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Winter Season in India: Characteristics, Duration & More!

India, a diverse and culturally rich country, experiences different seasons throughout the year. Among these, the winter season holds a special place, as it provides relief from the scorching heat of summer and sets the stage for a unique experience. Winter in India generally lasts from December to February, with variations in its arrival and intensity in different regions of the country.


The objective of this article is to provide a detailed and comprehensive explanation of the winter season in India, exploring its climatic characteristics, cultural significance, impact on daily life, and the various activities and traditions associated with it.

Winter Season in India


Climatic Characteristics of Winter in India

Temperature Variations

The winter season in India sees a significant drop in temperatures in most parts of the country. While the southern regions experience mild winters, the northern and northwestern regions, such as the Himalayan foothills and the Indo-Gangetic plains, see much colder temperatures. In the northern plains, temperatures often drop below 10°C, with some areas experiencing freezing conditions.

Influence of Geographic Factors

India's geographical diversity plays an important role in shaping its winter climate. The northern regions, including states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, are strongly influenced by the proximity of the Himalayan mountain range, resulting in extremely cold winters with heavy snowfall. In contrast, southern coastal areas have relatively mild winters due to their proximity to the equator.

Arrival and Duration

The onset of winter in India varies from region to region. Generally, it starts in early December in the northern parts of the country and gradually moves towards the southern regions. The southern states have a shorter winter period, lasting from December to February, while in the north it can extend until March.

Clear Skies and Dry Weather

Winter in India is characterized by clear skies and dry weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and travel. The absence of monsoon rains during this season contributes to the crisp and refreshing atmosphere.


Cultural Significance of Winter in India

Festivals and Celebrations

The winter season in India brings a lot of festivals and celebrations which have immense cultural significance. Some of the most prominent winter festivals include Diwali, Christmas, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, and more. These festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and include various rituals, feasts, and social gatherings.

Religious Pilgrimages

Winter season in India is considered an auspicious time for religious pilgrimages. Devotees come to various holy places like Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Amritsar to take a holy dip in the rivers and perform rituals. Cold weather does not deter pilgrims, as they believe that the spiritual benefits of these journeys outweigh the physical discomfort.

Wedding Season

Winter is the most preferred season for weddings in India due to its pleasant weather. The cool temperature provides relief from the scorching heat of summer and the humidity of the monsoon season. As a result, the winter season sees an increase in social events and celebrations, making it an important aspect of Indian culture.

Impact on Daily Life

Clothing and Fashion

A change in clothing is required during the winter season due to a drop in temperature. People across India start wearing warm attire including sweaters, jackets, shawls, and woolen clothes. In areas with extreme cold such as the Himalayan states, heavy coats and insulated shoes become essential. Winter fashion also showcases a variety of vibrant shawls, scarves, and turbans that reflect the cultural diversity of India.



Dietary Habits

The winter season has a significant impact on eating habits. To deal with cold, people consume more calorie-rich and hot foods. Traditional winter dishes like gajar ka halwa, makki di roti with sarson da saag, and various types of soups become popular. Also, consumption of hot beverages like tea and coffee also increases in this season.

Health and Wellness

Winter also brings health challenges, including the risk of colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. People often use herbal remedies and homeopathic remedies to stay healthy. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical system, recommends specific diet and lifestyle practices during winter to maintain overall health.

Impact on Agriculture

The winter season has a significant impact on agriculture in India. While it is a time of dormancy for many crops in the northern regions due to cold temperatures, the southern states see the cultivation of winter crops like wheat, barley, and various vegetables. The Rabi season, which runs from November to April, is important for replenishing food stocks.

Activities and Traditions

Winter Sports

In the northern regions, especially in the Himalayas, winter provides the opportunity for various winter sports and activities. Skiing, ice skating, and snowboarding are popular with tourists and locals alike. Auli in Uttarakhand and Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir are famous skiing destinations. Badminton, football, and hockey are also played on a large scale.

Bonfires and Lohri

Lohri is a popular Punjabi festival celebrated with bonfire, music and dance. People gather near bonfires to pray and sing traditional songs. It is a joyous occasion that marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.

Makar Sankranti and Kite Flying

Makar Sankranti, celebrated in different parts of India, marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn. One of the most exciting traditions associated with this festival is kite flying. People participate in friendly kite flying competitions, making the sky come alive with colorful kites.

Winter Tourism

The pleasant weather during winter makes India an attractive destination for tourists. Popular tourist destinations like Goa, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Andaman Islands are visited by tourists looking for sunshine, adventure, and cultural experiences. The Taj Mahal of Agra and the palaces of Jaipur are especially enchanting during the winter months.

Wildlife Sanctuaries and Bird Watching

Winter is an excellent time for wildlife lovers and bird watchers to explore the diverse fauna of India. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries, such as Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, and Keoladeo National Parks, provide a chance to see tigers, leopards, elephants, and various migratory birds.


Summary

Winter in India is a time of cultural richness, diverse traditions, and climatic variations. It provides respite from extreme weather conditions and offers a unique blend of festivities, rituals, and outdoor activities. From the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas to the sunny beaches of the southern coasts, India's winter season paints a vivid picture of experiences that mesmerize both residents and visitors. Whether one is sipping hot tea near a bonfire, attending a colorful festival, or enjoying winter sports in the mountains, winter in India is a time of joy, celebration, and connecting with nature and culture.


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List of Presidents of India till date with Images

The President of India holds an important position in the governance of the respective nation. Presidents have important duties and responsibilities that help in maintaining the democratic system of India. In this article, we will discuss the list of Indian Presidents so far along with the roles and duties of the Indian President, interesting facts about the post and how the Indian President is elected.


Roles and Duties of the Indian President

Guardian of the Constitution: The President protects the Constitution, ensuring that it is followed correctly.

Appointing the Prime Minister: While the Prime Minister and the Cabinet run the government, the President formally selects the Prime Minister.

Approving Laws: A bill requires the assent of the President to become a law. The President can also address both the houses of the Parliament and can also dissolve the Lok Sabha if necessary.

International Representation: The Indian President represents India at the world stage and meets foreign leaders.

Commander-in-Chief: The Indian President is the highest military authority in India, even though day-to-day control rests with civilian leaders.

List of Presidents of India

Since independence till date (till 2023), there have been a total of 15 Presidents in India, out of which Draupadi Murmu is the current President of India. Let's see the list of all the Indian Presidents who have served the country from 1950 till date:


List of Presidents of India

1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1950-1962)

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India, who served from 1950 to 1962. Born on December 3, 1884 in Zeradei, Bihar, he was a prominent leader in the Indian independence struggle and played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution. Dr. Prasad was widely respected for his simplicity and commitment to democratic values. He was also a prolific writer and scholar. He died on February 28, 1963.

2. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1962-1967)

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, held the office from 1962 to 1967. Born on September 5, 1888 in Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu, he was a renowned philosopher and politician. His birthday, 5 September, is celebrated as Teachers' Day in India to honor his contribution to education. Dr. Radhakrishnan's philosophy and writings had a profound impact in India and around the world. He died on April 17, 1975.

3. Dr. Zakir Husain (1967-1969)

The third President of India, Dr. Zakir Hussain, served from 1967 to 1969. Born on February 8, 1897 in Hyderabad, he was not only an academic but also a leading educationist. He was the first Muslim to hold the office of President. His presidency was marked by a commitment to educational development, and he was associated with many universities and institutes. He died on May 3, 1969.

4. V. V. Giri (1969-1974)

The fourth President, V. V. Giri, held the office from 1969 to 1974. Born on August 10, 1894 in Berhampur, Odisha, he was a prominent trade unionist and politician. His presidency was notable for its focus on labor and social justice issues, reflecting his earlier career in labor movements. V. V. Giri died on 24 June 1980.


5. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1974-1977)

The fifth President, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, served from 1974 to 1977. Born on 13 May 1905 in Delhi, he was a lawyer and freedom fighter. His presidency was marked by events such as the declaration of a state of emergency in India in 1975. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed died on 11 February 1977.

6. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (1977-1982)

The sixth President, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, held office from 1977 to 1982. Born on May 19, 1913 in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, he had a long and distinguished political career. He was known for his commitment to democratic values and constitutional principles. Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy died on 1 June 1996.

7. Giani Zail Singh (1982-1987)

The seventh President, Giani Zail Singh, served from 1982 to 1987. Born on May 5, 1916 in Sandhwan, Punjab, he was a veteran politician and served as the Chief Minister of Punjab before becoming President. His presidency saw significant political developments in India, including the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He died on 25 December 1994.

8. R. Venkataraman (1987-1992)

R. Venkataraman, the eighth President, held office from 1987 to 1992. Born on December 4, 1910, in Rajamadam, Tamil Nadu, he had a distinguished legal and political career. His presidency coincided with a period of economic reforms and political changes in India. R. Venkataraman passed away on January 27, 2009.


9. Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (1992-1997)

Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, the ninth President, served from 1992 to 1997. Born on August 19, 1918, in Bhopal, he had a background in law and politics and was known for his commitment to social justice and constitutional values. Prior to his presidency, he had held various important positions, including Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. He passed away on December 26, 1999.

10. K. R. Narayanan (1997-2002)

K. R. Narayanan, the tenth President, held office from 1997 to 2002. Born on October 27, 1920, in Uzhavoor, Kerala, he was a diplomat and a career civil servant. He was known for his contributions to Indian foreign policy and his advocacy for marginalized communities. K. R. Narayanan passed away on November 9, 2005.

11. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2002-2007)

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the eleventh President, served from 2002 to 2007. Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, he was a renowned scientist and engineer. Popularly known as the "People's President", he inspired the youth of India with his vision of a developed and technologically advanced nation. Dr. Kalam was known as the "Missile Man of India" for his contributions to India's space and missile programs. He passed away on July 27, 2015.

12. Pratibha Patil (2007-2012)

Pratibha Patil, the twelfth President and the first woman to hold the office, served from 2007 to 2012. Born on December 19, 1934, in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, she had a background in law and politics and focused on issues related to women and social justice. Prior to her presidency, she had served as the Governor of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Pratibha Patil is alive and living her life peacefully.


13. Pranab Mukherjee (2012-2017)

Pranab Mukherjee, the thirteenth President, served from 2012 to 2017. Born on December 11, 1935, in Mirati, West Bengal, he had a long and illustrious political career, including serving as India's Finance Minister. His presidency was marked by his vast experience in governance. Pranab Mukherjee passed away on August 31, 2020.

14. Ram Nath Kovind (2017-2022)

Ram Nath Kovind, the fourteenth and incumbent President, has been in office since 2017. Born on October 1, 1945, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, he has a legal background and has been associated with various social and political initiatives throughout his career. Before becoming President, he served as the Governor of the Indian state of Bihar. He is alive and living a healthy life.

15. Draupadi Murmu (2022- Current)

Draupadi Murmu assumed the role of President of the Republic of India following her election on July 21, 2022, making her the 15th President to hold the coveted post after Shri Ram Nath Kovind. Born on 20 June 1958, her political journey typically began in 1997 when she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was eventually elected as a councilor of Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat. In the year 2000, due to her dedication and leadership she was appointed as the Chairman of Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat. Additionally, she served as the National Vice President of the BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha, demonstrating her commitment to diverse communities. Before becoming President, Draupadi Murmu had created history as the first woman to serve as the Governor of Jharkhand.

How is the Indian President elected?

In India, the President is chosen using an electoral college system, where the votes come from both national and state-level lawmakers. The whole process is managed and supervised by the Election Commission of India (ECI).


Presidential candidates need the support of at least 50 members of the Electoral College, which includes elected members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.

Members of the Electoral College vote by secret ballot. Each member's vote is weighted based on the population they represent.

The candidate who gets over 50% of the total votes becomes the President-elect. If no one gets the majority in the first round, more rounds of voting take place.

The Chief Justice of India administers the oath of office to the President-elect, who then assumes their duties.

The election of the President ensures that all parts of India have a say in choosing the country's highest authority. The President's job is essential in upholding our Constitution and democratic values.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the position of President of India, an individual must meet the following criteria as per the Constitution of India:

Citizenship: The candidate must be a citizen of India.

Age: The candidate must be at least 35 years old.

Qualifications for Members of Parliament: To be eligible for the presidency, a candidate must fulfill the qualifications required for membership in the Lok Sabha (House of the People), which include being a registered voter and not holding any office of profit under the Government of India or the government of any state or under any local authority.

Nomination: The candidate must be nominated by at least 50 electors as proposers and 50 electors as seconders. These electors must be members of the Electoral College, which consists of elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union territories.

No Government Office: The candidate should not hold any office of profit under the Government of India, any state government, or any local authority.

No Dual Office: The President cannot hold any other office of profit during their tenure.


These eligibility criteria ensure that the President of India is a qualified and impartial individual capable of fulfilling the important responsibilities of the office.

Some Interesting Facts about the President of India

Following are some interesting but important facts or things to know about Indian Presidents:

The President's term lasts five years and can be renewed for a maximum of two terms.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was India's first President in 1950. Additionally, he was the sole individual to have served two terms in office.

Dr. Zakir Husain was the only President of India to serve two non-consecutive terms. He served as the 3rd President of India from 1962 to 1967 and was re-elected for a second term but unfortunately passed away in office in 1969.

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, known as the "Missile Man of India", was a popular President.

The first female President of India was Pratibha Patil. She served as the 12th President of India from 2007 to 2012.

The "Rashtrapati Bhavan" in New Delhi is the President's official residence.

The President uses a special official car called the "Presidential State Car".

The President is India's most important citizen and enjoys certain legal protections.


Summary

The President of India holds a very special position as the head of the Indian state and is considered the most prominent or first citizen of the country. There have been a total of 15 Presidents in India since 1950 till now (2023-24), of which Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first and Draupadi Murmu is the current President. Amidst all this, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has been one of the most loved personalities and was called the "People's President".


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BFF Full Form: Best Friends Forever

We often see different slang or acronyms on social media platforms when people are chatting or commenting. One such popular term is BFF which we see on social media platforms. It is important to know the full form of BFF so that we can understand the full meaning of any sentence if someone uses it while chatting or conversing with us.


In this article, we have discussed the BFF Full Form and other details, such as its history, use, examples, and more.

What You Will Learn


What is the full form of BFF?

The meaning or full form of BFF is "Best Friends Forever". The term BFF is used to designate a very close friendly relationship between two or more people. The relationship is characterized according to the trust and support between them.

BFF is a fairly popular abbreviation used among middle and high school students or friends (especially girls). In addition, the term has gained popularity during conversations on various social media platforms, especially Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.

The term has become so popular that it has been chosen by Facebook as a 'special' comment. When someone types the letter BFF in comments on Facebook, it turns green and displays a short visual animation on the screen. However, the animation may not always come, depending on the settings.

With the growing popularity of the term, it was also included in the New Oxford American Dictionary in September 2010. According to which, the term was first introduced or originated in 1996.

BFF Full Form

The full form of BFF can be explained as below:

B Best
F Friends
F Forever

Other Popular Forms of BFF

Some of the other popular forms of BFF are tabulated below, based on the usage of BFF in different categories or regions:

Category/ Field Full-Form
File Extensions Backup File Format
File Extensions Binary Format File
Chats Be Forever Faithful
Chats & Funnies Boy Friend Forever
Chats & Funnies Best Female Friend
Football Bangladesh Football Federation
Days Abbreviations Bank Failure Friday
Festivals Bicycle Film Festival
Companies & Firms Binners Family Farm
Regional Organizations British Forces Foundation
Religion Buddhist Faith Fellowship

Although there are different forms of the word BFF in the table, they are all used according to the situation. In most cases, the word means 'Best Friends Forever'.


Who is a Best Friend?

There is a common phrase to define a friend - "a friend in need is a friend indeed". It means that a friend who helps us in trouble is a true friend or best friend. Besides, fake friends or so-called friends disappear when trouble strikes.

Friends can help us to enrich our lives in many ways. They will always be by our side to encourage us to keep moving forward even when times are tough. They help celebrate success together. In the real world, BTS sets an example of true friends or BFFs and shows us the power of love and kindness.

Importance of Friend in a Life

Having a true friend in life is important to some extent for the following reasons:

Friends are good for our physical health.
Friends encourage healthy behavior in and around us.
Friends give us emotional support.
Friends help us to build confidence.
Friends help us beat stress.
Friends inspire us to be the best version of ourselves.
Friends help us to spend our alone time and enjoy success.

Friendship Day and its Brief History

Friendship Day was celebrated in 1958 following an initiative started by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards in 1930. In 1988, Nene Annan, wife of United Nations-General Kofi Annan, marked the cartoon character, Winnie the Pooh, as an ambassador of friendship. Later in 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared 30 July as the official International Day of Friendship at the 65th United Nations session. Since then, International Friendship Day is celebrated every year on 30 July.


Most countries celebrate International Friendship Day on 30 July. However, some countries like India, Bangladesh, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia celebrate Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August.

The main concept of declaring International Friendship Day was to establish friendship between people, countries, and cultures to make peace as well as form bridges between communities.

Use of the term BFF

The term BFF is mostly used by young people, especially girls, during informal communication over chat, messaging, calling, etc. This word can be used in both uppercase and lowercase. This is because we do not use typically the term in the formal modes of communication.

In addition, the word can also be written in formal communication in minimal scenarios. However, we should prefer to use the capitalization options, which make it look a bit professional. Some people (especially girls) also use the 'bestie' word in place of BFF. Words like BFF help people to chat with others quickly.

Examples of the term BFF in Sentences

The following chat is a simple example of a conversation with the word BFF:

Person 1: Hi
Person 2: Hello
Person 1: Where is your brother?
Person 2: He shifted to another city since he has got a job.
Person 1: He and I were BFFs during college days, but we drifted apart after I got a job.
.
.
.
.
Chat continues…
Person 1: It was nice meeting with you. Just ping me when your brother arrives.
Person 2: Sure, I will. Now, we are like BFFs!
Chat ends. 
Scroll ⇀


Summary

BFF has evolved into a noun that refers to a close friend and is an initiative of the phrase 'best friends forever'. However, being one's BFF doesn't mean that we are part of a two-member club. Instead, it does mean that we have a very close friend or friends.




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AARP Full Form: What is the full form of AARP?

AARP: American Association of Retired Persons



What is the full form of AARP?

The meaning or full form of AARP is "American Association of Retired Persons".

AARP Full Form




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