5 Mother's Day Gift Basket Ideas

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and you're probably wondering what to do about a gift! It's tempting to just shop for a dress or a new bag, but why not put some effort into a different sort of gift this year? The perfect way to do this is with a gift basket or a gift hamper filled with Mom's favorite things - and watch her smile spread as she unwraps this treasure!

5 Mother's Day Gift Basket Ideas

1. Tickled Pink

A great idea for a gift basket is one based on color. Choose a basket based on your Mom's favorite color and fill in things related to it - sweets, nail color, lip color, beauty accessories etc. Go as crazy as you like!

2. Gift in a Jar

If you can get your hand on a huge big jar like this one, you're in luck! Line the bottom with faux grass and then stuff it with all kinds of goodies that your Mom will like. Choose smaller objects so you can put in more things.

3. Stuffed Slippers

How adorable are these stuffed slippers? Make it a bedtime special with an eye mask, lip balm, night cream and lavender pillow mist. A perfect good night hamper!

4. Self Care Gift Basket

A self care gift basket is something any busy Mom will love! You can make it a spa-theme or a beach-theme, and pack in aromatic candles, loofahs, bath products, lotions and similar items.

5. Baking Gift Basket

Got a Mom who loves to bake? Encourage her hobby with some cute baking accessories in fun colors! Try to find unique styles of baking equipment rather than the usual ones you find in stores. A little digging will be worth it when you end up with a lovely looking basket!

So these are just a few ideas, but we're sure these must inspire many more! Take out some time and hunt for the right stuff and make sure you wrap everything in a pretty container!

6 Easy-to-Make Independence Day Crafts for Kids

“What light is to the eyes - what air is to the lungs - what love is to the heart, liberty is to the soul of man.” - Robert Green Ingersoll

Every year, we get a holiday to ‘celebrate’ Independence Day, which is actually supposed to be an opportunity to commemorate the brave souls who fought for our freedom. For today’s kids however, this day might not mean much beyond a ritualistic flag hoisting in the morning, and a day off from school. But the freedom we enjoy today was hard won, and is a part of the legacy that we leave our children.

So, this Independence Day, don’t let the holiday be just another excuse to laze on the couch and watch hours of TV. Use it as an opportunity to bond with the family while learning about the country that we call our motherland. And with kids, what better way than to involve them in crafts? The best thing about crafts is that it requires the use of your hands, which makes it more likely to stick in your memory long after the day has passed. Here we have 7 easy to make crafts for Independence Day, all of which require just basic craft supplies.

6 Independence Day Crafts for Kids

1. Tricolor Glass Jars 

Recycling never looked so good! Put old glass jars to good use by painting them in our national colors! To make them look even better, place candles inside and light them after dimming the lights in the room. Spectacular!!

2. Paper Plate Tiger 

India’s national animal needs no introduction! Make this super easy tiger craft that looks really impressive! Explain to kids how the number of tigers is dwindling in India and what rules are in place to help them.

3. Fan Peacock Craft 

Few birds are as gorgeous as the national bird of India! The peacock is a beautiful symbol of India’s colourful heritage and this easy craft is a lovely way to make your own peacock. Tell kids about how a peacock starts dancing when it’s about to rain.

4. Taj Mahal Art 

For many people around the world, India is synonymous with the Taj Mahal, the grand monument of white marble in Agra. This art project is a great way to learn new art techniques and create a beautiful masterpiece in the process. Teach children about how we need to preserve our ancient monuments.

5. Paper Plate Elephant

Elephants are another common group of animals associated with India, and decorated elephants are a common sight during festivals, especially in Kerala. Make your own decorated elephant with a paper plate and shiny fabric or lace. Show children videos or books about how elephants were used by kings in old times.

6. Tricolor Bunting 

This is a super idea especially if you’re having an Independence Day party!! This bunting is actually a lot easier than it looks and can be made in a very short while. This is a good opportunity to look up the various rules for the Indian national flag with your kids.

So there you go, 6 simple crafts which the whole family can get together and make, including even the littlest members!! So tell us, what are you planning to do with your family this Independence Day? 

The Ganga Dussehra Festival

“My bones are destined to make corals in the Ganga” – Swami Vivekananda

  

The river Ganga isn’t something that needs introduction, being the most sacred river to Hindus across the world. People from far and wide come here to expiate their sins in the holy water. The Ganga Aarti on the banks of the river is truly a sight to behold! The Ganga originates in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, and flows down across North India and Bangladesh, finally ending its journey in the Bay of Bengal.

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Ganga Dussehra is a festival that celebrates the descent of the Ganga onto earth, and is celebrated along the major cities on the banks of the river like Allahabad, Haridwar and Rishikesh, although the epicenter of the festival is at Varanasi, also called Benares. It is celebrated on the tenth day of Jyeshtha, a month on the Hindu calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, it falls somewhere in May-June. This festival is not to be confused with Ganga Jayanti, which celebrates the birth of the Goddess Ganga. Read on to know more about how this festival came to be.

The Story

The story of the Ganga river begins with the king Kapila whose meditation was disturbed by the king Sagara’s sixty thousand sons. Irritated beyond words, Kapila focused his burning stare on Sagara’s sons, reducing them to ashes and banishing them to the netherworld. Their only chance of escape was water from the Holy Ganga, who then resided in Heaven.

The task of freeing Sagara’s trapped sons was undertaken by one of his descendants, the king Bhagiratha. He meditates for years and is finally granted his wish. The Goddess Ganga agrees to descend to earth, but she warns him that her immense strength might destroy everything on earth. Bhagiratha pleads with Lord Shiva to help, and he finally agrees to let Ganga flow down to earth through the coils of his hair. It is this descent of the Ganga or ‘Ganga Avataran’ that is celebrated as the Ganga Dussehra festival.

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The Religious Significance

Due to the main characters in the story of Ganga’s descent, they are also the most worshipped during this festival – King Bhagiratha, Lord Shiva and Goddess Ganga. Ganga Dussehra is also called Ganga Dashami, and several rituals are held across the river banks, dedicated to these three main deities.

 

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The descent of Ganga is said to coincide with ten Vedic astrologic landmarks or Yogas. The combination of these yogas is said to absorb man’s sins when he takes a dip in the holy water. Dussehra is a mix of ‘Dus’ meaning ten and ‘hara’ meaning defeat. Thus this festival is also an occasion for destroying one’s sins, the belief being that you can attain salvation from ten of your sins – 3 physical, 4 verbal and 5 mental.

The Celebration

On Ganga Dussehra, idols of the Goddess Ganga is dressed in white clothes and decorated with white flowers and a pooja is conducted to worship her. Ideally, one should bathe in the river itself for salvation, but if it isn’t possible, it is recommended to bathe in regular water to which a little Ganga jal or holy water has been added. Many devotees fast for the whole day, abstaining from food and water and breaking their fast only after the moon rises. A bath in the Ganges is followed by eating fruit to break the day-long fast.

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The Ganga is a beautiful sight during this festival. Women float flowers, leaf boats and oil lamps in the river, filling the air with a lovely fragrance and the soothing sounds of temple chants and hymns. There are also large fairs to be seen, as well as donation centres, since it is considered auspicious to donate anything in numbers of ten, especially edibles and things that offer protection in summer, like shoes, clothes and umbrellas.

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Today, the festival of Ganga Dussehra is also an occasion to think about preserving the river and fighting pollution. The religious nature of the Ganga river attracts devotees from across the world, and several awareness campaign have begun to ensure that devotees keep the river clean and safe for other people as well as for the rich flora and fauna for whom the river Ganga is home as well. To quote Swami Vivekananda again, “See what an atmosphere of holiness is here -- the pure air of the Ganga -- what an assemblage of Sadhus -- will you find anywhere a place like this!”

6 Ways to Make Mother’s Day special for your Mom

“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” - Abraham Lincoln

  

The world has always sung praises of a mother’s love and it’s also obvious in the fact that the celebration of Mother’s Day is a much bigger event than say Father’s Day or Brother’s Day. But in a world where everyone is busy with their smart phones and such, one wonders if this day is turning out to be a clichéd commercial event, devoid of real feeling.

When we grow up and start our own lives and careers, we think of ourselves as grownups, but the fact is that for our Moms, we’ll always be their little babies!! If you’ve been feeling guilty about not appreciating your Mom or spending enough time with her, then this Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to remedy that! Here are 10 ways to make Mother’s Day truly special for your Mom. After all, that smile on her face is what you want to see!

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1. No-chores Day

There are few things mothers appreciate more than a day to just relax and not have to cook or clean! Ensure a day where she doesn’t have to do anything, not even make a cup of tea! Enlist the help of your Dad and siblings along with your maid and make sure the house is spick and span and all the chores are taken care of. Let her put her feet up and relax thoroughly!

2. Shopping Trip

Who doesn’t love shopping!! Take your Mom and sisters or sisters-in-law for a fun day at the mall or exclusive boutiques, if that’s your Mom’s style. Get her a new wardrobe complete with accessories and shoes. Don’t make it too tiring though, and include plenty of time for rest and refreshment.

3. Sightseeing Tour

Take your Mom along for a day trip near your city, or to a place you lived in as a child. Walk through town and look at how the buildings have changed. Depending upon your Mom’s interests, you can also visit a beach, museum or even a fair. Be sure to take along water, snacks and schedule frequent rest stops.

4. Favorite TV Show Reruns

This is perfect if your Mom is more of a homebody. Get DVDs of her favorite TV show and spend the day binge watching them. Get her favorite snacks and beverages ready in advance, and hire the maid to do all the housework, so she can focus on enjoying. To make it nostalgic, get your siblings and watch a show your family enjoyed when you were kids.

5. Spa Day

There is not going to be any Mom who’ll say no to day of pampering! Book a spa day for the two of you, and get the whole package – facial, manicure, pedicure, massage – the works. You’ll both emerge feeling fresh and happy – a great way to get rid of accumulated daily stress! You might have to book in advance, so call and find out.

6. Family Party

If your siblings are scattered around and don’t meet up often, why not do it now! Arrange for a surprise party at your Mom’s place and turn up with all her kids and grandkids. She’ll be sure to have a blast!! Alternately, one of you take her out for some time, while the others can quickly decorate the place and get it ready by the time you’re back. Be sure to take lots and lots of pictures!!

As you see, you don’t need to be a millionaire to make your Mom happy! Just a few well thought out gestures and some advance planning can go a long way in delighting her and creating beautiful new memories for the whole family. You know that she’s worth all it and more and her happiness means the world to you! As Honore de Balzac says,

“A mother's happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories”

Top 5 Makar Sankranti Celebrations Across India

Makar Sankranti, the first major festival to commemorate the Indian festive calendar every year, is here again. Scientifically, it is the day when the sun enters the northern hemisphere. However, when you attach a religious significance to this natural phenomenon, this day becomes what you call Makar Sankranti in our country. In fact, it is the only Indian festival,  which takes after the solar calendar and celebrated on 14^th January, every year!

Makar Sankranti is also the time, when the fresh crop is harvested and hence, people take it as an opportunity to thank the nature and almighty for fresh beginnings and new energy in the life. Does this fact ring a familiar bell in your mind? You probably guessed it right. Makar Sankranti is our desi tradition of celebrating the Thanksgiving Day!

Makar Sankranti dons various avtaars in the different states of India. We take you through the most popular ones.

Gujarat

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Makar Sankrati in Gujarat is quintessentially about flying kites, the festival popularly known as Uttarayan here. The Gujju folks go completely crazy during the two day festival, so much that they get on their terraces in the wee hours of morning and stay there, till late night flying kites. There will be a spectacular display of kites in myriad hues in the sky and and the shouts of ‘lapet’ and ‘kai po che’ (yes, the phrase also inspired the title of the movie by same name based on Chetam Bhagat’s popular novel The 3 Mistakes of My Life!) will resonate in the air. In fact, Gujarat Kite Flying Festival is one of the most anticipated international festivals. Undhiyu, a spicy mix of seasonable vegetables and til gud chikkis are the special festival recipes savoured on this day.

Assam

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This Eastern region of India welcomes the harvesting season with Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, a two day festival.  On the first day known as Uruka, people go the fields to build toy huts called mejis with thatch. On Uruka night, people in a grand fish and rice based traditional feasting known as Bhogali. These toy huts are burnt on the next day, the ashes of which are then dispersed in the fields, as a symbolism of fertility. Apart from feasting and merry making, what makes the celebrations more fun are the traditional games such as tekeli- bhonga (breaking the pot) and outdoor sports like cock fights and bull fights, played across the state.

Tamil Nadu

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In Tamil Nadu, the Makar Sankranti celebrations lasts for four days in the form of Pongal, making it one of the most anticipated festivals of the year. The first day is Bhogi Pongal, which falls on the 13^th January every year. On this day, people discard old and unwanted items to symbolize the end of vices or poorh habits and usher in the new memories. The second day is the main festival called Surya Pongal, during which people worship the sun, decorate their homes and wear new clothes. On the third day on Mattu Pongal, farmers worship cattle and play / witness jallikattu, a bull taming game. The last day is called Kanum Pongal, when people prepare multi-color rice delicacies and offer them to their ancestors. They also go for sightseeing on this day, so the usual tourists places like Marina Beach in Chennai are choc-a-bloc with visitors on this day. Pongal dish made of rice, milk and cardamoms is savoured across all households during the festival.

Uttar Pradesh

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Here, Makar Sankranti is referred as Khichdi Sankrant because khichdi is offered to poor people. You will often hear the residents saying that it’s the day of snan, daan and khichdi. The khichdil platter consists of the main dish, papad, ghee, a til gud sweet, chutney and curd. On this day, devotees also prefer to take dip in the Holy River Ganges. Fun fairs are organized throughout the state and people take part in rituals called ‘ghughutia’ and ‘kaalekauva’. In KaaleKauva, children display sweets prepared in different shapes and strung together like a necklace to attract crows and other birds.

Punjab

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Sunder mundriye ho! Dulla Bhatti walla! Those who have a penchant for Punjabi music would know that Lohri festivities are incomplete without singing and dancing to the tunes of these two popular songs. Lohri, as the Makar Sankranti is called in Punjab, is all about the typical Punjabi fare – dhols, giddas, bhangra, bonfire, dance and feast, amids all pomp and fervour. The day following Lohri signifies the start of a new month called Magh, and hence celebrated as Maghi by offering kheer or any other sweet dish with sugar cane juice.

Different regions, different traditions. How do you celebrate Makar Sankranti in your home? 

Top 5 Indian Destinations to Celebrate New Year

From Las Vegas to Paris, London to Sydney, there are a few cities in the world that ring in the New Year in style and with spectacular fireworks. But how about welcoming the first day of the new calendar in our very own desi way? India has several beautiful destinations, where this special occasion is celebrated with all pomp and fervour. So, pack your bags and get ready to revel in the New Year festivities at these 5 places in India.

Goa

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Who doesn’t look forward to spending the New Year’s eve in this exotic beach destination of India? And you can’t blame them, as there are several reasons to head to Goa in the concluding week of the year. The Sunburn festival, a three day electronic dance music festival, held on the Vagator beach is among its main attractions. The Supersonic Festival initiated by VJ Nikhil Chinapa is another popular music festival held here that is worth a watch. The night markets of Goa are decked up during the New Year and add to the overall enthusiasm. You would love to shop, eat and hang out here until the wee hours of the morning. Visit the casinos here during this season and you will know why the place is referred to as the Las Vegas of India. While on you way back to home, don’t forget to grab the sweet, crunchy Goan cashewnuts!

Kerala

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What can be a better place to welcome the New Year than the God’s own country? The Cochin Carnival held here during the last week of December pulls a huge crowd each year. The loud drum beats, music, folk dance performances, fun filled games and the massive procession that form a part of this carnival make it an event to remember. Besides, New Year parties held in Varkala and Kovalam are also worth visiting. You may even book a houseboat, go canoeing, trekking or river rafting. Unlike, most other parts of the country, the weather in Kerela is quite favourable around this time of the year.

Mumbai

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If you are a wild party animal looking for glitzy parties, night clubs and discos, then Mumbai is your destination. Special events are organized on the beach sides and at various lounges and hotels throughout the city.

Manali

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Wish to celebrate the New Year amid snow covered mountains and valleys? Head towards Manali! One of the most popular tourist spots in India, Manali is also among the best places in the country to celebrate New Year. Several hotels and clubs organize parties to celebrate the festival. You also get ample opportunity to enjoy snow sporting activities. In fact, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Devepment Corporation offers special rates on hotels and tour packages around this time.

Udaipur

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Celebrate New Year in a traditional style at Udaipur.  The beauty of the place increases, many folds during the Noel season. Several notable hotels and resorts in and around the city, including the esteemed Rajmahal Bhinder, the Chunda Palace, the Royal Retreat Resort and Spa, Hotel Devi Garh and Ramada Udaipur Resort and Spa are illuminated with lights and grand parties are hosted here to celebrate the occasion.

Where are you heading this year?

5 Myths and Legends of Diwali

Indian culture is often referred to as ‘rich’ and our festivals are in no small measure, responsible for it! There are many festivals in India, some celebrated across the country, and some with regional significance. But even a national festival has several local variations, and Diwali is no different!

Diwali is probably the most grandly celebrated festival in India, with everyone looking forward to it months in advance. It is generally celebrated as a five day festival in this order: Day 1 – Dhanteras, Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi, Day 3 – Diwali, Day 4 – Diwali Padwa, Day 5 – Bhai Dooj. The origin of the festival has several myths and legends associated with it and some households have story or ‘katha’ sessions, where the elders in the family regale the younger ones with stories. Since everyone is caught up in the festive spirit, why don’t we have our own katha session right here? Here are five of the most common legends associated with Diwali.

1. The Origin of Dhanteras

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The legend of Dhanteras begins with the Samudra Manthan, the well known story about the churning of the milk ocean. The Devas were forced to join the Asuras in churning the ocean of milk, using Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki, the king of serpents, as the churning rope.

During the process, a variety of things came to the surface – an extremely dangerous poison that was swallowed by Shiva and treasure in the forms of precious gems, which were split between the Devas and Asuras. On Dhanteras day, the Lord Dhanvantari, the physician god emerged. He was holding a jar of Amrit, the nectar of immortality. This event is celebrated today by buying a new utensil or appliance for the kitchen, with some even going for silver or gold.

2. The Story of Naraka Chaturdashi

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Naraka Chaturdashi is very popular in Maharashtra and the southern states of India, and is almost as grand as Diwali! The demon Naraka was misusing his powers to abduct women and cause general destruction in the universe. Lord Krishna decided to save the world and along with his wife, he slayed the demon, releasing his captives. He smeared the demon’s blood on his forehead and returned home, where he was treated to an oil bath. This day is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, and it is the custom to have an oil bath early in the morning before the festivities begin.

3. The Celebration of the Return of Lord Ram

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This is probably the most popular legend associated with Diwali, one that even little kids are familiar with! The Ramayana describes how Lord Ram, his brother Lakshman and his wife Sita were exiled to the forest for fourteen years, during which they defeated the demon king Ravana and rescued Sita. On the eve of the day they were expected to return, it was a new moon night, and there was darkness all around. The people of the kingdom decorated the entire city with lamps, so that the illumination would help their dear king find his way home. This tradition is observed even today, with everyone lighting up their homes and bursting crackers in the spirit of celebration.

4. The Legend behind Govardhan Puja

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Govardhan Puja is also called Annakut and is celebrated with great fanfare in the northern states of India. The people of Gokul had a tradition of worshipping Lord Indra, the God of Rains, at the end of the monsoon season. But when they were stopped by Lord Krishna, Lord Indra was angered and he sent down torrents of rain to submerge the city. Krishna assured his people that he would keep them safe, and he did so by lifting the huge Govardhan mountain over everyone. Today, small hillocks of cow dung are made to symbolize how everyone was protected by Lord Krishna.

5. The Story of Bhai Dooj

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The focus of a Bhai Dooj celebration is a sister placing a red dot or tilak on her brother’s forehead. The legend goes that when Krishna returned after slaying the demon Naraka, he was welcomed by his younger sister, Subhadra with fresh flowers and a red tilak on his forehead. Since then all sisters do the same for their brothers, in exchange for a loving gift.

Now that you know some interesting legends about Diwali, you’re all set to host a katha session at your place this year! uIndia wishes you and your family a very Happy Diwali; stay safe and have a blast!

10 Most Popular Indian Sweets You Must Taste

Indian festivals and celebrations are incomplete without relishing sweets with your family and friends.  Commonly known as mithais, these classic Indian sweets are simply irresistible and give a tough competition to exotic contemporary desserts even today. Each state in India has a unique mithai in the offering, each of them known for its delectable taste.

This festive season, how about knowing a little bit about these famous 10 Indian sweets?

1. Sandesh

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Originated in West Bengal, both Bengalis and non-Bengalis are equally crazy about this mouth melting creamy sweet prepared with curdled milk and sugar. People often find it difficult to vote for their favourite pick between Sandesh and Rasgulla!

2. Ghewar

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Ghewar is a mouthwatering Rajasthani sweet especially associated with the Teej festival. Prepared with a combination of flour, khoya, ghee and sugar syrup, Ghewar is in demand during the other festivals too. There are various varieties of Ghewar to choose from including the plain Ghewar, Malai Ghewar and Mawa Ghewar.



3.    Gujia

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Gujia is another scrumptious sweet that is relished from Uttar Pradesh to Rajasthan, especially during Holi festival. This sweet has an outer crunchy covering made with maida flour and a filling that includes almonds, raisins, nuts, coconut, khoya and semolina.

4.    Shrikhand

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Shrikhand is the specialty of Gujarat and is equally loved by the people of Maharashtra. Prepared with strained yogurt, this is one of the most delectable Indian sweets is especially served during festivities and other special occasions in these states. It is available all through the year in these parts of the country.

5.    Dharwad Pedas

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You must have heard of Mathura Pedas, but how about going south to taste a different version of it? Dharwad from Karnataka sells these pedas made out of sugar and condensed milk. If you are on a visit to Dharwad, then tasting these soft round pieces is a must.

6.    Agra Ka Petha

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Who doesn’t carry home a box of delicate Agra Ka Pethas after visiting the city of Taj Mahal? Made of white pumpkin, these pethas are loved for their sweet aroma and delectable taste.

7.    Kalakand

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A specialty of North India, Kalakand is especially popular in Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Made with fresh cottage cheese and sweetened milk, this Indian sweet dish is loved for its softness and taste. Garnished with finely cut pistachios and saffron, Kalakand is particularly in demand during Rakshabandhan and Janamashtami.

8.    Rabri

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This mouthwatering sweet dish prepared with thickened milk, saffron and dry fruits originated in Banaras. Relished across the country, Rabri is available in almost every part all-round the year. It tastes best when served chilled.

9.    Pootharekulu

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With its roots in coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, Pootharekulu is made using extremely thin and transparent rice papers stuffed with the filling of powdered sugar, ghee, cardamom and dry fruits.

10.    Khaja

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Khaja is an extremely popular sweet from Bihar, however it is relished in some parts of West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh too. It has a filling of khoya and dry fruits stuffed in a savoury crust made of maida, which is deep fried in ghee and served in saffron flavoured sugar syrup. 










Tell us which is your favourite Indian sweet and why!