INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY

In 2007 the United Nations General Assemblyresolved to observe 15 September as the International Day of Democracy—with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy—and invited all member states and organizations to commemorate the day in an appropriate manner that contributes to raising public awareness.

The preamble of the resolution affirmed that:

…while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy and that democracy does not belong to any country or region...

…democracy is a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their fullparticipation in all aspects of life.

ONAM

The harvest festival Onam (Malayalam:ഓണം) is the major festival celebrated in Kerala, India. It is also the State festival of Kerala with State holidays on 4 days starting from Onam Eve (Uthradom) to the 3rd Onam Day.

The festival falls during the Malayalam monthof Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the commemoration of home-coming of the King Mahabali. In Kerala, it is the festival celebrated with most number of cultural elements such as Vallam Kali, Pulikali, Pookkalam, Onathappan, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal, Kummati kali, Onathallu, Onavillu, Kazhchakkula, Onapottan, Atthachamayam etc. Onam is reminiscent of Kerala's agrarian past, as it is considered to be a harvest festival.

• Onam is the rice harvest festival of Kerala. It is also known as the festival of Rain flowers.
• All the ten days of celebration of Onam has its own significance.
• The characteristic floral designs known as ‘pookkalam’ are symbolic of this festival. Usually the women of the house make different types of patterns on the ground with flowers and lit lamps to invite King Mahabali to their house.
• People gift and wear new clothes; this is known as onakkodi.
• Grand feasts are prepared on this occasion. This is known as onam ‘sadya’. Usually around 13 dishes are prepared for this. The food is served on banana leaves and commonly consists of rice along with different dishes, pickles and papads.
• A characteristic sweet dish called ‘payasam’ is a must during Onam. It is made of rice, milk, sugar and coconut.
• Vallamkali is the ritual of Snake boat race called ‘chundans’ that is a grand event in Kerala nowadays. Huge snake shaped boats rowed by hundreds of oarsmen compete with each other. Huge amounts of cash rewards are distributed as prizes for the winners.
• People burn fire crackers during Onam.
• Elephants decorated with huge amounts of gold ornaments are characteristic of Onam processions.
• Thrikkakara appan or Vaman Vishnu idols are installed at homes for worship.
• Different types of cultural activities mark the celebration of Onam which include the traditional Kathakali dance, music, art and cuisine.
• Special dancers painted in yellow and black resembling tigers are seen commonly during Onam performing Pulikali dance. thanks
• This time of the year is declared as the Tourism week in Kerala as this is the best time to visit the state.
• Onam is of special importance as it unites people of all religions residing in the state. It spreads the message of unity and peace in society.

Read in detail at  

  http://www.spiderkerala.net/resources/7817-Onam-Festival-in-Kerala-A-Complete-Guide-about-Onam-Festival.aspx

ONAM LONG LONG AGO

Read at 

http://m.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/the-many-shades-of-onam/article7565964.ece

HAPPY ONAM

EID AL-ADHA

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an awareness day observed on 10 September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), collaborates with theWorld Health Organization (WHO) and theWorld Federation for Mental Health, to host World Suicide Prevention Day. In 2011 an estimated 40 countries held awareness events to mark the occasion. The United Nations issued 'National Policy for Suicide Prevention' in the 1990s which some countries use as a basis for their suicide policies.

Suicide has a number of complex and interrelated and underlying contributing factors ... that can contribute to the feelings of pain and hopelessness. Having access to means to kill oneself – most typically firearms, medicines and poisons – is also a risk factor.

— Campaign release

NO

YES

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CHARITY - SEPTEMBER 5

The International Day of Charity is observed annually on 5 September. It was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. The prime purpose of the International Day of Charity is to raise awareness and provide a common platform for charity related activities all over the world for individuals, charitable, philanthropic and volunteer organizations for their own purposes on the local, national, regional and international level.

PENCIL ARTZZ

                              By Anns Tom