Culture of Alleppey
Culture of Alleppey
Alleppey
(Alappuzha)-the land of canals and houseboats reflects a typical coastal Kerala culture. The main occupation is
agriculture here along with fisheries, toddy tapping and coir works. Alleppey is
mainly known for coir industry. The Kottanadu region comprising of Alleppey and
Mavalikera is known for the rice cultivation. So, one would guess the lifestyle
in Alleppey is very much a coastal culture based on occupations related to
water.
The area is comprises of Nambiars,
Nayers, Muslims and also Christians. Customs are oriented mainly wards
traditional setting. Snake boat race, Mohiniattam and Kathakkali dances have
been a part of its culture. The traditional festivals and fairs would be
accompanied by folk songs, folk dances, boat race and by putting Pookalam
(rangoli made with flowers). Men wear typical Keralaite ‘Lungi’ and the women wear typical white
with zari bordered saree during festive occasions. People speak Malayalam and
English.
Alleppey has been a major business
center since long back. Now, it is a tourist spot offering calm and clean
lagoons, coconut trees on both sides of canals, and houseboats anchored in
water. So, tourism has been a major attraction here and a source of employment
too. The culture of Kerala as one would see elsewhere in Kerala is explicitly
visible here.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
History of Alleppey
History of Alleppey
Alleppey, also known as Allappuza is
the land of inland canals, coconut palms and of typical Kerala tradition. It is a very popular tourist spot of Kerala.
The history of Alleppey dates back to
the Sangam Age (the classical period: from 3rd BCE to 3rd
CE). Sources assure us that Alleppey had strong trade links with ancient Greece
and Rome. It was ruled by the Kuttanadu Cheras. It is the region where St.Thomas Aquinas had
landed for the first time in India. It must have been around 52nd
AD. He established a Church in Kokkamangalam near Alleppey. However the visit of
the Saint had less impact on the lifestyle of the region.
It was around 17th century
the Portuguese and the Dutch started off their trade, Alleppey was made the base
since it had easy access through the Arabian Sea. The Dutch built their ware
houses in this district and later even started muddling with the local
politics. The Raja of Travancore (Martanda Varma) was shrewd enough to shun the
Dutch interference and helped the formation of Alleppey district. Through the
initiatives taken by the Diwan of Travancore Raja Keshava Dasan the Alleppey
district turned into a well planned port with inland water canals. Raja Keshava
Dasan can be called as the architect of the Alleppey district. He was born in a
very ordinary family and had very little exposure to the formal education.
Keshava Dasan joined as a tally clerk under Poku Moosa, a local tradesman. Poku
Moosa had an easy access in the Travancore royal court and thus he made a way
for Keshava Dasan. Soon Keshava Dasan ascended the throne of Dewanship in the
court of Raja Marthanda Varman.
It was during this period that many
inland canals were built in Alleppey connecting the Sea and just like the city of
Venice trade on both sides of water canals, and floating markets were
established. Allappuza became one of the busiest trade ports of India. It
became a part of Travancore-Cochin States. After Independence the States were
integrated into the Indian Republic. Alleppey as a separate district was formed
in the year 1957 by the Indian Republic.
Tag :
Historical,
Fair and festival in Vijayawada
Vijayawada, the third largest city in the state of Andhra Pradesh, boasts of having rich culture and traditions. Vijayawada is considered as the cultural centre of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Fairs and festivals of Vijayawada also form the integral part of the culture and traditions of the people of the city. Festivals celebrated in the city of Vijayawada offers the insights of vibrant cultures and traditions of the people. Vijayawada celebrates all major festival like Deepawali and Dussera with much pomp and show. Festivals like Id-ul-fitr and Christmas are also celebrated there with equal enthusiasm.
Apart from major national festivals the city of Vijayawada hosts and celebrates many other festivals and cultural programs. Krishna Pushkaram is a major festival celebrated in Vijayawada and in the whole of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The festival is mainly celebrated on the banks of the rivers like Godavari, Pennar and Krishna in Andhra Pradesh. On the occasion of the festival devotees take the holi bath in the rivers. Makara Sankranti is another major festival celebrated in Vijayawada. Apart from these religious festivals Vijayawada also hosts cultural and other events. Vijayawada Book Festival is one among them. The event is organized by the Vijayawada Book Festival Society (VBFS). The festival was first held in the year 1989 and since then it has become customary to hold this event on regular basis in the city. At present the event is organized every year in the month of January and is participated by thousands of book lovers including some imminent personalities from literary arena.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Elephant Festival
Elephant Festival is an annual event organized by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Time of celebration
It is organized in the city of Jaipur during Holi festival. To be precise a day before Holi is fixed for this festival,
Basically the festival is celebrated to publicize about the significance of the magnificent animal Elephant. Gracefully decorated elephants are paraded on this day, later an elephant fight is conducted which thrills the watchers. In the customary parade the aura of stately Rajasthan is presented with parading of Chariots, Caparisoned Elephants, Camels, Horses, Palanquins and Cannons. Mostly female elephants participate in the festival, many elephant races, beauty contest for the elephants etc. are organized which excite people. The most attractive part of the programme is the elephant polo match, where players with red or yellow turban sitting on the elephants try scoring goals with long sticks and a big plastic ball.
How to reach at Elephant festival
By air :
Jaipur International Airport which is located 13 km away from Jaipur is the nearest airport located in the southern suburb of Sanganer.
By road :
Jaipur has well road connectivity with withing state cities and other major cities in the country. You can use any type of transport (Bus, Rickshaw, Jaipur Taxi) to reach the nearest stations.
By train :
Jaipur has good rail connectivity with almost most of the main cities in the country.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Culture of Jaisalmer
People and Culture of Jaisalmer
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| image credit: wikimedia.org |
Jaisalmer is the traditional mix of
rich culture and energetic and active existence of the local native population
of Jaisalmer region. This richness is visible during the celebration of various
social and cultural festivals. Peoples of all casts such as the Hindus, Muslims,
Janis, Sikhs and Christians. The traditional dance & Music is one of the
essential parts of living of these people. Various forts, Places and monuments
speak a lot about the architectural legacy of the people here. Various local
art forms here has an International appeal and helps the state to earn revenue.
Desert culture Centre and Museum is
Knowledge bank of rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of Jaisalmer of Rajasthan. The museum displays varied
collections of traditional instruments, rich collections of ancient and
medieval coins, praise worthy textiles and some invaluable fossils mined in
Jaisalmer. Lots of kinds of utensils and other artifacts are displayed in thus museum.
The museum organizes lots of special displays for the tourists visited.
The Museum, a treasure box of Rajasthani culture and customs, is a favorite attraction among the scholars and researchers. The museum is well maintained and attracts the foreign tourists with the unique utensil named as “Karal’, which was used as a box for opium mixing.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
History of Jaisalmer
History of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer
was basically home to Bhati Rajputs (named after Bhati the famous combatant),Deoraj
a famous prince of Bhati is the real founder of Jaismaler daynasty, who adopted
the title of Rawal. The sixth successor of Deoraj clan, Rawal Jaisal founded
the fort and city of Jaiselmer in 1156 and made it his capital. The jaisalmer
city and fort was uninhabited for some time from 1293 as Ala-Ud-Din–Khilji
devasted the fort and city of Jaislmer. Later the glory of Jaisalmer was
restored again when one of the bhatis Rawal Mulraj accepted Moghul emperor Shah
Jhan’s supremancy. There are two
instances of Bhati Women committing Jauhar. Once when Ala-Udd-Din Khilji seized
Jaisalmer fort for eight years, the Bhatis had exhausted all the stocks of
grains and ammunitions, seeing no way out, they ultimately decided the adoption of jauhar for
the women of the clan, then 24000 women died in the jauhar fire. Again when
Ferozshah sieged Jaisalmer, 16000 women committed Jauhar. Another time half
Jauhar was committed during the rule of Rawal Lunakaran. When Afghan king Amir Ali
deceived by sending his soldiers instead his wives in the palquins to meet Jaisalmer
Queens, a sudden battle had erupted, seeing himself in a fix Lunakaran killed
his women folks by hand as there was no time to lite a pyre. Later Amir Ali was
defeated and the bhatti men were saved from Jauhar themselves, hence this is
known as half jauhar. After partition of India all trade route via Jaismalmer
were closed which rendered Jaisalmer a drought prone desert. Jaismalmer has
about 450 Kms of border with Pakistan. Many skirmishes with Pakistan brought
importance to jaisalmer and a large military base was built there. When
Rajasthan Canal was built Jaisalmer and its sourrounding areas were relieved as
it brought much needed water for farming activity. Further building of proper
Roads and Railroads provided connectivity with rest of the state and country.
Actual boost to the economy came when the government of Rajasthan resolved to
encourage Jaisalmer as a tourist place
Tag :
Historical,
History of Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is an olden and the largest city of Gujarat. with its inhabitation record going back to 11Th Century, and then Bhils were the rulers of the land which was known as Ashaval Bhils were defeated by the Anhiwara (the present day Patna). The name of the city was changed to Karnavati located near river Sabarmati. The sultan of Delhi conquered Karnavati in the year 1411 and changed its name to Ahmedabad. It remained under mouhgal rule until 1758 when Maharats took over its reign to rule. As the Gaekwads of Baroda and Peshwa of Pune fought amongst each other when British took over the rule of Ahmedabad in 1780 but it was returned to Marathas again. Eventually the British Raj as had conquered India took governance of Ahmedabad also in 1818. A military cantonment was established in 1824 and a municipal government was set up in 1858. Yet another development of linking Ahmedabad with Bombay was made in 1864, which gave the ultimate boost to the development of Bombay as well as Ahmedabad.
A large number of rural people migrated to the cities to work in textile industries. The roots of India’s independence were developed in Ahmedabad during 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi set up his Kochrab Ashram in Paldi in 1915 and Satyagraha Ashram (Sabarmati Ashram) in 1917. Later these ashrams became the centers of powerful movement for support of India’s Independence. Till 1960 Ahmedabad had become a European style city with same style of buildings lining its big roads. After formation of Gujarat State, Ahmedabad was made its capital in 1960. There has been several incidences of sever setbacks to the process of developments in Gujarat but the city as well as Gujarat state has always made a comeback with better results and developments every time. The setbacks for Ahmedabad has been three severe communal wars, post partition (1947); post reservation policy declaration (1980’s) and recent Godhra violence (2002), a massive earthquake (2001) series of seventeen rippling bomb blasts (2008). The current liberalization of Economy has given a boost to the city’s economy, involving commerce, communication and construction activities.
Tag :
Historical,
Fair and festival in Kullu
Kullu is the capital of the Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh state. Kullu is known for the celebration of the festival of Dussera. Though Dussera is a national festival and is celebrated in almost each parts of the country, the celebration of it in Kullu is quite distinct from rest part of country. The festival mark mythological event of lord Rama’s killing of demon Ravana and thus the festival is seen as the celebration of the victory of good over the evil. In Kullu Dussera is celebrated for a week and starts on Vijayadashami which comes in month of October. Usually Vijayadashami is another name of Dussera festival and it is the last day of the celebration elsewhere in the country. Kullu has been celebrating Dussera festival since 17th century. King Jaganand had established the idol of Raghunath or lord Rama on his throne as mark of his penance. On the occasion of the festival the idol of Raghunath along with other deities of the region are taken out in the procession. First day of the festival witnesses the chariot of lord Raghunath being pulled by the large number of devotees flocked there from far and wide. During festival of Dussera many cultural programs are held in the town.
Apart from the festival of Dussera, Kullu also hosts many other festival and cultural events with great enthusiasm and zeal. Pipal Jatra, Shamsi Virshu, Sainj fair, Luhri lavi, Ani and Dashi fair are some of prominent fairs and festivals celebrated in Kullu with much pomp and show.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Culture of Vijayawada
Vijayawada is the third largest city of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Vijayawada is rich in its culture and traditions. It is a major cultural centre of the state. Telgue serves as a major communicating language in the region, while Urdu is another language spoken mainly by Muslim community in the city. Along with the Hindu who forms the majority of the population of the city the people of other religions like Muslim and Christian are also found living there in considerable number.
Vijayawada serves its visitors with typical delicious south Indian dishes like idli and dosa. Pickle and Thoku (chutney) are also famous in Vijayawada. Kuchipudi is the famous classical dance form in Vijayawada and in Andhra Pradesh state as a whole. Jaanapadam Theenmar is popular folk dance of Vijayawada. Modern trends are seen influencing the living style of the people of the city. Earlier the people used to wear their traditional outfits now they have taken to modern way of dressing. Fairs and festivals celebrated in Vijayawada also serve the occasions when one can have the glimpses into the cultural and traditional lives of the people of Vijayawada.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
History of Vijayawada
Vijayawada
History
Vijayawada, the land of victory as it literally means, is the
third largest city of Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Vijayawada which was
earlier known as Bezwada has several mythological stories about its origin. As
per one of the legends Arjuna (a famous character of Mahabharata) created the
Vijayawada after he got the blessing of the lord Shiva. Another mythological
story states that goddess Durga got Vijaya (victory) by killing a demon there
and thus the place came to be known as Vijayawada ( the land of victory). Vijayawada
was also formerly known as Bezwada and there is another legend related to the
region’s acquiring the name of Bezwada. According to the legend goddess
Krishnaveni (Krishna River) once requested to Arjuna to create a passage for
her to meet the Bay of Bengal. Arjuna honoring her request made Bejjam (hole)
through the mountains. And thus the place began to be called as Bejjamwada and
then was changed to Bezwada.
Dynasties and kingdoms
ruling Vijayawada changed from time to time until the arrival of British.
Vijayawada was an important center for Buddhist during 7th century.
During this time the famous Chinese traveler called Xuangzang visited the
place. In the early history of
Vijayawada it also served as the headquarter of Chalukyas of Badami. Vijayawada
was once conquered by the great king of Krishna Deva Raya of Chalukyas. During
the rule of British it experienced development works on large scale. But
Vijayawada witnessed its real growth only after the independence of India in
1947.
Tag :
Historical,