2014 Holi Festival Special Trains from Mumbai to Lucknow

Central Railway is operating special trains for the Holi Festival from from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Kurla, Mumbai to Lucknow. The train is air-conditioned and will operate on 14^th, 21^st and 28^th March 2014, while the return train from Lucknow will operate on 15^th, 22^nd and 29^th March 2014.

2014 Central Railway Holi Festival special trains from Mumbai to Patna

Central Railway is operating special trains for the Holi Festival from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai to Patna. The train is air-conditioned and will operate on 8^thand 15^th March 2014, while the return train from Patna will operate on 9^th and 16^th March 2014.

2014 Republic Day Parade Marine Drive, Mumbai schedule and highlights

Every year, the Republic Day Parade in Mumbai is held at the Shivaji Park grounds. This year, for the first time the parade will be along the Marine Drive stretch. 

The Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian  Air Force will be actively participating along with contingents of servicemen, police & students.[The photos is this blog post are from last year's parade at Shivaji Park, Mumbai]

2013 Indian Navy Day events schedule details

As in the previous years, the Western Naval Command will be organizing a series of special events for the general public to celebrate Navy Day 2013. These events include a swimming competition and performances by the Navy Band.

2013 Diwali Festival dates and Lakshmi puja timings

The festival of Diwali is on the doorstep and it is time to light diyas, put out the buntings and kandeels, make artistic rangolis and gorge on yummy faraal and mithais. It is also the occasion when families and friends spend the maximum time together for a full 5 day celebration of joy and happiness.

One of the most important deities worshipped during Diwali is Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. In addtion, Lord Ganesha, the God of wisdom and Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowlege and learing, are worshipped too. 

2013 Bengal Club Shivaji Park Mumbai Durga Puja Pandal

The Durga Puja organized by the Bengal Club, Shivaji Park, Mumbai is one of the most popular pandals in the city. Last year, the pandal’s design was centered on Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral home, Thakur Bari, the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore (see details here). 

This year, the design is a replica of the famous Bishnupur Temple in Bankura District, West Bengal. For a special touch, the decorations have been done by artistes from Shantineketan.

What is the meaning and significance of 9 Navratri colours

Most of you are probably aware that Goddess Durga has 9 incarnations. These incarnations are worshipped during the 9 days and nights of the Navratri festival (nav meaning nine and ratri meaning night). A unique aspect of the worship is to dress the idol in a different colour on each day. 

In recent years, it has become fun to dress up in a colour corresponding to the colour of the Devi’s garments. Did you know, though, that it is believed that each colour represents a particular guna (characteristic or quality) of the Devi? 

In fact, colours, just like the mounts, are often associated with various Gods and Goddesses.