Naraka Chaturdashi (Day 2)

Killing of Narakasura

Narak Chaturdasi is the second day of festivities, and is also called Choti Diwali. The Hindu literature narrates that the asura (demon) Narakasura was killed on this day by Krishna, Satyabhama and Kali. The day is celebrated by early morning religious rituals and festivities followed on.

Narakasura ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. Puranas have it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, acquired immense power from a blessing given by Lord Brahma after a severe penance. Under his rule, the villagers suffered a lot of hardship as the demon tortured the people and kidnapped the women to be imprisoned in his palace with his invincible might.

Unable to bear the tyranny of the demon, the celestial beings pleaded with Lord Krishna to save them from his torture. But Naraka had a boon that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. So, Krishna asks his wife Sathyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.

When Krishna fell unconscious after being hit by an arrow of Naraka, Sathyabhama takes the bow and aims the arrow at Naraka, killing him instantly. Later Lord Krishna reminds her of the boon she had sought as Bhudevi. The Narakasura Vadh by Sathyabhama could also be taken to interpret that parents should not hesitate to punish their children when they step in to the wrong path.

The message of Naraka Chaturdashi Parva is that the good of the society should always prevail over one's own personal bonds. It is interesting to note that Bhudevi, mother of the slain demon Naraka, declared that his death should not be a day of mourning but an occasion to celebrate and rejoice. It is said Lord Krishna had an oil bath to rid himself off the blood spattered on his body when Naraka was killed.

The tradition is followed and people offer prayers on the previous day of the Naraka Chaturdashi to the vessel in which water is being heated for having bath. Hindus light fireworks, which are regarded as the effigies of Narakasura who was killed on this day.

Dhanteras - Festival of Wealth (Day 1)

The festival of Dhanteras falls in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight. This auspicious day is celebrated two days before the festival of lights, Diwali. For some, the day celebrates the churning of cosmic ocean of milk between the forces of good and forces of evil; this day marks the birthday of Lakshmi – the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, and the birthday of Dhanvantari – the God of Health and Healing.

How to Celebrate Dhanteras:

On Dhanteras, Lakshmi - the Goddess of wealth - is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. It is also the day for celebrating wealth, as the word 'Dhan' literally means wealth and 'Tera' comes from the date 13th.

In the evening, the lamp is lit and Dhan-Lakshmi is welcomed into the house. Alpana or Rangoli designs are drawn on pathways including the goddess' footprints to mark the arrival of Lakshmi. Aartis or devotional hymns are sung eulogizing Goddess Lakshmi and sweets and fruits are offered to her.

Hindus also worship Lord Kuber as the treasurer of wealth and bestower of riches, along with Goddess Lakshmi on Dhanteras. This custom of worshiping Lakshmi and Kuber together is in prospect of doubling the benefits of such prayers.

People flock to the jewellers and buy gold or silver jewellery or utensils to venerate the occasion of Dhanteras.

Stories & Legends of Deepavali

India, the land of rich cultural heritage, has one or the other festival for every month. It is the spiritual and religious richness in India that each festival is related to some or other deity. One of such festival is the 'festival of lights' - Deepawali. It is the glorious occasion that is not restricted to one day, but extended to a five-day celebration. All through these five days, people are in a festive mood. Adding to the festivity is the colourful display of lights. Like every other Hindu festival, stories from Mythology are associated with Diwali too. Given below is information on the celebrations of Diwali.

Return of Shri Ram To Ayodhyaa

The most famous legend behind the celebrations of Diwali is about the prince of Ayodhya Nagri - Lord Shri Ram. The king of Lanka, Ravana, kidnapped Ram's wife - Sita from the jungle, where they were staying as per the instructions of King Dashratha, father of Lord Ram. In order to freed Sita from Ravana's custody, Ram attacked him. This was followed by a war, in which, Ram defeated Ravan and released Sita from his custody. On the arrival of Lord Ram along with his wife Sita, people of Ayodhya decorated their homes as well as the city of Ayodhyaa by lighting tiny diyas all over, in order to welcome their beloved prince Shri Ram and Devi Sita.

Incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi

On the auspicious new moon day, which is 'Amavasyaa' of the Hindi month of Kartik, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity - Lakshmi was incarnated. She appeared during the churning of the ocean, which is known as 'Samudra Manthan', by the demons on one side and 'Devataas' (Gods) on the other side. Therefore, the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Lakshmi Pujan, on the day of Diwali, became a tradition.

Lord Krishna Destroyed Demon Narakasur

One famous story behind the celebrations of Diwali is about the demon king Narakasur, who was ruler of Pragjyotishpur, a province to the South of Nepal. After acquiring victory over Lord Indra during a war, Narakasur snatched away the magnificent earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi, who was not only the ruler of Suraloka, but also a relative of Lord Krishna's wife - Satyabhama. Narakasur also imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of Gods and saints in his harem. With the support of Lord Krishna, Satyabhama defeated Narakasur, released all the women from his harem and restored the magnificent earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi.

The Return of The Pandavas

The great Hindu epic 'Mahabharata' has another interesting story related to the 'Kartik Amavasyaa'. According to the story, 'the Pandavas', the five brothers Yudhishthhira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahdeva, were sentenced to thirteen years exile as a result of their defeat against 'the Kauravas' - Duryodhana and his ninety nine brothers, at the game of dice. Therefore, the Pandavas spent thirteen years in the jungles and returned to their kingdom on the day of 'Kartik Amavasyaa'. On their return, the people of their kingdom welcomed the Pandavas by celebrating the event by lighting the earthen lamps all over in their city.

Coronation of King Vikramaditya

Another legend or story about Diwali celebrations relates to one of the greatest Hindu King - Vikramaditya. It was the day when he was coroneted and the people celebrated this event by lighting tiny earthen 'diyas'.

Diwali the Festival of Lights

Diwali means "series of lights" and is it also known as दीपोत्सव dīpotsava ". This is the most well-known of the Indian festivals: it is celebrated throughout India. It usually takes place eighteen days after Dusshera. It is colloquially known as the "festival of lights", for the common practice is to light small oil lamps (called diyas) and places them around the home. The celebration of the festival is invariably accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country. In north India, Diwali celebrates Rama's homecoming that is his return to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king. Everywhere, it signifies the renewal of life, and accordingly it is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival; similarly, it heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season.

Diwali is a five-day long festival, each day being significant in its own terms. The celebrations commence on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdashi and culminate on Kartika Shudha Vijaya.

The first day of this festival is called 'Dhan Trayodashi' or 'Dhanteras', wherein people worship Goddess Lakshmi and purchase utensils made of silver.

The second day of Diwali is called 'Narak Chaturdashi', which is popular as 'Chhoti Diwali'.

The third day of Diwali, which is also called 'Badi Diwali', is the main day of the celebrations of the festival. People perform Lakshmi Puja (worship of divine Goddess Lakshmi) on this day and offer prayers to her, to bless them with wealth and prosperity. 

The fourth day of Diwali is devoted to Govardhan Pooja (worship of Lord Govardhan Parvat).

The fifth day of the Diwali is Bhai Dooj, the time to honor the brother-sister relationship.

Bursting crackers, social gatherings, exchange of greetings, sweets and gifts with loved ones are also part of the festival. During the festival, people following Hinduism offer prayers, and worship their favorite deity. Worshipping of Goddess Lakshmi, worship of Lord Ganesha, worship of Mother Kali, worship of Lord Chitragupta and worship of Govardhan Parvat is considered very auspicious for the occasion.

How To Choose The Right Wardrobe For Your Bedroom

How To Choose The Right Wardrobe For Your Bedroom

The two most important things in a bedroom are the bed and the wardrobe. For the first one, finding the right balance of style and comfort is easy. As for the second one, things are a little different. There are lots of things to take into consideration before choosing a design or a style.

If you prefer the room to look clean and simple, then you can opt for a compact design which hides everything inside. Just figure out the right compartmentalization. You should include a large space for hangers, a few shelves for folded up clothes, drawers for small items and accessories and perhaps even a few secret compartments.

All these compartments can remain hidden behind large sliding doors or panels. This way the design remains minimalist and you can use the opportunity to play with colors and shapes when decorating the rest of the room.

To save space in the room, instead of dedicating an empty wall to your wardrobe, you can custom design the cabinetry around the windows. Take this opportunity to also include one or two cozy window nooks and reading corners.

Consider mirrored doors for your wardrobe if you want the room to look a little more spacious and open or if you simply want the surface to reflect the beautiful views outside. Here’s a design with a symmetrical structure and a mirrored door at the center.

All of the variations presented above are nice options for those of you who prefer the usual closet space in the bedroom. But there’s also another possibility. Instead of hiding everything behind closed doors, you can opt for open storage.

In this case, you’d be displaying all your clothes and accessories on hanging rods and shelves. You can, of course, mix and match designs and styles and also include a few drawers. This type of storage can be an interesting option for a casual bedroom or for a small room where a regular closet would occupy too much space.

Decorating Tips For A Guest Bedroom

Decorating Tips For A Guest Bedroom

With a few simple but stylish interior decorating ideas, it's possible to turn a small spare bedroom into a haven for house guests.

Warm welcome

When it comes to home decorating, spare bedrooms are often neglected, especially if they’re seldom used. This space also tends to be the smallest room in the house, so decorating can be difficult. But all it takes to create an inviting space is some basic furniture and a few thoughtful touches.

·         Sleep easy: Treat your guests by investing in some good-quality sheets.

·         Floral display: Use throw cushions to inject color.

·         Pretty and practical: A few thoughtful additions will make your guests’ stay more comfortable.

·         Streamlined look: Simple furniture makes small spaces seem less cluttered.

Spare change

·         Color

The first step in transforming our spare room into an inviting guest quarters was to choose the color for the walls. Light colors make small rooms appear more spacious and airy, but we didn’t want to opt for plain white as this would look too stark. Instead, we used a soft, chalky pale green. This shade gives the room warmth and the color changes throughout the day; in the bright morning sun the walls seem to be a soft stone color, but in the pale afternoon light they appear more green. 

·         Floor

A dark timber floor will make a room seem smaller. To add to the illusion of space, we decided to paint the floorboards with a white enamel gloss from Bristol. 

·         Curtains

To keep costs down, the window and French doors were dressed with ready-made curtains in a neutral shade. We added a splash of color by trimming the curtains with bright-red ribbon.

·         Bedding

The existing bed had a padded leather headboard and bed-end, which didn’t suit the new scheme. Rather than replace the bed, we made covers for the ends using a hard-wearing cotton fabric. To make our guests’ stay as comfortable as possible, we invested in quality linen – the Lattice range from Linen House includes neutral basics and accent pieces. 

·         Lighting

For a more contemporary look, we opted for pendant lights instead of lamps. The lights are positioned above the bedside tables and controlled by dimmer switches within easy reach of the bed. 

·         Storage

Freestanding wardrobes take up a lot of space and aren’t essential in a bedroom that’s seldom used. A small chest of drawers offers ample storage for guests’ clothes and hooks have been secured to the back of the bedroom door in case hanging space is required.  

·         Shelving

To give the room a lived-in look, a couple of floating shelves were attached to the wall and used to display interesting objects and a few books.

·         Seating

To inject some color into the predominantly neutral scheme, an occasional chair and a few throw cushions were covered in a bright patterned fabric.

Guest bedroom decorating ideas gallery

To give the illusion of space, choose a light color for the walls and paint the ceiling white. If you opt for darker colors, the walls and ceiling will feel closer.

Keep fixtures and fittings to a minimum or the room will look cluttered. Consider using mirrors to make it appear bigger.

Choosing smaller pieces of furniture, such as a double bed instead of a queen and a three-drawer chest instead of a tallboy, will make the space less cramped.

Freestanding wardrobes take up lots of space - consider installing a built-in storage unit in an adjoining hallway.

 Look for plain window dressings that let in as much light as possible. To make windows and French doors appear taller, opt for long curtains in a light-colored material. If the window is east or west facing, consider installing a blind as well as curtains to block out the sun and keep the room cool on hot days.

9 Tips On Buying Durable Outdoor Furniture

9 Tips On Buying Durable Outdoor Furniture

Furniture is an integral part of a home, and homeowners generally lookfor pieces that can last for years. Homeowners should have similar expectations when it comes to buying indoor and outdoor furniture. Theweather in Australia is generally conducive to spending time outside, and quality furniture is necessary for relaxing outdoors while at home. Buying durable outdoor furniture is challenging, however, because there are times when the climate is not pleasant, and outdoor furniturmust be able to withstand the elements.

Following a few tips on choosing durable outdoor furniture materials helps consumers find outdoor furniture that lasts. Consumers should also take a few steps to maintain outdoor furniture to keep it looking good. As long as they know what to look for and how to care for furniture, shoppers should get years of use from their outdoor furniture.

Tips on Choosing Durable Outdoor Furniture

Manufacturers of outdoor furniture typically produce pieces that stand up to the elements. Understanding the different durability features helps consumers know what to look for in outdoor furniture.

1. Buy Weatherproof Outdoor Furniture

It is essential to buy outdoor furniture that is weatherproof. Outdoor furniture is made from wood, metal, or plastic. Wood can weaken and rot from moisture. Consumers who choose this material should therefore look for treated wood or varieties that naturally resist the elements. Treated wood repels water, while a wood suchas teak is nearly impermeable.

Metals corrode from holding moisture on the surface. Galvanisation makes metal rust-proof, and aluminium is naturally resistant to corrosion. Moisture from rain does not degrade plastic outdoor furniture, but UV rays from the sun can change its colour. Plastic furniture should be therefore left in the shade while it is not being used.

2. Choose the Right Materials

The durability of outdoor furniture also depends on the material it is made of. The table below specifies the  levels of longevity associated with different types of woods and metals.

Material	Durability
Aluminium	Low weight belies high durability; cast aluminium is very strong and difficult to bend; extruded aluminium is weaker
Iron	May be cast or wrought; heavy and extraordinarily durable; should be treated to prevent corrosion
Pine	Soft wood; less durable than other types of wood; somewhat susceptible to rot, but less expensive
Mahogany	Hard wood; very stable; maintains strength over long period; also retains its rich red colour
Teak	Tropical hard wood; popular choice due to its resistance to rotting, warping, shrinking, and swelling
Rattan	Tightly woven; strands themselves difficult to break but can fray over time; entire piece usually lasts a long time
Plastic	Not as durable as other materials; susceptible to pitting and weakening; inexpensive, so less costly to replace

Iron and teak are great choices for their durability. However, furniture in any material should last many years if the owner takes the time to maintain it.

3. Look for Well-Constructed Outdoor Furniture

Consumers should pay attention to how outdoor furniture is constructed if they want to buy durable pieces. Screws should be stainless steel or brass that can withstand rust. Durably constructed outdoor furniture may also feature wooden dowels and pegs to hold pieces together. Furniture held together by glue or staples tends to come apart over time.

4. Buy Weatherproof Cushions and Pillows

Cushions and pillows are susceptible to mildew from moisture and discolouration from exposure to sunlight. Synthetic fabrics, such as acrylic resist mildew, and ventilated fabrics help cushions and pillows dry more quickly to avoid water damage. Consumers can also look for cushions and fabrics that are treated to block UV rays.

Tips on Maintaining Outdoor Furniture

Maintenance is a significant aspect that contributes to durability in outdoor furniture. Even if outdoor furniture has qualities to make it last a while, it still requires care to keep it in good condition. Follow these steps to maintain different outdoor furniture materials and items.

5. Apply Oils, Sealers, and Stains to Wooden Outdoor Furniture

Stains, sealers, and oils all help wooden outdoor furniture maintain its appearance. They make wood less porous so that rain drops bead up and roll off, preventing wood from rotting so that furniture lasts longer. Some stains, sealers, and oils also block UV rays to keep wood from discolouring. Many pieces of wooden outdoor furniture come pre-treated, but consumers should still oil these pieces seasonally to maintain their appearance.

6. Clean and Treat Metal Outdoor Furniture

Metal outdoor furniture is relatively low maintenance. Cleaning requires simply wiping it down with a damp cloth. Consumers should avoid pressure washing since this can damage the furniture. Aluminium is rust-proof, but iron requires application of an anti-rust solution.

7. Be Gentle with Rattan

Rattan is sensitive compared with other outdoor furniture materials. One can wipe rattan with a damp cloth to clean it, and avoid chemical cleaners and pressure washing as these can damage rattan. Also, keep rattan outdoor furniture in the shade when not in use as it can become discoloured from sunlight. Using rubber stoppers beneath the legs of a rattan outdoor seat can also keep the rattan from cracking and splitting.

8. Protect Cushions and Pillows from Mildew and UV Rays

If cushions and pillows do not come with fabric that blocks mildew and UV rays, the consumer can apply spray finishes to the fabric to protect it from these elements. Washing cushion and pillow fabric periodically keeps it clean and fresh-smelling. Most fabrics are safe for the washing machine. If cushions and pillows become stained, faded, or odorous, one should look into replacing just the fabric if possible. This should save money over buying completely new cushions and pillows.

9. Cover or Store Furniture

Although much of Australia has a suitable climate for using patio furniture year round, many places see a good deal of rain during winter months. Consumers should consider placing covers over their outdoor furniture at this time of the year. The covers keep furniture dry, maintaining it until it is ready for use in sunnier weather. Those who prefer not to have covered furniture sitting outside may choose to store it away. A largeshed creates the necessary space in the absence of a basement.

Conclusion

The ability of outdoor furniture to last depends on its resistance to weather-related damage and the strength of material used in its construction. Consumers should therefore pay attention to these features. Some materials, such as teak and aluminium, are naturally resistant to damage caused by moisture, while other materials require treatment in order to make them more durable. Furniture should also be well-constructed, featuring quality screws or wood dowels or pegs, in order to last. Cushions and pillows that go with outdoor furniture can be weatherproof as well, so one should consider buying such pieces to last a long time.

Even after purchasing durable outdoor furniture, one should take measures to maintain it.