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.

National Cinema Day

The second edition of the National Cinema Day is this week!

Yes, it will be celebrated on  Friday the 13th (October 2023).

Source: X

Most cinema-tickets will be available at Rs 99. 

Apart from the pricing of the tickets, there will be deals for popcorn, food etc. at some of the counters too.

Pakhala Dibasa - A Poem #PakhalaDibasa

Today is #PakhalaDibasa and also the #InternationalDayOfHappiness! 🍚

Here are some lines - few words dedicated to Pakhala, Pakhala Day & happiness :)

For many, Pakhala is not just an "Odia Food"-

It's an emotion that's too special & good!

Even Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha loves this-

Served 365 days of the year- many varieties!

ମହାପ୍ରଭୁଙ୍କ ବଡ଼ ପଣିଆକୁ ପ୍ରତିପାଦିତ କରିବାକୁ ଯାଇ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଲୋକେ କଥା କଥାରେ ଥଟ୍ଟା କରି କୁହନ୍ତି,

“ପଖାଳ ଭାତରେ ଘି’ ତୋ ବୋପା ଖାଇଥିଲା କି” ।

(୨) #PakhalaDibasa #ପଖାଳଦିବସ pic.twitter.com/UJZvT2gqz3

— Shree Jagannatha (@JagannathaDham) March 20, 2021

Odias eat Pakhala in all seasons; mostly to beat the heat-

In summer season especially, Pakhala is a refreshing treat.

March 20 is "Spring Equinox"- equal day & night length-

When days get longer & heat is on, Pakhala is strength!

Celebration of Rasagola Day

Today is July 30- celebrated as International Day of Friendship. It was declared by the General Assembly of United Nations in 2011.

Last year in 2015, we had started our celebration of the Rasgulla Day or Rasagola Day i.e. #RasagolaDibasa on this very date July 30th as it happened to be 'Niladri Bije' - the last day of the Rath Yatra. 

Rasagolas- Yummy Sweets that originated in Odisha

Many don't know about Niladri Bije- this centuries-old tradition of the Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha, India where Lord Jagannath offers His wife, Maa Lakshmi Rasagolas and then only He is granted entry inside the Temple after He arrives from His journey with His siblings!

Niladri Bije is the day when devotees offer Rasagolas to Lord Jagannath.

This year, Niladri Bije was on July 17th and we celebrated the 2nd Rasagola Day with great happiness.

My SandArt at PuriBeach in Odisha for #RasagolaDibasa . It is celebrated on NiladriBije of Lord #Jagannath pic.twitter.com/BDCcScsavL

— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) July 16, 2016

15 FAQs about Rasagola Day

July 17th 2016 was a Sunday. Sundays are reserved for Raahgiri in some Indian cities like Bhubaneswar. On Raahgiri Sundays, a fixed stretch of road is cordoned off and kept traffic-free. Public is free to reclaim the street & walk, cycle, skate, paint, exercise, sing, dance & participate in Raahgiri events that are held on that particular road.

15 Facts About Rasagola Dibasa - FAQs

Here are some FAQs about Rasagola Dibasa. 
Take a look at the following 15 facts:

1. What is Rasagola Dibasa? 

A- Rasagola Dibasa is a day dedicated to Rasagolas.
In Odia language, Dibasa means day.
#RasagolaDibasa means Rasagola Day.

#RasagolaDibasa is a day of celebration just like #PakhalaDibasa and #UtkalaDibasa; Rasagola-lovers celebrate Rasagolas on this day! 


2. Where did the idea of Rasagola Dibasa begin?

A- The idea began on Twitter in tweets starting from March 2015 onwards with the hashtag- #RasagolaDibasa.


3. Why was Rasagola Dibasa proposed?

A- Rasagola Dibasa was proposed to celebrate Rasagolas by sharing Odisha's Rasagola story & glory. The world needs to be informed that Odisha is the birthplace of the Rasagola. Odisha's rich & ancient culture & heritage & Niladri Bije of Rath Yatra/Ratha Jatra has the Rasagola connection.

Rasagola has association with Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri

4. When was the first Rasagola Dibasa celebrated?

A- The first Rasagola Dibasa was celebrated on July 30, 2015 to commemorate Niladri Bije- the last day of the Ratha Jatra.
As 2015 was the year of the Nabakalebara that took place after 19 years, this special and sweet celebration was planned.


5. Why was Niladri Bije chosen for Rasagola Dibasa celebration?

A- Niladri Bije is a centuries-old Puri Temple custom and the ritual of Lord Jagannath associated with the Ratha Jatra. It marks the entry of the Gods to the Temple after their trip to their aunt's place. Rasagola works its magic to open the Temple's gate for Lord Jagannath. 

On this last day of the Ratha Jatra, Lord Jagannath is permitted to enter the Temple premises only after He placates by offering Rasagolas to His wife, Goddess Lakshmi. She is angry. Sweet Rasagolas help the Lord of the Universe!

Niladri Bije connection with Rasagolas