Navratri Number Three For Me - September 25, 2014 -

This is my third Navratri in India and, each year, I learn
something new about this nine day Hindu festival, honoring the Mother Goddess, Durga.  Today, I read that, for each of the nine days, the Goddess is draped in a different colored sari and her devotees wear specific colors.  

Last year, I wrote, at length, about Navratri, on my blog.  I don't think I could improve on that so I am giving you the link, in case you didn't read it or would like to read it again.

http://rnsane.blogspot.in/2013/10/navratri-nine-day-hindu-celebration.html#links

I still have not made it to Gujarat for Navratri, a goal I set for myself two years ago.  If I get back to India next year, as soon as I arrive, I am going to make reservations to spend, at least, two days of the weekendof Navratri in Boroda so I can see the garba and dandia dances, with the men and women in their beautiful costumes.  I have yet to visit Ahmedabad and it is only an hour's flight from Mumbai where I usually stay.

There is still so much I want to see and do in India but, as I celebrate my 70th birthday October 3rd, I wonder just how much time I have left to accomplish all that remains on my extensive bucket left.  If there is a "next life," I hope that list will accompany me!

If you all haven't heard it on the news, this amazing country just put a spacecraft in orbit around Mars for the unbelievable cost of $74 million dollars, about a tenth of what it cost the 
U. S. to accomplish the same thing.  Congratulations to all involved in the Indian space program.

Thanks to bing images, domain free, for the photos used
today.


http://www.india.com/top-n/navratri-special-9-colours-to-wear-on-each-day-of-the-festival-and-their-importance-154941/

Happy Independence Day, India - August 15, 2014

Photo:  Courtesy Bing Images, Domain free

On this day, in 1947, the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised 

the Indian National flag at the  Lahore Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi, celebrating

India's independence from Britain.

The British had, initially, come to India in the 1600's for trade purposes but,

gradually, took control of India and ruled for 200 years.

Prior to independence, there was a period of civil disobedience and nonviolent protest,

led by Mohandas Ghandhi.

The Indian Independence Act 1947 partitioned British India into India, Pakistan and

what is now Bangladesh, with a mass exodus of refugees on both sides of the 

border.  In the ensuing bloodshed and violence, an estimated 250,000 to a million

people lost their lives.

In the ensuing 67 years, since India became the world's largest democracy, 

every prime minister has raised the Indian flag at the Red Fort on Independence

Day and given a speech.   The new prime minister, Narendra Modi, was no 

exception, and his speech today showed both inspiration and vision for this

vast country. 

Photo:  Courtesy Bing Images, Domain free

I hope that all my friends in India and worldwide had a very special Independence

Day.  This is actually my third time to be in India for this special occasion.  I

visited India, for the first time, for ten days in February of 1997, never dreaming 

that, as a senior citizen, I would end up living here, off and on for 16 out of 

32 months.  I have grown to love India, its people, its cultures, and all that makes

it great.  

Happy Independence Day.  You have come a long way in just 67 years!

Photo:  Courtesy Bing Images, Domain free

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(India)

http://www.festivalsofindia.in/independenceday/

Happy Friendship Day - August 3, 2014

Happy Friendship Day

I must admit I do find fault,

And can bemoan my fate!

The years are passing quickly,

And I'm not my ideal weight...

I am not wise with money,

And I haven't saved much cash,

My bank account is lonely,

For there's nothing like a stash.

The wrinkle creams aren't working,

I've cellulite, not thighs,

And I play around with makeup,

Making rainbows of my eyes.

Yet, pauper that I am,

I've traveled far and near,

And I'm wealthy in great friendships,

That enrich my life each year.

I don't need a special day,

To tell my friends what's in my heart,

Though miles may come between us,

We are never far apart.

Carmen Henesy

copyright August 3, 2014 by Carmen Henesy

Thanks to Bing Images for the photographs

Alphabe Thursday - "H" Is For Hawaii - June 9, 2010

"H" is for Hawaii,

It truly is great,

This lovely island group,

Is our 50th state!

Born of volcanos,

From deep in the sea,

Each island is special,

I'm sure you'll agree.

Incredible scenery,

Mountains of green,

Breathtaking sunsets,

Like you've never seen.

Delectable seafood,

Abounds everywhere,

Exotic fruits like papaya,

And heartier fare.

Whatever you want,

It will be within reach,

From clubbing all night,

To laying on a beach!

It's a mecca for surfers,

Some born without fear,

Waves reach forty feet,

At some times of the year!

Hula dancers sway slowly,

To the beautiful tunes,

Of ukele and slack key,

Or a singer who croons.

Full of interesting history,

One can easily see,

Its cultural diversity,

Benefits you and me.

Would that all nations,

Could live side by side,

As the people of Hawaii,

Set an example world wide.

Carmen Henesy

 

( Thanks to Bing Images for all photos )

Copyright (c) 2011 by Carmen Henesy

All rights reserved.

 

 

I am participating in Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday -

check it out and join in the fun!