Id originates from the Arabic root word “Aud” that denotes returning time and again. Id is an Islamic festival that returns every year to spread peace, kindness, brotherhood and equality among people irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

Raji P. Shrivastava

The period between mid-July and mid-August is called the Karkidaka Maasam or Karkataka Maasam in Kerala. It is also referred to as the Ramayana Maasam.

Guru Nanak was once making a journey to the famous town of Multan. Four things of that town were considered proverbial, as depicted in a Persian couplet by an anonymous poet. These were dust storms, extreme summers, innumerable mendicants and vast graveyards.

Prophet Muhammad said, “Allah has 99 names and whoever patterns himself on them shall enter paradise.” These names are referred to as Asma ul Husna or “The most beautiful names”. The Quran affirms, “The most beautiful names belong to Allah; so call on him by them.”

Down the centuries religion has been very serious affair for most of the believers. It was too ritualistic and grim. Being pious or holy became synonymous with seriousness.

Friendship is one of the most abiding and fulfilling relationships that develops among strangers over years and the International Friendship Day, which falls on August 4 this year, evokes beautiful tender feelings.

Aya Saavan da maheena aa, tun mennu rab lagadha
Naleh naleh Makka te Medina aa
(Here comes the month of Saavan, You appear to be a God; With the resonance of Makka and Medina as well)

The “yeh dil maange more” maxim maximised Pepsi’s profits when it first hit headlines in 1998. Moreover, martyred Army Captain Vikram Batra used it to galvanise his garrison in gaining victory during Operation Vijay in the 1999 Kargil war and the Bollywood blockbuster Dil Maange More had Nikhil (Shahid Kapoor) with “more” girls in his arms than he could handle.

Shravan, the fifth month in the Hindu calendar, is the month when the “Shravan” star rules the sky. It is also the month of Lord Shiva.

Once a baby fish asked the queen fish, “What is this thing called the sea? Everyone talks about it but I never get to know it. Where is it?” The queen had years of wisdom so instead of arguing, she just threw the baby fish on the shore. Once out of the water, the baby fish writhed in agony.