Anti-Corruption Bureau Gujarat Recruitment 2016 for Advisor (Finance / Taxation)

Anti-Corruption Bureau Gujarat Recruitment 2016 for Advisor (Finance / Taxation)

                  

ACB Gujarat – Anti-Corruption Bureau published an advertisement for recruitment for Advisor (Finance / Taxation). Check more details in below given official notification.

Job Description:

Total No. of Vacancies: 01 Post

Job Title: Advisor (Finance / Taxation)

Educational Qualification: Check in below given official notification

Dates to Remember:

• Last Date for Receipt of Application: 28/10/2016

How to Apply?
Eligible candidates may send their application along with attested copies of all necessary documents to given below address.

Address:
Anti – Corruption Bureau (ACB),
Bungalow No. 17, Dafnala, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad

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Pre-matrimonial investigations If you are driving down an Indian highway, you are sure to see billboards on the side of the road saying “Wedding Detective”.

                The Pre-Wedding Spy

                        

Many of these detective companies have sprung up across the country and provide detailed information about the groom to be and his past relationships (if any). These detectives actually get themselves involved with close friends and family of the groom through any means possible and try and withdraw information from them. If all is cleared, the couple is free to enter in matrimony.

Agencies say they've seen a huge rise in pre-matrimonial investigations to check a suitor's background, because more people are meeting online and families are less involved.

In a land where arranged marriage dominates, parents search for only the best for their daughters and will stop at nothing to get that. If you are driving down an Indian highway, you are sure to see billboards on the side of the road saying “Wedding Detective”. If you wonder what that is, do not over think it because it is exactly what you think it is. 

"It's not spying, we just wanted to know about my sister's boyfriend before she married him," says Anita (not her real name). She hired a private investigator to verify her now brother-in-law's background. Her sister met and fell in love with him at work, but Anita and her parents wanted to "authenticate" his family's status and finances before the wedding went ahead.

She enlisted the services of one of India's many pre-matrimonial detective agencies, which spent a month drawing up a report into his earnings, family history and past relationships, among other things.

                   

"He told us he was from a good family, but we needed to ensure he was telling the truth.

"Earlier in India with arranged marriages which were set up by the family, relatives would know about a partner, but now you don't know if he's married or has children or whatever, so we needed to hire someone to check all this," says Anita, adding her still-happily-married sister never knew about the detectives.

Anita turned to the services of Veteran Investigations, a Mumbai-based agency which has been carrying out "pre-matrimonial" checks for more than 40 years.

Finances and relationships

The nature and scope of investigation depends on the moral or cultural values of parents. Someone from a more traditional Indian family might want to check up on whether a bride or groom drinks or smokes.

Others might be keener to learn whether there are any past relationships, something which can still be frowned upon in India. Conducting a review of a groom's financial dealings and business assets is also common.

Mr Rai usually assigns a team of two or three people to every case. Research is a mixture of discreet enquiries through the social circle, online searches and on-the-spot surveillance.

"The most important thing is to maintain a safe distance at all times. They can never know you're watching them," says Jay Prakash, one of Mr Rai's detectives

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The Sun Of The First Day - Poem by Rabindranath Tagore

The Sun Of The First Day - Poem by Rabindranath Tagore

The sun of the first day
Put the question
To the new manifestation of life-
Who are you?
There was no answer.
Years passed by.

The last sun of the last day
Uttered the question
on the shore of the western sea
In the hush of evening-
Who are you?
No answer came again. 

Rabindranath Tagore

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Kuari pass trek uttarakhand Himalayas Adventure Tour Femous Place of India

                            Kuari Pass Trek

                  

Well, if you are thinking to taste something more than heritage buildings, temples, or wildlife, plan to embark on Kuari Pass Trek. One of the most popular trekking trails in Garhwal Himalaya, this moderate trek reaches at a height of around 4268m and takes around 3-5 days to complete. The jaw-dropping vistas of snow-clad Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Dronagiri are seen from this trail. The trek passes through lush green valleys, small villages and thick forests covered with snow.

Ghat is a small friendly settlement in the Nandakini Valley and located about 19 km from Nandprayag.  From Ghat, the route goes via Ramni, Sarkot, Jhenjipatni, Pana, Irani, Sanatoli, and Domabhiti to the Kuari Pass.

                   

The Ramni-Kuari Road is also known as Curzon Road, because Lord Curzon, a keen trekking enthusiast, trekked from Gwaldom to Ramni and on to Kuari pass, when he was the Viceroy of the British India.

The trek passes through the picturesque areas around Ramni, then trails along to Sarkot and Sanatoli where from expansive view of the Himalayas can be had.  At times, the going can really be strenuous, especially in the sections Ghat to Ramni and Domabhiti to Kuari.

The road till Nandaprayag is the part of national highway to Badrinath and  192 km from Rishikesh. It takes around 6-7 hours to reach Nandaprayag from Rishikesh and another 30 – 40 minutes to reach Ghat at a moderate speed. 

                      

Kuari Pass Trek - A short 5 day trek into the Nanda Devi Santuary The Kuari Pass trek which gives you spectacular views of the Nanda Devi sactuary and a host of 7000m snow-capped peaks that extend into Tibet.

"We breasted the slope and halted, silent on the path. No words would express our delight. The Himalayas were arrayed before us in a stupendous arc" - Frank Smythe (The Mountaineer)

Kuari which means "doorway" is a Himalayan high mountain pass situated in the Garhwal region of northern India, south of the Tibetan border and on the western rim of the "Nanda Devi Sanctuary" Biosphere Reserve and falls in the Chamoli district. The Kuari Pass Trek found fame in the early 1900's when intrepid adventurers and mountaineers such as Lord Curzon, Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman used the passage in their pioneering explorations of the region.The Kuari Pass trek is known as The Curzon Trail (named after the former British Viceroy Of India "Lord Curzon").

                        

Winter Kuari pass trek is famous for its views. The views on the winter Kuari Pass trek are often cited as the best in the Indian Himalayas. It is not hard to discover why. To the north of the Kuari Pass is the Chaukhamba Range, while the summits of Mana (7272m), Kamet (7756m) and Abl Gamin (7355m) extend to the Tibet border.In the middle foreground, a number of spectacular peaks including Dunagiri (7066m) and Changabang (6864m) enclose the Nanda Devi Sanctuary while to the west the snowcapped ranges extend to Gangotri.

It will be enjoyable to combine the second and fourth treks, that is going from Joshimath to Auli, Gorson, Chitrakantha, Kuari pass and returning via Khulara, Tapoban. In this way, the trekkers will have an opportunity of visiting the beautiful bugyals of Auli and Gorson, and have the benefit of a rejuvenating bath in the hot water springs of Tapoban before returning to Joshimath. The options of trekking routes shall be intimated before the departure so a proper arrangement could be made in advance.

How to Reach: To join this trek one needs to reach Haridwar. Haridwar to Joshimath by taxi and then trekking starts from here. Haridwar has its own railway station.

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Matheran There are lots of lookout points that provide spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Matheran has a reasonably dense forest cover.

                                                  Matheran

                     

The smallest hill station in India, Matheran which is only 90 km from Mumbai, provides a pretty dramatic view of the sunset and the sunrise.

Matheran is a most famous and coolest Hill Station situated in Karjat Tahsil, Raigad District of Maharashtra, India. Matheran is the smallest hill station of India. It is located on the range of Western Ghats at height of 800 m (2625 Feet) above sea level. The name Matheran means either ‘Forest on Top’ or ‘Woodland overhead’. 

Matheran is located around 90 km from Mumbai, 120 km from Pune and about 320 km from Surat. 


Matheran is awesome place for to spend weekend.     

                      

Matheran is a hill station and a municipal council in the Raigad district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a hill station in Karjat Tahsil and is also the smallest hill station in India. It is located on the Western Ghats range at an elevation of around 800 m (2,625 feet) above sea level. It is located around 90 km from Mumbai, and 120 km from Pune. Matheran's proximity to many metropolitan cities makes it a popular weekend getaway for urban residents. Matheran, which means "forest on the forehead" (of the mountains) is an eco-sensitive region, declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. It is Asia's only automobile-free hill station.

Matheran as a Hill Station was discovered by a British, Mr. Huge Mallet, the then Collector of Thane, in 1850.

Matheran is an eco-sensitive region, declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. It is one of the few places in the world where vehicles are not allowed, which makes the place different from others. Matheran takes you over a hundred years back in time when there were no vehicles. Because of vehicles being banned in Matheran, the place is quite peaceful despite the thousands of lakhs coming to visit throughout the year.


                       


There are lots of lookout points that provide spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Matheran has a reasonably dense forest cover.


There are around 38 designated look-out points in Matheran, including the Panorma Point that provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and also the Neral town. From this point, the view of sunset and sunrise is breathtaking. The Louisa Point offers crystal clear view of the Prabal Fort. The other points are the One Tree Hill Point, Hart Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Rambgh Point, and more.


There are around 38 designated look-out points in Matheran, including the Panorama Point that provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and also the Neral town. From this point, the view of sunset and sunrise is dramatic. The Louisa Point offers crystal clear view of the Prabal Fort. The other points are the One Tree Hill Point, Heart Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Rambagh Point, and more. To stay there, there are plenty of hotels.There are a lot of Parsi bungalows. Beautiful old British-style architecture is preserved in Matheran. The roads are not metalled and are made of red laterite earth. There are many "points" (viewpoints) in Matheran which give a panoramic view of the plains below.


                     

History

Matheran was identified by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then district collector of Thane district in May 1850. Lord Elphinstone, the then Governor of Bombay laid the foundations of the development as a future hill station. The British developed Matheran as a popular resort to beat the summer heat in the region. Matheran is birthplace of famous freedom fighter Veer Bhai Kotwal. He was born on 1 December 1912 in a barber family. State Govt. has built a monument in his memory. The Matheran Hill Railway was built in 1907 by Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy and covers a distance of 20 km (12 mi), over large swathes of forest territory. The Matheran hill railway, also known as Matheran Light Railway (MLR), was inspected by UNESCO world heritage site officials but failed to make it to the list as a World Heritage Site. India's other Hill Railways like the Darjeeling Railway, the Kangra Valley Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway are already on the list.


                    


Forest and wildlife

Matheran has been declared an ecosensitive region by the Union Environment Ministry and can be called a Health Sanatorium in itself. A good collection of the dried plants is deposited in Blatter Herbarium, St. Xavier's College, Bombay, Mumbai. The only form of automobile allowed in Matheran is an ambulance operated by the Municipality. No private automobiles are allowed. Within Matheran transport facilities available are horses and hand-pulled rickshaws. Matheran has a huge number of medicinal plants and herbs. The town also has a large monkey population, including bonnet macaques and Hanuman langurs. The nearby Lake Charlotte is the main source of Matheran's drinking water. Inside the forest animals like leopard, barking deer, Malabar giant squirrel, fox, wild boar, mongoose are found.

                   

There are altogether 28 points, 2 lakes, 2 parks, 4 major worship places and a racecourse to visit inside Matheran. It takes about 2–3 days on your feet for a complete adventure. Important points are Alexander Pt., Rambag Pt, Little Chowk Pt, Big Chowk Pt, One Tree Hill Pt, Belvedere Pt, Olympia Race Course, Lords Pt, Charlotte Lake, Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir, Celia Pt (a water fall mouth), Echo Pt., Porcupine Pt (Sun Set Pt), Panorama Point (Sun Rise Pt), Khandala Pt, Madhavji Garden & Point, Matheran Railway Station, Louisa Point, Mayra Point, Pisarnath Temple, Matheran Shiv Mandir.View points like monkey and echo, steep cliffs, deep ravines; and squirrel & There are many picnic spots.

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Sair – One Festival, Many Stories. It's a fair celebrated in Himachal Pradesh to mark the end of the crop harvest, prepare for the harsh winter ahead and the return of the gods from heaven.

                     
                     Sair Festival

                    

The state of Himachal Pradesh is blessed in more ways than one. Its stunning landscape is a sight for sore eyes; whereas, the warm, hospitable people make a trip to Himachal Pradesh very special. Often referred to as the Abode of Clouds, it’s no secret that Himachal Pradesh is the perfect setting for numerous fairs and festivals. The locals are as enterprising as they are hospitable and this makes any festival organized in this region very special. In the long list of festivals and fairs organized in Himachal Pradesh, one is the Sair Festival, which is organized in Shimla.


                   


During the festival, the hosting region comes alive with all sorts of lights and sounds and the sensory experience is paramount. The highlight of the fair is a unique buffalo fight. The Sair Festival boasts of a fantastic location and provides a unique foray into the lives of locals and their rich heritage. It provides a wonderful opportunity to soak in the enriching ambience as well as enjoy a unique macroscopic view of the Indian traditions and culture at the same place. Locals gather together and make all the arrangements for the festival which is organised at a grand scale and tourists from all over the country as well as numerous parts of the world gather every year to celebrate this festival.
Month of Celebration of The Festival

                          

The Sair Festival is one of the many festivals organised as part of Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage. This festival is usually organised in the month of September and it is celebrated every year in Himachal Pradesh with much fanfare. The festival provides the perfect escape from the humdrum of daily life and locals find relief from the monotonous existence and partake in the festivities to celebrate life, colour and happiness. To celebrate the abundant natural beauty and the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh, the locals get together, form committees, organise this festival every year. Visitors, too, visit the region to partake in the festivities.
"Though the fair has lost its traditional charm and saw the invasion of modernism, still the locals celebrate it with enthusiasm by participating in bullfights and offering harvest crop to the god," Shiv Singh, a local in Mashobra, told IANS.
He said as per the tradition the elders in a family offered "dhruv", a sacred grass, with dry fruits items by the younger family members.
The festival also sees purchase of utensils and clothes and cooking of special dishes.
"More than 50 bulls, reared by the locals especially for the occasion, would participate in the bullfights," he said.
Before the fights, the bulls are generally drugged or made to drink alcohol to keep them charged up.
During the months of September, this astonishing festival is celebrated in Shimla and in Arki in Solan, right in lap of nature. The beautiful and exotic state of Himachal Pradesh is the best place to organize such festivals. A grand fair is part of the festivities during this time where visitors from various parts of the country gather together and indulge in various activities. Men and women, old and young, students and professionals, all sorts of people visit Shimla for the wondrous Sair Festival.
Description About Sair Festival
Keeping up with the tradition of all things grand, the Sair Festival in Himachal Pradesh is also celebrated on a huge scale. Thousands, even lakhs of people, visit the fair and enjoy the numerous offerings. People enjoy an extended vacation with their family, friends and other loved ones. They also relish the quiet hillside environment. Rejuvenating and refreshing, a trip to the Sair Festival is a lot more than just a visit to Shimla. It’s a whole experience in itself. The festival is celebrated on a grand scale. Various activities are part of the fair that is organized to celebrate this festival. Street plays, dances, songs, acrobatics, and games are all part of the festival and the fair. Stalls are set up and locals sell a variety of items especially designed keeping in mind the tourist populace that visits the valley for the Pori Festival.

                     

While the festival is organized mostly in Shimla, at a close distance, in Arki in Solan, a special event is organised. On the lines of the bull fights of Athens, a special buffalo fight is organised. The difference between the events in Athens and that in India is that in India even the general public can be the audience after paying a small sun – a practice that is not employed in Athens where this event is only accessible to a select few. Arki in Solan where this event is organised, has abundant greenery and numerous kinds of flowering plants and the sheer beauty of the region is a real sight to behold.
The festival of Sair boasts of not just a fantastic location but also a foray into the lives of locals, especially the artists. Local craftsmen set up stalls to attract the tourists visiting the region and this works well for both the tourists who are on the lookout for traditional handicrafts and for the artists who are always in need of more opportunities. The festival enables a rich give and take, thus, of not just goods of all kinds, but also of ideas. The human spirit of generosity is visible during the various events at the Sair Festival.
Sair – One Festival, Many Stories
Sair – One Festival, Many Stories

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Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar Recruitment 2016 for Various 08 Vacancies

Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar Recruitment 2016 for Various 08 Vacancies

                    

Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar published an advertisement for recruitment for Deputy Registrar, Assistant Registrar, Superintending Engineer and Executive Engineer. Check more details in below given official notification.

Job Description:

Total No. of Vacancies: 08 Posts

Job Title:

• Deputy Registrar: 02 Posts
• Assistant Registrar: 04 Posts
• Superintending Engineer (Civil): 01 Post
• Executive Engineer (Civil): 01 Post

Educational Qualification: Check in below given official notification

Dates to Remember:

• Last Date for Online Application: 14/10/2016

How to Apply?
Eligible candidates may send their application in prescribed format along with attested copies of all necessary documents to given below address.

Address:
ITI Gandhinagar,
Palaj, Ganhinagar.

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Gujarat Tourism Nigam Ltd. Recruitment 2016 for Various Assistant (Class 3)

Gujarat Tourism Nigam Ltd. Recruitment 2016 for Various Assistant (Class 3)

                     

Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd had issued a recruitment notification for filling Various Assistant (Class 3) Posts. Check more details in below given official notification.

Job Description:

Job Title: Assistant (Class 3)

Educational Qualification: Check in below given official notification

Dates to Remember:

• Last Date for Online Application: 04/10/2016

How to Apply?
Interested and eligible candidates may apply online through the website www.ojas.gujarat.gov.in.

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High Court of Gujarat Recruitment 2016 for System Officer & System Assistant – 60 Vacancies

High Court of Gujarat Recruitment 2016 for System Officer & System Assistant – 60 Vacancies

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HIgh Court of Gujarat has published a notification for the recruitment of System Officer and System Assistant Posts. Check more details in below given official notification.

Job Description:

Advt. No. RC/1304/2016 (S.O. & S.A.)

Total No. of Vacancies: 60 Posts

Job Title:

• System Officer: 30 Posts
• System Assistant: 30 Posts

Educational Qualification: Check in below given official notification

Dates to Remember:

• Starting Date for Online Application: 15/09/2016
• Last Date for Online Application: 14/10/2016

How to Apply?
Interested and eligible candidates may apply online through the website www.hc-ojas.guj.nic.in.

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In India, Ganesha Chaturthi is primarily celebrated at home and in public by local community groups in the western states of Maharashtra,Gujarat and Goa and the southern states of Karnataka,Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu

                 
                 Ganesha Chaturthi

                         

Ganesha Chaturthi  is the Hindu festival celebrated in honour of the elephant-headed god, Ganesha. This is a very auspicious day celebrated to pray to the god so that every new activity that is started is successfully completed without any obstacles (Vighna = Obstacle).

In India, Ganesha Chaturthi is primarily celebrated at home and in public by local community groups in the western states of Maharashtra,Gujarat and Goa and the southern states of Karnataka,Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu

Lord Vinayaka, Ganesh ji, Ganpati ji, Vinayaka is the darling of the masses. Ganesh Chaturthi brings people of all religion, caste and creed together.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great devotion all over India. People bring home murtis (Idols) of Lord Ganesha and celebrate the festival by worshiping the Lord in a special way for a day and a half, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days or 11 days depending on the family tradition and commitment of each individual.
On the last day of worship the idol is taken out in a colourful and musical procession to be immersed traditionally at a beach.

                                    

Chaturthi (Hindi चतुर्थी) means "fourth day" or "fourth state". Celebrations are traditionally held on the fourth day of the second fortnight (Shukla Chaturthi) in the month of Bhaadrapada in the Hindu calendar, usually August or September in the Gregorian calendar. Badrapad corresponds to Virgo (simha/avani-tamil) in solar calendar. The festival generally lasts ten days, ending on the fourteenth day of the fortnight (Anant Chaturdashi).

The festival is celebrated by families at home, by people at their places of work and in public. The public celebration involves installing clay images of Ganesha in public pandals (temporary shrines) and group worship. At home, an appropriately-sized clay image is installed and worshipped with family and friends. At the end of the festival, the idols are immersed in a large body of water such as the sea, river or a lake. The clay idols disintegrate over time in the water.

                     

It is celebrated throughout India, especially in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. There is a grand celebration in the state of Maharashtra by traditional instrument called dhol and tasha. It is also celebrated in the other parts of India such as Gujarat,Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala,Goa, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and other parts of western and southern India.Abroad, Ganesha Chaturthi is observed in the Terai region of Nepal and by the Hindu diaspora in the United States, Canada and Mauritius.

Public Preparations for the festival begins months ahead. These pandals are usually funded by local residents and are collected through fairs and workshops.The idol making in Maharashtra usually begins with"Padya pooja" or worshipping the feet of lord ganesh. The idols are brought to "pandals" or temporary structures usually 15–20 days before. At home the festival begins with the selection and installation of a clay murti (idol). Families decorate a small, clean corner with flowers and other colourful items before installing the idol. When the idol is installed, it and its shrine are decorated with flowers and other materials.

                     

In preparation for the festival, artisans create clay models of Ganesha for sale. The idols range in size from ³⁄₄ inch (1.9 cm) for homes to over 70 ft (21 m) for large community celebrations. The date for the festival is usually decided by the presence of chaturthi thithi. The festival is held during"Bhadrapada madyahanaa purvabaddha". If chaturthi thiti begins at night on previous day and gets over by morning on next day then the next day us observed as vinayaka chaturthi. In the consecration ceremony, a priest performs a Prana Pratishtha to invite Ganesha into the idol. This is followed by the 16-step Shodashopachara ritual, (Sanskrit: Shodash, 16; Upachara, process) during which coconut, jaggery, modaks, durva grass and red hibiscus flowers are offered to the idol. Throughout the ceremony, hymns from the Rigveda, the Ganapati Atharvashirsa, the Upanishads, and the Ganesha stotra (prayer) from the Narada Purana are chanted. Aartis are performed with friends and family, typically in the morning and evening

                      

At homes in Maharashtra, families install small clay statues for worship during the festival. The idol is worshiped in the morning and evening with offerings of flowers, durva (strands of young grass), karanji and modaks. The worship ends with the singing of an aarti in honour of Ganesha, other gods and saints. In Maharashtra the Marathi aarti "Sukhakarta Dukhaharta", composed by Samarth Ramdas in the 17th century, is sung. Family traditions differ about when to end the celebration. Domestic celebrations end after 1, 1 ¹⁄₂, 3, 5, 7 or 11 days, when the idol is brought to a body of water (such as a lake, river or the sea) for immersion. Due to environmental concerns, a number of families now avoid bodies of water and let the clay statue disintegrate in a barrel of water at home. After a few days, the clay is spread in the home garden. In some cities a public, eco-friendly process is used for the immersion. In Maharashtra, Ganeshotsav also incorporates other festivals, namely Hartalika and the Gauri festival, the former is observed with a fast by women on the day before Ganesh Chaturthi whilst the latter by the installation of idols of Gauris.

                   

In Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi is known as Chavath in Konkani and Parab or Parva ("auspicious celebration"); it begins on the third day of the lunar month of Bhadrapada. On this day Parvati and Shiva are worshiped by women, who fast. Instruments such as ghumots, cymbals and pakhavajs are played during the ceremonies. The harvest festival, Navyachi Pancham, is celebrated the next day; freshly-harvested paddy is brought home from the fields (or temples) and a puja is conducted. Communities who ordinarily eat seafood refrain from doing so during the festival

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Onam : The 'vasudhaiva kutumbakam Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in modern times Festivals of India

                     Onam Festival

                       

Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.

It is also the state festival of Kerala with State holidays on 4 days starting from Onam Eve (Uthradom) to the 3rd Onam Day.

                       

Meaning of Onam

The word Onam is believed to have been originated from the Sanskrit word Shravanam which in Sanskrit refers to one of the 27 Nakshatars or constellations. Thiru in South India is used for anything associated with the Lord Vishnu and Thiruvonam is believed to be the Nakshatra of Lord Vishnu who pressed the great King Mahabali to the underworld with his foot.

The festival falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the commemoration of Vamana avatara of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali.^[ In Kerala, it is the festival celebrated with most number of cultural elements such as Vallam Kali, Pulikali, Pookkalam, Onathappan, Thumbi Thullal, Onavillu, Kazhchakkula, Onapottan, Atthachamayam etc. Onam is reminiscent of Kerala's agrarian past, as it is considered to be a harvest festival. The official date is set by the Indian National Calendar

                    

Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in modern times. Kerala's rice harvest festival and the Festival of Rain Flowers, which fall on the month of Chingam, celebrates the Asura King Mahabali's annual visit from Patala Loka . Onam is unique since Mahabali has been revered by the Hindu people of Kerala.The King is so much attached to his kingdom that it is believed that he comes annually from the nether world to see his people living happily. It is in honour of King Mahabali that Onam is celebrated. The deity Vamana, also called Thrikkakarappan is also revered during this time by installing a clay figure next to the floral carpet (Pookalam) .The birthday of Sri Padmanabhan, the presiding Deity of Thiruvananthapuram, is on the Thiruvonam day in the month of Chingam. Thiruonam day is the most important day of Onam. In Onam 2016, Thiruvonam date is 14 September.

Mahabali's rule is considered the golden era of Kerala, ancient Bharata. The following song is often sung over Onam:

Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day,Thiruonam are most important of all. Popularity and presentation of rich culture of the state during the carnival made Onam the National Festival of Kerala in 1961. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam. 

Government of India has taken due notice of this vibrant and colorful festival. It promotes Onam internationally in a big way and celebrates 'Tourist Week' for Kerala during Onam celebrations. Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit Kerala to be a part of Onam. 

                    

The Legend

Story goes that during the reign of mighty asura (demon) king, Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Every body in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had one shortcoming. He was egoistic. This weakness in Mahabali's character was utilized by Gods to bring an end to his reign as they felt challenged by Mahabali's growing popularity. However, for all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was so attached.

It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People make all efforts to celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.

                    

Onam Celebrations

Rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten day long festival. It is indeed a treat to be a part of the grand carnival. People of Kerala make elaborate preparations to celebrate it in the best possible manner. 

The most impressive part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal.

Another enchanting feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa. It is a colourful sight to watch the decorated boat oared by hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators.

There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played with ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam. Women indulge in cultural activities. They make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of house to welcome King Mahabali. Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti kali and Pulikali add to the zest of celebrations.

                         

Ten Days of Onam

The festival of Onam lasts for ten long days and each day has a unique name, significance and different activities attached to it:

Day 1 (Atham): This is the first day of Onam when Mahabali supposedly starts his preparation to head towards earth. It is marked by the beginning of designing Pookalam (only with Yellow flowers), the size of which eventually grows with each day. The statues of Vamana and King Mahabali are also installed in houses.

Day 2 (Chithira): The second day adds another layer of flowers to Pookalam and cleaning of houses starts on Chithira.

Day 3 (Chodi): Along with the addition of flowers to Pookalam, People start their shopping at this day.

Day 4 (Vishakam): This day marks the beginning of several competitions that are held during Onam.

Day 5 (Anizham): This is the day when Vallamkali Boat Race starts in many parts of Kerala.

Day 6 (Thriketa): By this time most of schools get closed and people start devoting all their time to the celebrations.

                     

Day 7 (Moolam): This is the seventh day in the Onam celebrations. At several places Ona Sadya and the dances related to the festival starts being performed. The state has been decorated beautifully by this time.

Day 8 (Pooradam): This is a day when the statues of Vamana and King Mahabli are washed and installed in the middle of the Pookalam which is very big in size now.

Day 9 (Uthradom): The ninth day or the eve of Onam is of a great significance. People buy fresh vegetables and women cook the traditional meals which are very grand. King Mahabali, it is believed reaches the state of Kerala this day.

Day 10 (Thiruonam): This is the final day when all the preparations are culminated into final celebrations. People take bath early in the morning, distribute gifts and special prayers are held in temples. The grand Thiruona Sadya (Onam Special Meal) is prepared in all the households. Several competitions are held in the different parts of Kerala.

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