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  • The Full Moon in India and Finland: With different perspectives

    The Full Moon in India and Finland: With different perspectives

    The celestial dance of the moon has always held a profound significance across cultures and lands, reflecting beauty, mythology, and often forming an intrinsic part of local customs. In this article, we embark on a captivating journey exploring the full moon’s appearance and influence in two very different landscapes – the diverse subcontinent of India and the scenic tranquility of Finland.

    The attached images, which I’ve photographed both in India and in Finland, portrays both the full moon in India and the full moon in Finland. The images show you how different the moon looks depending on which part of the globe you are looking at the moon.

    Full Moon in India

    Appearance

    India, with its varying geographical terrains, offers a unique viewing experience of the full moon. In the vast Thar Desert, the moon appears as a luminous orb casting a silvery glow over the sands. In contrast, the full moon over the bustling cityscapes might be slightly dimmed by artificial lighting but still captivates attention.

    Cultural Significance

    In Indian culture, the full moon is more than just a visual spectacle; it’s deeply embedded in religious practices and traditions. Festivals like ‘Karva Chauth’ and ‘Sharad Purnima’ are celebrated on full moon nights. These festivals are not only a celebration of the moon itself but are linked with various mythologies, marital bliss and harvest seasons.

    Ideal Viewing Locations
    • The Taj Mahal: A full moon night visit to this iconic monument is an unforgettable experience.
    • Rann of Kutch: In this white salt desert, the reflection of the full moon creates a surreal landscape.
    • Himalayan Foothills: The view of the full moon against the majestic peaks is breathtaking.

    Full Moon in Finland

    Appearance

    Finland, known for its pristine nature and clear skies, offers a tranquil environment to observe the full moon. During winter, the full moon over the snow-clad landscapes creates a fairy-tale setting, while in the summer, the full moon illuminates the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes’ with a gentle glow.

    Cultural Significance

    In Finland, the full moon doesn’t hold the same level of religious importance as in India, but it does influence local folklore and art. It’s often associated with romance and mystique, inspiring numerous Finnish poems and songs.

    Ideal Viewing Locations
    • Finnish Lapland: Here, the full moon complements the natural phenomena like the Northern Lights.
    • Archipelago Region: Watching the full moon’s reflection in the calm Baltic Sea waters is mesmerizing.
    • National Parks: Finland’s numerous national parks provide undisturbed views of the full moon in a natural setting.
    Full moon in India and full moon in Finland
    Full moon in India and in Finland

    Skygazers dream

    The full moon’s appearance in both India and Finland is a testament to the universal allure of our nearest celestial neighbor. Yet, the way it intertwines with the local culture, geography, and individual perception transforms this shared experience into something unique to each land. If you watch very carefully, in Finland the moon seems to have a face looking kind of sad.

    In India, the full moon is enveloped with spirituality, celebrations and an ancient connection to agriculture, while in Finland, it reflects a more subtle, artistic influence that resonates with the country’s serene landscapes.

    Talking about these two diverse experiences, we’re reminded of the unifying power of nature’s wonders, drawing connections between different cultures and traditions, while still allowing for distinct and deeply personal experiences. Whether one is observing the full moon from the desert plains of India or the tranquil forests of Finland, it remains a symbol of beauty, inspiration, and contemplation, connecting us all under the same sky. Both these countries offer a rich and unique experience for travel enthusiasts and sky-gazers alike.

    The Orientation of the Moon’s Crescent in Finland and India: A Tale of Two Skies

    Back in 2005, when I travelled to India for the first time, I found it so cool, when the moon was looking so different than what I had become accustomed to in Finland. This difference in the appearance of the moon is a result of the orientation of the Earth’s axis, the moon’s orbit around Earth, and the observer’s location on Earth.

    Finland’s Perspective (High Northern Latitude)

    In Finland, located at a high northern latitude, the moon’s crescent will appear to grow from right to left. This is due to the angle at which the moon’s illuminated surface is seen from this latitude.

    1. Earth’s Axis Tilt: Finland’s high latitude means it’s closer to the North Pole, affecting the angle at which you view the moon.
    2. Moon’s Orbit: The moon orbits Earth in the same direction that Earth rotates on its axis, from west to east. This motion affects how the illuminated portion of the moon appears.
    3. Observer’s Perspective: As the moon progresses through its phases, an observer in Finland will see the illuminated part growing from the right side to the left.

    India’s Perspective (Near Equatorial Latitude)

    India’s latitudinal position closer to the equator gives rise to the appearance of the moon’s crescent growing from the bottom to the top.

    1. Earth’s Axis Tilt: India’s location closer to the equator means that the angle at which the moon is viewed is different from Finland, more aligned with the moon’s equatorial orbit.
    2. Moon’s Orbit: The same west-to-east orbit affects India differently due to its proximity to the equator.
    3. Observer’s Perspective: Observers in India will see the illuminated part of the moon growing from the bottom upward, more aligned with a vertical perspective.

    The way the moon’s crescent appears to grow in different parts of the world is a fascinating example of how our perspective on Earth affects our view of the cosmos. Whether from the northern reaches of Finland or the equatorial proximity of India, the same celestial object can appear remarkably different. This phenomenon is an elegant manifestation of our planet’s geometry and motion, and it’s a compelling illustration of how our position in space shapes our experience of the universe. It’s these intriguing and sometimes subtle differences that continue to captivate astronomers, travelers, and anyone who takes a moment to look up at the night sky.

  • The Sad Face of Breast Cancer in India: A Tale of Two Women

    The Sad Face of Breast Cancer in India: A Tale of Two Women

    The reason I decided to cover breast cancer in this blog is because my best friend in India died this spring of breast cancer. She was an intelligent, educated, skilled, sweet, beautiful woman and the most kind-hearted person I’ve known. However, due to corona restrictions and fears, her cancer diagnosis happened too late. Fortunately, I managed to see her still alive when the international travel restrictions due to the corona virus were lifted last year.

    Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women around the world, and India is no exception. Although many Western countries have already made significant strides in breast cancer detection and treatment, many women in India still face challenges that can lead to death.

    1. Statistics of India

    In India, breast cancer has become one of the most common forms of cancer. There are many reasons behind this growth, such as increased awareness, changing lifestyles, an aging population, and genetic factors.

    1. Lack of awareness

    In many areas of India, breast cancer awareness is still low. Women may not be aware of the symptoms of cancer, or may not have access to the necessary information or education that could help them recognize early signs of the disease.

    1. Lack of mammography services

    Mammography is one of the most important tools for early detection of breast cancer, but I don’t know how common such services are in different regions of India. The absence of mammography makes it difficult to get an early diagnosis, which in turn can affect the final treatment results.

    1. Cultural and social barriers

    Some cultural or societal norms may prevent women from seeking treatment. Family or community pressure, fear of stigmatization, or financial barriers may be common reasons why women do not seek treatment on time.

    1. Treatment options and availability

    Although India has made progress in many areas of healthcare, services related to breast cancer care may still be unevenly distributed across the country.

    Breast cancer deaths are a growing concern, highlighting the need to raise awareness, improve access to services and address cultural and societal barriers that prevent women from seeking treatment. National-level interventions such as education programs, improvement of healthcare infrastructure, and strategies for early detection and treatment of breast cancer can help reduce breast cancer deaths in India.

    Breast cancer kills, even in India

    When talking about breast cancer in India, a country currently aiming to land on the moon, it’s hard to ignore the heartbreaking personal stories that tell of the seriousness of cancer and the challenges it poses. One of these stories is about a good friend of mine, whose cooking videos you have seen on my blog over the years.

    We had been friends for well over a decade and traveled a lot together when her diagnosis took us by surprise like a bolt from a clear sky. Although she had been aware that she should go to the doctor, she had postponed going to the tests due to corona fears and restrictions on outdoor movement in India. And then, when she finally got tested, the doctor told her she was in the fourth and final stage of cancer. The next two years were full of harsh treatments, hopes and despair. She fought valiantly, but sadly, she did not survive. Two years is a long time to watch a friend fight and mourn her departure, without being able to do anything about it.

    But, her story is not the only one. Another friend’s friend of mine in India was just recently diagnosed with the same breast cancer, and also at stage four. It is heartbreaking to see and hear how women are faced with such serious health problems at such a late stage, when the prognosis is already much bleaker.

    Why is this happening? What prevents women from examining their breasts regularly and detecting unusual lumps in time? I guess one factor could be cultural norms. The dupatta and scarf, which many women wear over their breasts, can symbolize woman’s “honor” and “chastity” for some. However, such clothing standards can also prevent women from focusing on their own health, can make them underestimate the importance of their breasts, forget about living with their head held high, or prevent them from even talking about breast-related issues. Such a clothing standard, combined with other social and economic barriers, such as lack of education and access to health care, can be fatal cultural barriers.

    As I look back at these two women and the many others whose lives have been ended by cancer, it is clear that we must continue to fight for greater understanding, awareness, education and care. The purpose is to prevent these stories from repeating themselves, and therefore it is necessary to break down the barriers that prevent women from taking care of their health.

    It is also important to remember that breast cancer is not just a women’s problem: it affects the whole community. Therefore, husbands, sons, brothers and fathers should also take an active role and remind their mothers, sisters, wives and children about regular breast examinations. But with the exception of doctors and nurses, people outside the family don’t need to be personally reminding of it. However, talking about breast cancer should be made normal and easy, and even though the topic may seem delicate, it should not be hidden – it is vital to deal with it. As we know, having cancer is not only challenging for the patient; it is a tough experience even for the patient’s closest people, who witness a loved one wither away.

    In the end, although I have now told you sad stories, I must tell you there are also glimmers of hope. It’s because I also happen to know one woman in India who has survived breast cancer. This is proof that early diagnosis and timely treatment is not a death sentence, but can give the patient a chance to recover and continue life. Each survivor story creates hope and reminds us to keep fighting breast cancer.

    The journey of art continues

    My late best friend was one of the very few people who has helped me in my 18 years of blogging history. She was also my biggest and almost only YouTube fan. Every time I published a new YouTube video, she was genuinely happy about it, and I kept making those YouTube videos for her, because I wanted to tell her about Finland and Europe and our traveling in India. I wanted to tell so many things, but the language barrier often came up. So I decided to just make videos and at the same time I taught her to also make videos.

    My friend was so excited about her own cooking channel and it’s sad that she wasn’t able to finish building the channel. She was really skilled in making of Indian sweets, for example. You can find here my late friend and few of her Indian food recipe videos. I miss her a lot, but I’m grateful that I got to know her and I’m also grateful for everything she taught me. Like making Indian roti breads.

    My friend also gave me permission to tell you about breast cancer. One of her biggest wishes was for my YouTube channel INDIVUEtv to reach the necessary minimum 1000 subscribers watching at least 4000 hours my videos. The goal of 1000 subscribers was reached, luckily, and how happy my friend was when she saw it! – She called me all the way from India and congratulated me when a thousand subscribers had been reached.

    So thank you to all of you who have subscribed to my YouTube channel – It was also an important achievement for my late friend, whose couple of cooking videos can still be found on my channel. And after I get 3500 hours of people watching my videos about travel and art, India and Europe, my dear friend’s wish will be fulfilled.