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March 20, 2017 Events and Festivals, India

Nowruz- An Ancient Persian- Iranian Celebration

In Iran, every year, millions of Iranians celebrate Persian New Year or Nowruz. No one knows exactly how far back Nowruz dates but the best estimate is sometime in the range of 3000 years the important thing to know about Nowruz’s origins is that it is rooted in Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion that predates both Christianity and Islam. So, Nowruz is not an Islamic holiday or a Christian one; it is Persian.

Nowruz greeting — Norouz
Image credit- http://barekat-blessing.blogspot.in/

Shah Jamshid’s Legacy

The festival of Nowruz heralds a time of hope and happiness in the year ahead. Initially, seasons played a significant role in human history and life. Everything depended on the four seasons. After the end of the chilly winter, spring was a great occasion to enjoy as it brought with it new life and new colors. This revelry was popularized by King Jamshid and, as per popular legend, he was the first to celebrate this festival.

Jamshid, the fifth king of the Peshadian dynasty of Persia, flourished 3209 years before the Christian era. The Shah Namah describes him as the first to civilize mankind. Persian writers consider the bas-reliefs at the ruins of Persepolis, still visible in all their pristine glory and beauty after a lapse of 5000 years to be the representations of the court of Jamshid, more especially depicting the festivities of Nowruz. It has also been suggested that the famous Persepolis complex, or the Palace of Apadana and the hundred columns hall, were built for the specific purpose of celebrating a feast related to Nowruz.

Although there is no mention of the term Nowruz in recorded Achaemenid inscriptions, there is a detailed account by Xenophon (Xenophon of Athens 430-345 BC was an ancient Greek philosopher, historian, soldier and mercenary, and a student of Socrates) of a Nowruz celebration taking place in Persepolis and the continuity of the festival in the Achaemenid tradition.

Shah Tahmasp and Humayun on Nowruz — A 16th-century painting of Tahmasp I and Humayun celebrating Nowruz. Image credit -http://www.wikiwand.com

The Nowruznama

In the book Nowruznama (Book of the New Year, which is attributed to Omar Khayyam- a well-known Persian Poet and Mathematician), a vivid description of the celebration in the courts of the kings of Iran is provided: “From the era of Kai Khosrow till the days of Yazdegard, last of the pre-Islamic kings of Iran, the royal custom was thus: on the first day of the New Year, Now Ruz, the king’s first visitor was the High Mobad of the Zoroastrians, who brought him as gifts a golden goblet full of wine, a ring, some gold coins, a fistful of green sprigs of wheat, a sword, and a bow. In the language of Iran, he would then glorify God and praise the monarch.

This was the address of the High Mobad to the king: ‘O Majesty, on this feast of the equinox, the first day of the month of the year, seeing that thou hast freely chosen God and the faith of the ancient ones; may Sraosha, the angel- messenger; grant thee wisdom and insight and sagacity in thy affairs. Live long in praise, be happy and fortunate upon thy golden throne, drink immortality from the Cup of Jamshed; and keep in solemn trust the customs of our ancestors, their noble aspirations, fair gestures, and the exercise of justice and righteousness. May thy soul flourish; may thy youth be as the new-grown grain; may thy horse be puissant, victorious; thy sword bright and deadly against foes; thy hawk swift against its prey; thy every act straight as the arrow’s shaft. Go forth from thy rich throne, conquer new lands. Honor the craftsman and the sage in equal degree; disdain the acquisition of wealth. May thy house prosper and thy life be long!’’

Republic Day

26^th January is among the most significant occasion celebrated in India. On 26^th January 1950, the constitution of India was enforced and India achieved its pledge of becoming a totally sovereign, democratic and republic nation.

Many grand events and programs are organized throughout India depicting love and patriotism. Not to forget the most alluring grand celebration in the capital city of India, New Delhi. A massive parade is held which begins from the President’s Palace and walks past the Rajpath and India Gate, terminating at the Red Fort in the Walled City of Old Delhi.

On this day, the sacrifice of the martyrs is remembered for the freedom of the country and the succeeding wars.

PM on Republic day — PM at India Gate on Republic Day
Image credit- विकिमेडिया कॉमन्स

The following are some of the patriotic songs played on Republic Day that remind us and motivate us to remember these great people

Vande Mataram- Vande Mataram is the national song of India. The song was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

Ae Watan ae watan humko teri kasam– Performance by Lata Mangeshkar, evergreen singer of Bollywood.

Maa Tujhe Salam– Music video by A R Rahman performing Maa Tujhe Salaam. (C) SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT (India) Pvt. Ltd

Mere desh ki dharti– Mere desh ki dharti, sonaa ugale, ugale hiire, moti
The soil of my country gives rise to gold, diamonds, and pearls [metaphor for the agriculture treasures]

Sara jahan se achha -Sare Jahan Se Acha ( सारे जहाँ से अच्छा ) is one of the most popular Patriotic Song. India is a unique place. Fly with these kids and travel India. See the beauty in south, Himalaya & many other places. 26 January Republic Day Song.

Jahan Dal Dal Pe Sone ki Chidya – Performance by Sonu Nigam

Little did anyone know that the original anthem composed by India’s wordsmith Rabindranath Tagore had 4 more verses to it. So stand up and sing the lyrics on-screen

I have compiled this list for Happy Republic Day. Enjoy.

Do share your favorite song in the comment section below and mention it if it is not in the above list.

Happy Republic Day to you all 🙂

January 25, 2017 Events and Festivals, International

Australia Day 2017

What it means for Australians

Every year, Australia Day is celebrated by millions of Australians on the 26th of January. This special day has lots of meaning to Aussies and it’s a day when we come together as a nation and celebrate what’s awesome about Australia and being Australian. It’s more than just a public holiday, fireworks and barbeques – it allows us to express our pride in being Australian.

The date of Australia Day was chosen as the anniversary of the First Fleet’s arrival at Sydney Cove in 1788. Despite this significant event, Australia Day celebrations have expanded to include much deeper meaning for Australians. For the Indigenous people of Australia, Australia Day marks the survival of their culture through all the years since European settlement. Each Australian will hold varying perspectives of Australia Day. However, looking back on how far Australia has come and shaped itself into a diverse society and made significant achievements, it is evident that Australia Day celebrates not just the past, but also the present and the future.

Australia Day Celebrations

On Australia Day, expect to see organized Australia Day events such as outdoor concerts, barbeques, sports competitions, festivals such as the Big Day Out, Triple J Hottest 100, the Australia Day Live Concert and fireworks. Lots of different communities often hold their own local celebrations for example you can see that there is a variety of Australia Day events such as the Australia Day in Newcastle. A sense of community is what fuels Australia Day. A very Australian thing to do on Australia Day is heading down to beaches such as Bondi and Cronulla for some fun in the sun.

There’s so much to do on the day. You can attend the Wugulora Indigenous Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo Reserve in NSW and celebrate the world’s oldest culture with dance and song! Come down to Darling Harbour in Sydney this year for fireworks at the Australia Day Spectacular and the Children’s Festival at Tumbalong Park which are both family-friendly events. There’s also the Australia Day 2017 concert that will be held at the Sydney Opera House on the night, with various celebrities lined up such as Guy Sebastian, Dami Im, and the Wiggles!

Not keen on heading out to the city or going anywhere? Get together with family & friends for a barbeque that includes snags, sangers, beef, pork, lamb and shrimp on the barbie. It’s a great time to relax and celebrate the national day of Australia. Have I mentioned barbeques yet? Aussies love the barbie. It’s also that time of the year when the MLA releases their annual Australia Day lamb ad, with this year’s one being extremely humorous but sending a strong multicultural message.

Australian of the Year Award

On the evening of Australia Day, the honorable title of Australian of the Year is announced. The winner of that award needs to have shown a “significant contribution to the Australian community and nation” and to be an “inspirational role model for the Australian community. It’s a great way to recognize achievements and contribution of Australians, inspiring more to challenge themselves to contribute to the positive growth of Australia.

For more info on Australia Day, please visit: https://www.australiaday.com.au/

*/A guest post by Olivia Bourke. /*

January 16, 2017 Events and Festivals, International

Top Five Things To Enjoy On Australia Day

Australia day is just a few sleeps away. It is considered as the official National Day of Australia and is celebrated annually every 26th of January. The said celebration marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and also the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip.

Australia day is a day that is being looked forward to by Aussies and also foreigners that travel from different parts of the world to visit and witness the festivities of the country. Some also go not just to witness but to also experience the whole week of celebration by having a planned long getaway and vacation. If you are coming to Australia Day then here are the top five things you can enjoy on January 26, 2017:

Top 5 things to enjoy on AustraliaDay

PARTIES

Party time on Australia Day — (photo source: TNT Magazine)

Yes, you read that right. There are a lot of parties across the different cities of the beautiful country of Australia. Since it’s their biggest day, many establishments and villages are throwing a party where friends and family can mingle and gather together to celebrate the event.

You can join parties in different places in Australia and you can also throw your own and invite your loved ones! Most of the awaited parties are happening in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Darwin, Gold Coast, and many more.

FIREWORKS

celebrations on Australia Day — (photo source: www.dailymotion.com)

Australia Day is just like celebrating the New Year! Although it is more personal since Aussies are celebrating a very historical event. Fireworks is something that you have to look forward in visiting Australia since they have a strong reputation of having the best fireworks displays in the world.

The best fireworks display can be seen at the bridge near the Opera House in Sydney, Australia. Get your cameras ready and pose as soon as the fireworks pop and crack in the beautiful sky of an equally beautiful and wonderful country, Australia. A lot of things are happening in Sydney Harbour and they are the following: ferry races, jet fighter displays, street performers and also a cruise ride in the waters for a better view of the tremendous fireworks.

FOOD

Food on Australia Day — (photo source: Pinterest)

Food in Australia, especially during Australia Day, is something that you can’t ignore. There are many delicacies that you can eat and enjoy with your family and friends. Across the cities, there are restaurants where you can avail of local dishes like meat pies, Anzac biscuits, chips and fish, tim tams, beetroot and many more.

If you’re celebrating at home, you can try grilling BBQ in your backyard. That’s actually one of the Aussie ways to celebrate especially if you’re the laid back type of person. But if you are outgoing, you can go out and enjoy the food and festivities around the streets of Australia.

MEETING PEOPLE

meeting people on Australia Day — (photo source: Pinterest)

Meeting new people is something that you have to put in your bucket list. Aside from celebrating Australia day, you should also take into consideration the fact that making friends is one way to build connection and also gain new family members. It’s not about using them for your own sake and good, it’s about knowing how to deal with different kinds of people. Sometimes you need a friend to tag along in order to enjoy events like Australia Day. By making new friends, you get to know more about the culture of Australia especially if you are a tourist coming from another country.

5 FESTIVALS

Festivals on Australia Day — (photo source: jadiberita.com)

There are numerous festivals that are celebrating ‘Australia Day’ all over the country. Of course, we can’t deny the fact that the best ones are located in the heart of Australia which is Sydney. But, you have to try the small festivals that are celebrated in small towns especially if you are looking for a more authentic type of experience.

But if you really plan to just stay in major cities, there are festivals that you can enjoy: Melbourne Australia Day, Sydney Festival, Australia Day Stone Creek Festival and many more. If you are up to experience a very Aussie way of celebration, then you have to go to any of the festivals mentioned. Enjoy live music with people and savour every single moment!

These are the top things that you may enjoy if you come to Australia. There is really no formula to enjoy and have fun in a certain event, you just have to indulge yourself and explore more. Australia is frequented by a lot of people during January since that’s where the festivities starts to make waves for the very much-awaited day: AUSTRALIA DAY!

Author Bio:

Mark Aldrin Hipolito is a daytime writer for Holiday Inn Parramatta, a modern hotel in Parramatta Australia that provides exceptional service and care to their customers from all over the world. Mark also enjoys travelling to different places and he uses his experiences as inspiration for writing.