|
Archive for October, 2009
Sunday, October 25th, 2009
A few tips on maintaining different wood products:
Sheesham Wood
Most of our furniture is made from Indian rosewood, or sheesham wood (dalbergia sisoo), from renewable sources in northern India. It is dry-kilned and treated prior to manufacture. Sheesham is a heavy and hard wood with a rich chestnut colour, well-suited for furniture making.
Waxing & Polishing
From time to time the furniture will need to be waxed. This should be done using a soft cloth and beeswax, which you should then buff using a soft lint-free cloth. Always work in the direction of the grain, and do not use silicon-based sprays or polish.
Spills & Stains
Although our furniture is dry-kilned and treated, we advise you not to place anything hot or wet directly onto the surface as staining may occur, so try to use protective mats or coasters. Should you spill any food or liquid on the wood, wipe it off immediately with a dry cloth. If the wood becomes marked, gently rub it down with extra fine wire wool in the direction of the grain, and restore the finish using beeswax.
Direct Sunlight
Position your furniture away from direct sunlight and heat, where practicable. This will protect the wood from fading, and help avoid any cracking and movement in the joints.
Please check out our wood products on shopnamaste.com.
By: Bhatik
Posted in Home decorating | No Comments »
Sunday, October 25th, 2009
Tulsi is a sacred plant which can be found in almost every Hindu’s home. Tulsi Pooja (Worship of Tulsi) is observed almost every day. Following things are required for Tulsi Puja.
The sacred plant, Tulsi is regarded as the incarnation of the goddess Mahalakshmi. Tulsi represents duty, dedication, love, virtue and sorrow of all women. That is why this herb is usually worshipped by women of all age groups.
To begin Tulsi Puja, one is required to take a bath. Decorate the pot where Tulsi is grown. Offer water to the sacred plant. Apply kumkum on one of its leaf. A length of red cloth can be wrapped along the stem. Offer red flower to the sacred herb, Tulsi. Offer fruits by placing them near the pot. Light the clay lamp and perform aarti to complete the Tulsi Puja. People usually take a leaf of Tulsi after the Puja and put it in their mouth. It is believed by committing such act; they are taking the spirit of goddess inside them.
Tulsi Vivah
It is considered that the month of Kartik (October-November) is loved by Tulsi. And on a specific day (Kartik Shukla Dwadashi) of this month there is a tradition when Tulsi plants are beautifully decorated with structures made of sugarcane, mango leaves and flowers and then a puja is offered. In northern India and in Gaudiya Vaishnava communities, it is called the ‘Tulsi Vivah’ or the wedding day of Tulsi and Shaligram.
Tulsi represents honor, virtue and steadfast loyalty. This sacred bush of herbal leaves symbolizes Hindu femininity respected by men and women. Tulsi is regarded as the “Mother of the World.”
Please check out our religious items on shopnamaste.com.
By: iloveindia
Posted in Other | No Comments »
Sunday, October 25th, 2009
The jewelry which is not in mainstream production and of which the mode of production is no longer popular is known by the name of ‘Antique Jewelry.’ This kind of jewelry has dull and rough look, combined with an old world-world charm, and this serves as the major USP of such jewelry. It takes you back to yore era, by its unfinished and dull looks. The jewelry pieces in antique jewelry usually belong to a particular period of history, when its popularity was at its peak.
In India, you can find antique jewelry in numerous forms, like meenakari, kundan work, and so on. Those pieces of antique jewelry that are extremely rare are usually sold at auctions, in antique stores and curio shops. They include the jewelry that belongs to the early period of history. It is this rarity of antique jewelry that makes it so appealing. However, at times, jewelry that is furnished in antique pattern is also given the name of antique jewelry.
Still, those who really value the rarity and exclusivity of antique jewelry, go for the original pieces. Antique jewelry embodies the unadulterated jewelry tradition of the country, in the earlier times, concentrating on ethnic motifs and stones, metal and design. The antique jewelry of India is popular not only within its own territorial boundaries, but also finds favor amongst people belonging to UK, USA and other western countries.
Please check out shopnamaste.com for stunning antique jewelry to match any outfit.
By: Cultural India
Posted in Indian Jewelry | No Comments »
Sunday, October 11th, 2009
Diwali falls, the Indian festival of lights, falls on the day of ‘Amavasyaa’, when the moon does not rise and there is darkness all around. Light, being symbol of hope and positive energy, indicates the victory of good over evil. By spreading light in every corner of our premises, we try to destroy the reign of darkness, on the night of Diwali. People decorate their premises with diyas, electric bulbs and other decorative electric lighting fixtures, to make their surroundings filled with colorful light and to make it bright and beautiful. Go through the following lines to learn more about Diwali and its significance.
What Is Diwali
Deepavali - the very name of this festival reveals its meaning. The festival is all about the lighting diyas. Later the term ‘Deepawali’ became ‘Diwali’. Deepawali or Diwali is also known as ‘the festival of lights’, because on this day, people illuminate their home and premises with diyas and colorful lights. Celebrated usually in the month of October or November, Diwali bears significance in the Hindu culture as well as among Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains. The legends connected to the festival are different for different religions.
Importance of Diwali
Diwali is the Indian festival that brings a series of festivals with it. One after another, we get a chance to celebrate five ceremonious occasions. The people of all age groups and classes with equal zeal and enthusiasm celebrate Diwali throughout India. They put on new apparels and participate in the various activities that are related to Diwali celebrations. It is a festival of celebrations such as lightings, crackers, cleanliness, colorful rangoli making, social gatherings to exchange greetings and sharing sweets with your loved ones. Diwali is a festival filled with spiritualism and religious activities, such as worship of Goddess Lakshmi, worship of Lord Ganesha, worship of Ma Kali, worship of Lord Chitragupta and worship of Govardhan Parvat.
The celebration of the five-day long festival, Diwali, begins on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdashi and concludes on Kartika Shudha Vijaya. The first day of this festival begins with ‘Dhan Trayodashi’ or ‘Dhanteras’. After the Dhanvantari Trayodashi the second day of Diwali is ‘Narak Chaturdashi’, which is popular as ‘Chhoti Diwali’. The third day of Diwali, which is also called ‘Badi Diwali’ is the main day of celebrations of the festival of Diwali. People perform Lakshmi Pujan (worship of divine Goddess Lakshmi) on this day and offer prayers to her to bless them with wealth and prosperity. The fourth day of Diwali is devoted to Govardhan Pooja (worship of Lord Govardhan Parvat). The fifth day of the Diwali is Bhai Dooj, the time to honor the brother-sister relationship.
Please check out shopnamaste.com for Diwali decorating ideas and gifts.
By: iloveindia
Posted in Other | No Comments »
Sunday, October 4th, 2009
Karwa Chauth is an annual Hindu fasting undertaken by women in northern and western parts of India on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of moon) in Kartik Month, as per North Indian Hindu lunar calendar. Karwa Chauth 2009 date is October 7. Karwa Chauth Vrat is observed by women for a happy and prosperous married life and for the well being of the husband and is one of the most popular Hindu fast and ritual.
Karwa Chauth is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Goddess Parvathi had observed severe penance to get Lord Shiva as her husband. Women emulate the fasting practice observed by Goddess Parvati for her husband Lord Shiva.
On the Karwa Chauth day after an early morning bath married women eat food made from select grains and fruits. All this takes place before sunrise. After sunrise the women observe a strict fast.
Women in the neighborhood gather in a house and take advice from elderly women on how to observe Karva Chowth fasting. They also listen to the significance to Karva Chowth, Katha (stories) and perform rituals together.
The fast is broken after sighting the moon at night along with her husband. The moon is seen through a sieve. Women break the fast with an offering of water and flowers to the moon.
Check out shopnamaste.com for all your festive needs.
By: Hindu Blog
Posted in Other | 1 Comment »
Sunday, October 4th, 2009
Financial crisis or prosperity, rich or poor, decorating the house during Diwali is a must for all people. Utmost importance is given to cleanliness during Deepavali because Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed to home on this day. Decoration during Diwali is not all about costly renovation and new paint. Time, few constructive ideas, determination and patience can give every home a makeover and new look during Diwali. Here are few simple tips and ideas for decorating home during Diwali:
Who is going to clean the entire house? Don’t try to clean and decorate the entire house in a day. Forget the big picture. Find time daily to do some work. Make it a point to clean a room daily. Within a week the entire house will be clean. This will help in better concentration and less work.
Forget about painting the house in a short period. Instead give the walls a new look by tickling your creativity. Use floor rugs, wall rugs, old colorful Saris, rangolis, flowers, colorful clothes etc on the wall. Go for bright colors like red, blue, purple etc. (You can also borrow or steal ideas from Hindi serials and films.)
Change the curtains, cushion covers, door hangings etc with bright and fresh color materials. Again look for inspiration in television serials and movies.
If you have time and ideas, change the arrangements in living room. Rearrange the furniture. A change from routine arrangements will bring a smile in all. This can be a Diwali decoration. Bring in new green plants and flowers. Before rearranging, make a sketch in a paper so that you will get a good idea of what to do.
Diwali is all about lights. Make sure that all the lamps are working. Clean the chandeliers. Look for new lampshades. You don’t need to buy them all. Old hard sheets and other colorful materials can be converted into lampshades. While arranging Diyas, try to create different shapes.
Finally, each region has a traditional Diwali decoration. Try to be a bit flexible with the traditional decorations.
Check out shopnamaste.com for all your diwali needs.
By: Hindu Blog
Posted in Home decorating | No Comments »
|
