Last minute Festive Elegance With Asha Gautam
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Last minute Festive Elegance With Asha Gautam

As the festive season illuminates our hearts and homes, Asha Gautam invites you to embark on a journey through tradition and modern elegance with their exquisite saree collection. This year, let your celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, and Diwali sparkle with the timeless beauty of Indian textiles, reimagined for today’s festive spirit. AG’s collection is a vibrant tapestry of India’s rich heritage, where tradition meets innovation. Imagine draping yourself in the luxurious embrace of Rangkaat Paithani, the regal allure of Paithani applique on Banarasi and organza, or the unparalleled opulence of Kanjivaram silks. Each saree is not just a garment but a work of art, woven with stories of dedication, joy, and intricate craftsmanship. “Festive occasions are a time for celebrating tradition and embracing beauty,” says Founder Gautam Gupta. And indeed, the collection captures the very soul of the season, bringing together the vivid patterns of Bandhani, the ethereal touch of tissue Banarasi, and the graceful flow of Georgettes. Each piece whispers tales of heritage yet sings with the vibrancy of contemporary design. This festive season, let Asha Gautam be your muse. Adorn yourself in creations that are as joyful and unique as the celebrations themselves. Every saree in this collection is a testament to the artistry and passion of our artisans, crafted to make your moments unforgettable. Join us in celebrating tradition, beauty, and the spirit of the season. Discover the collection that promises to make your festive wardrobe truly exceptional! Price: INR 97,000 /- onwards  Available at:  Offline Store: Asha Gautam, M-8, second floor, Greater Kailash-1, New Delhi, 110048 https://g.co/kgs/HxNkrCi Digital Footprints:  Website: https://www.ashagautam.com/gg-about IG: https://www.instagram.com/ggofficial.18/

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Different Types Of Modaks To Make This Ganesh Chaturthi
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Different Types Of Modaks To Make This Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is about devotion, celebrations, and, of course, some delectable food. Modak must stand high on that list, as among the many offerings to Lord Ganesha, this sweet treat is believed to reside in a special place in the deity’s heart. That’s one general requirement for the festival since it’s said to be a favourite of Ganesha. Although the traditional steamed Modak is well-loved, there certainly are other varieties to make a decent attempt to diversify your offerings this time around. Here are some popular and unique types of Modaks to prepare. Ukadiche Modak (Steamed Modak) This is the centuries-old, traditional practice by which Modaks are cooked. They are tender rice flour dumplings stuffed with a sweet pool of grated coconut and jaggery flavoured with cardamom. The dough is prepared by boiling water with a pinch of salt and a few drops of oil, into which rice flour is added and mixed until it forms a smooth dough. The filling has to be prepared by sautéing grated coconut with jaggery until it melts and blends with the coconut. The dough is placed in small cups, filled up with the coconut mixture, and then steamed. This Modak is spongy, soft, and just melts in your mouth; it is a classic preparation for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Fried Modak Fried Modak is a nice contrast to the steamed version of Modak. The outer covering is made from whole wheat flour or refined flour, and the inner preparation is like the above—coconut with jaggery, just like Ukadiche Modak. But rolled-out dough is filled and then deep-fried to a golden brown. This makes a crunchier, slightly crispy Modak with a longer shelf life so it can be eaten over a couple of days. Deep-frying lends a rich texture with a slightly altered taste, and therefore, it is a preferred choice for a little bite in the crunch.  Chocolate Modak This has the richness of chocolate along with the Modak shape in the traditional sense. Biscuits crumbled can be mixed with cocoa powder, condensed milk, and butter to make the dough, and finally, it can be made into the Modak shape. The filling may consist of dry fruits, nuts, or even some chocolate chips. This recipe holds a special place for kids and sweet lovers. It’s the new thing for the festival, quite in the flavour of the original Modak. Mawa Modak This is also popularly known as Khoya Modak and is made with khoya or mawa, the milk solids. The khoya is lightly browned after it has been sautéed and mixed with sugar, cardamom, and dry fruit. After the mixture has cooled down, it is kneaded nicely and properly to shape into modaks. This is a rich, moist, and extremely textural Modak, a sumptuous presentation for a celebratory spread. The nuttiness of the roasted mawa has a lot of sugar-laced in it, with crunch thrown in by garnishing with dry fruits—it is a triumph. Coconut-Rose Modak Rose Modak is a tasty, delectable dish made by blending coconut, condensed milk, beet juice and rose syrup into a dough and steamed in modak moulds. Rose Modak is a must-try for Ganesh Chaturthi and special occasions; it is very healthy compared to the packed junk foods. Rose Modak is a delicious combination of coconut and rose flavour in the shape of modak. These dainty modaks are so simple to assemble; you are going to want to try variations of this recipe during this festive season. Paneer Modak Modak is known to be a favourite food of Lord Ganesh (Indian god), especially on his birthday (Ganesh Chaturthi). Millions of Indians across the world shower him not only with holy chantings and street parades but also his favourite food items. People make so many traditional and fusion varieties of modakams at home during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival and Malai Modak is one of the traditional modak dish. They can be stored for 4-5 days if you store them in the refrigerator. Sesame Seeds Modak Til modak are a nice variation to the traditional modak. It is easy to make with 4 ingredients. Believe it or not, it tastes just like chikki but the texture is soft. Use the dark-colored jaggery (desi gur), which is semi-melted and sticky. It becomes hard during the winter months. Powdered jaggery will not work in this recipe. Grease the modak mould using ghee and start shaping. Keep the mould close, start stuffing and press tightly from the bottom hole. Smooth out the bottom surface, open and unmold carefully. Paan Modak An inseparable part of Indian culinary culture and tradition, Betel leaf or paan, has a history spanning over 5000 years. Right from Indian mythology to Ayurveda, paan has not only ruled the Indian food culture but has also travelled across the globe to get aptly applauded. It is also seen as a sign of respect and a token of love. betel leaf is closely tied to the part and parcel of Indian culture. Delectable Precious Pan Modak is crafted with the masala of betel leaves, loaded with dry fruits, and a chisel of honey to furnish you with an experience like no other. Chocolava Modak Let me ask you: Do you like Chocolate? Do you like melted Chocolate ?? Do you like centre-filled, oozing chocolate? Well then here is something yummy and super easy. Coconut Modak A Naralachi Modak or Naralacha Modak, is one filled with fresh or desiccated coconut. This version is relatively easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. The mixture should be sautéed with jaggery until the mixture thickens and then shaped into Modaks. This Modak is chewy in texture and has an enriching flavour of coconut, making it refreshing and satiating. Dry Fruit Modak Dry Fruit Modak is a healthy and delectable option where plenty of fruits such as almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios, and raisins are all put together to make Modaks. The natural sweetness of the dates goes with the rich feel of dry fruits, making this

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Top Ganesh Temples You Must Visit In India
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Top Ganesh Temples You Must Visit In India

Ganesh Chaturthi is among the most enthusiastically celebrated festivals in India for the Lord of Beginnings and Remover of Obstacles. This has been a very special way for the devotees of Ganesh to visit a lot of temples at this auspicious time. Here are some of the best Ganesh temples in India that one must check out, each being exclusive for its history, architectural grandeur, and spiritual importance. Top Ganesh Temples: Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai One of the most famous Ganpati temples in India, the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai is venerated for fulfilling wishes. The foundation of this temple was in 1801, which has drawn millions of devotees to this famed site from film stars to politicians because the deity in the temple is unique compared to the other idols—right-tilted trunks, which are supposed to be more powerful and strict.  Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune The Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is placed in the heart of Pune and stands to be a symbol of devotion and community spirit. The temple existed for more than 100 years and was established by a rich sweet maker and was famous for the grand celebrations arranged periodically for Ganesa Chaturthi. The idol is heavily decorated with gold ornaments, and a consequent crowd will be there when the temple celebrates the festival. Ganpatipule Temple, Maharashtra The unique Ganpatipule Temple is standing along the Konkan coast and uniquely is home to an idol of Lord Ganesha that is monolithic in construction and found naturally. The features exist in a ‘Swayambhu’ form of idol. In a crevice positioned on the west, the deity faces this direction. The serenity of the surroundings with the sea on one side and hills on the other make the ideal backdrop against the temple’s ambiance for devotees. Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, Andhra Pradesh In the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple has a self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesha, which emerged from a well on that site. Do you know what? The idol grows in size, as per the fable, from the day it was found. Its history dates back to the 11th century when it is believed to be a “kshetra palaka,” having the deity act as the arbitrator of the disputes. The temple has a considerable devotee following and attracts huge numbers of devotees during the annual festival of Brahmotsavam. Shree Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon The Shree Mahaganapati Temple is at Ranjangaon, part of the Ashtavinayak circuit, and it is one of the most important places of worship for followers of Lord Ganesh in the state of Maharashtra. It is said that this is the place where Lord Shiva prayed to Lord Ganesha before fighting the demon Tripurasura. He is called Mahaganapati, and it is a mighty form of Lord Ganesha, ten-trunked and twenty-armed. Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Trichy This presides at the top of Rockfort Hill in Trichy of Tamil Nadu and gives a breathtaking view of the city. Steeped in legend is this temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Believed to be the place from where Lord Ganesha fled after setting up the idol of Ranganathaswamy in Srirangam, the climb to the temple is 400 steps, hence the climb of devotion and adoration. Karpaka Vinayakar Temple, Tamil Nadu Karpaka Vinayakar Temple is one of India’s oldest Ganesha temples, located in Pillayarpatti, Tamil Nadu. It is more than 1,600 years old. The idol of the temple stands solitary, cut out of a single piece of stone. The trunk of the idol is unusually bent to the right, and it is said to be the lord who grants all wishes—hence Karpaka Vinayakar in Tamil being the wish-fulfilling Ganesha. Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry This temple is located in the French colonial settlement area of Pondicherry. Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a temple dedicated to the god of spirit and painted in a distinct French white and dusky yellow. Having survived history long before the French invasion and still serving as a potent place of worship for devotees from in and around the region, the temple is unparalleled in its features. Decorated Ganesha murti in the temple and blessing devotees with an elephant are all key attractions.  Kurudamalla Temple, Karnataka Situated in the Kolar district of Karnataka, the Kurudumale Temple has been a historical and spiritual jewel since time unknown. The temple is devoted to Lord Ganesha and comprises a huge 13.5-foot idol of the lord, carved out from a single rock. The present temple, dated very ancient, is said to have been built by the Cholas and renovated later by the Vijayanagara kings. Conclusion Spread all across the different regions of India, Ganesh temples are more than just religious spots; they are a culture replete with tradition and spiritual beliefs. These visits to the temples are ones where spiritual fulfillment and cultural experiences work as two sides of a coin, more so at the time of Ganesh Chaturthi. Whether you look forward to blessings and peace, or you just love to see the rich heritage of India, these temples are a must-visit.

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How To Make Your Own Ganesha At Home This Ganesh Chaturthi
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How To Make Your Own Ganesha At Home This Ganesh Chaturthi

Among those festivals that unite people to celebrate the birthday of Lord Ganesha, Ganesh Chaturthi is one of them. Since there is, anyway, an idol of Ganesha involved in every celebration, why not make one this time at home? In that way, it’s another way of personalizing the idol of Ganesha while you make it, but in the former case, making one seems to connect even more with the spiritual essence of the festival. Besides, it is an eco-friendly substitute for the idols bought from the market. So here is a step-by-step guide about creating a Ganesha idol at home. Materials you’ll need to make Ganesha at home  You will need the following materials before starting. Clay: It is most preferably natural or environment-friendly clay. You can use terracotta or shadu clay, easily available, and safe for the environment. Water: Mix with clay or keep your hands moist while sculpting. Primary modeling tools: You can manage with basic household items, like a toothpick, a butter knife, or just your fingers. A base: A little wooden or metal plate to set the idol. Paints: Natural colors like turmeric, vermilion, and other eco-friendly paints. Decorating things: Little beads, broken parts of leaves, or flowers for extra decoration. Step 1: Preparing the Clay First, prepare your clay. If you happen to have dry clay, you are required to soak it in water for several hours until it becomes soft and malleable. Knead the air bubbles out of it so that it is smooth and has no bubbles in the inside. It’s much easier for you to form that way, and it’s also going to help prevent it from cracking. Step 2: Base Shaping: Firstly, model the base of the deity. Take some clay and put it into a ball form. Trace to flatten it a bit so that it could give a stable statue of Ganesha to stand upon. Now, place this base on the wooden or metal plate that has been chosen by you for this purpose. Step 3: Making the Body Take a large piece of clay and roll it into a fairly large ball for the main body. Keep it on the base; this is going to be the torso of Ganesha. Now, gently press down a bit over the bottom part of the ball so that it sticks to the base. The torso should be a little rounded conical, with the bottom slightly broader than the top as it narrows. Step 4: Forming the Head Use another small ball of clay for the head. Attach it to the top of the torso. Use a little water at the joint to smooth it. Since Ganesha’s head is that of an elephant, form it into that. You will make a long tail that is coming out of the face, but gently curve it off to one side. Attach both ears to either side of the head. Step 5: Modeling Arms and Legs For arms, prepare two medium-sized pieces of clay and roll them into cylinders; these will have to be attached to each flank of the torso. The ends of each have to be bent a little to give natural poses—an arm raised in a blessing gesture and the other resting on the knee. For the legs, make two shorter cylinders and attach both at the base of the torso. Mold them in the sitting pose, normally seen in the statues of Ganesha. Use your hand to smooth out abrasive edges and ensure that the limbs are proportional to the body. Step 6: Adding the Details It’s time to detail it in your Ganesha. For example, the eyes, tusks, and mouth can be carved using a toothpick or any other sculpting implement. The crown and ornaments could be the small balls of clay that are added. Similarly, a little extra clay added and smoothened would come in handy to define the defining feature of Ganesha—the belly. Step 7: Drying and Painting (Optional) Leave it to air-dry for 24 to 48 hours once you are satisfied with your sculpture. Drying time may vary depending on idol size and thickness. Do not use direct heat, as it may cause clay to crack. Conclusion Making a Ganesha idol at home is spiritually enriching and fulfilling. It offers a way to express devotion creatively without fail to ensure one of celebrating an eco-friendly fest. This Ganesh Chaturthi, step closer toward the sustainable you and closer to those spiritual selves—home-make a Ganesha; for this and more. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

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Top Hairstyles For This Ganesh Chaturthi
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Top Hairstyles For This Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is more of a festival to celebrate devotion, tradition, and style. Preparing for the arrival of Lord Ganesha becomes very important, not only regarding your attire but also with your hairstyle. The right hairstyle will complement your traditional outfit and give an edge to your overall look. Here are some top hairstyles you can try this Ganesh Chaturthi for a fabulous look. Use Unique Hair Accessories Try to make your hair look amazing with some accessories. Make your hair look absolutely stunning with some unique accessories and have all eyes on you this Ganesh Puja. A Pony That Shines A ponytail during festivals will never go down. But why wear it the regular way? Try to add some shine to the hair, add some Swarovski, mirrors, and much more. Floral Is A Must Festivals are incomplete without flowers in your hair, especially for the Ganesh Puja. So putting flowers in your hair is a must! But why only the regular ones? Try out some colours in your hair for Ganesh Chaturthi! Braid Your Hair Why do a normal braid when you can definitely go slightly over the top in style? A long floral braid is definitely your bestie for Ganesh Chaturthi! Tie up Your hair With Some ‘Ties’ Who wants regular bands to make small plaits? You can always try some new things to make some wonderful plaits and braids. Conclusion Ganesh Chaturthi resonates with festivity and tradition, but it is also one of the best times to express personal style. Right from a chic bun to messy braids, the perfect hair idea just brings everything together in your festive look. So, get on to what has combined the best with the outfit and your personality, and voilà—get ready for this Ganesh Chaturthi in style!

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Best Ways To Decorate Your Ganapati At Home
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Best Ways To Decorate Your Ganapati At Home

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most celebrated festivals across India. It is a time for enjoyment, devotion, and full-on colorful celebrations. When it comes to the real practice of bringing Ganapati Bappa home, it’s not about religion but a platform that showcases one’s creativity with magnificent decorations in the form of dedication. Be you a pro in decoration or a fresher in it, here are some great ideas to make your decoration for the Ganapati in your home even more beautiful this Ganesh Chaturthi 2024. Floral Decorations: Traditional Enchantment of Ganapati No festival is complete without flowers, and Ganesh Chaturthi is no exception. Traditional floral decorations will not only add color to the occasion but also infuse a certain freshness that comes automatically with the fragrance of flowers. As far as flowers are concerned, you can never go wrong with marigolds, roses, jasmine, and lotus. You can use the flowers to make garlands, floral rangoli, or even decorate the idol like this, in a string of garlands as seen here: Eco-Friendly Decorations Since most of the followers have gone green, most of the devotees prefer eco-friendly decorations. For your Ganapati decorations, use biodegradable materials such as clay, jute, and paper. Instead of plastic flowers, you can use real or paper flowers. One can even creatively make use of recycled material in making garlands, lanterns, and even the idol’s throne, or singhasan. Theme-Based Decorations The Ganapati decoration has an underlying theme that will be brought to the entire setup for cohesiveness and increased appeal to the eyes. Some popular themes that people normally go for are: Theme with Peacock: It calls back an era gone by, with peacock feathers and the color royal blue and green, which brings a royal touch. You could even have the backdrop designed like the feather of a peacock. Ethnic Theme: A proper ethnic decoration will consist of elements from the various Indian cultures such as Rajasthani puppets, Madhubani, and Kerala’s traditional lamp. Forest: A forest with green plants, and artificial trees, along with animal figurines, all symbolize the forest and tell about the nearness of Lord Ganesha to nature. Light Effects The right lighting changes the entire ambiance of your Ganapati decoration. Use traditional diyas, fairy lights, and LED lamps to bring out different parts of the decoration to its best form. You can have ayahs lighted around the idol to set an enlightened divine glow, or you can have string lightsayahsate figures around your backdrop. Creative Use of Drapes This can be used in Ganapati decoration to toss a bit of modernity. Dress up the idol with silk or cotton saris, dupattas, or even curtains. Multilayer the different materials in contrast with colors to give depth and richness to this setting. You can have drapes from the top that cover the idol, or it can be a decorative feature on the throne. Personal Touches Add a few personalized touches to make this Ganapati celebration special. Similarly, you could engage in making a few decorations, such as paper lanterns, diyas, painted pots, and other decorations, out of handmade goodies. Involving a child and family members in making this will be fun and involving. You can put pictures of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration that happened in the past, the family members, or rather build a memory wall as part of the decoration. Not only would it make the place personal, but also gives a feeling of continuity of a tradition. Accept Technology Go for the old setup, mixing in some technology to give a contemporary feel to your Ganapati decoration. You can have projectors to display Lord Ganesha or, on best viewing, play some visuals of the devotional songs in the backdrop. Smart lights can be used to change colors according to the music playing or aarti songs. Conclusion The organization of a live stream of the celebration gives a chance for those willing to celebrate together with their loved ones, who are far from them. It is linked with the joyful expression of devotion, creativity, and tradition in making a beautiful and truly meaningful small or large Ganapati decoration at home for Ganapati Bappa this Ganesh Chaturthi. In essence, it should be instilled with enormous love and devotion toward the deities you host. Happy decorating!

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Unique Jewellery To Wear On Ganesh Chaturthi 2024
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Unique Jewellery To Wear On Ganesh Chaturthi 2024

The most loved festival of India, Ganesh Chaturthi, mostly comes in August. Aside from being one of the most enthralling festivals, this is a dedicated time for much festivity and grandeur, as all families across the country keep their doors open for Lord Ganesha. Well, this time calls for colourful drapes and astounding pieces of jewelry to compliment the festivity. Let’s go through some fabulous pieces of jewellery that you can take your pick from, Ganesh Chaturthi. Neck-pieces: Who says that you have to wear something traditional always? You can always create a statement. And this Ganesh Chaturthi try and incorporate some elements of the most widely celebrated festival. Pick out these unique neckpieces to look distinguished and an absolute stunner. Earrings With these statement/ unique earrings Ganesh chaturthi 2024, will be even more special. Keep your neck bare and stun everyone around you. Look for something special and unique, like an elephant designs that symbolises ganapati; a special look is for special occasions. Rings Why do your lovely hands feel lonely during this special festival! It is time to select some unique pieces for your lovely fingers. Here are a few picks.   Bangles Keep your hands beautiful with some really interesting accessory. This Ganesh chaturthi make sure no one misses to look at your hands with some statement pieces and wonder, “why don’t I have them?” So here are some bangles/Kadas that you might keep in your trinket box.   Conclusion Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival filled with devotion, gaiety, and tradition. So should be your jewellery: be it the timeless appeal of temple jewellery, the royal charm of Kundan, or the contemporary edge of oxidised silver. A bit of the right kind of jewelry will transform your outfit completely. Adorn yourself in these stunningly styled jewelry pieces as bright as the festive lights.

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Best Ways To Get Ready For Ganesh Chaturthi And Visarjan
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Best Ways To Get Ready For Ganesh Chaturthi And Visarjan

Ganesh Chaturthi’s birthday celebration of the Lord of Joy, Devotion, and Cultural Expression is performed with great pomp and show. As every family in India and around the world prepares themselves for this most sacred moment, attire becomes one such imperative element that joins the celebration. The right outfit not only pays respect to the traditional feeling of the festival but also adds a touch of class and delight to the cheer of the moment. To help you decide how to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in style, here’s a sneak peek at what to wear if you are a man, a woman, or even a kid. Ready For Ganesh Chaturthi: For Women: Traditional Aesthetics in Contemporary Way The Elegant Dhoti Style: A timeless classic turned to an Indo-western touch for the approach for Ganesh Chaturthi would be to opt for a unique dhoti style dress. Unique should be the statement for you in the Ganesh puja. Choose the garment that has feel and is resplendent in colour, Choose the garment that has feel and is resplendent in color, style,  and fabric—something that speaks of the epitome of grace and tradition. Try out some colors like red, maroon, or green—the above mentioned are all considered auspicious. A Gown With An Asymmetric Flare: Who said that you can’t wear a gown to a puja? You can try this gown, which has a flare to spin around and the print is definitely great! auspicious day must be celebrated with some grace and style. Unique gowns can be worn to look special on the special occasion; it is definitely a great pick.   Smart Lehengas: Lehengas are definitely a great pick for a festival, puja or any religious fathering. It is not necessary thatyou take what calls out as normal. You can always try something amazing, out of the box, something that speaks Indo-Western and is smart wear for every traditional occasion. Anarkali Suits: With intricate work and flowing silhouettes, Anarkali suits bring comfort and style. They are the best for women to seek a mix between tradition and modernity. You can choose from various designs and you need to try some really unique designs to look brilliant on a special day, like Ganesh Chaturthi.  Unique Sarees:  Who says that you can’t look like a diva in a saree for a puja or festival? Of course you can! They why stop with something regular? Try out some of the most amazing looks and make everyone’s head turn to your style. You can rock up any puja or festival, especially the Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024! Draped/Dhoti Skirts: Ever thought or felt that you have nothing to wear for a puja or festival? Well then try something like these, draped or dhoti skirts and team them up with some funky tops. Pull in some charisma and a very special look  with these skirts and look absolutely like a DIVA!  

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Odisha Festivals Embrace Tradition : 11 Vibrant Festivals to Add to Your Bucket List
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Odisha Festivals Embrace Tradition : 11 Vibrant Festivals to Add to Your Bucket List

Odisha festivals bring culture to life through a riot of colors, rhythms, and traditions. Odisha’s festivals encapsulate the essence of joy and spirituality, from the exuberant Rath Yatra, where towering chariots transport sacred idols through shouting crowds, to the mysterious Chhau Dance Festival, where ancient tales are brought to life through enthralling performances. Along the banks of sacred rivers, you can see the mesmerizing Durga Puja, the exuberant Konark Dance Festival, and the calm Kartika Purnima. Immerse yourself   in  top 11 cultural spectacle of Odisha’s festivals, where each celebration highlights the state’s rich heritage and endless spirit of festivities. Durga Puja Durga Puja is the most important festival, and it is celebrated wonderfully across the state. It  takes place in the months of Ashwin or Kartik (September or October on the English calendar). The streets are lit up, and Pandals are decorated to create a festive atmosphere among the people. Durga Maa’s massive statues, as well as two other versions of Maa Laxmi and Maa Saraswathi, are spotless in Pandals. Mantra chants, as well as morning and evening Artis, can be heard during this festival’s magnificent celebration Pooja is celebrated for three to four days in Orissa and is very important to Hindu supporters. Time of celebration– September of October.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Cuttack Puja Festivals (@cuttackpujafestivals) Ratha Yatra Ratha Yatra, or chariot celebration. The festival is so famous that people travel from all across the country, and occasionally the world, to celebrate in Odisha. It takes place on a full moon night in the month of Jyestha. The celebration honors Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. During that day in Puri, Odisha, their idols, as well as the Sudarshan chakra, are taken for a bath. The celebration of this holiday lasts a fortnight, or 14 days. Several customs and religious practices are observed during the occasion, as per tradition. Time of Celebration– April or May   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Manoj Kumar Das (@das_manoj4)  Chhau Festival  Chhau festival, a major event in Odisha, lasts three days and is adored by the Bhuiyans. Its main attraction is the mesmerizing Chhau dance, a traditional art form that combines martial arts and folk dance. Performers wear masks and traditional clothes, giving the dance a lively energy and cultural meaning. This event stands out for its unique blend of history and talent, transporting attendees to a world of rhythm and spectacle. The  celebration, which has strong roots in Odia heritage, celebrates the strength and ingenuity of its people, providing a fascinating peek into the region’s cultural landscape. Time of Celebration– April or May   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ministry of Culture (@ministryofculturegoi)  Magha Saptami Magha Saptami is one of Konark Temple’s most famous and beloved events. On this day, thousands of people congregate on the shores of the Bay of Bengal to pray to the sea. Devotees take a holy plunge in the sea near Chandrabhaga beach and offer prayers to the rising Sun. This festival also kicks off the week-long grand fair in Khandagiri, near Bhubaneswar. The shores of the Bay and Bengal, as well as the offerings presented to the Sun temple, contribute to Orissa’s festive atmosphere. Time of celebration- In the month of February  Makar Mela Makar Sankranti also known as Makar Mela, is another prominent festival in Orrisa. The celebration is held when the Sun enters Capricorn’s orbit, and the harvest of new paddy and sugarcane crops is completed. On this auspicious day, Orissans give prayers and food to the Sun God in hopes of living a healthy and wealthy life. Time of celebration– January   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sandip (@_.s.a.n.d.y.p.i.x._07)  Chandan Yatra  Chandan Yatra Also known as Gandhalepana Yatra, it is the longest festival of Orissa which is celebrated at Jagannath temple at Puri. The 42-day long festival is celebrated by worshiping the deities with sandal mixed water. The deities are taken out of the temple for a holy patron in water in the traditional boats called ‘ Chapa’. The boats are beautifully decorated generally in red and white colour to give the resemblance of a swan floating in the water. The conclusion of the pompous festival is marked at the Vishnu or Shiva temples in Puri. Thousand of pilgrimages gather to take part in the celebration of this great festival. Time of Celebration -April and May   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dhenkanal Times (@dhenkanal.times)  Konark Dance Festival Konark Dance Festival, which honors the everlasting appeal of the Konark Sun Temple and the grace of Odissi dance, crosses creed and tradition. As the sun sets, the temple changes into a stunning display decked with brilliant lights. The festival, organized by the Odisha Dance Academy and led by renowned dancer Gangadhar Pradhan, attracts renowned classical dancers from all around. A happy crowd of global spectator’s revels in the lavish celebration, captivated by the captivating acts. It’s a monument to the enduring beauty of heritage and artistry, capturing hearts around the world with its ethereal charm. Time of Celebration – December 1 to December 5   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ɢᴜɴɢᴜʀʙᴀʀᴄᴇʟᴏɴᴀ | Odissi (@gungurartsbarcelona) Hingula Yatra  Hingula yatra is another popular festival in Odisha, celebrated throughout the state. The event celebrates and worships Shakti, and it is performed like a Shiva Puja. The day is commemorated before Vishuba Sankranti. Tantra culture is a prevalent trend in this category. The holiday is widely celebrated in Odisha’s remote villages. The food for this festival is prepared in a special oven, and the worshipper is required to consume one meal from it each day. Gamha Purnima Gamha Purnim, Odisha’s version of Raksha Bandhan, commemorates the sacred sibling tie. Sisters wrap rakhi, which symbolizes protection and affection, around their brothers’ hands. Simultaneously, rural communities offer passionate prayers in honor of cows, which are crucial to agricultural

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