Marriages in India

First of all, I am really sorry to all my readers for not posting any new post. Well, life here in Mumbai is really very busy and sometimes you find it difficult to manage your hobby.

Well, the idea of writing this topic i.e., "Marriages in India" struck to my mind this afternoon when I was discussing something with my dad.

India which, traditionally speaking, support not only the institution of marriage but also nurture it despite increasing influence of Western culture in the country. This may be attributed to globalization of culture.

At more micro level i.e., at individual level, what is happening in India is role conflict( Working mother in urban India or wife with little or no income in rural India). Further to this, every boy or a girl of marriageable age in India has formed an image of ideal wife or husband in their mind.

An ideal wife should be like this : face of Aishwarya Rai, height of Sushmita Sen, Financial aptitude of Chanda Kochher.

An ideal husband should be like this: face of Salman Khan, height and muscles of John Abraham, talented as Amir Khan, Financially like Mukesh Ambani etc.

One can think of some other combinations also as described above.

Broadly speaking, everybody likes to have the best combination one can think of.

Now the real life situation i.e., the bitter reality of life, as marriages are mostly arranged in India, there will be a marathon race for selection of bride/ bridegroom through the process of rejection.

Preliminary round with ideal images in the mind of a boy/ girl, parents as well as other key relatives will commence the so called swayamvar ( a sanskrit word meaning self choice/desire) to get best son-in-law or daughter -in-law for themselves.

Frankly speaking, it is very tiring and very formal way of selection in which the would-be husband or wife will portray himself/herself with all the virtues in this world , dignity, plastic/artificial smile, rehearsal to give desired answer to some very general questions like do you know how to cook, your education profile, expectation from me etc., posing to suit the latest style in the market and what not. There will be many rounds of talks with

every possibility of elimination at each stage.

With lot of trials and tribulations, slowly the so called ideal images started getting fainted in the minds of the boy / girl with no clarity of thought. Every round of discussion and deliberation creates more confusion and with every rejection there is a feeling of dejection. low spirit in the mind of the boy/ girl and the ideal looks distant and more distant.

Thereafter, a stage comes when the boy/ girl will reduce his/her scale of choice so as to fit them-self into the situation rather than the other way round.

Finally, there will be a great compromise which we call in India as "MARRIAGE"

After marriage with staying together for a while, the compatibility is usually established between the married couple . That is why there is a general belief in India that arranged marriages are more successful than love marriages in the country.

I think what is most important for any marriage to be meaningful and successful is having love for each other, love for each other's feelings, love for each other's parents, love for each other's success and failure. Stay together, float together, sink together.

This is again an ideal situation i think i am talking about. Bye for now as I have to stop here my wife is calling me. Catch you people soon, Coming sweetheart...

Shree Ganesh Chaturthi

Today, 01 September 2011 mark the beginning of a week long festival in India, celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha- son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Pravathi. Astrologically speaking, Ganesh Chatruthi is celebrated on 4th phase of the waxing Moon during the Vedic month of Avani. What is so special about this festival. Perhaps, it is the enormous power of Lord Ganesha, destroyer of all evils, obstacles and also as per Hindu Vedic system, the lord to be prayed first make it the most celebrated festival of India. Particularly, in the State of Maharasthra ( in mumbai), one can see celebration at its best. Maharasthra is the land of famous Astak-

Vinayaka i.e., 8 prominent Lord Ganesha temples.

1. Ballaleshwar in Pali.

2. Chintamani in Theur.

3. Girijatmaj in lenyadri.

4. Mahaganapati in Ranjangoan.

5. Moreshwar in Morgaon.

6. Siddhivinayak in Siddhtek.

7. Varad Vinayak in Mahad.

8. Vighneshwar in Ozhar.

Historically speaking, the credit of making this festival a mass based, largely organized people event goes to Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a great son of India and a freedom fighter who had organised this festival first time in 1893 with an aim to unite people divided on caste line in the country.

How people celebrate this festival:

Generally, devotees bring in their houses the clay- made beautifully carved, bright colored idols of Lord Ganesha on the First day and offer prayers in the morning and evening for all the 10 to 12 days by offering special dishes, sweets and Modak ( a kind of Laddu) and on the day of

Ananth Chaturdashi which marks the end of the celebration, Lord Ganesha idols are immersed in river/sea chanting vedic mantras and with a request to forgive us for sins/ mistakes committed while offering prayers and with a promise to bring Lord Ganesha in home in the next year as well.

Economically speaking, this festival generate lot of employment specially for skilled artisans who make idols and pandal and decoration related works, flowers and sweet shops and purchase of new household items an cars, starting new business etc.,

Impact on environment: The most serious impact of the Ganesha festival on the natural environment is due to the immersion of Idols made of Plaster of Paris into lakes, rivers and the sea. Due to commercialisation of festival and demand for unique design and bigger idols of Lord Ganesha, more artificial colors and dyes are being used which has both biotic and abiotic adverse impact on sea/ river biosphere. Of late, due to Govt. efforts and work of green organizations in the country,people have become more cautious and environment friendly while making idols of Lord Ganesha.

Commercialisation of religion and

spirituality taking a back-seat- Final words: It may be observed that there emerge a great divide in so far as celebration of festivals in the country is concerned, Old generation feel that the kind of spirituality associated earlier while celebrating festivals is largely missing nowadays. For young generation celebrating festival means time to go out and enjoy with friends, eating different stuffs and in this process spirituality is somehow taking a back-seat.

Nevertheless, the other covert purposes of festival like socialization,secularization and nationalism are fulfilled.

Nyere bombeeksplosjon i Norge-Sympati fra India

Den 22. juli 2011, Norge, landet av Nobels fredspris et symbol for fred i verden, hadde vært vitne dødelig bombe blast utenfor regjeringen kvartalene i Oslo, et sted utenfor kontoret til statsminister. Det er en etterfølgende skyteepisode på øya Utøya, alle resulterer i drapene på 85 personer (ubekreftede kilder og media rapport).

Etter London angrep, er dette den andre store hendelsen i bombeeksplosjon i Europa. Tilbake i India, spesielt i Mumbai der det var også serien av bombe eksplosjoner på den 13 juli 2011 drepte rundt 22 uskyldige mennesker.

Jeg er sikker tilbake i Oslo, må folk være forvirrende med disse spørsmålene, "Hva har vi gjort" / Hvorfor oss? Vi er en fredselskende nasjon og alltid støtter internasjonale fredsarbeidet ved å donere penger, maskiner og materialer til afrikanske / andre asiatiske land.

Lignende sett av spørsmål brukt for å forvirre oss tilbake her i India, men ikke lenger nå. Vi har forstått at terrorisme og terrorister var ansvarlige for disse slags grufulle voldshandlinger. Som disse terroristene har ingen nasjon, ingen religion og ingen tro de kan streiken hvor som helst i verden, ingen er trygge, er ingen nasjon trygge. Dette er ingenting, menglobalisering av terrorisme.

Den eneste veien ut er å komme sammen, dele informasjon så ofte som mulig, samarbeide vår innsats og ressurser til å møte slike eventualiteter.

Jeg er trist og dypt såret og ha sympati med folket i Norge. Dette er en handling av ren vold som er uakseptabelt og perpetuators av denne grufulle voldshandling bør ikke bli spart for enhver pris, og jeg ber til den allmektige Gud (Lord Shiva) for å gi styrke til familien til ofrene for dette angrepet og kan deresSjeler hvile i fred.

Recent Bomb explosion in Norway- Sympathy from India.

On 22 July 2011, Norway, the land of Nobel peace Prize a symbol of world peace, had witnessed deadly bomb blast outside the government quarters of Oslo, a place outside the office of Prime Minister. There is a subsequent shooting incident on the island of Utoya, all resulting in killing of 85 people (unconfirmed sources and media report).

After London attack, this is the second major incident of bomb explosion in Europe. Back in India, particularly, in Mumbai where there were also series of bomb explosions on 13 July 2011 killing around 22 innocent people.

I am sure back in Oslo, the people must be baffling with these questions, “What have we done”/ Why us? We are a peace loving nation and always support international peace efforts by donating money, machines and materials to African /other Asian countries.

Similar set of questions used to baffle us back here in India, but no longer now. We have understood that terrorism and terrorists were responsible for these sorts of heinous acts of violence. As these terrorists have no nation, no religion and no creed they can strike anywhere in the world- nobody is safe, no nation is safe. This is nothing but globalization of terrorism.

The only way out is to come together, share information as frequently as possible, collaborate our efforts and resources to face these kinds of eventualities.

I am saddened and deeply hurt and sympathize with the people of Norway. This is an act of sheer violence which is unacceptable and perpetuators of this heinous act of violence should not be spared at any cost and I pray to Almighty God (Lord Shiva) to give strength to the family of victims of this attack and MAY THEIR SOULS REST IN PEACE.

BhimaShanker- Jyotirlinga in Shayadari Hills

Recently, I made a visit to holy place of Bhimashankar, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India located near Pune in Maharashtra. I will narrate a brief historical and religious significance of this holy place and how to reach this place from Mumbai based on my personal count.

Historically speaking, it is believed that this temple is located where Lord Shiva had killed a demon by name Bhima in a long drawn battle. On the request of other Gods, Lord Shiva made it as one of his abode.

It is believed that the sweat that poured forth from Lord Shiva's body after the battle formed the Bhimarathi River (Bhima).

More than a religious place, it is also a beautiful tourist place to visit as this place has in store lot of surprises in the sense that natural beauty, untouched by urban pandemonium and pollution welcome all.

How to reach there: Well there are two ways, one who loves trekking, can also go from Kalyan (a place in suburban Mumbai) to the hills of Shayadari to the hills where Bhimashankar is located. One can enjoy nature and beautiful scenic beauty through thick forests. There are professional groups and organizations which organize these trekking trips. This route is being used by local tribal people and still by some people located in nearby places especially youth.

With family and aged people, it is not advisable to visit this place through this route. Let us explore other ways to visit this place.

One can start from Mumbai to Pune by either train or bus. Start early, I will suggest, go by train as in between Mumbai to Pune, some breath-taking and beautiful places like lonavala, kandala etc, may be seen where small waterfalls and riverside could be seen.

After reaching to Pune, one should stay nearby Shivaji Nagar, having its own railway station and Local Bus Stand and many hotels. Do not opt for lounges as they are not good enough and sometimes some of them may not be that safe.

It is advisable to start early in the morning from Shivaji Nagar Local Bus Stand by taking direct bus for Bhimashankar (prefer ST buses only). Take 5:30 am bus, it will take 5to 6 hours (though the distance is only 160 kms as there is ghat road).

Puja in the Temple: One can have Darsan of Lord Shiva or there are priests, which perform puja (prayers) and one can have Abhishekam (a kind of prayer offered to Lord Shiva) by paying Rs. 500.In this Puja one can sit inside the Sanctum sanctorum refers to the "garbhagriha" and can even hug Lingam out of reverence . There is a Shani Temple just outside and in front of Lord Shiva's Temple.

Tourist paradise: Hill top where Lord Shiva is presiding deity along with a temple of Kamalaja, an incarnation of Goddess Pravathi. It is also having natural beauty and offers a good paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, jungle lovers and bird watchers. It is recommended to visit the place for at least for 2 days to enjoy the nature at it best. Therefore, the best seasons to go to Bhimashankar are monsoon and

Winter.

Coming back to Mumbai: While coming back from Bhimashankar to Pune, it is advisable to take direct bus to Mumbai from Pune bus stand near to Pune railway station and one can come back to Mumbai in the evening itself . Here, it is better to opt for Volvo buses plying between Pune and Mumbai in every hour or so. It takes 3 hours to reach Vasi (new Mumbai). One can even book online tickets for Volvo buses and could avoid long queue and last minute glitches and get down at Vasi/ Dadar in Mumbai.

At Last Monsoon has arrived in Mumbai.

Monsoon means rainy season in Indian subcontinent and usually, after hitting Mainland India at Kerala (Southern Coast) on 01 June of every year, it start its journey towards rest of the country. It reaches Mumbai usually on 07 June of every year. This year it is before time both in Kerala where rain started two days before i.e., 29 May 2011 and yesterday(02 June 2011) in Mumbai.

Monsoon rains are important not only for Indian agriculture as most of the areas in India are still rainfed (depends on rain for cultivation of crops) but also they provide respite from the scorching heat witnessed in almost all parts of the subcontinent, it symbolizes end of water shortage in urban areas of the country, but creates problem to many homeless people in the country.

For Mumbai, Monsoon rains also mean slow traffic movements resulting in delay in reaching destination and utter confusion and chaos. But for kids, it is merry time and despite severe warning by their parents, they indulge in rain bath and enjoy every moments of monsoon and thanks god

by stretching their hands towards sky for such a beautiful shower. Next best thing for kids is holiday due to heavy rains and no school means no homework also. Am I right kids?

It is also good time for doctors, with all due respect, to work overtime and make some good fortune by administering patients suffering from common cold and fever-Seasonal diseases.

But despite all these problems related to monsoon rains, they are welcomed by one and all and I think I should also pamper myself by indulging in rain bath as it is raining in Mumbai now and AT LAST MONSOON HAS ARRIVED IN MUMBAI.

Recent Assembly Election in Four States and its Verdict

The recent verdict in State elections held in the month of April- May 2011 in four States show the growing maturity of common man in electing its representatives and deepening of democracy in India. Elections were held in the States of West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam. Except in Assam where the ruling party-Congress could able to manage to hold its power ( The present government of Assam has done some good work in the State in the field of development and maintenance of Law and order ), in all other three States main opposition parties have come to power with a clean sweep by TMC in W. Bengal( Historical win as it has rooted CPM out of power after more than 30 years of rule in the State) and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, despite large freebies distributed by the ruling DMK party. The main reason of DMK thrown out of power in this election was the impact of 2 G Spectrum scam worth rupees hundred crore( billion) and anti- incumbency factor. Another bastion of left is in the Southern State of Kerala, where UDF ( Congress) has defeated LDF ( Left party) in a nail biting finish.

The larger issues emerged out of these elections are summarised as under:

Firstly, the writing on the wall is clear, there is growing frustration in public at large with present parties in power as there is rampant corruption and lack of employment generation in rural areas.

Secondly, in democracy it is people who decide the ruler rather than other way round.

Thirdly, it is a warning to the ruling coalition in Centre to reduce corruption, speed up trial and increase the conviction rate by providing more autonomy to investigative agencies in the country, reduce inflation, create more jobs, complete infrastructure projects in time and pass Jan lokPal Bill as suggested by Anna Hazare recently, else they will be booted out of power as happened in these States ( save Assam).

Corruption and Lok Pal Bill

India is witnessing a new kind of upsurge in terms of fighting the menace of corruption after the famous hunger strike in the capital by Anna Hazare- a social activist. What is so famous about his struggle is his style- using Gandhian method of peaceful demonstration and hunger strike. What is his main demand- a Lokpal (Indian version of Ombudsman) to take up cases of corruption at the highest level in the system. He wants a team consists of renowned social activist part of civil society and legal luminaries to draft a Lokpal Bill and the Parliament of the country to pass the draft Bill as a State Act. What is the hurdle for this- Well, it is the political class and the bureaucracy who is driving the maximum benefit out of the present system, simply want to sabotage any attempt to make them accountable and responsive to the citizen of the nation. A broader issue here is the growing anger among the masses with regard to growing corruption in every walk of life. If the government keep on neglecting the issue of corruption and do not take necessary action against corruption, India may see
Anna Hazare- A crusader
against corruption. a kind of upsurge which is a common sight in the middle east. Is Govt. listening!!!

Festive Season in India-Chaitra Navratri 2011

Today(04-04-2011) is the beginning of 9 days long Maa Durga's navratri. This is also known as Chaitra Navratri which is different from Sharadiye Navratri which occur on September-October every year.
Those you have little or no idea about navratri, will find this article helpful.

Maa Durga is a symbol of Shakti (energy) and it is believed by Hindus that as per Hindu mythology there is an omnipotent cosmic energy that is present at all the places in this universe which is nothing but the power of energy (Shakti) which also control every other things on this earth and also the other part of the universe. Therefore, to get desire result of one's efforts, one should pray to goddess Durga which bestow power to one and all, if he/she is sincere in his/her deeds and performs puja(prayer) with utmost devotion and dedication. Prayers are of different kinds.

I personally like to pray through serving others who are in need and due to their past Karma's (deeds) suffering in this world{ Hindus believe in rebirth and see life and death as an unending cycle which keep on running through birth and death and how you are placed in the new birth, in which family- affluent or poor , is predetermined/predestined but with every new life one gets a chance to change his/her destiny through performing good deeds and devotion}.
Ultimately, it is our sins which are responsible for our own miseries.
Therefore, one can utilise his/ her birth to purify one's soul through service to mankind (best ex- Mother Teresa and her work for people who were suffering from leprosy) .
Maa Durga is also a symbol of mother- caring for her child and protect them from any danger what so ever.
On the nine auspicious days, devotees pray to nine different forms of Maa Durga(that is way it is called Navratri- nav means 9 in Hindi) perform fasting (eating one time in a day), perform other rituals like offering sweets and reading specific books and chanting mantras to appease goddess and to get boon and prosperity. { here also it is the sacrifice by devotees- not eating - a form of physical suffering and devotion that is important}
It is my personal experience that Maa loves her children very much and if you make a wish which is good for everyone like to have world peace and happiness to mankind then I have no doubt in my mind that Maa will response. Let me take this opportunity to thanks Maa who has given me everything without asking for any and I pray to Maa Durga to give happiness to everybody who reads this blog and let their suffering, pain and tension which is a part and parcel of post- modern industrialization world , reduces and all get lot of happiness and peace of mind and soul.
"Om Aim Hreem Klim Chamundaye vichhe." This is a beej mantra(short form) for Maa Durga to be chanted 108 times to get desire result.
Jai Mata Di.

Finally India won Cricket World Cup after a gap of 28 years- a larger perspective

While writing this post, I am still to digest the great win India had over Srilanka in the final of Cricket World Cup 2011 in Mumbai for more than one reason. What this win mean to a country like India with so much diversity and heterogeneity.
If you see this win from my point of views, you will appreciate this win more than just seeing it as winning mere a game. My friends in Europe and Africa will appreciate this if I compare cricket in India and subcontinent with Soccer in Europe and Africa countries. The kind of passion , fervour and support they have for their soccer teams winning FIFA world cup for their country, the same strong feelings and passion he have for cricket. India, in fact, a cricket loving nation.
Now, the larger issue which I call cricket diplomacy.
We have invited Pakistan Prime Minister to watch Indo- Pakistan cricket match in Mohali to start the stalled peace process.
Secondly, anybody see the composition of Indian cricket team , one would observe that it contains players from all religions- Hindu, Muslim,Sikh and Christian( coach Gary from South Africa).
The crowd too wearing the tri colour symbolizing secularism in the country, everybody was supporting the game- a symbol of compassion and unity. We, in fact, love our diversity and appreciate both spiritual journey towards eternity and modern outlook of materialism.
Thirdly, the game of cricket unites people of the country and is one of the occasions when people forget their differences and join hands to support their team to win the tournament, the same way as one could observe in soccer and baseball in other countries. In fact, players representing their nations are great ambassador for their countries and with their skills , they mesmerizes the crowd watching matches in the stadium and in home over TV.It also numb the pain for countries other wise facing internal strife, conflict and many other hardships. The two- three hours play help them to forget these problems for a while and in the sounds of clapping, whistling and laughter they forget their pains and miseries.
Therefore, games if played in true spirits of sportsmanship in a great boost to world peace and a cause to unite together the different sections of society , a celebration and opium of masses, media.

Mumbai to host the final of Cricket World Cup on Super Saturday

Mumbai will be standstill on Saturday(02-04-11) as it is gearing for hosting final of Cricket World Cup 2011. State Govt. has declared holiday on Saturday to manage tariff which i am sure will go haywire on the eve of the final. It will definitely be a high scoring match as gathered from the comments received from the pitch curator. India will miss the services of Ashish Nehra who will miss the final due to fractured finger. Sachin will be the center of action for more than one reason.Be his 100th century or lifting world cup for country.
Students having their examination may be facing dilemma and may succumbed to world cup final pressure and may tempt to watch, I can understand this dilemma which i used to face when i was a kid. All the best to them for their examination.
REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO WITNESS SUCH A GRAND FINALE ON SUPER SATURDAY!!!

Indian cricket team is in final of the world cup
What a match that was with Pakistan, it was really went till the end. Indian players kept their cool and finally secured a place for final to be played in Mumbai on 02-04-11. Every Indian and I am sure who follow cricket a bit want to gift 2011 World cup to the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who has all other records in his name except a world cup trophy. Every Indian is praying for him and for the team to lift the World Cup and i too pray for team India. Lets hope for the best. Come on India you can do it.

Recent Attack on Libya by Western military alliance in the name of promoting democracy

The issue of military attack on Libya by the coalition of Western nations under the leadership of the USA has far reaching implications for both Arab world and emerging nations.
To put the entire issue in a perspective, the attack by NATO forces in Libya is justified in the name of promoting democracy in Arab world ruled by either dictators or religious leaders. The issue here is the suppression of genuine demand of freedom and basic human rights of ordinary citizens in these countries by dictators in the name of religion and to provide justice to them the USA led coalition forces started intervening earlier through CIA and now directly by Ariel bombing and demarcating “ No flying Zone” within the Libya.
Here it is pertinent to mention that the real motive behind this attack is to secure oil resources of Libya and in the name of promoting human rights, installing puppet government in these countries supporting the views and actions of western Countries.
The Russia and China is on the other side of the game and oppose military actions by NATO forces and demands immediate stop of military attacks and to solve the issue through talks within the overall mandate given by UN Resolution on Libya.
India has done commendable job by opposing no-fly zone and military intervention.
One must not forget that the situation in countries invaded earlier by the USA and its allies like Afghanistan and Iraq .These counties are still struggling and now being abandoned by the so called champion of human rights and democracy , the reason being the enormity of task and adverse physical environment and lack of ground level local support. The situation in Afghanistan and Iraq is worse then they were earlier as there is no centralized control and there prevails a situation of normlessness and utter confusion.
Military attacks may change a regime but to create a genuine democracy and freedom, it is local people and local leadership which should evolve and not being superimposed by nations with their own motives and ambitions.
IS THE WORLD LISTENING!!!