text:
The purpose of the foundation is to support and develop ties between Belgium and Sweden as a tribute to the memory of Queen Astrid of Belgium. Its activity is based on donations from Consul General Karl Erik Hedborg.
The foundation at present distributes grants of about 200 000 SEK annually. Grants may be awarded e.g. in support of higher academic studies, research exchange, printing and translation of literary or scientific works as well as in support of art exhibitions, concerts and lectures that serve the purpose of strengthening the ties between Sweden and Belgium.
The board of directors decides on applications for grants at its two annual meetings in April and November. To be dealt with at these meetings applications for grants must have reached the secretary of the foundation on March 15 or on October 15 at the latest.
Applications to be made in accordance with the following principles (see template).
Karl-Erik Hedborg (1889 - 1988) began working for Svenska Tändsticksaktiebolaget (STAB) shortly after graduating as an MSc in Engineering. In 1920 he was appointed managing director of STAB subsidiary Union Allumettière in Belgium. He resigned in 1956 but continued his activities in support of the company and of bilateral relations between Sweden and Belgium.
Through the years 1928 - 1962 he was also Swedish Consul General in Brussels and played an important role, not least during the German occupation 1940 - 1945. His position as a diplomat of a neutral country made it possible for him to contribute significantly to the transition from German occupation to independent Belgian rule.
During most of the 20th century Karl Erik Hedborg and his wife Petra were prominent personalities in the Nordic community of Brussels, working tirelessly to strengthen the ties between Sweden and Belgium. The foundation charged with continuing this work was established on March 7 1984.
Have you applied for/received other grants? From where?
How did you hear of the Hedborg Foundation?

lowercased:
the purpose of the foundation is to support and develop ties between belgium and sweden as a tribute to the memory of queen astrid of belgium. its activity is based on donations from consul general karl erik hedborg.
the foundation at present distributes grants of about 200 000 sek annually. grants may be awarded e.g. in support of higher academic studies, research exchange, printing and translation of literary or scientific works as well as in support of art exhibitions, concerts and lectures that serve the purpose of strengthening the ties between sweden and belgium.
the board of directors decides on applications for grants at its two annual meetings in april and november. to be dealt with at these meetings applications for grants must have reached the secretary of the foundation on march 15 or on october 15 at the latest.
applications to be made in accordance with the following principles (see template).
karl-erik hedborg (1889 - 1988) began working for svenska tändsticksaktiebolaget (stab) shortly after graduating as an msc in engineering. in 1920 he was appointed managing director of stab subsidiary union allumettière in belgium. he resigned in 1956 but continued his activities in support of the company and of bilateral relations between sweden and belgium.
through the years 1928 - 1962 he was also swedish consul general in brussels and played an important role, not least during the german occupation 1940 - 1945. his position as a diplomat of a neutral country made it possible for him to contribute significantly to the transition from german occupation to independent belgian rule.
during most of the 20th century karl erik hedborg and his wife petra were prominent personalities in the nordic community of brussels, working tirelessly to strengthen the ties between sweden and belgium. the foundation charged with continuing this work was established on march 7 1984.
have you applied for/received other grants? from where?
how did you hear of the hedborg foundation?


text:
With just a few weeks to go until the runners and riders are in their stalls ready for the off, bookmakers are beginning to speculate on which pairing will come away victorious in this year's King George VI Chase presented by William Hill. Although it's set to take place after the turkey has been carved, the 2015 Chase at Kempton Park looks to have all the makings of a Christmas cracker. As ever, the Boxing Day event will be littered with talent; currently heading the pack as the clear favourite is Vautour.
Coming off the back of a highly impressive novice season, Vautour looks to be the horse to beat this year. Many bookmakers, including the headline sponsor William Hill Sports, are currently pricing the in-form runner at 5/2 to win. Fuelling the fire beneath Vautour heading into the Kempton showdown are his powerful performances at Cheltenham and Ascot.
As well as showing he's a strong front runner by demolishing the field by 15 lengths in the JLT Novice Chase, Vautour then went on to prove he can grind out a convincing win under pressure in the Stella Artois 1965 Chase. Yet, if the chasing pack gets anywhere close to Vautour like Ptit Zig at Ascot, then the outcome might be different and punters may want to look elsewhere for a safe bet.
Despite being a strong horse, Ptit Zig isn't set to match up to Don Cossack, who will enter the race in fine form. For this season's tipsters there have been few better horses in England or Ireland than Don Cossack. The Gordon Elliot-trained eight-year-old was awarded the top-rated National Hunt chaser in 2015 thanks to wins in eight out of nine starts.
This pedigree has pushed William Hill Sports to offer odds of 4/1 on Don Cossack, a sentiment that's been echoed across the industry by the likes of Ladbrokes Sports and Coral Sports. However, despite jockey Brian Cooper suggesting that Don Cossack will "set the standard" in the Chase, there are concerns that his last two outings weren't enough of a test.
Comfortable wins against soft fields at Punchestown and Down Royal could cause the German-born chaser to take his foot off the gas heading into the King George. Although unlikely to be the case, this outcome would be nothing short of a disaster for his confident team. Indeed, aside from Vautour as a legitimate contender, Cue Card appears to be a different horse following a successful operation on a trapped epiglottis.
According to trainer Colin Tizzard, Cue Card looks to be back to his best this year. A comfortable win at Haydock in the Betfair Chase has seen many bookmakers, including William Hill Sports, slash the runner's odds from 10/1 to 5/1. On top of his current form, history also seems to be on the side of Cue Card. In the last eight years, four of the previous winners of the Betfair Chase have gone on to win the King George.
However, if Cue Card is going to take the Chase crown on Boxing Day, he'll have to do it by seeing off one of his old rivals and the defending champion: Silviniaco Conti. It's well known that Silviniaco Conti loves the ground at Kempton and another strong performance in the Betfair Chase showed that he's close to his best form.
In the Silviniaco Conti/Cue Card head-to-head stakes, it's the latter who now leads by four wins to three. That slight edge could weigh heavy on Silviniaco Conti's mind heading into the race; however, at 12/1 with most bookmakers, including Ladbrokes Sports and William Hill Sports, there's certainly a lot of value in the current champion.
As for the rest of the field, there is of course always the chance of an upset. However, outside of the four top picks, it looks as though the rest will struggle to steal a win. Coneygree (6/1), Ptit Zig (12/1) and Saphir Du Rheu (12/1) could all push the pace, but it would certainly be a surprise if any of these three storm to victory in the 2015 William Hill King George VI Chase.
If you're confident you can back this year's Boxing Day winner, visit William Hill Sports today.

lowercased:
with just a few weeks to go until the runners and riders are in their stalls ready for the off, bookmakers are beginning to speculate on which pairing will come away victorious in this year's king george vi chase presented by william hill. although it's set to take place after the turkey has been carved, the 2015 chase at kempton park looks to have all the makings of a christmas cracker. as ever, the boxing day event will be littered with talent; currently heading the pack as the clear favourite is vautour.
coming off the back of a highly impressive novice season, vautour looks to be the horse to beat this year. many bookmakers, including the headline sponsor william hill sports, are currently pricing the in-form runner at 5/2 to win. fuelling the fire beneath vautour heading into the kempton showdown are his powerful performances at cheltenham and ascot.
as well as showing he's a strong front runner by demolishing the field by 15 lengths in the jlt novice chase, vautour then went on to prove he can grind out a convincing win under pressure in the stella artois 1965 chase. yet, if the chasing pack gets anywhere close to vautour like ptit zig at ascot, then the outcome might be different and punters may want to look elsewhere for a safe bet.
despite being a strong horse, ptit zig isn't set to match up to don cossack, who will enter the race in fine form. for this season's tipsters there have been few better horses in england or ireland than don cossack. the gordon elliot-trained eight-year-old was awarded the top-rated national hunt chaser in 2015 thanks to wins in eight out of nine starts.
this pedigree has pushed william hill sports to offer odds of 4/1 on don cossack, a sentiment that's been echoed across the industry by the likes of ladbrokes sports and coral sports. however, despite jockey brian cooper suggesting that don cossack will "set the standard" in the chase, there are concerns that his last two outings weren't enough of a test.
comfortable wins against soft fields at punchestown and down royal could cause the german-born chaser to take his foot off the gas heading into the king george. although unlikely to be the case, this outcome would be nothing short of a disaster for his confident team. indeed, aside from vautour as a legitimate contender, cue card appears to be a different horse following a successful operation on a trapped epiglottis.
according to trainer colin tizzard, cue card looks to be back to his best this year. a comfortable win at haydock in the betfair chase has seen many bookmakers, including william hill sports, slash the runner's odds from 10/1 to 5/1. on top of his current form, history also seems to be on the side of cue card. in the last eight years, four of the previous winners of the betfair chase have gone on to win the king george.
however, if cue card is going to take the chase crown on boxing day, he'll have to do it by seeing off one of his old rivals and the defending champion: silviniaco conti. it's well known that silviniaco conti loves the ground at kempton and another strong performance in the betfair chase showed that he's close to his best form.
in the silviniaco conti/cue card head-to-head stakes, it's the latter who now leads by four wins to three. that slight edge could weigh heavy on silviniaco conti's mind heading into the race; however, at 12/1 with most bookmakers, including ladbrokes sports and william hill sports, there's certainly a lot of value in the current champion.
as for the rest of the field, there is of course always the chance of an upset. however, outside of the four top picks, it looks as though the rest will struggle to steal a win. coneygree (6/1), ptit zig (12/1) and saphir du rheu (12/1) could all push the pace, but it would certainly be a surprise if any of these three storm to victory in the 2015 william hill king george vi chase.
if you're confident you can back this year's boxing day winner, visit william hill sports today.


text:
Investigator services are services which consist of surveillance and missing person investigations. There are other services that investigators present but not a lot of people know about them. Surveillance is the most used solution as it usually entails following someone to see where they go and what they are performing. A lot of the time individuals need to locate out where an estranged spouse is living so they can deliver legal documents and so on. We can generally do this by following the Target property from their work place. At the very same time they might desire to know if the estranged spouse is living with somebody else which would effectively be adultery.
We have significant databases which are filled with info that we can use to locate missing men and women and to find out what property they own etc. We have situated lots of people from this database and we have other techniques we can use that are significantly far better than the web sites obtainable on the web. It really is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle putting all the pieces together.

lowercased:
investigator services are services which consist of surveillance and missing person investigations. there are other services that investigators present but not a lot of people know about them. surveillance is the most used solution as it usually entails following someone to see where they go and what they are performing. a lot of the time individuals need to locate out where an estranged spouse is living so they can deliver legal documents and so on. we can generally do this by following the target property from their work place. at the very same time they might desire to know if the estranged spouse is living with somebody else which would effectively be adultery.
we have significant databases which are filled with info that we can use to locate missing men and women and to find out what property they own etc. we have situated lots of people from this database and we have other techniques we can use that are significantly far better than the web sites obtainable on the web. it really is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle putting all the pieces together.


text:
Roger Woodward surprised some by including Bach in his concert performance of Debussy and Chopin at the Radio Bremen concert hall in January 2007. Woodward simply explained that to him Bach was a romantic composer as well. This only sounds daring until one has listened to the recording at hand. And one should also remember that Friedrich Blume, in the authoritative German music dictionary MGG, wrote more than half a century ago that “Bach’s language anticipated much which was later expressed during the German Romantic era”.
This is Woodward’s first recording of works by J.S. Bach although he had played Bach all his life. As one can expect from a musician of Woodward’s calibre this is an interpretation outside the square.
Already in the first part, the Fantasia from BWV 903 - composed in Coethen around 1720 - a deep understanding is shown of what might have caused Bach to place this ‘free’ section ahead of the Fugue. Woodward plays the Fantasia as such. In the ensuing Fugue Woodward shows his complete understanding of the structure, takes all those liberties, however, which Bach had always expected of himself as well as of all performers of his music.
The Partitas No. 2 in c minor BWV 826 and No. 6 in e minor BWV 830 might also go back to the time in Coethen around 1720, chronologically not far removed from the Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in d minor BWV 903; they originate from Bach’s most productive stage in his life as far as secular music is concerned, and they show the composer at the height of his creative power. Bach published them himself in Leipzig in 1726.
Woodward’s recording was produced in Wörthsee, Bavaria, on the same Hamburg Steinway D which he had used for his Chopin Nocturnes (Celestial Harmonies 14260-2). By now he knew the instrument well and felt totally familiar with it.
Of the producer and engineer Ulrich Kraus Woodward remarks that he is a musician rather than a technician; a friendship links musician and engineer who by now have not only co-operated in the recording of Chopin but also in that of the large cycle ‘Of the Sound of Life’ by Peter Michael Hamel (Celestial Harmonies 13256-2).
Als Woodward Anfang 2007 unmittelbar vor der Aufnahme dieser CD bei Radio Bremen Chopin, Debussy und Bach in sein Konzertprogramm aufnahm, waren einige überrascht. Zur Erklärung sagte er nur, für ihn sei Bach eben auch ein romantischer und impressionistischer Komponist. Das klingt nur solange gewagt, bis man die vorliegende Einspielung gehört hat. Und man sollte dabei in Erinnerung behalten, daß Friedrich Blume in MGG schon vor über einem halben Jahrhundert schrieb, daß „Bachs Sprache über die Zeit vorausgegriffen [hat] auf das, was in der deutschen Romantik zum Ausdruck gekommen ist”.
Schon der erste Teil, die Fantasie, aus BWV 903 – entstanden in Cöthen um 1720 - zeigt ein tiefes Verständnis dessen, was Bach wohl animiert haben mag, diese ,freie’ Werk der Fuge voranzustellen; Woodward spielt die Fantasie eben als solche. Bei der Fuge zeigt Woodward sein vollkommenes Verständnis der Struktur, nimmt sich hingegen alle diese Freiheiten, die Bach schon immer sowohl von sich selbst als auch von seinen Interpreten erwartete.

lowercased:
roger woodward surprised some by including bach in his concert performance of debussy and chopin at the radio bremen concert hall in january 2007. woodward simply explained that to him bach was a romantic composer as well. this only sounds daring until one has listened to the recording at hand. and one should also remember that friedrich blume, in the authoritative german music dictionary mgg, wrote more than half a century ago that “bach’s language anticipated much which was later expressed during the german romantic era”.
this is woodward’s first recording of works by j.s. bach although he had played bach all his life. as one can expect from a musician of woodward’s calibre this is an interpretation outside the square.
already in the first part, the fantasia from bwv 903 - composed in coethen around 1720 - a deep understanding is shown of what might have caused bach to place this ‘free’ section ahead of the fugue. woodward plays the fantasia as such. in the ensuing fugue woodward shows his complete understanding of the structure, takes all those liberties, however, which bach had always expected of himself as well as of all performers of his music.
the partitas no. 2 in c minor bwv 826 and no. 6 in e minor bwv 830 might also go back to the time in coethen around 1720, chronologically not far removed from the chromatic fantasia and fugue in d minor bwv 903; they originate from bach’s most productive stage in his life as far as secular music is concerned, and they show the composer at the height of his creative power. bach published them himself in leipzig in 1726.
woodward’s recording was produced in wörthsee, bavaria, on the same hamburg steinway d which he had used for his chopin nocturnes (celestial harmonies 14260-2). by now he knew the instrument well and felt totally familiar with it.
of the producer and engineer ulrich kraus woodward remarks that he is a musician rather than a technician; a friendship links musician and engineer who by now have not only co-operated in the recording of chopin but also in that of the large cycle ‘of the sound of life’ by peter michael hamel (celestial harmonies 13256-2).
als woodward anfang 2007 unmittelbar vor der aufnahme dieser cd bei radio bremen chopin, debussy und bach in sein konzertprogramm aufnahm, waren einige überrascht. zur erklärung sagte er nur, für ihn sei bach eben auch ein romantischer und impressionistischer komponist. das klingt nur solange gewagt, bis man die vorliegende einspielung gehört hat. und man sollte dabei in erinnerung behalten, daß friedrich blume in mgg schon vor über einem halben jahrhundert schrieb, daß „bachs sprache über die zeit vorausgegriffen [hat] auf das, was in der deutschen romantik zum ausdruck gekommen ist”.
schon der erste teil, die fantasie, aus bwv 903 – entstanden in cöthen um 1720 - zeigt ein tiefes verständnis dessen, was bach wohl animiert haben mag, diese ,freie’ werk der fuge voranzustellen; woodward spielt die fantasie eben als solche. bei der fuge zeigt woodward sein vollkommenes verständnis der struktur, nimmt sich hingegen alle diese freiheiten, die bach schon immer sowohl von sich selbst als auch von seinen interpreten erwartete.


text:
Regardless of the way that popcorn ceiling removal is an endeavor that the ordinary property holder could complete, there are occasions while getting a specialist is the better decision. For instance, in case you have brief period as a result of an asking for work, school requirements, or family commitments, by then speaking with impermanent laborers should be considered. Moreover, if you have a physical insufficiency or for some other physical reason can't do the action, transitory specialists would have the ability to empty the surface so the foundation of another ceiling would be possible.
Regardless if you were encountering remaking, improving, or fundamentally require another ceiling design, discarding the old popcorn surface would be an exceptional place to start. Obviously, you have to utilize the right person who can offer organizations to the movement anyway to do this, you need to ask the right request. Everything considered, anyone could unveil to you he/she has inclusion with inside endeavors, for instance, this only for you to end up with a disaster area that requires a lot of ceiling removal and fix of hurt ceiling drywall. By acknowledging what to ask, you would refrain from being cheated.
Since stipple ceiling surface of this sort once in a while contains deadly asbestos, before you or an impermanent specialist played out the work, it is fundamental to have the material attempted. In case asbestos were found, you should never manage the removal isolated. Of course, the cost for removal would contrast for the master if asbestos were found. If the surface does not contain asbestos, the expense would be basically lower.
Directly, if the surface of the stucco ceiling was attempted and found to contain asbestos, removal must be done by a readied and approved unsafe materials capable, someone who has been demonstrated the right technique for managing this hazardous material. The expense for popcorn ceiling removal by a specialist when asbestos is accessible would in like manner be established on a couple of components. For instance, cost would be established on as a rule size of the room, layers of popcorn that has been sprinkled or associated, and geographic zone. For more data, click this page.

lowercased:
regardless of the way that popcorn ceiling removal is an endeavor that the ordinary property holder could complete, there are occasions while getting a specialist is the better decision. for instance, in case you have brief period as a result of an asking for work, school requirements, or family commitments, by then speaking with impermanent laborers should be considered. moreover, if you have a physical insufficiency or for some other physical reason can't do the action, transitory specialists would have the ability to empty the surface so the foundation of another ceiling would be possible.
regardless if you were encountering remaking, improving, or fundamentally require another ceiling design, discarding the old popcorn surface would be an exceptional place to start. obviously, you have to utilize the right person who can offer organizations to the movement anyway to do this, you need to ask the right request. everything considered, anyone could unveil to you he/she has inclusion with inside endeavors, for instance, this only for you to end up with a disaster area that requires a lot of ceiling removal and fix of hurt ceiling drywall. by acknowledging what to ask, you would refrain from being cheated.
since stipple ceiling surface of this sort once in a while contains deadly asbestos, before you or an impermanent specialist played out the work, it is fundamental to have the material attempted. in case asbestos were found, you should never manage the removal isolated. of course, the cost for removal would contrast for the master if asbestos were found. if the surface does not contain asbestos, the expense would be basically lower.
directly, if the surface of the stucco ceiling was attempted and found to contain asbestos, removal must be done by a readied and approved unsafe materials capable, someone who has been demonstrated the right technique for managing this hazardous material. the expense for popcorn ceiling removal by a specialist when asbestos is accessible would in like manner be established on a couple of components. for instance, cost would be established on as a rule size of the room, layers of popcorn that has been sprinkled or associated, and geographic zone. for more data, click this page.


text:
Oma’s Choice has always been focused on bringing customers the most unique program consisting of products that are not readily available through grocery supply companies or distribution vendors. Oma’s choice of products have always had at its nucleus, items that reflect the heritage of Texans in its jerky, sausage, candies, and other related items.
In 1999, our State Commissioner of Agriculture, Susan Combs and her office staff, have taken the Taste of Texas Logo and replaced it with the Go Texan Logo. Her efforts, along with the support of hundreds of hard working Texans, have brought together a marketing campaign that promotes all Texas agriculture products livestock, food, horticulture and fiber under one umbrella. One logo will let consumers recognize all Texas products at a glance. This innovative marketing scheme is rapidly increasing business for Texas producers as well as those retailing their products.
Oma’s Choice is a proud member of Go Texan and has been recognized by the staff members and the Commissioner as having an excellent product. They have also thanked Oma’s Choice for not only promoting their own PECAN SMOKED JERKY products, but for actively participating in the promotion of other Go Texan products through their DSD Services.

lowercased:
oma’s choice has always been focused on bringing customers the most unique program consisting of products that are not readily available through grocery supply companies or distribution vendors. oma’s choice of products have always had at its nucleus, items that reflect the heritage of texans in its jerky, sausage, candies, and other related items.
in 1999, our state commissioner of agriculture, susan combs and her office staff, have taken the taste of texas logo and replaced it with the go texan logo. her efforts, along with the support of hundreds of hard working texans, have brought together a marketing campaign that promotes all texas agriculture products livestock, food, horticulture and fiber under one umbrella. one logo will let consumers recognize all texas products at a glance. this innovative marketing scheme is rapidly increasing business for texas producers as well as those retailing their products.
oma’s choice is a proud member of go texan and has been recognized by the staff members and the commissioner as having an excellent product. they have also thanked oma’s choice for not only promoting their own pecan smoked jerky products, but for actively participating in the promotion of other go texan products through their dsd services.


text:
Winslow Pool & Spa sells, repairs and maintains all types of pool equipment and supplies. Our extensive inventory enables us to make most repairs the same day without having to wait for parts.
We do all types of underwater repairs, so you don’t have to drain your pool!
Winslow Pool & Spa is proud to be an APSP Certified Service Professional, the highest level of distinction in the pool industry. This means you can expect the highest standard of quality and professionalism from our work.
We offer services in Ballard, Buellton, Los Olivos, Solvang, Santa Ynez and Santa Maria.

lowercased:
winslow pool & spa sells, repairs and maintains all types of pool equipment and supplies. our extensive inventory enables us to make most repairs the same day without having to wait for parts.
we do all types of underwater repairs, so you don’t have to drain your pool!
winslow pool & spa is proud to be an apsp certified service professional, the highest level of distinction in the pool industry. this means you can expect the highest standard of quality and professionalism from our work.
we offer services in ballard, buellton, los olivos, solvang, santa ynez and santa maria.


text:
If you would like a quote, please fill in this form. You will be contacted as soon as possible.
If requesting a quote for Blind Cleaning, tell us a bit about your blinds. For verticals you need count the total amount of blades.
For all other blinds venetians, timbers, rollers, silhouettes etc, count each individual blind & give total amount.

lowercased:
if you would like a quote, please fill in this form. you will be contacted as soon as possible.
if requesting a quote for blind cleaning, tell us a bit about your blinds. for verticals you need count the total amount of blades.
for all other blinds venetians, timbers, rollers, silhouettes etc, count each individual blind & give total amount.


text: The HP Spectre x360 15 (2018) is here and available with very nice features. It features a beautiful 4K touchscreen and comes with facial recognition and fingerprint scanning biometric security. It is powerful enough for casual gaming and doesn’t cost a fortune.

lowercased: the hp spectre x360 15 (2018) is here and available with very nice features. it features a beautiful 4k touchscreen and comes with facial recognition and fingerprint scanning biometric security. it is powerful enough for casual gaming and doesn’t cost a fortune.


text: Polka dots and flowers throughout and a wide sash adorning the waist make this stylish Shanil Inc dress perfect for festive events. The black sleeveless dress features white polka dots, red flowers and a bow attached at waist. Zipper back and tie sash for a finishing touch. Suitable for any special occasions.

lowercased: polka dots and flowers throughout and a wide sash adorning the waist make this stylish shanil inc dress perfect for festive events. the black sleeveless dress features white polka dots, red flowers and a bow attached at waist. zipper back and tie sash for a finishing touch. suitable for any special occasions.


text:
[LONDON] Reports that AngloGold Ashanti is considering a London listing provide some festive cheer to a city that’s lost its way as a home for gold miners.
That promise hasn’t been realised as companies from Petropavlovsk and Acacia Mining to Centamin struggled to reach their potential. Star performer Randgold Resources will exit next year after its acquisition by Barrick Gold, capping a slump in the market value of London-listed gold and silver miners. That’s left fund managers struggling to find liquid gold stocks as the bullion price languishes.
When Randgold delists, the combined market value of London’s gold and silver miners will drop to less than half the £30 billion ($38 billion) of six years ago.

lowercased:
[london] reports that anglogold ashanti is considering a london listing provide some festive cheer to a city that’s lost its way as a home for gold miners.
that promise hasn’t been realised as companies from petropavlovsk and acacia mining to centamin struggled to reach their potential. star performer randgold resources will exit next year after its acquisition by barrick gold, capping a slump in the market value of london-listed gold and silver miners. that’s left fund managers struggling to find liquid gold stocks as the bullion price languishes.
when randgold delists, the combined market value of london’s gold and silver miners will drop to less than half the £30 billion ($38 billion) of six years ago.


text: The locals are the heart and soul of Side Door. And that is exactly how we intended it to be. This space was created for friends, families, school parents and even pooches to settle in and while away the days. The best reviews are from those who call this their local. Genuine reviews at their most generous.

lowercased: the locals are the heart and soul of side door. and that is exactly how we intended it to be. this space was created for friends, families, school parents and even pooches to settle in and while away the days. the best reviews are from those who call this their local. genuine reviews at their most generous.


text:
All Nippon Airways has grown to be the worlds 8th largest airline. It serves over 400 Airports, domestic and international. While this is an International Airline it is extremely strong domestically handling over 11 million passengers compared to just over 1 million on International routes.
Japan Helicopter & Aeroplane Transports Co., Ltd. was established, with the goal of restoring regular air transportation services disrupted by WWII. The company name is changed to All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.
All Nippon serves 5 US cities including LA, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC and New York.

lowercased:
all nippon airways has grown to be the worlds 8th largest airline. it serves over 400 airports, domestic and international. while this is an international airline it is extremely strong domestically handling over 11 million passengers compared to just over 1 million on international routes.
japan helicopter & aeroplane transports co., ltd. was established, with the goal of restoring regular air transportation services disrupted by wwii. the company name is changed to all nippon airways co., ltd.
all nippon serves 5 us cities including la, san francisco, chicago, washington dc and new york.


text:
Valerie Goranson has twice lost her teaching assignment in Waukegan because she doesn't speak Spanish.
After six years teaching 5th grade at North Elementary School, district officials moved Goranson to Clark Elementary School last year to make room for a Spanish-speaking teacher who could instruct the school's growing number of Spanish-speaking pupils, Goranson said. Now she's being involuntarily transferred again.
It's the kind of deja-vu that has Goranson, and many other monolingual teachers in Waukegan School District 60, worried about their prospects for continuing to teach in a city with one of the fastest-growing Latino populations. If immigrants continue to enroll in Waukegan schools at the rate they are now, these teachers wonder how long it will be before there are few positions available for teachers who don't speak Spanish.
"I know what the trend is, and it's not looking good," Goranson said. "Even if my job was saved this year, what about next year?"
District officials say the reassignments are the result of a districtwide restructuring plan, and not simply because of an increase in Spanish-speaking pupils. Moreover, while more elementary classes require bilingual teachers, that is not necessarily true overall because pupils transition to English, they say.
Still, officials acknowledge Waukegan's changing demographics. "I can understand why they are a little nervous," said Mary Lamping, the district's chief academic officer. "If we don't have an English-speaking population to serve, then we're not going to need English-speaking teachers."
Waukegan appears to be the first district in the Chicago area to trigger alarms among its monolingual teachers. Chicago Public Schools' immigrant population has remained constant for the last half decade, officials said. Despite growing numbers of Latino immigrants in suburban districts in Aurora, Elgin and Joliet, teachers union representatives there said they haven't received calls from monolingual teachers worried about their positions.
But Waukegan's teachers predict it won't be long before they do. Waukegan has seen a 25 percent increase in its Latino population since 2000, said Rob Paral, a demographer at the Institute for Metropolitan Affairs at Roosevelt University. Other suburbs are not far behind.
"Other communities will face this problem," said Linda Asma, a 5th-grade teacher at Oakdale Elementary School who said she expects one monolingual teacher at her school to be reassigned for the fall. "I'd give it less than 10 years."
District officials say the restructuring enabled bilingual and special education classes in all 14 elementary schools, allowing pupils to attend in their neighborhood. So far, the district has been able to find slots for all teachers who have been moved involuntarily, officials say, adding that the number of English-only classrooms also has increased to accommodate a growing student population.
The number of bilingual classrooms has jumped -- from 124 in 2003 to 153 in 2006. The total number of classrooms has increased from 296 to 335, with 29 of the new ones being bilingual.
"We still have a lot of monolingual teachers," Lamping said.
District officials point out that Waukegan is following a 1973 state law that requires a school to provide a bilingual teacher if there are 20 or more students who speak the same foreign language in a school. Proponents of the law say studies suggest students learn better in their native tongue.
"It would be ideal to have native-language instruction in any language," said Zaida Cintron, president of the Illinois Association for Multicultural Multilingual Education. "But you have to go with the numbers [of students] because otherwise it's not economically feasible."
Many educators in Waukegan agree. Angel Figueroa, principal at North Elementary where Goranson used to teach, said bilingual instruction allows kids learn the curriculum while they are working on English fluency.
"Of course they need to learn English, but they also need to know science and math," Figueroa said.
Many English-only teachers question the premise that a child learns best in his or her native tongue while simultaneously learning English. They point to their experience with foreign-born pupils who thrive without bilingual education.
"We have kids from China, Belize, Serbia, everywhere, and they catch on and end up doing well," said Linette Oliver, a teacher at Clark Elementary, who said she has been reassigned to teaching 2nd grade because her 1st grade class is becoming bilingual. "I don't understand why we can't do that for any child, no matter where they are from."
Union reps acknowledge receiving complaints from Waukegan teachers, but Jim Bron, a field director with the Illinois Federation of Teachers, said he did not anticipate union involvement, partly because of differences in opinions.
"You would get disagreements based on their educational philosophies," he said.
Waukegan officials maintain their strategy of easing pupils into mainstream English-language classes works. The number of bilingual classrooms in the district's middle schools has increased since 2003, but the raw number is far fewer than in elementary schools -- 14 out of 142 classrooms in 2006.
Such stats are not reassuring to Goranson and others. Peggy Robertson, who teaches 2nd grade at Clark Elementary, said the perceived lack of job security is upsetting. "It has definitely affected the morale of our building," she said.
A first-year teacher, who asked that her name not be used because she isn't tenured, said some of her colleagues are looking for work.
"No one will stay if we keep getting bumped around year to year," she said.

lowercased:
valerie goranson has twice lost her teaching assignment in waukegan because she doesn't speak spanish.
after six years teaching 5th grade at north elementary school, district officials moved goranson to clark elementary school last year to make room for a spanish-speaking teacher who could instruct the school's growing number of spanish-speaking pupils, goranson said. now she's being involuntarily transferred again.
it's the kind of deja-vu that has goranson, and many other monolingual teachers in waukegan school district 60, worried about their prospects for continuing to teach in a city with one of the fastest-growing latino populations. if immigrants continue to enroll in waukegan schools at the rate they are now, these teachers wonder how long it will be before there are few positions available for teachers who don't speak spanish.
"i know what the trend is, and it's not looking good," goranson said. "even if my job was saved this year, what about next year?"
district officials say the reassignments are the result of a districtwide restructuring plan, and not simply because of an increase in spanish-speaking pupils. moreover, while more elementary classes require bilingual teachers, that is not necessarily true overall because pupils transition to english, they say.
still, officials acknowledge waukegan's changing demographics. "i can understand why they are a little nervous," said mary lamping, the district's chief academic officer. "if we don't have an english-speaking population to serve, then we're not going to need english-speaking teachers."
waukegan appears to be the first district in the chicago area to trigger alarms among its monolingual teachers. chicago public schools' immigrant population has remained constant for the last half decade, officials said. despite growing numbers of latino immigrants in suburban districts in aurora, elgin and joliet, teachers union representatives there said they haven't received calls from monolingual teachers worried about their positions.
but waukegan's teachers predict it won't be long before they do. waukegan has seen a 25 percent increase in its latino population since 2000, said rob paral, a demographer at the institute for metropolitan affairs at roosevelt university. other suburbs are not far behind.
"other communities will face this problem," said linda asma, a 5th-grade teacher at oakdale elementary school who said she expects one monolingual teacher at her school to be reassigned for the fall. "i'd give it less than 10 years."
district officials say the restructuring enabled bilingual and special education classes in all 14 elementary schools, allowing pupils to attend in their neighborhood. so far, the district has been able to find slots for all teachers who have been moved involuntarily, officials say, adding that the number of english-only classrooms also has increased to accommodate a growing student population.
the number of bilingual classrooms has jumped -- from 124 in 2003 to 153 in 2006. the total number of classrooms has increased from 296 to 335, with 29 of the new ones being bilingual.
"we still have a lot of monolingual teachers," lamping said.
district officials point out that waukegan is following a 1973 state law that requires a school to provide a bilingual teacher if there are 20 or more students who speak the same foreign language in a school. proponents of the law say studies suggest students learn better in their native tongue.
"it would be ideal to have native-language instruction in any language," said zaida cintron, president of the illinois association for multicultural multilingual education. "but you have to go with the numbers [of students] because otherwise it's not economically feasible."
many educators in waukegan agree. angel figueroa, principal at north elementary where goranson used to teach, said bilingual instruction allows kids learn the curriculum while they are working on english fluency.
"of course they need to learn english, but they also need to know science and math," figueroa said.
many english-only teachers question the premise that a child learns best in his or her native tongue while simultaneously learning english. they point to their experience with foreign-born pupils who thrive without bilingual education.
"we have kids from china, belize, serbia, everywhere, and they catch on and end up doing well," said linette oliver, a teacher at clark elementary, who said she has been reassigned to teaching 2nd grade because her 1st grade class is becoming bilingual. "i don't understand why we can't do that for any child, no matter where they are from."
union reps acknowledge receiving complaints from waukegan teachers, but jim bron, a field director with the illinois federation of teachers, said he did not anticipate union involvement, partly because of differences in opinions.
"you would get disagreements based on their educational philosophies," he said.
waukegan officials maintain their strategy of easing pupils into mainstream english-language classes works. the number of bilingual classrooms in the district's middle schools has increased since 2003, but the raw number is far fewer than in elementary schools -- 14 out of 142 classrooms in 2006.
such stats are not reassuring to goranson and others. peggy robertson, who teaches 2nd grade at clark elementary, said the perceived lack of job security is upsetting. "it has definitely affected the morale of our building," she said.
a first-year teacher, who asked that her name not be used because she isn't tenured, said some of her colleagues are looking for work.
"no one will stay if we keep getting bumped around year to year," she said.


text:
Out of 26 tribes, Adi is the second most populous in Arunachal Pradesh and traces its lineage to the Tibeto-Mongoloid group. Shifting cultivation or swidden, also known as Jhum, is an age-old method of agriculture practised by the Adis. However, over the last 60 years, some Adis have adopted relatively modern practices of settled cultivation. In a recently published study in Ambio, researchers from Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), Mysore, have tried to understand the factors that determine whether farming communities can make the switch from swidden to settled cultivation. They have also tried to understand whether these factors encourage or limit an individual to choose between swidden or settled agriculture.
Karthik Teegalapalli, Research Scholar at NCF and the lead author of the study said, “We mostly read about shifting cultivation being destructive—it is often shown in poor light. We wanted to study both practices objectively”. In their study, the authors have systematically investigated the changes that occur in an area with low population densities and large tracts of forests from practising shifting cultivation.
The researchers observed some advantages of shifting agriculture—land being left fallow recovers lost nutrients, the practice supports agro-biodiversity, and the yield is higher compared to single crop production. Swidden also intricately binds the forest communities to their cultural identity—thirteen festivals were marked around the agricultural calendar. However, it is also a labor intensive practice, and considered less efficient since huge tracts of land are left uncultivated. Ecologists also attribute the loss of biodiversity and the harm done to the ecological functions of forests to the practice.
Ignoring this debate, the government has been promoting settled agriculture by offering better irrigation schemes, training programs, fertilizer subsidies and better connections to markets. Settled cultivation has also increased with easy availability of capital and migration of labor from other states. At the same time communities also rely on schemes and contracts offered by the government as alternate sources of income. Communities close to towns also sell produce from settled agriculture like ginger, fruits, rice and handicrafts. However only families of a higher economic status are able to reasonably afford large tracts of land required for settled cultivation.
The authors studied the socio-economic and cultural reasons for the choice of agriculture by conducting surveys and interviews with 47 households from five villages in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Specific information regarding the changes in agricultural practices in the last 10 years, use of chemical weedicides, and alternate employment opportunities was collected from people belonging to varied economic backgrounds. The number of members from a household participating in agriculture was considered to be the labor available. High economic status meant government employment for the household, intermediate meant members with government contracts or daily wage laborers and low meant total dependence on agriculture.
According to Karthik, the study found that the communities are dynamic and make best use of both the methods of production. 85% of the respondents were found to be practicing both swidden and settled agriculture. Shifting cultivation was carried out for a longer time of the year than settled cultivation. Crop diversity was high in shifting cultivation, whereas settled cultivation was dominated by growing of rice. Communities were unable to make a complete shift to settled agriculture as it requires high investment and maintenance while being an individual enterprise.
In conclusion, the study makes a case for policy makers to take into consideration different aspects of the types of agricultural practices in the area before promoting a particular kind of agriculture. Both swidden and settled agriculture have their own efficiencies and impacts, and the authors advise caution in pushing communities to choose one over other. They also suggest although it is inevitable that communities are driven towards more profitable means of livelihood keeping in mind their changing aspirations and easy access to open markets, policies should accommodate traditional practices, taking into consideration not only the landscape geography but also social, cultural and ecological factors that bind the communities together.

lowercased:
out of 26 tribes, adi is the second most populous in arunachal pradesh and traces its lineage to the tibeto-mongoloid group. shifting cultivation or swidden, also known as jhum, is an age-old method of agriculture practised by the adis. however, over the last 60 years, some adis have adopted relatively modern practices of settled cultivation. in a recently published study in ambio, researchers from nature conservation foundation (ncf), mysore, have tried to understand the factors that determine whether farming communities can make the switch from swidden to settled cultivation. they have also tried to understand whether these factors encourage or limit an individual to choose between swidden or settled agriculture.
karthik teegalapalli, research scholar at ncf and the lead author of the study said, “we mostly read about shifting cultivation being destructive—it is often shown in poor light. we wanted to study both practices objectively”. in their study, the authors have systematically investigated the changes that occur in an area with low population densities and large tracts of forests from practising shifting cultivation.
the researchers observed some advantages of shifting agriculture—land being left fallow recovers lost nutrients, the practice supports agro-biodiversity, and the yield is higher compared to single crop production. swidden also intricately binds the forest communities to their cultural identity—thirteen festivals were marked around the agricultural calendar. however, it is also a labor intensive practice, and considered less efficient since huge tracts of land are left uncultivated. ecologists also attribute the loss of biodiversity and the harm done to the ecological functions of forests to the practice.
ignoring this debate, the government has been promoting settled agriculture by offering better irrigation schemes, training programs, fertilizer subsidies and better connections to markets. settled cultivation has also increased with easy availability of capital and migration of labor from other states. at the same time communities also rely on schemes and contracts offered by the government as alternate sources of income. communities close to towns also sell produce from settled agriculture like ginger, fruits, rice and handicrafts. however only families of a higher economic status are able to reasonably afford large tracts of land required for settled cultivation.
the authors studied the socio-economic and cultural reasons for the choice of agriculture by conducting surveys and interviews with 47 households from five villages in the upper siang district of arunachal pradesh. specific information regarding the changes in agricultural practices in the last 10 years, use of chemical weedicides, and alternate employment opportunities was collected from people belonging to varied economic backgrounds. the number of members from a household participating in agriculture was considered to be the labor available. high economic status meant government employment for the household, intermediate meant members with government contracts or daily wage laborers and low meant total dependence on agriculture.
according to karthik, the study found that the communities are dynamic and make best use of both the methods of production. 85% of the respondents were found to be practicing both swidden and settled agriculture. shifting cultivation was carried out for a longer time of the year than settled cultivation. crop diversity was high in shifting cultivation, whereas settled cultivation was dominated by growing of rice. communities were unable to make a complete shift to settled agriculture as it requires high investment and maintenance while being an individual enterprise.
in conclusion, the study makes a case for policy makers to take into consideration different aspects of the types of agricultural practices in the area before promoting a particular kind of agriculture. both swidden and settled agriculture have their own efficiencies and impacts, and the authors advise caution in pushing communities to choose one over other. they also suggest although it is inevitable that communities are driven towards more profitable means of livelihood keeping in mind their changing aspirations and easy access to open markets, policies should accommodate traditional practices, taking into consideration not only the landscape geography but also social, cultural and ecological factors that bind the communities together.


text:
Chhath is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God: Surya, also known as Surya Shashti. The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. The Sun, considered the god of energy and of the life-force, is worshiped during the Chhath fesival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders.
It is observed most elaborately in Bihar, Jharkhand and the Terai regions of Nepal in modern times, and is more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence, it is celebrated in all regions and major urban centers in India.
It is believed that the Maga Purohits (modern days known as Shakya Dwipi Brahmins) were invited by local kings for their expertise in Sun worshiping. They started the tradition of Chhat Puja. Today Chhat Puja is celebrated specially in those places where Shakya Dwipi Brahmins are found.
Chhath puja is performed on kartika Shukala Shashti, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in the Hindu Calendar. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian Calendar. The word chhath denotes the number 6 in Hindi.
It is also celebrated in the summer (March–April), on Chaitra Shashti, some days after Holi; this event is called Chaiti Chhath. The former is more popular because winter is the usual festive season in North India, and Chhath, being an arduous observance, requiring the worshipers to fast without water for around 36 hours continuously, is easier to undertake in the Indian winters.
The prayer to "Sun-God" is a historical phenomenon in whole country. The famous temples of "Sun-God" in Multan, Kashmir, Chittod, Moghera & Konark are the evidence of the same. It is believed that the ritual of Chhath puja may even predate the ancient Vedas texts, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun god and describes similar rituals. The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites.
In the poem, Draupadi and the Pandavas, rulers of Hastinapur (modern Delhi), performed the Chhath ritual on the advice of noble sage Dhaumya. Through her worship of the Sun God, Draupadi was not only able to solve her immediate problems, but also helped the Pandavas later regain their lost kingdom.
It is also believed that Chhath was started by great warrior Karna, the son of Surya Putra Karna who ruled over the Anga Desh (present day Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharat Age and fought against the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War.
Its yogic/scientific history dates back to the Vedic times. The rishis of yore used this method to remain without any external intake of food as they were able to obtain energy directly from the sun's rays. This was done through the Chhath method.The chhat puja is very popular in Dehri-On-Sone (Rohtas), Patna, Dev & Gaya. Now a day it is celebrated in approximately all parts of India.
Chhath is a ritual bathing festival that follows a period of abstinence and ritual segregation of the worshiper from the main household for four days. During this period, the worshiper observes ritual purity, and sleeps on the floor on a single blanket. The devotees offer their prayers to the setting sun, and then the rising sun in celebrating its glory as the cycle of birth starts with death. It is seen as the most glorious form of Sun worship.
Bihar has a number of Sun temples, flanked by a surajkund or sacred pool of the Sun, forming a popular venue for the celebration of this festival.Patna, Bhagalpur, Munger, Haveli Kharagpur (Banahara) ,Samastipur, Dumka, Sahibganj, Dev, Gaya, Ranchi, Rampurhat are known popular for chhath puja.
The main worshipers, called Parvaitin (from Sanskrit parv, meaning 'occasion' or 'festival'), are usually women. However, a large number of men also observe this festival. The Parvaitin pray for the well-being of their family, for prosperity and for offspring. Once a family starts performing Chhatt Puja, it is their duty to perform it every year and to pass it on to the following generations. The festival is skipped only if there happens to be a death in the family that year.
The prasad offerings include sweets (Thekua) and fruit offered in small bamboo winnows. The food is strictly vegetarian and it is cooked without salt, onions or garlic. Emphasis is put on maintaining the purity of the food.
On the first day of Chhath Puja, the devotees take a dip, preferably in the holy river Ganges, and carry home the holy water of the river Ganges to prepare the offerings. The house and surroundings are scrupulously cleaned. The parvaitin allows themselves only one meal on this day.It is also known as " kaddu-bhat" in some region.Generally Parvaitin eat kaddu, channa dal, and arwa chawal (non-boiled rice). Traditionally the food is cooked on soil stove & mango wood is used a fuel. Only bronze or soil utensils are used to prepare the food. But now days steel utensils are also used in preparation of food.
On Panchami, the day before Chhath, the Parvaitins observe a fast for the whole day, which ends in the evening a little after sunset. Just after the worship of earth, the offerings of Rasiao-kheer (rice delicacy), puris (deep-fried puffs of wheat flour) and bananas, are distributed among family and friends. From this day onwards, for the next 36 hours, the Parvaitin goes on a fast without water.
The traditional way of preparation of Kheer for Parvaitin is without sugar. Only Jaggery is used in preparation of prasad for other family members & friends. The prasad is prepared by the Parvaitin itself in the bronze or soil utensils only. While eating the prasad by Parvaitin if any unwanted thing like small stone etc comes into the mouth immediately they have to stop eating without making any complain.
Sanjhiya Arghya (evening offerings): The day is spent in preparing the prasad (offerings) at home. On the eve of this day, the entire household accompanies the Parvaitins to a riverbank, pond or a common large water body to make the offerings (Aragh) to the setting sun. It is during this phase of Chhath Puja that the devotees offer prayers to the just setting sun. Traditionally during the aragh the Parvaitin should wear the single saree colored with turmeric. But now a days printed & colored sarees are also in use.
The occasion is almost a carnival. Besides the Parvaitin, there are friends and family, and numerous participants and onlookers, all willing to help and receive the blessings of the worshipper. Ritual rendition of regional folk songs, carried on through oral transmission from mothers and mothers-in-law to daughters and daughters-in-law, are sung on this occasion.
The folk songs sung on the evening of Chhath reflect the culture, social structure, mythology and history of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Nowadays, modern Chhath songs, largely Bollywood film remixes, have caught on, but the old tradition still goes strong with a great degree of sanctity. The three main linguistic regions of Bihar (the Maithili, the Magadhi, and the Bhojpuri), and all the various dialects associated with these, have different folk songs; but have an underlying unity in their dedicated to Chhath. The minor nuances of the Chhath rituals, such as in the Kharna ritual, vary from region to region and across families, but still there is a fundamental similarity.
On the night of day three, a colorful event of Kosi is held. Here, lighted earthen lamps are kept under a canopy of five sugarcane sticks. The five sticks signify the human body made of Pancha-tattva (the five great elements - earth, water, fire, air and ether). This is a symbolic ritual in Chhath Puja, performed especially in those families where marriage or childbirth has taken place recently. The lighted lamps signify the solar energy sustaining the human being. People perform this ritual at home, during late evening on day three after making the offering to the just setting sun. After that, it is done at the banks of the river on day four before making the offerings to the rising sun.
Bihaniya Aragh (next morning offerings): On the final day of Chhath Puja, the devotees, along with family and friends, go to the riverbank before sunrise, in order to make the offerings (Aragh) to the rising sun. The festival ends with the breaking of the fast by the Parvaitin and friends visiting the houses of the devotees to receive the prashad. The Chhath has so much importance that even millionaire begs for prasad at the Chhath ghat. This symbolizes that all persons are beggar in front of the Almighty. Witnessing Chhath being celebrated at the crack of the dawn on a river bank is a beautiful, elating spiritual experience connecting the modern Indian to his ancient cultural roots. After aragh Goddess Mother Ganga is worshipped.
Only sunrise and sunset are the periods during which the majority of humans can safely obtain the solar energy directly from the Sun. That is why, in Chhath puja, there is a tradition of offering Arghya to the Sun in late evening and in early morning. During these phases (one hour window after sunrise and before sunset), the ultraviolet radiation levels remain in safe limits.

lowercased:
chhath is an ancient hindu festival dedicated to the hindu sun god: surya, also known as surya shashti. the chhath puja is performed in order to thank surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. the sun, considered the god of energy and of the life-force, is worshiped during the chhath fesival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. in hinduism, sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders.
it is observed most elaborately in bihar, jharkhand and the terai regions of nepal in modern times, and is more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence, it is celebrated in all regions and major urban centers in india.
it is believed that the maga purohits (modern days known as shakya dwipi brahmins) were invited by local kings for their expertise in sun worshiping. they started the tradition of chhat puja. today chhat puja is celebrated specially in those places where shakya dwipi brahmins are found.
chhath puja is performed on kartika shukala shashti, which is the sixth day of the month of kartika in the hindu calendar. this falls typically in the month of october or november in the gregorian calendar. the word chhath denotes the number 6 in hindi.
it is also celebrated in the summer (march–april), on chaitra shashti, some days after holi; this event is called chaiti chhath. the former is more popular because winter is the usual festive season in north india, and chhath, being an arduous observance, requiring the worshipers to fast without water for around 36 hours continuously, is easier to undertake in the indian winters.
the prayer to "sun-god" is a historical phenomenon in whole country. the famous temples of "sun-god" in multan, kashmir, chittod, moghera & konark are the evidence of the same. it is believed that the ritual of chhath puja may even predate the ancient vedas texts, as the rigveda contains hymns worshiping the sun god and describes similar rituals. the rituals also find reference in the sanskrit epic poem mahābhārata in which draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites.
in the poem, draupadi and the pandavas, rulers of hastinapur (modern delhi), performed the chhath ritual on the advice of noble sage dhaumya. through her worship of the sun god, draupadi was not only able to solve her immediate problems, but also helped the pandavas later regain their lost kingdom.
it is also believed that chhath was started by great warrior karna, the son of surya putra karna who ruled over the anga desh (present day munger district of bihar) during the mahabharat age and fought against the pandavas in the kurukshetra war.
its yogic/scientific history dates back to the vedic times. the rishis of yore used this method to remain without any external intake of food as they were able to obtain energy directly from the sun's rays. this was done through the chhath method.the chhat puja is very popular in dehri-on-sone (rohtas), patna, dev & gaya. now a day it is celebrated in approximately all parts of india.
chhath is a ritual bathing festival that follows a period of abstinence and ritual segregation of the worshiper from the main household for four days. during this period, the worshiper observes ritual purity, and sleeps on the floor on a single blanket. the devotees offer their prayers to the setting sun, and then the rising sun in celebrating its glory as the cycle of birth starts with death. it is seen as the most glorious form of sun worship.
bihar has a number of sun temples, flanked by a surajkund or sacred pool of the sun, forming a popular venue for the celebration of this festival.patna, bhagalpur, munger, haveli kharagpur (banahara) ,samastipur, dumka, sahibganj, dev, gaya, ranchi, rampurhat are known popular for chhath puja.
the main worshipers, called parvaitin (from sanskrit parv, meaning 'occasion' or 'festival'), are usually women. however, a large number of men also observe this festival. the parvaitin pray for the well-being of their family, for prosperity and for offspring. once a family starts performing chhatt puja, it is their duty to perform it every year and to pass it on to the following generations. the festival is skipped only if there happens to be a death in the family that year.
the prasad offerings include sweets (thekua) and fruit offered in small bamboo winnows. the food is strictly vegetarian and it is cooked without salt, onions or garlic. emphasis is put on maintaining the purity of the food.
on the first day of chhath puja, the devotees take a dip, preferably in the holy river ganges, and carry home the holy water of the river ganges to prepare the offerings. the house and surroundings are scrupulously cleaned. the parvaitin allows themselves only one meal on this day.it is also known as " kaddu-bhat" in some region.generally parvaitin eat kaddu, channa dal, and arwa chawal (non-boiled rice). traditionally the food is cooked on soil stove & mango wood is used a fuel. only bronze or soil utensils are used to prepare the food. but now days steel utensils are also used in preparation of food.
on panchami, the day before chhath, the parvaitins observe a fast for the whole day, which ends in the evening a little after sunset. just after the worship of earth, the offerings of rasiao-kheer (rice delicacy), puris (deep-fried puffs of wheat flour) and bananas, are distributed among family and friends. from this day onwards, for the next 36 hours, the parvaitin goes on a fast without water.
the traditional way of preparation of kheer for parvaitin is without sugar. only jaggery is used in preparation of prasad for other family members & friends. the prasad is prepared by the parvaitin itself in the bronze or soil utensils only. while eating the prasad by parvaitin if any unwanted thing like small stone etc comes into the mouth immediately they have to stop eating without making any complain.
sanjhiya arghya (evening offerings): the day is spent in preparing the prasad (offerings) at home. on the eve of this day, the entire household accompanies the parvaitins to a riverbank, pond or a common large water body to make the offerings (aragh) to the setting sun. it is during this phase of chhath puja that the devotees offer prayers to the just setting sun. traditionally during the aragh the parvaitin should wear the single saree colored with turmeric. but now a days printed & colored sarees are also in use.
the occasion is almost a carnival. besides the parvaitin, there are friends and family, and numerous participants and onlookers, all willing to help and receive the blessings of the worshipper. ritual rendition of regional folk songs, carried on through oral transmission from mothers and mothers-in-law to daughters and daughters-in-law, are sung on this occasion.
the folk songs sung on the evening of chhath reflect the culture, social structure, mythology and history of bihar and uttar pradesh. nowadays, modern chhath songs, largely bollywood film remixes, have caught on, but the old tradition still goes strong with a great degree of sanctity. the three main linguistic regions of bihar (the maithili, the magadhi, and the bhojpuri), and all the various dialects associated with these, have different folk songs; but have an underlying unity in their dedicated to chhath. the minor nuances of the chhath rituals, such as in the kharna ritual, vary from region to region and across families, but still there is a fundamental similarity.
on the night of day three, a colorful event of kosi is held. here, lighted earthen lamps are kept under a canopy of five sugarcane sticks. the five sticks signify the human body made of pancha-tattva (the five great elements - earth, water, fire, air and ether). this is a symbolic ritual in chhath puja, performed especially in those families where marriage or childbirth has taken place recently. the lighted lamps signify the solar energy sustaining the human being. people perform this ritual at home, during late evening on day three after making the offering to the just setting sun. after that, it is done at the banks of the river on day four before making the offerings to the rising sun.
bihaniya aragh (next morning offerings): on the final day of chhath puja, the devotees, along with family and friends, go to the riverbank before sunrise, in order to make the offerings (aragh) to the rising sun. the festival ends with the breaking of the fast by the parvaitin and friends visiting the houses of the devotees to receive the prashad. the chhath has so much importance that even millionaire begs for prasad at the chhath ghat. this symbolizes that all persons are beggar in front of the almighty. witnessing chhath being celebrated at the crack of the dawn on a river bank is a beautiful, elating spiritual experience connecting the modern indian to his ancient cultural roots. after aragh goddess mother ganga is worshipped.
only sunrise and sunset are the periods during which the majority of humans can safely obtain the solar energy directly from the sun. that is why, in chhath puja, there is a tradition of offering arghya to the sun in late evening and in early morning. during these phases (one hour window after sunrise and before sunset), the ultraviolet radiation levels remain in safe limits.