Monday, November 22, 2010

Sapno Ka Shahar... Aamchi Mumbai

The Second Anniversary is on the way...

We salute our Soldiers Shri Hemant Karkare, Vijay Salaskar, Ashok Amte, Unni Krishnan... The Hero of The Soil sacrifice their life for all of us when we went through a phase that was nothing but brutal. 26/11 was the worst terror attack that Mumbai ever witnessed. Terror has become a part of our life for almost two decades but we have taken everything in our stride and will do so. We cannot be bullied down by any terror and will get back to our business as usual as we are known. Mumbaikar never stop, never sleep...it’s the Spirit of Mumbai which will never die. We will never forget their sacrifice.

Mumbai…The largest metropolis of India, the city full of dreams that virtually never sleeps. Life here never appears boring, especially due to the presence of its everlasting chaos and action. That’s Mumbai! This brightest gem of the country addresses over 15 million Mumbaikars, including the affluent industrialists, stunning celebrities and distinguished artists.

The city buzzes with actions 24x7. Local trains...the life line of Mumbai are a famous pull. They ascertain that proficiency is still there in India! The Local trains do a great job indeed. I am a student and i travel from Vasai to Churchgate every day.

Mumbai is a friend, philosopher and a teacher. It teaches a lot about life. It teaches you how to survive. Probably no other city in India teaches you as that of Mumbai. You do not have to read books or talk to people to understand life. If you live in Mumbai your outlook would change and you would feel that you are with a good friend.

Mumbai is the live example of sayings like "Sky is the Limit" or "Nothing Is Impossible". Gems like Dhirubhai Ambani, Ratan Tata, Azeem Premji are live examples. People from various states and culture live happily without any barriers of caste, creed or language. You can call it the ‘Melting Pot’. The belief of "Mera Bharat Mahan" is felt only in Mumbai.

Mumbai is the second word for oppotunity. Some people who reached Mumbai without any money have become millionaires through a lot of hard work. I may say the city is a city of opportunities and prosperity. If you want to work you will always find some opportunity to earn your livelihood without depending on others.

Attractions in Mumbai (in and around)
Film City
Gateway of India
Mahalaxmi Racecourse
Versova Beach
Chowpatty Beach
Juhu Beach
Marine Drive
Hanging Gardens
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Bombay Natural History Society
National Gallery of Modern Art
Nehru Planetarium
Prince of Wales Museum
Victoria & Albert Museum
Powai Lake
Tulsi Lake
Vihar Lake
Haji Ali
ISKCON Temple
Mumba Devi Temple
Essel World
Water Kingdom
Chor Bazaar
Crawford Market
Fashion Street

Other tourist's attractions near Mumbai City
Ajanta & Ellora Caves
Alibag
Aurangabad Caves
Elephanta Caves
Khandala
Kanheri Caves
Lonavala
Mahabaleshwar
Matheran
Panchgani
Pune
Shirdi

Hotels in Mumbai City
Le Meridien Mumbai
Grand Hyatt Mumbai
Taj Lands End Mumbai
Sun-N-Sand Mumbai
Leela Kempinski Mumbai
Hyatt Regency Mumbai
Taj Mahal Mumbai

Referred as the city of Bollywood, Mumbai pulls thousands of promising actors and artists from all over the country. Experience its dazzling nightlife in beaches, lounges, discotheques, pubs and bars. Gardens, museums, shopping malls, amusement parks, beaches and lakes define the charisma of this economic hub. Thus, without any delay, travel to the New York of India and experience its glimmer.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Festival Of Sacrifice In Islam

Eid-Ul-Adha also known as 'Festival of Sacrifice' or 'Sacrifice Feast' is mainly an event to give and to sacrifice. This festival is an occasion to remember Allah for all the prosperity granted on us. This feeling is confirmed by sharing your affluence with less fortunate ones. Just like Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr, Bakra Eid too is celebrated with grand fervor and eagerness. This holy occasion is observed from the 10th to the 12th day of the twelfth month of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. The festival memorializes the faith of Prophet Ibrahim in God, when he agreed to sacrifice his son upon the order by God. Popularly, Bakr-Id is marked by the slaughter of animals (Kurbani as they say) as sacrificial offerings, after which the meat is distributed among the needy and deprived. Id-ul-Zuha, or Id-ul-Adha, as it is called in Arabic, translates as 'the feast of sacrifice'.

There is a fascinating legend that states the importance of Bakri Eid. Once, Allah challenged Prophet Ibrahim, the friend of Allah and the father of Prophets. Ibrahim had to prove his faith in Allah. Allah asked him to sacrifice the dearest and nearest one in his life. Ibrahim decided to take up the challenge and decided to sacrifice his son Ismail. His love towards his son was as strong as his faith in Allah. Though his heart went numb, he put his son on the altar at the mount of Mina near Mecca. It was impossible to see his son dying in front of his eyes. He could not imagine slaying his own child but he could not deny the order of almighty. He closed his eyes and raised the sharp sword. Reciting Allah's name he divided the head from the body. He opened his eyes and could not believe on his senses. His son Ismail was standing healthy and hearty in front of his eyes. A dead ram with his head apart was lying in the pool of blood. Ibrahim emerged as a winner as he accepted god's challenge with complete faith.

Soon after completing breakfast, it is time for sacrifice of domestic animals. Only animals that have been regarded Halal or approved for sacrifice are slayed. Such domestic animals include goat, sheep, lamb, ram, camel, cow, buffalo, and others. While most people purchase them well in advance and take good care, others prefer purchasing the animal at the time of slaughtering. The slaughtering can be carried out from the morning of the 10th day to just after afternoon on the 12th day.

Muslims wear good clothes and exchange greetings with one another by hugging and wishing “Eid Mubarak”. The festival gives one an opportunity to meet near and dear ones and get closer. Special gatherings and parties are organized on this special season. Also, a number of getaways and picnics are exclusively prearranged during these three days. Muslims across the world indulge in spreading joy and happiness through celebrating this festival.

To conclude…

May this...
Eid bring Fun, Eid bring Happiness,
Eid bring God Endless Blessings,
Eid bring fresh love...
EID MUBARAK to You with all best wishes!