About the Festival of Bakrid and Bakrid Greetings.

HAPPY BAKRID!

Today is the festival of Bakrid. The festival is also known as Eid-ul-Zuha or Eid-al-Adha which means the Eid (festival) of sacrifice. The festival is celebrated with great joy and fervour at Hyderabad as of course all over the world.

Here is information about this grand festival:

Bakrid is celebrated by the Muslim community on the 10th day of the Muslim month of Zul-Hijja. On this auspicious day, Muslims are supposed to sacrifice a goat and offer prayers at the mosque. There is an interesting story behind the celebration of this festival. It marks the spirit of sacrifice. This festival is in commemoration of Hazrat Ibrahim's great test of obedience to Allah. Once Hazrat Ibrahim saw a dream in which Allah ordered him to sacrifice his most precious thing. He kept seeing the dream for many days. Then he described the dream to his wife that Allah wants him to sacrifice his most precious thing. After much discussion, Hazrat Ibrahim and his wife decided to sacrifice their only son, Ismail for the sake of Allah because their son was most precious for both of them. Then he asked his son for his consent. Ismail readily agreed to be sacrificed for the sake of Allah. Hazrat Ibrahim was all set to sacrifice his son at the gallows. As he put the sword at his son's throat, Hazrat Ismail vanished and he was replaced by a sheep. Then there was a prophecy that Allah was only testing Hazrat Ibrahim's faith. He need not sacrifice his son and he could sacrifice a ram or a sheep instead. Hence, the festival of Bakrid or Eid-al-Adha came to be celebrated. There are a few guidelines regarding the sacrificed meat in Islam. According to the rules, the sacrificed meat is to be divided into three parts. The larger part of the meat is to be shared with all the poor and needy who cannot afford to have meat or a meal of the day. The two smaller parts are to be shared with friends, relatives and family. Eid-ul-Zuha is a time of celebration. People offer prayers at the mosque. The prayers can only be offered when the sun has completely risen. Women are also encouraged to attend the prayers however it is not compulsory. The distribution of the sacrificed meat among the poor is the most important part of the festival. This distribution is done to make sure that no impoverished person is left without an opportunity to partake the meat. Thus, Muslims celebrate Bakrid or Eid-al-Adha to mark the spirit of sacrifice. It is a time of great joy and lavish feasts and celebration of unity and brotherhood.

Amidst elephants for three days! In the Land of White Elephants!

VIDEO OF OUR ENCOUNTER WITH ELEPHANTS IN THAILAND

AND AT THE NONG NOOCH VILLAGE ELEPHANT SHOW:

Very recently we spent three days amidst many elephants in Thailand. For a few hours on each of these days, we were amidst several elephants as you can see in the attached pictures and video. On the first day, it was at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Chonburi, and the second day it was at the Nong Nooch Village, Pattaya, and on the third day, it was at the Safari Park, Bangkok. The remarkable Elephant Show in the video is of the one at the Nong Nooch Village. However, we did not get to see White (Pink) Elephants, which are available only with the royals.

The elephant has a symbolic and religious meaning for Thais. Elephants are so ingrained in Thai culture that they are recognised as a symbol of national identity. For hundreds of years, these great creatures have stood alongside Thai people in pursuits such as war, labour, transportation, and more recently, tourism. The elephant is the National Animal of Thailand and it appears in many official seals.  

The elephant figured in the Siamese Flag until the early 1900s (Siam is the old name of Thailand) and now it is found on many provincial seals and on Bangkok’s seal it shows the Hindu deity Lord Indra riding an elephant.

Here are some interesting facts about these magnificent animals:

Queen Maya, the mother of Buddha, had a dream that she ascended the heavens and was greeted by a great white elephant bearing a lotus flower before it disappeared into the right side of her belly, and thus the Queen knew she had conceived.

The Hindu God, Indra, the King of Heaven, rides a three-headed elephant named Airavata. Lord Indra is also a protector deity for Buddhists, and also the patron protector of Bangkok (shown in Bangkok Emblem).

The elephant is also a symbol of justice and loyalty. An archaic Siamese tradition involved a person to be punished being placed in a Rattan Ball and kicked by an elephant, if he survived he was forgiven if not, justice has been served. Loyalty because it has always been associated with the Thai struggle to maintain their sovereignty from the might of neighbours.

The White Elephant is the symbol for Kinship (Buddha+Indra). By Royal Law, all White (Pink) Elephants in the Kingdom belong to the King, and their presence must be made known to the King upon their discovery and identification. To spot a white elephant during a King’s reign is a sign of a prosperous reign, and Kingdoms have gone to war to seize control of these rare elephants.

There’s a yearly festival to honour Thailand’s elephants. Each year, ‘Surin Elephant Roundup’ pays homage to Thailand’s elephants and gives thanks for the role these mighty creatures have played in the development of Thailand over the years. All of the province’s elephants are recalled for the event, including those that now live in other parts of the country. There’s a huge parade, with hundreds of elephants, followed by a gigantic buffet breakfast. Fruit and vegetables are laid out on long stretches of tables for the elephants to feast upon. There are then several days of elephant demonstrations at the stadium.

In the year 1900, the number of elephants in Thailand was estimated to be around 100,000, but just over a century later, that figure had been dramatically reduced to around 6,000 – 7,000 with almost half of that number domesticated and the remainder living wild in National Parks. With the longevity up to 70 years in the wild, this should not have happened to the population of Elephants.

It is estimated that there were once more than 350 species of elephants in the world. Today we only have two of them left – the Asian and the African species.

Asian elephants and African elephants are different. Asian elephants, the type found in Thailand are like Indian elephants and have several big differences with their African cousins. African elephants are usually significantly larger and heavier than Asian elephants. The two species of elephants have different ear and head shapes, and there are differences between their tusks, trunks, and toenails. The skin of an Asian elephant is typically smoother too. Furthermore, only male Asian elephants have tusks, whereas both male and female African elephants may have these ivory horn-like overgrown tusks (teeth).

Nature's great masterpiece, an elephant; is the only harmless great thing, and humanity has made it an endangered species and very soon it may become extinct.    

In conclusion, I would like to end this article with a Thai saying that says a marriage is like an elephant – the husband is the front legs, that choose the direction and the wife the back legs, providing the power and support!

VIDEO OF THE AMAZING OPEN SAFARI ZOO AND PARK,

BANGKOK:

HERE ARE MORE VIDEOS OF ANIMAL AND BIRD SHOWS IN THAILAND:

AMAZING DOLPHIN SHOW AT SAFARI WORLD!

SRIRACHA TIGER ZOO & TIGER SHOW!

A CLOSE AND CHEERFUL ENCOUNTER WITH OUR ORANG-UTAN COUSINS!

AN AMAZING BIRD SHOW! AT SAFARI WORLD:

AN IMPRESSIVE CROCODILE SHOW!

This pandemic reminds me of Mimosa Pudica…

As youngsters,

And now as adults,

We play with these plants…

Even a moment with these plants,

Brings about smiles,

And makes us wonder about nature…

We always have them in our garden,

For entertaining our children,

And our guests.

The name of the plant is Mimosa Pudica,

A creeping perennial flower plant,

Considered a weed in the wild,

But grown in home gardens,

For the wonder, it generates,

As the plant’s compound leaves,

Fold inward and drop,

When touched or shaken,

Defending themselves from harm,

And re-open a few minutes later.

Today I write about Mimosa Pudica,

Because our lives have become,

Like that of Mimosa Pudica,

The plant we know as Touch-Me-Not…

As the COVID-19 pandemic is rampant.

We are relentlessly trying,

To protect ourselves,

From Coronavirus,

We mostly remain in our houses,

Work from home,

And outdoors,

We keep away from others,

We are afraid to touch anything,

We wear masks,

Use sanitizers all the time,

As provinces and countries,

Are scared of one another,

We have ceased to go on vacations,

We doubt neighbourhood eateries,

Cinema Halls are closed,

Life seems so different,

And normalcy so distant.

The Touch-me-not plant is lucky,

It folds and shrinks to appear dead,

And in an instant; as the threat to its life…

The animal or insect moves away disillusioned,

The plant happily opens up,

Glows and dances with the breeze.

It is many months now,

Since this pandemic has crippled us…

When will we begin to live without fear,

Glow and dance like Mimosa Pudica.

VIDEO: Playing with the exotic Mimosa Pudica Plant!

An Impressive Crocodile Show!

VIDEO OF AN IMPRESSIVE CROCODILE SHOW!

All of us know crocodiles as violent predators. Their big mouths with several large and sharp teeth give an impression that they can chomp and gulp a full-grown human in minutes. But not the crocodiles at this Show, they are tamed and trained; they are harmless and friendly. More than the performance of the crocodiles it is the daring performance of the personnel handling these crocodiles. They kiss the open-mouthed crocodiles, put their hands and heads in their huge dangerous mouths, ride on them, and make them obey their commands and so on, as you can see in the attached pictures and video. This Crocodile Show is at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Chonburi Province, near Pattaya in Thailand.

These are Siamese crocodiles. They are freshwater crocodiles native to Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam. The species is critically endangered. They are under constant threat from human disturbance and habitat occupation, which is forcing remaining populations to the edges of their former range. And people get rid of them by mercilessly killing them when they encounter them because they consider them dangerous and undesirable. But in fact, they are generally unaggressive towards humans; they may cause harm only when instigated.

The Siamese crocodile is medium-sized with a relatively broad, smooth snout and an elevated, bony crest behind each eye. Overall, it is an olive-green colour, with some variation to dark-green. Young specimens measure 1.2–1.5 m and weigh 6–12 kg, growing up to 2.1 m and a weight of 40–70 kg as an adult. The largest female specimens can measure 3.2 m and weigh 150 kg. And large male specimens can reach 4 m and weigh 350 kg.

Female crocodiles build mound-nests constructed from scraped-up plant debris mixed with mud and lay 15 to 50 eggs, which are then guarded until they hatch. After incubation, the female will assist her young as they break out of their eggs and then carry the hatchlings to the water in her jaws.

Though their strength has come down in the wild they are bred in several crocodile farms for human consumption, and this number is in several thousand and ever-growing. Crocodile meat is cherished by the people of Thailand, this is a new food discovered by them perhaps since the late 80s.  Crocodile meat is said to taste like chicken. It is considered a healthy and nutritious alternative to pork or chicken, as it contains less fat, lower cholesterol levels and a higher proportion of protein than the aforementioned animals.

However, we have to appreciate that every effort is being made to protect them in the wilderness.

A ride into nature for a breath of fresh air!

I put this mask on,

All the while,

Though breathing is a strain,

To ward of dust and infection.

Earlier it was during a motorbike ride,

Now it is all the time,

Outdoors,

Or indoors,

To keep me safe,

And my friends and my family safe,

Till such a period,

Until COVID is eradicated.

My identity is hidden,

From everyone,

Even those closest to me.

My smile can’t be seen,

Only my voice can be heard,

Not the real voice or expression,

Only a curtailed sound,

Hopefully understood.

As social distancing is the norm and rule,

I keep a little away from people,

And others from me,

We move at a safe distance…

With such fear and suspicion,

The companionship is diminished,

All this is disheartening,

But for the good of everyone,

And the world,

We must adapt to such existence,

Until we have overcome this pandemic.

These photographs show me,

Moving out of my infected metropolis,

To be amidst the vast nature,

In total isolation,

At a fearless location,

Experiencing a lovely cool breeze,

And breathing without the mask,

Uncontaminated; refreshing fresh air,

After a very long time.

Dragon fruit is unlike any other fruit!

Dragon fruit has become popular in Hyderabad in recent times, but it is still scarce and available only at times at some supermarkets. However, in most tropical and subtropical regions in South America and Asia, the dragon fruit flourishes and grows in abundance. The fruit is new to India, it is grown only in some parts of our country and now in Hyderabad too, but in small quantities.

Appropriately named, the Dragon fruit’s outer skin is cactus-like, resembling that of the scales of a mythical dragon. Considered a cactus plant, its vibrant green and reddish-pink hues indicate that the fruit is full of nutrients, while the creamy white flesh spotted with black seeds or the soft red flesh spotted with black seeds (very rare in our country) gives way to many rich and natural properties. Attached are photographs of both these varieties of fruits.

Dragon fruit is also known as Pitaya or Pitahaya or Strawberry Pear in different parts of the world but Dragon fruit is the most popular name.

People primarily enjoy it for its unique and exotic look and taste but are not fully aware of the health benefits of the fruit. These fun-looking fruits contain around 60 calories each and are rich in Vitamin C, B1, B2 and B3, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus. And that’s not all, the health benefits are innumerable and here is an exhaustive report from THE INTERNET on the health benefits of these super fruits:

1. High in Nutrients:

Dragon fruit is low in calories but packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It also contains a substantial amount of dietary fiber.

Here’s a rundown of the main nutrients in a one-cup serving (227 grams):

•        Calories: 136

•        Protein: 3 grams

•        Fat: 0 grams

•        Carbohydrates: 29 grams

•        Fiber: 7 grams

•        Iron: 8% of the RDI

•        Magnesium: 18% of the RDI

•        Vitamin C: 9% of the RDI

•        Vitamin E: 4% of the RDI

Beyond essential nutrients, Dragon fruit supplies beneficial plant compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids and betacyanins.

2. Helps Fight Chronic Disease:

Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cell damage, which may lead to inflammation and disease.

One way to combat this is by eating antioxidant-rich foods like Dragon fruit.

Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, thus preventing cell damage and inflammation.

Studies suggest that diets high in antioxidants may help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis.

Dragon fruit contains several types of potent antioxidants, including:

•        Vitamin C: Observational studies have found correlations between vitamin C intake and cancer risk. For example, a study in 120,852 people associated higher intakes of vitamin C with lower rates of head and neck cancer.

•        Betalains: Test-tube studies indicate betalains can combat oxidative stress and may have the ability to suppress cancer cells.

•        Carotenoids: Beta-carotene and lycopene are the plant pigments that give dragon fruit its vibrant colour. Diets rich in carotenoids have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease.

Importantly, antioxidants work best when eaten naturally in food, rather than in pill form or as a supplement. In fact, antioxidant supplements may have harmful effects, and taking them without medical supervision is not recommended.

On the other hand, Dragon fruit is highly recommended.

3. Loaded With Fiber:

Dietary fibers are non-digestible carbohydrates that boast an extensive list of potential health benefits.

Health authorities recommend 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams for men. Like antioxidants, fiber supplements do not have the same health benefits as fiber from foods.

With 7 grams fiber per one-cup serving, Dragon fruit is an excellent whole-food source.

Although fiber is probably most well-known for its role in digestion, research has suggested it may also play a role in protecting against heart disease, managing type 2 diabetes and maintaining a healthy body weight.

Although more research is needed, some observational studies suggest that diets high in fiber may protect against colon cancer.

While no studies have linked dragon fruit to any of these conditions, its high-fiber content can help you meet your recommended daily values.

4. Promotes a Healthy Gut:

Your gut is home to some 100 trillion diverse microorganisms, including more than 400 species of bacteria.

Many researchers believe this community of microorganisms may impact your health. Both human and animal studies have associated imbalances in your gut to conditions like asthma and heart disease.

Given that dragon fruit contains prebiotics, it can potentially improve the balance of good bacteria in your gut.

Prebiotics are a specific type of fiber that promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut.

Like all fibers, your gut cannot break them down. However, the bacteria in your gut can digest them. They use the fiber as fuel for growth, and you reap the benefits.

In particular, Dragon fruit mainly promotes the growth of two families of healthy bacteria: lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.

Regularly consuming prebiotics may reduce the risk of infection in your digestive tract and diarrhoea. This is because prebiotics promote the growth of good bacteria, which researchers believe may out-compete the bad.

For example, a study in travellers showed that those who consumed prebiotics before and during travel experienced fewer and less severe episodes of traveller’s diarrhoea.

5. Strengthens Your Immune System:

Your body’s ability to fight infection is determined by several different factors, including the quality of your diet.

The vitamin C and carotenoids in Dragon fruit may boost your immune system and prevent infection by protecting your white blood cells from damage.

The white blood cells in your immune system attack and destroy harmful substances. However, they are extremely sensitive to damage by free radicals.

As potent antioxidants, vitamin C and carotenoids can neutralize free radicals and defend your white blood cells against harm.

6. May Boost Low Iron Levels:

Dragon fruit is one of the few fresh fruits that contain iron.

Iron plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout your body. It also plays an important role in breaking down food into energy.

Dragon fruit may be another great option, as one serving contains 8% of your recommended daily intake (RDI). It also contains vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron.

7. Good Source of Magnesium:

Dragon fruit offers more magnesium than most fruits, with 18% of your RDI in just one cup.

On average, your body contains 24g of magnesium or roughly one ounce.

Despite this seemingly small amount, the mineral is present in every one of your cells and takes part in over 600 important chemical reactions within your body.

For example, it takes part in reactions needed for the breakdown of food into energy, muscle contraction, bone formation and even the creation of DNA.

More studies are needed, but some indicate that higher intakes of magnesium may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Studies also show that diets adequate in magnesium support bone health.