HOW TO CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY - THINGS TO AVOID AND THINGS YOU MUST DO ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

Please don't say, you don't have the habit of celebrating your birthday.
Avoid Cutting Cakes with candles.
Avoid using Knife for cutting cakes.
Do not use any Candles to blow off. Its not a good thing to blow off the lights on your birthday.

You must celebrate your Birthday, by following these 9 steps:

(1) Take a head bath in early morning. use any conditioner(coconut oil) to your hair. and Massage your body with some body massaging oils. Wear new or Clean cloths.
(2) Pray for your Favorite or Family God. 
(3) Mix - Cows milk, Sigar cane, Black Sesame Seeds together. Put this mixture on your right hand and drink for 3 times.
(4) Remember the names - Ashwadhama, Bhali, Vyasudu, Vibheshanudu, Hanuman, Krupacharyudu, Parushuramudu. Just remember these 7 names. They are Saptha Chiranjeeva's, means they don't have any death by birth.
(5)Take blessings from your parents and teacher.
(6)Go to nearest temple and get blessings from god. Also do Archana and Abhishekam. Especially for Lord shiva - The lord for Nava Grahas.
(7)Offer food to Poor and Needy, this is very important on your birthday. If you cannot able to do this, at least offer some green grass to a cow.
(8)Eat a Full meal in your lunch time.
(9)Do not participate in sex on your Birthday or in the night.

Traditional Rituals of Indian(Telugu) Wedding

Though every region in the country has a different set of rituals and traditions that they follow in their weddings, Telugu wedding traditions are quite similar to the Tamil ones. Also a unique feature of the Telugu weddings is that they focus mostly on spirituality and not solely on religion.

In a Telugu wedding, functions and rituals are considered to be complete only when women participate in them. They give utmost respect to women and consider women as an equal to men when it comes to marriages and family life. Here are some basic rituals that are involved in a traditional Telugu wedding.

Pre-wedding Rituals and Traditions

Muhurtam

In this ritual, the auspicious wedding day is finalised by the priests in the presence of the elderly family members. Tamil weddings usually do not take place in the months of Aashad, Bhadrapad and Shunya.

Pendikoothuru

More like the haldi ceremony up North, in this ritual, a paste of turmeric and oil is applied to both the bride and the groom. After this, they are required to bathe and wear fresh clothes. The bride’s hair is then adorned with fresh flowers.

Image Courtesy: Mahima Bhatia Photography

Snathakam

This ritual takes place at the groom's place. In this, he is made to wear the holy silver thread. This is a mark that he is now ready to graduate from bachelorhood to become a family man.

Recommended Read: 6 Most Awkward Moments that Married Couples Face

Kashi Yatra

Similar to the Kashi Yatra ritual in the Tamil weddings, here the groom pretends he is off to Kashi for a holy pilgrimage and is no longer interested in worldly pleasures. He is stopped by the bride’s brother who promises his sister’s hand in matrimony to the groom.

Wedding Rituals and Traditions

Mangala Snaanam

This is a ritual that takes place on the wedding morning where the bride and groom take a purifying holy bath after which they attend the aarti.

Aarti

After the holy bath, the bride and the groom are applied oil in their respective houses. After this, their families perform an aarti and pray for the couple's happy life together.

Gauri Puja

This ritual usually takes place at the bride’s house where she offers her prayers to Goddess Gauri and seeks the deity’s blessings.

Ganesha and Gauri Puja

The groom is supposed to perform the Ganesh puja at the mandap before the arrival of the bride to ward off all evils and any obstacles.

Recommended Read: Expert Advice on Pre-bridal Essentials by Bharti Taneja

Bride’s Entry

The bride is accompanied to the mandap by her maternal uncle. At the mandap, there is a curtain between the groom and her, while the priest recites the holy mantras. In some communities, the bride is carried to the mandap in a bamboo basket by her uncles.

Image Courtesy: Inderjeet Gill Photography

Jeerakalla-Bellamu 

Here, the bride and the groom apply a paste of jeera (cumin) and jaggery on each other’s hands from under the curtain. This ritual denotes their inseparable and unbreakable bond.

Kanyadaan

This ritual is performed by the bride’s parents where after washing the groom’s feet, they offer their daughter’s hand to the groom. The groom promises to love, respect and protect his bride for life.

Madhuparkam 

In this ritual, the bride is made to wear a cotton saree with a red broder, while the groom wears a white cotton dhoti with a red border. This is the traditional wedding outfit of the bride and the groom. These colours symbolise their purity and strength respectively.

Mangalsutra ritual

During this ritual, the curtain between the couple is removed and the groom ties a mangalsutraaround the bride’s neck with three knots. This signifies their mental, physical and spiritual union with each other.

Image Courtesy: Inderjeet Gill Photography

Talambralu

In this ritual, the bride and the groom pour pearls or turmeric coloured rice on each other’s head. They cup their hands and hold rice in it. The couple then slides the rice over each other’s head as a priest recites mantras.

Recommended Read: How to Make Your Mother-in-Law Love You Forever

Kanyadaan Akshata

Here the couple exchanges flower garlands as their friends and relatives shower flowers and turmeric coloured rice on the couple.

Saptapadi and Sthaalipaakam

In this ritual, the couple takes seven rounds around the holy fire while taking their marriage vows. After this, the groom puts a silver toe ring on the bride’s toe.

Image Courtesy: Inderjeet Gill Photography

Appagintalu

This is similar to the vidaai ceremony in the North Indian weddings. Once the wedding is over, the bride is traditionally considered to be a part of the groom's family from then on. This is a bittersweet moment for the bride and her family.

Post-wedding Rituals and Traditions

Grihapravesh

After leaving her parent’s home, the newlywed couple reaches the groom’s house. Here, the groom’s mother welcomes the couple by performing a small aarti.

Different Telugu communities have different rituals and customs for their celebrations. But generally, Telugu weddings attach a deep spiritual value to whatever customs they may follow.

Cover Image Courtesy: Inderjeet Gill Photography

Fashion Tips For Shorter Guys/ for Taller look

Odds are that if you're reading this article, it's because you are dissatisfied with your height. Don't be offended; I would have liked to be a few inches taller as well, but unfortunately, we have no control over how tall we will be... or at least not yet.

Until we do, short men will continue to have a slight disadvantage in the fashion world, in terms of finding threads that fit properly, as few manufacturers make clothes for men who are shorter than 5'5".

Well, I'm here to help you find the clothes that fit right and make you look taller in the process.

taller tips

Before we start with the fashion advice, the following are some simple yet often overlooked tips that can help you appear taller:

1. Maintaining good posture is key if you want to hit your maximum height potential. Remember to sit with your back straight and stand proud with your head up high at all times. A slouched stance will only make you look shorter, not to mention insecure.

2. Keep in mind that, as a general rule, short hair works best for shorter men. Long hair tends to hide the neck and shoulders, making your head and body look like one body part, which doesn't help you in your quest to look taller.

3. Another tip to maximize your stature is to stay fit and trim at all times. Heavier and extremely muscular men tend to look broader and stubbier, but staying lean and having some muscle (such as built, defined shoulders) can help add some height to your overall frame.

hit the stores

The best way to start shopping is by cracking open the yellow pages and calling various men's clothing stores to ask what styles and sizes they carry. You should also ask the salesperson if they can make special orders for shorter men or if they offer custom-made clothing.

Finally, another way to land yourself smaller sizes is to order clothing from "short size" catalogs or try finding garments in the boys' section of larger department stores (you'd be surprised by the great stuff you can find!).

general styling tips

Wear vertical stripes 
Anything that elongates your height is a good thing. For example, vertical stripes in clothing can help extend the look of your shorter body. Patterns such as pinstripe, chalkstripe and herringbone also offer that "vertical" effect.

Note: Steer clear of plaid and checkered shirts.

Wear one color
Wearing a shirt and pants in the same color will prevent obvious breaks in your natural frame, and as a result can give the illusion that you're taller.

Opt for dark shades & light fabrics
In addition, dark colors, especially black, tend to have a slimming effect and help shorter men seem more elongated. The same applies to light or medium-weight fabrics. Heavier fabrics, on the other hand, tend to make you look bulkier and shorter.

A proper fit is key
Finally, remember that it's important that your clothes fit flawlessly. Looser garments can make you look stumpy, so opt for a fit that is trim rather than baggy.

10 ways to be photogenic.How to look good in every photo

Look to your right

A US study conducted by Wake Forest University has revealed that the left side of the face is more attractive than the right, apparently due to the fact that this side of the face shows more emotion. To capture the perfect profile picture, look slightly to the right to reveal your ‘best’ side. This can also help to give the illusion of a slimmer face for those with rounder faces.

Choose your makeup carefully

For the perfect photo-ready appearance, make sure you avoid light reflective or mineral foundations containing high amounts of titanium dioxide (a reflective pigment). Although these foundations are great for an everyday luminous look, the flash of a camera can quickly transform your dewy complexion to a ghostly white one as the white light reflects back from the camera. Once you have applied a suitable foundation, finish your look with some face powder to help eliminate shine.

Accentuate your best features

To look your sparkling best in photos, make sure you emphasize your favourite features to make them the standout feature in your snapshot. Try playing up your eyes with some eyeliner or false lashes. Alternatively, perk up your pout with some bright lipstick. Also, make the most of your best body features with an outfit that complements your shape and colouring.

Look away from the lens

Nobody wants glaring red or half-shut eyes ruining an otherwise great photo, so make sure you avoid this by focusing your eyes just slightly above or below the lens. Looking directly at the lens causes light to flash off the retina, leading to the red eye effect. Looking slightly away from the camera will also reduce the risk of those mid-blink shots.

Avoid “red eye” shots

As “red eye” in photographs is caused by light reflecting off the back of the eye, those with large pupils are more likely to suffer from this pesky problem. If averting your gaze from the camera is not doing the trick, another tip for alleviating the red eye effect is to make sure photos are taken in well lit environment or to look at a bright light just prior to the photograph being taken to make your pupils smaller.

Banish the double chin

There’s nothing worse than spotting a picture of yourself sporting a double chin where you previously only had one, yet sadly this happens to the best of us. To avoid the appearance of a double chin in photographs, make sure that the camera is just above or at your eye level. Also, try tilting your head up and jutting your jaw out slightly – you may want to practice this one first in the mirror to stay looking natural!

Avoid direct light

It may not always be possible to control the lighting for your photographs and, unless you happen to be a professional model, you most likely won’t have someone on hand to make sure it’s just right. However, it is worth bearing in mind that direct light from above can cast shadows on your face and accentuate the appearance of under-eye shadows. Opt for areas with softer lighting or head to the shade if outdoors.

Pose like a pro

If you’re posing for a full body shot, try the classic celeb pose of turning your body three quarters of the way towards the camera, with one shoulder closer to the camera and one foot in front of the other. This will make you body appear slimmer than if you were facing the camera face on. Try keeping your back straight with your shoulders back and your stomach in (just try not to suck it in too much, you won’t be fooling anyone!).

Master the perfect smile

Many of us focus on our mouths when smiling; however, in the words of supermodel Tyra Banks, it’s all about the “smeyes” (smiling with your eyes). Rather than forcing a grin, think about something that makes you happy for a more natural smile. You may also want to perfect your personal smile to work with your features. For instance, a beaming smile works great for those with good teeth, while a more relaxed half smile will make small eyes appear larger and lips appear fuller.

Practice your pose

If you’re really keen to capture the perfect photo, the best thing you can do is practice beforehand. Experiment with different face and body angles, smiles and facial expressions to find what works for you, either in front of the mirror or with your own camera. Once you have discovered which looks you like best, you are ready to unleash them at every photo opportunity, making sure you look perfect each time.

How to choose the best sunglasses suitable for your face shape

Choosing sunglasses can be quite a daunting task. But, the science behind buying and sporting the right one is relatively easier than expected. To begin with, you should know your face shape so as not to end up buying an absolute misfit. Consider this as a hands-on guide on picking the right sunglasses best suited for your face shape.

Oval face
People with oval faces are the luckiest because any style suits their face due to the balanced proportions: high cheekbones, narrow jawline and forehead and chin slightly narrower as compared to the forehead. Best Frames: Aviators are best suited, but you can also experiment with geometric styles that are shallow but not too narrow. A large frame will work wonders for your face and accentuate your cheekbones. Frames not for you: Since you are the most versatile of all the face shapes, you can choose any frame, except the ones that are not as wide as the broadest part of your face.

Round face
A round face has no angles so you have to be extra careful while choosing a frame. Pick the ones that make your face look longer or slimmer. Best Frames: Go for square or rectangular frames (wider than your face); wayfarers are the safest bet as they draw attention to the top of the face. Frames not for you: A strict no-no to round frames (you already have a round face!), smallish frames, or even large frames because they won't do anything to improve your face's round contours.

Heart face
You have a heart face if you have a wider forehead and narrow/compact jaw line and chin and high cheekbones. Best Frames: Go for round edged sunglasses that accentuate your face shape the best and add width to the lower part of your face. Also, a rectangular frame can soften your pointed chin. Frames not for you: Better you keep away from those frames that sit high and wide on your face only to highlight your already wide forehead. 

Square face 
A face as yours has a broad forehead, defined/strong jawline and square chin. Best Frames: To soften the angular face yours, choose round frames or oval frames with slightly curving corners. You can easily sport butterfly frames that are over-sized, ultimately glam, we say! Frames not for you: Please dump the glasses that are angular and squarish as these will highlight your already angular square face.

Oblong face
Your oblong face characteristically is longer than it is wide and you have a long nose and tall forehead and high cheekbones. Best Frames: Play down the length of your face and make it look oval by going for shorter deep frames that cover the centre of your face. Square glasses with blunt edges and embellishments can help add width to your face and take load off your longish chin. Frames not for you: It is a crime to own rectangular and smaller frames because these divide your already long face and make it awkward to the eye.

Diamond face
One of the rarest face shapes to find is the diamond. Your face typically has dramatic broad and high cheekbones. Best Frames: Cat-shaped glasses are the safest choice to make because they will highlight your fuller cheeks and your brow line. You can bet on curvaceous square sunglasses as well. Frames not for you: It will be a crime in the eyes of fashion police if you wear narrow frames, which enhance your eye line.