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  • Rashi vs Zodiac Signs: Similarities, Differences and When to Use What

    It is common to get confused between rashi and zodiac sign. Although both appear the same and even share similar names, they are quite different. Rashi is decided as per the moon sign on your birth chart, whereas Zodiac signs are decided as per your birth date. Furthermore, the determination of Rashi is dependent on a lunar calendar, whereas the Zodiac sign is determined by a solar calendar.

    In this article, we will clarify how Rashi and Zodiac Signs are determined, what their similarities are, what their differences are, and why you should not follow a mix-up of both.

    How is a Rashi Determined for a Person?

    Rashi emerges from the Jyotish Shastra, an ancient Hindu philosophy that posits planetary alignments can influence a person’s mind and life. At birth, each individual’s chart is prepared according to the planetary alignment of the sun, five planets, and three moons, as well as the alignment of the star constellations (nakshatra).

    The following are the Solar System bodies that are present on the Birth Chart, often referred to as the Lagna or Kundali.

    • Sun (Surya)
    • Mercury (Budh)
    • Venus (Shukra)
    • Moon (Chandarama)
    • Mars (Mangal)
    • Jupiter (Brihaspati)
    • Saturn (Shani)
    • Rahu (probaly Phobos or Deimos)
    • Ketu (probaly Phobos or Deimos)
    Kundali Chart with House Numbers and Importance
    Kundali Chart with House Numbers and the Importance of these Houses in Life

    The chart is unique to individuals born on different dates and can vary even if they are born a few hours apart on the same dates. It is rare that any individual

    How is a Zodiac Sign determined for a person?

    A Zodiac sign is a birth sign according to the day on which a person is born. It originates from Greek and Roman philosophies and follows the same principle as Rashi (i.e., planetary alignments influence life).

    They are used to predict daily, weekly, monthly, and sometimes yearly astrological forecasts for a person. It should be noted that in Indian Astrology (Jyotisha Shastra), there is no concept of short-term predictions; rather, Jyotisha Shastra is used to determine the Dasha (bad and good phases of life).

    Below is the list of Zodiac Signs and their corresponding dates.

    • Aries (Ram): March 21–April 19.
    • Taurus (Bull): April 20–May 20.
    • Gemini (Twins): May 21–June 21.
    • Cancer (Crab): June 22–July 22.
    • Leo (Lion): July 23–August 22.
    • Virgo (Virgin): August 23–September 22.
    • Libra (Scale/Balance): September 23–October 23.
    • Scorpio (Scorpion): October 24–November 21
    • Sagittarius (Archer): November 22–December 21
    • Capricorn (Goat): December 22–January 19
    • Aquarius (Water Bearer): January 20–February 18
    • Pisces (Fish): February 19–March 20
    Zodiac Signs with Symbols
    Zodiac Signs with Symbols

    Rashi vs Zodiac Sign

    Please note that Rashifal is used to denote the impact of various astrological conditions on your life and should be used with the same meaning in this section.

    Differences

    • Rashifal in Jyotisha is decided as per the position of planets in your 1st House of the Kundali, while Zodiac signs are based on birth date as per the Solar calendar.
    • Rashifal operates on longer timeframes, such as months, years, and decades, while Zodiac works on shorter timeframes like days and weeks.
    • Rashifal is an Indian Vedic concept, while Zodiac is a Western (Greco-Roman) concept.
    • Rashifal prescribes the usage of mantras, pujas, and offerings to calm negative energies (cosmic energies in your life), whereas Zodiac prescribes wearing stones and crystals.
    • Rashifal does not seek to predict things that will happen in your life, which the Zodiac does.
    • Rashifal discusses Dashas that will impact your life, such as Shani Sadhe Saati (7.5 years of karmic churn in your life), which is not mentioned in the Zodiac.

    Suggested Reading: Shree Shani Deva Mantra

    Similarities

    • Both validate the impact of astrological conditions on a person’s life.
    • Both advice offerings aim to mitigate the negative effects of a specific planetary body.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is my Rashi/Zodiac Sign? I’m confused.

    If you seek daily astrological predictions, use your Zodiac Sign as per the Solar Calendar and not the Rashi (which uses the Lunar Calendar).

    However, if you seek long term solutions, then use Rashi mentioned in your birth chart.

    Are Rashis and Zodiac Signs the same?

    Nope, a person can have a different Zodiac Sign and Rashi. For example, a person born on a certain date has a Scorpio (Vrishchik) Zodiac Sign but Dhanu (Sagittarius) Rashi.

  • Shri Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam, Powerful Bhajan With Lyrics

    Shri Kaal Bhairav is a fierce deity and is a form of Bhagwaan Shiva. He took birth from Shiva’s matted hair (जटा). Worshipping Shri Kaal Bhairav can help you get rid of your troubles but only by reinveting yourself. The deity will prevent undue harm to your and your family.

    If you can, you must visit the principle temple of Shri Kaal Bhairav in Kashi (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh).

    Ashtakam in Devanagari (Sanskrit, Hindi)

    The bhajan praises Shri Kaal Bhairava, his attributes, powers, and his abilities. It also asks for the end of one’s bad habits, bad behaviours and asks for good blessings from the deity.

    देवराजसेव्यमानपावनांघ्रिपङ्कजं व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् ।
    नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगंबरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ १॥

    भानुकोटिभास्वरं भवाब्धितारकं परं नीलकण्ठमीप्सितार्थदायकं त्रिलोचनम् ।
    कालकालमंबुजाक्षमक्षशूलमक्षरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ २॥

    शूलटंकपाशदण्डपाणिमादिकारणं श्यामकायमादिदेवमक्षरं निरामयम् ।
    भीमविक्रमं प्रभुं विचित्रताण्डवप्रियं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ३॥

    भुक्तिमुक्तिदायकं प्रशस्तचारुविग्रहं भक्तवत्सलं स्थितं समस्तलोकविग्रहम् ।
    विनिक्वणन्मनोज्ञहेमकिङ्किणीलसत्कटिं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥ ४॥

    धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशनं कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मधायकं विभुम् ।
    स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाशशोभितांगमण्डलं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ५॥

    रत्नपादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकं नित्यमद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरंजनम् ।
    मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षणं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ६॥

    अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसंततिं दृष्टिपात्तनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनम् ।
    अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकाधरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ७॥

    भूतसंघनायकं विशालकीर्तिदायकं काशिवासलोकपुण्यपापशोधकं विभुम् ।
    नीतिमार्गकोविदं पुरातनं जगत्पतिं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ८॥

    ॥ फल श्रुति॥

    कालभैरवाष्टकं पठंति ये मनोहरं ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधनं विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनम् ।
    शोकमोहदैन्यलोभकोपतापनाशनं प्रयान्ति कालभैरवांघ्रिसन्निधिं नरा ध्रुवम् ॥

    ॥इति कालभैरवाष्टकम् संपूर्णम् ॥

    Meaning

    Stanza 1

    देवराजसेव्यमानपावनांघ्रिपङ्कजं व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् ।

    The Kaal Bhairava is worshipped (served) by Devaraj (Indra). He has a snake as his janeyu and moon on the head. He is extremely compassionate.

    नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगंबरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ १॥

    He is worshipped by Narada, and other Yogis including Digambar Sadhu. He is the lord of Kashipura (Varanasi) and we sing his bhajan.

    Stanza 2

    भानुकोटिभास्वरं भवाब्धितारकं परं नीलकण्ठमीप्सितार्थदायकं त्रिलोचनम् ।

    He has the brilliance of one koti suns (100,00,000 or 1 crore). He rescues us from the ocean of our lives (where every human seems to be lost). He is Neealkantha because he drank poison (Bhagwan Shiva drank poison from Samudra Manthan to save the world), He blesses us with prosperities, the lord with Three Eyes (Triloachanam).

    कालकालमंबुजाक्षमक्षशूलमक्षरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ २॥

    He is the kaal of kaal (death), he has lotus eyes. His trishul supports the three worlds (Swarga, Prithvi, Naraka). We worship the supreme lord of Kashi, Shri Kaal Bhairav.

    Stanza 3

    शूलटंकपाशदण्डपाणिमादिकारणं श्यामकायमादिदेवमक्षरं निरामयम् ।

    He has trishul, he has a battle axe (pasha), a noose, and a club is his hands. It is he who was at the beginning of the universe. The dark bodied, the elder god (aadi deva), he is imperishable(maksharam), and is beyond any bodily suffering (niramayam).

    भीमविक्रमं प्रभुं विचित्रताण्डवप्रियं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ३॥

    The lord is the owner of very strong powers (bhima vikrama), and he loves the special (vichitra) tandava. We sing the bhajan of Kashi Nath Shri Kaal Bhairav.

    Stanza 4

    भुक्तिमुक्तिदायकं प्रशस्तचारुविग्रहं भक्तवत्सलं स्थितं समस्तलोकविग्रहम् ।

    He gives us prosperity, and also liberates us from this world. He has an auspicious and pleasant body (vigraha). He is very kind to his devotees, and he stands firmly with people from all lokas (samasta loka vigramham).

    विनिक्वणन्मनोज्ञहेमकिङ्किणीलसत्कटिं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥ ४॥

    He has shiny golden bells (nishk or nik) around his waist which produce pleasing sounds (kin kini). We worship the Shri Kaal Bhairav, who is lord of Kashi.

    Stanza 5

    धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशनं कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मधायकं विभुम् ।

    He is the keeper of the bridge of Dharma, and is the destroyer of the adharma path. He frees us from our Karma and is the giver of joy (susharma). He is adorned by golden serpents on his body.

    स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाशशोभितांगमण्डलं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ५॥

    He is adorned by golden serpents on his body. The supreme lord of Kashi, for whom we are singing the bhajan.

    Stanza 6

    रत्नपादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकं नित्यमद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरंजनम् ।

    His feet is adorned by sandals (paduka) which is studded with gems (ratna). He is eternal, unqiue, and the ishta devata (favourite god). He is stainless and pure.

    मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षणं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ६॥

    He is the destroyer of death (akala mrityu), eliminates the fear of death from our hearts, and his formidable fangs (similar to a snake) gives us moksha. We sing the bhajan of Lord of Kashi, Shri Kaal Bhairav.

    Stanza 7

    अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसंततिं दृष्टिपात्तनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनम् ।

    His formidable laughter shatters the shell of delusion from our mind. His mere glance destroys the net of bad karma (sins) of our lives.

    अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकाधरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ७॥

    His is the giver of 8 siddhis. His necklace is made of skulls (from cremation grounds). He is the lord of Kashi and we sing his bhajan.

    Stanza 8

    भूतसंघनायकं विशालकीर्तिदायकं काशिवासलोकपुण्यपापशोधकं विभुम् ।

    He is the leader of all bhutas. His is the giver of very grand deeds. He frees the people of Kashi from all kinds of karma (good or bad).

    नीतिमार्गकोविदं पुरातनं जगत्पतिं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ८॥

    He is the shower of the good path (niti marg) in which he is highly skilled. He is the ancient lord of the world. We sing the bhajan of Shri Kaal Bhairav, the lord of Kashi.

    Fala Shruti

    कालभैरवाष्टकं पठंति ये मनोहरं ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधनं विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनम् ।

    शोकमोहदैन्यलोभकोपतापनाशनं प्रयान्ति कालभैरवांघ्रिसन्निधिं नरा ध्रुवम् ॥

    Whoever reads this Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam with happiness, his thoughts will be free and his good karma will increase several folds. The bhakta’s sorrow, greed, anger, and evil thoughts will be destroyed. After death, he will be at the feet of Shri Kaal Bhairav.

    Further Reading: Shree Shani Deva Mantra


  • Shree Shani Deva Mantra

    Shanidev has been classified as one of the primarly planet deities in Sanatan. He is the son of Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhaya Devi.

    Siblings of Shanidev include the lord of death, Yam, and the holy river Yamuna. The wife consort of Shani Dev is Damini, daughter of Gandharva King Chitrarath.

    Beej Mantra

    The beej mantra is a shortened mantra (like a seed, and hence the name) of a main mantra and is often used for doing jaap (chanting).

    ॐ प्रां प्रीं प्रौं सः शनैश्चराय नमः

    Full Mantra

    Below is the Dhyana Mantra or Meditation mantra for Shani Dev.

    Sanskrit

    ॐ नीलांजन समाभासं रविपुत्रं यमग्रजम |

    छायामार्तंड संभूतं तम नमामि शनैश्चरम ||

    Word-by-Word Meaning:

    1. ॐ (Om) – The universal sound, a sacred syllable that represents the Supreme Being.
    2. नीलांजन समाभासं (Nīlāñjana Samābhāsam) –
      • नीलांजन (Nīlāñjana) – Refers to a deep blue or black-colored substance like collyrium (kajal/kohl).
      • समाभासं (Samābhāsam) – One who shines or appears like.
      • Together, it means: “One who has a complexion resembling deep blue collyrium or dark clouds.”
      • This represents Shani Dev’s dark complexion and his association with the planet Saturn.
    3. रविपुत्रं (Raviputram) –
      • रवि (Ravi) – The Sun (Surya).
      • पुत्रं (Putram) – Son.
      • Together: “The son of Surya (the Sun God).”
      • Lord Shani is the son of Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhaya (his shadow wife).
    4. यमग्रजम (Yamagrajam) –
      • यम (Yama) – The god of death.
      • अग्रज (Agraja) – Elder brother.
      • Together: “The elder brother of Yama (the god of death).”
      • Yama and Shani share the same father, Surya, but different mothers.
    5. छायामार्तानंद संभूतं (Chhāyāmārtānanda Sambhūtam) –
      • छाया (Chhāyā) – Shadow (Shani’s mother).
      • आर्त (Ārta) – Afflicted or sorrowful.
      • आनंद (Ānanda) – Bliss or joy.
      • संभूतं (Sambhūtam) – Born from.
      • Together: “Born from Chhaya, who experiences both sorrow and joy.”
      • This signifies Shani Dev’s birth from Goddess Chhaya, the shadow of Surya’s wife, Sandhya.
    6. तम नमामि शनैश्चरम (Tam Namāmi Śanaiścaram) –
      • तम (Tam) – Him (Shani Dev).
      • नमामि (Namāmi) – I bow down or offer salutations.
      • शनैश्चरम (Śanaiścaram) –
        • शनैः (Śanaiḥ) – Slowly or gradually.
        • चरम (Caram) – One who moves.
        • Together: “One who moves slowly.”
        • This refers to the slow movement of Saturn in the sky, as it is the slowest-moving planet among the Navagrahas.

    Overall Meaning:

    “I bow down to Lord Shani, who shines like blue collyrium, the son of Surya, the elder brother of Yama, born from Chhaya, and who moves slowly in the celestial sphere.”

  • BJD Releases its First Candidates List for 2024 Odisha Assembly and Lok Sabha Elections

    The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has released its list of candidates for the 2024 Odisha state assembly elections on 28 March 2024. The state assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections are to occur concurrently in the state. The latest list also includes 9 Lok Sabha Seats.

    CM Naveen Patnaik will to fight the election for the 6th term as Odisha’s CM. As always, the present CM Naveen Patnaik is going to contest from the Hinjili Assembly Constituency.

    Below is the list of each seat, seat number, their corresponding district and the BJD candidate for that region.

    I will also report a list of BJP candidates in Odisha when the list becomes public.

    BJD Candidates for Odisha Lok Sabha Elections 2024

    BJD Election Symbol

    BJD Election Symbol

    PhaseDateLok Sabha SeatsBJD CandidatesBJP Candidates
    Phase 413 May 20241. Kalahandi (ST)
    2. Nabarangpur (ST)
    3. Berhampur
    4. Koraput (ST)    		1. Labodhar Nial
    2. Pradeep Majhi
    3. Chandra Sekhar Sahu
    4. Kausalya Hikaka    		1. Malvika Kesari Deo
    2. Balabhadra Majhi
    3. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy
    4. Kaleram Majhi
    Phase 520 May 20241. Bargarh
    2. Sundargarh (ST)
    3. Bolangir
    4. Kandhamal
    5. Aska    		1.
    2. Dilip Tirkey
    3. Kalikesh N. Singh Deo
    4. Achyuta Samanta
    5. Ranjita Sahu    		1. Pradip Purohit
    2. Jual Oram
    3.
    4.
    5. Anita Subhadarshini
    Phase 625 May 20241. Sambalpur
    2. Keonjhar
    3. Dhenkanal
    4. Puri
    5. Bhubaneswar
    6. Cuttack    		1. Pranab Prakash Das
    2.
    3.
    4.
    5.
    6.     		1. Dharmendra Pradhan
    2. Ananta Nayak
    3. Rudra Narayan Pany
    4. Sambit Patra
    5. Aparajita Sarangi
    6.
    Phase 71 June 20241. Mayurbhanj (ST)
    2. Balasore
    3. Bhadrak
    4. Jajpur
    5. Kendrapara
    6. Jagatsinghpur (SC)    		1. Sudam Marandi
    2.
    3.
    4.
    5.
    6.     		1. Naba Charan Majhi
    2. Pratap Chandra Sarangi
    3. Avimanyu Sethi
    4.
    5. Baijayant (Jay) Panda
    6. Bibhu Prasad Tarai
    Source: WION, Wikipedia

    BJD Candidates for Odisha State Assembly 2024

    Seat NumberSeatDistrictCandidate Name
    22AnandpurKendujhar
    61AngulAngul
    128AskaGanjam
    89AthgarhCuttack
    63AthmallikAngul
    4AttabiraBargarh
    98AulKendrapara
    32BadasahiMayurbhanj
    38BalasoreBalasore
    82BaligudaKandhamal
    103Baliguda-ErasamaJagatsinghpur
    29BangriposiMayurbhanj
    88BankiCuttack
    90Barabati-CuttackCuttack
    87BarambaCuttack
    50BarchanaJajpur
    3BargarhBargarh
    49Bari Jajpur
    33Baripada Mayubhanj
    37BastaBalasore
    45BasudevpurBhadrak
    116BeguniaKhurda
    133BerhampurGanjam
    44BhadrakBhadrak
    43BhandaripokariBhadrak
    123BhanjanagarGanjam
    5BhatliBargarh
    80Bhawanipatna Kalahandi
    36BhograiBalasore
    112Bhubaneswar CentralKhurda
    113Bhubaneswar NorthKhurda
    2BijepurBargarh
    48BinjharpurJajpur
    10BiramitrapurSundargarh
    64BirmaharajpurSubarnapur
    139Bissam CuttackRayagada
    68BolangirBolangir
    14BonaiSundargarh
    86BoudhBoudh
    108BrahmagiriPuri
    6BrajrajnagarJharsuguda
    25ChampuaKeonjhar
    47Chandabali
    127ChhatrapurGanjam
    62Chhendipada
    135ChikitiGanjam
    118ChilikaKhurda
    147ChitrakondaMalkangiri
    91Choudwar-CuttackCuttack
    93Cuttack SadarCuttack
    76DabugamNabarangpur
    121DaspallaNayagarh
    19DeogarhDeogarh
    46DhamnagarBhadrak
    79DharmagarhKalahandi
    51DharmasalaJajpur
    55DhenkanalDhenkanal
    134DigapahandiGanjam
    114Ekarma BhubaneshwarKhurda
    83G. UdayagiriKandhamal
    21GhasipuraKeonjhar
    132GopalpurGanjam
    138GunupurRayagada
    56HindolDhenkanal
    131HinjiliGanjam
    104JagatsinghpurJagatsinghpur
    52JajpurJajpur
    35JaleswarBalasore
    26JashipurMayurbhanj
    115JataniKhurda
    111JayadevKhurda
    143JeyporeKoraput
    74JharigamNabarangpur
    7JharsugudaJharsuguda
    78JunagarhKalahandi
    125KabisuryanagarGanjam
    105KakatpurPuri
    57KamakhyanagarDhenkanal
    70KantabanjiBolangir
    85KantamalBoudh
    30KaranjiaMayurbhanj
    97KendraparaKendrapara
    24KeonjharKeonjhar
    126KhalikoteGanjam
    120KhandapadaNayagarh
    72KhariarNuapada
    117KhurdaKhurda
    144KoraputKoraput
    53KoreiJajpur
    142KotpadKoraput
    15KuchindaSambalpur
    141LakshmipurKoraput
    77LanjigarhKalahandi
    66LoisinghaBolangir
    100MahakalapadaKendrapara
    95MahangaCuttack
    146MalkangiriMalkangiri
    136MohanaGajapati
    34MoradaMayurbhanj
    75NabarangpurNabarangpur
    81NarlaKalahandi
    122NayagarhNayagarh
    92NialiCuttack
    40NilagiriBalasore
    106NimaparaPuri
    71NuapadaNuapada
    1PadampurBargarh
    59PallaharaAngul
    101ParadeepJagatsinghpur
    58ParjangaDhenkanal
    137ParlakhemundiGajapati
    96PatkuraKendrapara
    23PatnaKeonjhar
    67PatnagarhBolangir
    84PhulbaniKandhamal
    110PipliPuri
    124PolasaraGanjam
    145PottangiKoraput
    107PuriPuri
    11RaghunathpaliSundargarh
    18RairakholSambalpur
    28RairangpurMayurbhanj
    99RajanagarKendrapara
    13RajgangpurSundargarh
    119RanpurNayagarh
    140RayagadaRayagada
    39RemunaBalasore
    16RengaliSambalpur
    12RourkelaSundargarh
    94SalipurCuttack
    17SambalpurSambalpur
    130SanakhelmundiGanjam
    27SaraskanaMayurbhanj
    109SatyabadiPuri
    42SimuliaBalasore
    65SonepurSubarnapur
    41SoroBalasore
    54SukindaJajpur
    9SundargarhSundargarh
    129SuradaGanjam
    60TalcherAngul
    8TalsaraSundargarh
    20TelkoiKeonjhar
    102TirtolJagatsinghpur
    69TitilagarhBolangir
    31UdalaMayurbhanj
    73UmerkoteNabarangpur

  • How Personalized Songs are Shaping a New Gifting Trend in 2024?

    A new gifting trend has emerged in the world of personalized gifting where people can order personalized songs for them or their loved ones. These songs have effectively made their place within the gifting niche nowadays with several companies competing to provide songs at ultra low prices.

    Personalized song refers to those whose lyrics are written as per the customer’s instruction. These songs may contain names, life story, an emotional moment or a few other personalized details of the customer.

    A New Era of Gifting

    Gifting is always about surprising the person who will receive the gift. All our life we have seen people going out of ways to gift something unique.

    However, that is simply not possible for everyone. Our busy lives and hectic schedules are taking away the time to think, the money to spend and the effort to create the gift.

    However, that changes with customized gifts. Now you can easily order a cup, mug, t-shirt or even a custom song for your occasions.

    Why Personalized Songs have Great Appeal?

    Personalized songs tend to capture the emotions associated with the gift giver as well as the gift taker.

    Because its Easy to Order. Suppose a son/daughter wishes to gift a personalized song to their mother on Mother’s Day, they can easily get on a website like Melotales, and just order the song with just ₹999. The song will be delivered within a few days straight to your phone.

    Emotional Appeal. Most of us pick special gifts only for the special ones in our lives. What we often overlook is that there exists bitter sweet memories with all our closed ones. Custom songs turn these memories into beautiful melodies that evokes emotions and appeals the the core of the heart.

    For All Occasions – Birthdays, Anniversaries and Even Weddings

    This is true for other occasions too, like anniversaries, birthdays, engagements and even weddings. Gone are the days when we used to play the usual Bollywood songs.

    Also between young age couple of GenZ and Millenials, the song gifting trend has really picked up. We had contacted two companies regarding the same song gifting trend, and we learn that this gifting culture is on the rise. The primary reasons that told us for its success was pricing and easy order process.

    Making an Impact in Corporate Gifting

    For those like me who have worked in a lot of corporate settings, we know how tight are HR budgets in companies. Gifting budgets are typically around ₹4000 ($50) for most companies.

    With that small of a budget, it gets incredibly difficult to choose a gift worth gifting.

    Custom songs make a very good fit in such settings. With pricing starting around ₹1000, gifting a song makes much more sense. It validates all the efforts that employees seek and deserve from their companies.

    Corporate Jingles

    Further, custom songs can also be created for corporates. These songs, called Jingles, are an old technique of crating brand value. This is because our mind remembers the brands much more clear when we listen to their jingles.

    Read More: Corporate Jingles as a Proven Marketing Gimmick in 2024

  • Corporate Jingles as a Proven Marketing Gimmick in 2024

    Custom songs, called Jingles, are an old technique of crating brand value. All of us remember iconic ads from our childhood that still resonates in our minds.

    Below is an example of Ghadi Detergent. There is a solid reason why the company still uses the jingle below. “Pehle istemaal karein fir vishwaas karein.”

    The reason why we still remember iconic ads was because of their corporate jingles. Melotales is one of the major players in these markets.

    When we asked how they came up with this idea, they said that most ads in the new age are rarely able to communicate with that power as they used to. With reducing attention spans and increasing competition, jingles are the best way forward for corporates to make an impact on people.

    Their corporate jingles are available on custom orders and claim to provide the highest value for money. Within a few hundred dollars, these custom songs are prepared and delivered straight to the company. Melotales also helps companies copyright these jingles.

    Psychology of Corporate Jingles

    US-based National Library of Medicine (NCBI) identifies why corporate jingles work better than most ads. A report released by them shows that music invokes emotions which then enhances memory.

    A strong affinity is created when people hear the right tune or right jingles. This then translates to brand affinity and the customer becomes a loyal buyer.

    3 Successful Corporate Jingles in History

    There are many successful examples of corporate jingles with some of them being universally recognized for their memorable jingles.

    Ghadi, Pehle Istemaal Karein, Fir Vishwaas Karein

    Tell me a person who doesn’t remember this ad.

    Released in multiple languages, the Ghadi ad has been the most household name for decades thanks to their jingle which not only acts as a promoter of their brand but also attracts the users to test it before trying.

    Even though the ad wasn’t perfect, yet it was one of the most successful ads ever. I am saying it was imperfect because the ad asks users to try it first. But the question is where? Ghadi neither said a place, not it provided any free sample to check. Even for buying the sachet, the user has to pay money, and that increases its sales.

    “Red Bull Gives You Wings.”

    The Redbull is yet another iconic ad creator. To market its image as a strong caffeinated drink, Redbull claims in the ad that it gave you wings (i.e., a lift for your moods).

    Though there were lawsuits on the ad, the company simply put an extra “i” in the word Wings and re-started its campaing.

    Washing Powder Nirma

    The jingle was more of a song and it mostly describes the best qualities of the product. The ad cleverly addresses that Nirma washes both whites and colourless clothes and makes them perfectly stain free.

    Want such Memorable Jingles at a Discount?

    Melotales has been a successful creator of several corporate jingles. At a fraction of price, you get studio-grade clarity, professional language, top tier voice overs and singers and even a copyright over your song.

    You can contact them at this link. With my experience with them, they are very responsive and quick in service.

  • CAA 2019 Gets Notified in India, To Weed Out Illegal Foreigners

    The Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) 2019 was finally notified in March 11, 2024, almost 4 years after it was passed as an act of Indian Parliament in 2019. The law facilitates the protection of religions of Indian origin and is aimed to weed out illegal nationals from India.

    Tweet by Indian Government

    Why is the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) so Hotly Debated?

    In 2019, the Citizenship Amendment Act(2019) was a Hotly Debated topic after it was passed in parliament. This law sparked controversy due to several rumors which mislead Muslims that their citizenship would be in danger. The law had no provision that took away anyone’s citizenship.

    Several parties in India also used this rumor to fuel their political gains against the Bharatiya Janata Party led Government.

    “Provided that any person belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or
    Christian community from Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan, who entered into
    India on or before the 31st day of December, 2014 and who has been exempted by the
    Central Government by or under clause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 3 of the
    Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 or from the application of the provisions of the
    Foreigners Act, 1946 or any rule or order made thereunder, shall not be treated as
    illegal migrant for the purposes of this Act;”.

    Section 2 of the CAA Act 2019

    What does the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) say?

    Here is a brief overview of the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 explained based on my research of the Citizenship Act 1955 and 2019.

    Objective

    The CAA aims to provide a pathway to Indian citizenship for persecuted minorities from three neighboring countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

    Eligible Communities

    It specifically focuses on six minority communities from these countries – Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians. The last were included as they did not have a home-country in south Asia.

    Cut-off Date

    The Act applies to individuals who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, thereby excluding recent immigrants. This also reduces the waiting period for Naturalization from earlier 11 years to now just 5 years.

    Exemptions to the CAA Act

    The Act does not apply to tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, nor does it apply to areas covered under the “Inner Line” permit system. The reason being it was presumed that tribals existed on the land much before the modern state of India was constituted.

    (4) Nothing in this section shall apply to tribal area of Assam, Meghalaya,
    Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and the
    area covered under “The Inner Line” notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier
    Regulation, 1873.’.

    Section 3 Part 6B (4) of The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019

    National Register of Citizens (NRC)

    Although not a part of the CAA, it is often associated with the proposed National Register of Citizens, which aims to document legal citizens. NRA needs to be implemented to document the list of citizens of India.

  • Asana Mantra

    This is the asana mantra that I have seen my grandfather read before performing daily puja.

    पृथिव्या, मेरु पृष्ठ ऋषिः।
    सुतलं छन्दः कूर्मो देवता।
    पृथ्वीत्वया धृता लोका देवि त्वं।
    विष्णुना धृता, त्वंच धारयामाम्।
    देवि पवित्रं कुरु सासनम्।

    Meaning of the Asana Mantra

    पृथिव्या, मेरु पृष्ठ ऋषिः।

    Oh mother Earth, and sacred Meru Mountain.

    सुतलं छन्दः कूर्मो देवता।

    One of the seven lower worlds. Borne by the Kurma Devata.

    पृथ्वीत्वया धृता लोका देवि त्वं।

    Mother Earth, by your boon, all worlds are borne.

    विष्णुना धृता, त्वंच धारयामाम्।

    Goddes Earth, you are borne by Vishnu (Varaaha Avatar), we are sustaining.

    देवि पवित्रं कुरु सासनम् |

    Oh devi Earth, please make this place holy.

  • Chandresh Pandey, Sculptor of the New Ram Lalla Idol from Jaipur

    Chandresh Pandey is a sculptor based in Jaipur chose idol of Bhagwan Ram, Mata Sita and Laxman were selected for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The idols are 51 inches in height and are made from black stone.

    The details were shared by Champat Rai, the General Secretary of Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust who also added that the idols were very attractive to behold.

    One Among 3 Sculptors for Ram Mandir

    Chandresh Pandey was chosen as one of the three main sculptors of the Ram Mandir. This news was too shared by Champat Rai.

    The first idol is of the Ram Lalla, which is being built using black stone by Chandresh.

    The other two sculptors are responsible for creating two more sets of statues one of which is the set of 3 statues in Ram Darbar and the second statue is of Bhagwan Ram in his teenage years.

  • Champat Rai, General Secy. Ram Mandir Trust (2020), Intl. VP of VHP

    Champat Rai is the General Secretary of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir Trust in 2020. Rai is also the International Vice President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

    Early Life

    Rai is a resident of Bijnor District in the Uttar Pradesh.

    He was born in 1946 to father Rameshwar Prasad Bansal.

    In early life, Champat Rai was influenced by the philosophy of RSS and had joined it since childhood.

    Champat Rai was even jailed for 18 months (starting in 1975) during emergency when several non-congress politicians, media persons, and journalists, were forcefully imprisoned for having a different point of view than the then Congress Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

    Champat Rai, General Secretary of Ram Mandir Ayodhya
    Champat Rai, General Secretary of Ram Mandir Ayodhya

    Ram Mandir Struggle

    Champat Rai was one of the main litigants of the Ram Mandir legal struggle which resulted in a verdict that led to the creation of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

    Rai on the Extreme Left Extending Ram Mandir Invite to PM Modi
    Rai on the Extreme Left Extending Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha Pujan Invite to PM Modi

    Rai was among the few people who went to extend an invite to PM Modi for the Pran Pratishtha Pujan of the Ram Mandir.

    He also clarified the issue of who was building Ram Lalla’s new idol. He shared that the idol was being built in black stone by Chandresh Pandey, a sculptor from Jaipur.

    #NOTE: A Pran Pratistha Pujan is the process of consecrating a deity in a temple. It is believed that after the puja, the deity resides in the temple as a living God and not just as an idol. It is different than Bhumi Pujan which is done before the construction of a temple, house or place of business.