Giving Thanks for the Fall Harvest, the American Way
Thanksgiving is an annual national holiday commemorating a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621. It is held in the US on the fourth Thursday in November. While the Canadians celebrate their Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October. For many of us, Thanksgiving is about a 4-day holiday that includes a family get-together, extensive dinner and not forgetting ‘Black Friday’ the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season. Let’s look at the history behind Thanksgiving.
Traveling with Children Carry-On Items
Besides packing basic things like a first-aid kit, tickets and passports, you can also add some things that can help traveling with kids:
1. Ear plugs or cotton balls
2. Comic books, story books
3. Battery-operated video games or small toys/dolls
4. Travel pillow
Celebrating the Invincible Goddess, Durga
Durga Puja celebrates the victory of invincible goddess Durga. Befitting to her power, Durga Puja is one of the most popular and grandest puja (religious festival) among Hindu Bengalis from the eastern part of India. Especially the entire Kolkata city (formerly Calcutta) is adorned beautifully during this festival and is one of the most glamorous events of the season.
Ganesh Chaturthi, Overcome Obstacles to Travel the World
Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chaturthi) is the Hindu festival which celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. In the Hindu religion Lord Ganesh is the god of wisdom and learning, and is worshiped as the remover of obstacles. Ganesh, also known as Ganapati, is an elephant-headed god and is one of the most popular gods among Hindus worldwide.
Raksha Bandhan – the Tie of Protection
Raksha Bandhan falls on August 7th, 2017, it is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Shravan (August) according to the Hindu calendar. It’s that time of year when sisters tie a rakhi (sacred, decorative thread) on their brothers’ arm and pray for their long life. This act symbolizes the sister’s love and prayers for her brother’s well-being, and his lifelong vow to protect her. Raksha Bandhan is a widely celebrated festival across India and around the world.
Trip to the Land of Dreams
Disneyland is the land of dreams with all its famous imaginary characters. Since my childhood days in India I’ve always wanted to visit Disneyland, and finally my dream came true this summer. We went to Disneyland along with my 63 year old mother and 3 year old daughter, and of course no trip is complete without my husband. We planned way ahead and had lots of fun during the trip.