Tag Archives: celebrations

Times Square Ball Drop revives New Year spectacle again after Covid

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New York City ushered in 2023 with a dazzling Saturday night spectacle in iconic Times Square, kicking off New Year’s celebrations across the United States.

The night culminated with a countdown as a glowing geodesic sphere or the iconic Ball Drop weighing almost six tons descended from its lofty perch atop One Times Square.

Its surface is comprised of nearly 2,700 Waterford crystals that were illuminated, officials said, by a palette of more than 16 million colors.

At the stroke of midnight, a ton of confetti rained down on revelers, glittering amid the jumbo screens, neon and pulsing lights.

New Year’s Eve Ball Design

The Ball is a geodesic sphere, 12 feet in diameter, and weighs 11,875 pounds.
The Ball is covered with a total of 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles that vary in size,
and range in length from 4 ¾ inches to 5 ¾ inches per side.

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For Times Square 2023, 192 Waterford Crystal triangles introduce the new Gift of
Love design represented by a circle of overlapping hearts entwined together.
192 are the Gift of Wisdom design of a central wheel with wedge cut petals of
knowledge growing ever forward.

  • 192 are the Gift of Happiness design of a sunburst of bright cuts radiating outward like a beautiul sunny day brings warm smiles and happiness. 192 are the Gift of Goodwill design of three pineapples signifying the traditional symbol of hospitality and goodwill. 192 are the Gift of Harmony design of small rosette cuts flowing into each other in beautiful
    harmony.
  • 192 are the Gift of Serenity design of butterflies flying peacefully above a crystal meadow capturing the spirit of serenity. 192 are the Gift of Kindness design of a circle of rosettes symbolizing unity with the fronds reaching out in an expression of kindness.
  • 192 are the Gift Of Wonder design of a faceted starburst inspiring our sense of wonder. 192 are the Gift of Fortitude design of diamond cuts on either side of a crystal pillar to represent the inner attributes of resolve, courage and spirit necessary to triumph over adversity.

The remaining 960 Gift of Imagination triangles are a series of intricate wedge cuts that are mirrored reflections of each other inspiring our imagination.

The 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles are bolted to 672 LED modules which are
attached to the aluminum frame of the Ball.

The Ball is illuminated by 32,256 LEDs (light emitting diodes). Each LED module
contains 48 LEDs – 12 red, 12 blue, 12 green, and 12 white for a total of 8,064 of
each color.

The Ball is capable of displaying a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors
and billions of patterns that creates a spectacular kaleidoscope effect atop One
Times Square.

President Greets on Idu’l Fitr as Prayers, Celebrations Mark Ramzan

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The President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee has greeted fellow citizens on the eve of Idu’l Fitr, known as Ramzan, which is being celebrated on Monday, June 26, 2017 in India.

In his message the President said, “On the auspicious occasion of Idu’l Fitr, I extend greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens, particularly my Muslim brothers and sisters, in India and abroad. May this joyous occasion, which marks the culmination of the period of fasting and prayer during the Holy month of Ramzan, bring happiness, peace and prosperity and be an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to serve humanity.

May this day, strengthen in each one of us, an unflinching faith in our unity and common destiny that has characterised our composite culture over the ages,” he said.

Earlier, the moon-sighting committee in Nashik announced that the moon has been sighted in most parts of the country, hence, Ramzan can be celebrated on Monday, clearing the confusion on the exact day of celebrations.

Though a cloudy weather deterred sighting of the moon in Nashik, in several part of India it was reported positively by local clerics. “The holy month of Ramzan was celebrated with devotion. Now, it is time for Eid. The Eid-Al-Fitr special prayers will be held at Shahajahani Eidgah ground on Monday,” said maulana Abdul Muktadir Rashidi, Imam of Khadkali Masjid in Old Nashik.

The clerics in Malegaon, Jalgaon and Dhule districts too announced the sighting of the moon on Sunday night and announcing that Eid will be celebrated today.

As mass prayers mark the end of Ramzan, fast-observing month of Muslims, Mumbai police and all city security agencies hyave beefed up security around mosques to avoid any untoward incidents. Several mosques and houses have begun celebrations with illuminated lighting on Sunday and many shops have reported brisk business on Sunday in view of Eid festival shopping.

Vice President Ansari Greets People on Eid-ul-Fitr

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Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari has greeted the people of our country on the joyous occasion of Id-ul-Fitr. In a message, he said that Id-ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan and signifies the traditional expression of brotherhood and understanding between people. The festival reaffirms the spirit of compassion, charity and generosity in our lives, he added.

“I convey my heartiest greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the joyous occasion of Id-ul-Fitr. Id-ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan and signifies the traditional expression of brotherhood and understanding between people. The festival reaffirms the spirit of compassion, charity and generosity in our lives.May the noble ideals associated with Id-ul-Fitr enrich our lives with peace, harmony and the spirit of humanity,” he said in his message.

Ramzan or Eid is on Monday, June 26, 2017, marking the  completion of the holy Ramzan or Ramadan month (Islamic month of Shawwal) throughout which Muslims observe fasting.

The date for Eid al-Fitr, the first day of the month that follows Ramadan, is determined based upon the sighting of the new moon, which can vary in different parts of the world and this time it is expected to fall on Sunday or Monday in most of the Arab world.

In some Muslim countries, religious councils determine the moon sighting and Muslim clerics wait as the end of the month nears to know when the Eid date will be. The basis is that a new moon should be visible to the naked eye, unless clouds cover the sky in full.

It is believed that the holy book of Quran was written during this month and so people try to purify their soul with their thoughts and deeds. Muslims from all over the world greet this month with great anticipation and carry on fasting during daytime throughout the month and eat and drink even water only after sunset.

Eid is a day when people who have gone through a whole month of fasting and doing all deeds in the remembrance of Allah, wish to rejoice and they feel closer to Allah who they believe will help get rid of their sins of past. The entire month has witnessed Iftaar parties or communal meals.

Muslims also wear new clothes, visit friends, family members, exchange Eid cards and give presents of sweets and small toys to children.