The Jai Jais Blog

National Storytelling Week in the UK, is celebrated for a full week in February and takes places in all sorts of places. Stories are chosen and are told in a magical way between the teller and the listener. It's a fantastic way for people to share their own story, or even invent something entirely new (and endlessly entertaining). The Jai Jais stories have been told through generations, and certainly bond generations.

Finding the time to read with children can often be difficult, especially with the increase in technology. However, story time is an important part of a child’s life. 

As a parent, there are plenty of ways that you could encourage and prioritise storytelling in your home. It gives children the opportunity to express themselves creatively and to expand their horizons with all the new tales they hear and read. So why not give storytelling a go? You can even use The Jai Jais characters for your stories. Here are some things that you could implement into your home:

A baby is more likely to try to put a book in their mouth than to turn its pages, this is why our Baby Jai Jais board books are so robust! For little hands and mouths. This doesn't mean it's too soon to make reading a part of your little one's routine. Experts say exposing babies to books in the first year is crucial to their intellectual and emotional growth. In fact, research shows that reading to infants can help jump-start brain development and can even make them more receptive to learning and developing language.

“Reading a book to your new-born is a one-on-one activity that you can really turn into a special time with your baby,” says Mary Ann Abrams, Medical Director. “It exposes the baby to the sound of your voice, which is soothing for them.” Research has shown that reading to babies can help parents develop the bond with your child and feelings of intimacy.

Let's find out more why we should read to out babies and also some fun tips to engage babies with books.  

Lohri is celebrated on the 13^th January each year.  The Punjabi festival of Lohri marks the end of winter and is traditionally associated with harvest of the Rabi crop. All the farmers get together in order to thank god for giving them such a wonderful harvest. The day after Lohri is “Maghi” the Punjabi farmers financial New Year.

The rituals related to Lohri symbolise the attachment of the people with Mother Nature. The period between January 13 and July 14 is considered prosperous by Hindus. According to the Bhagawad Gita, Krishna manifests himself 'in his full magnificence' during this time. It has been also told that Holika and Lohri were sisters. While the former perished in the Holi fire, the latter survived with Prahlad, the story of Holi.

So what is Lohri and how is it celebrated? 

What is the Symbolism of the Coconuts in Hinduism?

The humble coconut, one of the hardest fruits growing in sandy soil, requiring little water or maintenance. In Hindi it is known as “Nariyal” which translate literally as, “fruit containing water”. In Sanskrit it is known as “Sirphal” which means “God’s fruit”.

One of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut. It is also offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new vehicle or home. The coconut is a symbol of good luck and prosperity.  Every auspicious occasion begins with the breaking of the coconut. It is regarded as a symbol of Lord Ganesh who removes obstacles and helps us to succeed in any tasks we embark on.

Fine out more The Jai Jais Way

What are Chakras?

The chakra system originated in India between 1500 and 500 BC in the ancient text the Vedas. The word “Chakra” in Sanskrit means wheel. Chakras refer to the energy centres in your body. These wheels or disks of spinning energy each correspond to certain nerve bundles and major organs. For you to functions at your best your Chakras need to stay balanced and open. If the Cakras are blocked you may experience emotional, physical symptoms related to the part of the body. When all the Chakras are open energy can run through the body freely.  This creates harmony between the physical body, mind and spirit.

The 7 main chakras, which align with the spine, starting from the base of the spine (root chakra) through to the top of the head (crown chakra). By learning about the 7 chakras, you can become more in tune with the natural energy cycles of your body.

Spring into 2021 with well-being on top of your agenda and balance your Chakras with The Jai Jais. Follow the next 7 days of the new year for a fun facts file of the Chakras and how these can influence and benefit you.

Mummy, "Why has Hanuman got a face like a monkey?", this was one of the first questions asked by my son when we were doing our Jai Jai one day. An inquisitive little mind with a thirst for knowledge. So what did mummy do? Find out The Jai Jais way.

Hindu mythology is full of intriguing stories. Stories of what happened are told in many ways. If we are willing to learn each story has its own charm, and we learn in a fun way and engaging way with the Jai Jais. There are many stories of how Hanuman got his monkey face here is one. The Jai Jais Way.

I remember as a child in the 80’s my parents setting the good old VHS on record, and not missing a single episode of the Epic Mahabharata being recorded.  I am sure they are still in the loft labelled!

Pandavas were the five powerful and skilled sons of Pandu, the King of Hastinapur and his two wives Kunti and Madri. Hastinapur is now the modern Indian state of Haryana, south of New Delhi. The Pandavas are - Yudhistira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. They are the central characters in the most acclaimed epic in Hinduism, the Mahabharata. The brothers were famously involved in the Kurukshetra War with their cousins the Kauravas over who would control the throne of Hastinapur, and were victorious. Find out how they were born.

Different cultures and philosophies around the world have defined the “5 elements” of life. The system of five elements are found in Vedas, especially Ayurveda, the ‘Pancha Mahabhuta’, or “five great elements”, of Hinduism. The entire cosmic creation begins from the point of the Pancha Mahabhuta.

There are 5 elements in this universe:

Akash-Space

Vayu-Air

Fire-Agni

Jal-Water

Earth-Prithvi

Interestingly these 5 elements have got an interesting relationship to five senses. Find out more about the elements The Jai Jais way