“The bond of Rakshabandhan is not just a thread, but a symbol of the unbreakable bond between a brother and a sister.”
Rakshabandhan 2023 is just around the corner and aren’t we all excited for it? Our busy lives keep us so occupied that we seldom get time to spend with our brothers and sisters or to even remind them about how much we love them. Raksha Bandhan gives us the perfect opportunity to do something to make them feel special and loved and to remind them that life would have been a lot less fun if not for them.
We need to appreciate just how lovely Indian traditions are. We think that some bonds are truly special and unbreakable and we need a tradition to celebrate and cherish them. Ritually, Raksha Bandhan involves sisters tying a bracelet called ‘rakhi’ around their brothers’ wrists seeking blessings from the almighty for their protection and well-being, and brothers in turn vowing to protect their sisters from any harm or evil.
Rakshabandhan usually falls on the last day of the auspicious Shravan month and this year 2023, it falls on the 30th of August. It is celebrated with immense fun and fervor all over India. Assam also sees an enthusiastic celebration of Rakshabandhan, where decorated shops selling rakhis and other goodies are a common sight. We can also plan several unique and fun activities with our brothers and sisters in Guwahati, something that would be meaningful and allow us to spend some quality time with them.
So, if you are in Guwahati on this Rakshabandhan 2023, here is a list of unique and fun things that you can plan for yourself as well as with your brothers and sisters, besides the usual ritual proceedings.
1. Rakhi Shopping in Guwahati
Rakhi shopping gives us an opportune moment to explore the local markets. Colorful rakhis displayed outside shops along with street vendors are a common sight around Rakshabandhan- which gives these markets a colorful semblance.
You can shop for rakhis in local markets like Fancy Bazaar, Ganeshguri Market, Paltan Bazaar, etc. One can find a myriad of options in these markets, that too at really affordable prices.
Furthermore, there are plenty of online options available these days. Shopping websites such as Amazon, Flipkart, etc gives you various options you can chose from and have it delivered at your doorstep.
2. This Rakshabandhan 2023- Making DIY Rakhis at Home
This Rakshabandhan 2023, making DIY rakhis can be a great way to showcase your innate creativity, in addition to making it even more special. Imagine the happiness on their faces when they come to know that you’ve made the effort to make the rakhi all by yourself. Don’t we all live for such moments?
https://guwahati.infoisinfo.co.in/search/craft lists various craft shops in Guwahati from where you can source your materials like threads or yarns, beads, sequins, artificial flowers, etc. Time for you to resurface your lost creativity!
3. Cook their Favourite Food
George Bernard Shaw said “There is no sincerer love than the love for food” and we completely agree. One of the best things we can do for the ones we love is to cook their favorite dishes and what better time to do that than on Raksha Bandhan?
This is not gender specific and it goes both ways. Brothers can also make their sisters’ favourite dishes and trust us, no matter how basic the dish is, it is going to make them so very happy.
Rakhshabandhan 2023 falls on a weekday but that must not dampen our spirits, folks! When it comes to spending time with our dear brothers and sisters, we can always squeeze in some time for them.
You can take them to your favourite restaurants and shopping malls and spend some quality time. There are plenty of options in Guwahati- City Centre, Central Mall, and Roodraksh to name a few.
You can also gift them something fun like a spa treat, or spend time together doing activities like bowling, pottery classes, art classes, and more.
Additionally, you can also visit a holy place together and seek blessings for their well-being.
5. Plan a Short Trip
One great thing about staying in Guwahati is that you can plan a short trip with your siblings or cousins to nearby tourist places like Shillong, Pobitora, and Chandrapur to name a few. Activities such as hiking or even watching the sunset together while reminiscing your childhood memories is a great way to bond and spend some quality time.
Furthermore, Rakshabandhan can also be a wonderful opportunity to visit your grandparents and spend some time with them. These are really meaningful ways to spend this day because let’s not forget- this day is all about our relationships and family bondings.
6. Charity
Rakshabandhan is day of love and some of us are very fortunate to get to celebrate this day with our families. But take a moment to think about the ones who cannot.
A wonderful way to celebrate Rakshabandhan 2023 would be by visiting orphanages and care homes, exchanging love and kindness with those in need. By bringing a little joy to their lives, we can make a significant impact in this world, especially in the face of various sufferings. This act of celebrating Rakshabandhan with them would be a meaningful and heartfelt gesture.
Winding up
Although Rakshabandhan is considered to be a Hindu festival, people from all religions and communities can celebrate this day in their own way. It signifies universal brotherhood- something that we reckon is the most crucial requirement in this day and age.
We need to remember that Rakshabandhan is less about how fervently we can celebrate this day, rather it is more about how meaningful we can make it. It is less about buying luxurious gifts and rakhis but more about the unconditional love that we have for our brothers and sisters.
The Protech Group wishes everyone a Very Happy Rakshabandhan 2023. Let us make an effort to make this Rakshabandhan special and meaningful for our loved ones. Even if they stay afar, a simple heartfelt conversation over the phone also goes a long way.
Vastu is an ancient traditional Indian system of architecture and design philosophy which helps in creating the balance and harmony in the living spaces or workspaces. Vastu helps in making a congenial setting of a space in the best scientific way. It involves the Vastu guidelines and directions for home decors, for constructing houses or offices or any buildings that aligns with the cosmic energies for good fortune to follow. Vastu unifies the art of science with the elements of nature and the energy fields to create a balanced and auspicious environment. The Vastu tips for positive energy helps to maintain a peaceful aura in our lives and secures us from distractions and disharmony.
The word Vastu has been derived from the Sanskrit word Vastu, which means ‘dwelling’ or ‘building’. The origin of Vastu has been evolved during the Vedic times in India. The art of Vastu originates in Sthapatya Veda which is a part of the Atharva Veda, which has emerged as a system of philosophy involving the connection between man and his structures.
The five elements of Vastu Shastra are known as Pancha Mahabhutas. The key elements are Pritvi meaning Earth, Agni meaning Fire and Light, Vayu meaning Wind, Akash meaning Space and Jal meaning Water. The entire universe including every living object is considered to be made of these five elements that affect the cosmic forces and the forms of energies.
The ten Vastu guidelines for positive energy for designing the exterior areas are as follows:
1. Vastu Guidelines for Directional Alignment
The cardinal directions i.e., the north, south, east, and west play an important role in Vastu. Each direction has its own significance and is attributed to the various aspects of life. The main entrance or the way for the opening space of the exteriors should be in a favorable direction and must not be obstructed from any negative sources. A well-designed exterior with proper entrances and opening spaces welcomes positive energy to the home.
2. Vastu Guidelines for Shape and Design
Exteriors of the residential buildings are believed to influence the flow of energy and the well and good fortune for the residents. Symmetrical designs are favored in Vastu as they promote harmony and balance. Square and rectangular shapes are considered harmonious and stable. Any irregular shapes or uneven corners must be avoided. The garden and landscaping of the exterior should follow the Vastu guidelines for an auspicious flow of energy.
3. Vastu Guidelines for Color Scheme
We should always opt for calming colors for the exteriors. The choice of color used for the exterior paints can influence the energy of a space. Earthy and natural colors are mostly used for the exteriors for a harmonious connection with the natural surroundings. The earthy tones are always inclined towards nature and are very soothing for the environment and attract a peaceful flow of positive energy.
A right choice of a sitting space is very much important in planning the Vastu for exterior. Space needs an ample amount of effort to create a comfort zone for the residents to spend their leisure time. The northwest or southeast corner of the exterior is the best choice for building your exterior for a better and healthy social connection and for relaxation.
5. Vastu Guidelines for Positive Energy
The main motive of Vastu is attracting positivity. The flow of energy should always bring positivity and happiness to one’s life. The right way to attract positive energy to the exterior is to create a balance and well-planned space with the right choice of color, plants and correct use of our directions is the layout of our home. The right and correct use and understanding of Vastu guidelines shall bring positive energy to us.
6. Vastu Guidelines for Statues and Ornaments
Placing and decorating our exteriors we must select the right statues for a positive atmosphere. The materials for the exterior should be made from materials such as metal, stones and wood. The correct representation of statues and ornaments should be kept that symbolizes positive significance and resonates with our belief towards peace and harmony. The size and arrangement do matter in arranging the exterior. Too many pieces must be avoided. The designs should be kept in a clean manner and simple and elegant.
7. Vastu Guidelines for Water Factor
Water is one of the most affective medium to attract positive energy in our homes and in our lives. The correct affirmation through water always brings us a successful positive result. Water elements are an important aspect in designing the exterior of our homes. The water element like fountain or small pond or a water body is the northeast or north area of the garden can bring positivity. We must always follow the rule of the flow of water towards the center of the house and the water must be clear and not stagnant to attract positive energy.
8. Vastu guidelines for Location of Garden
Generally, the garden is a centerpiece of attracting in the exteriors of our homes. A beautiful garden can create magic and bring freshness and happiness. The blooms can add a charm to the exteriors and also maintain the ecological balance in nature. According to the Vastu guidelines, the right direction of the garden should be in the northern or eastern part of our residence for better energy to flow in and the overall spiritual harmony of the exterior space.
Healthy and vibrant plants and trees are always best for our exterior according to Vastu guidelines. One must avoid thorny plants as these are considered inauspicious and bring distractions to our lives. Planting trees in the north or east is very good and considered a positive magnet. If we cannot place the plants and trees in the north or east direction, the south or west is the second-best options according to Vastu guidelines.
The garden of the exterior should receive adequate sunlight for the plants to survive. A well and healthy plant and trees are considered to bring vibrant and positive environment We should always remove the dead plants or any dying plants, as they can symbolize negativity and dead locks. Some of the best plants and trees according to Vastu are Jade, Money plant, Snake plant, Lucky bamboo, Tulsi, Aloe Vera, Neem tree, Coconut tree, Banana plant and many others.
10. Vastu Guidelines for Cleanliness
According to Vastu guidelines, maintaining cleanliness in the exterior of your home is an important aspect as it promotes positivity and a correct flow of harmony. We should always ensure to clear the dry leaves, debris that accumulates over time. Any broken items and unused objects must not be stored or piled up on the exterior of our homes. Clutter can obstruct the flow of positive energy. We should always pay special attention to the cleanliness of the entrance of our exteriors. Sweeping the exteriors timely keeps the space clean and fresh. This not only enhances the exterior space but also promotes and brings a positive aura to our homes.
Conclusion
It is very important to remember that the Vastu guidelines are deeply rooted in the cultural and traditional beliefs which may vary from region to region and with different ways of practitioners. It is necessary to create a balance between Vastu principles and modern architectural consideration. Protech Group over the experience of many years have a strong belief in Vaastu where they design and build residential buildings considering the Vastu as a major factor in their residential projects. For more information, you can click here.
The fresh smell of greens is something very enchanting to humankind. Having a place where we can create a space of living greens is a dream for many individual. What better way to refresh our mind and eyes with the beauty of flora. The mother nature has its own way of dwelling things in the environment. Humankind with its creative mind can create magic in a space with luscious greens and aromatic florals. Home gardening is the art of cultivation of plants, fruits, vegetables and ornamental flowers of the personal utility of an individual with the idea of ecological sustainability. It is a skill which needs a constant dedication of labour and care towards the nourishment of plants for a beautiful garden to flourish. Home gardening is a therapy for people who have fetish over plants and this can be quite a therapeutic process for dealing stress due to the continuous hustle of the busy life. One can totally feel the utter joy and ecstatic of the blooms of their own home garden.
Let us understand the different ways of achieving a home gardening, be it in a traditional way of an outer space with gardens and lawns or in a modern way where we fit into the small cozy area of our balconies and the terrace for our plantation.
The Traditional Understanding of Home Gardening
The people who are fortunate enough to have inherited a bigger space always believe in making the best use of the land with separate gardening for its kind. The one area shall be dedicated for the decorative flowers with lawns and sitting space which are pleasing to our eyes and a good space for enjoying the morning breakfast to the evening tea. The other area is often used for the kitchen garden which is very resourceful and sustainable at the same time. Kitchen garden have always been considered a part of our culture. The mother nature has been kind enough to humans for providing food to the humankind.
Balcony gardening into a home garden is the solution of the modern world where the population is expanding and with the new advancement of technology, home gardening has devolved with many varieties of technique of planting and growing. The modern way of understanding and adjusting in the gardening field has developed new ways of gardening.
The idea of gardening in the balconies and indoor plants have evolved in a broader manner. People have innovated new ideas and ways to cope up with the space of apartments where the area is limited to a certain extend. The balconies are beautifully curated with hanging plants and creepers which are one of the best ways to have a beautiful home garden. Succulents are one type of plant which needs less water and also durable and occupies less space in the balcony.
Indoor plants are one such part of the home décor which is very appealing and brings an aesthetic vibe. There are few plants for indoors, some of them are the snake plants, spider plant, peace lily, ZZ plant, pothos. These are few of the many which are easily accessible and available in our local markets. The above-mentioned plants are easy to handle which can sustain on low light. One can definitely try to do the basic need of watering them and moving them to the sunlight once a week for some fresh air. Plants do need fresh air for their sustenance which a beginner of home gardening must prioritise and understand about plants. Indoor plants not only bring a charm and an exquisite view of the space but also has its own benefits.
Terrace gardening is another form of gardening which is most commonly found in today’s home gardening. This type of gardening not only gives a mesmerising beauty to the landscape but also provides a cooler temperature to the house or the building and helps in reducing the pollution alongside with the benefits of producing fruits, vegetables and flowers. Most of the upcoming construction companies are providing such type of terrace or roof gardening for an ecofriendly environment which shall be beneficial for the nature and also add a beautification to the entire space.
Home Gardening Therapy
Gardening can be a relaxing process which calms and restores our mind from the stressful life. It provides a therapy which helps us in connecting with the nature and also keeps us grounded to our roots. It offers an advantage of both physical and psychological benefits. Gardening helps us in keeping up with our physical activities where our labour marks as a benchmark for the final output of the plants into healthy greens. It impacts on the psychological benefits which help us in developing out concentration level, our rest quality, and also, it helps in increasing our abilities of being innovative and active. In the initial days as a beginner, one must find it exhausting and time consuming but once a person masters the key element of gardening; they tend to enjoy the process and after effects of it. This is just what the nature does, just like the saying in a positive manner, “you reap what you sow.” The gardening at times might be a time-consuming process which needs patience and some bit of expenses but once we crack the deal, we know the procedure where we can propagate the plants and create our own nursery of plants.
Conclusion
Winding-up with the quote by Louise Beebe Wilder, “In his garden, every man may be his own artist without apology or explanation.” It is us who can create our safe haven, a space where we create our gardening skills with indefinite varieties of flowers and plants to please one’s own eyes and their soul. It is something which an individual does for their sake of happiness or satisfaction of the beauty of the garden. Gardening is a never-ending process which once developed cannot be undone for a lifetime just like Elizabeth Lawrence quoted, “The garden year has no beginning and no end.”
Having true friends is one of the purest feelings to relish for lifetime. Friends are always considered to be the backbone and supporting pillars of an individual. Presenting you a few friendship day ideas to celebrate and cherish and to show gratitude towards our friends and appreciate their presence in our lives.
Friendship day is one of the special occasions to celebrate the friendship universally. United Nations has declared 30th July as the International Friendship Day. In India, friendship day is celebrated on the 1st Sunday of August. Friendship Day was first proposed by Joyce Hall in 1919. This notion of celebrating and dedicating a day in the name of friendship gained its regards in 1930s. Later, in 1958 the occasion was declared as an International Friendship Day to be observed every year.
Friendship Day Ideas
Every year this day is celebrated with much enjoyment and joy thus people often find new ideas for the day to be celebrated with great enthusiasm. Here are some of the active and interesting events that can be done this friendship day.
Some of the few fun loving activities for the day.
DIY friendship band making
Capturing the moments
A Rendezvous with the Best friends
Picnic day
A short trip
Movie marathon night
Friendship Day Idea One – DIY Friendship Band Making
The making of crafts is an amusing task where one can put their innovative ideas and creation to it. The DIY bands mark as a special gift which is hand-made and shows our sincere effort for our dear ones. The activity itself is a creative task which brings our friends together and helps us to spend the time with each other making and creating memories together. The bonding created together over the span of time weaving and crafting the bands let us acknowledge and realize the comfort space that we share with our friends.The DIY bands have its varieties, the most common and easy one is the braided bands which can be made of colorful threads or yarns or ribbons. Other variety of friendship bands are the beaded friendship bands, macramé friendship bands, knot bands, charm bracelets and beads bracelets. These are the bands that we exchange with our friends along with cards and other gifts to celebrate the friendship day.
Friendship Day Idea Two – Capturing the Moments
In the technologically advanced world, it is very easy for us to seize a special moment. We like to capture our happy moments in forms of photos and videos. It has become a trend to post our photos in the social media of our special occasion. You may like to make reels and shorts for the social media content on friendship day. Taking selfies along with our friends in the most Instagram able place is an engaging activity which shall make your day a happy going one. Meeting up old friends and creating memories with them with the collection of memories is a reflection which can be stored with us for a lifetime.
friendship Day Idea Three – A Rendezvous with The Best Friends
Dates are the most common way to celebrate a friendship day which can never go wrong at any time in the planning of a special occasion. Arranging dinner parties and lunch dates are the perfect way to have a have meal and time with our close buddies. We can also add themes and color combination to add a charm to the day to make it memorable and special. Dinner parties can be done in both ways depending on the preferences of your preferences and wants. This friendship day you can visit the most trending places in Guwahati like the Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre, the Bougainvillea Resort and Spa, Starbucks, McDonald’s or Go Karting for some exciting and carefree day. At the end, a good meal in a good place with your good friends is the most cherishing memoirs that can one do for the occasion of friendship day.
Friendship Day Idea Four – A Picnic Day
This is one of the most common activities that every individual enjoy. Spending a day out in nature is quite thrilling and wholesome. Getting our favorite delights and snacks for the day and spending the day out in the wild and nature is relaxing with some music and probably a book to read out in the open space. A picnic day is a great chance to eat and enjoy in the open air with our friends on the friendship day. It does not have to be luxurious outing but can be a casual meet up among the friends where they can talk, eat, play games and enjoy the leisure time with each other. It is a simple outlook to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of having some quality time and eating in an open space.
Friendship Day Idea Five – A Short Trip
Planning a short journey to a place can be adventurous and full of amusement with our friends. A planned trip to Shillong, Cherrapunji or to the Pobitora wildlife sanctuary with our best friends can never go wrong. These places are a perfect gateway to chill the weekend with our dear friends and have a relaxing outing and hiking around the areas.The trips can be for a short journey like an hour drive or can be a stay for a day or two. It all depends with the right number of people with whom one can enjoy the company and create a vibe of bonding. Laughing out our lungs by reminiscing old memories with the friends is the best feeling of togetherness and oneness. A day on the road with the group of friends can never have a dull moment and is one of the best ways to spend on the friendship day.
Friendship Day Idea Six – Movie Marathon Night
Movies are the medium to recall our old days of younger days. Planning a movie together is kicky way of bringing back our old times with our dear friends. A movie marathon is an event where people watch movies continuously for six hours or more. The movies can be a compilation of the favorite collection of series like “Friends”, “Grey’s Anatomy” or “Four more shots” that we friends can watch together or the individual favorite movie of each of the member of the group of friends. This event of movie marathon can be extended to the night stay with a post dinner scenes to be enjoyed with the dessert.
In the digital world where social media has made a convenient way to keep a touch and connect with our peers, it has also diluted the true essence of bonding and friendship. With the virtual world people have sort of withdrawn themselves from the traditional way of celebrating the friendship day. It is important to put an effort to real life connections and bonding with our friends by spending time and showing honest care and concern of one another. Let us all enjoy our day with the new innovative ideas of appreciating our dear friends in our lives.
As we celebrate the Friendship Day this Sunday, The Protech Group wishes you very Happy Friendship Day to all. Let us all cherish the value and importance of friendship in one’s life to create an unbreakable bond for a bright future together. Here is to the unbreakable bonds of friendship to make this day a brighter and merrier one with our loved best friends.
