It is one of the national holidays of India. The republic day of India is on January 26. the main center of celebration is New Delhi. A prominent ruler from a foreign country is invited for the ceremony as chief guest. A very nice procession along with military parade is the attraction of the day. Soldiers are awarded for their …
Read More »Why is Winston Churchill’s speech known as the ‘Iron Curtain speech’?
In the “Iron Curtain speech” Winston Churchill drew attention to the fundamental split in Europe between the Eastern Bloc and the West, though at that stage (March 1946) there were no formal alliances. He had a fear of another world war that involves fighting against the communist regime and that the so called iron curtain is blocking some of the …
Read More »Which festivals of India are similar to Thanksgiving Day?
Lohri celebrates fertility and the joy of life, and in the event of the birth of a male child or a marriage in the family, it assumes a larger significance wherein the host family arranges for a feast and merry-making with the traditional bhangra dance along with rhythm instruments, like the dhol and the gidda. The first Lohri of a …
Read More »Which is the Great Indian Thanksgiving Hindu Harvest Festival?
Seventy percent of India‘s population lives in villages, and a vast majority of people solely depend on agriculture. As a result, we find that most Hindu festivals are directly or indirectly linked to agriculture and related activities. Pongal is one such big festival, celebrated every year in mid January – mostly in the south of India and especially in Tamil …
Read More »When did Christmas Greeting Cards tradition started?
The custom of sending Christmas cards started in the United Kingdom in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. He was a civil servant (Government worker) who was very interested in the new ‘Public Post Office’ and wondered how it could be used more by ordinary people.Sir Henry had the idea of Christmas Cards and with his friend John Horsley, who was …
Read More »Why candles are associated with Christmas?
There are many different reasons why candles are associated with Christmas, although no one knows when they first became connected!They were used during ancient winter solstice celebrations a way of remembering that spring would soon come.One of the earliest records of candles being used at Christmas is from the middle ages where a large candle was used to represent the …
Read More »Why is Christmas Day on the 25th December?
No one knows the real birthday of Jesus! No date is given in the Bible, so why do we celebrate it on the 25th December? The early Christians certainly had many arguments as to when it should be celebrated! Also, the birth of Jesus probably didn’t happen in the year 1AD but slightly earlier, somewhere between 2BC and 7BC (there …
Read More »What is a Hanukkiyah?
A hanukkiyah is a candelabrum with eight candle holders in a row and a ninth candle holder set a little above the others. It’s different from a menorah, which has seven branches and was used in the Temple before it was destroyed in 70 CE. A hanukkiyah is nevertheless a kind of menorah. The hanukkiyah is used during the Jewish …
Read More »What is the meaning of Hebrew Letters on a Dreidel?
A dreidel has one Hebrew letter on each side. Outside of Israel, those letters are: נ (Nun), ג (Gimmel), ה (Hay) and ש (Shin), which stand for the Hebrew phrase “Nes Gadol Haya Sham.” This phrase means “A great miracle happened there [in Israel].” After the State of Israel was founded in 1948 the Hebrew letters were changed for dreidels …
Read More »How to celebrate Diwali in Singapore?
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is an important celebration in Singapore. It serves to bring together all of the citizens, regardless of their religion. Originally a Hindu religious observance, Diwali is an important part of the culture in Singapore, celebrated by Muslims and Christians, as well. Celebrate Diwali in Singapore: Step 1: Determine the actual dates of this year’s Diwali …
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