Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated Not on The Chaturthi

The title of this post may surprise some. How can Ganesh Chaturthi be celebrated on a day that is not the Chaturthi tithi? But, sadly, some have been doing this for some festivals like- the Ratha Jatra. I would say that this is the Indian festval that has had flagrant violations with hundreds of Ratha Jatra being celebrated worldwide on multiple days and dates. As is known by those who know- most of our festivals are qassociated with tithi- that is the auspicious time for celebration. And this has been the case for hundreds of years. Then, how and why are some so enthusistic about celebrating on any and every day? Things do not and should not run by some individuals' whims and fancies. As per this report in the Moneycontrol, Indian devotees celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi in Paris. The viral videos stir immigration debate: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/indian-devotees-celebrate-ganesh-chaturthi-in-paris-viral-videos-stir-immigration-debate-14019208.html This celebration raises several questions- Should we have to do this? Keeping the date issue aside, do we have to make our presence felt this way and self-invite to become the target of jokes and criticism, and worse become despicable and hated? Just because of the irresponsible actions of some, the entire community/society/nation gets branded. At least celebrate on the right date. And celebrate decently- not by setting an example -" what not to do". Feeling so terrible to see the images. Why did not any of the Indians object? So many joined in the mindless revelry! And some are supporting them stating this is Indian cultural promotion! May enlightenment dawn on them! By doing so, aren't we alienating others? Eiffel Tower and Paris city attracts the highest number of tourists of the world. What would have been their impression to see such drama? What do you think might have happened to the plans of those who would have been perhaps considering to visit "Incredible India"? So unfair that our nation should be projected in poor light because of such deshdrohis. Yes, that is the word for them.Like selfish terrorists, their self wish is important for them- even at the cost of our nation :( May Shree Ganesha give sense and knowledge to such people. Jaya Shree Ganesha.

Stop Untimely Ratha Yatra

This year's Ratha Yatra is on July 16th.

But, ISKCON has been organising Ratha Yatra on any day, e.g. ISKCON London & ISKCON New Orleans celebrated Ratha Yatra on- May 24, 2026.

A number of cities like New York City, Atlanta City, Edinburgh etc. are celebrating Ratha Yatra on different dates in June!

Ratha Yatra in Puri, Odisha

Our points-

🗓️When most of the days like Janmashtami, Shree Ram Navami, Ekadashi, Dvadashi, Trayodashi, Chaturdashi, etc. are celebrated in accordance with the tithi and on the designated dates as per the calendar, why the exception for our Mahaprabhu's Ratha Jatra?

When there is willpower and intention, there we can expect uniform date celebration.

When organizers take great pains to celebrate western and Indian festivals on the particular dates, why such a "sab chalta hai" ("everything will do" and any date can be picked) attitude for our Ratha Jatra?

The Special Ship

Their meeting was a coincidence.

Or perhaps destiny had special plans to bring them together.

Otherwise, why would they have met in the theater, seated side by side, to watch "The Special Ship" movie?

 

He asked her for a date at the promenade.

She agreed.

They saw the same special ship there!

Photo Prompt- Roger Bultot

It seemed like the ship had been shipped from Heaven for them!

It stopped in front of them.

National Handloom Awards 2023

September 20 is celebrated as "Silk Day".

Today we are also celebrating- Nuakhai- an important harvest festival of Odisha.

It's an important day for our rich handlooms & talented weavers.

Source

This blog post has reference to the "National Handloom Awards" for this year (& some previous years) that are yet to be held.

Thanks to Ministry of Textiles initiative for the first National Handloom Day on 7th August 2015. 

National Handloom Awards were handed over.

Handloom-weaving community felt honoured.

Contribution of this sector in the socio-economic development of our nation is immense. #MyHandloomMyPride

National Handloom Day is over on August 7th this year. 

But, Awards were not handed over to weavers. 

Notification for the National Handloom Awards (NHA) 2023 application/submission is not published as yet.

I had first shared about this issue 2 months ago- registration number: PMOPG/E/2023/0135449. 

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2023/07/letter-for-national-handloom-awards.html

However, date for this year's NHA is still not out.

As per reply received on 26.07.2023, NHA dates & details would be shared after guidelines are set.

Interested weavers are still asking- When will they get notification for National Handloom Awards?

Our weavers have spent a lot of time and effort & invested resources for creating unique designs.

Those prized pieces are still waiting to be sent for NHA consideration.

Once a piece is woven for Award, weaver cannot showcase or sell that. 

Money is blocked.

As NHA haven't been held for past 2-3 years, many pieces are lying.

There's loss of morale & patience.

Textile ministry should announce submission dates & details soon so that the weavers can apply. 

This month, the NHA application process should be published.

Requesting completion of all pending NHA ceremonies before end of this year- 2023.

Target must be to hand over National Handloom Awards for year 2024 on the National Handloom Day 2024.

Special Greetings for #SilkDay & #Nuakhai🙏#NuakhaiJuhar🙏

Weavers are waiting.
Grievance registration#: PMOPG/E/2023/0188598
Requesting @TexMinIndia @PMOIndia to pls complete all pending #NationalHandloomAwards process this year.
From 2024, #NHA must be on #NationalHandloomDay pic.twitter.com/5InWKSGL2d

— Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) September 20, 2023

The Lunch Date

It was a bright sunny day.

He was driving fast to be on time for the lunch-meeting scheduled in the neighbouring city.

After he had reached the outskirts of his city, he got a call that the client had rescheduled the meet to the following weekend.

He stopped his car and decided to check out the new restaurant that had opened in that area.

The place looked great.

Image: David Steward

He made a mental note to get his wife there the following day for a lunch-date.

That Lady In Red

She looked bewitching in the red off-shoulder dress.

He just couldn't wait to lay his hands on her.

He put his right arm around her lissome waist and holding her right hand in his left, entered the hotel's elevator.

He continued his conversation by saying sweet-nothings to his ladylove. 

He was aware that all his activities were being watched.

Photo Prompt- Liz Young

Newsmaker!

I have the knack to be at the wrong place at the wrong time!
I am a natural at writing a prose while endeavoring a rhyme...

I avoid Forums & if & when I rarely make a naive appearance,
It is enough to capture public imagination & people focus lens!

Why such a lot of criticism & negative attention in my share?
Far from earning fame & recognition, I garner notoriety unfair...