Create a Covered Area

It would be lovely to think the sun would always shine on a summer garden party. But unfortunately, the weather can be very unpredictable. Hiring a gazebo, or if you plan to host regular gatherings, investing in canopies and tents, is a great way to make sure your guests stay dry and have fun, even if there’s an unexpected summer shower. 

Think About Toilets

If you are hosting a small gathering of close friends, you might be happy for them to use your indoor toilet. But if you are planning a much larger party with people you don’t know as well, you might not want them all walking through your home, trailing mud in every time they need the toilet. A designated downstairs bathroom is ideal, but renting outdoor toilets is another excellent option. 

Lay Down Some Ground Rules

Again, the rules will depend on the size of the gathering and who you are inviting. But if you don’t want people to go into the house or certain areas are off-limits, don’t be scared to let people know. 

Move Breakables

One of the reasons why garden parties are so popular is because they avoid the risk of stained carpets, torn fabrics, and damaged valuables. However, many of us have favorite furniture, expensive planters, and well-loved plants we’d like to protect. Make sure you move anything breakable or important before the party starts. 

Choose a Theme

If you are hosting a large party for a special occasion, choosing a theme can make shopping for things like decorations and invitations much easier. It can also make choosing food easier and give your guests an idea of the dress code for the event. Some garden party themes to consider include pool parties, afternoon tea, picnic, and festival. 

Add Plenty of Seating

While some of the party is bound to be spent standing, dancing, playing games, and mingling, seating is still essential, especially if you are serving food. Add lots of tables and chairs to make eating easy, but also consider more comfortable seating and benches for later in the evening when people want to relax. 

Add Lighting and Warmth

Adding things like solar lights and blankets or heaters means those who want to stay later into the evening can do so comfortably. Drape blankets over the back of chairs or stack them in wicker baskets around the garden so everyone can take what they need. 

Do Some Research Before Choosing Food

BBQs and picnics are common garden party food choices. They are easy, cheap, and mean that you can offer many different options. This style of eating also makes it easier to ask guests to bring a contribution. Make sure you check for vegans or vegetarians before planning and set up another BBQ for meat-free options if needed. 

Hosting a garden party can be a great way to make sure you get a personal and unique event. It can also be much cheaper and more intimate than hiring a party space. With careful planning, your summer garden party can be a magical event that your guests will never forget.

The post Tips and Tricks for Planning a Garden Party appeared first on FreeKaaMaal Blog.

How good is your valentine’s day knowledge? With Valentine’s day just a few days away, it is time to test your knowledge. Do you know when the first Valentine’s day was celebrated? Or which is the most valentine’s day gift? 

There are many more interesting Valentine’s day facts in this post that will surprise you. So let us check out the fun facts related to Valentine’s day.  

We bet you will love these Valentine's day facts. 

1. History of heart-shaped boxes of chocolates

The first heart-shaped box of chocolates was created by Richard Cadbury in 1861. The idea was soon imitated by other chocolate makers. Currently, an estimated 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolates are sold annually. 

2. People spend the most on jewellery

While flowers and chocolates are the most common Valentine's day gifts, people spend the most on jewellery. People also spend a lot on dining out and clothing on this day. 

3. Significance of flowers on Valentine's Day 

Giving flowers became a popular custom only in the 17th century. Did you know that the number of Red Roses you give to your loved one also has special significance?

• One Red Rose – I Love You

• Two Red Roses – Love and affection

• Three Red Roses – 3 Little Words or I Love You

• Six Red Roses – A Sign of Admiration

• Nine Red Roses – Be forever 

• Ten Red Roses – Appreciation for partner

• Twelve Red Roses – 12 Different Ways to say I Love You

• Fifteen Red Roses – Sign of apology 

• Twenty-Four Roses – You think about your partner 24 hours 

• Forty-Eight Roses – Unconditional love 

• One Hundred Roses – Life-long companionship

4. Women buy 85% of Valentine's Day cards

Women prefer to give cards to loved ones on Valentine’s day. Around 85% of cards sold on valentine’s day are bought by women. Although women buy the majority of cards on Valentine's, men spend twice as much on this day. 

5. Around 73% of flowers are bought by men 

Just like women prefer giving cards on Valentine’s day, men prefer flowers for their loved ones. It is a classic choice that never disappoints. Apart from long-stemmed red roses, purple roses, pink Asiatic lilies, & white orchids are the popular choices for valentine's day.

6. "Lovebirds" is the common name for Agapornis birds

Lovebirds is a term often used for two people very much in love. Did you know love birds are a species of parrots that are native to the African continent? They have a green body, but the feather colouration may vary. There are nine species of lovebirds that come from the genus Agapornis. 

7. 250 Million roses are grown every year for Valentine's day 

Roses are produced around the year, but the demand is highest for Valentine's day. It is estimated that around 250 million roses are produced for Valentine's Day. Ecuador, Kenya, & Columbia are the biggest exporters of fresh flowers. 

8. Origin of Valentine's Day Celebrations

Valentine's day was originally celebrated in the Ancient Roam as the feast of Lupercalia. The three-day festival was full of sacrifices. The celebrations were eventually romanticized by poets and artists. 

9. Around 6 million people get engaged on this day Every

Every year around 6 million people get engaged on Valentine's day. This is the reason why the time around Valentine's day is sometimes known as the engagement season. A staggering 40% of engagements are between November and February. 

10. Cupid, the god of love 

Cupid, a common symbol of love, traces its history back to 700 B.C. Cupid has been linked to Valentine's Day due to his love-matching powers. There are many origin stories of Cupid in different cultures. In Roman mythology, Cupid is the child of the goddess of love. 

So these are some of the little-known facts about Valentine's day. Regardless of how much you already knew about this day, we are sure some of the facts would have surprised you. Nevertheless, Valentine's is a special day that celebrates love around the world.  

With this newfound knowledge, it is time to surprise your loved ones. 

The post Top 10 Valentine’s Day Facts That Will Surprise You appeared first on FreeKaaMaal Blog.

Sports betting can be a great way to make money if you know what you’re doing. With the right strategies and knowledge, it’s possible to turn a profit in sports betting. However, this is easier said than done, as there are many traps that new bettors fall into, which can lead to losses instead of profits.

Discover the secrets to making passive income with sports betting on 1xbet IN by learning important concepts such as bankroll management and recognizing valuable bets. In this guide, you'll find different types of bets and helpful tips on how to get started wisely with sports betting.

The concept of Sports Betting and its potential to make money

Sports betting has become an ever-growing sensation as technology progresses, allowing more users to access online sportsbooks from the comfort of their own homes or on the go. It is essentially a form of gambling where you predict sporting outcomes and place wagers based on those forecasts.

With its remarkable growth in recent years, it's no surprise that people have joined in on this thrilling entertainment! Sports betting in football can be an enjoyable pastime, but there are also many who make money from it through the use of strategic methods and extensive knowledge about their chosen sport. It requires a great deal of skill, commitment and patience to become successful at sports gambling; however, those able to comprehend its intricacies have the potential to generate steady profits over time.

The importance of Bankroll Management in Sports Betting

Bankroll management is an extremely important part of making money from sports betting. It involves setting a budget for how much you can afford to spend and sticking to it, as well as managing the risk associated with any bets you place. This means understanding the probabilities of each bet and deciding whether or not they are worth taking, given your current budget. It’s also important to remember that no bet is a sure thing as there are always risks involved, so you should only ever bet with money that you can afford to lose.

Different types of bets available, including point spread, moneyline and parlay bets

Whether you're a novice or an experienced punter, football betting explained offers multiple opportunities to have fun and earn money. One of the most popular forms is Point Spread Betting – predicting how much either team will win in terms of points.

For example, Team A has +3 while Team B has -3; now all bettors need to do is a wager on which side can overcome their chances by three points or more! Moneyline bets allow you to predict a game's outcome without any point spreads included. Whether it be the favourite or underdog team, this type of bet can yield varying kinds of profits depending on which squad is selected.

To make even higher returns, parlay bets are an option; with them, you select various results from different sporting events, and if all your picks come true, then that's when payouts start rolling in! For instance, picking 4 teams correctly will result in some hefty rewards for those who take such risks.

How to identify value bets and understand when a bet is worth taking or not

When it comes to profiting from sports betting, value betting is an essential skill. A value bet can be recognized by the difference between its expected return and its actual probability of occurrence. To qualify as a "value bet," odds must surpass the genuine possibility of the event taking place – otherwise, you might as well not even bother!

Take Team A, for example, which has a 50% chance of winning a match. If the bookmakers are offering odds of 2.0 on them to win, then this is considered a value bet, as you'd expect returns (2.0 x 50%) higher than the event's actual probability of occurring. Remember that mastering and recognizing these types of bets takes time and patience; with dedication and knowledge, sports betting can be incredibly profitable!

Give tips on getting started with sports betting, such as setting goals, managing expectations and staying disciplined.

Breaking into the world of sports betting can be a frightening thought, yet with a few key pointers it can become an exciting hobby that may even result in some financial gain. Before you embark on your journey, make sure to have set goals and expectations so as to keep yourself firmly rooted in strategy while simultaneously providing something for which you are aiming.

Furthermore, ensure discipline by staying within your allocated budget at all times – this is essential for any successful bettor! Betting on sports can be an enthralling experience, but it's important to remember that you are gambling with money – and it could all go away if you're not careful.

To increase your chances of success, understand the types of bets available and become familiar with the odds; this will help you recognize value bets quicker. With enough practice and knowledge, making consistent money from betting on athletics is achievable!

Outline strategies for long-term success in sports betting, such as tracking results and assessing performance

Sports betting may seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategies and techniques, it can be an enjoyable hobby that has the potential to yield consistent profits over time. With long-term success in sports betting, it is important to track results and assess performance so that you can identify patterns and trends.

Conclusion

Sports betting can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby if done with the right strategies. To make money from sports betting, it is important to have realistic goals and expectations, stay disciplined with your budget, understand different types of bets available, recognize value bets that offer an expected return larger than the actual probability of the outcome occurring and track results in order to assess performance over time. With enough practice and knowledge, anyone could become successful at making money through sports betting!

The post Sports betting how to make money | Betting tips appeared first on FreeKaaMaal Blog.

The forthcoming Republic Day is a special part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations across the country. As part of the celebrations, the government of India hosts many cultural events, but the Republic day Parade is above all. 

The grand parade at the Kartavya path is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the nation. 

This year the celebrations will be special with many firsts. Here are some Interesting facts about the Republic day parade 2023. 

1. BSF's women contingent to be featured for 1st time since Independence

The women contingent of the BSF will be in the Republic Day Parade for the first time. Uniforms of the women's contingent atop camels have been designed by renowned designer Mr Raghavendra Rathore. They will join their male counterparts in the parade who have been a part of the parade since 1976. 

2. India's 2023 Republic Day Chief Guest

The leaders of different nations grace the Republic Day celebrations every year. This year, Egypt's president Fattah al-Sisi will be the chief guest. Fattah al-Sisi is the first republic day chief guest after a two-year gap caused by COVID-19. President el-Sisi is also the first Egyptian leader bestowed with the honour. 

180 Egyptian Military personnel are expected to be part of the parade during the visit of Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on January 26. The Ministry of External Affairs suggests foreign leaders who can be invited to Republic day celebrations every year. 

3. March-past by NCC contingents

NCC will host its annual republic day parade in the evening for the first time. The parade will be held on January 28 at Delhi's Cariappa Parade.

Also, instead of the standard practice of 17 contingents, only five contingents will march past the parade. Raised in 1948, NCC is the largest uniformed Youth organisation. 

4. Grand Cultural Show at Kartavya Path

The grand cultural show with the theme of Nari Shakti will witness a performance by 500 dancers. The dancers performing at Kartavyapath have been shortlisted through state competitions. 

5. Republic Day Theme 2023

The theme for the Republic Day parade 2023 is ‘Participation of the Common People’. The event will witness the attendance of common people from different walks of society. Invites to the parade have been sent to construction workers, vegetable vendors, street vendors etc. 

6. Tableau at Republic Day Parade 2023

After six rounds of screening, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, West Bengal,  Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Dada Nagar Haveli-Daman & Diu, Jammu & Kashmir, & Ladakh have been selected for presenting tableau at Republic Day Parade 2023. 

7. First celebrations at Kartavya Path

Republic Day Parade 2023 will be the first one at Kartavya Path after the completion of the redevelopment project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated central Vista Avenue in September. 

8. Virtual Tour of Beating Retreat Ceremony

The beating retreat ceremony marks the end of 4 day long republic day celebrations on January 29. It is an age-old tradition. 360-degree virtual tour of the beating retreat ceremony will be available on the official website for Republic day Celebrations. 

9. Navy’s vintage IL38 SD to fly overhead Kartavya Path

The 50 aircraft-strong that will flypast over the Kartavya path will include the Vintage IL38 SD for the first and last time. The Navy’s IL38 SD was inducted in the late 1970s and has played a critical role in long-range maritime missions. The Soviet-made aircraft has a substantial operating range. 

10. Free Metro Ride for E-ticket Holders 

The e-ticket holders for the Republic Day parade can enjoy a free metro ride on January 26. The e-tickets booked online can be shown at metro stations to avail of the free ride. Udyog Bhawan and Central Secretariat are the two metro stations near the Kartavya Path. 

Conclusion 

Republic Day marked the country's transition to a republic on January 26, 1950. The celebrations feature spectacular military and cultural pageantry along the Kartavya path in New Delhi. The occasion of the 74th Republic Day will be memorable with many firsts. Tickets for the Republic Day parade are already available, and you can witness the event live from Kartavya Path. 

The post 10 Interesting Facts About The Republic Day Parade 2023 appeared first on FreeKaaMaal Blog.

Is there someone you want to gift but are under a budget constraint? It is a common situation that we face during the festive season.  

Giving gifts is a popular tradition during the Christmas Season. Be it for loved ones, friends or colleagues, gifts are always the best way to appreciate the presence of certain people in our lives.  

Worry no more. We have got your back!

We have curated a list of super affordable Christmas Gifts that everyone will love. 

Here are 15 Secret Santa gifts under Rs. 500 that you can give to your friends, colleagues or family. Read on to find out.

1. Christmas Coffee Mug 

If you are looking for a daily-use item to gift someone, you could perhaps opt for a coffee mug. You could buy a Christmas-themed one or have it personalized just to show how much you appreciate their presence.

There is a great variety available in personalized mugs that are well within the budget of Rs. 500. 

 2. Soft Toy

A soft toy attracts children and adults alike and is one of the most popular gifts to be exchanged during Christmas. So, reach out to the child within, and make this holiday season one to remember.

3. Sling Bag 

A sling bag to carry items of regular use, which also looks good to carry around, is a very affordable gift that is useful and easy on the pocket. You can easily find one online for a price of below Rs. 500.

4. Watch

Gift this stylish watch to the fashionable people in your life. An elegant watch delivers a fashion statement. You can easily choose an elegant watch under 500. 
If you search for watches under Rs. 500, you will find plenty of choices for both men and women. 

 5. Perfume

It’s essential to smell good at all times, and for this purpose, perfumes make a great Christmas gift. Find a suitable one with a fantastic fragrance, and you have a great gift in your hands.

6. Wallet

Another item that’s considered one of the most suitable gifts for daily use is a wallet. One can use it for carrying money, cards or other essential items, and at the same time, this will look sleek and elegant in one’s hands. If you look at the right place, you can purchase a wallet at affordable prices.

7. Dry Fruits

Giving a box of dry fruit is also a great option for Christmas. You can easily get a box of good quality dry fruits for Rs. 500.

8. Christmas hamper – Chocolate + Photo frame

This is a combo gift hamper consisting of a photo frame and a bar of chocolate. A photo frame to immortalize the best memories and chocolates to eat and enjoy, this gift can be the complete package.

9. Tealight Candle Holders

Gift these beautiful candle holders that look amazing on the centre or dining table. If you want to purchase an elegant room decor item, you can buy Candle holders for well under Rs. 500.

10. Designer wall clock

An elegant piece of wall decor, this clock looks good on walls and also is light on your wallet! If you want to purchase this designer wall clock, you can easily find many of these online.

11. Scented Candles

The aroma of scented candles is known to have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind. You can gift this fantastic piece as a token of gratitude to an extraordinary individual. You can purchase these scented candles online or at your nearest gift store.

12. Dark Chocolate

What’s better than chocolate? Dark Chocolate! It is known to be good for health too, so it turns out to be a great gift at such an affordable price. You can easily buy a box of dark chocolate online or at your nearest store within Rs 500.

13. Silk Dupatta

A beautiful piece of clothing, you can also gift an elegant silk dupatta for casual wear, especially for the winter season. The design and good quality fabric make this gift a special one. Check this out online or in your nearest store if you want to buy one.

14. Earphones

Earphones have become a necessity in the present world. From watching the latest shows or listening to your favourite songs, earphones come in handy. So what better gift than giving someone a good quality and long-lasting piece of boAt earphones? You can find good quality earphones under the budget of Rs. 500. 

15. Laptop Sleeve

This very convenient bag helps carry laptops around without having to stuff it inside your backpack. It is compatible with most laptops and also protects them from scratches and accidental bumps.

Conclusion 

So these were some of our suggestions for the best Secret Santa Gifts under Rs. 500.  You can find some really good secret Santa gifts in this price range. It is also that time of the year when you can save a lot of money with Christmas offers. These discounts add to your savings when looking for an affordable gift for secret Santa. 

The post 15 Secret Santa Gifts Under Rs.500 – That Everyone Will Love appeared first on FreeKaaMaal Blog.

Christmas is days away, and today we are here with the best Hindi Christmas carol songs. 

Any festival is incomplete without good music; therefore, we here have a list of Christmas songs in Hindi for download. If you are searching for Christmas carols in Hindi that you can enjoy with family and friends. Then you are at the right place. 

Christmas is one of the best times of the year. This annual festival celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on 25th December every year. It is a day of religious and cultural celebration among numerous people around the country. This year add a spark to your celebration with our list of Top 10 Christmas Hindi Songs. 

1. Yeshu Masih Deta Khushi

Song By: Sanjay Metri

Album: Chu Le Mujhe

Released: 2014

Yeshu Masih Deta Khushi song is from a popular album Chu Le Mujhe which came out in 2014. It is one of the most popular Hindi Christmas carol songs. You can find this song online on YouTube Music, Gaana, and Jio Saavn. It is one of the best Christmas Hindi old songs. This song has a fresh vibe, and you can definitely add it to your Christmas playlist..

2. Yeshu Naam

Song By: Yeshua Ministries

Album: Yeshu Naam And What A Beautiful Name

Released: 2019

Yeshua Ministries is a Hindi worship band led by Cameron Mendes, making Christian Hindi worship songs. This is the Official music video of the song Yeshu Naam mixed with a cover of the song What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong. This song came in 2019, and it is very meaningful and jolly. 

3. Dil Me Hua Christmas

Song By: Grace Ahmedabad

Album: Unknown

Released: 2019

"CHRISTMAS" is the name ascribed to the day that Jesus Christ was born on the earth. Irrespective of when exactly it happened, the fact remains that it did happen. It's a fact worth a great celebration. Celebrate Christmas 2022 with this special Hindi Christmas songs. 

4. Raat Christmas Ki

Song By: Agape Sisters & Daim Gill

Album: Unknown

Released: 2018

Raat Christmas Ki is an adorable song by Agape Sisters & Daim Gil. This song, released in 2018, is one of the best Hindi Christmas songs for dance. You can stream and download this song on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Saavn, and Music Yandex. 

5. Zariya

Song By: Yeshua Ministries

Album: Yeshu Naam And What A Beautiful Name

Released: 2020

Zaria is another great song by Yeshuda Band. Yeshua Ministries is a Hindi worship band led by Cameron Mendes, making Christian Hindi worship songs. This song was released on 1st April 2020, and it is one of the best Christmas Hindi songs you will find online. 

6. Naam Yeshu Naam 

Song By: Arnastmal

Album: Deep Jalay 

Released: 2019

It is one of my favourite Christmas Hindi songs. I listen to it very often. This song is part of Deep Jaley. It is of the 10 songs of the album, which was originally released in 1997. 

7. Yeshu Tu Meri Mukti 

Song By: Shabbir Kumar

Album: Yeshu- The Almighty

Released: 2013

Yeshu Tu Meri Mukti by Shabbir Kumar is a must-have in your playlist for Christmas. The lyrics of this song make it really impressive. I am sure after listening to it once; you will add this song to your playlist. 

8. Aaj Janma Hai Yeshu

Song By: Leena Jennifer

Album:Aaj Janma Hai Yeshu

Released: 2013

The next song on the list of best Christmas Hindi songs is from Leena Jennifer. This song is completely worth including in your playlist this holiday season. As you celebrate Christmas, listen to Aaj Janma Hai Yeshu at low volume for a soothing experience. 

9. Raja Yeshu Aaye

Song By: Anuradha Paudwal, Vinod Rathod

Album: Christmas carols

Released: 2000

Raja Yeshu Aaye is a melodious Christmas Song by Anuradha Paudwal and Vinod Rathod. It is yet another Hindi song that you should include in your Christmas Playlist. The album Christmas carols include a total of 15 songs, and everyone is very special. 

10. Mera Prabhu Janma

Song By: Kavita Paudwal

Album: Oho Masih Aaya

Released: 1995

This popular Christmas song is sung by Kavita Paudwal. It is part of the album Oho Masih Aaya. The album came out in 1995. It includes songs by popular Hindi singers. All the tracks from this album are very special. 

Conclusion 

These are the best songs for Christmas in 2022. All the songs we have on our list are great and perfect for your Christmas playlist. Christmas is a festival of joy and happiness, and we hope these songs bring you the same. Merry Christmas in Advance!!

The post Top 10 Christmas Hindi Songs 2022 appeared first on FreeKaaMaal Blog.

India is a land of festivals. There is hardly any month in the year when some festival or the other is not celebrated in some part of the country. The diversity in culture, religion, and tradition of India is reflected in the various festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. From the popular and well-known festivals like Diwali and Holi to the lesser-known ones like Hornbill and Hemis, each festival has its own charm and significance. In this post, we will discuss 10 of the most celebrated festivals of India.

1. Holi

Holi is a festival of colours. It is celebrated all over India, but especially in the north, and marks the end of winter. On Holi, people wear white clothes and smear each other with brightly coloured powders and water. They also exchange gifts, eat special foods, and sing and dance. The festival lasts for two days, and on the second-day people burn an effigy of Holika, the demoness who tricked Prahlad into sitting in a fire with her.

2. Dussehra

Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashvin, which typically falls in September or October. The festival marks the end of the nine-day Navratri celebration and commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Dussehra celebrations vary across India, but they all include lavish processions and feasts.

In northern India, Dussehra is also known as Vijayadashami and is a major public holiday. On this day, the effigies of Ravana are burned across the country to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. In some parts of India, such as Mysore and Kolkata, huge fairs are held to mark the occasion.

Dussehra is an important festival for Hindus and has great religious significance. It's time to give thanks for the blessings received and to pray for continued prosperity. For many Hindus, it is also a time to reflect on their lives and make resolutions for the future.

3. Diwali

Diwali is the "festival of lights",. It is one of the most popular Hindu festivals. Diwali falls in the month of October or November each year and lasts for five days. The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness.

On the first day of Diwali, people decorate their homes and offices with diyas (small oil lamps) and rangoli (colourful designs). They also exchange gifts and sweets with family and friends. The second day is known as Lakshmi Puja when Hindus worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. On the third day, Hindus celebrate the festival of Dhanteras by buying gold and silver. The fourth day is known as Narak Chaturdashi when people fast and pray to avoid going to narak (hell). The fifth and final day is Bhai Dooj when brothers visit their sisters' homes to celebrate their bond.

4. Sankranthi

Sankranti is celebrated in many parts of the country with great enthusiasm. It marks the beginning of the harvest season and is observed on the 14th of January every year. People dress up in new clothes, exchange gifts and indulge in feasting to mark this occasion.

This festival is also known as Makar Sankranti and is celebrated to mark the transition of the Sun from Sagittarius (Dhanu Rashi) to Capricorn (Makar Rashi). This day marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of longer days. On this day, people offer prayers to the Sun god and take a holy dip in rivers. Bonfires are also lit on this day to ward off evil spirits and usher in good luck.

5. Navratri

Navratri is one of the most popular festivals in India. It is celebrated for nine nights and ten days, during which Hindus worship the goddess Durga. The festival culminates with the event of Dussehra when Rama defeats the demon king Ravana. Navratri is celebrated in many different ways across India, but the most common form of the celebration involves fasting and feasting, music and dance, and puja ceremonies.

6. Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. t is observed throughout India but is especially popular in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The festival typically lasts for ten days, culminating in the Visarjan or immersion of Lord Ganesh's idol in water.

Ganesh Chaturthi begins with the installation of elaborately crafted clay idols of Lord Ganesh at homes and public venues. Devotees offer prayers and perform special pujas for Lord Ganesh throughout the 10-day period. On the last day, large processions are carried out across cities and towns, where devotees carry their Ganesh idols to be immersed in water bodies.

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi holds great significance in the Hindu religion. Lord Ganesh is worshipped as the god of beginnings and is believed to bring good luck and remove obstacles from one's life. He is also worshipped as the god of wisdom and knowledge. The 10-day festival is an opportunity for devotees to seek Lord Ganesh's blessings for a happy and prosperous life.

7. Onam

Onam is a 10-day harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, India. It is celebrated from the 1st day of the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September) and ends on the tenth day, which is also known as Thiruvonam.

The festival commemorates the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, who ruled Kerala during a golden age of peace and prosperity. According to legend, Mahabali was overthrown by Lord Vishnu in his avatar as Vamana but was allowed to visit his subjects once every year. Onam is thus a celebration of good over evil and is marked by feasts, dances, and traditional games such as tug-of-war and snake boat races.

8. Eid Ul Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr is among the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar, marking the end of Ramadan. It is a month of fasting and prayer. Eid ul-Fitr is a time for celebration and family.

Muslims around the world celebrate Eid ul-Fitr with feasts, parties, and other festivities. In India, Eid ul-Fitr is a national holiday. They dress up in new clothes and visit their relatives and friends to celebrate. Families exchange gifts and enjoy special meals together.

Eid ul-Fitr is also a time for giving to charity. Muslims often donate money to those who are less fortunate during this time of year. This helps to make Eid ul-Fitr a truly special festival for everyone involved.

9. Rakshabandhan

Rakshabandhan is one of the most popular festivals in India, celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. It is also known as Rakhi Purnima and falls on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (July-August). The festival commemorates the special bond between brothers and sisters and is marked by the tying of a sacred thread or rakhi by the sister on the brother's wrist. Brothers also give gifts to their sisters to show their love and appreciation. Rakshabandhan is a joyous occasion that strengthens the bonds of love and affection between siblings.

10. Janmashtami

Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is to celebrate the birth of Krishna. The festival is observed according to the Hindu lunar calendar and usually falls in the month of August or September.

On Janmashtami, devotees of Krishna observe fasts and engage in various religious rituals and practices. Common rituals include singing devotional songs, chanting holy mantras, decorating temples and homes with flowers and lights, and preparing special dishes.

The festival culminates with a grand procession called Dahi Handi, in which a human pyramid is formed to reach an earthen pot suspended high up in the air. The pot contains yogurt or buttermilk, which is then broken by the people at the top of the pyramid, signifying Krishna's victory over evil.

Conclusion

This blog has aimed to provide insight on some of the leading Indian festivals. If you've enjoyed reading this, please share it with your friends and on your social media!

The post Top 10 Most Celebrated Festivals of India appeared first on FreeKaaMaal Blog.

Diwali glorifies the return of Rama, Lakshaman and Sita to their Kingdom, Ayodhya, after a separation period of 14 years which signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.

Diwali is not a festival of just one day but it lasts for five consecutive days, i.e. Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdasi, Laxmi Poojan, Goverdhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, and each day has its significance. 

The holy festival of Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists in India during the Hindu lunisolar month, "Kartika" (between mid-October to mid-November). It is that time of the whole year when the warmth of the air only adds up to the festive spirit. 

According to another concept of the Hindu religion, the Diwali festival is also believed to be the symbol of Goddess Laxmi coming home. People worship Lord Ganesha and goddess Laxmi on this day as they are supposed to bring Goodluck, wealth and prosperity. 

If you want to help the neglected and poorest people during this festival, you can buy earthen diyas and different types of decorative items for your home from them, which can help make some money. 

Now, let's understand in detail the significance of Diwali and its five days.

1. Dhanteras

Dhanteras is the very first day of Diwali celebrations, which is celebrated on the 13th day of the Lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar. 

Dhanteras originated from two Sanskrit words- Dhan, which means wealth, and teras, which means the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha. 

On this auspicious day, Hindus worship Lord Kubera and Goddess Laxmi. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi emerged from the ocean during "Amrit Manthan", holding a pot full of gold and showering wealth on this day.

Dhanteras is also celebrated as "Dhanwantari Trayodashi". It is believed that on this day, Dhanwantari – the god of medicine, came from the sea with Ayurveda for the welfare of humankind. Lord Dhanwantari also emerged during the "Amrit Manthan".

People consider it auspicious to shop for gold, silver, ornaments, new clothes, precious stones and utensils on this day. 

2. Narak Chaturdasi / Chhoti Diwali

Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated on the 14th day of Krishna paksha, also known as Chhoti Diwali. 

It is believed that Lord Krishna, with his wife Satyabhawan, fought and killed the Demon Narakasur, the son of earth, on this day to save the world as he wanted to rule heaven and earth. 

Narak Chaturdasi is celebrated by waking up early in the morning and having a bath with Ubtan made of herbs, and an oil-scrub bath is a tradition that does miracles to dry skin in winter.

People also believe that you should not light diyas or get out of your home on this day. There is a custom to break Karit (a bitter fruit) on the day – representing the triumph of good over evil.

3. Laxmi Pujan

Lakshmi Pujan is the day when the principal celebration of Diwali takes place. Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped on this day. 

Laxmi Puja is celebrated on "Amavasya", which is generally considered an inauspicious day, but on the day of Diwali, this day is considered auspicious. It is believed that goddess Laxmi makes her presence at home and blesses people with good fortune and prosperity on this day. 

To show goddess Laxmi's presence, small rangolis of modest feet coming into the house are carved at the entrance. People light candles and earthen diyas at home and burn crackers and sparklings to show their joy. 

4. Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the fourth day of the Diwali celebration.

Lord Krishna conquered Indra on this day by lifting the tremendous Govardhan Mountain. People make a little hillock for most of the cow dung, representing Govardhan and worship it.

Govardhan Puja is also celebrated as Vishwakarma day. On this day, people worship the machines, arms and equipment, and most of the businesses remain closed on this day. 

5. Bhai Dooj

The last and fifth day of Diwali celebrations ends with Bhai Dooj. According to history, it is believed that on this day, Yamraj (The death god) visits his sister the Yamuna, and she applies Tilak on his forehead. Yamraj declared that any brother with a red tilak applied by his sister enjoys good health and good luck. 

Therefore, this day is celebrated as Bhai Dooj, and on this day, every sister applies Tilak to his brother, and the brother gives some gifts to his sister in return.

Conclusion

I hope you gained all the related information regarding the significance of Diwali and its 5 days after reading this article. Diwali is the most commemorated festival in India. People of every age group celebrate this festival wholeheartedly by burning crackers, meeting friends and exchanging gifts.

The post Significance Of Diwali And Its 5 Days appeared first on FreeKaaMaal Blog.

India is all set to celebrate its 75th Independence day. The government has organized multiple events under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The initiative is dedicated to people who have contributed to the evolutionary journey.
With this very special day in sight, Let us look at the books that will enlighten you about India's struggle for freedom. Every Indian should read these books to find out more about our country.

1. An Era of Darkness – Shashi Tharoor [2016]

Shashi Tharoor received the 2019 Sahitya Akademi Prize for his book – "An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India."This book corrects many misconceptions about this period. Shashi Tharoor talks about all the harm done under British rule. Tharoor makes this book worth a read with his gifted writing, well-summarised ideas, and sharp debating style. 

2. India Wins Freedom – Abdul Kalam Azad

This book tells the story of partition like never before. It is an autobiographical narrative that traces the events that led to partition. The book also highlights the mindsets of key figures such as Nehru, Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose. For its controversial take, the book was sealed and was released to the public after almost 30 years. 

3. Freedom at Midnight – Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre (1975)

Freedom at Midnight by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre is about events around the independence movement and partition. It gives details of the last year of the British Raj in India.
The book starts with Lord Mountbatten of Burma as the last viceroy and ends with the funeral of Mahatma Gandhi. The narrative style immerses readers in the visual landscape of the fall of the British Raj. 

4. A Republic In The Making – By Gyanesh Kudaisya

This book gives a view of the challenges faced by the country in the early years after independence. It gives an account of the hopes, aspirations, and dilemmas of political leadership. This book provides a view of the challenges faced by the country in the early years after independence.

5. Makers of Modern India – Ramachandra Guha (2012)

The book written by Ramachandra Guha was published in November 2012. It gives a biographical sketch of key figures such as Ram Mohan Roy,  Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Tarabai Shinde, Mahatma Gandhi, Jayaprakash Narayan, C. Rajagopalachari, Verrier Elwin, Periyar, Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, B. R. Ambedkar, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, M. S. Golwalkar, Rammanohar Lohia, and Hamid Dalwai.
It is a detailed source of information about India's political traditions from the freedom movement to the following years of Independent India. 

6. India: A Portrait – Patrick French (1912)

The book follows how India has evolved from its turbulent past. Written by Patrick French, there is a detailed character sketch of various Indian individuals, which makes it an impressive study of India since independence. 
The author has skillfully organized this complex material. The narrative starts with a painful separation in 1947.

7. India’s Struggle for Independence  – Bipan Chandra (2016)

The book provides an in-depth and detailed overview of the Independence movement. It is a well-documented history of the strugle against British rule. 
Written after thorough research, it helps you understand the chronology of events. The book details history from 1857 until the period after independence. 

8. Jallianwala Bagh, 1919: The Real Story – Kishwar Desai (2018)

It has been over 100 years since the brutual massacre at Jallianwala Bagh, but memories of the shocking incident are still in people's minds. Kishwar Desai documents little-known facts before and after the massacre.  

This day marks the rise of India as an Independent nation and the end of British rule. Here are the various books that give you an insight into the journey. Read these books to remind yourself of the sacrifices and contributions of freedom fighters. 

The post Independence Day 2022: Books Every Indian should read appeared first on FreeKaaMaal Blog.

India has a number of railway stations in every state, and city to make the overall connectivity better. Every year, a survey is conducted to check out the best or the cleanest railway stations in India by Swachh Rail, and the study has been done on a different basis. 

It is conducted on the basis of solid, liquid, waste management, energy management, and many other factors.  Thanks to all of the efforts, we have more than 50+ neat and clean railways. Here we are giving you the top 10 cleanest railway stations in India (2022). 

1. Jaipur Junction Railway Station 

It is majorly known as the Pinky City, and it has the cleanest railway stations among all stations in India. Jaipur Junction Railway station is also one of the busiest railway stations in Rajasthan compared to others. 

The station has some of the all-time best and most luxurious trains in the country, like The Palace of Wheels. It was renovated a few years back and topped our and Swacch Rail's list as the cleanest railway station in India. 

2. Durgapura Railway Station Rajasthan 

This Station is located near Jaipur Railway station, and it has ranked 2nd on our list and also on Swachh Rail; it helps to connect the entire Northwestern railway network in Rajasthan. 

Rajasthan has the most cleaned railway stations, and they are not cleaned during the survey, but they are neat and clean for the whole year. The Ministry of Railway has controlled the station, and it has two platforms. 

3. Jodhpur Junction 

The next on the list is Jodhpur Junction which is located in Rajasthan, and the railways have been operated by the North Western Railway of Indian Railways. Jodhpur Junction has five platforms, and the station is also listed as the top-rated booking station on the Indian Railways. 

The Railway Station was started in the year 1885 under the Jurisdiction of the new  Jodhpur Railway.  

4. Jammu Tawi Railway Station 

It is a Jammu City in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is also one of the largest railway stations in J&K. It is a primary station railhead for the other Jammu and Kashmir places for tourists heading to Vaishno Devi in these states. 

The railway stations are connected with major cities in India, and it is the second-longest-running train in the country in terms of distance and time. It is on the fourth spot on our list. 

5. Haridwar Junction 

Haridwar is one of the most visited cities in India and home to one of the cleanest railway stations in India. It has been situated in the northern railways, which have been connected with many broad gauge lines. 

The Haridwar Junction railway station was started in the year  1886, and it has more than 20 tracks. Haridwar is one of the main points to connect other northern points. 

6. Ajmer Junction Railway Station 

Ajmer Junction railway station is a crucial railway junction in Ajmer Rajasthan with five platforms. Th has one of the vast railway complexes with workshops. It has been operated by the Northern-Western railway zone and has been listed as the cleanest railway station in India several times. 

 It is connected with Dargah Ajmer Sharif, and it has been connected with other holy places. It is one of the safest railway stations in India we have in our country. 

7. Udaipur City Railway Station 

The Udaipur City Railway Station is also from Rajasthan, and it is also controlled by North Western Railway. The station has eight tracks and six platforms. 
It is located at a distance of 25 km from Udaipur Airport, and the station will soon boast a living wall. 

8. Vijayawada Junction  

This Vijayawada junction is located in Andhra Pradesh as a Non-Suburban Grade 2 station railway division. It is situated at Howrah-Chennai and New Delhi-Chennai Junction. 

It is the fourth busiest railway station in India, and it serves approximately 1.40 lakh passengers and more than 180 express and 150 freight trains regularly. Vijayawada is one of the major railway junctions of the Indian Railway. 

9. Suratgarh Railway Station 

It is one of the primary railway stations in Sri Ganganagar district, Rajasthan. This station has four platforms that connect Delhi, Jammu, Kalka, Bikaner, Ajmer, and others. 

The district Sri Ganganagar is also known as the food basket of Rajasthan, and it is the 9th cleanest railway station on our list. 

10. Dehradun station

Dehradun Terminal railway station is one of the main railway stations that connect with northern railways via Uttrakhand and it has been controlled by Indian railways since it has been established by Britishers in 1899. 

It has 17 originating trains and 17 terminal trains and is one of the main in Northern Railways as it also hosts the centralized data of Indian Railway stations and trains. 

This is all about the cleanest railway station in India in 2022. The new government has played a significant role in making the railway station clean and bringing out more facilities. Rajasthan has the cleanest station in India. 

The government is also working on other railway stations to make them cleaner and better than ever. 

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