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Evergreen Carnival 2022 | Senior Citizen's Day

Evergreen Carnival 2022 | Senior Citizen's Day

“Mutual funds are subject to market risk. Please read the offer document carefully before investing”. We all have heard this line, which makes us feel mutual funds are a risky business. But is that the case? Or is it a great platform for investment? Is it beneficial for senior citizens? Let us help you understand the mutual fund business.

Managing day-to-day expenses, the most crucial element of money management in your life, still holds the same importance, even as a senior. Though with retirement the security from the regular income from paychecks stops, there are options to cope and in fact add to your kitty.

If you are amongst those independent people who still aim for more, then keep reading, as you are about to explore a world full of possibilities for investment options based on needs, risks and returns.

Investments to Manage Monthly Expenses

The Indian Government has carefully planned investment opportunities for seniors; some are safe (though, with comparatively lower-returns), low-risk fixed-income investment options-

Bank Fixed Deposits and Recurring Deposits

Post Office Fixed Deposits and Recurring Deposits

Senior Citizens Savings Scheme

Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana

Investments to Protect, Grow and Manage Wealth

If you are the type that likes to make it big, then investing in mutual funds could work for you. Mutual funds generally are classified into three categories — debt, equity and balanced mutual funds.

Debt mutual fund

This is the best option for seniors as it involves lesser risk and gives a high return as compared to FD’s or normal savings account.

Equity mutual fund

In this, your surplus is used to buy shares or stocks of companies. Though, these are subject to higher risks, when the market gains momentum you are entitled to higher returns.

Balanced mutual fund

A balanced mutual fund is a mix of debt and equity. It is moderately risky and gives higher returns, but the investment is long term — you have to be a bit patient and ready for a long haul.

‘’A good investment is key to dealing with uncertainties.’’ Traditionally we Indians save our assets and hard-earned money for the next seven generations. In the process, we tend to overlook our future financial needs. It is of utmost importance to understand that life does not end after retirement. In fact, it gets better with all the acquired wisdom and wealth gained over the years. That being said, how are you planning to invest your wisdom to earn more wealth?

Digital technology has the ability to make anyone’s life simpler and less complex!

While the millennial generation and few elder ones have already embraced the internet and digital technology, our senior citizens often feel they are better off without it.

If you are a golden-ager and are hesitant to be a part of this digital revolution, allow us to help you understand the concept of digital divulgence and its benefits.

How digital divulgence can help you

Gone are the days when you needed physical presence to get your job done. Imagine a life which doesn’t involve long queues and physical strain. Tempting right?

But, these are the benefits you can expect by embracing digital technology. With the help of digital technology, you can book your own tickets, monitor your health or listen to the old forgotten songs by yourself.

You can connect with your childhood friends. It presents a beautiful opportunity to connect with your children and grandchildren. You can start your own blog and share your life experiences.

These are just a few of the advantages of connecting with the digital world. You can start your own blog and share your life experiences.

The importance of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Whatsapp is so huge in modern life, that it is almost impossible to imagine life without these.

Initially, it might feel overwhelming but once you get hold of these, you’d be amazed how convenient life can be, with the help of these.

Tips and Hacks

So, here are a few tips and hacks to make yourself familiar with digital devices:-

1. You can start by understanding the basics required to use an android device.

2. Be patient, and take it slow. Learning anything new can take some time, and you need time to adapt to the changes.

3. You can ask for help from your children or grandchildren about how to use a particular device or app. It can be a great fun activity and a great learning experience.

Congratulations on your second innings!

Oh, how you had been longing for a phase when you could just sit back and relax, without any worry. The time has come now, and you can focus on doing things absolutely close to your heart.

Yes, now you can have that perfect ‘me’ time without the guilt factor coming in the way! It’s time to make that start, and doesn’t this thought make you want to jump out of your bed and get into action?

Taking up a hobby is the best way to keep the mind and body healthy. Why not spend time learning something you wanted all these years but didn’t have the time?

What’s more, when you pursue a hobby in a group, you meet like-minded people frequently and stay socially active. Remember, starting late is better than not following the burning desire in your heart at all.

Here’s a quick look at some hobbies you can consider learning and pursue.

1. Home gardening

Learning to maintain a home garden is truly uplifting owing to the beautiful surroundings you get. So, what are you waiting for? Arrange for some pots, paint them in bright hues (another lovely DIY idea!) and pot your favorite plants, but make sure to choose a mix of perennial and seasonal ones.

Shower them with water and loads of care. Sit back with a cup of tea every morning and spend time with these potted beauties. Blissful, indeed!

2. Balls of Yarn, Needles, and Loads of Creative Fun

All you ladies with a creative bent of mind, wouldn’t it be great to learn sewing, crochet, embroidery, or knitting and inspire awe from those around you? The quick-stitch ones contain all supplies you require, and you won’t need to make trips to the market at all. Start with something simple like Easy Embroidery Stitch Kit Combo or join a group class if you want to learn the different methods.

3. Your own pottery barn

The art of pottery is often described as therapeutic and relaxing. While spinning clay, your mind, and body are in natural synergy, wrapped around your creative ambitions and goals. This thoughtful, artistic activity can open up the mind and relieve you of outside worries.

Inking Down Your Ideas on Canvas Paintings can be a wonderful expression of your inner self and give wings to your creativity and imagination.

If you have a passion for fine arts but aren’t sure how to get started, why not take up a basic course to help you build your confidence levels?

4. Be ‘Game’ for a Favourite Sport

There is no dearth of sports and games you can enjoy with your friends and family. Try a hand at chess, golf, swimming, or darts to give your mind and body every reason to feel fresh and rejuvenated.

5. Reading Spiritual and Health-Focused Books

Are you a book lover at heart? Whether you are spiritually inclined or the health-conscious kind, assess your reading preference and lay your hands on beautiful books that help you grow as a person.

To aid in reading small characters or reading in the dark, a handheld magnifier with LED lights is very useful.

6. Capturing Brilliance on Film

If you have a passion for freezing all things beautiful on a film, know that it’s never too late to take up this hobby. Invest in a well-equipped camera and get started with exploring the world with it.

What’s more, you can become a member of a photography lovers group and flaunt your photography skills at the next family gathering.

7. Stir Your Soul with Music

Music is food for the soul. It gives life to your emotions and is the perfect tool to set the mood. Pick an easy-to-operate music player and play soulful melodies to cheer you up instantly. The Saregama Carvaan Mini is a handy Bluetooth speaker you can carry on the move.

Versatile enough, it lets you listen to pre-loaded old songs or stream music from your phone or pen drive. If a musical instrument excites you, go ahead and learn to play it.

Learning is a continuous process in life that helps you stay active both mentally and physically. Engaging in a hobby keeps you entertained, encourages movement, builds confidence, and promotes social interaction.

The happiness of learning something new is truly priceless! Leave your thoughts on the hobby that inspires you the most and what have you been doing to pursue it.

While festivals like ‘Diwali’ are celebrated across India with great joy and celebration, “Makar Sankranti” has great cultural, historical, and spiritual significance, which is only enhanced by the sheer variety it takes in a country rich in diversity.

Various Names of Sankranti in India

Sankranti is celebrated in almost all parts of India with distinct names. Here are some examples.

Thai Pongal (Tamilnadu)

Uttarayan (Gujarat)

Lohri (Punjab)

Poush sôngkrānti (Bengal)

Suggi Habba (Karnataka)

Makara Chaula (Odisha)

Maghi Sankrant (Maharashtra and Haryana)

Magh/Bhogali Bihu (Assam)

Shishur Saenkraat (Kashmir)

Khichdi Parv (UP and Bihar)

Is there any other Indian festival that has such variety in just the name?

Why is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?

Makar Sankranti marks the first day of the sun’s transit into Makara (Capricorn zodiac sign), marking the end of winter and the beginning of warmer and longer days. If Sankranti Chaturthi falls on Tuesday, it is called “Angarki Chaturthi” and is considered highly auspicious.

Makara Sankranti is the only Indian festival that is celebrated according to solar cycles, while most festivals follow the lunar cycle of the Hindu calendar. Hence, it almost always falls on the same Gregorian date every year (14th January), and rarely does the date shift by a day or so.

Common Rituals of Makar Sankranti

Sankranti is celebrated usually for 3 to 4 days, with each day having a set of rituals associated with it.

Kite flying — The sky is filled with colorful kites during the day and sky lanterns at night.

Folk songs and dances around bonfires, which are called “Bhogi” in Andhra Pradesh, “Lohri” in Punjab and “Meji” in Assam.

Harvesting of crops like new paddy and sugar cane.

People bathe in holy rivers, especially the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. This is believed to wash off past sins.

The offering of prayers for success and prosperity to the Sun god, who is regarded as the symbol of divinity and wisdom.

Some of the world’s largest pilgrimages like “Kumbha Mela”, “Gangasagar Mela” and “Makara Mela” are held.

Exchange of food made with jaggery and til (sesame seeds) keeps the body warm and provides oil, which is needed as winter dries up the moisture from the body.

1. Maharashtra

People celebrate Makara Sankranti in Maharashtra by exchanging til-gud as tokens of goodwill. People greet each other “तिळगुळ घ्या, आणि गोड-गोड बोला (til-gud ghyaa, aani goad-goad bola)” meaning, ‘Accept these sweets and utter sweet words.’ The underlying thought is to forgive and forget the past ill-feelings, resolve the conflicts, speak sweetly and remain friends. Women come together and perform a special ‘Haldi-Kumkum’ ceremony.

2. Gujarat

Makar Sankranti is known as “Uttarayan” in Gujarat and is celebrated for two days. The first day is Uttarayan, and the next day is Vasi-Uttarayan (Stale Uttarayan). The Gujarati people celebrate it with -

“Patang” — kites,

“Undhiyu” — a spicy curry made with winter vegetables, and

“Chikkis” — sweets made with til (sesame), peanuts and jaggery. They are a special festival recipe savoured on this day.

The sky is filled with kites as people enjoy two full days of Uttarayan on their terraces. You can hear loud voices screaming “kaypo chhe”, “e lapet”, “phirki vet phirki” and “lapet”, when the kite is cut. And that reminds you of the famous film song –

“Dheel de dheel dede re bhaiya uss patang ko dheel de

Jaisi hi masti mein aaye, uss patang ko kheench de….

Hey… kaipoche, ay lapet….. Teree patang toh gayee kam se”

3. Andhra Pradesh

Makara Sankranti is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh for three days.

Day 1 — Bhogi Panduga, when people throw away old items into the Bhogi (bonfire).

Day 2 — Pedda Panduga, meaning ‘Big Festival,’ is celebrated with prayers, new clothes, and by inviting guests for feasts. The entrance of the house is decorated with “muggu” designs, i.e. rangoli patterns, filled with colours, flowers, and “gobbemma” (small, hand-pressed piles of cow dung).

Day 3 — Kanuma, is very special for farmers. They worship and showcase their cattle that symbolises prosperity. Cockfighting was also held earlier, but now it is banned.

Day 4 — On Mukkanuma, farmers offer prayers to the elements such as soil, rain, and fire for helping the harvest. People eat meat delicacies on the last day.

4. Punjab

Makar Sankranti in Punjab takes on vibrancy, dance, and colours.

Lohri is celebrated the night before Sankranti or Maghi. The people fondly sing the famous folk song “Sunder mundriye, ho!” and perform “Giddha” , a folk dance by women and “Bhaṅgṛā” by men. They dress in bright colours and dance in a circle around the bonfire.

On Maghi, groups of children move from door to door, singing the folk-song: “Dulla Bhatti ho! Dulle ne dhi viyahi ho! Ser shakar pai ho!” (Dulla married his daughter off and gave a kilo of sugar as a marriage gift).

Savouries like gur rewri, popcorns, and peanuts are exchanged.

Farmers start their financial new year on the day after Maghi.

5. Karnataka

Makara Sankranti is celebrated in Karnataka with a ritual called “Ellu Birodhu” where women exchange “Ellu Bella” (regional delicacies made using freshly cut sugarcane, sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut) with at least 10 families. At this time, this Kannada saying is popular — “ellu bella thindu olle maathadi” meaning ‘eat the mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery and speak only good.’

Farmers celebrate as “Suggi” or ‘harvest festival’ and decorate their bulls and cows in colourful costumes. Farmers jump over fire along with their bulls, in a ritual called “Kichchu Haayisuvudu.”

6. Kerala

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in Kerala as thousands throng to see the Makara Vilakku (flame on Ponnambalamedu hill) near the Sabarimala temple when the Makara Jyothi, the celestial star appears in the sky.

The belief is that Lord Ayyappa Swami shows his presence in the form of this celestial lighting and blesses his devotees.

7. Bihar and Jharkhand

On the first day, people bathe in rivers and ponds and feast upon seasonal dishes (made with tilgud) as a celebration of a good harvest. Kite flying is, again, something to look forward too.

The second day is celebrated as Makraat, when people relish special khichdi (lentil-rice, replete with cauliflower, peas and potatoes), which is served with chokha (roasted vegetable), papad, ghee and achaar.

Makar Sankranti is a festival that makes you look forward to kites, sweets made with sesame seeds and jaggery, prayers, harvest, bonfires, and longer, warmer days. Witness this diverse celebration across the country.

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