Things that we can learn from Lord Ganesha

The festival time is going on everywhere; why not today I write something about Lord Ganesha? I don't do pooja every day and don't go temples much. But yes, all the festivals inspire me :). I think festivals makes India more beautiful & colorful. Colors that I like most gives me happiness. Nowadays I see everywhere many colorful Pandals with a wonderfully decorated statue of Lord Ganesha. Also, some people do sthapna (situated) of Ganesha at home on Ganesh Chaturthi. The vibrating sound of dhol, nagada & aarti makes my day perfect.

As we all know that God Ganesha have 108 names like; Ganpati, Bhupati, Gajanana, Vinayaka, Gannayak, Ekadanta, Pramoda, etc. Lord Ganesha also known as the god of beginnings, he honored at the start of rituals and ceremonies.

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ

निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा!

Vakra-Tunndda Maha-Kaaya Suurya-Kotti Samaprabha

Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa!

Here are many more things that we can learn from Lord Ganesha:-

• A Big Head - To think out of the box.
• Large Ears - To listen to others attentively. 
• Big Eyes - To look beyond what you see.
• The Broken Tusk - Represents that a sacrifice is needed for the pursuit of wisdom.
• The Ladoos - Are rewards of hard work. The sweetest thing of all.
• The Axe - To cut off all the bonds of materialistic attachment. 
• Large Stomach - To peacefully digest all the good and bad in life.
• The Mouse - Represents the desire and ability of Lord Ganesha to reach into every nook and cranny of the mind.
• The Prasad - Represents giving and sharing.

I wish we all get some good things from Lord Ganesha on this spiritual Ganpati festival and celebrate it with full of joy & happiness. 

Ganpati Bappa Morya! 

My Review - Big basket vs Grofers

Sitting on the couch at my home, I was enjoying my morning tea and talking with my husband. Also side by side I was ordering grocery from my mobile app. As my Saturdays are also working, so I just get Sunday to finish up whole-house work and grocery shopping is one of those works.

I remember the time when I used to go out for household shopping. My maximum time of weekend went for purchasing & arranging the things that are important for coming week like; vegetables, fruits, pulses, dairy products, breakfast meals, floor cleaner, etc. It's a never ending list. I am heartiest thankful for the online shopping market or eCommerce platform who solve this thing and give us a little more time to spend with our dear ones.

But why I am talking about before and after effect of eCommerce? It is because that I want to explain that as time changes, the business model also changes. Today I am using two platforms for my household shopping including grocery. One is Big basket and second one is Grofers. 

My experience with both

Big basket

Pros -

• User-Friendly App
• All the things in one platform
• Time slot options
• Exotic vegetables & fruits are also available
• Chopped veggies & fruits also available
• Discount points on every purchase 
• If do not available then the Notify option
• Cash on delivery option is available
• Rs. 1000 above delivery is free

Cons -

• Sometimes do not get fresh vegetables & fruits
• Don't give same day delivery 
• Don't have any other offers on purchase
• Rs. 1000 is too high for getting free home delivery
• Chopped veggies & fruits are not fresh; They are frozen
• Need to improve product packaging

Grofers

Pros -

• Delivery within 90 minutes
• A good mobile app that searches your location for delivering the items from nearby shop or store.
• All the things in one platform
• I find veggies are fresh, but fruits are ok
• Attractive offers and discounts like; in rainy season they give umbrellas to customers
• If not like the product, refund policy
• Cash on delivery option is available 
• Product packaging is good
• Free home delivery

Cons -

• Do not provide chopped veggies & fruits
• Fruits weren't of great quality

Conclusion - For me Grofers is a better option, because it gives free home delivery and takes only 90 minutes.

Freedom at Midnight

This is a free and relaxing weekend, and I have no mood to do any housework. After lunch, I was standing in front of my small home library and searching for a book to read. Suddenly, I saw one admirable novel. I use the word 'Admirable' with an intention of showing respect. Respect, for all the brave soldiers, who gave lives for the nation. I read this novel 4-5 months before.

"Long Years Ago We Made A Tryst With Destiny, And Now The Time Comes When We Shall Redeem Our Pledge, Not Wholly Or In Full Measure, But Very Substantially. At The Stroke Of The Midnight Hour, When The World Sleeps, India Will Awake To Life And Freedom."

'Freedom at Midnight'! A book with a specific release on the political climate surrounding Indian Independence in 1947. Book starts with the meeting of Lord Mountbatten as the viceroy of India. The title of the book comes from the famous speech of the first Indian Prime Minister Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru delivered at midnight, August 15, 1947, when India gained its independence. This book is written by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins. It was first published in 1975. It depicts the last days of Britishers in India and then covering up the events of Indian independence, the partition, and death of Mahatma Gandhi.

In this book, I find three major stories - 

First, related to India's partition into India and Pakistan, 

Second, the Partition and its consequences, 

Third, shaping of new India and the death of Gandhi.

The most critical thing that I find in this book is the partition of the boundaries. Partition became more complex by the long-standing dispute between Hindus and Muslims. Major problem in dividing the nation was, how to divide it on basis of religious & spiritual differences. That was obliged to have effects not only on the lives of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, etc. but also on the economy of India, Pakistan & Bangladesh. The violence between Hindus, Muslims & Sikhs is described in depth. There are many sad anecdotes of  involving normal men & women. The book makes various incursions into different but related incidents. Well defined Father Mahatma Gandhi character makes the reading more attached. Also, the conspiracy to assassinate Gandhi portrayed in a magnificent detail made me sad. 

I find this book, simply written with all the relevant details. I can not think of any other easy way to explain the complexity of Indian Independence. Though I am not a historical book lover, but I must say that not for a single moment, I felt bored while reading this book. It also made me cry many times. 

Conclusion - Freedom at Midnight is an excellent tale of India’s freedom and destiny. Perfectly written by the writers in the simplest way that anyone can understand and appreciate the history of India's independence. It is a best history books I have read and one of the must-read books.

Happy Independence Day

Yesterday, I saw some people who were selling Indian Flags on the signal. Mostly this activity I see only on two dates, one is 26th January and second is 15th August. Considering tomorrow is Independence day, therefore I can see celebrations all around.

But, do we know the meaning of independence? Independence means freedom - Freedom for thinking, freedom for speaking, freedom for living, freedom for taking education, etc. As I am an Indian, I am born & brought up here, I see many people of India still do not have the freedom that I mention above. Don't you think wearing flag color clothes as a dress code, decorating schools, colleges & offices as orange, white & green, playing loud music or purchasing the flags from roadsides are not enough? Yes, it is not enough!

Let's start the celebration of independence from our inside. Our thoughts should be free, each & every person should have freedom to get the education, can speak for truth, can laugh as loud as he/she can, can take breath in the air of invulnerability, etc. These all true colors of our nation is real independence. 

India is a beautiful country with an admirable history. Today, we feel proud to say that I am an Indian because our past was strong. Many brave soldiers died with a smile for our nation. All freedom fighters had same dream. Now it is the duty of each Indian to make our nation as our freedom fighters dreamed about.

Wish you all Happy Independence Day. May all the great things come in our way, and our country do progress every day.

JaiHind!

Anger and You - You Can Choose To Be Happy

"For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind." 

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

A 14-year-old boy killed his parents while they were sleeping. Parents mistake was that they punished him because he failed in final exams. It was news that I read in the new paper, but there are so many other cases also. When I was reading this news at that time, I notice one common thing in all crime news that is 'Anger'. Why it is happening? 

According to one survey, Anger is harmful and a kind of slow poison. Starting from the less and it becomes a habit. Medical science also has a proven data that anger creates so many side-effects to an individual.   

Headache, digestion problems, such as abdominal pain, insomnia, increased anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, heart attack stroke, skin problems, such as eczema, etc. These all are some physical effects of anger. Let's leave all the physical effect have ever thought about our relations. Anger takes all the healthy relations far from us for making those relationships we might do alot of hard work. Relations gives us happiness, and it's an important part of our life.

If everything is negative about the anger then 'why we all get angry'? I think it is normal human nature. But even if this is a natural process, but it gives that much side-effects then I believe that we should try to remove it from our life or atleast try to reduce it. 

Now next challenge is, how we can eliminate it from our inside? Here, I want to give some tips that will help you in controlling your unwanted anger -

• First & a significant activity, honestly promise yourself that you will change and that you will discover ways to deal with your feelings. It is a long term commitment.
• Do meditation or yoga.
• Exercise regularly.
• Give yourself some time to think - when you're angry rather than reacting immediately take some time and do the activities that you like. Listen to good music or do what you like most. 
• Share your feeling & talk about the reason of your anger. 
• My last tip is to get enough sleep.

These are some small changes in your daily life can remove or reduce anger. Believe me that you will be the happiest person if you remove anger from you. Without anger, life can become more beautiful. 

What Does Your Name Mean?

It's a yesterday's case, and I was in the office. One Russian client was in our office for discussing a project so we all project members were in the conference room. I was going to present all the features of the project. After the presentation, we were sitting together and sipping the coffee. In between some general talks he (client) asked me 'What is the meaning of your name?' I just replied Sir Khushboo means Fragrance. He smiled and said it is a lovely name. After goodbye formalities, I was in my cabin.

I went in my flashback memories that once I asked my mother that same question, and she said it meant Aroma, and God send you for spreading the aroma of happiness. 

Now, I wanted to know deeper meaning of my name. So, I searched on Google 'The meaning of my name'. 

First Result -

EXTREMES in fortune, health and spirituality. You are very versatile, idealistic and intuitive. Emergencies may raise your intuitive abilities in order to resolve conflict or situation. You become very creative under the pressure, and have quite original ideas to make the best out of it. You desire to inspire and lead, to control other's affairs. You are giving, courageous and bold, action oriented, energetic and strong willed. You want to make a difference in the world, and this attitude often attracts you to cultural interests, politics, social issues, and the cultivation of your creative talents.

Second Result -

Third Result -

You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You are full of energy. You are spirited and boisterous. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are loyal, and people can count on you.

And many more results were there. I felt very happy after reading 3-4 interesting replies by Google. All are very nicely written with sugar coated words. I was already in love with my name, and now I was more. ;)

At the end, I believe whatever someone's name means, it doesn't matter. Our name is our identity, and we should be proud of it. 

About the Blogger

Digital Marketer |  Blogger | Travelling Lover | Foodie | Tea addict | Voracious Reader | A big Dreamer | An MBA 

If you are on this page, it means you want to know about me. :D Thank you for being here! 

I think it should have been my first blog, but this idea comes to my mind just now. So, let's start with my name 'Khushboo'. For knowing the meaning of my name click here. I am a Jaipurian. but I spent less time in Jaipur, as my educational life went in the hostel, and I thoroughly enjoyed hostel fun. I am also familiar with Mumbai because mostly my childhood vacations went in Mumbai. Now I am happily settled in Pune.

I have a full-time job as a Digital Marketer, and I love what I do! I also enjoy putting my views in writing. I am a learner, and sometimes I feel that I am born for writing. I remember I used to write small poems & stories in my notebook during school & college time lectures. I like to be busy, but my favourite timepass is sleeping, and I firmly believe in this quote - Sleep is the best meditation. -Dalai Lama. 

I can compromise my sleep only in one condition that is travelling. I relish seeing different places. This beautiful nature magically attracts me. My other hobbies involve reading books (Mostly fictions), music & movies. I enjoy spending my time with my husband. We love to see different places, and this is one of the few similar interests. 

Whatever I wrote in this blog is all about the things that make me happy and now at the end, this is for all my readers 'Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.'