Republic day 2014

Republic day is one of the most spectacular National Festivals of India. It is celebrated on 26^th January in all state capitals and New Delhi. India became a sovereign republic by adopting the constitution of our own on 26^th January 1950.

On Republic day we rededicate ourselves to preserve national unity, integrity, secular and democratic frame work stated in Indian Constitution.

The main function of Republic Day celebration is in front of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. A grand parade is organized where the three armed forces, the paramilitary, and police participate. Our President, the Supreme commander of all armed forces takes the salute.

The N.C.C, Scouts and guides also participate. Decorated floats from different states with special themes move along. There will be a colourful display of dances from different parts of country. Republic Day parade is an occasion to reveal the Indian military might. So the latest defense weapons and vehicles are displayed. Some world leaders will be the chief guest of each Republic Day celebration.

Governors of states take salute in the parades in each state capital as the representatives of head of Indian republic. Republic Day celebrations conclude on January 29^th with a military mass band ‘beating the retreat’ at New Delhi. It is a matter of pride for every citizen to get an opportunity to participate in the Great event.

taj mahal

An Indian marvel in architectural excellence, the Taj Mahal is pointed out by Western historians as a beauty unsurpassed. Build by Mughal emperor hah Jahan in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal on the banks of the River Yamuna at Agra, the Taj has built entirely of white marble.

Describe as an elegy in marble, the Taj Mahal is mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later.

Constructed over a period of 22 years, employing 20000 workers, the Taj was completed in 1648 at a cost close to Rs 32 million. The historical record says that the master architect was Ustad Isa, who employed expert craftsmen from Delhi, Qannauj, Lahore, Mullan, Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara. The monument has been constructed on a raised square platform with shape of an octagon. The architect has deployed the principles of self-replicating geometry and symmeby of architectural elements, has been pointed out.

The taj mahal has on top a central dome of 58 feet in diameter and a height of 213 feet. Apart from this, four slender minarets of 162.5 feet each add to the beauty. The mausoleum has calligraphy and floral designs using precious gems such as agate and jasper. The main archways boast of passages from Holy Quran. The mausoleum is part of vast complex.   Thousands visit the Taj  Mahal every year from across India and from abroad to have a glimpse of exquisite monument.

makar sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a holy seasonal festival of India. It falls on January 14, Astrologically it is a day on which sun shifts to the tropic of Capricorn from the tropic Cancer. Makar means Capricorn and Sankranti is transition or change.

The Puranas say that on this day Sun visits the house of his son Shani, who is a Swami of Makar Rashi. The day and night of Makara Sankranti are of exactly equal hours. It is one of the most auspicious days for body and soul. The famous Gayatri Mantra is directed to Sun God to bless them with wisdom. The not only represents God but also stands for an embodiment of knowledge and wisdom.

Ritual baths are held at holy rivers. Lakhs of people take dip in places like Ganga Sagar and prayag and pray to Lord Sun. Floating of lamps in holy rivers in the evening is held in many parts of India. It is the end of evil and the beginning of righteous living.

In Uttar Pradesh, taking a dip in the holy rivers is most lucky. In Bengal a very big Mela is held at Ganga Sagar. In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, it is celebrated as ‘Pongal.’ In Maharashtra people try to forget past ill-feelings and resolve to remain friends. In Gujarat they give gifts to relatives.

The most important religious ritual is at Sabarimala, a forest shrine in Kerala. The devotees of Ayyappa end the 40 days anushtana on this day. By the evening of Makar Sankranti Capricorn appears in the east of the shrine and lakhs of devotees feel great contentment at a glance at the holy star.

Many tribals in our country start their New Year by lighting bonfires, dancing and eating their favourite dishes.

pongal

Pongal is the harvest festival in Tamilnadu. It is celebrated on 14^th January. ‘Pongal’ is the name given for rice spacially cook in milk. The word Pongal means to rise up, or overflow.

The festival is celebrated for four days under different names from 13^th onwards. They are ‘Bogi’, ’Pongal’, ’Maattuppongal’ and ‘Thiruvalluvar Day.’

On the Bogi day people throw away old materials and clean up their houses. Houses are painted white. All bathe their farm animals and decorate them with colored powders and paints.

Pongal is the first day of the auspicious Tamil month Thai. People worship the Sun God. People cook pongal in clay pots. When the cooked rice swells up and overflows all shut in joy pongalo-pongal. The overflowed milk is believed to be a sign of a prosperous season ahead. Like any other festival it is time to exchange greetings and sweets. People visit their friends and relatives. Harvested sugarcane is eaten by all. People visit their native towns and villages during the harvest festival season.

Maattuppongal is the day for farm animals – especially bulls. Bulls, cows and other farm animals are worshipped on this day. Farmers gather to display their fierce bulls. Each bull has cloth tied around its neck containing money. The owner of the bull challenges the rest of the people to bring the bull under control to get the victory cloth away from its neck. The bulls are made angry with lots of noise from the drums, whistles, shouts and even smoke. Fatal accidents happen at time.

Thiruvalluvar made a significant contribution to Tamil Literature with Thirukkural. There are 1330 verses of two lines each in this work and they talk about all aspects of human life

National youth day

The Government of India has declared 12^th January as National Youth Day. It is the birthday of Sri Swami Vivekananda the great philosopher, the embodiment of Indian culture. He was born in Calcutta on this day in year 1863. He was attracted to the great Indian sage Sri Rama Krishna and became his disciple. He died at the age of 39. His famous speech at the World Religious Conference in Chicago won him world fame.

He stands as a role model for generations in various respects. Swami Vivekananda inspired many people including great leaders like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose through his works. His works have inspired the youth to achieve great things in life.

The National Youth Day is celebrated with marches and processions organized by Vivekananda Educational Society to mark the occasion. The day’s functions are focused on imbibing Indian Culture among the present day youth. A pageant is also organized highlighting cultural symbols from the epic Ramayana.

Manavata, a voluntary organization, inspires youth to channelize their powers towards the development of the Nation, Working for fulfillment of basic needs of the people and creating awarenessin various aspects of health, education, technology etc. They also organize clothes distribution to poor and the needy.