Flowers, Chocolates And Beyond..

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

Flowers make a wonderful gift for just about everyone. The smiles that light up faces when a floral arrangement is delivered right to them are a wonder to behold. Yet, every florist knows that there is a time when gift-givers need, or want, something more than simply a bouquet. Or even something other than a flower arrangement at all. For you, this is when gift baskets, chocolates, cakes and stuffed toys take their spot on the stage.

For Sickbeds

Sending “Get Well Soon” flowers and gifts can sometimes be a little tricky. Some hospitals, for instance, don’t allow flowers in some areas. Though local florists will be familiar with regulations and can guide you through them, sending a fresh fruit basket and stuffed toy instead might be a better idea.

For The Toddlers

For children, flowers are usually not enough, obviously. To get them in the habit of sending and receiving flowers (and to leave them with warm thoughts about the matter,) include chocolates and perhaps a teddy bear in the order. And gift baskets, as well, if they suit the occasion. Floweraura has baskets that are designed especially for such situations.

Birthdays

Birthdays are not only for the young, yet many times an older person’s birthday is treated as an afterthought. If you have someone in your life who will be celebrating a birthday, no matter their age, send them a bouquet to let them know you remembered. Add in a cake, a box of chocolates and have the surprise gift delivered right to their door with Floweraura.

Housewarming Presents

Gift baskets and Chocolates are almost always welcome but, in some cases, floral bouquets and live plants are not. If you don’t know those throwing the housewarming party well, bring or send a gift basket instead. You won’t have to worry about setting off anyone’s allergies. Or include the basket with your bouquet order, in any case. Those newly moved-in will no doubt appreciate having convenient nibbles on hand.

Anniversaries

Some anniversaries, like those for marriages, are better remembered than others. Sending an anniversary bouquet to friends (or spouses!) can often make up for your inability to be there in person… but don’t just stop here. Other important events no doubt deserve remembrance as well. The first time you met your other half; the one year anniversary of beginning a dream job or any number of other events can be reasons to get in touch with FlowerAura and send a special gift.

In Sympathy

Not all events are happy ones, and sometimes that is when friends and family need the most support. A sympathy bouquet with a greeting card can bring comfort, even if you cannot be there to offer it in person. It doesn’t take much to add a little color and brightness to someone’s life, even when it’s not the best of times.

These are just a few times when you might want to be somewhere in person, but cannot. Flowers can’t replace you, of course, but they can give uplift someone’s spirit, and let them know you care. If you are unsure if an occasion warrants flowers, or which would be the best to send in any case, take the time to talk to one of our customer care representatives through call or through live-chat on our website. They can surely help you in choosing the appropriate flowers and gifts to suit any occasion.

Your wishes are important, so never disappoint your loved ones by forgetting to bestow your best wishes on their special occasions. No matter what the distance, you can send your warmest regards just by the click of a button, through our online delivery system anywhere in India. Choose from a wide range of exquisite flowers and combos especially for your friends and family, only at FlowerAura. Order today and let your wishes touch the hearts of your near and dear ones.

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar

Pongal - Indian Thanksgiving

This is a guest post by Abhay Kanwar.

Pongal is celebrated all over Tamil Nadu and is like a harvest festival, similar to Lohri. Pongal is connected with cleaning up the old, burning down rubbish, and welcoming new crops. Pongal is celebrated during the same time as 'Bhogali Bihu' in the North Eastern State of Assam, 'Lohri' in Punjab, 'Bhogi' in Andhra Pradesh and 'Makar Sankranti' in the rest of the country, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Bengal. This year Pongal falls on the 14th of January. It is typically a 4-day festival.

DAY 1: The houses are cleaned, clothes are washed and old things are thrown away. At the entrance to their houses brightly colored designs, called Rangoli, are drawn using flowers or powder.

DAY 2: Sugarcane is brought to decorate the Pooja room. Sweet Pongal rice is cooked using a special pot, it is made from rice (of course), jaggery (a type of sugar), coconut, cashew nuts and milk. When cooked the pot is decorated with ash and fresh turmeric is wrapped around the rim.

DAY 3: The farmers decorate and garland their cows and oxen, usually painting their horns with the colours of the Indian flag or of a political party. In some towns bull running occurs where mad men try to jump on Brahmin bulls (the ones with humps) and hang on for as long as they can. Many get injured.

DAY 4: This day birds are worshipped. Girls prepare coloured balls of cooked rice and keep them in the open for birds and fowls to eat. On this day sister’s also pray for their brother’s happiness.

Stories associated with Pongal:

The most popular Pongal legend is the one associated with the first day of the celebrations when Lord Indra is worshipped. The story behind it is, on this day Indra being honored by all, became proud and arrogant. To teach him a lesson, Lord Krishna asked his cowherd friends to worship Mount Govardhan instead of Indra on the Bhogi Pongal day. Awfully infuriated, Indra sent forth the clouds to generate thunder, lightning and heavy rains and flood the land. But, as the tale goes, Lord Krishna lifted up the Govardhan Mountain on his little finger and sheltered the farmers, cowherd and their cattle. Indra then begged Shri Krishna's forgiveness and the latter re-permitted Bhogi celebrations in honour of Indra.

Tradition of exchanging Pongal gifts multiplies the joys of the festival and helps to develop stronger bonds of love and affinity between friends, relatives and neighbours. All through the four days of the festival people pay a visit to their near and dear ones and exchange box of sweets, dry fruits generally accompanied with flowers are a thoughtful Pongal gift. Children are particularly excited about the festival. For them it is the time for wish fulfillment as all their elders are too eager to pamper them with the best of Pongal gift.

Though there is a tradition to visit dear ones and personally greet them with Pongal Gift but for your dear ones staying in different cities and countries you can send Pongal gift by means of Floweraura, an online floral service throughout India. In recent times, online shopping for Pongal gifts is becoming increasingly popular as it is a convenient and faster way of sending good wishes. Flowers are regarded as the most beautiful medium of expressing good wishes and love on any occasion. For special ones, flowers could be accompanied by a cute gift to make a lasting impression. Sending Good Luck Plants is another great Pongal Gift Idea. Celebrate Pongal with Floweraura, with our wide variety of gifts and flowers, meant especially for this festival. Remember, Floweraura is always there to help you!

More about the author - Abhay Kanwar