Tamil New Year
Tamil New Year or Puthandu is the first day of Tamil New Year falling on the Nirayanam or vernal Equinox day. Equinox occurs when the center of the Sun is in the straight line, just overhead from the equator of the earth. To be more elaborative equinox are the days in a Year when the length of the days are equal to length of night. Or if the sun rises at 6 AM the sunset should be at 6 PM. This day generally falls on the 13Th or 14Th April and is observed as a public holiday in Tamil Nadu. Apart from Tamil Nadu in India this day is also observed in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Bangla Desh and Burma.
Puthandu is celebrated in different styles in different places. In Tamil Nadu there is a feasting atmosphere everywhere. Houses are decorated with neem and Mangoes which are the first batch of fruits of the season and considered to bring growth and Prosperity. In Madurai Temple Chitterai Thiruviza (Puthandu) is celebrated, an exhibition called Chitterai Porutkktchi is held every year. In Tiruvidaimarudur near Kumbakonam a large Car Festival is held. In Sri Lanka it is Sinhalese New Year time. People take some herbal bath and a game of Por-Thenkai is played. Elders present youngsters with gifts of money for good luck.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Culture of Agra
Agra is a most popular tourist destination in India which is frequented by not only Indians but foreign tourists as well. It is visited by millions of tourists every year mostly for its majestic monument Taj Mahal. Agra also hosts the Red Fort and Fatepur Sekri two of other popular tourist monuments. Agra falls in Brij region of Uttar Pradesh state in India; therefore one will find Brij culture (dances, festival celebrations, relationships etc.) , food habits (Snacks, Chaats, Sweets, Namkeens etc.) dresses (lengha, Sarees, Salwar Kameez, Shirt and Trousers and Dhoti Kurta etc.) and language (Brij, Hindi Khadi boli etc.) in Agra. As the city was ruled by Mohguls for a long of time one would find Mohgul culture in the heart of natives in Agra. The culture of a lace is best studied during its festival times. The Taj Mahotsav is one such festival of Agra which can provide the best chance to explore and experience the culture of Agra.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Culture of Delhi
Long history of Delhi has its impression on its culture and traditions. Arts, paintings, cuisines, festivals, handicrafts, jewelry, embroidery, religions etc mark the culture of the capital city of India. Paintings and other fine arts forms are parts of tradition of Delhi and they have flourished since the time of Mughal. Embroidery of Delhi is world famous. Embroidered cloths like salwar, kurtas, saris, bed sheets, etc are popular in Delhi.
After the independence of India, lakhs of people from other parts of the country flocked to Delhi for different reasons (mainly for employment) and thus made it multi-cultural place. People living there consist of different religion like Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian etc. Diwali, Dussera, Holi, Baisakhi, Basant Panchami, Id-ul- fitar, Christmas etc are some of prominent festivals celebrated in Delhi with much pomp and show. Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu are widely spoken languages of the city.
As a cosmopolitan city, Delhi offers the visitors various dishes along with famous Punjabi and Mughlai delicious dishes of Kabab and Biryanis. Famous dishes of other state like Rajasthani, Maharashtrian, Hyderabadi cuisines are also famous here. Hospitability of the people of Delhi, its handicrafts, arts, colorful tradition, etc give Delhi’s culture a vibrant look.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
History of Delhi
History of Delhi
Interesting city of Delhi boasts of having equally interesting history which has seen many kingdoms. The history of the city goes back to 1450 BC when it was first founded as a fortress of Indraprastha -the capital place of Pandavas. Then thereafter many kingdoms founded their fortress cities there. Rajput Tomaras built the city of Lal Kot or Quila Rai Pithora at Qutub Minar in 1060 AD. It was further extended by Prithviraj Chauhan, Rajput king. Then the city of Delhi saw the rule of Qutb-ud-din Aybak of Slave Dynasty who established Delhi Sultanate. Qutub Minar built by Qutb-ud-din is still present there attracting many tourists.
After the fall of Slave Dynasty many Afgan and Turkic dynasties invaded the city and established their own forts and fortress there. Khiliji dynasties, Sayyid Dynasty, Tughluk Dynasty are some of the dynasties which had set up their citadels, townships and forts there in medieval period.
Delhi witnessed the rule of the Mughal Empire which ruled it for more than three hundred years. Sher Shah Suri, Akbar, Shahajan etc are some of rulers who belonged to Mughal Empire and rule the city and thereby the most part of India. Influence of Mughal Empire started to decline when Maratha kingdom rose to prominence. The defeat of Maratha in third battle of Panipat made the entry easy for the British which ruled the Delhi and the country until August 1947. It was in 1911 that the capital of British India was transformed from Kolkata to Delhi. A British architect named Edwin Lutvens designed a new administrative and political area known as New Delhi. It was also officially made the capital of independent India.
Tag :
Historical,
Taj Mahotsav, Fairs & Festivals in Agra
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| Taj Mahal |
All the festivals like Diwali, Holi, Idd-ul-Fitr, Id-Ul-Adha, muharram and Guruparab etc. are celebrated in Agra,Uttar Pradesh. Other cultural festivals celebrated here are Taj mahotsav, Taj Food Festival etc.
Taj Mahotsav was started in 1992 and celebrated from 18th to 27th February every year at Shilpgram near Taj mahal. The ten days Taj Mahotsav is organized by Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department.
Taj Mahotsav hosts various cultural extravaganzas like Folk music, Classical dances and singing, Shayaris, Elephants rides and camel rides, traditional dress displays, Art forms like pottery making, puppetry, marble inlays, wood carvings, brass & metal ware making, Blue Potteries, Chikan work, Silk making, Exotic Cuisines and other traditional art forms of India.
A grand parade of Elephants, Camels, Horses, drumbeaters, folk artists and master craftsmen marks the beginning of 10 days festival. The old golden mogul era is brought to life in these festivals. Other national festivals are celebrated in Agra as elsewhere in the country. Some of the other local festivals are Kailash Fair, Bateshwar Fair, and Ram Barat etc.
- [Up to 5 years] - Free
- (5 years to 10 years) - Rs. 10/- [per Person]
- Adult : Rs. 50/- [per Person]
Taj Mahotsav was started in 1992 and celebrated from 18th to 27th February every year at Shilpgram near Taj mahal. The ten days Taj Mahotsav is organized by Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department.
Taj Mahotsav hosts various cultural extravaganzas like Folk music, Classical dances and singing, Shayaris, Elephants rides and camel rides, traditional dress displays, Art forms like pottery making, puppetry, marble inlays, wood carvings, brass & metal ware making, Blue Potteries, Chikan work, Silk making, Exotic Cuisines and other traditional art forms of India.
 |
| Wood Carving |
Entry fee for the Taj Mahotsav would be :
- [Up to 5 years] - Free
- (5 years to 10 years) - Rs. 10/- [per Person]
- Adult : Rs. 50/- [per Person]
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
History of Agra
Agra is a historical city situated in Uttar Pradesh mainly linked to Mogul rulers but it has its connections to Mahabharat times and times of Angira Muni about 1000 BC back. The common theory says that Agra was founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodhi in 1504 AD. Later his son Ibharim Lodhi ruled over Agra till 1526 when he succumbed fighting with Babar in First Battle of Panipath. Later Samrat Hem Chander Vikramaditya of Vikramaditya Dynasty conquered Agra and Delhi from Moguls and established Hindu Rule in North India on 7Th October 1556. Mughal rule under Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan was a golden period for Agra city. Then the city was known as Akbarabad. Many mohgul emperors build various monuments in the city. First planned garden was built by Babar. Akbar build huge walls around Red fort, Agra was made a learning center for arts, commerce and religion during Akbar’s time, and He also build Fatehpur Sikri as a military camp. After the decline of Moguls Marathas and Jats took over the rule of Agra till British rule was established. Agra is known as the place of origin for the religion Din-E-Ilahai. Radhaswami Satsang Ashram Faith originated here. Presently Agra has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites the Taj Mahal, The Agra Fort and The Fatehpur Sikri.The occupation in Agra is mainly self employment; it comes second in the
country after Varanasi, Bhopal, Indore and Patna follow afterwards
Tag :
Historical,
Tourist Places in Aurangabad
Tourist Places of Aurangabad
Aurangabad is looking by many prominent Indian and MNC companies. Recently the Prozone mall has opened in the city,Aurangabad is tourist hub and surrounded with many historical monuments such as Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves which are UNESCO world Heritage Sites.
Bibi Ka Makbara :-
Bibi Ka Maqbara is situated 5 km away from Aurangabad. Aurangazebs son, Prince Azam Shah built it in 1678 in the memory of his mother Begum Rabia Durani.
This mausoleum is a replica of the famous Taj Mahal.
Paan Chakki :-
There is also a shrine of a saint, Baba Shah Musafir at the site where panchaki is situated. Panchakki (Water Wheel) derives its name from the mill that was used at the early days. The mill is driven with the water brought through earthen pipes from the river 6km away.
Aurangabad Caves are situated at a distance of 5 km, nestled amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves probably dating back to 3 A.D. Of particular interest are the Tantric influences evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves. One is also treated to a panoramic view of the city from this point.
Soneri Mahal :-
An old historic monument now converted into museum houses a variety of ancient Indian pottery, dresses, and remains of local palaces and antiques of daily use.Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University Campus and is on the way to Aurangabad caves.
Siddharth Garden:-
The Garden is spread over a large area and it has a green outlook.There is a small aquarium in the garden,large areas of grass flanked by shurbs and trees are fantastic to watch.Garden is near the station road.
History Museum:-
It is located in Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University.We can find huge collection of fine sculptures,paintings,fabrics arms,
Tag :
Historical,
Fair and Festival in Aurangabad
Aurangabad Fairs and Festivals
Au
rangabad was developed into a city on a small arid, rocky village named Khadki by an Ethiopian slave Malik Amber in the 17Th century. It flourished as a prosperous Mogul city then hence it has Mogul influence on its culture and lives of the people. But due to industrial developments of present days a large influx of people from other regions has taken place and a mix cultuiral pattern is being seen here. We see Durga Pooja being celebrated by Bengalis, Ravan Dahan (Burning of effigy of Ravan) is organized by North Indians during dusherra. Similarly Ras Dandia is played by Gujarati Community during navratri. People mix and participate in all these festivals. But generally Diwali, Ganesh Chathurti, Holi, Idd, Christmas are celebrated by majority of population.
rangabad was developed into a city on a small arid, rocky village named Khadki by an Ethiopian slave Malik Amber in the 17Th century. It flourished as a prosperous Mogul city then hence it has Mogul influence on its culture and lives of the people. But due to industrial developments of present days a large influx of people from other regions has taken place and a mix cultuiral pattern is being seen here. We see Durga Pooja being celebrated by Bengalis, Ravan Dahan (Burning of effigy of Ravan) is organized by North Indians during dusherra. Similarly Ras Dandia is played by Gujarati Community during navratri. People mix and participate in all these festivals. But generally Diwali, Ganesh Chathurti, Holi, Idd, Christmas are celebrated by majority of population.
Aurangabad is famous as a tourist destination due to presence of Ajanta and Ellora caves and bibi Ka Makbara here. Nearby town of Paithan is famous for its Nath Sagar Dam and its temples. Paithan is the birth of saint Eknath. Annual urs at Khultabad is a fair attracting many people of the region. To promote tourism an Ellora festival is organized by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation during December every year. The festival is held at different sites by rotation at Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Makbara and Paithan Garden etc.Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Fairs and Festivals of Chennai
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| Fairs and Festivals of Chennai |
Fairs and festival of Chennai provide the visitors an occasion when they can have the close view of culture and tradition of the people of the city. Along with the national and religious festivals the city of Chennai celebrates its traditional and regional festival and fairs. Pongal, Mamallapuram and Kanthuri are some of the prominent festival celebrated in Chennai with much pomp and show. Chennai Music and dance festivals celebrated every year in the month of December is a major cultural event of the city.
The festival of Pongal has been the most important festival of Chennai. The festival comes in the month of January- February and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Pongal is also known as the harvest festival and is a sort of thanksgiving event to the Mother Nature. Arubathimoovar is another prominent festival of Chennai. The festival is dedicated to sixty three saints of Lord Shiva. These saints are greatly revered for their exemplary lives of devotion and penance. Kapaliswar Temple where the 63 bronze statues of these saints are kept is the main venue for the celebration of the festival.
Karthikai Deepam also known as the festival of lights is yet another religious festival of Chennai. The festival falls on the full moon day of Nov-Dec month and is celebrated with lightening many lamps in temples and home and bursting firecrackers. Apart from above mentioned festivals and fairs, the city of Chennai host many other cultural events attracting thousands of tourists from all parts of the country.
Organized by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, Chennai tourist fair is interesting trade and industrial fair. The fair is held in the month of January to March. The fair is sort of large exhibition displaying the rich culture of the region, places of tourist attraction, economic scenario of the state. The festival is visited by many tourists from far and wide.
Chennai is also known for its dance and music festival which is organized every year in the month of December. The festival is participated by many famous musicians and dancers who are seen enthralling the visitors by their outstanding performance. This extravaganza of music and dance also witness the many budding artist taking part and showcasing their talent. The city of Chennai takes pride in hosting this five-week long festival of music and dance which is considered as one of the largest cultural events in the world.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Goa Carnival
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| Goa Carnival |
Carnival in Goa is a three day fest filled with fun and merriment. Usually the fest would be held in the month of February. Carnival in the Christian terms suggests the festivity that occurs just before the Lent (Lent is fasting period for Christians) period. So, it is the time for fun, frolic and merriment. In 2012 it is going to be celebrated from 18th of February till 21st.
Goa entices its tourists for this Carnival every year. Preparations would begin a month before. Masks, costumes, preparing the list of competitions -all would begin a month prior to the fest. Masquerades, processions, drinking and dance are the highlights of the fest; age, gender, creed no bar. Earlier it was restricted only to the Christians. Now it is open for all. The Portuguese in Goa introduced the fest in the year 1961.
The etymology of ‘Carnival’ goes like this: to retrain from meat. But, it is not clear whether that should be strictly followed. Nevertheless, the festival marks sheer merriment with no bounds. For three to four days people would be immersed in nonstop gala time. This is the only carnival in India that is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Panjim in Goa would come alive with colorful gait. The carnival ends with the well known black and red dance every year. Visit Goa during the Carnival.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,