Celebrate Navroz

Baha'i New Year, Navroz

Festivals and holy days play a significant role in every community. The total number of sacred days adds up to 138, comprising feasts, fasts and prayers. An interesting feature of these holy days is that there are a ‘new years’ all the year around! Although 1st January has become the de facto global New Year date, yet many religious communities and faith-based traditions follow other calendar systems and celebrate New Year during different months.

The new year of the Baha’i Faith coincides with the vernal or spring equinox and is preceded by 19 days of fasting-abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset each day. This fast, the Baha’i teachings say, purifies the body and the spirit.

New delhi temple

This year, Navroz will be celebrated on March 21. The occasion will also bring down curtains on the year-long bicentenary celebrations of the birth of Baha’u’llah (1817-1892) which was commemorated around the world by his followers and their friends. The biggest gathering was at New Delhi’s Lotus Temple. Baha’u’llah calls out to humanity for good deeds, kind words, and upright conduct; service to others and collaborative action for constructing a world civilisation; and urges every member of the human race to walk the mystical path.

Navroz has its origins as a Zoroastrian observance in ancient Iran and to this day, it is celebrated as a cultural festival by Iranians of all religious backgrounds. In addition of being celebrated by Iranians and members of the Iranian diaspora, the observance of Navroz also spread to many other parts of the world; it is being celebrated as cultural holiday in India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Iraqi Kurdistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Navroz is typified with common forms of celebrations, but at its most basic, the holiday is seen as a period to firm up ties with family, friends and loved ones. Therefore, cards are sent to associates and friends and families sit in groups to have communal meals.

At the Baha’i World Centre in Haifa, Israel and in many other countries around the world, besides the community celebrations, special receptions are hosted for governmental, societal and community leaders that open a space for people of diverse backgrounds to celebrate our common heritage as a human family.


You may also like to read Nowruz- An Ancient Persian-Iranian Celebration


Navroz celebrations are held in a number of countries of Central Asia, particularly in Iran, where it is national festival. Traditionally, the celebrations last for 13 days- to mark the advent of spring and renewal of seasonal time. “Religion or dharma should unite all hearts and cause wars and disputes to vanish from the face of the earth; it should give birth to spirituality, and bring light and life to every soul’, Baha’i writings affirm. For the Baha’i is, Navroz is not just a calendar event, rather it is an opportunity to reinvigorate the powers of the spirit and re-examine matters of the heart and conscience. It begins with the idea that renewal in the world of nature is in fact a symbol of spiritual renewal and occasion for the individual to explore how to contribute to the material and spiritual welfare of others. To this end, the first of the Baha’i new year is yet one more occasion for sacred contemplation on our plight and to take resolute action for the betterment of our world.


A K Merchant is a national trustee, Lotus temple. The article on the significance of Navroz for the Baha’i community has been published in Speaking Tree

7 Fearless Female Explorers History Should Never Forget

Annie Londonderry- 7 Fearless Female Explorers

A female sailor who cross-dressed to discover the world from a different angle, an African-American aviator who looked past racial and gender discrimination to become a pilot, a fearless investigative journalist who circumnavigated the globe in 72 days, and a housewife who didn’t let age and gender stop her from traveling – these are the different faces of women who toured the globe more than a hundred years ago.

They traveled out of their comfort zones in a time with no booming technology, often alone. They explored the world by foot, on horses, mules, and camels, on trains, planes, and ships, and not to mention while wearing waist-hugging corsets and heavy skirts. Some even managed to disguise themselves in men’s clothing to be able to globetrot.

In an era where racial discrimination and sexist oppression were on the rise, these brave, badass women had to climb more than mountains to reach the peak of their careers and dreams.

This International Women’s Day we introduce you to a few of the remarkable female explorers we all should take inspiration from.

  1. Nelly Bly (1864 – 1922)
Nellie Bly | Image via Cowgirl, a female American investigative journalist who knew no boundaries.
Photo: Nellie Bly | Image via Cowgirl

Nelly Bly was an American investigative journalist who knew no boundaries. She was best known for her fearless expose for which she went undercover to reveal the brutality in women’s asylums and the abuse of women workers in factories. Bly was also renowned for her world-breaking trip around the world.

Inspired by Jules Verne’s classic novel ‘Around the World In 80 Days’, Bly circled the globe in 72 days in 1890, beating the fictitious globetrotting record in the novel. She embarked on a 24,899-mile journey, raveling in steamships, existing railroad systems, rickshaws, and on mules and horses. She traveled her way from England to France, Singapore to Japan, and California back to the East Coast, carrying only the dress and sturdy plaid coat she wore from day one, and extremely light luggage.

  1. Gertrude Bell (1868 – 1926)
Gertrude Bell, a female explorer in Iraq
Gertrude Bell in Iraq
Photo of British author and archeologist Gertrude Bell, in Babylon, Iraq

Image credit-Wikimedia Commons

Gertrude Bell, dubbed the “queen of the desert”, was a British explorer, diplomat, writer, linguist, cartographer, archaeologist, and skilled mountaineer. She had a major role in establishing the modern state of Iraq after World War I.

She explored and mapped the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. She served in military intelligence and civil service, and she was the only woman working for the British government in the Middle East during that time. Her extensive knowledge and the writings brought by her travels became highly influential to British imperial policy-making. Her books gave the people of Great Britain a clear concept of the empire’s outer territories.

  1. Jeanne Baret (1740 – 1807)
Jeanne Barret, a French female sailor
Imagined portrait of Jeanne Baré dressed as a sailor, dating from 1817, after her death.
Image credit- Wikipedia

Jeanne Baret was a French sailor and botanist and was known as the first woman to have completed a voyage of circumnavigation of the globe. Since only men were allowed to sail, she had to dress like a man and join the expedition as “Jean Baret” to avoid blowing her cover.

The ploy kept her close to Philibert de Commerson, a naturalist and her partner, who scored a commission from the French government to sail and conduct research. Commerson was usually ill so he needed assistance from Jeanne. The cross-dressing ruse worked for a year until some islanders uncovered the truth. When Baret returned to France, the navy paid tribute to her and recognized her as an “extraordinary woman” for her work of gathering new species of plants.

  1. Ida Pfeiffer (1797 – 1858)

Old age and gender shouldn’t be hindrances to traveling – this is what Austrian traveler and travel book author Ida Pfeiffer taught us. She was barred from the Royal Geographical Society of London (the UK’s learned society and professional body for geography) for being a woman. She went out of her way to travel alone and she’s now renowned as one of the first female explorers in the world.

Ida Pfeiffer, a female traveler and travel book author
Ida Pfeiffer is an Austrian traveler and travel book author.
Image credit- Wikimedia

After her sons had families of their own, she was finally able to fulfill her childhood dream of traveling to foreign places. She had her first trip to the Holy Land, trekked to Istanbul and Jerusalem, and visited the pyramids of Giza on camelback. Her first trip around the world started in 1846 when she visited Brazil and other South American countries, Tahiti, China, India, Persia, Asia Minor, and Greece. She used to write and publish her writings along the way. Today, her books were translated into seven languages.

  1. Isabella Lucy Bird (1831 – 1904)

English writer, photographer, and traveler Isabella Bird defied social convention and even her own sickly nature by exploring the world, and often alone.

Isabella Bird, female explorer, writer, photographer and naturalist
Image of Isabella Bird. Born, Isabella Lucy Bird
Image credit- Wikipedia

She traveled to Australia, Hawaii, Colorado, Japan, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Morocco, and the Middle East, challenging the concept of female propriety. She experienced trekking up active volcanoes Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea and exploring the Rocky Mountains in Colorado on a horse. She was also the first woman to be elected Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London.

  1. Bessie Coleman (1892 – 1926)

Bessie Coleman was an American civil aviator and was the first woman of African-American and Native-American descent to hold a pilot license.

Bessie Coleman was the first female of African-American descent and the first of Native American descent, to hold a pilot license.
Bessie Coleman was the first woman of African-American descent and the first of Native American descent, to hold a pilot license.
Image credit- Wikimedia

She developed an interest in flying but she was banned from flight schools in the US due to her race and gender. Racial prejudice and sexism didn’t stop Coleman from pursuing her dream and becoming a queen in the air. She took a French language class, saved up money, and traveled to France where she earned her pilot license. Bessie Coleman was among the pioneering aviatrixes who broke multiple barriers and paved the way for Amelia Earhart and other female pilots that came after them.

  1. Annie Londonderry (1870 – 1947)

Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, also known as Annie Londonderry, was the first woman to bicycle around the world.

A bet challenged her to circumnavigate the world in 15 months or less while earning at least $5,000 along the way. Londonderry accepted the challenge not only for the money but to dispute the concept of women’s propriety and to prove how a woman can get on in the world on her own.


You may also like to read International Women’s Day 2016


Carmina Natividad is a resident writer for Four Points Immigration, a team of registered migration agents, assisting individuals and employers with their successful Australian visa application. Writing a wide variety of interesting and informative articles about immigration and travel is her cup of tea.

10 Things to Know About The Holi Festival in India. How about #9?

Happy Holi

Holi, also known as the festival of colors, is a Hindu spring festival that is celebrated in India and Nepal. Below are some interesting facts about Holi that will help you learn more about this festival which is celebrated by millions of people from various cultures and regions. Holi is awaited eagerly even in the United States and Germany.

1. Holi Facts in History

The name Holi comes from “Holika”, the sister of the demon King “Hiranyakashyap” (refer: Hindu mythology). Legend has it that the evil king – Hiranyakashyap – forbade his son Prahlad from worshiping one of the Hindu gods – Lord Vishnu. However, Prahlad worshiped Vishnu despite his father’s denial. Thus the demon king ordered Prahlad to sit on a pyre (a structure usually made of wood, for burning a body as part of a funeral rite or execution) along with Holika (who was immune to fire) the sister of the demon king. When the fire started, Holika was burnt to death in spite of her immunity to fire, and miraculously Prahlad was saved because Prahlad asked the help of Lord Vishnu during the event. The burning of Holika is celebrated as Holi. However, there are other arguments as well, that support the celebration of Holi and its origin. The story is also narrated in various ways but the conclusion remains the same i.e. – “victory of good over evil.”

INFORMATION

  • Another legend behind the origin of Holi is that Lord Krishna as a baby was poisoned by the breast milk of Putana and thus he developed the characteristic blue color of his skin. Krishna was not sure if fair-skinned Radha and other girls would like him. Thus he approached Radha and colored her face in some colors. Radha accepted Krishna despite the blue color of his skin and since that day the festival of Holi is celebrated.

2. Occurrence of Holi

Holi celebrations, Nandgaon
Holi celebrations, Nandgaon

Occurrence: It is celebrated after the full moon in the month of ‘Phalguna’ which generally falls between February and March. The exact date of the festival is determined by the Hindu calendar and its arrival varies on the Gregorian calendar. The festival of Holi is celebrated for at least 16 days in the Brag region of India where Krishna was born. Holi is also celebrated in Mauritius, Fiji, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

INFORMATION

  • The first day is known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi and the second is Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti, Dhulandi, or Dhulivandan.

3. Rituals in Holi

The festival of Holi is predominantly a festival of fun. People spend a lot of their time during the festival days engaging in fun activities. Kids start using water balloons and water pistols a week or 10 days before Holi. They hide and target the by-passers with balloons filled with colored water and water pistols. A special delight that people make at their homes is Gujiya. It is a stuffed sweet delicacy where the stuffing consists of dry fruits and other sweet items. It is very popular and people enjoy the delight to their full extent.

INFORMATION

  • A popular saying: The festival of colors is also popular for the saying “Bura na mano, Holi hai!” which means “Do not mind, its Holi.”

4. Synthetic Vs. Natural Colours

The use of synthetic colors during the festival of Holi is a concern for some people. However, many prefer playing with water and some homemade natural colors. Natural colors are derived from indigo, sunflower, and marigold flowers.

5. International Celebration

It is a national festival in India and people from all the states celebrate it. The festival of Holi is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. People of Nepali origin also celebrate it in different parts of the world.

INFORMATION

  • With every passing year, the festival is being welcomed across the world in many forms and people find great relief and satisfaction celebrating it with their friends and family.

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6. Midnight Celebration

The festival starts on the night before Holi when people gather and start a bonfire. The bonfire is lit up between 8 pm and midnight. People gather around the fire to watch it while eating their favorite food items and talk with friends.

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7. Holika Dahan

The Holika bonfire is a place where people gather and do their religious rituals. People during their religious rituals ask for forgiveness from god and pray that their evil should come to an end.

8. Rangwali Holi

The second day of the festival of Holi which is also referred to as “Rangwali Holi” is the main day when people play with wet and dry colors. People chase each other in an attempt to color one another. Water is a big part of the event as many people use water balloons and engage in interesting water fights with their family and friends.

INFORMATION

  • A lot of different colors are involved and it is a great time for everyone as everyone irrespective of their age participates. People generally tend to gather and celebrate this festival in the open as it provides a suitable environment for the use of colors and water.

9. Time To Drink Bhaang

Holi is also popular for the consumption of an intoxicating article – Bhang. This ingredient is mixed into drinks and sweets and is largely consumed by many during the festival. Bhang is made from cannabis leaves.

10. Different names of Holi

In various states of India Holi is known by different names: Uttar Pradesh – Lathmar Holi; Uttarakhand – Khadi Holi; Punjab – Hola Mohalla; West Bengal – Basant Utsav and Dol Jatra; Goa – Shigmo; Manipur – Yaosang; Kerala – Manjal Kuli; Bihar – Phaguwa; Assam – Phakuwah; Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh – Rang Panchami; Rajasthan – Royal Holi.

Holi is a festival of fun and colors for children. Children of all age groups gather and celebrate the festival with oneness and vigor. They throw dry colors and wet colored liquids on each other and family members. The delightful festival signifies the victory of good over evil. It also marks the end of the winter season and welcomes the spring. Just like Diwali, Holi is a significant one in India and Nepal. It is a great occasion for people from different religious communities, castes, colors, and creeds to come together and strengthen their bonds, and also repair their broken relationships.

Source- Rudra

Unique romantic destinations in India for Valentine’s Day special

Unique romantic destinations in India for Valentine’s Day special

Cuddling up with your special soul is an integral part of Valentine’s Day. How about doing it in the best environment that Mother Nature could provide? Therefore, it would obviously be Ooty, Darjeeling, Jaipur, Kashmir, or Andaman. Are you fed up with these cliché Valentine’s Day destinations?  India has many hidden geographical treasures that serve as excellent Valentine’s Day destinations.

We have listed the top unique romantic destinations for Valentine’s Day Special that are overseen by most tourists.

Auli, Valentine's Day Travel
Image credit- http://www.visittnt.com

If you love snow, mountain, and adventure activities, Auli is the right place to be. Surrounded by skiing routes and trekking trails, this extraordinary location is famous for its natural scenic beauty. Located near Rishikesh, this destination is known for its cool climate and adventure activities.

Tips for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at Auli

  1. Skiing and other snow activities for budget travelers and a luxury ski resort stay for luxury travelers
  2. Trek through the snowy trails early in the evening to catch a glimpse of the setting sun.
  3. Jungle trekking through oak and deodar forests for a picnic or trekking
  4. Cable car travel to enjoy the enchanting Himalayan ranges
  5. Visit Clifftop for a romantic view of the nature around you.

Khajjiar

Khajjar, Valentine's Day travel
Image credit http://www.visittnt.com

Located along the slopes, this is the bubbling spot of Himachal Pradesh. Sprouting with green life throughout the region, this is the nature lover’s spot with numerous tourist attractions. This destination is filled with a fusion of attractions during February.

Tips for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at Khajjiar

  1. Romantic nature walk at Kalatop wildlife sanctuary
  2. Horse riding at Khajjiar Lake and a picnic lunch along the grassy slopes
  3. Camping near Kailash village and an early morning visit to any apple orchards
  4. Hiking at Dainkund Peak in the afternoon
  5. Nature bath at Panchpula Waterfalls

Parwanoo

Parwanoo, Valentine's Day travel
Image credit- http://www.visittnt.com

Parawanoo is a small hill village situated at the border of Haryana. It is famous for apple orchards, exotic lakes, pleasant climates, and cherishing nature. This place is a gateway for nature lovers to get their love kindled.

Tips for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at Parwanoo

  1. Exotic trekking through timber trail or enjoy a cable car ride through the Shivalik range
  2. Early morning visit to the orchards in the Shivalik range. Choose apple and peach orchards, as they will be at prime beauty with many fruits ready to harvest in February.
  3. Sightseeing and exploration of colonial buildings, Gorkha Fort, and others.

Imphal, Valentine's Day travel
http://www.visittnt.com

The northeastern part of India is the most unexplored natural Narnia. If you want a unique celebration, you need to choose destinations that are not tainted with crowded places. Imphal is the capital of Manipur. This is a cultural land to enjoy blooming valleys, orchids, market visits, and much more.

Tips for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at Imphal

  1. The climate will be very pleasing during February. You ought to take a romantic stroll, early in the morning.
  2. Trek through hillocks and spot rare birds and exotic flowering plants. You might even spot a couple of deers during this season.
  3. Enjoy a romantic evening as you stroll through orchids. Choose the orchids that are in bloom during February.
  4. Enjoy the exotic Thaba Changba folk dance at night to enjoy the culture of the land.
  5. If you love to enjoy more time in nature, visit Keibul Lamjao National Park which is a little away from Imphal
  6. Visit Tengnoupal for a panoramic view of the surrounding regions. Visit during sunset for a romantic time.

Poovar Island

    Poovar Island, Valentine's Day travel
    http://www.visittnt.com

    Located in the honeymoon state of Kerala, this serene beach location is famous for the privacy that is essential for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Poovar Island is an admirable destination for all kinds of travelers. The pleasant weather and the exotic spice plantations make your memories unique here.

    Tips for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at Poovar

    1. Enjoy a romantic beach picnic with sunbathing, hammock time, water activities, and others
    2. Backwater ride in a country boat for a romantic evening
    3. Fishing with the locals
    4. Visit the lake early in the morning for spotting birds
    5. Enjoying exotic adventure activities like paragliding, surfing, and others.

    Why choose the same destination repeatedly, get lost in the crowd of fellow romantic couples and wait in queue for enjoying a single romantic moment? Have the whole destination to yourself by choosing exotic places that are hidden away from commercial tourism.

    Happy Valentine’s Day to all