My Maharashtra

Monday, November 1, 2010

How to do a simple Goddess Lakshmi Puja for Diwali Festival

Goddess Lakshmi is the Goddess of riches & wealth. It is believed that worshiping Goddess Lakshmi will bring financial happiness in one's life. One of the most important days when a special puja for Goddess Lakshmi is done is during the festival of Diwali. The 2014 Lakshmi Puja date is October 23rd. Read more: 2014 Diwali Festival Dates and Lakshmi puja time

Top 15 Popular Marathi Diwali Anks

Diwali Ank is a traditional Marathi-language Diwali magazine. Diwali Anks are extremely popular amongst individuals, libraries and mandals in Maharashtra due to their rich content. This includes interesting stories for children, literary articles by renowned writers, poems, humorous articles, cultural aspects of Maharashtra, and religious and spiritual-based articles. Most popular are the recipes and astrology sections of a Diwli Ank. A Diwali Ank is often preserved for years and passed on from one generation to the next. Some people even like to give a Diwali Ank as a gift! The price of Diwali Anks begins at Rs.60/- and can go up to Rs.100/-.

The Diwali Ank made its debut with Manoranjan, published by K.R. Mitra in 1909. Since that year, regular readers of Diwali Anks book their issues well in advance due to the booming sales once the issues hit the stands. Other than Manoranjan, the other oldest Diwali anks are Mauj Diwali ank and Awaaz Diwali ank.

Most Popular Marathi Diwali Anks

* Shatayushi

* Gruhashobhika

* Maher

* Menaka

* Jatra

* Charchaughi

* Aboli (published by Pune Marathi Granthalay)

* Ruturang

* Mauj

* Naval

* Hans

* Mohini

* ShriDeeplaxmi

* Dhanurdhari

* Awaaz

The above is a general list of popular Diwali anks. Some people also buy the special Diwali issues of Loksatta, Kalnirnay, and Saamna, the Diwali issue of the Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena Political Party.

A very unique idea introduced last year was staging the concept of a Diwali Ank for the public. Named Srushti, the live program included a cultural dance, a poetry-reading session and an interview. The program was popular amongst the young audience which attended the show.

Click here to know the Publishers of Diwali Anks: Suscribe to Marathi Diwali Anks

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Colourful Diwali Kandeels

Kandeels, like diyas, light up Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This year, in addition to the Diwali kandeels of last year, there are some new types of Diwali kandeels, designed from cane. Also, Chinese-styled designs are to be seen intermingling with traditional kandeels. See images here: Small snf Large Chinese Lanterns