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Chhath Puja 2023: Check dates and importance of this celebration

Chhath Puja 2023: Check the full list of important Dates for the Grand Celebration. Here are the importance of Chhath Puja.

Arsh Verma |

Chhath Puja 2023: Chhath Puja is a vibrant and joyous occasion in which women around the nation adorn themselves in their finest attire and adorn their homes with lights and flowers. In addition to this, they dance and sing songs to commemorate the festival. Women get together during Chhath Puja to celebrate their families, cultures, customs and religions.

Chhath Puja is a Vedic festival that is dedicated to the Sun God (Lord Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (another name for Goddess Usha and a known sister to Lord Surya). In Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and some areas of Uttar Pradesh, it is observed with great fanfare and fervour. The four-day celebration of the festival takes place on the sixth day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartika. To express gratitude to the Hindu Sun God Surya Dev for all of life’s blessings, devotees worship him during these four days. Accordingly,  the Chhath Puja festival this year is scheduled to start on Friday, November 17 and run through November 20. Other names for this holy festival are Dala Chhath, Prathihar, Surya Shashthi, and Chhathi.

Significance of Chhath Puja: 

Countless devotees will celebrate Chhath Puja, the festival dedicated to worshipping Surya, the Sun God, and his sister Usha, also known as Chhathi Maiya. The Bihari community celebrates this pious festival with great grandeur on a global scale.

Compared to other Hindu festivals, Chhath Puja rituals are said to be more rigorous and one of the toughest fasting. They entail rigorous fasting (no water), bathing in rivers or other bodies of water, praying while standing in the water, spending a lot of time facing the sun, and giving the sun “Prasad” at sunrise and sunset. During the festival, no food will be prepared with salt, onions, or garlic. Devotees make sure to clean the entire place. The pompous celebrations last long for 4 days worshipping the Surya Dev, the source of all powers. Devotees keep a fast named Vrati. It is observed twice a year, once in summer and once in winter.

November 17- Day 1, Nahay Khay:

Chhath Puja begins with the ritual of Nahay Khay (bathing and feasting) on the first day. 

The followers eat a simple meal (without garlic onions) after bathing in the river or pond. This is the day when people buy fruits, clean their homes, and light diyas (earthen lamps) for puja. The fruits used in the puja also represent the harvest time or season. Drik Panchang reports that the sun will rise at 06:45 am and set at 5:27 pm on this particular day.

November 18 Day 2, Lohanda or Kharna: 

On the second day, named Kharna, devotees keep fast throughout the day, breaking it only after sunset as an offering to the deities. Devotees served a prasad to the Chhathi Maiya and then distributed it amongst relatives and family members., The sunrise time is marked at 06:46 am and the sunset time is 5:26 pm, respectively, according to the Drik Panchang. 

November 19 Day3, Surya Shashth: 

The primary ceremonies begin on the third day. Before dawn, devotees—who are mostly women—assemble at bodies of water, such as ponds or rivers. They present the rising Sun with an Arghya (water offering), standing waist-deep in the water. This year, it will be particularly noteworthy as the third day falls on Sunday, the day dedicated to the Sun. During the night, people sing devotional songs and listen to the Chhath Vrat Katha. Sunrise and sunset are planned for 06:46 am and 5:26 pm, respectively, according to Drik Panchang.

November 20 Day 4, Usha Arghya: 

The Chhath Puja concludes with the offering of Arghya to the rising Sun in the morning. It is thought that Usha is the consort of Surya Dev. After Arghya, the 36-hour fast is finished. Drik Panchang reports that today’s sunrise is at 06:47 am and its sunset is at 5:26 pm. One of the most significant and difficult festivals observed in the nation is Chhath Puja. The women of the family who are celebrating the puja must always observe the four-day fasting ritual without any failure. 

Trending Diwali Outfit Ideas to Make Your Look “Just Like a Wow”

Trending Diwali Outfit Ideas to Make Your Look “Just Like a Wow”

Arsh Verma |

Trending Diwali Outfit Ideas: Are you worried about what to wear during this wonderful Diwali festival? Looking for something trending outfits ideas and different styling. One of India’s biggest festivals, Diwali is also one of the most auspicious among Indians. Throughout the nation, people celebrate the festival with great joy and happiness, spending time with friends, family, and relatives. Everyone loves to dress up in ethnic clothing during this time of year and wants to look their best for the festivities. It is a complete 5-day festival in which everyone wants to look amazing, especially women.  

With the Diwali festival quickly approaching, if you’re wondering what to wear to celebrate, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered some exciting and highly trending outfit ideas for all the women and girls who want to look stunning and stylish for this joyous occasion in this article.

Sustainable fashion

Going green is a deliberate decision rather than merely a passing fad. Eco-friendly materials, moral production methods, and just labour practices are all embraced by many Diwali fashion trends. Handwoven silk, organic cotton, or materials derived from recycled or upcycled materials are used to create environmentally friendly clothing.

Statement pieces 

Diwali is the perfect occasion to show off your style; bold accessories can make a big impression. Consider statement necklaces that draw attention to your entire ensemble, large earrings, and elaborately crafted headdresses. These striking accessories give your Diwali ensemble a dash of extravagance, drama, and glamour.

Metallic Accents 

Accessorizing with metallic pieces creates an opulent vibe. Sequins, metallic threadwork, and gold and silver embellishments catch the light beautifully and make you shine under the Diwali lights. This Diwali, sparkle by donning a saree, lehenga, or blouse with metallic details.

Fusion fashion 

Fusion fashion provides the ideal fusion of modern and traditional styles. Here, it’s important to try out different looks, such as saree gowns, crop tops and lehenga skirts, or dhoti pants and chic jackets. For those who wish to make an impression during the Diwali festivities, this trend is a great way to show off your uniqueness and inventiveness.

Kurtas 

For women, Diwali fashion is all about individual expression and classic elegance. Trying on kurtas gives you a timeless yet modern style. To fit your style, try experimenting with various materials, hues, and jacket designs. It’s a bold fashion choice for the Diwali festivities.

Trendy Anarkali suit 

The best Diwali dress ideas can be found in traditional Anarkali suits if you’re planning to wear something regal. Because wearing Anarkali suits is a timeless fashion trend, there are always a ton of eye-catching variations available in stores and on the internet. Simply choose lighter, printed Anarkali suits in place of bulky ones if you want to keep everything light. 

Sarees 

Sarees appear to be the best Diwali outfit ideas to up the charm when it comes to looking fierce and elegant on Diwali Day without sacrificing the traditional attire. To rock your festive look, choose from a variety of saree types, including Silk, Banarasi, Bengali, Pure, and Chiffon Sarees. To balance the festive special looks, you can wear lightweight sarees paired with heavy blouses if you’re not in the mood to drape heavy sarees.

Trending Diwali Outfit Ideas: Adopting these Diwali fashion trends will allow you to show off your sense of style while remaining trending. Diwali is about more than just lighting lamps—it’s also about showcasing your uniqueness and celebrating who you are through your wardrobe choices. So shine bright and enjoy Diwali with your own style statements and make your complete so beautiful and elegant by embracing these fashion trends.  

Diwali 2023 Bank Holidays: Check the full list of bank holidays here

Diwali 2023 Bank Holidays: Check the complete list of holidays here.

Arsh Verma |

Diwali 2023 Bank Holidays: The banks will be completely shut in the coming week, so if you are planning to visit your bank, check the list of holidays. According to the reports and RBI’s guidelines the bank will be closed for six days in a few states due to the constant alignment of upcoming festivals like Dhanteras, Diwali, Bhai-Dooj, and Goverdhan Puja. For this particular festive week, when the second Saturday and Sunday fall, the bank holiday dates are extended. Moreover, in the coming week, banks will be closed for up to six days due to regional celebrations and weekends. Even though bank branches will be closed, online banking services will remain open and functional, allowing you to do transactions, balance checks, and other necessary banking tasks from the comfort of your home or while on the go. Bank customers should be aware that while state-specific holidays are only observed in some states, national holidays will result in bank closures across the country.

The Reserve Bank of India categorizes its holidays into three groups: Holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, Holidays under the Act and Real Time Gross Settlement Holidays, and holidays associated with banks closing their accounts. It is important to remember that bank holidays differ from state to state and are not always observed by financial institutions.  The announcement of specific events in regional states or the festivals celebrated in those states also have an impact on banking holidays.

Read More: Diwali 2023: Timings, Subh Muhurat, and 5-day Celebration

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released its official list of holidays for November, and banks in many Indian cities will be closed for a variety of festivals and national celebrations.

Diwali 2023 Bank Holidays: Check the lists of Bank holidays in November festivities below:  

DatesFestivals
November 10, FridayDhanteras/ Wangala festival
November 11,SaturdaySecond Saturday
November 12, SundayDiwali/ Laxmi-Puja 
November 13, Monday Govardhan-Pooja/Laxmi-puja/ DiwaliTripura, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Manipur, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
November 14, 2023 (Tuesday).Diwali/Vikram Savant New Year’s DayGujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Sikkim
November 15, Wednesday. Bhai-Dooj/ Chitragupta Jayanti/ Laxmi-puja

Once in a lifetime inning by the big show, Glenn Maxwell

sachin |

In the 39th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup, the six-hitting machine of the Australian team Glenn Maxwell stunned everyone by defeating all odds against Afghanistan. He became the first player to score a double century in one-day internationals while chasing.

He scored an unbeaten 201 in 128 balls with the help of 21 fours and 10 sixes. The cricket community was aware of Glenn Maxwell’s amazing six-hitting prowess and his ability to break most records in the sport. They were unaware that the right-hander was unable to accept singles but could easily clear boundaries.

After trailing 91/7 at one point, Australia managed to chase 292, with one member of the partnership scoring 12 off 68 balls and the other literally carrying the team’s weight with an injured back. While batting first, Ibrahim Zadran scored the first-ever century during the World Cup for an Afghan, and Omarzai, Rahmat, and Shahidi provided supporting runs.

Rashid included a last-minute push to give Afghanistan a formidable opponent. In response, Naveen trapped Marsh LBW while Travis Head was out hunting ducks. Omarzai then secured a two-for-two, leaving Australia at 49/4. Maxwell escaped a scare when he emerged in front of a hat-trick ball. 

Then, after a misplayed shot by Shahidi cost him a life, an LBW review favoured him because it was expected that a ball by Noor Ahmad would cross the stumps. The most fortunate breakthrough occurred when Mujeeb mishandled a catch of Maxwell at short fine-leg.

How that drop made the Afghan spinner regret it. With nothing to lose and a sense that this was his day, Maxwell attacked the Afghan bowlers head-on. Maxi had a golden bat today because everything he hit went over the boundary ropes or for four, just like Midas had the golden touch. Maxwell was battling fatigue, cramps, a strained back, and a determined Afghan attack.

He played without any footwork at all, resembling one of those cartoon stick cricket characters. The Afghan bowlers were still without an answer, though. With over three overs remaining, the highest target ever chased down at Wankhede was ultimately reached. Without mentioning Pat Cummins, who held one end up and was still undefeated at 12 off 68 balls, this summary would be incomplete. 

There is not a single individual from the cricketing fraternity who left behind in appreciating this knock. The inning by Glenn Maxwell is a perfect example of how Kapil Dev in 1983 played against Zimbabwe. The inning is remembered as one of the greatest innings in the one-day international. 

Top 8 Open-Source AI technologies to look out for in 2024

TheIndiaSaga Team |

The significance of technology in the modern era has changed how we live and interact with the outside world, going beyond simple convenience. Technological advancements have enabled significant progress in various industries, resulting in improved communication, streamlined business processes, and game-changing solutions in healthcare and education. The rise of Open Source AI is a key element of this technological environment; it not only increases the influence of technology but also encourages cooperation and creativity. 

Open Source AI enables researchers and developers from all over the world to contribute to the advancement and democratisation of AI, speeding up development and guaranteeing accessibility. This synergy is driving a paradigm shift by fusing the power of AI with the capabilities of open-source principles, promising a future marked by transparency, inclusivity, and constant technological advancement.

What is open-source AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) that is based on open source principles and permits researchers and developers to share and alter its source code is known as open source AI. This cooperative strategy encourages creativity, openness, and accessibility, allowing a varied community to contribute to the advancement and development of artificial intelligence technologies. Open-source AI frameworks and tools facilitate the democratisation of AI and accelerate its applications across a wide range of industries and domains by enabling users to modify and customise AI solutions to meet specific needs. 

How is open-source AI different from Proprietary Software?

Software that is available for anyone to view, alter, and share the source code is known as open-source AI. This implies that anyone can help the AI model develop and enhance its functionality. Because open-source AI models are frequently offered for free or at a reduced cost, a larger range of users can use them. 

Proprietary AI systems are created for private entity’s use, and their source code is not made available to the general public. This implies that the system’s operation and usage are solely within the control of the company that developed it. Although proprietary AI systems are frequently more costly than open-source AI models, they might provide better functionality and performance.

Read More: Top 10 Emerging Technologies to look out in 2024

5 features of open-source AI

Transparency: Open-source AI allows anyone to view and inspect the source code, which means that anyone can understand how the AI model works and how it is trained. This transparency can help to build trust in AI systems and reduce the risk of bias and discrimination.

Cooperation: A global community of contributors frequently develops open-source AI projects. AI model development can be sped up and improved with this kind of cooperation.

Affordability: A greater range of users, including individuals, startups, and small businesses, can access open-source AI models because they are frequently offered for free or at a reduced cost.

Customization: Users can modify open-source AI models to suit their unique requirements. Either the source code can be changed, or pre-existing tools and libraries can be used to accomplish this customization.

Reproducibility: All the data and code required to replicate the outcomes are usually included in open-source AI projects. Building trust in AI systems and conducting scientific research both benefit from this reproducibility.

Here is the list of 8 Open-Source AI Technologies

OpenAI

OpenAI is an artificial intelligence (AI) organisation based in the United States. With the stated goal of creating “safe and beneficial” artificial general intelligence—defined as “highly autonomous systems that outperform humans at most economically valuable work”—OpenAI conducts research on artificial intelligence. Comprising its for-profit subsidiary corporation OpenAI Global, LLC and its non-profit OpenAI, Inc. registered in Delaware. The original board members of OpenAI were Sam Altman and Elon Musk. Ilya Sutskever, Greg Brockman, Trevor Blackwell, Vicki Cheung, Andrej Karpathy, Durk Kingma, Jessica Livingston, John Schulman, Pamela Vagata, and Wojciech Zaremba founded the company in 2015. Microsoft invested $1 billion in OpenAI Global LLC in 2019 and another $10 billion in 2023.

OpenCV

It has a programming function for real-time computer vision that is primarily found in the OpenCV (Open Source Computer Vision Library) library. It was initially created by Intel and later supported by Itseez (which Intel later acquired) and Willow Garage. The cross-platform library is available under the Apache License 2 as free and open-source software. OpenCV has had GPU acceleration for real-time operations since 2011. Both OpenCV’s main interface and its programming language are written in C++, but it also maintains an extensive but less feature-rich older C interface. The C++ interface contains all of the most recent advancements and algorithms. MATLAB/Octave, Java, and Python have language bindings.

Tensorflow

A free and open-source software library for artificial intelligence and machine learning is called TensorFlow. While it can be applied to many different tasks, its main focus is on deep neural network training and inference. The Google Brain team created TensorFlow for use in internal research and production at Google. 2015 saw the initial release of the product under the Apache License 2.0. In September 2019, Google launched TensorFlow 2.0, an upgraded version of the program. Numerous programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, C++, and Java, can be used with TensorFlow. This adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of uses across numerous industries.

PyTorch

Based on the Torch library, PyTorch is a machine learning framework used for tasks like computer vision and natural language processing. Originally created by Meta AI, PyTorch is currently under the Linux Foundation’s purview. The software is available for free and is open-source, with a modified BSD licence. PyTorch has a C++ interface as well, but the Python interface is more sophisticated and the main focus of development. PyTorch is the foundation for many deep-learning applications, such as PyTorch Lightning, Tesla Autopilot, Pyro from Uber, Hugging Face’s Transformers, and Catalyst. PyTorch offers two features at a high level:

Tensor processing via graphics processing units (GPU) with significant acceleration, similar to NumPy

Deep neural networks constructed on an automatic differentiation system based on tape

Keras

An open-source package called Keras offers an artificial neural network Python interface. Keras serves as the TensorFlow library’s interface.  In order to make programming in the deep neural network field easier, Keras includes a multitude of implementations of widely used neural network building blocks, including layers, objectives, activation functions, optimizers, and a host of tools for working with image and text data. The code is stored on GitHub, and there are Slack channels and a GitHub issues page for community support.

Keras supports convolutional and recurrent neural networks in addition to standard neural networks. Other widely used utility layers such as batch normalisation, pooling, and dropout are supported.

Accord. NET;

A.NET framework for scientific computing is called Accord. NET. The Gnu Lesser Public License, version 2.1, governs the use of the project’s source code. The framework consists of a number of libraries that can be obtained via NuGet packages, executable installers, and source code. Numerical linear algebra, statistics, machine learning, artificial neural networks, machine learning, signal and image processing, and support libraries (such as graph plotting and visualisation) are the primary topics covered.

Detectorn2

The main applications of Detectron2, an open-source deep learning library, are instance segmentation and object detection. The Facebook AI Research (FAIR) team is behind its development, and it is based on the PyTorch framework. Because of its adaptable and modular architecture, Detectron2 makes it simple for researchers and developers to build and modify intricate object detection models. It is appropriate for a range of computer vision applications, such as object detection, instance segmentation, keypoint detection, and panoptic segmentation, since it offers a collection of cutting-edge algorithms and models. When it comes to advanced computer vision tasks and research projects, Detectron2 has gained popularity due to its user-friendly design, high-performance capabilities, and extensive documentation.

Theano

A Python library called Theano is used for numerical evaluation and symbolic computation. It works especially well for defining and working with expressions in mathematics, especially tensor-based ones. Code for the effective execution of these expressions on a range of hardware platforms, such as CPUs, GPUs, and TPUs, can also be generated with Theano. It was first created as a machine learning research tool, but a variety of users, including scientists, engineers, and academics, have since embraced it. Financial modelling, scientific computing, deep learning, and machine learning are just a few of the many uses for Theano.

Bottom Line

Conclusively, open-source AI is a  priceless resource that demonstrates how dynamic and revolutionary technology can be. Their contributions have emphasised the value of accessibility, creativity, and cooperative development in the artificial intelligence space. Through the promotion of a culture that values knowledge exchange and community involvement, they are essential in advancing technology. Open-source AI keeps advancing, sparking creativity, and reshaping the future of AI by promoting an inclusive, innovative, and community-engaged culture. It promises an AI-powered future where everyone can use AI to improve society.

Viral video of Rashmika Mandhana

sachin |

In recent dramatic events, famous Bollywood actress Rashmika Mandhana found herself in a fake video controversy. A short time ago, a video went viral on social media in which a British-Indian woman named Zara Patel entered an elevator, with the help of deepfake technology, her face changed to the face of Rashmika.

On Monday, 6 November Rashmika went to Instagram and called for legal action against the regulatory framework of deepfake. The incident sparked extensive concern and everyone called for legal action supported by the mega start of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan.  

Rashmilka was distressed about the incident and posted an upset note on her Instagram story saying, “I feel really hurt to share this and have to talk about the deepfake video of me being spread online. Something like this is honestly, scary not only for me but also for each one of us who is vulnerable. It can cause so much harm because of how technology is being used.

Today, as a woman and as an actor, I am thankful for my family, friends and well-wishers who are my protection and support system. However, if this happened to me when I was in school or college, I did not even imagine how could I handle this.” She added, “As a community, we need to address this urgently before it makes a larger impact.” 

 Zara Patel also wrote on her Instagram story, “Hello everyone, I just discovered that someone used my body and the face of a well-known Bollywood actress to create a deepfake video. I was not involved in the deepfake video, and I find this whole situation to be extremely upsetting and disturbing.

Concerning women and girls, who now have to worry even more about posting anything on social media, I worry about their future. Please stand back and verify the information you find online. On the internet, not everything is as it seems. This is really upsetting to me.”

Prominent figures such as Mrunal Thakur, Naga Chaitanya, and Chinmayi Sripada have expressed their support for Rashmika and spoken out against the improper use of artificial intelligence (AI). Netizens also raised widespread concern about the issue and demanded a probe into the matter. 

Diwali 2023: Timings, Subh Muhurat, and 5-day Celebration

TheIndiaSaga Team |

Festivals are celebration, unification, and contemplation times that are an essential component of human society. They provide us an opportunity to get away from our regular schedules and spend time with loved ones, sharing happiness and making enduring memories. Diwali is one such occasion which is very meaningful to millions of people.

Diwali is the festival of lights and a much-awaited event that celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. People from all backgrounds get together for this event to engage in numerous religious and cultural rites, exchange gifts, eat delectable delicacies, and decorate their homes with beautiful lights. Diwali promotes unity across cultural, religious, and geographic divides. 

Religious Significance

Within the Sanatan Dharma, Diwali is a festival of deep spiritual importance, as highlighted by several legendary stories. The return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana following a 14-year banishment and his victory over the demon king Ravana is one of the most well-known tales connected to Diwali. The event emphasises the value of sustaining purity and truth in one’s life by symbolising the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.

Diwali serves as a reminder to begin an inward journey toward self-reflection, self-improvement, and the eradication of ignorance and darkness inside oneself for adherents of Sanatan Dharma. During Diwali, burning diyas, or oil lamps, represents the eradication of ignorance and the illumination of knowledge, guiding people toward spiritual enlightenment and the discovery of their true selves.

In addition, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, at Diwali is a custom that entails asking for her blessings for good fortune and plenty in the coming year. In addition, the giving and receiving of presents and candies among friends and family emphasises the ideal of promoting harmony, love, and togetherness among the community, which supports the compassion and communal values that are fundamental to Sanatan Dharma.

Diwali 2023 Timings or Subh Muhurta

This year Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, 12 November 2023, and the muhurat for Laxmi Pujan will be from 4:21 PM to 6:02 PM. 

  • Amavasya Tithi Begins: November 12, 2023, at 2:45 PM
  • Amavasya Tithi Ends: November 13, 2023, at 2:56 PM

Muhurat Pradosh Kaal

On November 12, 2023, the Pradosh Kaal will run from 5:28 PM to 8:07 PM, followed by Vrishabha Lagn (Sthira Lagn) from 5:39 PM to 7:33 PM.

During Pradosh Kaal, the auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja is from 5:39 PM to 7:33 PM. This will take approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes.

Nishith Kaal Muhurat for Puja is auspicious

Those who prefer to perform Lakshmi Puja during Nishith Kaal can do so from 11:39 PM to 12:30 AM (on November 12, 2023). This will take approximately 52 minutes.

Festivities Celebration

The cheerful celebration of Diwali started just after the celebration of Vijayadashami or Dussehra. Before Diwali, people clean, renovate, and adorn their homes and places of business with rangolis, or vibrant art circles, and diyas, or oil lamps. On Diwali, people dress in their finest attire, light fireworks, decorate their homes with diyas & rangoli, and participate in family feasts where gifts and mithai (sweets) are exchanged. They also perform worship ceremonies of Lakshmi & Ganesh, the goddesses of wealth and prosperity.

The Five-Day Celebration

Dhanteras

Originating from the words Dhan, which means wealth, and teras, which means thirteenth, Dhanteras is observed in most parts of India to mark the beginning of Diwali and the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin or Kartik. This day’s name, Dhan, also refers to the Ayurvedic deity Dhanvantari, the god of healing and health, who is believed to have emerged on the same day as Lakshmi from the “churning of cosmic ocean”. It also symbolises yearly renewal, purification, and a lucky start to the next year.

Chhoti Diwali

Naraka Chaturdashi, also called Chhoti Diwali, is celebrated on the second day of the festivities. It occurs on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin or Kartik. Chaturdashi means “fourteenth,” Naraka means “hell,” and Chhoti means “small.” This auspicious day is linked in mythology to Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, who had abducted 16,000 princesses. 

Diwali

On the last day of Ashwin’s or Kartik’s dark fortnight, there is the largest celebration. Because it coincides with the illumination of Sikh, Jain, and Hindu temples and homes, Diwali is also referred to as the “festival of lights”. It refers to the “reenactment of the cleansing, purifying action of the monsoon rains.”

Govardhan Puja 

The day following Diwali marks the beginning of Kartik’s brilliant fortnight. It is also observed as Annakut (mound of grain), Padwa, Govardhan puja, Bali Pratipada, Bali Padyami, and Kartik Shukla Pratipada in some regions of the world. The most famous folktale states that the Hindu god Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain to protect the villages that raised cows and farmed the land from the constant rain and flooding caused by Indra’s wrath. 

Bhai Dooj

Also referred to as Bhai Duj, Bhau Beej, Bhai Tilak, or Bhai Phonta, this celebration’s last day occurs on the second day of Kartik’s bright fortnight. In essence, it honours the sister-brother bond, much like Raksha Bandhan. On this happy day, some believe that Yama’s sister Yamuna is greeting Yama with a tilaka, while others interpret it as Krishna entering Subhadra’s home after Narakasura has been vanquished. Subhadra also greeted him, putting a tilak on his forehead.

We hope you enjoy the Mahalakshmi Puja Muhurat mentioned above and have a wonderful Diwali. I wish you a happy Diwali festival.

SuperAngels Summit: Abu Dhabi to host two-day investor conference on 15-16 Dec 2023

A two-day investor conference will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi from December 15.

Arsh Verma | Updated :

A two-day investor conference will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi from December 15. The summit will serve as a focal point for active and aspiring angel investors, industry leaders, and ecosystem enablers from across the globe.

SuperAngels Summit, recognized as the world’s largest angel investor conference, has officially unveiled its event dates, scheduled for December 15-16. The summit is designed to facilitate networking, engagement, and the exploration of innovation in a collaborative environment.

Founded by Ravi K Ranjan, presented by Venture Catalysts++ and partnered with Emirates Angels, The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, & The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, this summit is the first and foremost angel investors summit that is dedicated to celebrating and advancing the art and science of the entrepreneurial world. Here, investors unite, dreams take flight, and innovation finds its stronghold. An extraordinary variety of powerful backers, including well-known VC groups, major government entities, and prestigious angel networks both domestically and internationally, are supporting this grandeur Summit.

“SuperAngels Summit is a perfect example of how investors who are also visionary catalysts, help fresh entrepreneurs to realise their potential. Here innovative ideas can outperform success. A wide variety of exciting ventures are waiting to take off in this veritable crucible of opportunity. Being a member of this Summit is to immerse oneself in the essence of modern enterprise, where those with a skill-based pioneering spirit are called to innovation. Together, we can create the irrevocable future of business and investment, setting out on a journey where amazing opportunities abound and new horizons open up,” said Ravi K Ranjan, founder of SuperAngels Summit.

“I believe in the boundless potential of entrepreneurship to drive positive change. As a visionary in this area, my mission is to ignite sparks of innovation and fuel the fires of success in every entrepreneur and I think SuperAngels Summit 2023 will help us a great deal. Here, you will get the opportunity to engage, explore, and empower startups that may benefit our nation’s development and overall growth. As a landmark to several events, SuperAngels is most definitely a chance not worth missing out on,” said Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, the co-founder of Venture Catalysts++.

Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Chief Commercial Officer at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Part of ADNEC Group said, “SuperAngels Summit is a revolution in angel investing, setting the stage for investors to connect, collaborate and catalyse groundbreaking opportunities. It’s a conference like none other. It is a reflection of the transformational impact that angel investors have on the world of Startups. In the world of angel investing, we are the architects of innovation, the nurturers of dreams and a bridge between visionary entrepreneurs and transformative opportunities.”

“In the SuperAngels Summit, investors become visionaries, startups find their way,” said Masaood Al Masaood, Chairman of the Board, Emirates Angels, “This Summit will offer a unique platform where seasoned investors, aspiring angels, and innovative startups converge. It’s an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, gain insights from expert panels and witness the birth of the next big innovations. The Summit will inspire, educate, and focus on the future of angel investing ensuring that attendees stay at the forefront of the industry trends. This summit will surely be a win for you and your journey as an entrepreneur.”

Adding significant value to the business conference, distinguished Indian angel investors and entrepreneurial founders are participating as prominent speakers, like: Ashneer Grover, Founder of BharatPe and Third Union, Shark at Shark Tank India, Author of best-seller book “Doglapan”; Manu Jain, Former India Head of Xiaomi; Amit Choudhary, CEO & Co-Founder of Lenskart; and various others.

India has emerged as the 3rd largest ecosystem for startups globally and ranks 2nd in innovation quality with top positions in the quality of scientific publications and the quality of its universities among middle-income economies. To enhance the growth of the startup ecosystem and global prominence of the summit, speakers from around the globe are also participating, adding their expertise and making the event shine on an international scale, gathering Felix Lam, Director, WYNG43 Social Investment; Christopher Aurand, Open Innovation Leader, Thai Union Group PCL; Moshe Hogeg, Chairman, Blockchain Research Institute; Dana AlJawder, CTO at MAGNiTT; Abe Seksek, CEO at Rainmaking & Startup bootcamp – MENA and Africa; and various others.

The SuperAngels Summit is bringing together all leading angel investor networks like Indian Angel Networks, Mumbai Angel Networks, and Inflection Point Ventures (IPV) for the first time. This unique gathering of the country’s top angel networks celebrates the spirit of angel investment at the world’s first and largest investors convention in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Prominent members of the startup and investment communities will lead interactive workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches at the Super Angels Summit. At the summit, attendees will also have the chance to learn about and invest in the pre-vetted fastest-growing firms. These influential individuals will discuss a broad range of subjects, such as disruptive technology, emerging trends, angel investing tactics, and the state of the startup ecosystem. Attendees should gain a competitive edge in the market and see the future of startup investing shaped by the ideas presented at the summit.

To Register: https://superangelssummit.com/registration/

For more information, visit : https://superangelssummit.com

Bhai Dooj 2023: Festival of Unconditional Love and Bond between Siblings

TheIndiaSaga Team |

Bhai Dooj is an Indian festival, celebrated as a way of Raksha Bandhan and enhances the same pious bond between siblings. On this prosperous day, Indian women worship for the long life and happiness of their brothers and they apply tilak on the forehead of their brothers while praying for their longevity, well-being and good health.

In return, men give gifts to their sisters and take a vow to protect them from any evil or obstacles. Bhai Dooj or Bhaiya Dooj is observed on the second day after Deepawali, Bhai Dooj is known by many other names in different states such as Bhau Beej, Bhai Bij, Bhai Beej, Bhatru Dwitiya, Bhav Bij, Bhatri Ditya, Bhai Phota, Bhai Fota and Bhai Tikka.   

Bhai Dooj 2023 is observed on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha according to the Vikram Samvat calendar. In 2023, Bhai Dooj will be marked on 14th November (Tuesday).

Significance of Bhai Dooj 

There is a belief that after the death of the demon Narakasura on the day which is now celebrated as Diwali, Lord Krishna met his sister Subhdhra with lots of love and gifts for her, on the other hand, she lit ghee diyas and decorated the entire with flowers and diyas.

She welcomes him with a tilak on his forehead and in return receives precious gifts from her brother. In this context, it becomes a ritual that the sister applies tilak on her brother’s forehead and prays for their fortune and welfare. 

However, there is no text stating or an official story regarding the emergence or beginning of the Bhaiya dooj celebration. People have different tales and beliefs and thus celebrate them with immense enthusiasm in their families. The belief varies from region to region, where people have various significance and history related to Bhai Tikka.  

How to celebrate Bhai Dooj? 

The celebration of Bhai Dooj and always on the top list of favourite festivals of siblings. Devotees take a bath early in the morning and worship Yama, Lord Ganesha, Chitragupta, Yamuna and the many messengers of Yama. There are several mantras that are chanted during the time of worshipping the idols.

The festival of Bhai Dooj is traditionally celebrated across the country. On this auspicious occasion, sisters prepare a beautiful seat for their brothers using rice flour. As the brother sits on the seat, a paste of vermillion, dahi and rice is applied on the forehead of the brothers as a religious tika by keeping a hanky or another pure piece of cloth on their head. 

Furthermore, the sister places a flower of Kaddu, betel leaves, betel nuts and coins in the palms of the brother and pours water on it while chanting mantras. Furthermore, a Kalawa or auspicious Hindu thread is tied on the wrist of the brother and the aarti happens. The next ritual or culture is to exchange gifts among each other and take the blessings of the elders. Praying for the best together. 

Ritual

During Bhai Dooj, giving brothers a dry coconut is regarded as a lucky charm. It is said that after defeating the demon King Narakasura, Lord Krishna went to see his sister Subhadra, who showered him with gifts, flowers, and candies. Krishna was then given the dry coconut by her after she had tilak applied to his forehead.

Most of all, the brothers surprise their sister with unforgettable gifts and make the entire day beautiful by preparing and eating tasty foods and sweets and spending time together. This festival also brings the family or relatives together and gives them the opportunity to spend quality time together and make another memory which is slightly difficult in modern day rush. With those celebrations, people acquire happiness and contentment.

E-Invoicing & E-waybill made easy through Instabill

TheIndiaSaga Team |

GST mechanism or Goods Service Tax in India aims to streamline & simplify the taxation system of India. Therefore, GST authority using various kinds of online or digital mechanisms. Almost everything that a business needs to do under the GST Regime whether it’s GST Registration, GST Return Filing,  Invoice Generation and Waybill generation turning to digital now. The E-invoicing & E-Way bill generation are amongst the most essential tasks that businesses need to do to be legally compliant with the GST.

E-invoicing is simply a digital way to generate an invoice and real time reporting invoice details to the GST authority.

E-Invoicing concept introduced by the government with the aim of curb tax evasion and fake invoicing.

Government of India regularly reduces mandatory e invoicing limit which was initially started from INR 100 Crore and now reduced to INR 5 Crore with effect from 1st August 2023.

It means any business having annual turnover of INR 5 crore then needs to generate eInvoice compulsory otherwise tax invoice without eInvoicing carry no validity. Hence, small business also comes under the preview of eInvoicing.

Furthermore, e waybill generation is also mandatory for delivering the goods outside shop/warehouse.

This mandate traps small businesses too in one more complicated and time consuming gst compliance. This led to further distracting entrepreneur focus from their core business operations. However, there is no simplified and pocket friendly tool to create electronic invoice and waybill.

The founder of Instabill comments, “Announcing a thrilling new chapter for Instabill, we’re focused on innovation and the expansion of our service portfolio. Our dedication to providing swift payment solutions and accurate GST Billing remains our top priority. The entire Instabill team is poised to offer even more value to our clients and partners in the coming years.”

Instabill solves eInvoicing and eWaybill traps too for small businesses. With Instabill, any business can generate an eInvoice in one click within seconds. On generating eInvoice, Instabill automatically reports invoice details on the GST portal and obtains IRP. Furthermore enable QR Code in Invoice pdf too.

Instabill eliminates the need for manual sales data entry when filing GSTR-1 returns and generating part-A of e-way bills, as the information is directly sent to the GST portal by the IRP.

Currently, business owners create 1000+ daily eInvoice and ewaybill with the help of Instabill. Instabill has 60,000 plus users and is continuously increasing its user base by offering new automation and AI enabled updates which allow businesses to easily create GST Invoices, Quotation, Purchase Order, Delivery Challan, Record Purchases and Expenses and much more.

Additionally, Instabill is an on-the-go application for business owners that can be used from anywhere from the world with the help of cloud technology. Instabill is available in playstore or can be easily sign up visiting www.instabill.co