Why is Dussehra significant to us?

Understanding the significance of Dussehra helps in unlocking several truths about the festival.

All our folklore is centred around one dominant theme: the victory of good over evil. Even all the fairy tales and children’s stories that we have grown up hearing have this concept at their core. We are conditioned to believe that goodness eventually triumphs over evil, no matter how hard the journey or how difficult the circumstances. Hence, our festivals also reflect this same philosophy as they bind entire communities together in celebration.

Dussehra is one such festival. It is celebrated all over India in different ways. It represents the triumph of Lord Rama over the 10-headed rakshasa king Ravana. The day is also known as Vijayadashama (The day of victory) and is believed to be the culmination of Lord Rama’s successful battle with Ravana over 10 days of war. It is hence, an auspicious day that is waited for with bated breath by those who wish to launch new ventures.

There is fasting for nine days leading up to Dussehra, with the 10^th day being one of celebration. Since the day is considered an auspicious one, it is time to take stock of the year gone by and venerate the tools of our trade – hence, parents encourage children to lay flowers and vermillion on their study books, businessmen ‘bless’ their accounts, workmen worship their tools and new houses or offices are opened on this day.

The festival of Dussehra has many literal manifestations – take a cue from the Ravana Dahana festivities and Ram Leela celebrations all over the country – but it is also a time for the deepest introspection. Though the exploits of Rama make for a great story, they also urge the listener to imbibe the qualities of goodness, truth, humility and loyalty. They teach the importance of staying on the right path of justice and truth, and of staying away from evil at all times.

It also explains the philosophy of brotherhood, never coveting what belongs to another, and to always be respectful of all living things. At a more spiritual level, people believe that Dussehra also indicates that whenever society falls into chaos and evil spreads its tentacles far and wide, a time comes when God descends on Earth to restore order to things. He appears in front of His ardent devotees to offer salvation and a new direction to weed out corruption in both thoughts and actions.

Thus, Dussehra is not just an occasion for buying new clothes and eating sweets – it is a day to count one’s blessings and cleanse one’s heart and mind of all evil.

5 Bollywood Devotional Songs for Lord Ganesha

Did you know that Lord Ganesha is the most recognized Indian God around the world? This elephant headed God is a symbol of good fortune, rewarding devotees with success and prosperity. When we start prayers, he is the first one to be honoured. His images have been created in almost every innovative way possible. Lord Ganesha is also known to destroy pride, vanity and selfishness.

At times when we feel depressed and can't seem to overcome our problems, praying to Lord Ganesha is believed to give hope and relax the puzzled mind. Starting the day by remembering Him is also said to give peace and boost one’s energy. Bollywood offers numerous Hindi songs in honour of our loving 'Maruti', as He is also known.

Songs for the God of Hope and Peace

1. Sindoor Lal Chadayo: This truly devotional song is from the film Vaastav starring Sanjay Dutt and Namrata Shirodkar. Sung by Ravindra Sathe, this aarti holds the true essence of Lord Ganesha. An adrenaline rush runs through the body listening to this high energy song. The constant beats, in the form of clapping hands, complements the lyrics.  

2. Deva Shree Ganesha: Standing in front of a huge Ganpati idol, Hrithik Roshan sings in His honour. This fast paced number will certainly give you goosebumps. The song overshadowed all other songs from the film Agneepath. Sung by Ajay Gogavale (or Ajay-Atul), the lyrics are written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. 

3. Morya Re: This high energy song is from the movie Don starring Shahrukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra. The dhol beats infuse a desi touch to the song. It is sung by the very talented Shankar Mahadevan and the lyrics are written by Javed Akhtar. Mahadevan's forceful voice adds to the beauty of this song. 

4. Deva Ho Deva Ganpati: With dholak beats and manjeera twangs, this song has energetic dance moves by Mithun Chakravorty and Amjad Khan. This is a classic from the 1981 film, Hum se Badhkar Kaun. The song gained huge popularity in the 90s, since there were no other songs in matching its energy. This wonderful number was sung by Shailender Singh, Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi and Bhupinder. 

5. Shree Ganeshay Dhimahi: Again rendered in the reverberating voice of Shankar Mahadevan, this song is from Viruddh, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Sharmila Tagore. The song has a positive energy that will make you forget your worries and make you feel hopeful. It is not just a song but a divine experience. 

Enlighten your soul and find mental peace with these Bollywood devotional songs

Bhakti Yoga – The path to divinity

Experience what it means to get close to God with the daily practice of Bhakti Yoga.

Indian traditions and cultural mores are replete with one important premise: devotion to God. Each of our spiritual and religious practices imbibe the spirit of a higher being above our level of understanding. This concept can be further refined within the realms of Bhakti Yoga, which stresses the undying devotion and love for one’s creator or a supreme being that a person has complete faith in.

Bhakti Yoga is viewed as the one true path to spiritual enlightenment. It finds place among the four ‘temperaments’ ascribed to the practice of yoga, such as Jnana Yoga (Intellectual temperament), Raya Yoga (Scientific temperament), Karma Yoga (Active temperament) and Bhakti Yoga (Emotional temperament).

The core philosophy of Bhakti Yoga

Bhakti Yoga believes that there may be many ways to attain deification and spiritual happiness, but there is only one way to reach God. This way is the path of truth, grace and unselfish devotion to God. Any act that results in reaching closer to God is underlined by Bhakti.

However, Bhakti Yoga realises that each person may have their own interpretation of God, or who their creator is, or indeed, whom they should place their faith in. It also recognises that each person may have their own way to practice their bhakti for God. Hence, there are no rigid rules about practicing yoga or meditation techniques. The only requirement is that one focuses their concentration on God.

It also emphasises a deeper appreciation of the world by loving all of God’s creatures equally and opening your heart to love and beauty in the world wherever you may find it. Seeing the beauty in the world despite all its problems and tragedies is the first step towards reaching a perfected, elevated state of mind that is the way to reach God.

With regular practice of Bhakti Yoga, you can combine the pure force of love and devotion to achieve the highest pinnacle of divinity. You become more gracious, tolerant, quieter and more accepting of the world. Also, Bhakti Yoga infuses enough love in one’s heart to overpower all negative emotions and insecurities. In short, it is a divine power that can move a person from their current state to a blissful, exalted one.

3 Reasons You Need to Use Lubricants While Having Sex

About 66% of India's population falls in the age group of 14 to 65 years, making it the youngest country in the world, and yet, the people can't stop pretending that sex doesn't exist in the society. It is still a taboo and sex toys aren’t really something we shop for! However, the reality is that the market for sexual wellness in India stands firmly at US$227.8 million, while the global market is over US$22 billion.

The market was expected to grow at an average rate of 34.8% between 2014 and 2019. This means that although people shy away from accepting it, they do use sexual products and are satisfied with the results too! And one product that has seen a huge market all over the world, as well as in India, is the lubricant.

Benefits of Using Sex Lube

1.      It Helps in Smooth Sex

During sex, the rush of blood to the genitals prompts various vaginal glands and mucous cells to secrete fluids, making intercourse easier for the couple. However, there are times when the body might not produce enough lubrication, leading to painful penetration. This very normal and does not always indicate a problem. This is also where using a lubricant can be very useful. It helps in getting rid of vaginal dryness and also provides a new sensation during sex. The foreplay also gives time for the body to warm up for the act.

2.      It Helps You Concentrate

Most people have so many things running through their mind even during sexual activity. Thoughts like whether you are doing enough, if you partner is experiencing pleasure or whether your vagina is too dry can often backfire and spoil your overall experience. Using a sex lube helps by taking care of what the anxiety would have robbed your body of – the needed moisture for penetration. You can use Durex Play Massage Gel or Durex Play Lube that are specifically designed to enhance pleasure.

3.      It Makes Sex More Pleasurable Than Painful

First of all, when your partner knows that you are using a sex lube, they’ll be less nervous about hurting you, which is always a good thing. Secondly, since it makes the act smoother, it takes away a lot of the anxiety that one might otherwise experience.

When it comes to anal sex, lubrication is highly recommended for safety and pleasure, since this area of the human body does not have any natural lubricant. While choosing the lube, keep in mind the condom that you are using too, to ensure that it does not lead to the condom rupturing or slipping off.

5 Reasons You Must Use Condoms

India has the third largest population of people on the planet living with HIV. Around 2.1 million people in India are infected with HIV, said a report published by UNAIDS in 2014. AIDS (Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a disease caused by the Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV). The virus attacks the body’s immune system, making it weaker and weaker as time passes. Two of most common causes of AIDS today are sexual contact with an infected person and infected blood transfusion, both of which can be prevented. While you may get the blood tested before transfusion, how do you know whether your sexual partner is completely healthy? In most situations, you don’t! You just need to take the required precautions.

Benefits of Having Protected Sex

Condoms are one of the best ways of protecting oneself against the transmission of HIV through sexual contact. Even when the other person is definite that they are not HIV positive, if you or they have more than one sexual partner, you must use protection. A lot of the times, the person might be infected but not know it themselves, since the symptoms take time to become apparent. There are of two types of wearable protection: one worn by women and the other by men. However, the latter is more common. Here are few reasons that why you should use wearable protection every time you have sex.

1. Protects From Sexually Transmitted Diseases – It not only protects you from AIDS but also other sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis and gonorrhoea. You must discuss your sexual history with your partner and encourage them to do the same before indulging in any sexual activity. Also, if you are having sex with a stranger, then protection becomes all the more necessary. Better be safe than sorry!
2. Prevents Unwanted Pregnancies – One of the vital functions of condoms is to prevent pregnancies. You certainly do not want to turn your one night of fun into a lifetime of regret.
3. Has No or Less Side Effects – When compared to other forms of contraceptives, it has no side effects, unless you are allergic to latex. Contraceptives such as injections and oral pills can adversely affect a woman’s health.
4. Easily Available And Easy to Carry – You do not need any medical prescription to buy a pack. You can get it over the counter at any chemist shop. It is easy to carry, therefore you can make sure that you never have unprotected sex.
5. Enhances Sexual Experience – There are various types of condoms available in the market that actually help enhance the experience for both partners. There are thinner ones that offer equal pleasure and higher intimacy, while there are some that have uniquely positioned dots and ribs that help in clitoral stimulation, such as Durex Pleasure Me Condoms. They have also been 100% electronically tested for safety. 

5 Ways to Build your Immunity Before the Rains Start

In 2015, Delhi saw a record 10,683 dengue cases during the monsoon and this number crossed the 15,000 mark by the end of November. More than 400 people were reported dead during this period. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the chances of surviving malaria have decreased by 47 percent since 2000, making it one of the dangerous water-borne disease. In India, more than 7 lakh cases of malaria were reported in 2015, with 217 deaths being reported. Monsoon is once again set to hit India. Although there are many allergy treatments available these days, it is important to prepare yourself for to remain safe during the rains.

Prepare Yourself for the Rainy Season

1. Stack up on vitamins: This is one of the best ways to increase your immunity during the rainy season. Consumption of foods rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E help in improving the body's resistance to many diseases. Vitamin C charges the antibodies, which fight against the common cold, while Vitamin E reduces the effect of cold virus.

2. Prepare a healthy diet chart: Make sure you have a healthy, balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Also try to avoid street food during this season, since cholera and typhoid are known to spread through contaminated water that is especially rampant during the rains. Prefer homemade tea over the road side masala chai.

3. Drink enough water: We should drink adequate amounts of water everyday to keep ourselves well hydrated. It not only flushes our system but also removes germs and bacteria from the body. If your body receives the Right amount of water, its ability to resist the flu increases. During the rainy season, prefer clean, filtered water. 

4. Get your water resistant gear: The worst part about the rainy season is that it is unpredictable. It rains without any prior warning, so it is important to be well prepared for it. It is better to invest in gear like water proof shoes, bags, umbrellas and rain coats to ensure that you don’t get wet and end up falling sick.

5. Do not allow water stagnation: With the rain, comes diseases. Stored water is the perfect breeding grounds for disease causing mosquitoes and bacteria. It is one of the main reasons for diseases like malaria and dengue. Make proper arrangements for either storing rain water in covered containers or ensure proper drainage. Make sure your children stay away from water logged areas.

One of the most important things during the monsoon is to ensure personal hygiene. Infectious diseases spread very quickly at this time through touch. So, make sure you wash your hands regularly with an antibacterial soap or hand wash, such as Dettol Skincare pH Balanced hand wash that is known to provide 10 times better protection against germs. Also, keep a check on allergy treatments that work for you and keep a hand sanitizer handy for times when you do not have access to clean water and soap. 

How LED TVs make for a pleasurable viewing experience

LED TVs have redefined the consumer viewing experience – so much so, that no other TV can now make the cut!

For the average TV viewer, an LCD TV is a big innovation in television technology, topped only by the LED TV. Popular perception dictates that LED TVs are more expensive, but well worth their price tag, since they offer crisp, deep colour and sharper resolution. But there is much more to LED TVs than (literally) meets the eye. Here are a few things to know about LED TVs.

An LED TV is an improved LCD TV. Most people think that there is a very significant difference between the two types of TVs – in simple terms, an LED TV is not a radically different technology. It is actually an LCD TV that uses backlit LEDs instead of the usual cathode fluorescent lights (CFLs) screens, on receiving electricity. Thus, they are different from plasma TVs or OLED technology, where each pixel on the screen is an independent light source.

LED TVs come in two configurations. Some LED TVs have an entire panel of LEDs behind the screen – these are known as ‘full array’ LEDs. However, some people prefer thinner LED TVs, in which case, an entire array of LEDs cannot be put behind the screen. Hence, the LEDs are arranged to line the screen along its perimeter, so that the light is concentrated inward in the middle of the television. These TVs are known as edge-lit TVs. But this latter kind of LED TV is known to show brighter edges than the rest of the screen.

Some LEDs offer differential lighting. Also known as ‘local dimming’, this feature is unique to LED TVs with full array backlighting where the LEDs independently dim or light up areas of the screen depending on the screen colours and contrast. Hence, scenes featuring black and two other colours, for example, will have dimming in the black portions and lighting in the other portions. This gives unparalleled depth of colour and perception, making the picture alive.

LED TVs use less power than standard CFL screens. LED TVs will result in lower power bills for you, since LEDs are more efficient that CFLs. Most LED TVs today consume about 100W of power, as opposed to about 111W for CFL screen TVs and significantly lower than plasma TVs.

You can buy the best ever LED TV online with just a few clicks on your computer. It is extremely easy to buy an LED TV online: simply browse for the best models, compare specs and prices, look up payment options and any special offers or discounts, and proceed to pay for the TV set. The e-tailer will then ship it to your home and the company will install the TV set for you and explain how it works.

Why you Need Stem Cell Banking

Stem cell banking is one of the most important tasks you can undertake in the lifespan of your child, with profound impacts on his health and that of close relatives.

Stem cells are miracles unto themselves; in many ways, they hold the key between life and death. Since they are uniquely capable of reproducing themselves and even turn into other types of cells, the benefits of banking stem cells are truly immense from a medical standpoint.[1]

It is possible to source adult stem cells for use in bone marrow transplants, but it is often a lengthy process to find a matching donor. Then, the donor must be prepared for the process prior to the surgery with medication. In some cases, the host may reject the transplanted stem cells, too. Increasingly, parents are looking to bank their baby’s stem cells by banking the baby’s cord blood at birth.

Stem cell banking benefits extend to the baby as well as immediate family members, such as siblings. Stem cells sourced from umbilical cord blood may prove to be highly useful in the treatment of many blood- and autoimmune disorders, since they are Haematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs), which have the potential to regenerate the human immune system.

Broadly, the following are the benefits of stem cell banking:

• Stem cells sourced from umbilical cord blood can help the baby and his siblings. The umbilical cord blood and placenta of a new born baby are rich resources of stem cells. Stem cells are also found in adult bone marrow. However, families with a history of incurable cancers, for example, may benefit immensely from cord blood stem cell banking. Cord blood stem cells carry a genetic connection and can be used to treat siblings of the baby when needed.
• Stem cells from cord blood can treat 80 serious diseases. Today, it is known that cord blood stem cells can treat 80 serious diseases. However, the stem cells may be sourced from umbilical cord blood or adult bone marrow. The benefits of stem cell banking today are also being explored for other incurable diseases such as Diabetes, as also neurological deficits that result in the Autism Spectrum Disorders. To a lesser extent, skin stem cells are also used to treat burn victims in the USA. In the future, stem cells may be used to regenerate damaged tissues in the heart and lungs.[2]
• Umbilical stem cells show lower propensity for rejection. Graft Host Rejection (GHR) is an eventuality that many doctors grapple with after transfusing donated stem cells to a patient. However, stem cells sourced from cord blood are less prone to causing GHR in the patient, and hence, the chances of the operation becoming successful are also enhanced.[3]
• It is easy and affordable. There are many certified cord blood banks in India which operate using state-of-the-art collection and cryogenic storage processes. However, there are not many public stem cell banks yet. Meanwhile, the private cord blood banks offer parents many affordable payment options and packages, while also efficiently coordinating the cord blood collection and storage post the birth.[4].

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[1] http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/banking-your-babys-cord-blood

[2] Barrandon, Yann, ‘What diseases and conditions can be treated with stem cells?’

[3] ‘Cord blood banking: What is it, why consider it?’, http://www.babycenter.com/0_cord-blood-banking-what-it-is-why-consider-it_1362261.bc#articlesection3

[4] Cordlife India, https://www.cordlifeindia.com/price-and-enrolment

Your Bank is Now in Your Pocket

Mobile banking is slowly becoming one of the most user friendly ways of conducting monetary transactions. According to a KPMG report, published in 2015, the adoption rate of mobile banking, for transactions, in developing countries like India, is as high as 70%! Let’s take a look at the benefits that have led to the popularity of mobile banking in India.

Mobile Banking and Its Various Benefits

·         Cost Effective: Since cellular banking operates with the help of an application, most of the services are available free of cost to the user. This not only saves the customer's money but also saves the bank expenditure on personal services that would’ve have then cost more.

·         Security: Contrary to popular belief, this is a very secure mode. You get alerts from your bank for every important detail, including transactions, withdrawals as well as transfer of funds. At the very moment a deposit or withdrawal is made in your account, you instantly receive a notification via SMS. The account is further made secure with an MPIN provided at the start of the service and a CRN number. Moreover, various financial institutions ensure that not all parts and types of accounts are available on the cell phone platform, along with setting transaction caps, so as to avoid damage when the device is stolen or lost.

·         Time Benefit: Making use of the connectivity advantage, this mode also offers great convenience, allowing customers to transact at any time and from anywhere. Smartphones have become an extension of ourselves, so you have access to major services provided by your bank right in your pocket. You can make use of mobile banking in India every day in public transport, airports, restaurants, etc. Unlike net banking, you will not have to open your laptop or desktop to take care of your banking needs.

·         Convenience: Mobile applications are made with the objective of providing customers the most user-friendly interface, so that the user experience is seamless. Mobile banking also uses the app route, so that users can easily sign in and make use of the easy steps to access important information, such as balance inquiry, account statements, credit card statement, cheque book requests, fund transfers, etc.

·         Money Transfer: This mode of banking is especially useful when it comes to making payments which are available right at your fingertips. With the help of NEFT and IMPS services on your app, you can transfer money to any account within a couple of minutes, no matter where you are. You can also use the service to make bill payments and recharges.

Cell phone banking is intended to make banking more accessible and convenient for customers. Many of the apps allow services like planning a trip via train, flights or hotels bookings too. Have you started using mobile banking yet?

Are you battling ‘big city stress’?

Long hours at work, not enough avenues for recreation and lack of finances to take frequent vacations can cause untold stress.

Life in the big cities is fast, expensive and rewarding. That is, if you ignore the other stresses that come with this lifestyle. There is certainly a lot of money and exposure to the good things in life in the cities. But they come at a cost – to earn the money one makes, one has to put in long hours at the office, complete pending projects over the weekends and make do with fitful sleep during the week.

It seems like in the race to reach the top of the proverbial ladder, one must sacrifice everything – time with loved ones, good health, sleep, healthy food, sufficient rest, hobbies and recreation – to make money. It is an inevitable tangle one gets enmeshed in: the more money you need to make, the more you must work. With living costs and the price of real estate very high in the cities in India, it is imperative for a person to put in all the hours at his disposal to make enough money to run the household comfortably.

Then there are other costs to pay: children’s school tuition fees, picnics, extra-curricular projects, higher education fees, wedding expenses, etc. At a personal level, too, there are costs of medical treatment, house renovation, occasional holidays, parents’ expenses, etc. to finance. All of this takes a lot of money, and to earn it and keep your loved ones happy and content, you are willing to go the extra mile and explore more avenues for income.

But all of this takes a toll on your health. The combined stress of overwork, lack of sleep, lack of rest and lack of sufficient finance is called ‘big city stress’ and most people living in the cities suffer from it. It can scupper your best-laid plans: a sudden stress-induced illness can stop you from working, or an undiagnosed malady may impose a recuperation period on you. Do you have the financial wherewithal to stop working for a while and still keep the house running as usual? Or is there another source of funds needed to take care of your medical treatment?

That source of funds is health insurance in India. The best health insurance you take can save your precious savings for other causes in your life. In the event that you are indisposed and cannot work for a while, health insurance plans take care of the hospitalisation and treatment costs. Some of them even pay a corpus in case of the policy holder’s unfortunate demise from illness or accident. Your family’s comforts and standard of living is not jeopardised in any way, since your health insurance pays for your treatment. So you can shore up your savings for another rainy day.

Big city stress may strike us all, and if you live in a busy city with no time or enough avenues for recreation, you are wont to fall prey to it. However, you can take the sting away from the financial repercussions of this kind of stress with health insurance policies for yourself and the family.