Bal Mukund Khand ,Ginagar,Kalkaji

I am just playing with my iphones in Bal Mukund Khand Park.My child is busy with other kids to play football here.Bal Mukund Khand, Giri Nagar, Kalkaji, New Delhi is a Locality in North East Delhi City in Delhi State, India. Subash Khand , Tilak Khand , Govind Puri , Giri Nagar , Block K are the nearby Localities to Bal Mukund Khand Giri Nagar Kalkaji New Delhi. NOIDA , Delhi , Faridabad , Ghaziabad are the nearby Cities to North East Delhi. Hindi is the Local Language here.As a part of crowd you just love the festivals celebrated in this park specially the charm of Chhat and Dussehra celebration are most enjoyable.

The local markets nearby it are Govindpuri Market and Nehru Place area of marketing but the local streets markets like Budhbajar,Bihbajar add lots of delicacy in local shopping,you just  visit with kids and collect your needs there and try to have a break with daily routine.The street covers with flowers and essential things for Festival during this festival season  and my motto remains to have a full version of festive mood.

My plan to enjoy Durga puja in those pandals with kids

One of the most well-known Durga Puja pandals in Delhi is the one at Minto Road. The Minto Road Pandal is best known for its bonedi pujo as well as the pushpanjali or the ritual of the offering of flowers. Also famous for the Dhununchi Naach (a traditional dance performed during Durga Puja), the Minto Road pandal is one of the oldest pandals in Delhi.

The Safdarjung Enclave Durga Puja Pandal is run by the folks of the Matri Mandir Samity. Artistes from Kolkata are specially invited to construct the idol at this pandal. What makes the Safdarjung Enclave Durga Puja Pandal unique is that each year the pandal is modeled after a popular Indian temple. The decorations and the ambience of the pandal are as much of an attraction as the Durga idol that it contains. Rituals are performed here every day and attract thousands of devotees.

The Kashmere Gate Pandal is the oldest in the city, having been established way back in 1909. This pandal attempts to be as close to the traditional forms of celebrations as possible. Thus, the pandal is crafted in classical design and decorated in silver and gold. The idol is simple and harks back to a different era.

Durga Puja celebrations at the New Delhi Kali Bari temple began in 1925 making it one of the oldest pandal in the city. While the celebrations were initially held on Baird Road (present-day Bangla Sahib Road) where the temple was initially located they moved to Mandir Marg where the temple moved in the early ‘30s. Quite like the Kashmere Gate Pandal, the celebrations at the Delhi Kali Bari pandal are very traditional. Puja rituals at the New Delhi Kali Bari have remained unchanged since 1936 and to this very day the pandal organizes competitions in Rabindra sangeet and recitation!

The Mayur Vihar Kali Bari pandal is arguably one of the most popular one in the city. Like most Durga Puja pandals, this one also serves some lip-smacking bhog around mid-noon.  

Known as the mini-Bengal of Delhi, Chittaranjan Park is every Bengali’s home away from home. With four pandals in CR Park, the organizers have been at it for over 37 years. Singers and bands from around the country vie to perform here each year and food stalls compete for your attention even as the place comes alive with young women and men turning up in their traditional best.

The pandal at Timarpur and Civil lines is famous for its artistic idols. This is one of the few pandals that still adhere to the pre-independence Bengali tradition of taking the idol for immersion on a bullock cart, this pandal is known for its elegance in structure and design.

Jagrata
 
Jagrata is also called Mata ki Chowki or Jagran and is quite popular in Delhi. It is basically an all-nighter where people get together to pray and sing songs in goddess Durga’s praise. Families as well as societies conduct Jagratas throughout Navratri and it comes to an end on Dussehra. Usually, there are professionals who conduct these sessions as they sing songs all night and encourage others also to do the same. People keep drinking tea to keep themselves awake. Usually a red or saffron cloth is worn during Jagrata sessions. At times, skits from Ramayana or ones depicting Durga’s strength are also enacted by these groups.I am also planning to be part of Jagarta to get some blessing and this ritual is best for my kid as it priotizes Being.

Kalka Maa Temple Visit  

As a residence of Kalkaji area ,one must visit Maa Kalka,I always visit this temple during Navaratree.The Kalka Devi of this particular temple is the self-manifested representation of the Divine Mother.The locality Kalkaji that lies in the Southern Delhi takes its name from the holy Kalkaji Mandir. The temple dates back in time to the ancient times of the Satya Yuga finds a midway location between the Nehru Place and the railway station of Okhla. Satya Yuga was a phase when mankind was dictated and ruled by the Supreme Being, who took the form of various Gods and Goddesses.

The autumnal and springtime festivities of the Navaratra followed by Navami are two of the most sought-after events of the celebration. A special fair is also organized during the springtime festivity of Navaratra. The celebration continues over nine days’ time, with the festivity reaching the feverish peak on Dussera. Devotees come, in large numbers, to offer prayers to the Divine Mother Kalika. Similar enthusiasm is discernible on the New Moon day, ashtami (the eighth day from the New Moon) and Dipavali. But the maximum involvement from devotees and disciples are noticeable during the springtime celebration of Navaratri.

Bal Mukund Khand Park is the nearest location to reach all the pandals and temple area to celebrate this festival and my decision sitting on the bench on park and whole outline for this festival is the basic setup for 2017 .Festivals are part of our life and communal sense of locality add a charm to homeness and belogingness,as a part of temple area nearby,Gurudwara nearby,the public gathering for festivals you never miss to have a snap in Bal Mukund Khand community too.

Dussehra in Delhi

Dussehra is one of the most popular festivals in India. This festival is a must visit in order to get a close look of the religious traditions of India. The festival marks the victory of good over evil. The religious belief behind this festival is that Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana defeated Ravana during a colossal battle. Large numbers of tourists from various far off corners of the world come to India in order to witness this grand festival.

The celebration of Dussehra involves a number of traditions and customs to be performed. Huge effigies of Ravana are made packed with fire crackers. These effigies are set on fire and it is great sight for the viewers to see these effigies burning with a grand display of fire crackers. Chanting of "Jay Sree Ram" can be heard to mark the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.

In Delhi, Dussehra is celebrated as the day when Lord Ram defeated the evil Ravana. Temples are decorated, religious music is played and Ramlila is performed. Effigies of Ravana, Meghanad and Kumbhakaran are set on fire in almost every neighbourhood in the city with crowds cheering enthusiastically.Ramlila,a traditional theatrical representation of the Ramayana. Storytelling is in a traditional folklore style with fancy costumes and dramatic dialogues. •Ravana’s effigy is burnt amidst fanfare followed by an amazing fireworks’ display that lights up the sky in beautiful colours and I love the evening time gathering to see the fire on .The family enjoyment of having part in such cultural shows as audience has a lot of charms in life.Like a kid you wait whole year for Dusshera in Delhi and celebrate by heart.

My days are full of hopes and excitement in this year too for the arrival of Dusshera and this time Dussehra pictures with burnt Ravana figure in different streets will be my first priority for facebooks snaps.Love you jindage for making me fully live.

Dashai food

Dashain Food cuisine is the major meat related food. . But there is also Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, Chatani, Achar etc in Dashain Food cuisines, Dashain is a festival when we get holidays for almost a week. No work, no obligations. It is a fun time. And the best thing about Dashain is… FOOD. That’s right. All day long, we sit home, play some card games and most of our times are spent trying on new dishes, or the age old Dashain food recipes that all of our families have now gotten so used to eating on Dashain. This ten-day festival is the time when eating is one thing that is the highlight of the celebrations. Unlike any other festivals, it does not include fasting or anything. There is no need to go any kind of fasting. That is why Dashain is really about eating different types of food and having fun.

Mutton is the official Dashain food in Nepali Families, especially among the brahmins and kshatriyas. In every family, they buy a goat which is kept in the house for a few days. And at the day of sacrifice, that is the eighth day of Dashain, the goat is sacrificed and the meat is eaten as an offering from the God. Dal is the mix of lentils which is cooked in pressure cooker. And bhat is rice which is also cooked in pressure cooker. And masu is meat which is made into a curry. Potato achaar is a popular, addictively delicious, refreshing potato salad dish from Nepal.  Only rarely have I come across a traditional Nepali meal that is served without potato achaar. For a  Nepali bhoj,  ceremonial and formal occasions feast,  aloo ko achaar is a must item.  A large quantity of potato salads are prepared that accompanies other ceremonial food items. 

Selroti is usually prepared at home during the festival of Dashai. It is big, ring shaped, whose width is smaller than of the doughnut. It is a mixture of rice flour, milk, water, sugar, butter, cardamom, cloves, and bananas. These ingredients are mixed well by stirring before cooking in a hot oil or ghee. From Nepal, sel roti is often sent as special gifts to family members living abroad. 

Dashai is the most enjoyable festival for me as a foodie I love momma preparing various Dashai dishes at home and serving to all of us who gather at home .

Navaratree Celebration at my home

Navratri is one of the most celebrated of all Hindu festivals and so as a hindu family we family members celebrate it every year. "Nav" means nine and "ratri" means night, thus Navratri festival means a festival spread over nine nights.Though Navratri comes five times in a year, the most important and major are:

• Vasanta Navratri (also known as Basanta Navrathri, Chaitra Navratras, or Raama Navratri), which is celebrated in the month of March or April every year. It ends on the 9th and final day which is celebrated as Ram Navami.
• Sharada Navratri (also known as Maha Navratri or Sharad Navratri), which is celebrated in the months of September or October every year. The 10th day after the nine nights is celebrated as Vijayadashmi, the celebration of good over evil. It is also called Dussehra.

The dates of Navratri are based on the lunar calendar and change every year.A pot is installed in a clean place in the home and a lamp is kept lighted at all times for the entire duration of the navratri festival. This is called Ghatasthapana.Goddess Durga, the epitome of power or shakti, is worshipped during Navratri. It is believed the goddess had nine forms and she is worshipped in these forms during the nine-night festival.The 8th day is celebrated as Durga Ashtami or Ashtami.

On the 9th day Kanya Puja (the worship of young girls who have not reached the age of puberty) is performed. Nine girls represent the nine forms of the Goddess Durga or Divine Mother. Their feet are washed, tilak is applied to their foreheads, and they partake in a feast of pooris, halwa, and black gram, a sweet dish like kheer. They are offered new clothes and fruits by those who perform this ceremony.

The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga

Depending on the region, different forms of the Goddess Durga are worshipped. The forms are:

• Durga, the invincible
• Bhadrakali, the auspicious and fortunate
• Amba or Jagdamba, Mother of the universe
• Annapoorna, the giver of food
• Sarvamangala, the giver of joy all around
• Bhairavi, the terrifying
• Chandika, the violent
• Lalita, the beautiful
• Bhavani, the giver of life
• Mookambika, the one who listens

Fasting During Navratri

Fasting is a common practice observed by many during Navratri. Meat, alcohol, grains, wheat, onions, and garlic are avoided by those fasting.Grains are avoided as they are believed to absorb negative energy due to the seasonal changes at this time.

The Legend of Navratri

Though Navratri is a mix of various themes, the common factor is the destruction of evil or the victory of good over evil.In the Chaitra Navratri, Demon Mahishasura (who had defeated all the Gods) was ultimately killed by Goddess Durga. After the Gods were defeated, they approached Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, whose collective energy gave rise to shakti or power in the form of Goddess Durga. They appealed to her to kill the demon.In the Chaitra Navratri, the 9th day is celebrated as Ram Navami, the day Lord Rama was born.In the Sharad Navratri, the 10th day is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dusshera, the day when the demon king Ravana was killed by Lord Rama.

The Nine Days

The nine days are divided into three sets of three days each to worship the three different attributes of the Goddess.Kanya puja is done on the 8th day of the festival before breaking the fast. These girls of prepubescent age are offered puris, chana, halwa, and red scarves.Mom manages everything herself.

Some dishes that are traditionally prepared during Navratri are:

• Sabudana puris and vadas made of tapioca
• Sabudana Kheer: tapoica pudding
• Vrat ke chawal: rice made during fasting
• pudding made of water chestnut

We all family gather and celebrate at home,wearing new dresses children run around with friends and the enjoyment of Navaratree celebration is recorded with camera as this festival focus on the light aspect of our life,our happiness is in the  victory of humanity and truth as described in myths.We gather and follow every ritual and visit nearby temples with our family and relatives.

Dashain in Dhakalthok,Panchamul,Syangja

 My plan to reach Dhakalthok, Panchamul,Syangja

My plan to visit Dhakalthok,Panchamul ,Syangja for Dashai celebration has become succeed,the tickets are on my hand,the distance 8 h 21 min (261.1 km) via Prithvi Hwy.I packed my luggage and prepared the mind to be on time.Dashai celebration in right area is my wish ,to be granny aged with ninety who stays there.Panchamul Sirubari is the first model village designed to experience village based tourism in Nepal. It is a nature gifted place and one of the richest village in terms of culture. Panchamul Sirubari is a unique example of eco-cultural tourism in Nepal and is a new tourism product originated by local people.

As a student I have been studying in Tribhuvan University ,Kirtipur ,Kathmandu and the distance from Syangja to Kathmandu is not such a long distance by bus,one enjoys a lot visting Pokhara in six hours and Panchamul in next three hours from Pokhara in a local vehicle to Ghante Deurali.The village is on a south-facing slope at 1,700 m above sea level. The climate is ideal at all times of the year with no snow ever falling in the village itself. However, the ideal time to visit is between September and June. The houses are mostly built from local materials and are well constructed and comfortable.And I prefer journey on foot if a group of friends joined me on the way to  discuss about facts of Dashai in Panchamul Syangja this year.

Dashai ,what it means to me ?

Dashain, also known as Bada Dashain or Vijaya Dashami. It is the biggest festival of the Hindus all over the world. It symbolizes the victory over evil. It usually falls in the month of Aswin or Kartik (late September/early October). Dashain is celebrated for 15 days. Goddess Durga the Goddess of power, is worshipped for nine days, and on the tenth day, Bijay Dashami or the victory over evil is observed with joy by putting on Tika and Jamara. People clean, paint and decorate their houses at Dashain as it falls in Aswin or Kartik month of the bikramsambat calendar and in September or October as per the English calendar, starting from the Shukla Paksha (bright lunar fortnight) and ending on Purnima ( full moon).

Dashain is the most auspicious and longest festival in Nepal. Nepal being a multi-cultural country, all the people from all around the country celebrate with love, respect, and appreciation. Dashain is a fifteen day national festival of Nepal. People return from different parts of the country to their hometown. All government offices, educational institutions, and offices remain closed during this period. The schools and college remain close as well. Children are seen to be much excited about Dashain because they do not have to go their schools and can play all day long without getting scold or being punished. 

Dashain begins with the first day which is called as Ghatasthapana where people plant seeds into the sand. Sand is collected from the river bank and is spread in the prayer room. Barley seed along with sesame is planted on the sand surrounding the Kalash. The priest chants a welcome mantra so that goddess Durga could bless the family. Every day the sand is watered and fruits are offered. Generally, the male member reads one chapter of Chandi every morning and evening. The seeds later turn out to be Jamara which is given to the member who comes to put tika.

Dashain symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The meaning of Dashain is different for different mythology yet the concept of winning over the evil is same. For followers of Shaktism, it represents the victory of the goddess Parvati.In the case of Hindu mythology, the demon Mahsishasura had created panic in the development but Durga killed the demon. The first nine days of Dashain symbolize the battle which took place between Durga and Mahishasuru. The tenth day is the final day when Durga finally defeated him. For some other Hindus, Dashain symbolizes the victory of Ram over Ravan as mentioned in the Ramayana.

The 7^th day of Dashain is Fulpati which is a major celebration occurring on the seventh day of Dashain. On this day, Kalash, banana stalks, Jamara, and sugar cane tied with a red and yellow cloth. The king used to observe the ceremony in Tundikhel while the Fulpati parade heads towards the Hanuman Dhoka. But, we have our president who looks after the parade as they head ahead. On the eight days, the day is called as Maha Asthami. This is the day when the goddess Durga’s appearances, the Kali is appeased through the sacrifice of buffaloes, goats, hens and so on. The system of sacrificing the animals has been a concern for the people all around the world.

Blood is the symbol of fertility which is offered to the Goddesses. After the offering, the meat is taken home and cooked as Prasad. On this day Newar community has an event known as Khadga puja. The people in this event has to do puja of their weapons. The ninth day is called the Mahanavami and is the last day of Navaratri. On this day, on this day, official soldierly ritual sacrifices are done in the Hanuman Dhoka palaces, the Kot courtyard.

On this occasion, the sacrifices of buffaloes under the gunfire salutes are done. This day is also known as the demon-hunting day because members of the conquered devil try to save themselves by hiding in the bodies of animals and birds. On Mahanavami, Vishvakarman who is also known as the god of creation is worshiped as it believed that all the things which help us in making a living should be kept happy. Craftsmen, traders, and mechanics worship and offer animal and bird blood to their tools, gear, and automobiles so that there would be no loss in the business process.

Moreover, it is also believed that worshipping the vehicles on this day avoids accidents for the year all the vehicles from bikes, cars to trucks are worshiped on this day. The Taleju Temple gates are unlocked for the general public on only this day of the year. The devotees go and pray and show respect to the goddess this day. The temple is filled with devotees all day long.

The tenth day of the festival is the ‘Dashami’ meaning the tenth day. On this day, a mixture of rice, yogurt, and Jamara is prepared by the women which are known as “Tika”. Elders put this tika and jamara which is seeded in the Ghatasthapana, the first day, on the forehead of younger relatives to bless them with health and wealth in the future. The red represents the blood that ties the family together.

Elders give a small amount of money which is called as “Dakshina” to younger relatives along with the blessings. This procedure is followed continuously for five days till the full moon during which period families and relatives visit each other to give-and-take gifts and greetings. This ritual of taking tika from all the elder relatives and also from the relatives who we do not always visit, those who are at the distant helps in the restoration of the community ties significantly. This is one reason why the festival is celebrated with so much of strength, energy and eagerness or interest.

My plan to reach Dhakalthok on time itself to do all the rituals with grandma,I know she is still happy to work in field and prepares the essential items in different festivals with the help of aunts.My uncles also help in preparation of different prasad there at home and distribute to everybody.As a child, Dashain meant two things, relatives and good food. The description of Dashain is never complete without its food.Nothing defines Nepali dessert as well as sel roti. Cooked with grinded rice, sel roti with its unique doughnut like shape and divine taste represents Nepali culture and Dashain festival, both at once. A big part of our pujas, sel roti is enjoyed both hot and cold, and as older people say, a day-old sel roti is still better than the fresh ones. I don’t know about that, but it definitely aims to please, and it does, in so many ways.

What my granny prepares at Panchamul,Syangja as Dashai cuisine ?

What would Dashain be without khasi ko masu? It is a festival of Goddess Durga who is believed to be pleased through animal sacrifice. So, you can imagine the love and abundance of meat during Dashain. Every household has meat during Dashain. And, in the entire five days, guests are served with various delicacies of meat, khasi (goat meat) being the most popular in many homes.

Just the smell of it and you remember heaven! To those who love tama, there is no better dish. People prefer eating their entire plate of bhaat (rice) with aalu bodi tama. This bamboo shoot is sour to taste and is prepared with potatoes and beans. It is spicy and tasty, just as any festival delicacy should be.

Furandana has, in recent times, become a big part of Dashain. While traditionally, Dashain meant serving daal, bhaat, tarkari, and maasu to the guests, with changing times, it is impossible to prepare and then serve everything for five days to all the guests, as tradition calls for. It is an even bigger torture to eat all that in all the houses we visit. So, an easy yet delicious option of furandana has come into existence. Fried beaten rice is mixed with bujhiya and dried fruits, and served with meat or curd in almost all households today, making furandana a new yet equally tasty Dashain food.

Though vegetables are enjoyed in every season, October calls for special love towards cauliflower and spinach. All Dashain parties or get togethers have these vegetables. The main reason behind this could be the eternal love of Nepali people towards these vegetables. Almost everyone loves it.

Kheer, or rice pudding, is the king of desserts in festivals. Cooked with little effort and enjoyed with grand hearts, kheer forms an integral part of Dashain cuisine. Cooked with milk and rice, this dessert is a big part of our puja and our parties as well.

Curd is simple yet integral. For generations, we have been serving curd as an important form of dessert in our culture. At the end of every meal, curd holds an important place. It is served with almost all main courses and is easily prepared overnight at home in most cases.

Dashain Ping swing
 
Dashain Ping swing are Pings which are made by bamboo and wood on dashain festival in Nepal. Nepali people are playing with the Dashain Ping very interesting and with full of fun. Ping in the Dashain festival of Nepal are seen in all over the Nepal. Dashain Ping swing are played by the Nepali people in the countryside of Nepal. There are various types of Pings made in Dashain festival of Nepal. Types of Dashain Pings are Rote Ping, Linge Ping etc.My unlce and brothers prepare fo us and we play as we wish with our friends,this is the best part of Dashai for me in Dhakalthok .

My feelings for Dashai  

Dashai has much charm to me as it helps to me unite with my family in Dhakalthok,Panchamul ,Syanga as  my family waits me too to enjoy as a family member and the crowd gathered at home reminds me my communal love of Dhakalthok ,Panchamul as it helps to recreate sense of belongingess,festivity and united happy mood.The best part of this festival is the fooding system my granny organizes for all the relatives who come and enjoy in same old house which was built before five decades and the nostalgic tone of granny about the location creates a sense of recreation of home in all of us.

To Pretend Something

I have been surprised at my motif being realistic in nonesense I assume what I can imagine as graphic design or different icons as visual images in my consciousness and pretend to know and comprehend something clearly.The foolish act symbolized nothing just a routine in life.The obstacles of being realistic in mid of non real things is of course a challenge and I just type to relocate the words as meaning.

The definition border arises in front of my eyes when Identity topics are discussed,analyzed,sorted,examplified as need of time and I keep on asking myself for being engaged in non related issue.Life keeps on demanding the results which you cannot secure and the day becomes a collections of memory packages of ideas which other generate around you to correspond as a true sign.You just keep on playing with the black inks on a paper or the keyboard states the terminology packages as real pickle out of which you gain nothing but the wholesale of the interpretations focused on timely divisions.The process keeps on running and the vibrations on mobile kept on interfering the talks you start to recollect as your namely definition of the knowledge pack.

The pretension under goggle remain questionable,someone asked me ,why do you wear goggles ?I had no valid reason about the question and just tried to keep a distance out of it.I know nothing can be elaborated until and unless the hearer has the interest to listener and my moody habit was the consequence of such nonesense questions I face in daily conversations.Whenever question marks are put with the non referential statements to sort out of nothing I just remain silent and pretend something again like a statue.

Pretensions are part of life and the valid reason of enjoying it has the loneliness,you jot down multiple questions out of non sense and make a non sense web like an insane and try to interrelate in web of questionnare in your mind and tackle them one by one in leisure period when conversations are on the top they spilt as if they have the interlink with them.

The monument with black color ,the greenery around and the crowd with question has nothing to do with pretensions ,they remain part of same pretensions as whole where I become a part only ,the irritation caused by the blank sheet of question become my interest in that moment and once again I try to pretend something I do not know myself.

Rain ,the days and terms

Rain rain go away

rain rain go away

The kidz group started to sing the different ryhmes about rain,I just fold the newspaper which briefly discussed about rain.It described and narrated everything about rain I want to research about rain in life.Rain water is the key to create the terminology to feel as enjoying the days and rain is also important part of my life.I start preaching my kidz group about raindrops I know something,a kindergarten kidz is the bestie to understand and analyze my terms about rain .

Rain is liquid precipitation: water falling from the sky. Raindrops fall to Earth when clouds become saturated, or filled, with water droplets. Millions of water droplets bump into each other as they gather in a cloud. When a small water droplet bumps into a bigger one, it condenses, or combines, with the larger one. As this continues to happen, the droplet gets heavier and heavier. When the water droplet becomes too heavy to continue floating around in the cloud, it falls to the ground. 

Human life depends on rain. Rain is the source of freshwater for many cultures where rivers, lakes, or aquifers are not easily accessible. Rain makes modern life possible by providing water for agriculture, industry, hygiene, and electrical energy. Governments, groups, and individuals collect rain for personal and public use. 

Raindrops condense around microscopic pieces of material called cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). CCN can be particles of dust, salt, smoke, or pollution. Brightly colored CCN, such as red dust or green algae, can cause colored rain. Because CCN are so tiny, however, color is rarely visible.

When rain forms around certain types of pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, the CCN react with water to make the rain acidic. This is called acid rain. Acid can harm plants, aquaticanimals like fish and frogs, and the soil. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide can be released into the atmosphere naturally, such as through a volcanic eruption. These pollutants can also be released by human activity, such as the burning of fossil fuels. 

Burning fossil fuels can influence rain patterns. In urban areas, where many vehicles are on the road at once, rainfall is more likely during the weekend than during the week. This is because during the week, millions of cars release exhaust into the atmosphere, creating billions of CCN in the clouds. By the end of the week, clouds are much more likely to be saturated with moisture and CCN. Rain is up to 25 percent more likely on a Saturday than on a Monday in some urban areas.

Scientists have developed a process called cloud seeding to "plant" CCNs in clouds to cause rain. Cloud seeding would reduce drought, although there is very little evidence that it works yet.

Although most people think raindrops look like teardrops, they actually look more like chocolate chip cookies. Like raw balls of dough dropped on a cookie sheet, the smallest raindrops, up to 1 millimeter in diameter, are actually spherical. At 2 millimeters raindrops start to flatten, because of the air pressure pushing up on them as they fall to Earth. This effect is increased at 3 millimeters, and depressions form on the bottom of the drops as the air pushes up on the drops harder. At 4 millimeters raindrops actually distort into a shape that looks like a parachute. When they get to be about 4.5 millimeters in diameter, raindrops are so big that they break apart into two or more separate drops. 

Raindrops measure 0.5 millimeter (.02 inches) in diameter or larger. Drizzle, which is smaller than rain, consists of drops smaller than 0.5 millimeter. Most of Earth's precipitation falls as rain. 

Raindrops often begin as snowflakes, but melt as they fall through the atmosphere. Snow forms in the same way rain does, but in colder conditions. 

Rain falls at different rates in different parts of the world. Dry desertregions can get less than a centimeter (0.4 inches) of rain every year, while tropical rain forests receive more than a meter (3.2 feet). The world record for the most rain in a single year was recorded in Cherrapunji, India, in 1861, when 2,296 centimeters (905 inches) of rain fell.

My chapter about rain in the local newspaper ends with the silent music on the pavement which attracts my mind and I just feel awaken by heart.