History of Pondicherry
History of Pondicherry
According to
mythology Pondicherry was once the abode of Agastya the great Hindu sage. Excavation at Arikamedu suggests that
Pondicherry was a major port and trading center which
imported Roman goods on large scale. The excavation also revealed that the
place had the trading relation with Greece which continued till 10th
century when the region was under the rule of Cholas dynasty.
During the
16th century Pondicherry witnessed the arrival of Portuguese who
ruled the region for the next some years. Thereafter Dutch and French came
there for trading purposes. In 1663 French started to rule the region. It was
French who ruled Pondicherry for the longest time. There were several minor
battles between French and British over the land of Pondicherry. These
conflicts came to an end after an agreement was signed between them. According
to the agreement Pondicherry remained under the control of French who continued
to rule it until 1954 when Pondicherry was annexed to the Indian republic. At
present Pondicherry is one of seven union territories of India. Owing to the
long rule of French, influence of their culture can still be seen in
Pondicherry.
Tag :
Historical,
Fair and Festival in Kozhikode
Kozhikode also known as Calicut is a major city in the Indian state Kerala and attractes travellers with its charming physical features and prosperity from the many years.Cultural festivals like Malabar Mahotsavm and Thyagaraja Festival is conducted every year. Professional artists as well as students of music participate and enjoy these music festivals. Highlights musical concerts and performances of various classical dances. Calicut has a great history of Film making also, some of the main Malayalam film companies are Grihalakshmi Productions, Kalpaka, and Swargachithra etc. The place also has a well developed print as well as television media network. Another important festival of the city is celebrated as the Temple Festival of Ravathy Pattathanam which is annually held at Thali Temple for seven days during the Malayalam month of Thulam. As an important part of the festival an intellectual debate of celebrated Vedic scholars is organized during this festival.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Fairs and Festivals in Manali
Manali is famous hill station of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated in the Kullu district and is known for its vibrant culture and traditions. Fairs and festivals celebrated in Manali form an integral part of the rich culture of the people. Along with major national festivals Manali also celebrates other regional fairs and festivals with much enthusiasm. Manali celebrates Dussera festival with great zeal and zest. Though the festival of Dussera is celebrated in almost every parts of the country, the celebration of the festival in Manali and Kullu district is quite distinct from the rest parts of India. Here celebration of the festival is weeklong affair and begins on the day of Vijayadashami which serves to be another name of Dussera and is the last day of the celebration of the festival in other parts of the country.
Pipal Jatra also called as Vasantotsav is another major festival celebrated in Manali with much pomp and show. Celebration of the festival includes folk dance, songs and other cultural activities. Shamshi Virshu is another significant festival celebrated in Manali with much fanfare. The festival falls on the 13th April every year and contains various ceremonial and cultural activities. The beautiful town of Manali also witnesses another major cultural event in the form of Mela Bhuntar. It is religious congregation hosted at Bhuntar hamlet near Manali. The fair is attended by thousands of people from far and wide.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Festivals of Hubli
Hubli celebrates almost all festivals of India. Ganesh Chaturthi, Deepawali, Navaratra, Ugadi, and Eid, are the important festivals to be celebrated in a year for the Indians. Among them the Ganesh Chaturthi would get more attention. Ganesh Pandals would be erected at every corner of the city, and the immersing of Ganesha procession attracts a huge crowd.
The Lingayats dominate most of Hubli area; therefore, festivals related to their leader Basaveshwara gain much importance. Basava Jayanti is one such festival. Festivals in Hubli come up with unique kitchen delicacies such as Laddoo, Holige, Karjikayi, and Mandige.
Hubli-Dharwad belt is well known for Hindustani classical music. Many exponents of music have brought fame to the city such as Pandit Sawai Gandharva, Basavaraj Rajguru, Bhimsen Joshi, Mallikarjun Mansur and Gangubayi Hangal. In the memory of Pandit Sawai Gandharva there would be a Music Festival held at Kundgol –a village near Hubli.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Culture of Amritsar
The Culture of Amritsar
The culture of Amritsar is
predominantly a typical Punjabi culture. Besides being the highest seat of Sikh
religion the city is known to have nourished the Punjabi Poetry. In the Pre-Independence
period the city had witnessed the presence of both the Hindu and Muslim
cultures, but after the partition the city was in turmoil due to communal
clashes. The city of Amritsar is a jewel in the crown of Sikh tradition. The
Golden temple would be visited by thousands of devotees and tourists every day.
Therefore the city witnesses an influx of ideas from all over the word. It is
the center of the Majha region in Punjab.
The city is dominated by the Punjabi
Sikhs and the Jat community. The Punjabis
are a robust built, simple minded, friendly people. The main occupation is
agriculture, trade and weaving; most of them serve in the Indian Army. Most of them are staunch devotees of Sikhism. Punjabis
are often identified with their dance (Bhangra), music and the cuisine. Silk lungi,
short and a scarf is the traditional attire for men and Salwar Kameez is for
the women. Bhangra is the famous dance associated with Punjabi culture. Wheat
is their staple food. Sarson ka Sag, Makki ka Roti, Pinni, and importantly the
Lassi (flavored buttermilk) comprise of their cuisine. The Punjabi cuisine has
become very popular all across India.
The city of Amritsar is a center for
Punjabi language and literature. Despite being vulnerable to communal clashes
the city caters for all cultural interests due to the presence of the Golden
temple. The temple has devotees from all sects. The city provides for a secular ambience.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
History of Amritsar
The History of Amritsar
The holy city Amritsar is in Punjab. It
is known for the famous Golden temple (also known as the Harmandir Sahib)
amidst a pool of water (Amrit Sarovar). The proper city was founded during the
early 16th century by Guru Ram Das. Now it is a major center for
Sikh tradition. It is just 29 km away from the Wagha Border.
The historians trace the origins of
the city back to the period of Indus civilization. The region was a part of the
Indus valley settlements. It is a disputed factor however. Around third century
BC this area was administered by Alexander the Great. Later the Mauryans
acquired the land as it is believed now and was ruled by the Gupthas and
Kushans also. Around tenth century, the region came under the influence of
Muslim rulers such as the Lodhi dynasty and the Mughals.
The construction of the Amritsar city
began during the early part of the 15th and the 16th
centuries. The region witnessed a strong Sikh influence and thus the Forth Sikh
Guru Ram Das took the construction project. Guru Ram das was appointed to build
a township near Santoksar tank by his Guru Amar Das (The Third Guru). The
township was built and was named as Santoksar. Later, Guru Amar Das assigned a
second township project that which is the present day Amritsar. The present day lake (the pool of nectar) has
been excavated and reconstructed with the help of thousands of volunteers and
paid laborers. The expansion of the township took place in the later periods by
the initiation of Sikh Gurus. A temple was built amidst the pool of nectar and
the Sikh Scripture the Guru Granth Sahib was placed inside the Darbar Sahib in
1604. The city was under numerous attacks by the Mughals and the tragic
Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place in the same city by General Dyer. In the
year 1984 the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi forcefully evacuated thousands
of Sikh militants from the Golden temple under ‘Operation Blue Star’. As a
result the city had witnessed riots and deaths in massive number. Now, the city
of Amritsar has resumed normalcy and is a secured place to visit.
Tag :
Historical,