Positive Reads

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Unique New Year Traditions from Around the Globe!

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the world becomes a canvas of diverse celebrations, each culture painting its own unique strokes to welcome the new year. From ancient customs to modern spectacles, New Year festivities are a vibrant showcase of global diversity and rich traditions. In Japan, the ringing of temple bells (Joya no Kane) reverberates through the air as 108 bell tolls symbolize the purification of sins and desires, preparing for a fresh start. Meanwhile, in Spain, revelers consume 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, signifying luck for each month of the upcoming year during the famous 'Las Doce Uvas de la Suerte' ritual. In Scotland, the joyous "Hogmanay" festivities involve 'First-Footing,' where the first person to enter a home after midnight brings symbolic gifts like coal for warmth or food for abundance. China's Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, witnesses breathtaking dragon and lion dances, red decorations symbolizing luck, and the traditional 'Reunion Dinner' with family. The hashtag #GlobalNewYearMelange encapsulates this rich variety of celebrations worldwide, from fireworks lighting up the sky in Sydney to the enthralling lantern festivals in Taiwan. Each tradition, rooted in culture and history, paints a unique picture of hope, renewal, and unity as the world welcomes a new chapter.

28 Dec 2023

Positive Reads

Star Citizens

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Revolutionizing North Eastern Fashion: The Journey of 'The S Way'

North East India is renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes and scenic beauty, but also for its cultural diversity and mouth watering cuisines. However, amid this allure, the exceptional artistry of handloom craftsmanship and clothing designs from this area remained largely undiscovered on a national scale. Enterprising entrepreneur Mrs. Sampriti Goswami envisioned a transformative movement and launched "The S Way" - an e-commerce platform with a mission to integrate the beauty of North Eastern handloom into wardrobes across the country. This visionary initiative aimed not just to promote fashion but to empower local artisans and weavers, transforming their livelihoods. Mrs. Goswami, deeply rooted in Assamese culture, left a corporate career driven by a profound desire to contribute to her homeland. She identified a void in the market - a lack of region-specific, yet universally appealing, handloom designs. Her research uncovered a vast untapped market for contemporary and affordable creations derived from North Eastern handloom, laying the foundation for 'The S Way.' The journey wasn't without challenges. Securing authentic handloom fabric amidst the pandemic-induced shifts in weavers' livelihoods and countering design piracy were formidable hurdles. Yet, 'The S Way' persevered, engaging over 400 weavers and nearly 20 tailors, providing steady incomes, refining skills, and uplifting tribal Self Help Groups. "I'm immensely proud of the transformative impact on the lives of these artisans," Mrs. Goswami states. "Being able to uplift others has been the most fulfilling part of this journey." 'The S Way' stands not just as a fashion pioneer but as a beacon of socio-economic empowerment, weaving a tapestry of tradition, innovation, and livelihood enhancement across North East India.

22 Nov 2023

Star Citizens

Wanderlust

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The World's Tallest Ganesha: A Towering Beacon of Unity and Faith

In the heart of Chachoengsao, Thailand, stands an awe-inspiring marvel that defies expectations - the world's tallest Ganesha statue. Surprisingly, it's not located in India or Nepal, but in this vibrant Southeast Asian nation. Built in 2012, this bronze Ganesha statue reaches a towering height of 39 meters (almost 128 feet), including its base, a stature comparable to a 14-story building. The construction journey began in 2008, a labor of love that took four years to complete. The Ganesha statue stands proudly, with four hands each holding symbolic fruits - jackfruit, sugar cane, banana, and mango - representing prosperity and abundance. Sitting on an expansive 40,000 square meters of land in Klong Keun district, Chachoengsao, this majestic statue serves not only as a spiritual beacon but also as a guardian, harmoniously watching over the land and embracing the local way of life and economy. Lord Ganesh, a revered Hindu deity, is known for guiding people past obstacles, helping them achieve their goals, and fostering wisdom. In Thailand, the worship of Ganesh has deep historical roots, dating back to the era when Brahmanism spread into Southeast Asia. Today, Ganesh continues to hold a special place in the hearts of the Thai people, transcending religious boundaries. The Khlong Khuean Ganesh International Park, housing this towering masterpiece, aspires to become a premier pilgrimage destination in Chachoengsao and Thailand. This towering symbol of faith and cultural amalgamation stands tall, not just in stature, but also in its message of unity and reverence for diverse beliefs. It is a shining example of how a shared appreciation for spirituality can transcend boundaries and foster goodwill among people of different backgrounds.

21 Sep 2023

Wanderlust