Most of the pictures /graphics and material have been accesed from the www duniya..wish to extend my thanks and gratitude to all the people who have put made it available.
Today I salute Navin Jindala scion of the Jindal family, one of India's leading industrial groups, filed a case against the Government of India demanding that every citizen should have the right to fly the Indian flag.Surprising as that sounds, it is true. Ordinary Indians could only fly the flag on Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) even though it was ordinary Indians who won India's independence. Worse, our politicians and bureaucrats (who during the freedom struggle remained loyal to the British) had the right to fly the flag when and where they pleased.
Many might be justified in asking whether these two sections, who shoulder much of theblame for India's backwardness, deserved such a privilege.It was believed that ordinary citizens might abuse the flag or not maintain it. One must remember that the Indian flag entails huge responsibility upon its citizens, known as the Flag Code, such as, it must be maintained well; it must not be torn; when the flag is hoisted, all must stand at attention; likewise when it is pulled down, and so on.
The Supreme Court now wants the government to take a second look at the Flag Code and make new rules if needed. The Flag Code explicitly bans using the Indian flag for commercial activitiesHistory of the Tiranga...
The reason the flag is called the Tiranga is historic. The first flags flown by Indian revolutionaries invariably had three colours (often from saffron/orange, red, white, green, blue gold) that were superimposed with symbols and/or words (often in different colours). Thus, the idea that India's flag would be a tricolour took root early and this itself was inspired by the idea of revolution and freedom.
Ever since the French Revolution, when the Tricolore was first unfurled, the notion that three colours represent a revolution has stayed. By showing three colours, Indians too were implying a revolution against the British Raj.In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi asked Pingli Venkayya to devise a flag with two colours, for Muslims and Hindus. Thus was born a flag with green and red, and a charkha on the red. But when Gandhi saw it, he felt that other communities must also be represented and asked Venkayya to add white. Thus came the first Congress flag: white on top, green in the middle, and red at the bottom.
By 1930, the Congress had started disliking the communal interpretation of the colours. A committee comprising some of the luminaries of India's freedom struggle then designed a new flag with saffron on top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom, with a charkha (spinning wheel) in the white band. The colours now stood for values: saffron for courage and sacrifice; white for truth and purity; green for peace and prosperity; and the Ashok Chakra (which replaced the spinning wheel) for the Laws of Dharma (righteousness, not religion).In June-July 1947, with independence just weeks away, a committee formed to finalise the design of the Indian flag decided to replace the charkha with the Ashok Chakra, taken from the Ashok pillar at Sarnath.
One reason was that many felt the spinning wheel showcased India's backwardness rather than a forward-looking country.Another reason was that other political parties did not want the Congress party's flag to become India's flag and this was a way out. Mahatma Gandhi was not very happy when told that the spinning wheel, the symbol of India's battle for economic and political freedom, was being replaced. But he welcomed the idea of a Wheel of Righteousness that spoke the universal values of upholding truth and the right path.
Credits for the above material rightfully goes to rediff.com http://For more on The tiranga try these links:http://flagspot.net/flags/in.htmlhttp://www.tiranga.net/http://www.geocities.com/dakshina_kan_pa/art16/flag.htmi
love my India and mighty proud to be an Indian !
Jai Hind!!!
posted by OodlesOFMe at 11:12 PM 4 comments
Friday, August 05, 2005
Bindi is derived from the Sanskrit word bindu, which means "drop".
There are two common meanings of bindi throughout India. The first is tied to Hindu religion and the second is social symbol. Throughout India , many believe it is suppose to be representative of the mystic third eye and become the central point of the base of creation Therefore, the traditional red dot (often made with tikka powder or vermillion) can be seen on men and women alike.
The area between the eyebrows, the sixth chakra known as the 'agna' meaning 'command', is the seat of concealed wisdom. It is the centre point wherein all experience is gathered in total concentration. According to the tantric cult, when during meditation the latent energy ('kundalini') rises from the base of the spine towards the head, this 'agna' is the probable outlet for this potent energy. The red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. It is also the central point of the base of the creation itself — symbolising auspiciousness and good fortune.
In southern India, girls choose to wear a bindi, while in other parts of India it is the prerogative of the married woman. A red dot on the forehead is an auspicious sign of marriage and guarantees the social status and sanctity of the institution of marriage. The Indian bride steps over the threshold of her husband's home, bedecked in glittering apparels and ornaments, dazzling the red bindi on her forehead that is believed to usher in prosperity, and grants her a place as the guardian of the family's welfare and progeny.
Bindis are dots traditionally worn by women in India to decorate their faces. Bindi is arguably the most visually fascinating in all form of body decoration. Hindus wear a tilak (a red dot by women and an elongated dot by men) on their foreheads, between the two eyes. This point is known by various names such as Ajna chakra, Spiritual eye, Third eye and was said to be the major nerve in the human body, in ancient times.
Tilaka means a mark. Sindhura which is also used to describe a Tilaka means red and Gandha which is also a term for Tilaka means pleasant odour. Hence, Tilaka normally connotes, a red mark with a pleasant odour. Some scholars see the red colour as a symbolism for blood. We are told that in ancient times, in Aryan society, a groom used to apply his blood on-his bride's forehead as a recognition of wedlock. The existing practice among Indian women of applying a round shaped red Tilaka called Bindiya or Kumkum could be a survival of this idea.
No one knows exactly when the tradition of putting a bindi started, but since centuries it is seen on the foreheads of Hindu men and women. The bindi worn by the women is made of different substances, whereas the one put on by the men is of sandalwood paste, which is known for its cooling property.
More then their cooling properties, bindis worn by women is also the reminder of their wedding vows, because a bindi is worn by Hindu married women to symbolize their marriage. Myth is that it protects them from the bad eye of people. However, today the religious significance of the bindi is largely forgotten and it is worn as a fashion accessory.
The bindi is arguably the most visually fascinating of all forms of body decoration. Hindus attach great importance to this ornamental mark on the forehead between the two eyebrows — a spot considered a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. Also loosely known as 'tika', 'pottu', 'sindoor', 'tilak', 'tilakam', and 'kumkum', a bindi is usually a small or a big eye-catching round mark made on the forehead as adornment.
In the past few decades, not only married women have taken up this beautiful accessory. Girls of all ages enjoy wearing a variety of styles and colors. Today, these little gems are often matched with the color clothing a person is wearing. It is a must with sari, sarees, salwar kameez or other Indian dresses. It is also used as an accessory to any belly dance , ethnic dance costume or for body art. They come with a sticker like back that allows you to place the bindi securely
Nowadays, with changing fashion, women try out all sorts of shapes and designs. It is, at times a straight vertical line or an oval, a triangle or miniature artistry ('alpana') made with a fine-tipped stick, dusted with gold and silver powder, studded with beads and crusted with glittering stones. The advent of the "sticker-bindi", made of felt with glue on one side, has not only added colors, shapes and sizes to the bindi but is an ingenious easy-to-use alternative to the powder. Today, bindi is more of a fashion statement than anything else, and the number of young performers sporting bindis is overwhelming even — in the West.Singers like Madonna, Gwen Stefani and Shania Twain can even be seen on MTV wearing bindis.
Bindis are fast becoming the accessory of choice for their sensual charm and sparkle. Try one today!
posted by OodlesOFMe at 11:36 PM 0 comments
Saturday, July 30, 2005
saarejahanseyaccha
In much of the world today, people do not shake hands when they meet. They may hug formally or kiss one another on the cheek, as in eastern Europe and Arab states. They may bow softly, eyes turned to the ground, as in Japan and China. The Hawaiian greeting, termed "honi," consists of placing the nostril gently beside that of the person greeted, a kind of sharing of breath, which is life and Pran(a). For, Hindu(s), of course, the greeting of choice is "Namaste," the two hands pressed together and held near the heart with the head gently bowed as one says, "Namaste." Thus it is both a spoken greeting and a gesture, a Mantr(a) and a Mudr(a). The prayerful hand position is a Mudr(a) called Anjali, from the root Anj, "to adorn, honor, celebrate or anoint." The hands held in union signify the oneness of an apparently dual cosmos, the bringing together of spirit and matter, or the self meeting the Self. It has been said that the right hand represents the higher nature or that which is divine in us, while the left hand represents the lower, worldly nature. In Sanskrit "Namas" means, "bow, obeisance, reverential salutation." It comes from the root Nam, which carries meanings of bending, bowing, humbly submitting and becoming silent. "Te" means "to you." Thus "namaste" means "I bow to you." the act of greeting is called "Namaskaram," "Namaskara" and "Namaskar" in the varied languages of the subcontinent. Namaste has become a veritable icon of what is Bharatiye. There are other, more mystical meanings behind Namaste. The nerve current of the body converge in the feet, the solar plexus and the hands. Psychic energy leaves the body at these junctures. To "ground" that energy and balance the flow of Pran(a) streaming through the nerve system, Yogi(s) cross their legs in the lotus posture, and bring their hands together. The Anjali Mudra acts like a simple Yog(ic) Asan(a), balancing and harmonizing our energies, keeping us centered, inwardly poised and mentally protected. It closes our aura, shielding us psychically. It keeps us from becoming too externalized, thus we remain close to our intuitive nature, our super consciousness. Here are some insights into Namaste : o Namaste elevates one's consciousness, reminding one that all beings, all existence is holy, is the Almighty. It communicates, "I honor or worship the Divinity within you." Also it draws the individual inward for a moment, inspires reflection on the deeper realities, softening the interface between people. It would be difficult or offend or feel animosity toward any one you greet as Paramatma. o Namaste is a gesture of friendship and kindness, also of thanks or special recognition. Mystically it is called "Namaskara Mudra" in the Agami(c) Pooja, and it centers one's energy within the spine. o I've heard it means "I salute the Almighty within you." The true Namaste gesture is is accompanied by bowing the head and shoulders slightly. This is a gesture that lessens our sense of ego and self-centeredness, requiring some humility to do it well -- whereas shaking hands can be quite an arrogant event. o Touching the hands together puts you in touch with your center, your soul. namaste puts you forward as a soul, not an outer personality. o The gesture has a subtle effect on the aura and nerve system. bringing focused attention and a collection of one's forces, so to speak. It also protects against unnecessary psychic connections which are fostered by shaking hands. This might be called a form of purity also -- protecting one's energies. This form of acknowledgment is so lovely, so graceful. Just look at two people in Namaste and you will see so much human beauty and refinement.
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Bindi is derived from the Sanskrit word bindu, which means "drop".
There are two common meanings of bindi throughout India. The first is tied to Hindu religion and the second is social symbol. Throughout India , many believe it is suppose to be representative of the mystic third eye and become the central point of the base of creation Therefore, the traditional red dot (often made with tikka powder or vermillion) can be seen on men and women alike.
The area between the eyebrows, the sixth chakra known as the 'agna' meaning 'command', is the seat of concealed wisdom. It is the centre point wherein all experience is gathered in total concentration. According to the tantric cult, when during meditation the latent energy ('kundalini') rises from the base of the spine towards the head, this 'agna' is the probable outlet for this potent energy. The red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. It is also the central point of the base of the creation itself — symbolising auspiciousness and good fortune.
In southern India, girls choose to wear a bindi, while in other parts of India it is the prerogative of the married woman. A red dot on the forehead is an auspicious sign of marriage and guarantees the social status and sanctity of the institution of marriage. The Indian bride steps over the threshold of her husband's home, bedecked in glittering apparels and ornaments, dazzling the red bindi on her forehead that is believed to usher in prosperity, and grants her a place as the guardian of the family's welfare and progeny.
Bindis are dots traditionally worn by women in India to decorate their faces. Bindi is arguably the most visually fascinating in all form of body decoration. Hindus wear a tilak (a red dot by women and an elongated dot by men) on their foreheads, between the two eyes. This point is known by various names such as Ajna chakra, Spiritual eye, Third eye and was said to be the major nerve in the human body, in ancient times.
Tilaka means a mark. Sindhura which is also used to describe a Tilaka means red and Gandha which is also a term for Tilaka means pleasant odour. Hence, Tilaka normally connotes, a red mark with a pleasant odour. Some scholars see the red colour as a symbolism for blood. We are told that in ancient times, in Aryan society, a groom used to apply his blood on-his bride's forehead as a recognition of wedlock. The existing practice among Indian women of applying a round shaped red Tilaka called Bindiya or Kumkum could be a survival of this idea.
No one knows exactly when the tradition of putting a bindi started, but since centuries it is seen on the foreheads of Hindu men and women. The bindi worn by the women is made of different substances, whereas the one put on by the men is of sandalwood paste, which is known for its cooling property.
More then their cooling properties, bindis worn by women is also the reminder of their wedding vows, because a bindi is worn by Hindu married women to symbolize their marriage. Myth is that it protects them from the bad eye of people. However, today the religious significance of the bindi is largely forgotten and it is worn as a fashion accessory.
The bindi is arguably the most visually fascinating of all forms of body decoration. Hindus attach great importance to this ornamental mark on the forehead between the two eyebrows — a spot considered a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. Also loosely known as 'tika', 'pottu', 'sindoor', 'tilak', 'tilakam', and 'kumkum', a bindi is usually a small or a big eye-catching round mark made on the forehead as adornment.
In the past few decades, not only married women have taken up this beautiful accessory. Girls of all ages enjoy wearing a variety of styles and colors. Today, these little gems are often matched with the color clothing a person is wearing. It is a must with sari, sarees, salwar kameez or other Indian dresses. It is also used as an accessory to any belly dance , ethnic dance costume or for body art. They come with a sticker like back that allows you to place the bindi securely
Nowadays, with changing fashion, women try out all sorts of shapes and designs. It is, at times a straight vertical line or an oval, a triangle or miniature artistry ('alpana') made with a fine-tipped stick, dusted with gold and silver powder, studded with beads and crusted with glittering stones. The advent of the "sticker-bindi", made of felt with glue on one side, has not only added colors, shapes and sizes to the bindi but is an ingenious easy-to-use alternative to the powder. Today, bindi is more of a fashion statement than anything else, and the number of young performers sporting bindis is overwhelming even — in the West.Singers like Madonna, Gwen Stefani and Shania Twain can even be seen on MTV wearing bindis.
Bindis are fast becoming the accessory of choice for their sensual charm and sparkle. Try one today!
Most of the pictures /graphics and material have been accesed from the www duniya..wish to extend my thanks and gratitude to all the people who have put made it available.
In much of the world today, people do not shake hands when they meet. They may hug formally or kiss one another on the cheek, as in eastern Europe and Arab states. They may bow softly, eyes turned to the ground, as in Japan and China. The Hawaiian greeting, termed "honi," consists of placing the nostril gently beside that of the person greeted, a kind of sharing of breath, which is life and Pran(a). For, Hindu(s), of course, the greeting of choice is "Namaste," the two hands pressed together and held near the heart with the head gently bowed as one says, "Namaste." Thus it is both a spoken greeting and a gesture, a Mantr(a) and a Mudr(a). The prayerful hand position is a Mudr(a) called Anjali, from the root Anj, "to adorn, honor, celebrate or anoint." The hands held in union signify the oneness of an apparently dual cosmos, the bringing together of spirit and matter, or the self meeting the Self. It has been said that the right hand represents the higher nature or that which is divine in us, while the left hand represents the lower, worldly nature. In Sanskrit "Namas" means, "bow, obeisance, reverential salutation." It comes from the root Nam, which carries meanings of bending, bowing, humbly submitting and becoming silent. "Te" means "to you." Thus "namaste" means "I bow to you." the act of greeting is called "Namaskaram," "Namaskara" and "Namaskar" in the varied languages of the subcontinent. Namaste has become a veritable icon of what is Bharatiye. There are other, more mystical meanings behind Namaste. The nerve current of the body converge in the feet, the solar plexus and the hands. Psychic energy leaves the body at these junctures. To "ground" that energy and balance the flow of Pran(a) streaming through the nerve system, Yogi(s) cross their legs in the lotus posture, and bring their hands together. The Anjali Mudra acts like a simple Yog(ic) Asan(a), balancing and harmonizing our energies, keeping us centered, inwardly poised and mentally protected. It closes our aura, shielding us psychically. It keeps us from becoming too externalized, thus we remain close to our intuitive nature, our super consciousness. Here are some insights into Namaste : o Namaste elevates one's consciousness, reminding one that all beings, all existence is holy, is the Almighty. It communicates, "I honor or worship the Divinity within you." Also it draws the individual inward for a moment, inspires reflection on the deeper realities, softening the interface between people. It would be difficult or offend or feel animosity toward any one you greet as Paramatma. o Namaste is a gesture of friendship and kindness, also of thanks or special recognition. Mystically it is called "Namaskara Mudra" in the Agami(c) Pooja, and it centers one's energy within the spine. o I've heard it means "I salute the Almighty within you." The true Namaste gesture is is accompanied by bowing the head and shoulders slightly. This is a gesture that lessens our sense of ego and self-centeredness, requiring some humility to do it well -- whereas shaking hands can be quite an arrogant event. o Touching the hands together puts you in touch with your center, your soul. namaste puts you forward as a soul, not an outer personality. o The gesture has a subtle effect on the aura and nerve system. bringing focused attention and a collection of one's forces, so to speak. It also protects against unnecessary psychic connections which are fostered by shaking hands. This might be called a form of purity also -- protecting one's energies. This form of acknowledgment is so lovely, so graceful. Just look at two people in Namaste and you will see so much human beauty and refinement.
