Ratha Jatra - Department of Posts

Ratha Jatra is a world-famous festival of Puri, Odisha, India. Each year, the divine siblings- Shree Jagannatha Mahaprabhu, elder brother, Shree Balabhadra, and sister, Devi Subhadra, make their annual journey from the Shree Jagannatha Temple in giant wooden and decorated chariots called Rathas and visit their birthplace- Shree Gundicha Temple. 

It is also called Rath Yatra and Ratha Yatra.

Ratha Jatra is now celebrated worldwide. The dates vary as per the tithi. This year, the journey of the deities began on July 1st. It ended on July 12th on Niladri Bije when the deities entered the Shreemandira i.e. the Puri Shree Jagannatha Temple. 

As per the centuries-old ritual, each year, Shree Jagannatha appeases His wife, Devi Lakshmi, by gifting Her Rasagolas along with many other presents like saree, jewellery etc. 

Before 2015, many were not aware of the cultural link of Rasagola (Rasgulla) with Odisha. 

The Department of Posts had issued a "Palanquin Carried Special Cover for Rasagola" on Dola Purnima, 2018.

Shree Jagannathaji Ke Vyanjan Mein Rasagola i.e. Rasagola in Shree Jagannathaji's Cuisine-

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2018/04/palanquin-carried-special-cover-for.html

It was covered by many media.

Silver Bells

Mira was visiting USA for the first time with her parents.

As they were passing by the countryside, Mira was surprised as she could identify the place.

She made her parents stop by an inn near a tree and greeted the elderly shopkeeper by his name! 

Then, Mira excitedly gave directions- 

"A left turn from here and we will reach 'Silver Bells'".

"Have you been here before, Mira?" her parents were startled.

Photo Prompt- Bill Reynolds

Those Blue Letters

Woh Neeli Chitthiyaan - Those Blue Letters

Hindi and English

Dedicated to “Inland Letter”

Poem in Hindi - Received via WhatsApp

Woh Neeli Chitthiyaan

वो नीली चिट्ठियां

वो नीली चिट्ठियां कहां खो गई

जिनमे लिखने के सलीके छुपे होते थे

कुशलता की कामना से शुरू होते थें

बड़ों के चरणस्पर्श पर ख़त्म होते थें

और बीच में लिखी होती थी जिंदगी

Vocal For Local - President Droupadi Murmu

Today is a such a momentous day for our India!

We proudly welcome a great and truly deserving woman to the top office. An emotional moment for all of us.

Smt. Droupadi Murmu, an educated, dedicated, resilient, empowered and inspiring woman, has been sworn in as our country's fifteenth President.

She is our country's First Citizen and the commander-in-chief of Army, Navy, and Air Force.

She is a symbol & triumph of hope, courage, sustainability, humility, and the power of education.

Her entire career and life's story is so inspiring. Despite personal loss and having lost both her sons and husband, she never gave up.

She continued working for social causes like a true karamveer.

The Last Drive

When Lizi came to her senses, she found herself sitting at a table in front of a half-filled glass.

Many unknown faces were staring at her.

They asked, "Are you okay?" 

Photo- Fleur Rind

Lizi nodded.

"Tell us what happened exactly."

Lizi shared, "I was driving my car when I felt very thirsty. I recollect seeing the 'Stop' sign-board on the lane. I do not remember what happened next."

"Which street was that?"

Ratha Jatra 2022 and Bahuda Jatra

Ratha Jatra, the anuual journey of Shree Jagannatha and His siblings, is celebrated with great happiness at Puri Dham, Odisha, and in many places worldwide where there are Shree Jagannatha Temples. 

It is also called- Rath Yatra and Ratha Yatra.

Bahuda Jatra 2022 ; Source- SJTA

The return journey is called Bahuda Jatra. Bahuda Jatra, also called Bahuda Yatra, was celebrated today.

Many people wrongly think that the deities enter the Temple immediately after they undertake the return journey.

Several other rituals are there while the deities are there on the Rathas.

This year, the rituals continue till July 12th.

Ratha Jatra 2022 Celebration Dates -

Spellbound!

The following is a stand-alone story. But, in case you would like to read the previous parts, here they are-

Part-1- Are You There?

Part-2- Bewitched!

SPELLBOUND!

Peter knew that his daughter Anna had turned into a mannequin. 

He did not know when and how the spell would end.

Anna's phone rang. 

Her friend, William, had called.

Peter explained the situation.

William arrived.

 

He had got a giant spinning-wheel.

Peter looked quizzically.

Photo Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

"The spindle had cast a spell on Princess Aurora- Sleeping Beauty. May be it will revive Anna."

William tried pricking the mannequin's finger. 

Bewitched!

The following is a stand-alone story. 

But, if you do wish to know the background, do read the previous 100 words story, the Part-1- Are You There?

Peter looked at the mannequin that resembled his daughter Anna.

It stood motionless while Anna's phone was ringing on the table right in front of it.

He was convinced that Anna had turned into a mannequin.

He remembered the fairy-tales he had read when he was small.

Princesses came under magical spells, the effect of which wore off later.

Photo Prompt - Jan Wayne Fields

Who or what had triggered this in the first place?

Are You There?

It was late.

His daughter had still not returned from work.

He called her many times.

Her phone went unanswered. 

It was quite unusual of Anna.

 

Peter was worried.

He went looking for Anna.

Photo Prompt- John Nixon

 

Anna ran a second-hand store in the mall.

The door was open.

Snana Yatra And Gajanan Besha

Today, Deba Snana Purnima was observed at the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri, Odisha, and also in many Shree Jagannatha Temples in India and the world.

On Snana Purnima, Snana Yatra or Snana Jatra or Deba Snana Purnima rituals are held.

Gajanan Besha or Hati Besha is done.

It is celebrated on the Purnima tithi in the month of Jyestha.

The bathing ceremony of the deities of the world-famous Puri temple is held and then they are dressed in elephant attire.

Snana Purnima is the day believed to be the tithi birthday of Shree Jagannatha.