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Diwali, Merry Christ mas & New Year

2014

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South Asian Lifestyle

I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to the readers of the special “South Asian Lifestyle” edition, and to everyone celebrating Diwali.

Diwali, an ancient celebration that highlights the triumph of good over evil, provides families and friends with a chance to gather in the spirit of peace, harmony, and gift‐giving. The festival, marked each year by millions of people around the world, is a joyous tribute to self‐renewal and improvement. As you come together with friends and family to honour your faith and traditions, you can take great pride in the significant contributions South Asian Canadians have made to our country in all fields of endeavour.

Please accept my best wishes for a wonderful celebration and for peace, prosperity and good health, now and in the years to come.

The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.

OTTAWA 2013 South Asian Lifestyle

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A Message from the Premier As Premier of the Province of British Columbia, I am pleased to send my warmest greetings to the readers of “South Asian Lifestyle� during this year’s Diwali Celebrations.

British Columbia is enriched by the cultural events that take place in our province throughout the year. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, represents the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, a message that speaks to all members of the community. This celebration is a wonderful opportunity for both young and old to come together and welcome positivity and prosperity into their lives and the lives of those they cherish.

As families and friends come together to honour the end of the lunar calendar, I wish you all much happiness and good health in the year ahead.

Sincerely,

Christy Clark Premier

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South Asian Lifestyle

A Message from the Mayor On behalf of the citizens of Vancouver and my colleagues on City Council, I want to send my sincere best wishes to the “South Asian Lifestyle” Special Edition.

We are proud of our multicultural City which embraces traditions and cultures from all over the world. Our South Asian community is one of the groups that enriches our society and contributes significantly to the quality of life in our City. Cultural festivals such as Christmas, New Year and Diwali help to promote cultural harmony and education which enriches everyone’s lives and the lives of our global communities.

I want to thank everyone who works so hard to connect everyone in our communities. Best wishes for continued growth and prosperity.

Yours truly,

Gregor Robertson MAYOR

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Editorial

Publishers S.A. Lifestyle

Rajesh Verma President/Publisher

778.318.2344 Email: info@ansalmedia.com

LifeStyle

South Asian

This is our 4th. publication. And this issue from the Ansal Media Group Inc. is coming right before the Diwali, Christmas & New Year 2014. Our publications have broader image of the whole community. Our special emphasis is on the South Asian community but we do care the needs of the local community as a whole. As far as our previous issues are concerned, maybe it was Current Affairs, Life Style Surrey, Life Style Vaisakhi, we got tremendous encouragement and support from the community. We are thankful to our sponsors and readers for all the support and encouragement they used to give us in all our issues. We are also thankful to all those advising us at proper times. It enabled us to improve the standards of our magazines. We are getting valueable support regarding the improvement of our magazines but we still seek more advice and support. Our colourful festival Diwali Edition is coming followed by this Christmas and the New Year. We wish our sponsors, our readers, our well wishers and all of their families Happy Christmas, Happy New Year and all the happiness for the coming Festival of Lights.

Diwali, Merry Christ mas & New Year

2014

is a free publication of

Ansal Media Group inc.

Designed by: Avenue 13 Media Studio 778.786.1515

Sunita Verma

Managing Director/Publisher

Disclaimer: The Ansal Media Inc. is a copyright publication. Any reproduction in whole or in part may only be done with the expressed written consent of the publisher. All rights are reserved. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, however Ansal Media Inc. is not responsible for any errors or omissions, while every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, neither the author nor the publisher shall have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to caused directly or indirectly by the instructions, unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising, the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of service or products within those advertisements. All materials and images used to compile the advertisements have been provided by the advertiser. The views expressed by the writers in this publication are not necessarily the views of publisher.

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Diwali Festival of Lights

Diwali is one of the biggest festival of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India.

The festival is celebrated for five continuous days, where the third days is celebrated as the main Diwali festival or ‘Festival of lights’. Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival. On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles all around their house. They perform Laxmi Puja in the evening and seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. The festival od Diwali is never complete without exchange of gifts. People present diwali gifts to all near and dear ones South Asian Lifestyle

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Diwali in history

T

he history of Diwali is replete with legends and these legends are moored to the stories of Hindu religious scriptures, mostly the Puranas. Though the central theme of all legends point out to the classic truth of the victory of the good over the evils, the mode of their presentation and the characters differ.

Diwali, being the festival of lights, lighting the lamp of knowledge within us means to understand and reflect upon the significant purpose of each of the five days of festivities and to bring those thoughts in to the day to day lives.

The five day of Diwali The first day of Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi also called Dhan Theras. The second day of Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi.

It is the fourteenth lunar day (thithi) of the dark forthnight of the month of Kartik and the eve of Diwali. On this day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear. The third day of Diwali is the actual Diwali. This is the day when worship for Mother Lakshmi is performed. On the fourth day of Diwali, Goverdhan Pooja is performed. The fifth day of the diwali is called Bhratri Dooj. It is a day dedicated to sisters.

Hindu Mythology The Story of Rama and Sita: Lord Rama was a great warrior King who was exiled by his father Dashratha, the King of Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and his younger brother Lakshman, on his wife’s insistence. Lord Rama returned to his Kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, in which he put an end to the demon Ravana of Lanka, who was a great Pundit, highly learned but still evil dominated his mind.

After this victory of Good over Evil, Rama returned to Ayodhya. In Ayodhya, the people welcomed them by lighting rows of clay lamps. So, it is an occasion in honor of Rama’s victory over Ravana; of Truth’s victory over Evil.

The Story of King Bali and Vamana Avatar(the Dwarf): The other story concerns King Bali, who was a generous ruler. But he was also very ambitious. Some of the Gods pleaded Vishnu to check King Bali’s power.

Vishnu came to earth in the form of a Vamana(dwarf) dressed as priest. The dwarf approached King Bali

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and said “You are the ruler of the three worlds: the Earth, the world above the skies and the underworld.

Would you give me the space that I could cover with three strides?” King Bali laughed. Surely a dwarf could not cover much ground, thought the King, who agreed to dwarf’s request. At this point, the dwarf changed into Vishnu and his three strides covered the Earth, the Skies and the whole Universe! King Bali was send to the underworld. As part of Diwali celebrations, some Hindus remember King Bali.

The Defeat of Nar-

kasur by Lord Krishna: Lord Vishnu in his 8th incarnation as Krishna destroyed the demon Narkasura, who was causing great unhappiness amongst the people of the world. Narkasura was believed to be a demon of filth, covered in dirt. He used to kidnap beautiful young women and force them to live with him. Eventually, their cries for rescue were heard by Vishnu, who came in the form of Krishna. First, Krishna had to fight with a five-headed monster who guarded the demon’s home. Narkasura hoped that his death might bring joy to others. Krishna granted his request and the women were freed. For Hindus, this story is a reminder that good can still come out of evil.

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Krishna and The Mountain: In the village of Gokula, many years ago, the people prayed to the God Indra. They believed that Indra sent the rains, which made their crops, grow. But Krishna came along and persuaded the people to worship the mountain Govardhan, because the mountain and the land around it were fertile. This did not please Indra. He sent thunder and torrential rain down on the village.

The people cried to Krishna to help. Krishna saved the villagers by lifting the top of the mountain with his finger. The offering of food to God on this day of Diwali is a reminder to Hindus of the importance of food and it is a time for being thankful to God for the bounty of nature.

Sikh Festival Diwali In Sikh

perspective, Diwali is celebrated as the return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji from the captivity of the city, Gwalior. To commemorate his undying love for Sikhism, the towns people lit the way to, Harmandhir Sahib (referred to as the Golden Temple), in his honour.

Jain Festival Diwali Among the Jain festivals, Diwali is one of the most important one. For on this occasion we celebrate the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira who established the dharma as we follow it. Lord Mahavira was born as Vardhamana on Chaitra Shukla 13th in the South Asian Lifestyle

Nata clan at Khattiya-kundapura, near Vaishali. He obtained Kevala Gyana on Vishakha Shukla 10 at the Jambhraka village on the banks of Rijukula river at the age of 42.

Five Days of Diwali Dhanteras

Dhanteras marks the first day of five-days-long Diwali Festival.

Dhanteras Festival, also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Triodasi, falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). In the word Dhanteras, “Dhan” stands for wealth. On Dhanteras Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. Hence Dhan Teras holds a lot more significance for the business community.

Dhanteras Legends A very interesting story about Dhanteras Festival says that once the sixteen year old son of King Hima. was doomed to die by a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. On that particular fourth day of his marriage his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband’s boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs.

When Yama, the god of Death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince’s chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat there whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of “Yamadeepdaan” and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential ado-

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Goddess Laxmi are also sung.

ration to Yam, the god of Death.

According to another popular legend, when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit or nectar, Dhanavantri (the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras.

Dhanteras Preparations To mark the auspicious day, houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.

Dhanteras Traditions On Dhanteras Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils. It is believed that new “Dhan” or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. “Laxmi-Puja” is performed in the evenings when tiny Diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. “Bhajans”-devotional songs- in praise of South Asian Lifestyle

Dhanteras Celebrations Dhanteras is celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm. “Lakshmi-Puja” is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. Bhajans ir devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are sung and “Naivedya” of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess. There is a peculiar custom in Maharashtra to lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as Naivedya.

In villages cattle are adorned and worshiped by farmers as they form the main source of their income. In south cows are offered special veneration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and therefore they are adorned and worshiped on this day.

Lakshmi Puja on Diwali

The third day of Diwali festival is the most important one for Lakshmi-puja and is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. On this very day sun enters his second course and passes Libra which is represented by the balance or scale. Hence, this design of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and their closing. Despite the fact that this day falls on an amavasya day it is regarded as the most auspicious.

The day of Lakshmi-Puja falls on the dark night of Amavasya. The strains of joyous sounds of bells and drums float from the temples as man is invoking Goddess Laxmi in a wondrous holy “pouring-in” of his heart. All of a sudden that impenetrable darkness is pierced by innumerable rays of light for just a moment and the next moment a blaze of light descends down to earth from heaven as golden-footed DeepLakshmi alights on earth in all her celestial glory amidst chantings of Vedic hymns.

A sublime light of knowledge dawns upon humanity and this self enlightenment is expressed through the twinkling lamps that illuminate the palaces of thewealthy as well as the lowly abodes of the poor. It is believed that on this day Lakshmi walks through the green

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fields and loiters through the bye-lanes and showers her blessings on man for plenty and prosperity.

Lakshmi Pooja, or the worship of the goddess of wealth, is the main event on Diwali in North and West India. It is extremely important to keep the house spotlessly clean and pure on Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi likes cleanliness, and she will visit the cleanest house first. This is also the reason why the broom is worshiped on this day with offerings of haldi and kumkum (turmeric and vermilion). Lamps are lit in the evening to welcome the goddess. They are believed to light up Her path.

Lakshmi Puja consists of a combined puja of five deities: Ganesha is worshiped at the beginning of every auspicious act as Vighnaharta; Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms - Mahalakshmi (the goddess of wealth and money), Mahasaraswati (the goddess of books and learning), and Mahakali; Kuber (the treasurer of the gods) is also worshiped.

Hanuman ki Jai - Victory to Hanuman. Gods from the Heaven poured flowers and garlands to celebrate and show their pleasure.

Celebration in Ayodhya Here in Ayodhya, Bharata, Ram’s beloved brother, eagerly waited for the arrival of Rama, Laxmana and Sita. He had counted every day of those fourteen years that Rama had to suffer in forest as a result of his mother’s folly. He had ruled as the representative Rama, living like a monk -sanyasi. Rama’s wooden shoes adored the throne during his absence.

Bharata encouraged people of Ayodhya to celebrate the return of Rama with pomp and show. Actually there was no need to pass any order. The whole Ayodhya was eager to welcome her heroes. The whole city was decorated with flowers and garlands.

Every house adored beautiful look of cleanliness and was lighted with candles and lamps. Perfumes and scent filled the air. Every street was cleaned and watered, and decorated with hand-painted colorful designs.

Brothers Meet There was mad rush to see Rama first. Bharata and Rama hugged each other, tears flowing down their eyes. Rama inquired about the well being of Kaikeyi first, then about his mother Kaushalya and Sumitra. Soon, Rama was given his due honour as King of Ayodhya. Formal sacrificial ceremony was performed with gaiety and pomp and Rama ruled Ayodhya wisely. Everyone including animals and trees were happy and contented.

Rama Return to Ayodhya

Rama, the ancient idol of the heroic ages, the embodiment of truth, of morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal king. After ten days of fierce war with Ravana, the victorious Rama, Laxmana and Sita preapared to return to Ayodhya.

There was joyous shouts of Victory to Rama, Veer South Asian Lifestyle

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Diwali Puja Process

Diwali is the festival of Laxmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi visit everyone during Diwali and brings peace and prosperity to all. On the night of Diwali “Lakshmi-Pujan” is performed in the evenings. A traditional Pujan is performed after sunset in all the homes.

Five pieces of ghee diyas (lamps) are lit in front of the deities, naivedya of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess and devotional songs are sung in praise of Goddess Laxmi. After Deepawali Puja people light diyas (lamps) in their homes to usher in light and clear the darkness from the world.

In villages cattle are adorned and worshipped by farmers as they form the main source of their income. In south, cows are offered special veneration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and therefore they are adorned and worshipped on this day.

Step By Step Diwali Pujan:

• First clean the Puja room and then Bathe each Deity (Lakshmi & Ganesh) first with water, then with

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panchamitra/or rose water, followed by water once more • Now put Deepak (Lamp) in front of the Deities - As the tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits • Make a Panchamitra with 5 ingredients of milk, curd, ghee (clarified butter), sugar & Honey.

• Place Few mithais, snacks & fruits as a prashad.

• Make offerings of flowers, Abir (red colour), Sindoor (vermillion) and Haldi (turmeric). Light the Agarbatti (incense sticks) and lamps filled with Ghee.

• Now make offerings of Fruit, Sweet dishes (mithai), Salty snacks (Mathis, Ghathia, Namakpare) and offer Dakshina (token money), which could be given to the poor. In the end offer paan (betel leaves), cloves. Now pray to the deities to seek their blessings.

• Ganesh Pooja : Ganesh Puja is a must for deepavali Puja. (Lord Ganesha is to be worshipped in all pujas before any other God or Goddess.) (Ganesh Aarti is sung) • Laxmi Pooja : Place Lotus and other flowers at her feet as an offering. A silver coin is placed in front of the Goddess during the puja. Now perform Aarti with flowers in hand (Lakshmi Aarti is sung). After Deepawali Pujan have the Prasad and go out to burst Diwali Crackers.

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Christmas The Origin of Christmas T

he origin of Christmas differs as the precise date of the birth and historicity of Jesus are much debated.

Christmas, literally meaning the Mass of Christ, is a traditional holiday in the Christian calendar. The festival of Christmas takes place on 25th December, every year to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is also celebrated as a secular holiday throughout the world, including countries with small Christian populations like India. Various theories of the origin of Christmas exist that give a clear insight into the celebration of Christmas.

Date Of Christmas Christmas is celebrated on December 25 in all Christian churches including Eastern Rite, Roman & Protestant. Since most Eastern Orthodox churches have not accepted either the Gregorian calendar or the Revised Julian Calendar reforms, December 25 will fall on the civil date of

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January 7 for the years from 1900 to 2099. It is believed that the nativity was set on December 25th by a Roman bishop around the third century A.D. The Roots Of Christmas Christmas is from Christes Maesse, which means Christ Mass. It is referred that during the 4th century, the celebration of Christ’s birth on December 25 was gradually adopted by most Eastern churches. In Jerusalem, opposition to Christmas lasted longer as according to them the exact date of birth of Jesus Christ is unknown. It is said that December 17-24th was the period of Saturnalia, a well-known festival in pagan, Rome.

December 25th was the birthday of Mithra, the Iranian god of light. This day was

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adopted by the church as Christmas to counteract the effects of these festivals.

The Acceptation Though the true origin of Christmas is filled with controversy and compromise, today, Christmas has turned out to be one of the most popular festival that fills joy, happiness and love in people’s life. The festival of Christmas has absorbed various customs and traditions of world and 25th December has emerged as the most important day for Christians, irrespective of its roots. It is taken as a day that reflects the power, glory and salvation of Jesus Christ and his message of hope to the world. Various Theories Of The origin of Christmas As the origin of Christmas has been a debatable issue, various theories has been suggested, supporting the date of 25th December as the birth of Jesus. Few of them are: Roman festival of Saturnalia It is an appropriation by early Christians of a day on which the birth of several pagan gods, Osiris, Jupiter, and Plutus, or the ancient deified leader Nimrod, was celebrated. It is an appropriation of the Roman festival of the birth of Unconquered Sun, celebrated on the day after the winter solstice, or the Roman festival of Saturnalia. Jewish Festival of Lights It derives from the tradition that Jesus was born during the Jewish Festival of Lights that falls on 25th December. Date of Good Friday The date of Christmas is based on the date of Good Friday, the day Jesus died. Since the exact date of Jesus’ death is not stated in the Gospels, early Christians sought to calculate it, and arrived at either March 25 or April 6. Then, wishing to calculate Jesus’ birthday, they followed the ancient idea that Old Testament prophets died either an anniversary of their birth or of their conception. In Jesus’ case, they reasoned that he died on an anniversary of the Incarnation so the date of his birth would have been nine months after the date of Good Friday-either December 25 or January 6.

The date of 25th December became popular The History of Christmas The history of Christmas dates back over 4000 years as the various custom and tradition associated with the festival of Christmas were celebrated centuries before the birth of Christ. The exact day of the Christ child’s birth has never been pinpointed. Traditions say that it has been celebrated since the year 98 AD. In 137 AD

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the Bishop of Rome ordered the birthday of the Christ Child celebrated as a solemn feast. In 350 AD another Bishop of Rome, Julius I, choose December 25th as the observance of Christmas. The History Of Christmas can be traced to some of the popular festival celebrated by early civilization that gave way to Christmas. Mesopotamian: New Years Many of these traditions began with the Mesopotamian celebration of New Years. The Mesopotamians believed in many gods, and as their chief god - Marduk. Each year as winter arrived it was believed that Marduk would do battle with the monsters of chaos.

To assist Marduk in his struggle the Mesopotamians held a festival for the New Year. This was Zagmuk, the New Year’s festival that lasted for 12 days. Persians and Babylonians: Sacaea The Persians and the Babylonians celebrated a similar festival called the Sacaea. Part of that celebration included the exchanging of places, the slaves would become the masters and the masters were to obey. Europeans: Winter Solstice Early Europeans believed in evil spirits, witches, ghosts and trolls. As the Winter Solstice approached, with its long cold nights and short days, many people feared the sun would not return.

Special rituals and celebrations were held to welcome back the sun. Scandinavia: Yuletide In Scandinavia, during the winter months the sun would disappear for many days. After thirty-five days scouts would be sent to the mountain tops to look for the return of the sun. When the first light was seen the scouts would return with the good news. A great festival would be held, called the Yuletide, and a special feast would be served around a fire burning with the Yule log. Great bonfires would also be lit to celebrate the return of the sun. In some areas people would tie apples to branches of trees to remind themselves that spring and summer would return. Roman: Saturnalia The Roman’s celebrated their god Saturn. Their festival was called Saturnalia which began the middle of December and ended January 1st. The celebration would include masquerades in the streets, big festive meals, visiting friends, and the exchange of good-luck gifts called Strenae. The 25th was not only sacred to the Romans but also the Persians whose religion Mithraism was one of Christianity’s main rivals at that time. The Church eventually was successful in taking the merriment, lights, and gifts from the Saturanilia festival and bringing them to the celebration of Christmas.

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Significance of Christmas The Significance of Christmas is known to men, all over the world. Though it is true that Christmas is celebrated as the day of the Birth of Christ into this world, yet it also symbolizes a very deeply significant truth of the spiritual life. Jesus Christ is the very personification of Divinity. He was born at a time when ignorance, superstition, greed, hatred and hypocrisy prevailed upon the land. Purity was forgotten and morality was neglected. In the midst of these conditions, Christ was born and He worked a transformation in the lives of people. He gave a new and a spiritual turn to the lives of man. There came a change upon the land. People started upon a new way of life. Thus a new era dawned for the world. In that period the seeker has no thought of God or higher spiritual life. He lives a life of lust, anger, greed, deluded attachment, pride and jealousy. If the seeker must enter into a new life of spiritual aspiration, purity and devotion, then the Christ-spirit must take its birth within his heart. That is the real Christmas when the Divine element begins to express itself in the heart of the man. From then onward, light begins to shine where darkness was before. A very small, but very beautiful, point of deep significance is attached to Christmas. It is the time and the manner of the birth of the Lord upon the holy Christmas day. Jesus Christ was not born in a grand palace. He was not born to very wealthy or learned parents. Jesus Christ was born in a simple lowly place, a corner of a stable. He was born to humble and poor parents, who had nothing to boast about, except their own spotless character and holiness. The above point of deep significance tells that the spiritual awakening comes to the seeker, who is perfectly humble and “meek” and “poor in spirit.” The quality of true humility is one of the indispensable fundamentals. Then we find simplicity, holiness and the renunciation of all desire for worldly wealth and pride of learning. Thirdly,

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even as Christ was born unknown to the world and in the obscurity of darkness, even so, the advent of the Christ-spirit takes place in the inwardness of man when there is total self-effacement selfabnegation Christmas Celebrations Christmas celebrations include spending time with the family, decorating the entire house, inside and out and shopping, for friends and relatives. Spending Christmas with the family is very important. On this day, all family members spend time in baking cookies, making fudge and preparing a big Christmas dinner, with all the trimmings. The children love to see each other and spend the day playing games and sharing their new gifts and toys that Santa Claus brought for each of them. Everyone feels fortunate to have their family at Christmas time. The year’s most celebrated holiday on December 25th is important both for homes and churches worldwide. The meaning for Christmas is to recognize Christ’s birth, of which the exact date is not known. The celebration of Christmas incorporates : Holiday Greenery Evergreens, the symbol of eternal life, have long been used for Christmas time decorations. The Christmas wreath represents everlasting life and God’s endless love for us. Holly is the most known Christmas greenery, and there are several legends about it, one is that Jesus’ crown was made of holly, and the holly berries represented his blood Christmas Tree A Christmas without

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the Christmas tree is incoherent. The fragrance and essence of the Xmas trees have been an integral part of the celebrations as well as of the family unit since time immemorial. The celebrations usually begin with the selection of the tree, and carries on with the decorations till the day of Christ, when all the revelry takes place in front of this very tree. Gifts are placed under the tree, as family and friends gather around to celebrate the birth of Christ. A Christmas Symbol For families in North America, Germany and other parts of Europe, the Xmas Tree is the symbol of the Christmas season. They played a symbolic part because they stayed green and alive when other plants appeared dead and bare. They represented everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. The use of evergreens was and is most widespread in England and Germany. At least 500 years ago the religious meaning began to be associated with these plants. Choosing the Tree There are many varieties of evergreen trees around the world, and finding the first variety used is a matter of myth. Some of the oldest legends include fir trees. Some older, verifiable accounts include hemlocks, though hemlock branches are often too frail to support most ornaments. There are approximately 50 different kinds of conifers sold to eager holiday shoppers. Common types include pines, spruces and other firs. Decorations Once the right kind of tree is secured, the next step is to source various ornamental items for its decorations.

It is up to the taste and preference of individual to decide the kind of look wanted to give to the tree. This is true time to showcase the creativity with the help of color and style theme. The Christmas tree is decorated with colorful ribbons, ornaments, glistening garland and blinking lights.

No matter how the tree is decorated it still symbolizes a timeless Christmas tradition of families gathered together exchanging presents and love.

in the survival of the legends of Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts.

The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus originally came from the Dutch version called Sint Klaas.

The Dutch settlers in New York brought this fun and lively tradition to America. The Persona This version of Santa has given the current myth its visual form and some very curious traditions. A merry old man with red and white clothes, along with eight flying reindeer, which is later joined by Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.

The home of Santa Clause is located on or near the North Pole and he is in habit of filling socks or stockings with presents on the night of December 24th. Santa Claus is also said to possess the habit of entering houses through the chimney. The Transformation The basis for the Santa Claus is Bishop Nicholas of Smyrna (Izmir), in what is now Turkey. Nicholas lived in the 4th century A.D. He was very rich, generous, and loving toward children.

Often he gave joy to poor children by throwing gifts in through their windows. The modern day image of Santa Clause has been very much evolved and has attained a commercial status. But nonetheless this image has still preserved the essence of the old cult. Actually the old “cult� of Santa Claus incorporates many traditions: Christian and Pagan, Old Catholic, Scandinavian, Dutch, German and English.

The Real Saint Nicholas Saint Nicholas was born in the Middle East about 350 miles northwest of Bethlehem in the fourth century. Saint Nicholas (270-310) was at one time bishop of Myra, a town i n

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Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He is supposed to have died on December 6 which is why his feast is celebrated on that date. Recognized for his great generosity, he is the patron saint of little children and school children. He is also known as the friend and protector of all those in trouble. Life History He is said to have been born to relatively affluent Christian parents in Patara , of the Roman Empire, where he also received his early schooling. He came to Myra to continue his studies. A paternal uncle of his introduced him to the local bishop. The later is said to have seen potential to the youth and took Nicholas under his patronage. Nicholas received his ordination as a priest at an early age. When his parents died Nicholas still received his inheritance but is said to have given it away in charity. The Benefactor His reputation for gift giving comes partly from a story of three young women who were too poor to afford a dowry for their marriages: as each reached a marriageable age, Nicholas surreptitiously threw a bag of gold into the house at night. Some versions of the legend say that the girls’ father, trying to discover their benefactor, kept watch on the third occasion, but Nicholas dropped the third bag down the chimney instead. When the father found out the truth, Nicholas begged him to keep the secret, but, of course, the news got out. After he died, people in the region continued to give to the poor anonymously, and such gifts were still often attributed to St. Nicholas. The Patron Saint Among the Greeks and Italians he is a favorite of sailors, fishermen, ships and sailing. As such he has become over time the patron saint of several cities maintaining harbors. In centuries of Greek folklore, Nicholas was seen as “The Lord of the Sea”.

In modern Greece, he is still easily among the most recognizable saints and December 6 finds many cities celebrating their patron saint. In addition, he is celebrated as a great gift-giver in several Western European countries. The Russian Emperor Vladimir visited Constantinople and heard all the wonderful stories about Bishop Nicholas and decided to make

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him the patron saint of Russia. The stories even spread to the Laplands - to the people of the reindeer sleds.

Christmas Day People love everything about Christmas Day - the nativity scene, caroling, scripture reading and concerts. November onwards, it is impossible to forget that Christmas is coming. Colored lights decorate many town centres and shops, along with shiny decorations, and artificial snow painted on shop windows. During the season people take the time to enjoy the city or town when it’s all decorated. The Tradition of Christmas The Tradition of Christmas have combined from over half a dozen cultures and accumulated over the centuries. An in-depth look in into its tradition, and one is moved with all the sentiments, symbols and meaning associated with Christmas. All of which combine to give a touch of liveliness and harmony to the season of celebrations. However, no matter which part of the world you are in, the tradition of Christmas blossoms with fun and celebration and carries along with it faith, hope and love. Celebrating Christmas Celebrating Christmas has nothing to do with spending a lot of money and having elaborate parties. The biggest celebrations are the most personal ones spent with people whose company we love. A simple thing as watching a beautiful Christmas movie with a special someone can be all it takes. Or maybe share a home cooked meal with friends in front of the decorated Christmas tree.

Christmas Meal On Christmas Day, a special meal of Christmas dishes is usually served, for which there are traditional menus in each country. In the United Kingdom, the traditional meal consists of roast turkey or goose, served with roast potatoes and other vegetables, followed by Christmas pudding, a heavy boiled pudding made with dried fruit (traditionally plums) and flour.

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What are you going to do now to make sure you have your best year ever? What one thing will mean the difference in actually achieving your goals rather than chalking them up to yet another year’s unfulfilled resolutions? What can you do to enhance an aspect of your life that you’ve neglected in your single-minded pursuit of that elusive brass ring? Think about it.

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only vegetarian or raw food, verbally appreciate at least 10 people a day, get eight Expand your thinking with new experi- hours of sleep, meditate for 20 minutes, viences. Each month for 30 days in a row, com- sualize your goals as already complete, do mit to doing something new that you have 20 minutes of yoga, read a self-help book thought about doing, but have not done, and every morning for 30 minutes, plan your next notice how it affects your life. Some possi- day’s schedule and prioritized to-do list bebilities: do aerobic exercise for 30 minutes, fore you leave work, do five things every day listen to only positive music, don’t read the that forward your No. 1 goal, spend an hour newspaper, stop watching television, eat with your spouse, call one of your children South Asian Lifestyle

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Ways to Kick-Start Your New Year

on the phone, write a handwritten thank-you know how, buy a book on starting a business note to someone, drink 10 glasses of water, and read it, or check the Internet for tips. take a nap, listen to a motivational CD on the way to work. Start this month and do one activity for the next 30 days in a row and then WRITE A 101 LIFE-GOAL LIST. assess how it has impacted your life.

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Write letters to three people in your life Make a commitment to fitness. Don’t to let them know what they mean to you. just make a resolution and join a fitness center you won’t see after February—make a commitment and build fitness into your schedule. Join a class at your fitness club, an START A BUSINESS PLAN. If you’ve exercise group or a team sport. Or, if you can been sitting on a business idea for a while afford it, hire a trainer. Doing any of these and haven’t acted on it, it’s time to do some- things will not only make your workouts thing about it. Write down your ideas and more productive, but they will also be more start working on a business plan. If you don’t fun. Plus, you get the advantage of having 53

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others hold you accountable to your workout commitment..

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Find a volunteer opportunity at Volunteer.org.

Invest in a bright financial future. I will start a savings account. I graduated from college a little over a year ago and I need to start planning out my financial future. I want my financial future to be bright and to have no worries when I’m older and ready to retire

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Build value every day. Business is all about high-touch/ high-trust relationships.

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for solutions and possibilities. Holding yourself to a higher standard in your choice of language is key to achieving consistent outstanding results

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Write a personal mission statement or mantra.

but you can do something extraordinary for someone each day. Find a customer, colleague, relative or a friend each day and do something remarkable. Using the one-a-day principle will make your business and life remarkable.

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Sign up for a birthday/anniversary reminder service.

Schedule family time. I want to set up a schedule that is devoted only to my family. Maybe it’s playing a game with the kids twice a week or going to get ice cream. It’s hard to make time to do those family things, but I want to make sure I’m working to live instead of living to work.

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LOSE OTHER PEOPLE’S OPINIONS. Quit worrying about trying to please everyone. As Bill Cosby says, “I don’t know the key to success, but I know the key to failure Increase your awareness of your is trying to please everybody.” thoughts. Become aware of what leaves your mouth by recording everything you say for at least an hour each day for the entire month. Words have power! When you listen STOP USING THE “BAD THING” carefully to your language, you will know LABEL. Whenever something happens that whether or not you are moving with momen- is not in line with our desires, we get disaptum and purpose toward your vision. As you pointed. We stick the label “bad thing” on it. develop a keen awareness of your commu- And when we do, we experience it as such. nication, you become empowered to pur- In truth, we do not know whether something posefully choose language that inspires and unexpected is “good” or “bad,” and we may empowers you to realize your vision. If you never know. catch yourself speaking about limitations or When Greyston Bakery filled its first order for problems, give yourself the chance to look brownies for Ben & Jerry’s, the thin brownie

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sheets stuck together in 50-pound lumps and could not be separated. You could certainly label this a “bad thing.” But Ben pondered what to do and ultimately Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream was born— one of Ben & Jerry’s most popular products. So don’t stick a label “bad thing” on whatever happens to you that you don’t like initially. Who knows, that may be the very thing that you need to break out into a brilliant new future.

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Find a mentor.

Take stock and charge forward. I’ll ask myself: What battles did I fight and not win last year? Are any of those battles worth continuing? Why didn’t I win them last year?

What can I do to win them this year? How can I make those things I liked most about last year happen more frequently? 2014 is going to be another great year!

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Reach my financial goals. I want to evaluate my cost-of-living expenses and see where I can cut back. I just started my own business, and I want to evaluate my income versus my expenses to see where I am currently, with the ultimate goal of hitting the salary I want to make.

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Keep friends close. My oldest friend is my former college suitemate. We used to laugh that no matter how many months passed between conversations, we could still pick up as though we’d spoken yesterday. But a lot of time has passed— fast. Work schedules, family obligations: life gets in the way. She’s not the only out-ofstate friend I’ve lost touch with, either.

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you to succeed and who encourage you.

Also, consider your environment—is your home or office dreary or energizing? And make sure to read and listen to inspirational and motivational material. Make it a point to go to funny movies or watch a TV sitcom that makes you laugh. Overall, whether it’s gossip from co-workers, violence in the media, pessimism in your own thoughts or other influences, make conscious efforts to reduce your exposure to the negative. You’ll see positive benefits immediately!

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GET A LEG UP. You know what I’ll be doing! I’ll take the stairs because success Write your top 10 goals for this means doing what others won’t. year and post them where you can see them.

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Create an environment fostering your success. You might not even realize to what extent you are influenced—negatively and positively—by things and people around you. Start a journal to keep track of these influences so you can eliminate the negative and increase the positive. For instance, if being around a certain friend always makes you feel discouraged or drained, you should limit time with that person. Nurture your emotional well-being

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INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY. I’m going to put the 80/20 rule to serious work, focusing on the 20 percent of my work that generates 80 percent of the revenue.

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Take daily steps toward achieving my long-term vision. I’ve learned that my daily choices make a big difference in my long-term happiness. Les Brown says, “Greatness is a choice; it’s not our destiny.”

I’ve always been a big-picture person, but this year, I’m breaking down my vision into daily, actionable goals that I can measure.

The choices I make to spend a few minutes each day on my long-term vision will make great things happen!

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Refresh your network. Have a host of contacts you’ve lost touch with over the last few months? Pull up those numbers and refresh your network! Now is the perfect time to check in and keep your network working for you.

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Automate bill payments.

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Have gratitude. I often think I need new clothes, but when I clean out or organize my closet, I realize I have lots of options and everything I need at my fingertips. In many areas of my life, I am often surprised by how I already have what I need if I just choose to look at things differently. Take a life inventory. How are your relationships with friends and family? How often do you laugh? Are you doing the things you love the most?

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RECONNECT WITH FAMILY. I’m Stop smoking. making the change to reconnect with family by having a conference call scheduled for the same time once a week with my mom and brother, so that we can catch up and stay REVIEW YOUR EXPENSES AS A close even though we live in different cities. COUPLE. The first of the year is a great time for couples to sit down and take a good look at their financial goals and habits. Are you both on the same page about your long-term Do something that scares you. plan? Are your investments meeting your needs for that plan? Do you need to adjust your spending or look for new ways to increase your income? This year, why not foBe a student of all you do. You cus on diversification? Make a specific plan must become an expert in your field. How? to put those new wealth-building ideas into Read! Ask questions of mentors and peers. action.

Attend training. Start today by identifying areas for improvement, looking for training opportunities in your field and signing up for seminars and web-casts, reading or listening Take a dance or fitness class. to personal-development material, seeking out people you would like to emulate and approaching those you’d like as your mentors.

Slow down to speed up. It’s easy to stay busy, moving as fast as you possibly

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can. But what’s the point of spending your days climbing a mountain, only to realize at the end of this new year, you’ve climbed the wrong one? The best businesspeople are staggeringly focused on their vital few— those few priorities that will yield explosive results. And the way to build this type of business focus just might surprise you: Slow down.

If only for 30 minutes each day, slow down to think, plan, visualize and recite your best moves in a journal. You’ll become aware of your biggest opportunities, your smartest activities and your greatest tactics for growth.

With this insight and clarity, you can then take actions that will drive excellent results.

Commit to making it your breakthrough year and slow down for a bit each day. Then you’ll be perfectly prepared to speed up.

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Cut up credit cards.

free time would you have for family? For health? Put those things on your not-to-dolist and pay people to help you with the stuff that doesn’t produce the sales and lifestyle success you desire

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Clean out your closet and donate unwanted clothes to charity.

Schedule a regular date night on your calendar with your spouse.

Schedule all doctor and dentist appointments for the year.

SAY “YES” WHEN YOU WANT TO SAY “NO.” In this new year, we want to increase our possibilities, options and opportuPlan a trip to a place you have al- nities. When we say “no” to a business, soways wanted to go. cial or community project, invitation or event, 38 - Write a not-to-do-list. There is a differ- we are also saying “no” to the serendipitous ence between being busy and being produc- benefits that arise. Rather than waiting for tive. What are you wasting time on? What these events to present themselves, start are you doing that doesn’t produce revenue?

Here’s a powerful exercise. In 15- to 30-minute increments, keep track of each of your activities during the workday. Do this for a week. Then annualize the total amount of time for each activity that doesn’t lead to a sale or increased cash fl ow. How much more would you make per year if you did not do those activities any longer? How much more South Asian Lifestyle

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today by actively seeking opportunities to meet people, gather new ideas, learn more about your industry and just connect and share.

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Communicate and connect. With my three kids off to college this year, setting up new ways to communicate regularly is important. So I’ll be making a lot more cell phone calls, texting, posting to Facebook, e-mailing, sending handwritten letters to their school mailboxes and surprise goodie bags during exams, and heck, maybe even making a surprise 7 a.m. visit one weekend!

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Lower your blood pressure. Cut your sodium intake. The American Heart Association recommends consuming less than 2,300 milligrams daily, which is about a teaspoon of salt. Some people—middleaged and older adults, people with high blood pressure and African-Americans— need less than 1,500 milligrams per day, the AHA says. Start by reading product labels for sodium content. Be wary of processed foods and soups, sugar-free items; even raw poultry can contain added salt. Baking soda also contains about 1,000 milligrams of sodium per teaspoon. Ask restaurant servers for low-sodium options—you’d be surprised how eager they are to help. Look for low-sodium options at the grocery, such as bread and deli items and, of course, fresh produce.

-Courtesy Success Staff

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Your hair will have glamorous volume and texture after a session with one of our stylists. No matter the length, your hair will look dynamite after one of our blowouts!

Chemical treatment

If your hair has battle damage from an army of flatirons, we can get it back to a healthy state. We pull

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out all the stops when it comes to rejuvenating your hair using products by Bumble and Bumble and Redken.

Facial

egant, funky and fresh or any look in between can be accomplished with gel, acrylic or your natural nails.

We’ll make your look last with refills — you’ll want them!

Whether for anti-aging, hydration, exfoliation or all of the above, our facial treatments will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated and younger. We offer a wide range of peels, masks, creams, and lotions to have you feeling your beautiful best.

Pedicure

Hair removal

Body

Embarrassing hair is a breeze for our team. Using safe, sanitary methods, we will make unsightly, unwanted hair a thing of the past: hair today, gone tomorrow!

Manicure

Our creative estheticians will give your nails a look that’ll last and you’ll want to keep. Classic and el-

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Put your best foot forward with one of our luxurious pedicures. We’ll polish, pumice and pamper your feet and make them feel like royalty — not royal pains! We do gel, acrylic and natural nails, and supply refills.

Feel the stresses of everyday life disappear when our fully trained and certified massage therapists work their magic fingers. Rejuvenate and at become your strongest mentally after a visit to our tranquil spa. We offer wraps, stone massages, Swedish massages, seaweed body wraps… and the list goes on!

South Asian Lifestyle

“Serving the community since 1987”

“On behalf of PICS Society, I’d like to send warm wishes to all of you during the holidays and festivities as you spend them with your families and loved ones. At PICS Society, we believe we’re a family with a strong vision for providing programs that better the community.

We’re more dedicated than ever to continue providing essential services to help everyone achieve their goals.

Once again, Happy Holidays and we look forward to seeing you in our offices. “ - Dr. Charan Gill CEO, PICS Society

Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a non-profit organization that promotes harmony and intercultural understanding for the purpose of building a more inclusive and mutually respectful society.

Come Visit Us… Surrey Head Office 205-12725 80th Ave Surrey, V3W 3A6 604.596.7722 www.pics.bc.ca

White Rock Office 206-1461 Johnston Road White Rock, V4B 3Z4 604.531.8299 www.pics.bc.ca

Vancouver Office 8153 Main Street Vancouver, V5X 3L2 604.324.7733 www.pics.bc.ca Find Us On:

@PICSSociety South Asian Lifestyle

facebook.com/PICS

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“On behalf of all us at PICS Society, we wish you the warmest Holidays and Festivities with your families and loved ones.”

Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a non-profit organization that promotes harmony and intercultural understanding for the purpose of building a more inclusive and mutually respectful society.

We provide programs and services in: Language & Literacy

Settlement

Employment

Housing

Diversity

Volunteerism

Come Visit Us… Surrey Head Office 205-12725 80th Ave Surrey, V3W 3A6 604.596.7722 www.pics.bc.ca

White Rock Office 206-1461 Johnston Road White Rock, V4B 3Z4 604.531.8299 www.pics.bc.ca

Vancouver Office 8153 Main Street Vancouver, V5X 3L2 604.324.7733 www.pics.bc.ca Find Us On:

@PICSSociety

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facebook.com/PICS South Asian Lifestyle

Diwali

y Wish You Happ New Year and Happy

AKAL

Plumbing & Heating We Drain your plumbing not your balance

-

www.akalplumbing.ca

Hot Water Tank Heat/ Gas Work Sprinkler System Duct & Drain Cleaning Boiler & Furnace

Big Projects/ Townhouses Commercial Buildings Residential Projects SAME DAY HOT WATER TANK REPLACEMENT

Palwinder Singh

604-807-7233 Surrey:

Email: info@akalplumbing.ca

604-594-1311

South Asian Lifestyle

111- 13035, 84th Avenue, Surrey BC, V3V 1B3,

Vancouver:

Hernek Singh

604-807-7244

604-321-9077 70

Wish You Happy Diwali and Happy New Year

GOLDMINE INSURANCE SERVICES LTD. No one can beat our rates Please call for Quote Home Business Prorate Cargo Construction Liability Builders Risk Life Disability Critical Illness Visitors Medical Travel Insurance www.GoldmineInsurance.ca

ing Business? can make it easy!

For All Types of Insurance Needs, malkit@goldmineinsurance.ca

Ph: 604.598.9388 Cell: 604.537-2000 Fax: 604.598.9344 are Comp ates argo R o ur C

Payal Business Centre

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# 318 8128 - 128th St, South Asian- Lifestyle

Surrey BC V3W 1R1

Ambros Center

Arvin Mann

Ambros recently completed a residential housing complex at 7121 192St Surrey, BC, which has increased the population of the area and the need for services. To compliment the area, Ambros is now building a commercial structure on the corner of 72nd Ave and 192St. The city wanted a landmark, so we made it the tallest building in the area, and South Asian Lifestyle

used all space efficiently by providing underground parking. The complex is 19,000 square feet above grade. It is comprised of structural steel, concrete base, brick exterior, Vic West clading/roofing, 10 foot bay windows, a 600 square foot patio on the roof, and a metal/steal structure overhang with glass to protect you from the elements as you walk

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from building to building. There are 10 stores, including 7-11, Subway, Pizza, Laundry, Daycare, Hairdresser and a Restaurant.

Construction is in the final stages and should be done by Christmas 2013. The Center will be fully running in January 2014.

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Avtar Mann

South Asian Lifestyle

Wish You Happy Diwali & Happy New Year

Concept Inc. Customized Kitchen Cabinets - Bathroom Vanities Entertainment Units & Bars Cabinets Gursewak Jawanda

604-721-6361 E-mail:g_jawanda@hotmail.com

South Asian Lifestyle

# 304 - 14640 - 64 Avenue SURREY, BC Tel: 604-593-5195 Fax: 604-593-5194 74

www.BasantSweets.com

100% Pure Vegetarian Specializing in: Sweets & All Kinds of South Indian Food

604.595.3535

Special Gift Boxes

We Accept

FOREX LTD. Money Transfer Service

ieMfIAw pYsy Byjx jW mMgvwaux leI

bKSIs isMG is`DU (jIrw) nwl sMprk kro #401 - 402 - 8148 - 128 St. Surrey, BC V3W 1R1

604.314.0000 / 604.562.7000 75

South Asian Lifestyle

South Asian Lifestyle

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www.bPrinceRoofing.ca

E-mail: balbir@bPrinceroofing.ca

B

We offer FREE Estimates & Guarantee all our Workship

PRINCE ROOFING LTD.

Specialized in: New Roofing Re-roofing Emergency Repairs Cedar Shakes & Shingles Duroids Torch On Concrete Tile

Third Party Liability Insurance & WCB Covered

Balbir Bains

604-825-2759 77

12748 - 96A Avenue, Surrey, BC V3V 2B4 604.588.1427 Office: 604.588.1426SouthFax: Asian Lifestyle

Fully Licensed & Air Conditioned

p - Restauran o h S t e e t Sw & Banque t Hall 7168 128 St. Surrey, BC V3W 4E2

Charnjit S. Dhillon

604-591-6660

604-591-6888

Banquet Hall for 300 People Small Hall for 50 People

We Do Catering all over BC

South Asian Lifestyle

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PIZZA

Over 28 Years in Busin ess

Pizza Lasagna Spaghetti BBQ Spareribs Chicken Wings Chicken Lasagna Greek Salad

FREE Delivery after 4 pm

6539 Victoria Dr. Vancouver Check us online:

www.SupremePizzaVancouver.com

Call & get Hot Delivery

604-324-2515 604-324-1808

Monday -Thursday: 4:00pm - 12:00am Friday & Saturday: Sundays & Holidays: 4:00pm - 12:00am

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4:00pm - 2:00 am

South Asian Lifestyle

MEDISAVE PHARMACY

Newton Dedicated to 2-8181 120A Street Surrey, BC, V3W 3P2 Healthy Tel: 604-501-1114 Fax: 604-501-1914 Living FREE PRESCRIPTION DELIVERY Panorama We offer free weekly and bi-weekly delivery your 2B-6828 of 128 Street Surrey, BC, V3W 4C9 medication to your door. Ask your Medisave pharTel: 604-501-7719 Fax: 604-501-7759 macist on how you can set up a scheduled delivery Guildford service.

(Directly behind IHOP on 120 A Street)

(At corner of 128th Street and 68 Avenue)

#102-15129 100 Avenue Surrey, BC, V3R 9P4 Tel: 604-581-4000 Fax: 604-581-4187

FREE DIABETES METERS At Medisave, we work with you to find the right meter Bear Creek George Blvd that fits your lifestyle. From simple#104-8056 to use King meters, to Surrey, BC V3W 5B5 on-the-go portable meters, or meters forTel:those who 604-599-5403 Fax: 604-599-5404 are tech savvy, we carry all the top brands.

Our helpRichmond ful and knowledgeable staff will work with you to #125-8291 Ackroyd Road Richmond, BC V6XAsk 3K5 make sure you’re using it safely and effectively.

Tel: 604-232-0811 Fax: 604-232-0851 your Medisave pharmacist on how to obtain a free meter with the purchase of test strips.

(Next to Boston Pizza)

FREE BLISTER PACKS Remembering whether or not you took your medication, or if you took the right ones at the right time won’t be a problem anymore with our blister pack services. Blister packs are easily legible, with simple visual cues to assist you in identifying which medications to take at which time. At Medisave Pharmacy we offer blister packs in both English and Punjabi.

Best of all, this service is provided at no additional cost!

REFILL MEDICATIONS New pharmacy guidelines allow pharmacists to possibly renew or adapt your existing prescriptions that were filled with us. This can be a great benefit to those patients with stable chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Come into Medisave to speak with a pharmacist about our new expanded role.

FREE PRESCRIPTION TRANSFERS We make moving over to Medisave easy. Just tell us where you got your last prescription filled, and we’ll transfer your existing prescriptions over.

NEBULIZER/CRUTCH RENTALS We have nebulizers and crutches available for both rental and purchase. In addition, we have a large variety of canes, walkers and wheelchairs in stock.

Come in and we’ll find the right size equipment for you.

South Asian Lifestyle

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MEDISAVE PHARMACY

Dedicated to Healthy Living

Newton 2-8181 120A Street Surrey, BC, V3W 3P2 Tel: 604-501-1114 Fax: 604-501-1914

(Directly behind IHOP on 120 A Street)

Panorama 2B-6828 128 Street Surrey, BC, V3W 4C9 Tel: 604-501-7719 Fax: 604-501-7759

(At corner of 128th Street and 68 Avenue)

Guildford #102-15129 100 Avenue Surrey, BC, V3R 9P4 Tel: 604-581-4000 Fax: 604-581-4187 (Next to Boston Pizza)

Bear Creek #104-8056 King George Blvd Surrey, BC V3W 5B5 Tel: 604-599-5403 Fax: 604-599-5404

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Richmond #125-8291 Ackroyd Road Richmond, BC V6X 3K5 Tel: 604-232-0811 Fax: 604-232-0851 South Asian Lifestyle

Complete Collision Repair

NU-MODE

Autobody & Paint Ltd.

ICBC & PRIVATE CLAIMS COURTESY CARS COLOR MATCHING QUICK SERVICE FOR TRUCK & TAXI

Sukhjit Garcha #107-8918 Holt Road, Surrey, BC. V3V 4H2

Tel: 604.572.6614 Fax: 604.572.6681

South Asian Lifestyle

President

604.715.2610 Sukhjit_garcha@hotmail.com

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HOUSE Only Location

Falooda Kulď€ Vada Pav Only Place Serving Street Food from All 4 corners of India

Sev Puri

Kathi Roll

Szechuan Noodles

# 112 - 7500 120 St, Surrey, BC V3W 3M9 Pav Bhaji 83

604-502-8081

www.apnachaat.ca

Email: info@apnachaat.ca South Asian Lifestyle

TAJ

Sweets & Restaurant

Large Variety of Veg & Non-Veg Tandoori Dishes, All Kinds of Indian Sweets

We do catering for 50 to 2000 guests with TANDOOR on location Taj Restaurant is a crown of Indian Cuisine, come relax in cozy atmosphere & treat youself to our exotic menu For more info. visit us at www.TajSweets.ca

#103 - 12047 - 80th Ave. Surrey, B.C.

Tel: 604-543-9113

Fax : 604-590-2202 E-Mail: info@TajSweets.ca South Asian Lifestyle

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A1 SPORTS

LTD.

#111 12888 - 80 Ave (York Center) Surrey BC - Custom Printed T Shirts - Track Suites - Jackets - Cricket - Field Hockey - Soccer - Carom Board Equipments - Custom Embroidery

Custom Security Uniform

- Screen Printing - Engraving and Sublimation - Trophy & Awards - Custom Gift Items - Variety of Promotional Items.

Amarjit Dhadwar

604-597-8356 Web: www.a1sports.ca 85 E-mail: info@a1sports.ca

South Asian Lifestyle

South Asian Lifestyle

86

in Business

land, eeds, n i a N g M n i d er ur Buil re in the Low o y l l a e F or Anywh

Head Office & Burnaby 2580 Gilmore Avenue Burnaby, BC Canada V5C 4T5 Phone:1-604-437-1111 Toll Free:1-877-437-8542 Fax:1-604-437-8542 Email:burnaby@dickslumber.com Hours: Mon to Fri: 6:30am to 5:00pm Sat:7:00am to 4:00pm Sun & Holidays: Closed

North Vancouver 160 Hanes Avenue North Vancouver, BC Canada V7P 2L8 Phone:1-604-987-4444 Toll Free: 1-866-987-4433 Fax:1-604-987-7997 Email:northshore@dickslumber.com Hours: Mon to Fri: 6:30am to 5:00pm Sat: 8:00am to 5:00pm Sun & Holidays: Closed

Products - Lumber & Wood Siding - Decks & Fences Doors & Windows Hardware Moulding - Roofing -Tools etc.

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Surrey 12433 – 80th Ave Surrey, BC Canada V3W 3A4 Phone:1-604-591-1222 Toll Free: 1-888-591-1222 Fax:1-604-591-8232 Email:surrey@dickslumber.com Hours: Mon to Fri: 6:30am to 5:00pm Sat: 7:00am to 4:00pm Sun & Holidays: Closed

om

ber.c

lum icks

.d www

Best Service & Competitive Rates, call anytime

Lifestyle Where all the builders buy...

South Asian

COASTAL REALTY LTD.

CENTURY 21 Coastal Realty Ltd. 105-7928 128th Street Surrey, BC V3W 4E8 Off: 604-599-4888 Fax: 604-507-8851 Web: c21coastal.ca Email: rjanda1@hotmail.com

Trusted name in the community

Raj Janda

604-649-6500

Harvey Deol Mobile Mortgage Specialists South Asian Lifestyle

Cell: 778 862 0305 Fax: 604 648 9836 Email: harvey.deol@td.com

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Proudly Serving The Community For Last 21 Years

b am soatnt o r The Best Used Car Dealership 2011

Benefits of Applying @ Basant Motors

Get Approved with Good Credit, Bad Credit or No Credit Loans up to $50,000 Same day approvals No money down options Affordable payments No obligation

s

Toll Free: 1.877.488.9636

b am soatnt o r

s

Sales & Service: (604) 572-7880

We Don’t Sell... !

New Immigrants & Students We help you Buy!!

customerservice@basantmotors.com

16315 Fraser Highway SURREY, BC V4N 0G1 Hours: Mon - Thurs: 9:00am-8:00pm Fri Sun: 11:00am-6:00pm 89 - Sat: 9:00am-6:00pm

South Asian Lifestyle

Setting PACE… ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it’ - Abraham Lincoln

In today’s world people change their career more than 5-6 times during their working life.

In addition, there are changes brought in, both in the workplace and in the Society due to changes in technology and globalization. In such situation, Education and Training is becoming an integral part of one’s life. Education is necessary; it is also expensive.

PACE Canada College has been created to address the issue of Affordability with Quality. In 3 years we have added a number of courses that are in demand and will be relevant even in the near future work environment. These courses are offered at Affordable tuition cost and at Flexible schedules so that people can continue working and studying at the same time.

We are incorporated as a non-profit society and are here for Education and not for profit.

We are registered with Private Career Training Institutions Agency (of BC)-PCTIA, a crown corporation under the Ministry of Advance Education of BC and we comply with all the rules and regulations of the Government of BC. In these 3 years we have served over 3000 students and are encouraged by their growth & success in their chosen career/jobs. We have begun to accept International students for our Diploma Programs in the field of IT, Hospitality, Business, Accounting, Health and Electronics. Even for International students we offer these courses at an Affordable cost. We are working towards becoming a Degree granting College by 2015.

We WELCOME you all to visit us anytime from Monday to Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. Check our website: www.pacecanada.ca.

Please contact the college for your educational requirements and we would be happy to assist you.

May this festival of light fulfil all your wishes and bring you Wealth, Health, Hope and Happiness! Happy Diwali 2013!

Tilak Dewan M. Sc., CCDP, RCIC, Fellow CMI Director PACE Canada College www.pacecanada.ca Tel: 604-595-7962 Fax: 604-595-7963 South Asian Lifestyle

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Apna Bhaia

Sweet Shop & Restaurant

Indian & Continental All kinds of Indian Sweets, Samosa, Tikki, Paneer & Fish Pakoras, Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Curry & much much more...

We do catering for all occasions 6616 Fraser St, 91 Vancouver, BC V5X 3T5

Phone:(604) 323-2805 South Asian Lifestyle

Guide to Purchasing

Travel Insurance For Visitors to Canada

W

ith the welcoming culture, strong economy, high quality life and great natural beauty, Canada has been a popular destination for the foreign visitors for a long time. It has the strongest economy in the G8. It means that Canada has been a hot spot for foreign workers, business travelers, international students and new immigrants.

Sandeep Ahuja CHS

604.996.6862 South Asian Lifestyle

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- Health care system in Canada is overburdened due to the aging population.

- Simple doctor visits cost nearly $150 - Ambulance cost around $250 - Non-critical hospital stay cost about $3,500 per night -Air ambulance around $20,000 Medical insurance is highly recommended for foreign visitors, in order to be secure, because medical expenses can become economically crippling. Good news is that we have come up with a very affordable medical insurance. Whether you are an international student, business traveler, foreign worker or simply vacationing in Canada, we

have designed our plans in such a way that it suits all your needs and are at an affordable rate.

Tourists and Business Travelers Visiting Canada Whether you are vacationing with your family or traveling to Canada for business meetings, medical insurance is important to cover the high expenses

For more info, please contact

of medical care. Canada Emergency medical insurance is there to pay the expenses acquired by unexpected medical conditions.

New Immigrants to Canada New immigrants have to acquire landed immigrant or PR in order to be eligible for the provincial health insurance. New immigrant have to wait for about three months before their government health insurance plan start. They need private medical insurance to cover first three months.

Foreign workers in Canada Work visa in Canada is normally issued for 6 months minus one day. Private health insurance must be purchased to cover emergency medical costs for the time spent on a temporary work visa.

International Students in Canada International students who are not attending eligible educational college or institutions will not be covered by the Government Health Insurance Plan.

In this case, private medical insurance will be required. They have another option as well. They can choose to purchase Health and Hospital Insurance or only Emergency Medical Insurance.

Health and Hospital Insurance This insurance plan provides complete health coverage to the international students visiting Canada.

It includes- emergency medical coverage, prescription drugs, and non-emergency health costs are also covered up to maximum amounts.

Emergency Medical Insurance It is same as the hospital and health insurance plan but it will not cover non-emergency medical and drugs prescription are bounded to a 30 day supply.

Sandeep Ahuja CHS

604.996.6862 93

South Asian Lifestyle

Vancouver’s First Name in BMW Sales and Service –

Brian Jessel BMW

Raj Desor New Car Sales Manager

604.293.2628

From

its humble beginnings as one of the first BMW dealerships in the Lower Mainland, which at the time featured a tiny two-car showroom in Abbotsford, Brian Jessel BMW, now the perennial leader in BMW sales in Canada, has no doubt positioned itself as the name synonymous with BMW in the Lower Mainland.

“It’s still largely the case that when someone thinks of BMW in Vancouver, the first dealership to come to mind is Brian Jessel BMW,” states

South Asian Lifestyle

Raj Desor, Brian Jessel BMW’s New Car Sales Manager. “There’s no doubt that Brian Jessel was instrumental in establishing the BMW brand in Vancouver, and to another extent, establishing the luxury car market as a whole here in Vancouver.” Desor makes a valid point – during that first opening year in 1986 in Abbostford, Brian Jessel BMW sold 144 new cars; that may not seem like many by today’s standards, but at the time, it was a notable amount for any luxury car dealership to sell - especially so for

94

a dealer’s first year in business. Fast forward nearly 30 years, and Brian Jessel regularly sells those same 144 or more vehicles every month.

And as history would show, that first year’s success wasn’t coincidental. “From 1997 to 2000, we were the leading BMW retailer in Western Canada,” continues Desor. “From 2000 onward, with the exception of one year, we’ve been the leading BMW retailer in all of Canada.”

Part of the formula that makes Brian Jessel BMW such a successful operation is their attention to their customers’ needs. Case in point, nearly every Salesperson employed at Brian Jessel BMW speaks at least two languages.

“When it comes to servicing our South Asian clientele, we’re one of the leading luxury retailers in the Lower Mainland,” states Desor. “We have two Hindi speaking Salespeople on our staff, and both of them have been recognized as BMW

95

Gold Sales Masters. There’s no doubt, there’s a certain prestige in being able to say you bought your BMW at the leading BMW retailer in all of Canada, from a Salesperson who you felt fully comfortable dealing with in your first language,” continued Desor. Regardless of what language they speak, customers at Brian Jessel BMW can come to expect his legendary Brian Jessel Service. “When you’re buying a luxury automobile, especially one with the prestige of BMW, you want to know you’re getting the very best offer, and the very best sales experience – that’s what we’ve come to be known for here at Brian Jessel,” finished Desor.

To join the family, and to make your next vehicle a Brian Jessel BMW, visit www.brianjesselbmw.com, or visit their showroom at 2311 Boundary Road in Vancouver.

South Asian Lifestyle

Royal LePage-Coronation Park #6, 9965 - 152 Street Surrey, British Columbia V3R 4G5 Telephone: 604-581-3838 Fax: 604-581-6761 Email : info@avtarmann.com Website: www.royallepage.ca

Avtar Mann Cell: 604-644-5641 South Asian Lifestyle

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Wish You Happy Diwali and Happy New Year

s e i r r e b Blue

s e i r r e b e u l B Purewal on s a e s e h t f o Sweetest

al

urew

at P Malki

Charn Purewal

Gurjit

Purew

al

PUREWAL BLUEBERRY FARMS LTD. 13753 Hale Rd, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 1Z1

Tel: 604-465-1980 Fax: 604-465-0649

97

South Asian Lifestyle

P

F O S P H C I C N E I Indian Cuisine

“The place were to experience amazing taste of Indian food” Open 7 Days a week

Eat in & Take out

8701 - 120th Street. Delta BC V4C 6R4

11 am - 10 pm

A Division of:

604.502.9991

www.PinchOfSpice.ca South Asian Lifestyle

info@pinchofspice.ca

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Wish You Happy Diwali and

Happy New Year

Jasvir Grewal

778.317.6262 jasvirgrewal0596@gmail.com

In tro Super V du cin isa g Gu a r Insuran a n te e d P la ns Pa ya bl e in 10-15-20 Ye a rs ce

Lowest Rates & - Car Insurance Better Coverage

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Life Insurance G`t ryt Aqy Travel Insurance vDIAw kvryj Visitor’s Insurance dI grMtI RRSP - RESP Critical Illness Insurance Non-Medical Insurance Disability Insurance Out of Province Coverage

“Go for Personal Insurance before getting Mortgage Insurance 99

South Asian Lifestyle

South Asian Lifestyle

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