A Romantic Date on Valentine's Day - Floral India

Dating your sweetheart on the Valentine's Day is actually the most favorite way to rekindle the passion of your love. Love birds can start planning about unique and out of box dating ideas to celebrate Valentine's Day eve in well advance to have a romantic and unforgettable time with their soulmate. Think of something which your beloved is never gonna forget. Plan about something which will turn into an indispensable memory which you both will cherish for a lifetime.

No worries for those who haven't yet found their date. They can start registering themselves to various online and offline dating services to ensure that they do not miss out on the fun and thrill the couples enjoy on the Valentine's Day.

In case you are searching for a memorable Valentine's Day dating idea, here are some awesome tips to stimulate the creativity cells in your heart, mind and soul!!

Jump onto Adventure Sports

Adventure sports can add thrill to the Valentine's Day date. If you and your love dare to try out adventures, make a plan to jump onto the thrill!!

You two can go for para gliding, trekking, river-rafting, ice-skating, scuba-diving or any other sport that is easily accessible in your vicinity and have a fun moment. This will also strengthen the bonding and trust between you two while supporting each other to take onto the adventure.

Cook for Your Beloved

You two would have rushed to restaurants time and again to have a taste of exotic cuisines. Nevertheless, on this romantic eve cook the dinner with all your heart and soul for your companion. It's surely gonna win the heart of your love! Cook his/her favorite dishes and serve it. You can have a look into recipe book in case you need some tips to add to the taste. Decorate the dinning table with beautiful flowers to add aroma to air of love celebrations.

Rush to Your Favorite Picnic Spot

Picnic is all time favorite Valentine's Day dating idea to have fun and light moments with your partner. Pack your favorite foods, snacks and drinks at home and rush to the picnic spot. You can also think of cooking at the picnic spot which will enrich more joy and fun to your date. Look for the activities you two can enjoy in that spot like sliding on the incline together, enjoying a swing, sky-drive and many more. Places located at the bank of a river or lake with boating are the perfect picnic spot for a romantic date. Watching sunset together at a beach and spending the whole night holding the hand of your lover, lying on sand and talking to each other would be even more romantic.

Long Drive to Tour Your City

You may go for a long drive to take a tour of your city with your soulmate on the Valentine's Day eve. Crossing every nook and corner of the city, you may show each other your favourite spots where you grew up, played in your childhood, your school or college where you spent the best days of your life, the places where you hanged out flanked with your pals. Stop at the roadside eateries and share some interesting stories about your life to have a light moment while having some snacks, ice cream. This way, you two will get to know each other well and will strengthen your relationship and bonding between you two will get stronger. Apart from these, you may visit historical monuments, museums, art galleries and other places where where you rarely visit once in a while because of time and opportunity constraints. That's how you will wave the thread of beautiful memories which you would never forget.

Movie and Candle Light Dinner

Going for a romantic movie and having a candle light dinner on Valentine's Day is an ideal and most romantic idea amongest the love birds. Rush to the favourite restaurant of your partner and order for favorite exotic cuisine. You may also order specially to decorate the dining table with rose petals and Diyas floating in water pot. You may also choose to go for theater to watch a romantic play or a live concert for a change. Write a romantic poem and read out for your beloved holding your lover's hand. It's gonna create an eminent and more bewitching impression.

Valentine's Day Flowers - Floral India

Just like people, flowers come in hundreds of shapes and sizes. When it comes to Valentine's Day gifts, carefully selecting the flower varieties and colors you send will result in a thoughtful, customized gift your sweetheart will treasure. The first step is to consider your sweetheart's preferences:

• What colors does he or she like? Men respond well to vivid, crisp colors such as red, orange, purple and blue. Women tend to relish pastel tones of pinks, peaches and lavenders.
• Does she have any favorite flowers? What are his hobbies? Your florist can create arrangements that revolve around your sweetheart's favorite hobby, sport or pastime.

Popular Valentine's Day Flowers

Red roses symbolize passionate love and are a favorite for Valentine's Day. Other beautiful Valentine's Day flowers to send this year:

• Lilies
• Tulips
• Gerbera Daisies
• Hydrangea
• Orchids
• Fragrant flowers such as gardenias, freesia and hyacinths
• Callas
• Succulents
• Roses in a variety of colors. Ask your florist for some unusual varieties that can really make an impression; there are so many fabulous choices that will impress your Valentine with your creativity: orange roses are hotter than hot; peach roses; lavender roses; and pastel roses.

Popular Valentine's Day Colors

While red is a traditional Valentine's Day color, other combinations also will wow your sweetheart. Here are popular colors and color combinations for this Valentine's Day:

• Purples
• Oranges
• Hot Pinks
• Radiant Orchid, Pantone Color of 2014
• Spring Pastels such as romantic, muted hues of smoky lavenders and dusty pinks
• Purple-pink combos
• Purple-red combos
• Vintage whites and ivory, blush pink, grey and silver
• Orange, yellows and reds are “too hot to handle”
• Lime greens, oranges, hot pinks with accents of dark eggplant blooms
• Your sweetheart’s favorite color

Valentine's Day Floral Design Styles

• Low centerpieces in square containers embellished with beaded wire
• Fresh flowers casually designed in simple glass vessel
• Compact designs
• Pavé rose arrangements (short stems tightly grouped to form a flat, uniform surface of beautiful rose buds)
• Natural and organic looks
• Floral arrangements displayed in geometric glass containers, such as cubes and cylinders.
• Containers in exciting, funky color palettes, such as fuchsia, bright orange, Nile green, or peach
• Small vases connected together to display single blossoms
• Arrangements with braided foliages accents or lacey bear grass accents
• Flower stems designed inside the clear glass vase
• Handled baskets for plants

Send Flowers to Your Man

Men love flowers and plants, and more than a third of women buy their husbands floral gifts for Valentine's Day.

• Bold colors
• Succulents
• Terrariums
• Proteas
• Birds of Paradise paired with orange carnations and purple statice
• Tropical flowers such as birds of paradise with orange roses and a single red rose. Ask your florist to arrange the flowers in a clean contemporary vase with some bold foliage
• Plants, such as anthuriums, bromeliads or cacti
• Sunflowers
• Rainbow Roses
• Orchids
• Beautiful preserved mosses in natural grays and lime green add great texture to any floral arrangement or dish garden

Send Flowers to Your Mom

One-fifth of American adults give their mothers flowers or plants for Valentine's Day.

• Flowers in her favorite color
• Soft or vibrant colors depending on her personality
• A lovely mix of blooms, such as lilies, spray roses, alstroemeria and gerberas with beautiful foliages for texture and contrast.
• A sweet, pastel colored bouquet of freesia and spray roses.
• For a "hip" mom, send something bright and spirited, such as orange or hot pink roses and tulips.
• Roses
• Fragrant stargazers or Casablanca lilies
• Carnations
• Anthuriums
• Hydrangeas
• Orchids
• Freesias
• Plants such as azaleas or kalanchoes

Create a Romantic Destination with Flowers

Florists can play an important role in helping romantics be creative. If you can't actually go to a desired destination, why not create it at home? Flowers can take you places and help you relive fond, romantic memories ... whether it be reminiscing about a Caribbean honeymoon, creating a relaxing spa retreat feel, or reliving a wine country getaway - flowers can set the stage for a romantic evening.

Valentine`s Day: Love And Flowers, Or Why Bother?

Like your birthday and New Year`s Eve, Valentine`s Day is another way of judging the state of your relationship. Some of you will get gooey cards and flowers. Some of you will get blank stares and this: ``Valentine`s Day? You`re kidding.``

- Marlene: ``I left my husband in mid-October 1989. I was 29 with two boys, 7 and 14. My options were somewhat limited as to where I could move, but the local gas-station owner had told me that if I ever needed a place, I could move in with him. I called him at work to see if the offer was still good.

``Sure enough, he said, `Come on over.` I had known him for two years, and he was always a good shoulder to lean on. I am a nurse and was just working on a fill-in basis and also taking a couple of courses at a nearby college.

``He took the kids and me in with open arms. He gave me money for school, for clothes, lunch and baby-sitters; and, of course, free gas. I cooked for him and cleaned as well as did laundry and ran errands. And I did my fair share of baby-sitting his two children from his previous marriage.

``We got along well. We would talk forever. But we never slept together. Then he came home on Valentine`s Day with a dozen roses, a box of candy and a diamond heart necklace. And he stood there smiling from ear to ear. Finally he said: `These are for you. Like it or not, I`m falling in love with you.` And he softly kissed my cheek.

``The passion was brewing. We were no longer just friends. We made love all night long, and exactly six weeks later, I was expecting our baby. Now, the baby has red hair, my Valentine`s Day reminder.``

- Liz: ``Larry and I were married nine years ago. But he insisted I get a baby-sitter for the Saturday night after the 14th so we could celebrate. First he presented me with a beautiful gold necklace. Then we had dinner at a charming restaurant known for its excellent food. When our waiter asked if we were going to the play at a nearby theater, I was surprised to hear my husband say that we would be.

``The entire evening we talked and held hands. We were not rushed or interrupted. It was like we were dating again, and I felt truly loved and very special. He`s not a very romantic man, but when he decides to show me how he feels, I get the message. Loud and clear.``

- Carla: ``The first year we were together, he sent me roses, which I don`t consider such a big deal. In fact, I think it really shows a lack of imagination. But what he wrote on the card was very special. He wrote: `This is the first time I ever had someone on Valentine`s Day I cared about.`

``Now we`re married and I don`t get anything for Valentine`s Day. I really don`t think my husband loves me less than he used to when we were dating. I just think he believes that now that we`re married, he doesn`t have to `bother` anymore. What a pity.``

- Diane: ``My fiance had been in the Army for 18 months and in Germany for over a year, and I never knew when he`d be able to call. But when I got to work on Valentine`s Day, within five minutes, he called. An hour and a half later, I received a dozen long-stemmed red roses. I was thrilled. I wasn`t even sure if he`d remember.

``Being in the field, it`s easy to lose track of time. I was so excited. This was the first time I had ever received flowers, let alone roses, from anyone other than my father. Even though Eddie wasn`t home, it was the best Valentine`s Day I ever had.``

The Meaning Of A Single Rose - Floral India

Many feelings can be expressed by flowers, and this non-verbal language is very popular nowadays. Each one of us has sent at least one message to someone with the help of a flower. Sometimes whole conversations between two lovers are spoken through flowers.

The most meaningful flower of all is considered to be the red rose. A single red rose is now usually used to send a message of love. There are also many messages that can be sent through single roses, like :

• Single White Rose
  This is used by someone that wants to say 'I'm sorry' to his/her significant other. It also has some other meanings. Since medieval times, white roses are considered to be a symbol of light, purity and innocence. So sending a single white rose may also mean that you consider that person to be pure, or that your love is very pure.
• Single Yellow RoseThis expresses happiness and love. Sending a single yellow rose to your other half means that you are happy with your love and relationship. But be careful because single yellow roses have two meanings! They can also express jealousy, so sending someone one can mean that you are jealous. The best thing to do is to attach a note to the rose, explaining exactly what you mean.
• Single Peach Rose 
  Used to send a message of friendship to a best friend or even to a lover.
• Single Purple Rose 
  Expresses beauty. So if you want to tell someone he/she is beautiful send him/her a single purple rose.
• Single Pink RoseThis is an elegant way of thanking someone because this is what pink roses transmit: gratitude.
• Single Black RoseThis literally says 'it is over'. This is a way of ending a relationship - sending a single black rose together with a note.
• Single Red Rose
  the single red rose is considered to be the most beautiful and romantic. Even from the ancient roman times, lovers give each other red roses. In those times, roses were the symbol of the Roman goddess Venus, the goddess of love, so ever since then a single red rose clearly states 'I love you'. 
  
  Also the red rose petals are used to symbolize love, and to create a romantic atmosphere. They can be left to float in the bath tub, or simply spread throughout the house or near the fireplace. If your lover is away, you can add some rose petals to your letters.

Red Roses have been a continuous source of inspiration for artists everywhere and thousands of paintings and poems have been written inspired by roses or by a single red rose. It has been said that a single red rose speaks volumes, so choose the finest rose and send it to someone you love now.

Flowers: Rose & Roses, Flower Tips, Flower Care

Most individuals could not defy a rose's beauty and aroma. These flowers are considered a bit hard to grow, but anybody can begin rose gardening in the convenience of their own backyard. 

To be sure that your most treasured roses are in the pink or even red of their health, just follow these tips on coping with every rose health perplexity: 

1. Black Spots on Foliage 
This disease is usually known as black spot. Black spots occur as circular with fringed edges on leaves. They make the leaves yellow. The answer is to get rid of the infected foliage and collect any fallen leaves around the rose. Artificial sprays may be used to stop or treat this type of rose disease. 

2. Stunted or distorted young canes 
Called powdery mildew, this is a fungal disease that blankets leaves, stems and buds with wind swept white powder. It causes the leaves to roll and become purple. Spray with an organic antifungal to treat this fungal disease that could destroy your rose garden. 

3. Injured underside of leaves 
A disease of roses called rust is characterized with orange-red blisters that turn black in the fall. In spring, it blisters new sprouts. This disease can even live through winter. What you can do is to pick up and toss away leaves that are infected in the fall. Organic anti-fungal spraying every 5 to 7 days may help. 

4. Malformed or stunted leaves and flowers 
What probably caused this is the occurrence of spider mites. They are small yellow, red or green spiders on the underside of the foliage. They suck juices from leaves. The application of a strong stream of water may help in treating this infestation. 

5. Weak and blotched leaves with tiny white webs under them This might be the work of aphids. They are tiny soft-bodied insects that are normally brown, green or red. Sometimes clumped under leaves and flower buds, they suck plant juices from the delicate buds. A strong stream of water from a garden hose may help roses to endure these bugs. 

6. Flowers that don't open or are distorted when they open. 
Thrips could be the cause behind this distortion and unopened flowers. It is defined with slender, brown-yellow bugs with bordered wings flourishing in flower buds. These bugs also suck juices from flower buds. You should cut and get rid of the infested flowers. Using neem oil spray may also treat this problem of your roses. 

Diwali in North India - Floral India

In the North, Diwali festivities start at Dussehra. There are numerous legends and local customs associated with this festival, but common to all is the lighting of homes, pathways, temples, and even government buildings, with hundreds of small clay lamps and candles. Firecrackers, thought to frighten away evil spirits are also used with abandon, which makes this a particular popular festival for children. On Diwali day, shops remain open till the afternoon, believing that good sales on Diwali day predict a prosperous year ahead. In the corporate sector, the process of buying and distributing Diwali gifts begins several days before the big day, and slowly picks up pace. Sweets and dry fruits are the most common gifts, as are silver coins. But gifts also range from silver dishes and other household gifts to suit-pieces. 

In north India, around every street corner can be found the temporary stages for holding the Ramlila - a dramatic rendition of the story of the Ramayan, which continues for several evenings, culminating in the defeat of Evil (Ravana) by Good (Ram). In Himachal, as in parts of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, gambling with cards picks up and reaches peak on the night of Diwali. Although traditionally Diwali is not celebrated by the Sikhs, they do participate in the festival to the extent of making a trip to the Gurudwara, and then lighting candles in the evening and letting off fire crackers as well. 

Puja 
Houses are decorated and a Lakshmi puja is organized. Often the women of the house do "aarti" to their husbands, garlanding him and putting a "tika" on him, while praying for his long life. In some houses, there is a ritual of immersing a silver coin in a tumbler of milk. The milk is then sprinkled lightly in the rooms of the house. Prashad is kept in front of the idol throughout the night. 

Diya Patterns
In Himachal, every indoor corner of the house is lit up carefully, and a large diya, bigger than usual, is kept in the temple or puja place and is guarded all night through. In Bihar and UP, it is not always one large diya, but four smaller ones, intricately shaped, which surround the puja place and the women of the house sit guard all night to ensure they do not go out. Even the diyas placed outside, around the house are jealously guarded and re-lit at once, if the wind puts them out. 

Diwali Recipes
Some of the Diwali specialties made are: "patandas" - dosa like but made of flour and eaten with shakkar (jaggery powder) and ghee; "askloo" - pakodas made out of rice atta and eaten with either shakkar ghee or chutney; "poodas" or "mal poohas"-- which are made of flour and sugar syrup and eaten with a chutney.

Brighten up This Diwali with Diyas and Candles - Floral India

Diwali is associated with lights and illumination and hence aptly called as the Festival of Lights. Diwali is symbolized with lighting up the houses with diyas and candles. As everyone knows that exchanging of gifts is an age old tradition in Diwali. It is the time where people meet their loved ones, relatives and friends and gifts are considered a token of love and good wishes. Diwali Diyas and Candles are one of the most beautiful and popular gift items during this festival. 

Diyas, candles, lamps are available in varied designs, shapes and sizes. The market is flooded with attractive designs of diyas. The hand made diyas are beautifully crafted , with painted patterns and studded with sequins, beads, and glasses. Besides the clay diyas, metal diyas are also available. There are brass, copper, bronze and even silver and gold diyas. These are intricately carved and available in varied shapes. Markets, diwali melas, haats, showcase a multitude of handcrafted diyas made by ceramic and handicraft artists throughout the country. Diwali diyas are one of the major attractions. Multicolored and vibrant colored diyas look fabulous. 

Like diyas, candles are also given as gifts during diwali. The most exquisite candles in the prettiest designs, colors and shapes are found in the market. Candle holders with dazzling designs together with the candles bring in an element of elegance and royalty as well. There are tea light candles, votive candles, fragrant candles, and also multicolored floating candles.

Diyas and candles are ideal as diwali gifts. Diwali is incomplete without lighting diyas and candles. Besides decorating the house, illuminating the entrance way, diyas are also required to perform the evening Lakshmi puja. Gift giving is utmost importance on the occasion of Diwali. Presenting beautiful diyas and candles is a way of communicating respect, friendship, and appreciation.

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Popularity of Online Shopping in Diwali - Floral India

The joys and enthusiasm levels in Diwali can never go down. Whether rich or poor, young and old, diwali festival is celebrated by all. A simple gift represents the warmth and love associated with the festival and the gift. Diwali gifts are exchanged with much gusto. There are varied products available in the market for gifts. People can also make online purchase to send gifts to dear ones living far away. Gifts indeed have a feel good factor. There is no doubt that everyone feels happy getting gifts. Diwali makes everybody feel happy as it is a time of rejoicing. Gifts whether you receive from your friend, relative, family member or your boss make you feel happy as well as special as you are remembered. 

Nowadays in this fast paced world, diwali shopping is no longer confined to the traditional way of shopping where we visit markets to buy products. Nowadays the online shopping has become very popular. No matter where you stay, any product of your choice is delivered to required destination at the required time. Online shopping portals come up with an exclusive and exhaustive variety of gifts just to celebrate the real feel behind Diwali shopping. 

Choosing a diwali gift is not so simple. There are so many options available. What gifts for Diwali to buy for the parents, close friends, relatives, siblings, colleagues and for all those who matter a lot ? It becomes much more easier if you find all gift options in one single platform instead of visiting different shops for different products , which is very time consuming. It is here the concept of online shopping plays a vital role. If you are living abroad in some other country and have to send your Diwali gifts and Diwali Greetings, the various online portals help you a lot. With the advent of the internet technology, sending gifts on Diwali is quite easy. There are online shopping sites with incredible ideas and options by which you can send your hearty wishes and gifts to your dear ones in India on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. Numerous types of gifts with secure and safe transactions and ensured delivery give utmost satisfaction to the buyer as well as the receiver.

Indians staying abroad have no problem in sending gifts to their near and dear ones. A beautiful collection of Diwali gifts like nicely packed dry fruits, sweets, pooja thalis, decoratives, diyas and candle sets, apparels, electronic gadgets, gift vouches, greetings etc. can be send online. The gifts wrapped with your deepest feelings will surely brighten up the spirit and festive mood of Diwali. So during this festive season of Diwali, make online purchase of the gifts of your choice and convey your priceless emotions to those hearts which you truly value.

Auspicious Diwali Gifts - Festival of Lights (Floral India)

Giving gifts has always been an important rituals of the festival of Dipavali. As is customary, Divali gifts are an acknowledgement of love and affection that we give to our loved ones. After Dipavali Pujan and before lighting the crackers, gifts are exchanged among friends, acquaintances and family. Everyone competes for the best or the most number of gifts.

With the ever increasing distances, Diwali gifts are now an extended expression of best wishes shared between near and dear ones. There are many auspicious gift ideas that can be chosen for this occasion. Some of these popular Deepavali gifts are discussed below.


Diwali Sweets - A perfect way to express your love or send best wishes is through sweets of different tastes adorned with beautiful packaging.

Diwali Puja Thali - An auspicious ‘Lakshmi-Ganesha’ pooja thali in a vareity of materials decked with flowers, golden gota, idols, katoris with roli chawal, diyas and many more.

Ganesha-Laxmi Gifts - Bring home this beautifying divinity and decorate your home with their gracious presence and blissful blessings.

Diwali Silver Gifts - Divine elegance crafted in pure silver and some such ideas of silver gifts are Thalis, Idols, Jewelry, Coins.

Deepawali Gold Gifts - Gold is a precious metal which is most easily associated with Deepavali festival. Any Diwali celebration is incomplete without gold based gift items.

Diwali Diyas / Diwali Candles – Earthen, Clay, Brass, White Metal, Silver are the most commonly used materials of which Diyas are made.

All these gifts or products are an inseparable part of this occasion and give an auspicious feel to the festival of lights, Deewali.

Tips for Sending Flowers To Your Man

Ladies are no longer the only ones whom love receiving flowers. 70% of men surveyed by the Society of India Florists admitted that they would like to receive flowers on Valentines Day. Now, before you ring up an order of 99 red roses, follow this guide to choose a floral arrangement that even Mars the God of War would approve:

• Occasions 
  Think back to the times when you would love to receive flowers: on your birthday, on special anniversaries, during down times, after a job promotion there you have it.

• Colours 
  There are no hard and fast rules about what colors are appropriate for each gender but unless you are absolutely very sure that he is perfectly fine with pink and purple (even if he is absolutely secure about his masculinity, it is probably wise to add in several masculine-colored blooms), stray away from effeminate colors like pastels, pinks and purples. There is no need to settle for the fail-safe blue, though. Choose, instead, flowers in strong, vivid and monochromatic hues like bright yellow, intense orange, fiery red and royal gold.

• Types of flowers 
  Like women, just about any kind of flowers roses, tulips, lilies, sunflowers, orchids etc are bound to touch even an alpha male. But the kinds that really appeal to them are flowers that are sturdy and full of personality like the angular birds of paradise, anthuriums or orchids.

• Floral Arrangement 
  Skip the fluffy big bouquets and head straight for the exotic, tropical or contemporary arrangements in linear or angular compositions. If this is your first time giving your man flowers, you can play it safe with a flower/plant dish that he can place on his desk at work or on his coffee table.

• Personal Touches 
  Incorporating his hobbies and interests into his floral gift will definitely earn you brownie points. If your man is into automotive, add in a car magazine. If he is a soccer fan, choose flowers in his team's colors. If he is a game freak, insert a few video games that he had been hinting at. You get the idea.

How Do I Make My Dozen Roses Look Right ?

When I first started to design flowers I often heard how designers had difficulty making a dozen roses look nice. That it was hard to keep the roses in place. But it is really very easy to do if you know a few simple basics.

1. First prepare the rose by taking off the bottom half of the leaves and popping off the thorns. Most people prefer the thorns off but as much as possible I leave the thorns on. This is because taking them off can leave open wounds and may allow microbial bacteria to enter and shorten the life of the flower.
   
2. Cut the rose stem slantwise under water (so they don't get an air pocket that prevents them from drinking) and place in small bucket or vase that has warm water and flower food.
   
3. Make sure you have the right size vase. Too small and you'll have them all standing up straight and it will look funny. Too big and you'll have way too much space to fill in. This may sound like common sense but believe me; all beginning designers have made this mistake.

There are two ways that I have found to be the best: 

a) Fill a vase with water of the way full. Take your greens (usually leather leaf) and start putting them in the vase starting from the outside all around and moving inward. The greens should be crisscrossing themselves. This gives a good stiff base for the roses to be able to stand without flopping.

Or: 

b) Take a dry vase and clear floral tape. You can get this at a craft store and it is very sticky and water proof. Use this tape at the top of the vase by making a grid. You should leave enough room to allow the stem and greens to pass through. Fill the vase with water and flower food and start putting your greens in, same as before, start inserting from outside towards the inside stems crossing each other. The advantage to using the grid is you can use fewer greens. Now you are ready to place the roses in. 

In most floral designing you design from the outside inward. But for roses I prefer the opposite. I start with what I call the anchor rose. I take my longest stem and stick it right in the middle. If you have done your greening correctly, is should stand straight up. Place the next 4 roses in around the first rose but slightly shorter. Continue in this fashion until all roses have been placed. Now stand back and look at it to see if you need to make any adjustments. Then place in the filler of your choice such as baby's breath. Finish with a bow and enjoy your creation. 

There are many ways to place the roses but remember, keep it simple. Don't make it complicated. 

The Story Behind Raksha Bandhan - Floral India

Raksha Bandhan, meaning "Knot of Protection" is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Hindus throughout the world. The festival stands for the beautiful relationship shared between brothers and sisters. A lifelong promise of protection is made on this special occasion. It exhibits the beautiful relationship of love, care and affection between siblings.

History
Raksha Bandhan, also called Rakhi Purnima or just Rakhi, has deep rooted historical significance. There are various stories linked with the past mythology of the hindu religion. People believe and follow different stories from the past. The most famous and relied upon story of them all is that of Rani Karnavati of Chittor and the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Rani Karnawati was the widowed queen of Chittor, which had been attacked by Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat. The queen realized that defending her empire from the invasion was not possible for her and in lieu of protection and help, she sent a Rakhi to the Mughal Emperor, Humayun. On receiving the rakhi, the Emperor was overwhelmed and became emotional. He, along with his troops, immediately set out to protect Chittor from the invasion. Alas, he could not reach on time. The Sultan of Gujarat had, by then, reached the queen`s fortress. All the women, in the fortress including Rani Karnawati had performed Jauhar (mass suicide) by then. Humayun, on reaching the fortress, fought with Bahadur Shah and evicted him from the land. The empire was handed over to Rani Karnawati`s son, Vikramjeet Singh. Since then, the act of a sister tying a rakhi on the wrist of her brother indicates lifelong protection from him.

Significance
Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful Hindu festival where sisters dress up beautifully in order to celebrate this special occasion with their brothers. Sisters also pray for a prosperous future and a long life for their brothers. Rakhi holds great emotional and religious significance. The festival keeps the deep rooted culture of the country alive, strengthens the relationship of siblings and ensures togetherness.

Celebrations
The festival of Raksha Bandhan, brings the entire family together. The day starts with everyone dressing up beautifully in traditional attires. Sweets, chocolates and other regional specialties are brought. The sister ties a rakhi on her brother`s wrist and performs aarti, praying for his well-being and then sweetens his mouth with a delicacy. Brothers in return give gifts to their sisters to express their love.

Perfect gifts for brothers and sisters
Nowadays, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with exchange of gifts unlike the old days when money was handed over to the sister as a token of love. Here are some amazing ideas of gifts you can surprise your brother and sister with, on Rakhi.

Gifts for Brothers:

Watch: 

Very much in fashion; since the occasion is rakhi, what could be better than a watch for your brother`s wrist?

Gadget:Since guys are quite tech savvy, a gadget, maybe a new phone, MP3, tab, etc. will be a great option. It`ll surely bring a smile to your brother`s face.

 Perfumes: Men and women both are equally crazy about perfumes. So, a nice perfume is also a great option this rakhi.

Chocolates: chocolates are liked by people of all age groups, so whether your brother is young or old, chocolates will remain an all-time favorite.

Gifts for Sisters

Jewellery: A girl`s best friend! Jewellery is one of the most loved things by any girl. Go for it, without a second thought.

 Bag: Bags are again a great option. Girls go gaga over handbags, so getting your sister a bag will definitely fetch you a smile.

 Vouchers: Girls, being shopaholics, will love a gift/discount voucher from which they can shop as they desire.

 These are just a few ideas to ease your search. The value of any gift is seen by the intention with which it is given, so no matter what you get, your brother or sister will love you anyway. AstroYogi.com wishes all a happy and memorable Raksha Bandhan!

Rakhi: The thread that binds, protects

Greetings of the day to one and all! Let’s observe the words closely before proceeding further. ‘Raksha’ means to protect, ‘Bandhan’ means bond. So it is a bond between a brother and his sister where the brother vows to take care of his sister(s) come what may. India as we know has a rich cultural heritage. Raksha Bandhan is one of the most joyous festivals celebrated all over India as a mark of respect for the brother-sister relationship. The day begins with puja and the sister ties a rakhi, a colourful thread, on the wrist of her brother and blesses him with long life and happiness. In turn the brother blesses the sister and vows to take care of her throughout her life, which amazingly stretches beyond her marriage too. The thread draws a connection through and through and ties the siblings in infinite love that knows no boundaries. It is a strange phenomenon where a sister takes for granted that she will have a protected life in the presence of her brother. And surprisingly, the brother too takes it on himself to be responsible for his sister and her doings

A sibling may be the keeper of one’s identity, the only person with the keys to one’s unfettered, more fundamental self. Traditionally, Raksha Bandhan is a festival to celebrate the brother-sister relationship. But according to history, the significance of rakhi is not limited to only brothers and sisters. It served as a bond of protection and could be tied by wife, mother or daughter. Rishis also used to tie rakhi to people who came for their blessings. Some people also used to tie rakhi to their neighbours and friends to have a peaceful relationship. Rabindranath Tagore was the first person who popularised the Rakhi Utsav and promoted feeling of commitment and unity. So, Raksha Bandhan is a day to reaffirm faith in all forms of protection and is a destroyer of all sins. On this day, brothers and sisters try to visit each other personally and show their love towards each other. The day highlights the importance of siblings. The whole essence of celebrating the festival is to inculcate the importance of love and affection between brothers and sisters.

I am proud to be an Indian where the concept of joint family system is prevalent till date. The love showered on children by brothers/sisters/parents/grandparents is amazing and I have always felt very secure amidst my family. I strongly believe that they will stand by me through thick and thin and I know my brother will remain my guardian angel throughout my life. God bless all brothers!! Happy Raksha Bandhan to one and all. May this thread of love grow stronger each day.

Raksha Bandhan: The Bond of Love

Celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu calendar month of Sharavan, Raksha Bandhan is one of the most widely celebrated festivals of India.

It is a day that symbolises the sacred relationship between a brother and sister. Literally translated, raksha means protection while bandhan means bond. Raksha Bandhan, therefore, signifies the bond of love out which comes a sense of security and protection.

On Raksha Bandhan, the sister ties a rakhi, comprising sacred threads, on her brother's wrist and performs an aarati . In return, the brother gives her a gift. The ritual is meant to signify their love and that both are looking out for each other. Today, the festival goes much beyond real brothers and sisters to any two individuals who enjoy a deep relationship. So you are likely to see a woman tie a rakhi to her cousins, neighbours and close friends.

Raksha Bandhan also has a great history. Various stories have been passed on indicating the origin of Raksha Bandhan. One of them draws its origin from the Mahabharata epic. Once, Lord Krishna hurt his hand while fighting Shishupala, a man who had committed several heinous acts. When this happened, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandava brothers, rushed to cover the wound by tearing a piece of her sari and tying it around Lord Krishna's hand. In return for her kind gesture, the Lord asked what she would like. Draupadi replied by saying she only desired His Divine presence at every moment of her life. From that moment on, Lord Krishna told Draupadi that He would be with her whenever she called out for Him. Much later, when the Kauravas tried to disrobe her in their court, helpless, she called out to Lord Krishna to save her. And in return, the Lord gave her a sari that was infinitely long. As a result, the Kauravas were unable to disrobe her and Draupadi was saved from being dishonored.

While the festival typically celebrates the relationship between brother and sister, it has a much deeper spiritual significance. When we take one step on the spiritual path, the Lord takes ninety-nine steps, as it were. This is the symbolism of Lord Krishna giving Draupadi an infinitely long sari in return for a protecting his wound with a small piece of cloth. At the absolute level, it is only when we give up our pathetic, finite egos that we are able to experience the joy of the Infinite.

Those who have embarked on the magical journey towards the Spirit experience not just and happiness and success but also an unmistakable sense of peace that the world cannot disturb. Thus Raksha Bandhan, like all other Indian festivals, is a call to the Divine Self within. So let us pledge, on this day, to commit ourselves to dedicating our actions to our goal of self-betterment, harbouring finer emotions and developing the clarity to see the permanence in and through the transience of the world

Changing Ways of Sending Rakhi

Traditional ways of Sending Rakhi

Some few years back, usually brothers & sisters used to stay in same city & used to celebrate rakhi together, because most people don't used to leave their home town for job n all.

But in recent scenario many people are moving in different cities or in different countries for jobs.

At that time, if brothers & sisters were not leaving in the same city, then sister used to send rakhi by following ways:

• Through Post
• Through Courier

For that prepare at least one week to 10 days ago.

• Go to the market
• Stand in a line (markets are full of rush at the time of festive occasions)
• Choose the Products you want from different shops (such as: Rakhi, Roli, Akshat, Gifts, Sweets, Dry Fruits, Chocolates, Packaging Material etc.)
• Then pack it all
• Go to the courier office
• Parcel it

Modern ways of Sending Rakhi

In the world of modern technique and one click work done it's yet not as hard as in past. Some simple steps to perform and that's it.

• Go to the Website www.floralindia.com
• Click the products you like
• Fill the required information
• Pay online