Being a LOTUS

Time & situation won't be the same as before neither will people...It's true that nothing will stay for long but life has taught me a very good thing...Whatever be the situation, no matter how rudely people behave or they take for granted just remember you don't have to justify your position because true people will never ask for any justification & will always be with you..Even if you walk alone, just walk, if you want to sit down & cry you can cry, want to sing then just sing or dance as if no one is watching you, Just never lose your charm & morals. Because that whats makes you unique. And just remember no matter who you are, wherever you are, no mater how worse the situation is just remember the Almighty, have faith & be yourself. Try to sympathise, empathise & most important try to bring a smile on others face. For me happiness is not limited to iphone, tablet, bid mansons, gold etc. When a baby hold your finger, when you see the sun rise, when you smell a flower, when you soak your feets in the river, when you play with your pet, when you silently talk to the Lord,  when you enjoy a family dinner, when you see your kid walk for the first time, the joy a kid feels when he/she sees his/her daddy back from the army, they joy of being a mother/father.......all these feelings are just priceless.... I know sometimes it's not at ll easy to stay strong all the time & just fake a smile behind those tears. Sit down, talk to the Lord, tell the Lord about your sorrows, cry, ask for forgiveness. Trust me you will feel a bit light. Your tears can only be valued by the Lord or by someone whom Lord has saved for you.... And no matter what happens don't lose your fragrance . Remember a lotus only blooms in a swamp.....

Shakha & Pola ( Conch Bangle)

Shakha & Pola ( Auspicious Conch Jewellery) : Bengali wedding special:

Shakha & Pola are pairs of conch shell specially Shakha the white bangle is made of conch shell, crafted & polished out of conch. Shakha & Pola are a symbol of a married woman. This custom is most popular in eastern part of India.
In west bengal according to the bengali culture the Shakha & pola has a great significance. Before the actual bengali marriage day in the wee hours of very day, married women perform ritual called Dodhi Mangal in which they soak bangles made with shells in turmeric mixed water. Seven married women put shankha pola into bride’s hands. It symbolizes as seven forms of Goddess. According to the folk stories it is believed that this shankha pola custom belongs to poor fishermen because they can’t afford expensive jewelries. The bride has to wear Pola between Shankha or iron metal bangles. It is said that the iron bangle provides firmity to the relation & helps to balance the positive & negative power.

According to me this custom is another golden page of a married life. Shakha & pola are nature's blessing to the married woman. It's a naturally made shell just needs to be carved with care & patience. The Shakha though seems to be firm may get brittle if handled carelessly. Similarly in a married life the bride needs to make sure that she fulfils her responsibility without losing her charm, sensitivity & morals accompanied with auspicious thinking.
It's not mere a decor item but it's a proud for a married woman.
Traditionally whenever a married woman applied vermilion/sindur on her forehead as a symbol of being married she also applies a little vermillion on the left shakha.
Though nowadays Shakha & pola are quite expensive & not that cheap as it was before but still this wonderful tradition goes on without any hindrance.

Shubho Drishti

Bengali Wedding Special:

SHUBO DRISHTI: (Auspicious sight)

In bengali before the bride & the groom are allowed to see each other, a ritual is followed called Shubo Drishti. The bride holds a pair of betel leaf in front of her eyes. Once the priest who conducts the marriage allows them to see each other the bride removes the betel leaf & the first sight fells upon her groom. they both are supposed to stare for a couple of seconds. this ritual is accompanied by the auspicious "Ullur" & by blowing the conch shell by the audience. According to me this ritual is very auspicious & is the first step of the new journey. This ritual shows that when both the souls will be united they will only care , love & respect each other. The first glance of their respective partners indeed germinates the seed of love & gradually along with the rituals it gets developed & through the trust, care & respect the love will be nurtured in the future !!