa = lamp / awali = row, line). It celebrates the victory of Goodness over Evil and Light over Darkness - it ushers in the new year. Especially for this event people are cleaning their houses and wear new clothes. Diwali is a 5 day festival as Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Badi (Main) Diwali, Padwa and Bhaiduj. There are many different names for the days of Diwali in different regions of India (South & North India, East & West India) and in the different languages spoken in that regions (i.e. Hindi, Urdu, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Bengali, Marathi). During Deepavali people pray to Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, light, prosperity and wisdom, but also to Ganesha, the 'Remover of Obstacles' and the 'Lord of Beginnings'.

Deepavali celebrations take place in many countries in the world. On the first day of the Diwali festival people pray and having a special breakfast made of many different foods. The Hindu Goddess Lakshmi's statue and images are carried through the streets in processions. There are various legends and stories associated with the Diwali festival. The story of Bali, Emergence of Laxmi, Krishna Narakasur Fight, Victory of Rama over Ravana and many more. Dipa Lights (also called Diwali Diyas, Kandils, Ghee Lamps or Parvati Ganesha Lamps) - made of clay, fueled with Oil from Coconuts, Mustard or Ghee (clarified butter), the wick made of cotton wool - are placed outside of houses, on floors and doorways. During Diwali festival, doorways are hung with torans of mango leaves and marigolds. Deepavali Melas are being enjoyed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains & Buddhists alike. On the day of Deepavali people exchange gifts, bursting firecrackers, lighting fireworks, colourful sparklers & bonfires and having festive meals. Diwali Melas (fairs) are held throughout India and the celebrations abroad. The Indian Festival of Lights takes place after the monsoon season has finished and the weather is nice and pleasant again.

Wishing Happy Diwali to everyone! Deepavali Valthukkal!! Shubh Diwali!!

Diwali starts from Vasubaras which is the 12th day of the 2nd half of the Marathi month Ashvin. This day is celebrated by performing an Aarti of the cow and its calf - which is a symbol of love between mother and her baby.

The next day is Dhana Trayodashi. This day is of special importance for traders and business people. It is also considered an auspicious day for making important purchases, especially metals, including kitchenware and precious metals like silver and gold.

This is followed by Naraka Chaturdashi. On this day people get up early in the morning and take their bath before sunrise while stars are still visible. Bathing is an elaborate process on this day with abundant use of ‘ubtans’, oils and perfumes, and is preceded by an Aarti performed on the person by some lady, usually mother or wife. The whole process is referred to as ‘abhyanga-snaan’.

Then comes Lakshmi- pooja. It occurs on Amavasya i.e. no moon day. The dark night is illuminated by lamps and at dusk firecrackers are burst. New account books are opened after a pooja. Generally the traders do not make any payments on that day (according to their belief Lakshmi should not be given away but must come home). In every household, cash, jewellery and an idol of the goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. Friends, neighbours and relatives are invited over and celebrations are in full swing. The broom used to clean one's house is also worshipped as a symbol of Lakshmi in some places .

Padwa' is the 1st day of the new month – Kartik in the Hindu calendar. It marks the start of Hindu financial year. Its a special day for Husband and wife. The wife puts tilak on her husbands forehead and gets an expensive gift. In recent times there is a growing trend of organising a cultural event called 'Diwali Padwa' early in the morning.

Bhaubeej – it is the time when the bond of love between a brother and sister is further strengthened as the sister asks God for her brother/s' long and successful life while she receives presents from her beloved brothers.

Diwali Postage Stamps!

2008 Indian Diwali Stamp

Canada Post has created two picture postage stamps specifically designed to celebrate the festival of light.  One depicts a beautiful Diwali lotus flower and the other the Diwali candle symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of life. However, these stamps will not be available at retail counters and those wanting it will need to call Canada Post

Happy Dasara (Happy Dassehra & Vijayadashmi)

Dussehra is a popular festival celebrated by Hindus all over India, albeit with different names. It is also known as Vijayadashmi ('Vijay' meaning 'victory' and 'Dashmi meaning 'tenth day), as it is believed that it was on this day that Lord Rama killed the demon-king, Ravana and rescued his abducted wife - Sita. In other words, it signifies the triumph of good over evil. The legendary triumph is reenacted to the day. In the northern parts of India, huge effigies of Ravana, his giant brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnath are placed in vast open grounds. Fireworks and crackers are placed inside the effigies.

Actors dressed as Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana enact the final moments of the battle, at the Ramlila ground. After the enactment of the climax of the war with Ravana, the character playing Rama shoots an arrow with a flaming tip at the effigies from a safe distance and the crowd bursts up in cheer, as the crackers catch fire. The enthusiasm and the cheers sometimes even drown the deafening blast. Merriment ensues, as people indulge themselves games, dance and music that are held at the fair.
Bengalis celebrate Dusshera as a part of their main festival - Durga Puja. This day marks the end of Durga Pooja celebrations, the preceding nine days being collectively referred to as 'Navratri'. Vijayadashmi is dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti, who incarnated in the form of Goddess Durga, a combined manifestation of the divine energies of the Holy Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and all the other devatas, when they summoned her to kill the mighty demon known as Mahishasura and freed the world from his terror.
On Vijayadashmi, the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed into water, after the nine days of festivities. It is said that the people of the earth in the eastern state of West Bengal adopted Durga as their daughter and thus, she visits the home of her parents every year, during the last four days of Navratri, along with her sons Ganesha and Kartikeya, and daughters Lakshmi and Saraswati. She finally leaves for her husband's place on Vijayadashmi. Similar customs are seen in Orissa and Assam. In the North-eastern state of Tripura, huge fairs are conducted and effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkarna are burnts at Ramlila maidans.

In the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Vijayadashmi holds special significance. The day is considered auspicious for starting education or any form of art, such as dance and music. Saraswati Puja is conducted on the day, when the formal commencement of education of small kids takes place. It is called 'Vidya aarambham' (the beginning of Vidya, meaning education). In Karnataka (especially Mysore) and Andhra Pradesh, Dusshera is celebrated with fanfare. Huge processions can be witnessed in both the States. Although Dussehra is celebrated in different ways across India, the motive remains the same - to spread good cheer and celebrate the victory of good over the evil.

Happy Navratri

What is Navratri?
'Nav' means 'nine' and 'ratri' means 'night'. Thus, 'Navratri' means 'nine nights'. There are many legends attached to the conception of Navratri like all Indian festivals. All of them are related to Goddess Shakti (Hindu Mother Goddess) and her various forms. It is one of the most celebrated festivals of Hindu calendar, it holds special significance for Gujratis and Bengalis and one can see it in the zeal and fervor of the people with which they indulge in the festive activities of the season. Dandiya and Garba Rass are the highlights of the festival in Gujarat, while farmer sow seeds and thank the Goddess for her blessings and pray for better yield. In older times, Navratri was associated with the fertility of Mother Earth who feed us as her children.
The first three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Warrior Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a lion. Her various incarnations - Kumari, Parvati and Kali - are worshipped during these days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl and the mature woman. Next three days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity), dressed in gold and mounted on an owl and finally, last three are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess Of Knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan. Sweetmeats are prepared for the celebrations. Children and adults dress up in new bright-colored dresses for the night performances.
In some communities, people undergo rigorous fasts during this season that lasts for the nine days of Navratri. The festival culminates on Mahanavami. On this day, Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered new clothes as gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country. With commercialization, the festival has moved on to be a social festival rather than merely a religious one. However, nothing dampens the spirit of the devout followers of Goddess Durga, as they sing devotional songs and indulge in the celebrations of Navratri, year by year..

For more information please visit to :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navratri

Happy Onam

 Onam Greetings

Onam is the biggest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. Onam Festival falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. Carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition. Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala.

King Mahabali & Onam

The legend of King Mahabali is the most popular and the most fascinating of all legends behind Onam. Onam celebrates the visit of King Mahabali to the state of Kerala every year. The festival is celebrated with fervour as King Mahabali is greatly respected by his subjects. King Mahabali is also popularly called Maveli and Onathappan.

Reign of King Mahabali :
The story goes that the beautiful state of Kerala was once ruled by an Asura (demon) king, Mahabali. The King was greatly respected in his kingdom and was considered to be wise, judicious and extremely generous. It is said that Kerala witnessed its golden era in the reign of King Mahabali. Everybody was happy in the kingdom, there was no discrimination on the basis of caste or class. Rich and poor were equally treated. There was neither crime, nor corruption. People did not even lock their doors, as there were no thieves in that kingdom. There was no poverty, sorrow or disease in the reign of King Mahabali and everybody was happy and content.

Brief Sketch of King Mahabali :
It may be noted Mahabali was the son of Veerochana and grandson of Prahlad, the devout son of demon King Hiranyakashyap. Mahabali had a son called Bana, who became a legendary king in his own right and became popular as Banraj in central Assam. Mahabali belonged to the Asura (demon) dynasty but was an ardent worshiper of Lord Vishnu. His bravery and strength of character earned him the title of "Mahabali Chakravathy" or Mahabali - the King of Kings.

Challenge for Gods:
Looking at the growing popularity and fame of King Mahabali Gods became extremely concerned and jealous. They felt threatened about their own supremacy and began to think of a strategy to get rid of the dilemma.
To curb the growing reign of Mahabali and maintain their own supremacy, Aditi, the mother of Gods seeked help of Lord Vishnu (the preserver in the Hindu trinity) whom Mahabali worshiped.
It was said Mahabali was very generous and charitable. Whenever anybody approached him for help or requested for anything he always granted. To test the King, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a dwarf and a poor Brahmin called Vamana. He came to the Kingdom of Mahabali, just after Mahabali performed his morning prayers and was preparing to grant boons to Brahmins.

Lord Vishnu takes Vamana Avatar:
Disguised as Vamana, Vishnu said he was a poor Brahmin and asked for a piece of land. The generous King said, he could have as much land as he wanted. The Brahmin said that he just wanted as much land as could be covered by his three steps. The King was surprised to hear but agreed.
A learned adviser of the King, Shukracharya sensed that Vamana was not an ordinary person and warned the King against making the promise. But, the generous King replied that it would be a sin for a King to back on his words and asked the Brahmin to take the land. The King could not imagine that the dwarf Brahmin was Lord Vishnu himself.
Just as King Mahabali agreed to grant the land, Vamana began to expand and eventually increased himself to the size of cosmic proportions. With his first step the Brahmin boy covered the whole of earth and with the other step he covered the whole of the skies. He then asked King Mahabali where is the space for him to keep his third foot.
The King realised that he was no ordinary Brahmin and his third step will destroy the earth. Mahabali with folded hands bowed before Vamana and asked him to place his last step on his head so that he could keep the promise. The Brahmin placed his foot on the head of the King, which pushed him to patala, the nether world. There the King requested the Brahmin to reveal his true identity. Lord Vishnu then appeared before the King in his person. The Lord told the King that he came to test him and the King won the test. King Mahabali was pleased to see his lord. Lord Vishnu also granted a boon to the King.

King Mahabali Requests for a Visit to Kerala

The King was so much attached with his Kingdom and people that he requested that he be allowed to visit Kerala once in a year. Lord Vishnu was moved by the Kings nobility and was pleased to grant the wish. He also blessed the King and said even after losing all his worldly possessions, the King would always be loved by Lord Vishnu and his people.

Genesis of Onam :
It is the day of the visit of King Mahabali to Kerala that is celebrated as Onam every year. The festival is celebrated as a tribute to the sacrifice of King Mahabali. Every year people make elaborate preparations to welcome their King whom they affectionately call Onathappan. They wish to please the spirit of their King by depicting that his people are happy and wish him well. The second day, Thiruvonam is the biggest and the most important day of this festival. It is believed that King Mahabali visits his people on the second day.

Onam celebrations are marked in Trikkakara, a place 10 km from Kochi (Cochin) on the Edapally- Pookattupadi road. Trikkara is said to be the capital of the mighty King Mahabali. A temple with a deity of 'Trikkakara Appan' or 'Vamanamurthy' who is Lord Vishnu himself in disguise is also located at this place. Nowhere else in Kerala can one find a deity of 'Vamanamurthy'. This fascinating legend is artistically depicted at the Suchindram Temple in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.

 

Onam Celebrations:

High-spirited people of Kerala celebrate Onam with gaiety and fervor. The festival is celebrated for a period of ten days, starting from the first day Atham and continuing till tenth and the biggest day called Thiru Onam.
The spectacular festival attracts thousands of tourists from across the country and globe. Immense popularity of the festival is further promoted by the Government of India by celebrating Kerala Tourism Week during the time of Onam.

Beginning of the Celebrations:
Celebrations of the first day are marked by intricate floral carpets called Pookalam. More flowers of different colours are added to this pookalam on each passing day. Girls take great delight in designing them in the front courtyards of their house. Boys take pleasure in helping them gather flowers. Special prayers are also said on Atham in a local temple. Hectic activities for the carnival begin in the state from this day onwards.

Celebrations on Thiru Onam:
The biggest and the most happening day in the carnival of Onam is Thiruvonam. Festivities begin as early as 4 am. People clean up their house, take early bath, wear new clothes and perform elaborate prayers to seek divine blessings. A massive and most exquisite pookalam is prepared on this day to welcome the spirit of King Maveli.

Highpoint of the day is the enormous lunch called Onasadya. People of Kerala are extremely passionate about this. Even if they cannot easily afford, they will anyhow prepare the meal inclusive of all the 11-13 prescribed dishes. This has lead to the saying in Malayalam, "Kanam Vittu Onam Unnanam" which means, "We should have the Thiruonam lunch even if we have to sell all our properties".

Lalbaugcha Raja-2011

Happy Ganesh Festival

GANAPATI BAPPA MORAYA....................
MANGAL MURATI MORAYA..........................

लालबागचा राजा हे लालबागचा राजा सार्वजनिक गणेशोत्सव मंडळाच्या गणेश मुर्तीला लोकांकडून मिळालेले नाव आहे. मंडळाने गणेशोत्सव 2011 च्या तयारीला जून महिन्यातच सुरुवात केली आहे. भाविकांना लालबागचा राजाचे व्यवस्थित दर्शन व्हावे यासाठी मंडळ नेहमीच प्रयत्नशिल असते. गणेशोत्सव 2010 साठी सुमारे 2500 सहकारी सभासदांची नियुक्ती करण्यात आली आहे. यांच्या बरोबरच सुमारे 5000 स्वयंसेवक लालबागच्या राजाच्या भाविकांच्या मदतीसाठी तयार आहेत. आपाद्कालीन परिस्थितीचा सामना करण्यासाठी काही स्वयंसेवकांना विशेष प्रशिक्षण देण्यात आले आहे.
गणेशोत्सव 2011 साठी व्यवस्था
यावर्षी लालबागच्या राजाला नवस करण्यासाठी वा फेडण्यासाठी आलेल्या भाविकांची नवसाची रांग ग.द.आंबेकर मार्गावरील ओमशांती डेव्हलपर्सच्या आवारातून लागेल. या ठिकाणी पोहोचण्यासाठी भाविकांनी करीरोड - भारतमाता सिनेमा - साईबाबा पथ - ग.द.आंबेकर - अभ्युदय नगर या मार्गाचा वापर करावा. रेल्वे मार्गाने येणाऱयांनी मध्य रेल्वेचे करीरोड स्थानक वा पश्चिम रेल्वेचे लोअर परेल स्थानक अथवा हार्बर मार्गाचे कॉटनग्रीन स्थानक येथे उतरावे.
लालबागच्या राजाचे मुख दर्शन घेऊ इच्छिणाऱया भाविकांची `मुख दर्शन रांग' गणेशोत्सव 2010 सारखीच असेल. ही रांग दत्ताराम लाड मार्ग, काळाचौकी येथून चालू होऊन छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज क्रिडांगण (गरमखाडा) मार्गे श्रीं च्या आवारात येईल. मुख दर्शन घेऊन इच्छिणाऱया भाविकांनी मध्य रेल्वे मार्गाचे चिंचपोकळी स्थानक अथवा हार्बर रेल्वे मार्गाचे कॉटनग्रीन स्थानक येथे उतरावे.

For More information About Ganesh Festival and LalBaugcha Raja
Please Log On to :
http://www.lalbaugcharaja.in/

What is Ganesh Festival? :
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular and auspicious Hindu festivals. Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the symbol of wisdom and remover of obstacles. This festival is also known as Ganesh Utsav which means festival of Ganesh. Lord Ganesha is also referred to as Ganapati, Gajanana, Vinayaka, Vighneshawar and Pillaiyar. This auspicious day falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August-September). This festival is observed throughout India, as well as by devoted Hindus in all parts of the world. This festival is widely celebrated in Maharashtra,West Bengal,Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Andra Pradesh. This year this festival date falls on Saturday, the 1st of September, 2011. In 2010, Eid and Vinayaka Chaturthi was on the same day but this year it has fallen one day after Eid.

This festival lasts for 10 days starting with devotees bring home a Ganesha Idol and offer him prayers daily and ending on Anant Chaturdashi day. One can also see huge Ganesh Statues in every locality pandhals during the period which attracts huge crowds to see and worship this Elephant God. One of the best Ganesh Mandals in Maharashtra is the Lalbaughcha Raja in Mumbai which is one of the most popular among pandhal hoppers. However, these days more and more people are turning to eco friendly Ganesh Idols instead of Plaster of Paris to protect the environment. This Ganesha idols are kept for 10 days from Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi and worshipped with rituals and mantras and then taken on the 11th day in a procession where devotees sing and dance before immersing Lord Ganesh idol to the water symbolizing the removal of all obstacles and misfortunes of his devotees and retuning to Mount Kailash to his parents. This ritual of immersing Lord Ganesh Statue is known as Ganesh Visarjan.

I Support Anna Hazare

Please Join Anna's Protest Against Curruption :

Dear NRI Brothers and Sisters,

In whichever country you might be living at the moment, you might be remembering your motherland and will be delighted to know what's happening here. Yes, moments of great action is going on here since this great soul Anna Hazare took up hunger strike demanding implementation of a powerful anti-corruption Lok Pal Bill. Here's Anna's biography in brief:

1. Who is Anna Hazare?
An ex-army man. Fought 1965 Indo-Pak War

2. What's so special about him?
He built a village Ralegaon Siddhi in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra

3. So what?
This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is produced in the village itself from solar power, biofuel and wind mills. In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village. Now it is one of the richest village in India . It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-friendly & harmonic village.

4. Ok,...?
This guy, Anna Hazare was awarded Padma Bhushan and is a known figure for his social activities. He was also conferred with Raman Magsaysay Award in recognition of his outstanding social service.

5. Really, what is he fighting for?
He is supporting a cause, the amendment of a law to curb corruption in India .

6. How that can be possible?
He is advocating for a Bill, The Lok Pal Bill (The Citizen Ombudsman Bill), that will form an autonomous authority who will make politicians (ministers), beurocrats (IAS/IPS) accountable for their deeds.

7. It's an entirely new thing right..?
In 1972, the bill was proposed by then Law minister Mr. Shanti Bhushan. Since then it has been neglected by the politicians and some are trying to change the bill to suit thier theft (corruption).

8. Oh.. He is going on a hunger strike for that whole thing of passing a Bill ! How can that be possible in such a short span of time?
The first thing he is asking for is: the government should come forward and announce that the bill is going to be passed.
Next, they make a joint committee to DRAFT the LOK PAL BILL. 50% goverment participation and 50% public participation. Because you cant trust the government entirely for making such a bill which does not suit them.

9. Fine, What will happen when this bill is passed?
A LokPal will be appointed at the centre. He will have an autonomous charge, say like the Election Commission of India. In each and every state, Lokayukta will be appointed. The job is to bring all alleged party to trial in case of corruptions within 1 year. Within 2 years, the guilty will be punished. Not like, Bofors scam or Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, that has been going for last 25 years without any result.

10. Is he alone? Whoelse is there in the fight with Anna Hazare?
Baba Ramdev, Ex. IPS Kiran Bedi, Social Activist Swami Agnivesh, RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal and many more.
Prominent personalities like Aamir Khan is supporting his cause.

11. Ok, got it. What can I do?
* At least we can spread the message. How?
Putting status message, links, video, changing profile pics.
* At least we can support Anna Hazare and the cause for uprooting corruption from India.
* At least we can hope that his Hunger Strike does not go in vain.
* At least we can pray for his good health.

Good Luck to all of us and our Motherland!

Yours Truly,

Ganesh Potphode

15th August: Happy Independence Day

Wishing All Indian Brothers, Happy 64th Independance Day 2011

Ashadhi Ekadashi

Wish you All, Happy "Ashadi Ekadashi"
Shayani Ekadashi (lit. "sleeping eleventh") or Maha-ekadashi (lit. "The great eleventh") or Prathama-ekadashi (lit. "The first eleventh") or Padma Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla paksha) of the Hindu month of Ashadha (June - July). Thus it is also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Ashadhi. This holy day is of special significance to Vaishnavas, followers of Hindu preserver god Vishnu. On this day idols of Vishnu and Lakshmi are worshipped, the entire night is spent singing prayers, and devotees keep fast and take vows on this day, to be observed during the entire chaturmas, the holy four month period of rainy season. These may include, giving up a food item or fasting on every Ekadashi day

Vithhal & Rukhminee :


Santa Dnyaneshwar & Santa Tukaram


Ringan:


Dive Ghat : Mauli Palakhi


Mauli Palkhi


Mauli Palakhi :


Mauli Palakhi :


Santa Tukaram Maharaj Palakhi :

This day, a huge yatra or religious procession of pilgrims culminates at Pandharpur, a town in south Maharashtra, situated on the banks of the Bhima River. Pandharpur is main center of worship of the deity Vithoba, a local form of Vishnu. Thousands of pilgrims come to Pandharpur on this day from different parts of Maharashtra. Some of them carry Palkhis (palanquins) with the images of the saints of Maharashtra. Dnyaneshwar's image is carried from Alandi, Tukaram's from Dehu, Eknath's from Paithan, Nivruttinath's from Trimbakeshwar, Muktabai's from Muktainagar, and Sopan's from Sasvad. These pilgrims are referred to as Warkaris. They sing Abhangas (chanting hymns) of Saint Tukaram and Saint Dnyaneshwar, dedicated to Vithoba.

Happy Diwali

HAPPY DIWALI

I wish all my Blog Readers & Philatelic Friends, Happy Diwali

Best Wishes
Ganesh