By: Himali Kulshreshth

When one is surrounded by the tenderness and cordiality of family and friends, it becomes easier and rather entertaining to face any situation. As a kid, I used to wonder if I could be sick or injured, my cousins and friends would visit me even more frequently. And, that would have made my days filled with ‘extra’ fun. Sounds horrible! However, if we think about it with a different angle, we would come across a wonderful reality.

The other day one of my cousins, living alone in some other city, had to make a trip to the hospital. He had a few of those tiny stones in his stomach that leave one with a very bothering pain. Therefore, he took a three-day leave from his office and got himself admitted in the hospital. As planned, he was treated on the first day itself and had to stay admitted for the next two days. Fortunately, those three days turned his ‘leave’ into a beautiful holiday. A few of his relatives and friends staying nearby gave him a visit. Along with those visits, came the mouth-watering sweets and other homemade delicacies, the joy of which he had not had since a long while. Moreover, he spent all his time chatting and laughing with them and rarely found an occasion to realize his pain. Hence, with the joy and ecstasy of those warm bonds, he recovered soon and got back to work. When he told me about this trip, I could feel the intense delight that he experienced then and nurtured forever.

This is the perspective that gives its way towards a wonderful reality, in which the support and spirit of our beloved ones helps us to face and get over almost any kind of situation without realizing the twinge. Oh yes, I would call it a ‘twinge’ rather than ‘pain’ as it appears to me that pain is just a short-term feeling that is so trivial when faced by the affection of those gentle hearts.

The birth of Lord Krishna, one of the favorite deities of Hindu people, is marked by a number of colorful rituals and is celebrated with great fervor. It is also a glorious occasion to relish on mouth watering delicacies. Shrikhand which is also known as Sweet Yogurt, is one such melt-in-the-mouth sweet prepared on this occassion. So here is a simple recipe for all those who crave sweets!

Ingredients

· 1 (18 ounce) container Plain Yogurt

· 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar

· 1 tsp Rose Water (optional)

· 1/2 tsp Ground Cardamom

· Dash of Ground Nutmeg

· Few threads of Saffron

· 4 tsp finely chopped Green Pistachios

Method

· Mix all the ingredients of Shrikhand, except pistachios.

· After mixing the ingredients, put them in a bowl and cover it with a lid. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours.

· After waiting for two hours, take the bowl off the refrigerator. By this time, the mixture would have reached the consistency of a dessert. Now, you may stir and spoon the Shrikhand (Sweet Golden Yogurt) into dessert dishes.

· Sprinkle with pistachios.

· Serves four people.

(Recipe courtesy www.festivals.iloveindia.com)

The birth day of Lord Krishna is celebrated across the country with great zest and zeal.As always markets are flooded with glittering accessories and clothes for the Lord.

Jnmashtami is one of the prominent Hindu festivals celebrated amidst much fanfare. It falls on the Ashtami Tithi , the eighth day of the dark half or Krishna Paksha of the month of Shraavana as per the Hindu Calendar.

On this day people visit temples in large numbers to seek blessings of the much revered Lord Krishna. People celebrate the occasion by singing hymns and enacting plays like Mahabharata and Rasa Leela (Dramatic Enactments).

A famous ceremony, which has been further popularized by Bollywood, the Dahi Handi is performed on this auspicious day. This ceremony is eagerly awaited for by the youth, as they compete with each other to break the the Dahi Handi which is full of butter. This is symbolism of Lord krishna stealing butter when he was a child.

Generous prizes are given to the team which successfully breaks the handi.

Priests in temples chant holy mantras and bath the idol with Panchamrit which comprises of Gangajal (water from the holy Ganges River), milk, ghee (clarified butter), curd, and honey pouring all these from a shankh or conch shell.

The festival which is also known as Gokulashtami is celebrated prominently in the twin cities of Mathura and Brindavan which boast of more than 400 Krishna temples.

The celebrations begin from midnight when Lord Krishna was born and carry on throughout the day. Janmashtami is a festival which is liked by all whether it is for the ceremonies and plays, the religious sentiments or just the fun of staying up till late at night.

Newzstreet wishes it’s readers A Very Happy Janmashtami!

On the occasion of Janmashtami, the Iskcon Temple in Noida like every year will celebrate the festival with great fervor. More than 1,500 people are expected to visit the temple, during the morning ‘Aarti’ which is conducted at 4:30 am.

The day which will start with special puja will continue till late in the night. ‘Mahabhishekam’ will also be performed and a cultural programme has been organised with artists being brought in from Brindavan to perform Rasa Leela and other dance forms. It will surely be a day to remember!

Special light-men have been flown in from Kolkata to decorate the temple premises. Stores at the Iskcon temple will sell beautiful images, books and other puja accessories of Lord Krishna.

The festivities will go on till the wee hours of September 3 and will have MP Surinder Singh Nagar and Chairman of Priya Gold Biscuits B.P Aggarwal as the guests of honour.

“We have brought flowers especially from Brindavan and Mathura to use in puja as well as to make the Phool Bangla (House for God). There will be stalls, pandals and Jhanki’s will also be carried out tomorrow” said Budhimanta Das, PRO of Iskcon temple, Noida.

More than 250 police officials have been deployed for the grand event tomorrow along with 100 security guards of their own.

On the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, Chinmaya Mission Noida will celebrate the auspicious day with great zest and zeal. Various cultural programmes will be conducted on this occasion by the Balvihar Children. So join the festivities along with your family!

The Srikrishna Leela Committee has planned to celebrate Krishna Janmashtami amidst much fanfare. The preparations for the festival which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna have already started.

According to committee President Kuldeep Nagar “The event will be organized in the Beta sector II club premises like every year with the support and participation of all the locals”.

The festive celebrations will include bhajans, dance, drama programmes and chanting of mantras revolving around Lord Krishna. Also a procession of Lord Krishna will be carried out along with breaking of the Dahi Handi.

“We have discussed the plan and have started the preparations so that the festival is celebrated without any chaos and everything is arranged properly” said Kuldeep Nagar.

Born in the holy city of Lord Krishna, Anu M Tayal holds a degree in textiles. With her occult panache Anu has been involved in the study of esoteric sciences for over a decade now. Her simple and accurate readings has helped her in achieving immense popularity among top industrialist ,professionals ,businessmen, home makers and students.

Anu has a passion for Tarot and her wealth of knowledge is always grounded in practicality.

Monthly forecast: September

Aries – You have been avoiding a decision in past which is creating lot of upheaval on your mental status. You will have to sacrifice or leave something which really holds value for you to achieve your higher goals.

Love life – You will experience lots of love and passion in your life. New unbreakable bonds will form and will give you lots of security. Couples will take their relationships to the next level.

Taurus – You are advancing very slowly towards your goal. The route and the way you need to reach there will be not clear right now. Have patience as you are a part of a very big puzzle and the other pieces will be visible with time and your efforts. Partnerships will flourish and support levels at your work place will be adequate.

Love life – There won’t be much of excitement and fun in your personal life but your partner will be very supportive and reliable. The fancy and romantic part which you will be missing in your life will be filled with genuine love and respect. It is a very auspicious time to grow your family.

Gemini – A job or career change is visible. New positive beginnings in life will bring lots of clarity and optimism. Few people close to you will try throwing their attitude and can give you uneasiness. Young people around you will bring lots of motivation and creativity in your life.

Love life – Short trips and outings with your loved ones will bring lots of positivity in you. Don’t let your ego or high principles rob you of simple pleasures of life. A matured and generous man will create adventure in your daily life.

Cancer – Your hard work will eventually pay off with your persistent effort. There is light at end of the tunnel. Movement, travel and expansion will come as a part and parcel. You will be acquiring new skills you may have to work hard to perfect a skill.

Love life – You may need to swallow your pride and admit your limitations. You will be experiencing major psychological changes in your self which are necessary for some kind of liberation and renewal.

Leo - You will be pursuing a new career which will only happen after a period of some shocking and dramatic changes. There will be a kind of awakening and spiritual enlightenment. This is the time to take charge of your life.

Love life – Some kind of emotional renewal or an upsurge of new feelings will give your life a new meaning and a channel to your imagination. Your partner will give you a pleasant surprise which will help you rebond and connect in a better way.

Virgo – People who are in creative fields will excel and will be rewarded handsomely. A special gathering to mark a particular stage of development will cheer you. Moving to a new house or a new office are few possibilities .Physical luxury and material benefits will give you satisfaction.

Love life – Some kind of hurt or painful feelings from your past will affect your present life. Your head will rule your heart while taking decisions for your relationships. Prayer and meditation will give you solace.

Libra – Some necessary and profound changes will liberate you and life will offer you a fresh new circumstances. Students will receive scholarship or academic honour. Inheritance, major purchases and business deals will flavour this month.

Love life – You will experience innocence and a lot of purity in your relationships. You will try to unlock the silence which you experience sometimes with your spouse. A trip to enjoy the outdoor sunshine will give you peace.

Scorpio – A sensible and practical approach will solve your money matters. You will suddenly develop a taste towards good things in life will have a fondness for luxury. Ward off negative energies from your surroundings by following some practical measures. You will feel relaxed and satisfied in the company of like minded people. Don’t involve your self in office politics.

Love life – Lack of empowerment or ‘boxed in’ feeling might grip you for a while. Don’t act as your worst enemy and face your fears before making an important decision. With proceeding time you will experience a regain of your emotional equilibrium. Your spouse will reciprocate your feelings and will be cooperative.

Sagittarius – Possible travel over water may be accompanied by meeting family and friends. New material beginnings along with educational opportunities will come. If you are about to sign a contract, read all the fine print. A happy and cheerful environment at work will give you peace.

Love life – Your hunches and intuition will guide you on relationship front. A car ride or a trip with your love will make you happy and content .Circumstances will force you to build a sense of trust towards your spouse/partner.

Capricorn – A female friend or Colleague will help you sail out from a difficult situation. Your work approach will be very methodical and you will pay attention to all the details. Take a middle course for business proposals and wait for the proper timing.

Love life – You will be diplomatic and clever to deal with some tricky situation. Some driving force or an exiting new message from your love interest will fill you with new enthusiasm and confidence.

Aquarius – Some pending business deals will ripen this month, but profit margins will not give you satisfaction. Work with big corporations and government organizations will rule this month. Not a favourable time to start a new business.

Love life – Work related stress and heavy responsibilities will leave you with little energy. Avoid arguments with your spouse. Some kind of break or a holiday will help you come out of this emotional drain out.

Pisces – Your talents combined with your passion to succeed will give you tremendous growth in your field. Repeated work and a usual routine will give you a feeling of boredom.

Love life – You have being going through a lot of turmoil in the past and will experience new release of energy this month. Favourable messages and fresh opportunities in your love life will leave you in a celebrating mode.

To get in touch with Anu M Tayal please contact her at:

Website: www.anupredictions.com

Mob – 91  9871 61 2677

Facebook – Anu Predictions

Twitter@anupredictions

It is time to decorate your house and extended a warm welcome to Lord Krishna!

Janmashtami which falls on September 2 is celebrated with great gusto throughout India as the birth of Lord Krishna, an avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu.

As the idol of the infant Krishna is bathed and adorned in new clothes and jewellery, markets all over Noida are glittering with accessories and clothes for the Lord.

Atta market has a dazzling display of gold cradles in all sizes, tiny outfits, flutes, earrings, anklets, necklaces and headdresses - all for Lord Krishna.

Appealing decorative pieces with Krishna playing flute or with beloved Radha are also available in the market.

Similarly, Sector 27’s Indira market and Sector 29’s Brahmaputra Market have a wide assortment of Janmashtami goods. One can purchase colorful Krishna wall hangings or various door hangings with pictures of Lord Krishna.

Banners with ‘Shubh Janmashtami’ written on it are quite popular with residents as well.

While the cost of Lord Krishna’s accessories and clothes start from Rs 20, the cradle, wall hangings and banners can go up to Rs 1000.

The decoration sets the right mood and environment for celebration while the pooja ghar, beautifully done-up too, welcomes Lord Krishna who fills the house with His blessings.

While the government is busy preparing for the Commonwealth Games in October, the student fraternity is busy preparing for their half-yearly exams. Yes, the examination of students has been shifted to September due to the Commonwealth Games in October.

All most all schools in Delhi and Noida have scheduled the half-yearly exams for September, in view of the CWG so that students can enjoy the 17 day break in October!

Most of the schools in Noida like DPS, Amity International, Apeejay, and Ryan International will start the exams from the first week of September for both primary and secondary wings.

The remaining schools like Modern, Vishwa Bharti, Somerville, Bal Bharti will conduct exams only after 15 September.

“Usually the exams are conducted in the month of October before the Dusherra break but now with the Commonwealth Games coming up we decided to shift the exams in September” said Anuradha Sharma, principal, Ryan International School.

The announcement of holidays during the Commonwealth Games has brought smiles on the faces of thousands of students who are for now, engrossed in their text books.

Right at the beginning of teenage life every one without exception adjusts their ‘success-lens’ to focus clearly on the career options. Survival has become the most vital achievement of our lives today. Scared of future, every teenager mounts upon inexpressible suffocation in the mind as regards to life and job placements. It saps all their energies and they are left with no energy to retune their lives, to pause and think, to analyze and correct, to peep beyond to draw fresh inspiration. This is the tragedy that every college going youngster faces today. Parents, institutions and the world around keep a watch over the youth only to find how they settle in their lives.

There is an urgent demand of ‘faith’ and ‘devotion’ to supply to every youth and protect them from drowning in pessimism. It is the responsibility of the parents and teachers in the first instance to energize them with optimistic thoughts and guide them to a better future. The question remains as to “How to do it?”

Pujya Gurudev says: - “…A mere intellectual daring and a restless heroism are not sufficient in themselves. The student must be devoted to the pursuit of the supreme. Faith and devotion can provide the seeker with maximum inner alertness…”

Before we reflect upon Sri Gurudev’s pointer, let us reconcile ourselves with the basic realities of today’s world. These are: -

1. Life aim or goal is almost confined to a mere earning and living through better prospects of job and comforts. Though there is nothing wrong in this, but we are not realizing that it is only a means for still higher and greater achievements of life. One should not limit one’s own prospects of higher growth.
2. If we observe life in general, at least in our country, there is no dearth for food grains. All our godowns are full. In spite of many ecological challenges, we are able to produce more than what we need. Our land is fertile.
3. We may not get jobs to our liking in the present day world due to high ratio between demand and supply in jobs sectors, still the think tank of creamy layer of our country declare that we have not exhausted all the options to make livelihood. Of course a little sacrifice of one’s rigid options in procuring a job is required. Very few are willing and majority is not willing to sacrifice their rigidity and as a result we see many disappointed youth all around. We do not know how far this kind of disappointment is justified, for all will not be able to eke out their living through a self-designated pattern of life style.

How to make our youth understand the realities of life remain as a big question. The answer lies in one word i.e. education, but the implications of the word are far beyond the understanding of an average person in the world. Alas! Training some one to think is a greatest challenge in present times.

Let the purpose of living be not confined merely to earn and live. If we could make our youth think a greater purpose and a higher responsibility, then the “need” of living and earning becomes clear. As soon as the higher goal becomes clear, then exploring various available options in life to make living materializes before our eyes. One would not be too fussy about career options; rather he or she explores various other options to make a living. Sooner a youngster does this, the mind becomes free to fulfill higher purpose of life, such as a greater contribution to the society at large. Whole mission of life expands to a higher platform of thinking. Then alone real contribution to the people and the world at large begins. As Gurudev says in his pledge, “…We believe that the service of our country is the service of the Lord of lords and devotion to the people is the devotion to the supreme self. We know our responsibilities give us the ability and courage to fulfill them”

We have today many among youth who has only intellectual daring and a restless heroism due to lack of proper understanding of life and its purpose. Sri Gurudev says Faith and devotion to the supreme, (as defined in the pledge) is the only way to discover true beauty and fulfillment in life. Only youth can do this, for it is their future which is in their hands. Let the education fulfill its purpose in instilling faith and devotion in all the students. Rest takes care of itself. Think! Please.

Wish you all the best

Hari om

Swami Chidrupananda

(All India Chinmaya Yuva kendra)