Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Bakrid

Bakrid, to be rightly called Idul-Azha or the festival of sacrifice, is the second of the two festivals of Islam. This festival is observed by Muslims all over the world. It falls on the 10th of Dhul-Hagg, the last month of the lunar year. It is celebrated in commemoration of Abraham's willingness to offer his only son as a sacrifice at God's command.In Kerala as in other parts of the world, this day dawns with the resounding of Thakhir (Allahu Akbar), the declaration that God is great. Every Muslim house wakes up with the spirit of sacrifice and festivity. Men, women and children, dressed themselves in their best attire and reciting the Thakbir, proceed to Id-Gah which is the wide open space set apart for public prayers. The whole atmosphere is filled with the resonance of "Allahu-Akbar". The Assembly then prepares for the congregational prayer led by the Imam. After the ceremonial Id prayer, the leader addresses the devotees, exhorting them to be conscious of their duties to God and follow the example of Abraham. The prayer and the sermon over, the gathering exchange greetings and as an expression of affectionate brotherhood, hug each other. The festivity at home commence after the ceremonial prayer with hearty feasts followed by social visits. Women enjoy this occasion by paying visits to the neighbouring houses and engaging in singing and dancing. All festivals of Islam have some religious significance and are occasions to express their gratitude to God.In Kerala on the occasion of Bakrid, special meetings are held in which distinguished members of sister communities participate. This occasion serves to foster brotherly relationship among members of various communities. A spirit of tolerance, mutual understanding and universal brotherhood pervades such gatherings.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Benefits of Venture capital

You get 30% income tax relief subject to an annual investment limit of £200,000 and a minimum holding period for shares issued in the tax year 2006-7 and onwards.Potentially you don't pay income tax on dividends received up to the maximum permitted investment of £200,000.Potentially you don't pay capital gains tax if the shares are sold up to the maximum permitted investment of £200,000.You can claim the tax relief upfront, without having to wait until you fill in your tax return.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Mandir Jain Tirth Shri Nakoda Ji

Cause of Establishment:The temple has been built as a result of religious devotion and strong faith. The temple has about 246 inscriptions which amply show that over the centuries, the temple was extended, renovated, rebuilt and additions were made to it.
Brief of the Diety: The main idol is that of Shri Nakoda Parshwanath. This statue was brought here from the village Nakoda which is near Sinduri., hence the place is called Nakoda Parshwanath temple. But this alone is not the attraction of the temple. The Nokaoda Bhaironji was installed by Acharya Shri Vijay Himachal Suri who also established idols of other Teerthankars in this temple.
Important Architectural Characteristics: The temple has a very high elaborate shikher which is a rare example of Architectural and sculptural elegance. There are unparalleled statuettes and other floral patterns. The temple in fact is treated as a pilgrimage and it is visited by all Janis, Hindus of the entire country.

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Fire opal

Fire opal is a variety of opal that is transparent to translucent and colored yellow-orange to red with a play of colors. Opal has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 and a specific gravity of 2.0 to 2.2. It has a vitreous or pearly luster. Fire opal can be found in lava flows in New Mexico. The word opal comes from the Sanskrit word upala meaning "precious stone." The ring shown at the left is orange common opal, whereas the faceted gem and rough specimen is fire opal.