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Mandala Puja 2021: From rituals to significance, here’s all you need to know

Mandala Puja celebrates the completion of the 41-day austerity known as Mandala Kalam, which is performed by Lord Ayyappa’s followers or devotees. It is performed at Kerala’s Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple.

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Mandala Puja 2021: From rituals to significance, here's all you need to know

Mandala Puja is an essential ritual performed at Kerala’s Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. Mandala Puja celebrates the completion of the 41-day austerity known as Mandala Kalam, which is performed by Lord Ayyappa’s followers or devotees. The 41 day fast begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam.

Mandala Puja and ‘Makara Vilakku’ are two significant festivals celebrated annually at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, which attract worshippers from all across Kerala and neighbouring states. During this occasion, the temple is open on most days for worshippers.

Significance of Mandala Puja

The importance of Mandala Puja is described in several Puranas. According to a holy text, only by doing Mandala Puja can a person’s fate be positively influenced. This puja can be conducted solely by a person, but it can only be done once in his or her lifetime. Mandala Puja is an extremely powerful puja that when the person performs it with complete passion and attention his wishes get fulfilled.

Mandala Puja commemorates the 41 days of austerity. The strictness of the vratham during Mandala Puja serves to purify the spirit. Everyone, including men and women, can see the austerity. Females between the age of one and nine years, as well as those above the age of fifty, are also permitted to do the Mandala Puja vratham and they are referred to as ‘Malikapuram.’

Devotees visiting the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple during the Mandala Puja have a tradition of also visiting the ‘Guruvayur Temple.’ During this occasion, a special ‘Abhishekam’ ritual is performed in the ‘Guruvayur Temple.’

Rituals during Mandala Puja:

  1. Vratam, or fasting, is an essential aspect of Mandala Puja, which is followed with zeal and severity by the traditional and religious people of South India.
  2. People who visit the Sabarimala temple must also live in austerity. Devotees live a holy and humble life throughout the Mandala Puja festival.
  3. Devotees wear the Rudraksha or Tulsi mala with Lord Ayyappa’s locket till the time they make a visit to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple and then they take out the Mala.
  4. During this period, worshippers are known as ‘Swami’ or ‘Ayyappan.’
  5. During the Mandala Puja time, worshippers must keep their minds and bodies pure and refrain from all worldly pleasures.
  6. During the Mandala Puja, all devotees visiting the Sabarimala shrine must refrain from drinking and smoking. It is essential to pray twice a day. During this time, they must stop having sex and avoid hurting the sentiments of others.
  7. Makarasankranti Day is the most auspicious day of the Mandala Pooja. Makaravilakku is another name for Mandala Pooja. This is held every year on the 14th and 16th of January. The procession begins with the Lord’s jewels being carried to Sabarimala’s Old Pandalam Palace.
  8. In the midst of this, you will observe the Krishnaparuntu (the Brahminy Kite), which is thought to be Lord Vishnu’s chariot, soaring high above till the jewels reach the palace. Then, as a symbol of homage to Lord Ayappan, it circles around 9 times above Sannidhanam in Sabarimala.
  9. The Makara Jyoti will be the only star visible to us since it represents the ritual’s specialty. During this time, the Lord Ayappan Idol is decked with jewels and worshippers chant “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.”
  10. When the Lord is decked up with jewels, the star suddenly disappears. Finally, a dazzling effulgence or Makaravilakku shines three times from the hills opposite Sabarimala, signaling the completion of the fortunate rite.

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Where is Santa this Christmas Eve? Track his journey with NORAD and Google Santa Tracker

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Santa tracking on Christmas Eve with NORAD and Google Santa Tracker

As Christmas Eve arrives, excitement fills the air for families worldwide, eager to track Santa’s magical journey across the globe. Thanks to modern technology, families can now follow Santa’s global trek in real time, a cherished tradition that has been made even more special by NORAD and Google Santa Tracker. These two platforms bring the joy of the season to life with live updates, interactive features, and educational content.

NORAD tracks Santa: A legacy of tracking Santa Claus

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been tracking Santa Claus since 1955, starting from a simple mix-up. A Sears department store advertisement listed the wrong phone number for Santa, leading a child to call the military command. When Air Force Commander Harry Shoup answered, he reassured the child, and thus, a global tradition was born. NORAD has since embraced cutting-edge radar and satellite technology to track Santa’s journey, with Rudolph’s glowing red nose marking his path through the night sky.

This year, NORAD’s Santa Tracker goes live on Christmas Eve at 6 a.m. ET, offering real-time updates on Santa’s location until 2 a.m. ET on Christmas Day. Families can access the official NORAD Tracks Santa website, download the Santa Tracker app (available on both iOS and Android), or follow NORAD on social media. For a more personal touch, NORAD’s hotline (1-877-HI-NORAD) is available from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. ET on Christmas Day, offering families a chance to speak with volunteers about Santa’s journey.

Google Santa Tracker: Interactive fun for the whole family

Google’s Santa Tracker also offers a way to follow Santa’s travels in real time, but with a twist. In addition to tracking Santa, the platform features a variety of interactive experiences, including holiday games, videos, and educational content about Christmas traditions around the world. Google’s Santa Tracker provides a countdown to Christmas Eve and a chance to explore Santa’s Village, where families can engage in festive activities before tracking his journey.

How to track Santa this Christmas Eve

  • NORAD Tracks Santa: Visit noradsanta.org for live updates, videos, and interactive features. The website includes a countdown to Santa’s departure and real-time tracking of his global journey.
  • Google Santa Tracker: Head to santatracker.google.com to play games, watch videos, and track Santa in real time.

The tradition of tracking Santa

Tracking Santa has become a beloved holiday tradition, bringing joy and excitement to children and families around the world. Whether through NORAD’s precise tracking or Google’s interactive features, these services offer a unique way to experience the magic of Christmas. For over 65 years, NORAD’s Santa Tracker has allowed kids to track Santa as he makes his way across the globe, adding an extra layer of excitement to Christmas Eve. According to NORAD, its fighter jets have “intercepted Santa many, many times,” with pilots even tipping their wings to say, “Hello Santa. NORAD is tracking you again this year.”

How does Santa travel so Fast?

One of the most intriguing aspects of tracking Santa is how he manages to deliver presents to every corner of the globe in just one night. According to NORAD, Santa operates in a time-space continuum of his own. While it appears that Santa completes his journey in 24 hours, NORAD suggests that he experiences time differently. “Santa does not experience time the way we do,” says the agency. In Santa’s world, his trip could span days, weeks, or even months, making his speed and efficiency even more magical.

A global tradition of Christmas magic

This Christmas Eve, families can once again join in the holiday fun by tracking Santa’s extraordinary journey. Whether using NORAD’s detailed tracking system or exploring Google’s interactive features, the Christmas spirit comes alive in real-time. So, as you prepare for Christmas Day, don’t forget to check in and see where Santa is — it’s a joyful part of the holiday season!

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Happy Eid-ul-Fitr 2024: Eid Mubarak pictures, greetings, cards, quotes and images

As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close with the sighting of the crescent moon and the month-long fasting from sunrise to sunset comes to an end, Eid-ul-Fitr, the first day of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar, is celebrated with much enthusiasm.

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The joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr is finally here as most of the Indian states are celebrating one of the most important Muslim festivals today on April 11 upon sighting of the crescent moon on April 10. Festivities are in air as Muslims gear up to celebrate the special occasion, eagerly anticipating the joyful reunions with family and friends, the delectable feasts shared with loved ones, and the heartfelt prayers offered in gratitude for the blessings of the past month.

Every Muslim household is decorated beautifully with lanterns, twinkling lights and flowers on this day with people dressing up in their best of clothes to meet relatives and friends and wish them Eid Mubarak! Not to mention the elaborate meal spread consisting of biryani, haleem, kebabs, sheer khurma, meethi sevaiyan that will be enjoyed with family, served to guests and also distributed to poor and needy. Children of the household receive Eidi, a gift or cash from elders in the family.

As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close with the sighting of the crescent moon and the month-long fasting from sunrise to sunset comes to an end, Eid-ul-Fitr, the first day of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar, is celebrated with much enthusiasm.

Eid Mubarak Quotes

Let us be grateful to Allah for all the love, happiness, compassion and peace we receive throughout these challenging times. Eid Mubarak.

 Eid ul Adha is not only about sacrificing an animal before sacrificing, we have to put a knife on your pride, your selfishness, and your ego as well, and slater the animals living inside your heart, our brain, our thoughts and personality, so we can achieve the real meaning of Eid ul Adha, may Allah accept all our good deeds and sacrifice. Happy Eid.

Ask God all you need, Wish you a happy Eid

Let our religions unite us for human kindness rather than dividing us on what we believe. Eid Mubarak.

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Happy Easter 2024: Political leaders extend greetings to nation for peace and unity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes on the occasion of Easter on Sunday and expressed his hope that the message of renewal and optimism associated with the occasion would resonate widely.

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Easter also known as Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion on Good Friday. This Christian festival symbolises the victory of life over death .

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes on the occasion of Easter on Sunday and expressed his hope that the message of renewal and optimism associated with the occasion would resonate widely. PM Modi took to X and posted that May this day inspire us all to come together, fostering unity and peace. He wished everyone a joyful Easter.

President Droupadi Murmu also greeted the people on Easter and highlighted the occasion of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, promotes the spirit of love, hope and universal fraternity. President Droupadi Murmu took to X and posted Easter greetings to all, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters! This pious occasion of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, promotes the spirit of love, hope, and universal fraternity. May the teachings of Jesus Christ lead us onto the path of peace and harmony.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took to X and wrote we extend our warmest greetings on the joyous occasion of Easter. The eternal significance of Jesus Christ’s resurrection is that truth triumphs over evil and compassion overcomes hatred. May the festivities strengthen the bonds of unity, amity and fraternity amongst our people and herald a brighter future.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to X and posted Happy Easter! As you celebrate Easter Sunday with your loved ones, may joy, peace, and hope illuminate the path ahead.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to X to extend greetings on Easter and wrote Greetings and best wishes to everyone on the joyous occasion of Easter. May this revered day bring new beginnings, hopes and harmony in your life.

Union Minister Kiren Rijju took to X and posted Happy and Blessed Easter to all! Wishing everyone peace, joy and unity.

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