Do We Really Care about our Men??

India has over one billion people and approximately four hundred million of these live on less than one dollar a day. Around five hundred million live on less than two dollars a day. Unbelievably, eighty percent of the population of India that are living in poverty. Nearly half of all the children in India are undernourished, much more than in Sub-Saharan Africa. The lack of health care in India

There are some relief programs that are supplying free samples and other stuff for the poor in India, such as food and toys. Some are trying to teach the poor people more about computers so they can become more informed of what is going on around the world. Multinationals and entrepreneurs are making poor people in India their target for a hub of the computer innovation. Computer literacy has become one of the more effective tools in combating poverty, opening up windows of opportunity for many who would otherwise not be aware of those options. This is particularly important in poor India.

Other programs offer opportunities to sponsor a child, volunteer, help a special needs a child or give a child the gift of education. Education is one of the most important ways to get rid of poverty. No amount of money or help will allow people to live securely and independently if they lack basic literacy skills. By educating those who are mired in poverty, India is not only giving them access to a better life but improving the entire country. A prosperous people inevitably produce a financially healthy nation.

Another way you can help the poor in India would be to sponsor a child. Sponsorship is offered by both religious and secular organizations and has proven an excellent way of supporting and educating a child whose parents can afford neither. These programs usually require a small monthly donation that is used to give a child basic necessities such as shoes, food, medical care and school materials. They often pool money from more than one sponsor for an individual child. In turn, the sponsor will get a letter from the child at least once a year and receive photographs and updates on his or her progress. The difference sponsorship makes is significant and often leads the entire family out of poverty.

There are many other ways, of course, to help wipe out poverty. Volunteer work at a school or orphanage is free to the giver and priceless to those that they help. Simply reading to elementary school children once a week can make a tremendous difference in their lives. Helping to repair a school is another way of fighting poverty. Children that learn about the world around them often become involved in helping others as they grow, disrupting the vicious cycle that keeps many Indian citizens poor.

Poverty is difficult to overcome, especially if it crosses generation after generation. By working together and making both small and large improvements, the people of India can be free of this misery and break the cycle of poverty causes one million women and children to die each year and at least eighty million of the people go to bed hungry every night.

Please help those Poor Indian People with fighting their Poverty.

Let us make a resolution on this new year to help all those poor people who can not afford at least a 'bread'. We can offer them the things which we offer to God usually. God never asks anything for himself. So helping our fellow brothers will keep the faith in God.

Service to mankind is service to God......Remember always...Thank You

Odia Wedding Rituals

Odia marriage is one of the integral parts of the Odisha culture originating in the state of Odisha. The wedding ceremony and rituals are very similar to those of the Hindu marriage ceremony but are definitely different in many aspects. There are subtle differences in the rites for different castes. Odia people are not very extravagant and extrovert. They believe in simplicity and modesty. Their culture of simple living is very much reflected in their marriage rituals. However, the interesting fact about an Odia wedding remains in the fact that the mother of the groom does not take part in the ceremony. The Odia Brahmins have their weddings only in the daytime, preferably mornings, while the non-Brahmin weddings are in the evening or night.

Costumes of the Odia Couple:

The Odia bride is known to wear saree or lately lahengas and the groom wears dhoti and Punjabi, or sometimes drapes a white silk cloth around known as the "jor". In the reception, the groom wears formal attire, which may either be traditional or western.

Bridal attire - The bride in Odisha wears a sari or a lehenga in traditional rich colors like red, orange or magenta. She is adorned with fine gold jewelry. The bride`s mother, female relatives and her friends decorate the bride amid much jollity and pleasure. During a wedding the Odia people give great significance to matters related to the wedding clothing.

There are a variety of dresses and costumes, which are worn by the Odia bride and groom on special events like a wedding. The sari is one garment, which is worn by the women in all over India in wedding. The Odia wedding sarees are simply mind-boggling. Different kinds of materials are used to manufacture some of the most beautiful looking saris. The wedding sarees are usually made of silk, cotton, chiffon and so on. These sarees are quite easily available in the leading garment stores, which are found in the country of India. The color of the saree should be decided on the basis of the bride`s complexion.

Groom`s Attire - The men in India also attach great importance to their wedding attire and the dhoti is one of the major clothing items, which they prefer for such events. The dhoti is one of the most elegant wedding clothing, which the men in India wear on special occasions, which includes a wedding.

It is worn, or rather draped around, the waist in a particular pattern. The dhotis are worn during weddings only in some selected regions of the country and Odisha is one of them. In an Odia wedding, the bridegroom adorns the dress of a dhoti with the punjabi to go with it. The Punjabi is a richly decorated garment available in various colors. The wedding dress of dhoti and punjabi can be bought from the garment stores. One could also get it custom made in order to get the perfect fit. The men often wear a elegant looking Punjabi, white or cream colored dhoti and one scarf kind of "uttariya". While the wedding rituals are on, the grooms wear the "jor", which is a white colored silk cloth draped around the bare body of the grooms and signifies purification.

The Odia wedding Rituals

A remarkable feature of the Odia marriage is that the groom`s mother is not allowed to participate in the wedding ceremony. The Odia wedding is one of the most simplified yet elegant ceremonies. Once the marriage alliance is fixed, the ceremony starts up with Nirbandh, a function very similar to an engagement. The fathers of the bride and groom make a promise to get their children wed to each other.

Pre-Wedding Rituals

Jayee Anukolo Ceremony: Jayee Anukolo ceremony marks the initiation of marriage rituals. This is followed by the distribution of invitation cards. The first card is sent to the family divinity. The second invitation goes to the bride and groom`s maternal uncle. Jayee Anukolo is the first ritual to be held. Invitation cards are distributed among friends and relatives and the first card is placed before Lord Jagannath. The second card is sent to the maternal uncles of the bride and the groom. Nirbandh is a function known as the engagement ceremony. The fathers of the bride and the groom take an oath to wed their children to each other.

Mangan Tradition in Odia Wedding: In the Mangan tradition, people bless the bride and then apply turmeric paste on her body. This is followed by the bride`s ceremonial bath.

Jairagodo Anukolo - It is a ceremony, which marks the stoking of the fire. The bride is blessed with the smooth turmeric and bathed in the traditional ritual `Mangano`. A paste made from turmeric and sandal. Then this paste is applied to the body of the bride.

Diya Mangula Puja: Diya Mangula puja is conducted at the Devi`s temple. The female barber offers the bride`s bangles, toe ring, sindoor and sari to the Goddess. During the Diya Mangala Puja prayers are offered to the deity of a temple. The bridal saree, toe rings and sindoor are offered before the Lord by the barber and the blessings of the Gods invoked for a long and happy married life.

Barajatri & Baadua Pani Gadhua Custom: The groom along with his marriage procession arrives at the wedding venue with pomp and gaiety. This is known as Barajatri. Borojatri or Baraat is the ceremonial procession when the groom and his family members and friends arrive at the wedding mandap amid great pomp and magnificence. Upon arrival of the baraat the groom is greeted with aarti or tilak of which rice is an essential component. The bride is decorated with fine traditional jewelry. Odia brides are seen generally dressed in red, orange or pink outfits for the wedding.

In the Baadua Pani Gadhua custom, the girl`s side informs the bride that the baraat has come. Thereafter, arrangements are made for her holy bath. The bride is informed of the groom`s arrival and then she takes another ceremonial bath called Baadua Pani Gadhua.

Wedding Day Ceremonies

A number of rituals lace the wedding day whilst making it a day far apart from the other three sixty-four days.

Kanyadaan: The wedding ritual begins with the Kanyadan ceremony held at the venue specially constructed for the wedding. This structure is decorated with lots of flowers and leaves. This is the traditional ritual of handing over the daughter to the groom. The customary fire is lit and the priests chant the mantras. Seven heaps of rice grain symbolizing the seven hills and the saptakulaparwata are worshipped during the saptapadi rite. The couple takes seven rounds around the fire symbolizing the sacred fire as the witness for the marriage. In this custom, the bride`s father gives his dear daughter`s hand to the groom with the promise that he will take care of her.

Haatha Ghanti Custom: In the Haatha Ghanti custom, the bride and groom take seven rounds around the holy fire, to the chant of mantras and shlokas. There is the ritual of Haatho Ghanthi. `Laja` which known as a puffed rice, a symbol of prosperity is offered to the fire. Brides in Odisha are considered as an avatar of Goddess Laxmi bringing abundance of wealth to the new home. Rice is tossed onto the path of the new wed, the new bride tilts a vessel of rice with her feet to spill the grains the threshold of her new home.

The bride`s brother stands behind the couple while the couple faces each other. The bride placed her hands on the grooms and her brother puts the puffed rice into them. Together they offer this Laja as `ahuti` or sacrifice to the God of fire amidst the chanting of mantras.

Post Wedding Rituals

Post wedding rituals further add zing to the wedding ceremony.

Grihapravesh Tradition: Laajo Hom is the conclusion of the wedding. The bridal couple arrives at the new home where the groom`s family gives her a warm ceremonial welcome called Grihapravesh. The bride, along with her husband, leaves for her new home, where the groom`s family gives them a warm welcome. This is known as Grihapravesh.

Astha Mangala Custom: On the eighth day after marriage, the newly weds visit the bride`s home, where yummy mouthwatering food is served. This is known as Astha Mangala custom. The bride and the groom are invited to the bride`s house on the eighth day after the wedding known as Astha Mangala. Delectable food is prepared and served for the newly married couple.

The girl receives sarees and jewellery from the groom. The blowing of the conch along with the sound of Hul-huli makes the atmosphere festive. Hul Huli is a sound made by placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth.

Thakurani Yatra - Kukudakhandi

Thakurani Yatra is considered the most typical and famous amongst all the folk festival celebrated in the District. Basically, this is the outcome of most flourished sakti cult of Orissa in this particular region. Sakti, as we understand, means”Power”, which is expressed through different phenomena. Goddess sakti in her many aspects represents various phenomena, as for instance, Saraswati represents Learning and wisdom Laxmi represents wealth and prosperity, durga the benevolent aspect, Kali the Malevolent aspect and so on . Sakti cult is so popular in Ganjam District that every village even individual household worships here either as presiding deity or as the protectress. That is why, the Thakuranis of Ganjam district is so popularly worshiped throughout the district with devotion and faith.

In the village Kukudakhandi, yatra of Devi is observed, like wise at so many places of Ganjam District the thakurani yatras are observed. The yatra takes place five yearly at Kukudakhandi, bi-yearly at Berhampur and Chatrapur on turn wise, once in 12 years at Kabisuryanagar and also like other areas of the District.

Usually the Thajurani yatra is observed in the mongh of May. The priest Desha Behera invites Goddess Thakurani as his daughter, who comes in the form of flower which placed in a pot and being palced on the head of a woman and then procession moves from street to street in the evening of every day, which is accompanied by musical instruments’ of trumpet, Kahali, ghanta, Sankha and different kinds of folk dances, this process go on for five, seven, fifteen and 21 days, as per the willingness and ability of the people.

In the village Kukudakhandi there is a competition among all the streets. Every street has a committee headed by the word member. Each street decorates her with lights and all to attract more people. This is the wonderful occasion for all the people of Kukudakhandi as well as neighbour villages like Gopinathpur, Chaitanpada, Baunsiapalli, Dayapalli, etc. The main attraction of this yatra especially for the young brigade is the amusement riders, zoo, opera, circus and all.

Friendship

Friendship. We often use this word. But what does it in fact mean? Are you able to answer this question? Who is a real friend? Do you think that friendship will never die? Have you ever thought about it?

GIRL(17)

What does friendship mean to you?

It is something what is very valuable but you can't buy it. It must be protected. You have to take care of friendship because it is very easy to loose a friend but after that it is much more difficult to recover it again. It is like a treasure. You must keep it in safety. If you don't, it will not last anymore. Friendship is soft.

Who do you think a good friend is?

It's someone who you get on well with. Who you like to be with and who you would miss if you lost him. It's somebody who stands by you if you have some problems, who gives you advice, who has always time for you.

Do you think you have many friends?

I am not sure. I have many friends-many people who I know, but not many good friends.

Do you think a good friend can let you down?

Yes, I think so. Somebody seems to be your good friend, but if you have some problems, he/she isn't there for you. But in this case he/she isn't your good friend.

Would you do anything for your friend?

It depends on the friend and on the thing I should do. I think that I will help my friend with problems he/she has to go through. He/she has to feel that somebody in the world loves him/her and takes care for him/her. If you have a good friend, your problems seem to be smaller and it is much easier for you because you know you can always reckon on somebody.

Do you have a boyfriend?

No, I don't.

Do you spend much time with your friends?

Well, I meet them almost every day because many of my friends go to the same school as I do. We also meet each other in our free time. My parents are sometimes angry because they think I don't spend enough time with my family. But they are really nice and accept it. I am with my friends especially during holidays. I want to be with somebody in my age.

Do your parents like your friends?

They don't know them very well, but I think that they like most of them. But I know many families arguing about this topic.

Do you know what they think of them?

I haven't asked. If they are speaking about them, it is usually in a good way. If they thought something bad about them, they would certainly say it.

And is it easy for you to make friends?

Maybe yes. Everybody says I am very sociable and talkative think I am quite reserved to strangers. But if I make a friend, I am sure it will last.

BOY(18)

What does friendship mean to you?

Friendship? It is a relationship between people.

Boys and girls?

Also.

Do you have a girlfriend?

Yes, I do.

Do you really love her?

Well, I don't know. But I like her.

And how long have you been going out with her?

How long? Two weeks. During the last 2 years I have always had a girlfriend and maybe this one is the right.

Is she your good friend? Who is a good friend?

I have known her only for 4 weeks and I think that you must know your good friend longer. Good friend is the one who gives you advice, who has the same hobbies, and of course, who lends you money if you are broken.

Is it all?

Maybe.

So, do you have many friends?

Oh, hundreds.

Could they let you down?

Some did, but we are friends again.

Would you do anything for your friends?

Anything? No, I wouldn't kill somebody for example.

How much time do spend with your friends?

As possible. Especially at weekends. I like playing football with them.

Do you parents think you spend too much time with them?

Yes, we have arguments about it. But I don't have the same opinion.

And do they like them?

Some of them yes. But they are also afraid of the bad influence they could have on me.

WOMAN(40)

What does friendship mean to you?

It is necessary, but I don't have so much time for my friends. I have family, job. It used to be different when I was young. I didn't have so many duties. I haven't seen lots of my friends from school for very long time.

What do you think about today's friendship?

I think that real friendship is rare. Today's meaning of friendship is different as it used to be. People know each other, meet each other, but these meetings are usually for business. Everybody keeps his problems for himself. He cannot be sure about his friends. Someone is your "friend" because it suits him, but he may hate you.

And do you have any children?

Yes, I do. I have two teenagers.

Do they have a boyfriend/girlfriend?

I think so. Somebody always calls them, but it is a secret for me. I think they don't want me to know about it.

And don't you want to know?

Of course, yes. But I remember being the same. It needs time.

I expect you know some of their friends. What do you think about them, do you like them?

I can't say exactly. I don't know them very well. Some are really nice, but I am afraid that some could have a bad influence on them.

In which way?

For example smoking or drinking, playing truant. In the worst case of drugs. They spend much time with them and we both work.

Could they let your children down?

Everybody can disappoint. We are all people.

MAN(53)

What does friendship mean to you?

Friendship? What is it? It doesn't exist anymore!

Don't you have any friends?

I do, but they aren't real friends. They only want to utilise me. Some of them want to borrow money from me, the others want me to help them to build their houses(I am bricklayer).They come to visit me only when they need something.

Do you have any children?

Yes, three boys and two girls.

Do they have any friends?

Yes, they have many friends.

Do you like them?

No, they always come to stay in our house at night and they are really noisy and impolite.

Did you use to have any friends when you were young?

Yes, we used to have fun together, but now they have families and also they have changed. I wish I could turn back the time. Today all the people live only for money and success.

And what about you? Is money more important for you than relationships between you and people around you?

Money is very important, but I used to think that relationships are important too. Now, I have changed my mind. I treat the others as they treat me. Money is also important because my children need it and want it from me. They became demanding.

True friends never leave each other, even if one of them is walking on the wrong path of life. A true friend will try to correct the other in a way that it does not hurt the ego of the other friend. Friends don't mind when mistakes are pointed out; rather they try to accept it and change themselves for the better. True friends are those, who inspire others to become a better person in life.

Here is a short story about True Friendship

Two girls were best of friends, since their childhood. When they were small kids, they used to go to school together, play together and sometimes even stay at each other's places. They were next door neighbors and thus their parents were friends as well. The best friends graduated from school and went to pursue higher studies in the same college. Everyone knew that the girls were the best of friends. Nothing was hidden between the duo, because both knew each other inside out.

After some days, one of the friends found the other behaving in a very strange manner. She would remain withdrawn, sleep too much and turn violent, very often. At first, the other friend thought it was just the studies getting on to her. However, with time, she became even more moody and frustrated. Finally, her friend couldn't take it any longer and confronted her with the problem. She broke down into tears and confessed that she was going around with a guy, who was taking drugs and forced her to take them too.

The girl was not only forced to take drugs, but was also forced to bring money every now and then and was threatened with dire consequences, if she revealed the matter to anyone, even her best friend. Shocked by her story, the other friend consoled her. She then thought of a way to help her. Finally, she thought that she would come up straight to the point and tell her to leave this guy and get out of all the mess. She contacted the college counselor, who was a psychologist and narrated all the problem to her. She offered to help and said that matter would be kept under wraps.

The girl was then advised by her friend to leave this guy, as he was torturing her unnecessarily. Her friend reminded her of her dreams of becoming a successful professional, inspired her to set an example for others and reminded of what her parents would feel, if they found out what their daughter was up to. After a lot of persuasion, the girl finally agreed to leave him. She was given basic counseling and was weaned off drugs, with time. All this while, her friend never left her side and always stood by her.

Finally, they graduated and the friendship only grew stronger. They both went on to become successful professionals, but never let each other down by indulging themselves into bad habits. They lived happily ever after, as close friends.

The story leaves the reader to think about the depth of friendship shared by the two girls. The moral of the story is that true friends are those, who inspire you to become the best you can ever be. They have full confidence in you. They would not leave you until your goal is accomplished.