Diwali - the festival of lights

October is a month of festivals in India. Dusshera is over and Diwali is just round the corner. Diwali is known as the festival of lights and is eagerly awaited for the lights, crackers, sweets and the festive atmosphere.

The lead up to Diwali is known for the spurt in purchases of gold coins and gold jewellery. This period is known as Dhanteras and it is the day before Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi and Dhanvantri are worshipped on this day and it is considered auspicious to purchase gold on this day. Every family makes a gold or silver purchase on this, even if it is a simple gold coin. The ones better off go for gold jewellery or gold biscuits.

Almost all the population heads off to various jewellery shops to make purchases and this increases the value of gold bullion. Keeping in mind the demand, gold bullion are minted into coins or bars and are available with most leading jewellers in the country. Lots of special offers are put up to lure the customers.

The diwali celebrations last five days with the third day being the most important when Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed into the homes and worshipped. It is also not uncommon to see gold coins and jewellery being gifted on this day.

Diwali is also famous for its sweets with each region in India having its own special cuisine. If it is Shirkhand in one place then it is Pal Poli, Sandesh or Jhangiri in another. Mmm, my mouth waters as I write about these sweets.

I cannot wait for Diwali to arrive. Here's wishing all of you a very prosperous Diwali. Enjoy.

Head to Australia for a glimpse of the Koalas

Was watching Animal Planet the other day. They were broadcasting a wonderful program about the Koala bears. I like watching animals in their natural habitat rather than in a zoo.

The Koalas are found in the following regions in Australia:
Queensland
New South Wales
South Australia and
Victoria

If you want to see Koalas in their natural habitat then you head to Australia. What with a lot of cheap flights available to Australia, it becomes much easier for you to make your travel plans.

To travel to Australia (the country has lots to offer for the nature lover) you could choose Jetstar, a low-cost airline, which flies to almost all the main cities in Australia. Or you could opt for Qantas, which is Australia's largest airline.

While in Australia, you shouldn't miss the following too:
- The Sunshine Coast and Gold coast
- The Great Barrier Reef
- The Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park
- The Great Ocean Road

With the international airfares coming into the affordable zone, its time one plans a visit to Australia.

Maine, Here I Come.

Maine is a wonderful destination for nature lovers. It has everything you could wish for - a sandy coastline, majestic mountains, lakes and rivers, and woods. You could spend your time relaxing on the beaches or head off hiking in the mountains. You could also go whale watching if that interests you.

One of the major attractions of Maine is the Boothbay Harbor region. The harbor is dotted with numerous fishing vessels big and small; and a good sprinkling of pleasure boats. You could take a guided harbor tour on one of the many excursion boats available or if you are the romantic kind - then you could hire a schooner and head out for a sail with your loved ones.

The Boothbay Harbor in Maine is also a favorite destination for waterfront weddings. The harbor offers everything from accommodations, hair and beauty salons, florists, food catering services and everything else associated with a wedding.

Another attraction of the Boothbay Harbor is choice of sea food. Lobsters, fishes, scallops, oysters and mussels - you name it and you get it here. The main highlight in this region is the Maine Lobster. And I have heard that one of the best Boothbay Harbor Restaurant is the Brown's Wharf Inn. The inn offers a wonderful view of the harbor. All the cottages and rooms have good views. And top it up with the finest seafood fare in the region - that makes Brown Wharf's Inn one of the best Boothbay Harbor Inn.