September means exams and holidays for most who are still in School or College, atleast in India. So, when your cousin or friends come over to spend some time with you, it is much more memorable. But then, when it is time for them leave and return home, you miss them and wish they had stayed on longer.

During the holidays, you have been taking your friend along, showing her around your city, exploring the hidden alleys that you had not ventured out to, and ofcourse enjoying the local treats – food, art and culture wise. Your friend has brought you a few goodies from her town, things that you enjoyed during your earlier visit there.

So, now, when she is ready to leave, you think of a gift that would be appropriate and remind her of you and the city along with the experiences she had here.

How to get Started

The perfect gift would be to order a Photo book with Snapfish. All it takes is a few simple steps and ta da, it is done! Your photobook will be shipped out to you within a few days, and all you need to do is wrap it up and give to your friend/cousin.

All you need to do is create an account with Snapfish, and choose the Photobook that fits your ideas.  It is upto you to decide how many pages the Photo book should have and the layout of the same.

Sample images and details

Have fun!! And do tell your friends and family about these easy to create Photo books!

Your friends have invited you over for Navratri Golu on a day when they are also celebrating their daughter’s birthday.  Normally, you would have been happy with a basket of fruits but since it is a 6yr old girl’s birthday, you decide to buy a lovely gift.

Since you have time, you decide to shop and keep the gift ready in case you forget it last minute. But instead of looking for putting one of those boring plain old gift tag, you look for something fun and unique.

Here is what you can do, head over to Snapfish and create your own Gift tag.. you can put your picture on it, name, address, or any other message, information you wish on the card. You will get a set of 20 personalized gifts tags that come with golden string to tie on the gift wrapper or box.

Time to Say Good bye to plain and boring gift tags!

And then , once you have placed your order, simply sit back, wait for the tags to reach your home. Put it on your gift and watch people ask you where you got them done and how cool they are…

Have fun! Let your creativity flow… Share this with your friends and others you know..

This Ganesha has been created by a friend of hers, proving that one can beleive in “Going green” and  -2nd picture – Ganesh – a Green perspective. Made with nothing but leaves – this Ganesha reflects on the Green concept.

Isn’t  it lovely ???

Uma signs off saying she is off to plan for the 2nd festival of September- Navaratri, to put up the elaborate Golu [dolls/figurines of Gods & Goddesses] on a step ladder like the one below which was from last year.

Among the festivals of September, the most colourful is Onam, celebrated by Malayalis across the globe. It is a festival where we find colours in Rangolis, floral decorations and in Onam Sadya- the feast. 

Onam is a harvest festival that falls in the Malayali month of ‘Chingam’, which is between the months of August and September. It is celebrated over a period of ten days, which culminates with a grand celebration on the last day, which this year falls on Friday- Sep 9th. The festival also marks the annual visit of the Asura King Mahabali ..

Archhana Kombrabail takes us on a vibrant journey through the various Rangolis they do at home during Onam. She says ” most families create rangoli with flowers, and these take shape over a period of 10days, with a layer being added each day”.

Here are some of the rangolis she had done with her family in their Pune home…

September is going to be a month of festivals, starting with the most popular of them all– Ganesh Chathurthi on the 1st! It is amazing to observe people from across the country come together to rejoice the birth of the Elephant God. Celebrated with a lot of pomp and fare Mumbai streets turn into hubs for music, dance and festive spirits. Gopal shares with us a different perspective on Ganesh Chathurthi….

Western Railway Maharaj – Lower Parel

Lower Parel Boy

Kamathipura Maharaj

Khetwadi

Chandanwadi

Ganesh Galli

Tulsiwadi

So, मुंबईचा राजा कौन?

There is colour, action, devotion and life on the streets of Bangalore when the Ganesh Festival begins. Every one is trying to be part of the festival as they bring the deity home . Capturing the essence of it is travel writer Lakshmi Sharath…

September began with a bang, with the Ganesh Chathurthi falling on the very 1st day of the month. infact, celebrations began from the last week of August itself. People were bustling about the markets and sweet & savory stores purchasing Ganesha idols and the sweet treats he liked so much. Aarti shares with us some insights into the festivals lined up for September…

Houses were lit up, decorations were hung, and the wonderful melange of aromas floating in the air- all of which was a delight for not just our body, but our mind and soul as well. Families and friends visiting & greeting each other, gifts being exchanged, yummy treats being devoured… This seems quite a start to the month… It is also time to pull out your cameras and start clicking, so you can capture some of the colourful delights…

As the days go by, September brings with it quite a few festivals, each with the traditions, and celebrations that left us feeling exhilarated and exhausted.

Sep 5th is Teachers Day-

Though it is not a festival, it is a day considered special, and a day when we say Thank you to all those who helped us grow in life.

Sep 9th is Onam-

Onam Festival marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. The carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition. Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam – the harvest festival in Kerala.

The Onam Sadya is the grand feast served on Onam day…

Sep 28th is when Navaratri begins -

Navaratri, literally translated to 9 nights is a festival that is celebrated in different forms across the country. It is an important festival for the Hindus.  All of them are related to Goddess Shakti  and her various forms.  Gujaratis, Bengalis, and Tamilians celebrate it with zeal and fervor …

In  South India, across  Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and some places in Kerala & Andhra Pradesh,  especially wherever there is a strong Tamil community, you will find a Golu in most houses during Navaratri. It is an exhibition of various figurines and dolls of gods & Goddesses on display across 7, 9, or 11 steps.

Among the North Indians, Garba Rass & Dandia are the highlights of the festival. Earlier, Navratri was associated with the fertility of Mother Earth who feed us as her children.

Join us as we bring to you visual treats from these Festivals as celebrated across the country….  Do mail us if you wish to contribute to the blog….