Making your own Rakhi at home

Making your own Rakhi at home can be a fun and creative activity.

Here are some ideas on how you can do it:

Rakhi with Cotton Buds: This is a simple and easy-to-make Rakhi. You just need some cotton buds and a thread to tie them together.

Designer Paper Rakhi: For this, you would need some designer paper, glue, and a thread. Cut the paper into the shape of a Rakhi, decorate it as you like, and then attach it to the thread.

Ice-Cream Sticks Rakhi: This is a unique idea where you can use ice-cream sticks to make a Rakhi. Decorate the sticks with colors and glitter, and then attach them to a thread .

Matchstick Rakhi: This is another unique idea where you can use matchsticks to make a Rakhi. Be careful while handling matchsticks.

Toothpick Rakhi: Similar to the matchstick Rakhi, you can use toothpicks to make a Rakhi. Decorate the toothpicks with colors and glitter, and then attach them to a thread.

Ribbon Rakhi: For this, you would need some colorful ribbons, glue, and a thread. Cut the ribbons into the shape of a Rakhi, decorate it as you like, and then attach it to the thread.

Silk Thread Rakhi: For this type of Rakhi, you would need a silk thread, a bangle, satin ribbon, glue, and some additional items like stars and other glittery items. Take a silk thread and tie it to the bangle. Then start wrapping it up with it till the time it covers almost a quarter of the bangle.

Remember that these are just ideas and you can always add your own creative touch to them. Happy crafting! 

10th board exams is a crucial time for students

The preparation period for the 10th board exams is a crucial time for students. Here’s a general summary of the situation:

Study Schedule: Students often create a detailed study schedule to manage their time effectively. This includes allocating specific hours to each subject based on its difficulty level and the student’s proficiency.

Revision: Regular revision is a key part of the preparation process. Students revisit topics covered in the past to reinforce their understanding and memory.

Practice Papers: Solving previous years’ question papers and sample papers helps students familiarize themselves with the exam pattern and assess their preparation level.

Coaching and Tuition: Some students may attend coaching classes or hire tutors for additional guidance and to clarify doubts.

Health Management: Amidst the rigorous preparation, maintaining physical health and mental well-being is also important. Regular breaks, balanced diet, adequate sleep, and some form of physical exercise are essential.

Peer Study Groups: Studying in groups can be beneficial for some students. It allows them to gain different perspectives and understand concepts more thoroughly.

Parental Support: Parents play a supportive role during this time, providing encouragement and ensuring a conducive environment for studying at home.

Remember, every student’s journey is unique, and these are just general observations. The most effective strategies depend on individual learning styles and capabilities.

Short story : Rakshabandhan

Short story : Raksha Bandhan

Once upon a time in the vibrant city of Patna, there lived two siblings, Ravi and Sita. Despite their occasional squabbles, they shared an unbreakable bond of love and respect.

As the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan approached, Sita, like every year, started preparing for the festival. She bought a beautiful rakhi, symbolizing her love and prayers for Ravi’s well-being. On the other hand, Ravi was busy selecting a perfect gift for his beloved sister.

On the day of Raksha Bandhan, Sita tied the rakhi on Ravi’s wrist. The air was filled with joy and warmth as she prayed for his prosperity and success. In return, Ravi promised to protect her and stand by her side in all circumstances. He gifted Sita a book by her favorite author, bringing a wide smile to her face.

The day ended with laughter, shared stories, and delicious food prepared by their mother. It was not just about the rakhi tied on the wrist but about the promise they made to each other - a promise of protection, love, and respect.

And so, Raksha Bandhan was not just a festival for them; it was a celebration of their bond and the beautiful relationship they cherished as siblings. Every year, this day brought them closer and strengthened their bond even more.

This is the essence of Raksha Bandhan - a day that celebrates the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters.

Rakshabandhan : Overview

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated primarily in South Asia and other regions significantly influenced by Hindu culture . The festival is observed on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shraavana, which typically falls in August .

History: The origins of Raksha Bandhan date back to about 6000 years ago during the establishment of the first Aryan civilization. One popular legend from the Bhavishya Purana tells the story of Indra’s wife, Shachi, who tied a protective thread on Indra’s wrist during a war against demons, leading to his victory . Another well-known story involves Draupadi from the Mahabharata, who tied a piece of her saree around Krishna’s injured finger . There’s also a historical account of Rani Karnavati of Mewar sending a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun for protection. 

Significance: Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a talisman or amulet, known as the Rakhi, around their brothers’ wrists. They symbolically protect them, receive a gift in return, and traditionally invest the brothers with a share of the responsibility of their potential care . The festival is rooted in the practice of territorial or village exogamy, where married women travel back to their parents’ homes every year for the ceremony . The festival is also about giving assurance and confidence to each other that "I am there with you and I am committed to help you, and stand by you" .

Criticism: While Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with much fanfare, there are criticisms related to its origins and practices. Some argue that it reinforces patriarchal norms by positioning the brother as the protector. Others point out that it can be used to turn romantic relationships into platonic ones by tying a Rakhi and declaring someone as a brother.

In Other Religions: Although Raksha Bandhan is predominantly celebrated in Hinduism, its essence transcends religious boundaries. The festival’s universal message of sibling love resonates across religions, including Jainism and Sikhism . It showcases the festival’s ability to transcend religious boundaries .

History of " Rakshabandhan "

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in South Asia and other regions influenced by Hindu culture. The festival is observed on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shraavana, which typically falls in August .

The term “Raksha Bandhan” translates to “the bond of protection, obligation, or care” in Sanskrit . On this day, sisters tie a talisman or amulet, known as the rakhi, around their brothers’ wrists. This act symbolizes their prayers for their brothers’ longevity and prosperity. In return, the brothers pledge to protect their sisters and ensure their happiness .

The festival has its roots in the practice of territorial or village exogamy, where a bride marries outside her natal village or town, and her parents customarily do not visit her in her married home. On Raksha Bandhan, married women return to their parents’ home for the ceremony .

Historically, Raksha Bandhan originated about 6000 years ago during the creation of the first civilization - The Indus Valley Civilization5. Despite the diversity of languages and cultures across India, the traditional method of celebrating Rakhi remains consistent, albeit with minor regional variations .

One popular anecdote associated with Raksha Bandhan involves Lord Krishna and Draupadi from the epic Mahabharata. When Lord Krishna cut his finger while flying a kite, Draupadi tore a piece from her saree and tied it around Krishna’s finger to stop the bleeding. Touched by her concern, Krishna vowed to protect her from all evils throughout his life .

Raksha Bandhan is more than just a ritual; it’s a celebration of the unique bond between brothers and sisters. It’s a day filled with joy, gifts exchange, and family gatherings that strengthens familial ties and fosters love and respect among siblings .

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan, often abbreviated to Rakhi, is a festival that primarily originates from Hindu culture. The term “Raksha Bandhan” is Sanskrit and literally translates to “the bond of protection, obligation, or care” .

In the Hindu tradition, this festival is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Sravana in the lunar calendar. On this day, sisters tie a talisman or amulet, known as a rakhi, around their brothers’ wrists. This act symbolizes their love and also invests the brothers with a share of the responsibility of their potential care. The brothers, in return, give gifts to their sisters .

The festival has evolved over time and is now celebrated in various ways:

Priests tie rakhis around the wrists of congregation members.

Rakhis are often shared between close friends.

Women tie rakhis around the wrists of the prime minister.

Rakhis are tied around the wrists of soldiers .

While Raksha Bandhan is predominantly a Hindu festival, it’s also celebrated in other parts of the world significantly influenced by Hindu culture. However, it’s important to note that the interpretation and significance of Raksha Bandhan can vary among different religions and cultures. As such, it’s always recommended to understand and respect the specific traditions and customs associated with Raksha Bandhan within each unique cultural context.

Shakuntala Devi

Shakuntala Devi: The Human Computer

Shakuntala Devi, born on November 4, 1929, in Bangalore, India, was a prodigious talent who etched her name in history as a mathematical genius and writer . Known popularly as the “Human Computer”, her extraordinary abilities in mental calculations earned her a place in the 1982 edition of The Guinness Book of World Records .

Early Life

Shakuntala Devi was born into a traditional Kannada Brahmin family. Her father, C V Sundararaja Rao, worked as a trapeze artist, lion tamer, tightrope walker, and magician in a circus . He discovered Shakuntala’s ability to memorize numbers while teaching her a card trick when she was about three years old . Her father left the circus and took her on road shows that displayed her ability at calculation. She did this without any formal education .

Mathematical Career

At the age of six, Shakuntala demonstrated her arithmetic abilities at the University of Mysore . In 1944, she moved to London and embarked on a tour around Europe, amazing academics and the public everywhere she went2. Her answers would often turn out to be different but correct when checked.

In 1976, The New York Times wrote about her that "She could give you the cube root of 188,132,517 — or almost any other number — in the time it took to ask the question. If you gave her any date in the last century, she would tell you what day of the week it fell on."

Contributions to Various Fields

Shakuntala Devi was not only a mathematical prodigy but also an author. She wrote several books in her later years, including novels as well as texts about mathematics, puzzles, and astrology . She also wrote “The World of Homosexuals”, which is considered the first study of homosexuality in India . She saw homosexuality in a positive light and is considered a pioneer in the field .

Legacy

Shakuntala Devi passed away on April 21, 2013. However, her legacy lives on through her contributions to mathematics and literature. Her life story serves as an inspiration for many young minds who aspire to excel in their respective fields.

In conclusion, Shakuntala Devi was an extraordinary woman who used her talents to make significant contributions to various fields. Her life story is a testament to the power of human potential and serves as an inspiration for future generations.