Ganesh Chaturthi Festival Begins

The much awaited ten-day long festival of Ganesh Chaturthi starts on 27 Aug 06.

Day-one is marked by the sthapana of the Ganesh idol. The preparations for this begin in advance. The place where the idol is to be kept (puja premises) is cleaned and redecorated. The idol is carried from the market with their faces covered with a saffron cloth amidst chanting and sound of cymbals. By the evening, idol is seated in a majestic splendor in puja premises.

The ceremony begins by placing the idol, usually made of terracotta, in the puja premises. The puja begins at the time designated according to calculations based on the Hindu calendar. The priest performs a ritual by which the idol is said to be imbued with life. Next follows the traditional puja. The worshippers perform pranayama, bow and prostrate before the Ganesh idol and sip holy water. This follows singing of Ganapati aarti and atharvashirdha with the accompaniment of cymbals, bells and rhythmic clapping. The last rite for the day is offering of 'modak' or prasad to the deity with flowers after which the prasad is distributed to the devotees.

Modak is prepared mostly by women at houses. One of the modaks contains salt inside it. It is believed that Lord Ganesh bestows special blessings on the person who gets the salty modak.

Ganesha Chaturthi on 27 Aug 2006

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesh on the fourth day (chaturthi) of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrapad in Hindu calendar.
Lord Ganesh is worshipped by all Hindus with zeal and enthusiasm. While it is celebrated all over India, it is at it's most elaborate in Maharastra and Andhra regions.
It is interesting to note that this festival was used by Lokmanya Tilak during India's freedom movement as an event to unite Hindus all over India.
In this year's Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, there is some security concern on account of terror threats in the city of Mumbai and the event is likely to be organised under supervision of security personnels.

Hindi Is English?

Is it or should it be "Hindi In English"?
The differnce is as between "Desi" and "NRI". It has moved from being a part of diction to becoming part of dictionary.
Last week, the august OED released the list of new words in the 2006 edition. As a measure of extent to which Hindi has shaken, stirred and otherwise Bangalored the world's conciousness, several more words from Hindi have swarmed into Queen's English.
Many of OED's additions come courtesy the multiplicity of Indian restaurants abroad. Globalisation rode on aloo-gobhi, and today you can possibly find a tandoori takeaway in the tundra. So "M" now includes "makhani", "masala", "methi" and "Moghali". And the new menu also burps with 'pilau rice', 'tarkha dal', and 'kachori'.
Food and yoga are but a messanger. The message lies enshrined in 'Desi', 'NRI' and 'Hindi'.

Hindi Language Learners!

You have always been fascinated with different cultures and their languages, or you are planning a trip to another country and need to learn their language, what ever the reason there are easier ways for language learning that you might guess.

Today, the internet has opened up the world to us in more ways than anyone could ever imagine, you can find language learning for every language under the sun. Whether you wish to learn German, Spanish, or Hindi all you have to do is type in language learning for the tongue you wish to speak and you will several online language learning courses. Many of these even offer free courses.

As you search for online language courses you will find several different ways in which to delve into the language course. You can find many courses that offer an education combination with computer training, audio CD's and books. Most of these types will teach you how to speak, read and write a basic new language. Other online language courses are designed for busier folks that have no time to sit down and listen and write in text books. All of the lessons are on CD's, so all you need is a CD player and learn while on the move, driving to work, jogging around the park, or working out in the gym.

Or you may wish to find online language courses that are free that offer the basics of any language. This websites give you the entire lingo you need in order to travel to different countries and be able to talk with locals to get directions and carry on conversations with them in their local tongue.

But, now, you are going through the course and wondering if you are talking like the locals. Well, the best way to learn how to speak the language properly is by talking with someone from that country or by chatting with a person that is fluent in the language.

So, where can you go to practice what you have learned before you head off your vacation?

Well! I'm there at www.hindilearner.com to help you. Visit this website to get started.

Are you interested in having a word with me?
If so you can get Skype and call me.