Archive for the ‘from Gnaana’ Category

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Want to write for us?  We’re looking for fresh voices and perspectives on topics related to South Asian kids, families, languages and cultures.

Bloggers will be paid after an initial trial period.  The only restriction is that you should not currently have your own blog.

Interested?  Email us at talent@gnaana.com with a brief background of yourself and how you think your voice will add to the Gnaana blog.

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If you’re in the Toronto area, look for Gnaana goodies at the MasalaMommas Launch Party on Thursday, January 26th – a fun night out with Karen Johnson (The Weather Network’s National Anchor), Angie Seth (OMNI News) & the stars of The Housewives of Lorne Park.

We’ll be doing a giveaway and including a special surprise product in the swag bags. 
Details in the invite below. 
See you there!

Top image by Dixie Allen

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From all of us at Gnaana, thank you for a wonderful 2011!  Happy reading in the New Year!

10. Diwali Checklist :: 10 Things for Your To Do List

9. Fancy This Fretwork

8. Top Indian Baby Names from 2010

7. What’s Your Favorite Krishna Katha?

6. Spring Sangeet

5. Bournvita vs. Horlicks :: Nutrition Facts of 4 Milk Mixes

4. Shiva FAQ :: 5 Questions for Kids

3. New Product :: Our 2012 Wall Art Calendar

2. Presenting Diwali in School

1. 6 Indian Princesses to Inspire the Little Ladies

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In the US, the average emloyee gets about 10 paid holidays.  And it’s a fairly simple scheme – the holidays are either dates with patriotic or historical significance, or it’s Christmas (the lone “religious” holiday).

What about India?  If you’re familiar with the Indian calendar – it seems we’re in a constant state of celebration.  We have birthdays of important historical figures (Gandhi, Tagore, Shivaji) and religious figures (Guru Nanak, Swami Vivekananda, Buddha), patriotic days (Independence Day, Republic Day) – and we haven’t even touched upon all the Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist and Christian holidays – some of which go on for up to 5 days!

While we were fixing the dates on our 2012 Calendar, it occurred to us that India may in fact be the only country to have such an inclusive holiday scheme – it’s Central Government Holiday scheme contains 14 mandatory holidays which include ALL major world religions, with the exception of Judaism.  This includes 3 patriotic/historical days (Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti), 2 Hindu days (1 for Dussehra and 1 for Diwali), 4 Muslim Days, 2 Christian Days, and 1 each for Buddhist, Sikh and Jain believers.  In addition to these 12 mandatory days, each of the states can choose 3 more “restricted holidays” to observe (such as Ram Navami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, etc.).

What does this say about India?  Can it still be called a “secular” state?  Are there too many celebrations? 

However the pundits answer these questions, the Indian holiday scheme is an example to the world – showing that religions are NOT incompatible – and that (at least on paper) religious minorities should be recognized and accepted into the fold. 

In this spirit of Indian inclusiveness, we included all of the Indian holidays on our 2012 Calendar (and also added Jewish, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi national holidays – ending up with roughly 3-4 highlighted dates per month).  So your Christian husband or Jewish in-laws can remind you that it’s Holi tomorrow…

Too much partying?  But what is life without happy celebrations?

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You asked, you got it!  Our 2012 Wall Art Calendar are selling fast – with many buying more than a few for loved ones on your list (and inquiring about quantity discounts).

For a limited time, buy 3 calendars – and shipping is on us!  Enter code SHIP3FREE at checkout (discount will appear on Payment page).

So team up and treat your near and dear.  And remember, Continental US orders over $125 always ship for free.

Click Here

(If you’d like to revise an order already placed, just email us at orders[at]gnaana.com – before the calendars ship out on Nov. 14th)

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We couldn’t wait to unveil this one!  For the first time ever, a gorgeous, modern calendar bridges the true multi-culturalism of the South Asian diaspora.  Our 2012 Wall Art Calendar highlights US, Canadian AND South Asian holidays – Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Buddhist, Christian and Jewish, as well as Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan National Holidays!

So we can all be “on the same page.”

Originally designed for the Brooklyn Museum by acclaimed animator Nina Paley (director of Sita Sings the Blues), the stunning images of Lord Vishnu and his 10 Avatars remind us of traditional Javanese shadow puppets.

The calendar is sized at 11″x17″ and lithography printed in the USA on recycled heavy cardstock with soy based inks.  At the end of the year, the images can be cut to fit into standard 8″x10″  or 8″x8″ square frames.

On sale now for an special introductory price of $24.50 (through November 30th).  Ships November 14th. 
Click here to read more.

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Play this beautiful Lakshmi Aarti.  For lyrics, see here.

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Diwali in any language is a beautiful celebration!

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