Culture Of Ludhiana
Ludhiana is located 100 km west from state capital Chandigarh in Indian state Punjab.
People of Ludhiana are known for their lavish living style. They are considered to be among the most extravagant people of India. Most of the people living there are of Hindu religion while the people of Sikh and Muslim are also found living there in considerable number. Punjabi is the official and widely spoken language of Ludhiana. The city is rich in its culture and traditions.It is main hub of Punjab's culture, after Chandigarh, Amritsar & Jalandhar After independence of India the city of Ludhiana has witnessed the influx of the people from neighboring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan etc and has become a cosmopolitan city. Nevertheless the city of Ludhiana has not lost its vibrant culture and tradition completely.
Ludhiana is a main center of cultural activities. Almost every week it hosts cultural programs at many auditoriums situated in the city. It is also known for its folk dance and songs. The city has produced several Punjabi singers. Bhangra, Ghumar and Gidda are some of the famous Punjabi folk dance forms of Ludhiana. Fair and festival celebrated in Ludhiana also form integral part of the culture of the people living there. Fairs and festival and other cultural event serve as the platform from where one can have the views of their vibrant and colorful culture and traditions.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Natyanjali Dance Festival
Five-day long the Natyanjali Dance Festival is dedicated to Lord Nataraj(Lord of dances).Festival starts from the day of 'Maha Shivaratri' in the month of February at the Nataraj temple in Chidambaram,
Tamil Nadu.
This temple is 1000 years old fitting backdrop to the spectacular event taking place under the golden roof of the temple showing pillars that depict Lord Nataraja in the classic 108 poses from the classical dance form of Tamil Nadu known as Bharatanatyam. This festival is organised by the Tourism Department of Tamil Nadu and the Natyanjali Trust.It is the opportunity for all dancers from all over the India to present their talent and to offer their dance to Lord Nataraj.
By getting inspired from this dance festival dance performances are held in the other temple like Thiruvarur,Pondicherry and in few more town.
It is designed to promote a universal message of 'Unity in Diversity' conveyed in the universal language of music and dance.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Tourist Places in Jaipur
Jaipur
City Palace:
The City Palace is a historic landmark. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns studded with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones. Two elephants carved in marble guard the entrance, where retainers whose families have served generations of rulers are at hand to serve as guides. The palace interior houses a Museum containing select collection of various types of Rajasthani dresses, a fascinating armoury of Mughal and Rajput weapons; swords of all shapes and sizes, with chased handles, some of them inlaid, enamelled, encrusted with jewels and encased in bold and magnificent scabbards.It also has an art gallery with a fine collection of paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh-II for his study of planets and their movements.
Jantar Mantar:
Jantar mantar is one of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Constructed with stone and marble its complex instruments whose settings and shapes are precisely and scientifically designed represent the high points of Medieval Indian astronomy. The Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes are unique in their isolation. this is the largest of the five observatories founded by Sawai Jai Singh-II in various parts of the country. It has been listed in UNESCO world heritage sites.
Hawa Mahal:
Built by the poet king Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal is the most strikingly designed monument in Jaipur. What is seen from the Sireh Deorhi Bazaar is the multiniched five storey high backside of the complex ( see it in photo gallery ). It was conceived to provide adequate vantage position behind delicate stone carved jali screens to the palace women for watching the royal processions passing through the bazaar below.
This famous city is the capital of Rajasthan and has earned universal renown as the " Pink City ", and pink it is, with beautiful constructed palaces, havelis and forts. Tall, rugged men with handle-bar whiskers sport bright pink turbans. Jaipur which means the city of victory was built exactly 273 years back and is 262 km by road from Delhi ( Capital of India ). A strong wall encircles the old city and even today has a suggestion of formidable strength, its function of protecting all within is obvious.
Jaipur Tourist Places
City Palace: The City Palace is a historic landmark. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns studded with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones. Two elephants carved in marble guard the entrance, where retainers whose families have served generations of rulers are at hand to serve as guides. The palace interior houses a Museum containing select collection of various types of Rajasthani dresses, a fascinating armoury of Mughal and Rajput weapons; swords of all shapes and sizes, with chased handles, some of them inlaid, enamelled, encrusted with jewels and encased in bold and magnificent scabbards.It also has an art gallery with a fine collection of paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh-II for his study of planets and their movements.
Jantar Mantar: Jantar mantar is one of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Constructed with stone and marble its complex instruments whose settings and shapes are precisely and scientifically designed represent the high points of Medieval Indian astronomy. The Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes are unique in their isolation. this is the largest of the five observatories founded by Sawai Jai Singh-II in various parts of the country. It has been listed in UNESCO world heritage sites.
Hawa Mahal: Built by the poet king Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal is the most strikingly designed monument in Jaipur. What is seen from the Sireh Deorhi Bazaar is the multiniched five storey high backside of the complex ( see it in photo gallery ). It was conceived to provide adequate vantage position behind delicate stone carved jali screens to the palace women for watching the royal processions passing through the bazaar below.
Albert Hall:
It is situated in the beautiful garden of Jaipur city, Ram Niwas Bagh. It was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh in the year 1886 under the drought relief work of Rs 4 Lacs.
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| Albert Hall Image courtesy: Xiquinho Silva |
It is situated in the beautiful garden of Jaipur city, Ram Niwas Bagh. It was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh in the year 1886 under the drought relief work of Rs 4 Lacs.
The design of the building was done by Sir Swinton Jaicob. Presently the hall is used for museum purpose.
Jal Mahal:
A tiny palace romantically located in the middle of a small lake, this was supposed to be a hunting lodge for the royal family. It can only be viewed from the banks of the lake.
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| Jal Mahal Image courtesy: Dimitry B. |
A tiny palace romantically located in the middle of a small lake, this was supposed to be a hunting lodge for the royal family. It can only be viewed from the banks of the lake.
Amer Fort:
For seven long centuries before Jaipur was built, Amer served as the capital as Kachhwaha rulers of the old state of Dhundhar.Amer Fort is the complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples, which were built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries.
For seven long centuries before Jaipur was built, Amer served as the capital as Kachhwaha rulers of the old state of Dhundhar.Amer Fort is the complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples, which were built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries.
The palace complex rising from the placid waters of the Mootha lake is approached through a steep path, now often traversed by tourists on elephant-back, to Singh palace and Jaleb Chowk. Two flights of stairs rise from one end to the chowk, one leading to the elegant temple of Shila Mata and other to the palace complex. The image of the Mother Goddess worshipped with reverence by thousands of devotees every day was brought from Jessore in East Bengal ( now in Bangladesh ) by raja Man Singh and installed here.
B M Birla Planetarium:
Equipped with modern computerized projection system, the planetarium offers unique audio-visual educational entertainment. A Science Museum is also a part of this one of the most modern planetarium in India.
Equipped with modern computerized projection system, the planetarium offers unique audio-visual educational entertainment. A Science Museum is also a part of this one of the most modern planetarium in India.
Galtaji:
Beyond the gardens amidst the low hills guarding the city lies the old pilgrim centre of Galtaji. Temples, pavilions and holy kunds ( natural springs and reservoirs ) do the serene green landscape. The small temple of the Sun God, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak, is visible from all parts of the city.Laxmi Narayan Temple:
In the southern horizon is a privately owned hilltop fort of Moti Doongari shaped like a scotish castle. At the foot of the hill, Laxmi Narayan Temple, beautifully built in sparking white marble, is located.Nahargarh Fort:
Beyond the hills of Jaigarh stand the Fort of Nahargarh like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful city. Much of the original structures are now in ruins, but the lovely building added by sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II still survive.Tag :
Best of India,
History Of Ludhiana
Ludhiana is the largest city of the state of Punjab, India. From being a small village named Meer Hota to its becoming Lodiana and then Ludhiana, Ludhiana has witnessed several rules of different kingdoms. From first century to the fourth one the region was under the rule of Yodhas. Thereafter it came under the rule of Samudragupta. The original Ludhianavis who are credited for founding Ludhiana came here late in 9th century. In the reign of Lodi the people around Ludhiana were being harassed by the Baluchis. Then the people appealed to Siknadar Lodi to help them out. In the reply to their appeal Sikander sent two officers named Yusuf khan and Nihang Khan. Nihang remained at a village named Meer Hota as Naib. He started to call the village Lodiana. Later his grandson Jalal Khan built Lodhi fort there. After that two sons of Jalal Khan divided the region around the fort among themselves. Later on Lodi dynasty was over thrown by Mughal in 16th century. The Mughal founded their strong government at Sirhind and attached Ludhiana to it as Paragana.
After the decline of Mughal, Ludhiana was ruled by several kingdoms. The Rais of Rajkot who were having considerable land around Ludhiana in lease from Mughal emperor ruled Ludhiana until 1809 Ranjit Singh of Sikh kingdom captured the region and stripped the Rais of all their possessions. Later on Ludhiana came under the control of British Empire in India. British continued to rule it until 1947 when India got freedom from the colonial rule. Many leaders of the Indian freedom movement came from Ludhiana.
Ludhiana, the only Industrial city in Northern India, stands on the G.T Rd from Delhi to Amritsar. Distance of Amritsar from Ludhiana is 136 kms.
Tag :
Historical,
Fair and Festivals in Jaipur
Fairs & festivals of Jaipur
Royal city of Jaipur is rich in its culture and tradition. Rajasthan is known for its colorful fairs and festivals. Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, also celebrates many fairs and festival with great enthusiasm. Fairs and festival add colors to the lives of the people. They also serve to be the occasion for the tourists to have the glimpses of culture and tradition of the people.
Ganguar is a prominent festival of Jaipur. The festival is celebrated in the entire state of Rajasthan. Jaipur also celebrated it with gusto and zeal. Ganguar festival is celebrated mainly by the women. Jaipur is also known for its kite festival celebrated on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on 14th of January every year. On the occasion of the festival from children to elderly people take the joy of flying the colorful kites. 
Teej festival is another significant festival of Jaipur. Though the festival is also celebrated in other parts of country, it is the city of Jaipur which gives the festival a charming and colorful look. The festival marks the beginning of monsoon season. The festival honors the goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. On the occasion of the festival a large procession is taken out from city palaces. The festival also witnesses many religious and cultural programs like dance and music being organized in the city. Elephant festival is another cultural event of Jaipur. It is organized on the occasion of the festival of Holi. Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Culture of Kullu
Kullu is a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. It
is also considered as the oldest ancient state after the Kashmir and Kangra
valleys. The people of Kullu are known for their simple style of living and
hard work. Fairs, festivals, customs, traditions, beliefs, costumes, food form
the vital part of culture of Kullu. Customs and rituals followed by the people
there display the simplicity of their lifestyle. Fairs and festivals celebrated
there are integral part of tradition.
The people of Kullu are essentially close to the Mother
Nature. Most of the people here are
famers by occupation. Now some people are also turning to other source of
income especially in tourism sectors and handloom industries. Kulu and
Manali are known as twin cities. Manali is at a height of 150 meters and lies in north of Kulu valley. Many
old temples situated there are fine specimen of architectural sculptures. Kullu
is also known for its handicrafts, folk arts, temple carvings. Folk dance and
songs are essential part of Kullu culture. Fairs and festivals serve to be
perfect occasion for the visitors to have glimpses into the live of the people
of Kullu. On the occasion of the fair and festivals the people of Kullu are
found performing their folk arts like dance and song. Men and women are found
forming a circle and dancing in accompanied with the music band. Nati, Dhili
Nati, Pheti Nati etc are some of popular kinds of folk dance of the people of
Kullu. People of Kullu usually wear the warm clothes as climate there remains
cool for the most time of the year. Men
of Kullu used to wear Chola, dora, suthan, topa etc; now they are also changing
with time and are more inclined to wear modern dresses.
Tag :
Historical,
History Of Kullu
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| Kullu Valley |
Kullu valley was once a significant place for Buddhist. It once contained a Buddhist Stupa built by Ashoka. The region also was home to twenty Buddhist monasteries with more than one thousand monks. There were also some fifteen Hindu temples which suggest that the people of both communities were coexisting there peacefully.
Prior to the rule of British the region was under the control of Pal dynasty who revered the goddess Hidimba. Presently the goddess is worshipped as the main deity of the region. It was in 1846 that the region was annexed to British kingdom. British continued to rule the region until India got independence in 1947. After the independence Kullu earlier was the subdivision of Kangra district. In the year 1963 Kullu was made a separate district. Kullu was earlier in Punjab state and it was in the year 1966 that Kullu was included in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Tag :
Historical,
Culture Of Kozhikode
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| Kalaripayattu |
Kozhikode is the third largest city in Kerala state in India Malayalam language is the main language used in the city. A good progress has been made in Malayalam literature. The main business area of the city is Mittai Theruvu (Sweet Meat Street), Halwa is a famous sweet of this city. Sadva the vegetarian dish and Biriyani a non vegetarian dish are very famous of this area. Crisp and wafer thin banana chips of Kozhikode are famous. Now Kozhikode is the major trade hub of North Kerala and well connected to the neighboring states and many destinations through Kerala State Road Transport Corporation.
A trip to Kozhikode can be an exciting tour one can discover many aspect of its rich culture. A fine martial art form Kalaripayattu originated here for self defense during olden days, when masters of this art form were used in warfare techniques. The training in this art requires careful ayurvedic and Kalari treatments for body toning. Now this art form is used to display the cultural richness with music and dance. The olden days center of trade Kozhikode was well known for its ‘Uru Making’ or Shipbuilding Art, now the local craftsman makes miniature models of boat as a custom.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Culture of Kolhapur
Culture of Kolhapur
Kolaphuri Pheta (turban) is a part of traditional outfit of men of Kolhapur. Wearing a Pheta is considered as prestigious there. Offering Pheta to the guests is common custom of the people of Kolhapur. Another special thing about the city of Kolhapur is its Kolhapuri Saaz.
Kolhapur is rich in its cultural heritage. The city is known for its life style, language, outfits and tradition. People of Kolhapur are known for their generous spending of money on their extravaganza life-style. At the same time they are very kind hearted though they are superficially not seen so in their use of language which contains some words which is considered to be rude in other parts of state. But they use it so simple and easily that it does not have any effect on the dignity. Marathi is the widely spoken language of Kolahpur while the use of Hindi and English is also done by few people.
Kolaphuri Pheta (turban) is a part of traditional outfit of men of Kolhapur. Wearing a Pheta is considered as prestigious there. Offering Pheta to the guests is common custom of the people of Kolhapur. Another special thing about the city of Kolhapur is its Kolhapuri Saaz.
It is the special ornament worn by the women of Kolhapur. Beautifully designed jewelry adds the beauty of the women wearing it. Kolhapuri Chappel (a sort of foot wear) is world famous. These are made from the leather and are known for their beautiful design and long life.
Kolhapur is widely known for its wrestling game. It has produced several renowned wrestlers. The Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj who himself was a good wrestler is credited for giving the patronage to this traditional sport during his rule. Lavani is special type of classical dance performed with typical songs. Lavani is considered to be a folk dance of the state of Maharashtra. It was earlier performed in Tamasha (a sort of folk drama). Lavani is still popular in Kolhapur and other parts of the state.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
History of Kolhapur
History of Kolhapur
According to mythology, Kolhapur which is situated on the banks of Panchganga River in the state of Maharashtra is the same place where a demon called Kolhasur was killed by the goddess Mahalakshami. It is said that that as per the wish of this dying demon the town was named after him. Kolhapur was a major Buddhist destination during 6th century. It is also believed that Amoghavarsha Nrupathunga the king of Rashtrakuta dynasty cared a lot for his subject and once sacrificed his finger to goddess Mahalakshami of Kolhapur in order to avoid impeding calamity on his people. During the period from 1140 to 1212 Kolhapur was the capital place of Silhara dynasty. An inscription found at Teradal mentions that Gonka the king of Silhara dynasty was once healed from snakebite by a Jain monk and that led to the king’s establishing Neninath temple there. Several other Jain temples were built during next two centuries. 
Kolhapur became the place of confrontation between western Chalukaya and Chola kings. Rajendra Chola successfully marched on the region and built there Vijay Stambha (Victory pillar). Kolhapur was rule by several dynasties till the time of Maratha rule. During Maratha rule Kolhapur was being ruled by Bhosale dynasties. Rani Shrimati Anandibai Raje Saheb of Kolhapur kingdom adopted the Yashavantrao Ghatge who was the eldest son of Appasaheb Ghatge (Chief of Kagal). This adopted son was made Chhatrapati of princely state of Kolhapur. He came to be known as Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj who is known for his progressive thoughts and his benevolent rule. He ruled Kolhapur princely state from 1894 to 1922 and during these 28 years of his rule Kolhapur witnessed many social, economical and cultural reforms. For his great work in the social and cultural arena he is considered one of the greatest kings of India. After the independence of India, the princely state of Kolhapur was merged into Bombay presidency which was later in 1960 divided in two states Maharashtra and Gujarat. Kolhapur was then made separate district of Maharashtra state. It is noteworthy here that Kolhapur film industry was one of earliest film industries in India. The Marathi film industry was born as early as in 1920s and had produced many Marathi films in that period. Tag :
Historical,