Culture in Mumbai
At present Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city. It is an amalgamation of Hindu, Muslim, Parsi, Christian, Konkani, and the Portuguese cultures. The native inhabitants are the Kolis belonging to the fisheries community. As we go through the history of Mumbai we witness the influx of various cultures (foreign or regional) through various reigns. Mumbai attracted Parsis, Bhandaris, the Christians, and the Muslims. Thus Mumbai has become an epicenter for varieties of traditions. However, the folk of Mumbai would be pleased call themselves as Mumbaikars. The city is a conglomeration of diverse cultures, both traditional and modern.
The official language of Mumbai is Marathi; English, Hindi, Konkani, Urdu, Parsi are the other languages spoken. Their favorite drink is tea. Mumbai offers various blends of food, however, an average Mumbaikar would prefer to have snacks like Panipuri, Vada Pav, and Pav Bhaji. Iranian Cafes are much popular joints here. Mumbai offers food from Rajastan, Gujarat, Karnataka, TamilNadu, Bengal, and also from Kerala.
Mumbai has been catering seekers of art and music since the ages. As the influx of diverse cultures kept growing due to various reasons, the city has been witnessing the fusion of diverse cultural activities including art/music and dance. Mumbai attracts budding actors and actresses, painters, singers and performers. The city hosts many centers for art/music/ dance/ drama and Bollywood movies have been alluring talents from various parts of the country. We get to hear Pop, Indi Pop, Jazz, classical, semi-classical and Bollywood songs in Mumbai. However, the regional favorite has been Lavani dance and the songs sung by the Koli community do enthrall the Mumbaikars even today. Mumbai hosts the Bombay Chamber of Orchestra (established in 1962), the Symphony Orchestra of India (2006), and the National center for Performing arts.
Mumbai has been the place where the Indian movies were originated for the first time in India. The city hosts the famous R.K Studio (founded by Raj Kapur), and also the Rajkamal studio founded by V.Shantaram. Mumbai has cherished many stage artists and hosts many theatres. The Prithvi Theatre situated in Juhu is one among those theatres having worldwide recognition. The architecture of the city is mixture of European and Indian styles. The Victoria Terminus and Bombay University are two examples for the Gothic revival style. Apart from that we would also notice the structures built in indo-islamic style, and in Indo Saracenic style.
It is the city of Hindi cinemas, theatre movements, Dabbawalas, and of skyscrapers. An average day of a Mumbaikar would start at four in the early morning and ends at midnight. Mumbaikars have adapted themselves to a fast paced lifestyle.
The official language of Mumbai is Marathi; English, Hindi, Konkani, Urdu, Parsi are the other languages spoken. Their favorite drink is tea. Mumbai offers various blends of food, however, an average Mumbaikar would prefer to have snacks like Panipuri, Vada Pav, and Pav Bhaji. Iranian Cafes are much popular joints here. Mumbai offers food from Rajastan, Gujarat, Karnataka, TamilNadu, Bengal, and also from Kerala.
Mumbai has been catering seekers of art and music since the ages. As the influx of diverse cultures kept growing due to various reasons, the city has been witnessing the fusion of diverse cultural activities including art/music and dance. Mumbai attracts budding actors and actresses, painters, singers and performers. The city hosts many centers for art/music/ dance/ drama and Bollywood movies have been alluring talents from various parts of the country. We get to hear Pop, Indi Pop, Jazz, classical, semi-classical and Bollywood songs in Mumbai. However, the regional favorite has been Lavani dance and the songs sung by the Koli community do enthrall the Mumbaikars even today. Mumbai hosts the Bombay Chamber of Orchestra (established in 1962), the Symphony Orchestra of India (2006), and the National center for Performing arts.
Mumbai has been the place where the Indian movies were originated for the first time in India. The city hosts the famous R.K Studio (founded by Raj Kapur), and also the Rajkamal studio founded by V.Shantaram. Mumbai has cherished many stage artists and hosts many theatres. The Prithvi Theatre situated in Juhu is one among those theatres having worldwide recognition. The architecture of the city is mixture of European and Indian styles. The Victoria Terminus and Bombay University are two examples for the Gothic revival style. Apart from that we would also notice the structures built in indo-islamic style, and in Indo Saracenic style.
It is the city of Hindi cinemas, theatre movements, Dabbawalas, and of skyscrapers. An average day of a Mumbaikar would start at four in the early morning and ends at midnight. Mumbaikars have adapted themselves to a fast paced lifestyle.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
History of Mumbai
Mumbai History
The history of Mumbai dates back to the Stone Age. Historians claim that the Kolis were the earliest inhabitants of this city. The present area of the city was earlier a cluster of seven islands (Mazgaon, Isle of Mumbai, Worli, Parel, Mahim, Colaba, and Old woman’s Land) on the western coast of India. Later, in 1784, all the islands were linked through causeways built under the Hornby Vellard project. The cluster was a part of the Ashokan (Mauryan) Empire. Later the city passed through the hands of many Hindu rulers such as the Satavahanas, Mauryas of Konkan, Kalachuris, Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas, and the Silharas. The famous Elephanta caves and the Vajreshwari caves were built between 6th and 8th centuries. In the 13th century during the reign of Bhimdev many settlers (Palshis, Pachkalshis, Bhandaris and vadvals) were brought to the city. King Bhimdev seems to have introduced many fruit trees and coconut trees.
The islands came under the rule of the Gujarat Muslims during the 13th and the 14th centuries. One of the monuments built during this period was the Haji Ali Durga on an islet in Worli. The last emperor of the Gujarat Sultanate happens to be Bahadur Shah. He gave up the ownership of Mumbai islands to the Portuguese in 1534 by signing the Treaty of Bassein. Later in the Portuguese rule many inhabitants were converted to Catholicism by the Portuguese. The Portuguese helped to establish an important trade route into the Indian Territory via Mumbai. In 1661, the Portuguese Princess Catherine married the King of England (Charles II). Mumbai was given to Charles II as a token of dowry. From then onwards the city fell into the hands of the British. In 1668 rule of Mumbai was transferred to the East India Company from the hands of Charles II. In the middle of the 16th century itself the Parsis started migrating to Mumbai to evade Islamic proselytization. By the end of the 18th century Mumbai had sheltered many settlers from various other parts of the world.
The company rule faced many internal attacks from the Dutch and the Maratha rulers. However it was successful in establishing Mumbai as a major trade center (for spices, salt, rice, ivory and cloth) next to Surat. By the end of the 18th century the British completely took over Mumbai by the native rulers. William Hornby the Governor of Mumbai (in 1782) undertook the mission to conjoin all the islands through causeways. The British introduced railway lines in India, and the first of such an attempt was done between Bombay (Victoria Terminus) to Thane in the year 1853. The Gateway of India was built in 1911 to commemorate the arrival of the British King George the 5th.
Later in the pre independence movement Mumbai had been the epicenter of many events. The first session of Indian nation Congress was held in Mumbai (1885). Following the boycott of the Rowlatt pact, and the Non cooperation movement the city witnessed rigorous protest to the British rule. Mumbai witnessed many calamites like the Plague epidemic and famine. The British ruled for more than 200 years over Mumbai. The last troupe of the British battalion went back in the year 1948. After independence the city was reorganized according to linguistic divisions by the Indian Government. Now, it has been recognized as a metropolitan city comprising of various cultures. It is a major center for art, culture, and trade.
The city had witnessed communal riots during the British period. Even after independence the city has become vulnerable to various sorts of illegal activities including terrorist activities. The well established Mumbai mafia has a story of its own. The city has witnessed a series of bomb blasts starting from 1993. In 2006 there was yet another serial bomb blast event occurred followed by a terrorist attack on the famous Taj hotel opposite the Gateway of India in the year 2008. Yet, the city has shown tremendous potentials to sail through all these calamities.
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Best of India,
Culture of Chennai
Chennai which boasts of having a distant culture is regarded as the gateway to south Indian culture. Though the city has grown in to a cosmopolitan it has not distanced itself from its rich culture and tradition. Rather it became the patron of its traditional music, dance and other art forms. Chennai is known for its warm hospitality. People of Chennai are seen showering hospitality on their guests who in turn are seen flattered. Early rising and doing religious rites is the common for the people of Chennai. People usually visit the temples on Friday.
Pongal, the most important festival of Chennai is celebrated with great fervor along with whole of south India. Chennai also celebrates other festival like Deepawali, Eid etc. When it comes to dressing Chennai still prefers to their traditional attires. Young girls are seen wearing the half sari of Pavada. Definition of fashions is quite different here. If someone wears Salwar-Kamieez or jeans she or he is called fashionable.
Chennai is very passionate about its traditional forms of dance and music. Come December and Chennai host the five week long music festival. The extravaganza of music and dance show is one of the world’s largest cultural events. Chennai is famous for its classical dance, the Bharatanatyam which also enjoys the status of official dance of Tamil Nadu.
Over the years the city of Chennai has grown in to cosmopolitan metropolis with people of different faiths and different region of the country coming in large number to live here. Tamil is the native language of the city but use of English language has been increased for the past some years.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Sonari Mahal
Soneri Mahal is located within Dr.Babasaheb Amebedkar Marathwada University Campus at Aurangabad and is on the way to Aurangabad caves.
Soneri Mahal built in the 17th century by Pahadsing a Orchha Chieftainis.At the entrance we arrive at a lush green lawn divided by an rectangular water reservoir that leads us to the golden building of palace.
The paintings in the Mahal were once painted of gold and so the name Sunheri Mahal.Now this historic monument is converted into museum.
Every year Ellora-Ajanta festival is held here since 2002 and it is organized by the Divisional Commissioner Aurangabad in association with MTDC.The festival has been graced by the most illustrated Indian international artists.
Bibi-Ka-Maqbara replica of Taj Mahal is situated near Soneri mahal.
Tag :
Pilgrimage,
Fairs and Festivals of Bangalore
Though the city of Bangalore has developed into a cosmopolitan city and has been influenced by the influx of large number of migrants not just from other parts of India but from other countries as well, it celebrates its several traditional festivals with great enthusiasm. Along with the major festivals of India like Depawali, Dussera, Christmas and Eid-ul-fitr, there are some regional and traditional festival of Bangalore celebrated with much pomp and show.
Among them is the festival of Ugadi celebrated in the month of March- April. The festival marks the beginning of New Year. The day of festival is sacred one as it is believed that on this day Lord Brahma created the universe. The people also consider this day to be an auspicious one to start new venture.
Karaga is another prominent festival celebrated in Bangalore with much fanfare. Karaga is the name given to clay pots which are carried by the devotees on their heads in the religious procession. Devotes have to balance while carrying the pots. The event serves to be the testing time of devotees’ devotional strength. The festival which is celebrated by mainly Tigala community comes in the month of March- April. Kadalekaye Parishe and Varamahalakshami are other important festivals celebrated in the city of Bangalore.
Habba is another important cultural event in Bangalore. Habba literally means ‘festival’ in Kannada. Celebrated in various part of the city of Bangalore, this one week long event attracts thousands of tourists and many artists. Celebration of the festival includes dance, music, street theatre, film panorama and sport competitions like golf tournament, pulling race, vintage car rally etc.
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Indian Festivals,
History of Pune
History of Pune
History of Pune mainly deals with history of the great Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Peshwa. The early history of Pune, according to cooper plates found in excavation, dates back to 6th century. The region at that time was under the rule of Rashtrakutas. Pataleshwar rock-cut temple complex was built in this era. Then from 9th century to 1327 the region was part of the Yadavas kings of Deoghar. Then it was ruled by Nizamshahi Sulatan till it was annexed to the Mughal Empire. In 1595 Maloji Bhosale was appointed as Jahagirdar of Pune by Mughal. Rango Babuji Deshpande who was appointed was by Shahaji Bhosale as the administrator of Pune is regarded as one of the first developers of the city. Under his supervision several constructions works were done in the city. Construction of Lal Mahal Palace was completed in the year 1640. JiJabai the mother of Shivaji is believed to have supervised the work of Kasaba Ganapati Temple in Pune. The idol of lord Ganesha in the temple is considered to be the presiding deity of the city.
It was then Dadoji Kondev, the mentor of Shivaji, supervised the many construction works in the city. Thereafter the Shivaji who was crowned as Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1649 oversaw several development works in Pune. Guruwar Peth, Somwar Peth and Mangalwar Peth are some of places developed under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Budhwar Peth was constructed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the year 1703. After the death of great Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maratha kingdom was managed by the Peshwas. Peshwa was the post of the minister of the highest rank in Maratha Empire. In 1720 Bajirao the first become the first Peshwa of Maratha under the rule of Chhatrapati Shahuji. The famous palace of Shaniwarwada which is situated in Pune on the banks of Mutha River was constructed in 1730. Later on the Shaniwarwada became the main stay of Peshwas and the city of Pune witnessed many temples bridges and other development work being carried out under the rule of Peshwas. Paravati Temple, Sadashiv Peth, Nana Peth etc were built during this time.
The defeat of Maratha in the third battle of Panipat resulted in to the decline of its empire. In the battle with British in 1817 at Khadki (which was then known as kirki) Maratha has to face the defeat. Pune then was captured by the British and annexed to the Bombay Presidency. Then the British established military cantonment area at the east of the city. The cantonment area is now used by the Indian Army. Pune Municipality was set up in 1858 by the British and the city witnessed other development works like Ganj Peth which was renamed as Mahatma Phule Peth after the independence. Pune continued to be ruled by the British until the independence of India
.
During the rule of British in India city of Pune was an important center of political and social movement. Mahadev Govind Ranade, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar, Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule are some of the prominent persons who belonged to the city of Pune. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of the greatest freedom fighters of India, operated his political movements from Pune. Besides, the Yerwada Jail where Mahatma Gandhi was kept as political prisoner by the British is situated in Pune.
After independence Pune has witnessed tremendous growth. Many prominent institutions like National Defense Academy and National Chemical Laboratory were set up in Pune. The city also has grown into a major sport centre of country and has hosted Common Wealth Games 2008 successfully.
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Best of India,
Culture Of Bangalore
Culture of Bangalore
Bangalore has been witnessing a cultural change for the last some years. The city which saw the tremendous growth in IT and BPO sector since the advent of liberalization has been attracting a large number of young professionals and talents from all over the country and from abroad as well. This has helped the city to take upon the global look and become cosmopolitan in nature and in spirit. The change also brought about revival in traditional dance, art and other forms of arts like pottery, painting and theatre.
Most people of Bangalore are seen using the language of English with the native language of Kannada. Traditional festivals have also been influenced by multiculturalism of the city. People specially the young ones are seen breaking barriers of regional, religion, cast and class and participating in each and every festival of Bangalore. Karaga Shatyosava is the oldest festival of Bangalore and is celebrated by all with great enthusiasm. Diwali, Dussera, Ugadi, Christmas, Eid- ul- fitr etc are other major festivals of Bangalore.
With the change happening in every walk of life of the people of Bangalore, traditional cuisine losing its significance presents a little surprise. Chinese, Mexican, Italian and other foreign cuisine are rapidly taking the place of traditional cuisines like idly, dosa, sambar, rice etc. Bangalore has also whole heartedly welcomed the pub culture which was nowhere to be heard and seen until few years ago. At presents the city hosts no less than 200 clubs and bars offering vibrant night life. The city has also come to be known as the Pub City of India.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
History of Bangalore
Bangalore the IT capital of India, has interesting history of its evolution to it's presents form. The history of Bangalore goes back to 1024 when it was captured by Cholas who were earlier ruling the western Gangas. Cholas was overthrown by Hoysala Empire in 1116. Kempe Gowda, who was serving under the Vijayanagara kingdom is said to have built the city of Bangalore. It was he who built a brick-mud fort and a Nandi temple in Bangalore in 1537. Then four famous towers were built by a successor of Kempe Gowda. These four towers formed the boundary of the city. A myth that the city would draw disaster, if it was extended beyond these four towers, was very much prevalent at that time. During the kingdom of Vijayanagara Bangalore was also known as Kalayanapura and Devarayanagara.
With the fall of Vijayanagara Empire, several rulers ruled the city within quick succession of time. Ranadulla Khan defeated Kempe Gowda the third with help of Shahaji Bhosale. Bangalore was then given to Shahaji as Jagir. Kasim Khan of Mughal then captured Bangalore from the Venkoji the son of Shahaji. He sold the city to Chikkadevaraja Wodevar of Mysore for 3, 00,000 rupees. Krishnaraja Wodeyar the second died in 1759 and Hyder Ali who was chief of the Mysore army declared himself the ruler of Bangalore. It was later passed on to Hyder Ali’s son Tipu Sultan popularly known as the Tiger of Mysore.
In 1804 Bangalore was captured by the British. After the death of Tipu Sultan in the 1799, the British handed Bangalore back over to Maharaja of Mysore. The British was still holding the cantonment under their control. British took Bangalore again in their control in 1834 citing the misrule of Krishnaraja Wodeyar the third. British then continued to rule the city until the independence of India. It was under the British rule that Bangalore grew in to modern city. After the independence Bangalore became the capital of Karnataka state and since then has seen development on large scale. The year 2000 saw the coming of IT industries in the city and Bangalore gradually developed in to a major IT hub of India. It became the IT capital of India and came to be known by different names like India’s Silicon Valley, The Pub City of India, the Fashion Capital of India, etc.
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Best of India,
Winter Festival
Rajasthan, an Indian state rich in
culture and tradition and known for its various vibrant fairs and festivals,
hosts annually one of its charming festivals in Mount Abu. The festival is
winter Festival organized in last week of December every year at Mount Abu, the
only hill station of Rajasthan. The festival is jointly organized by Rajasthantourism and Municipal Board of Mount Abu. The festival was started to provide
people a break from their boredom of everyday life. The event of festival also
provides an occasion to commemorate the rich tradition and cultures of the
state of Rajasthan. Mount Abu provides offers a
perfect venue for such
celebration as the place draws millions of tourist round the year from across
the world to witness the exquisite natural surroundings and other attractions
like famous Delwara Jain temples.
Winter festival of Mount Abu is a
three day festival hosting myriads of cultural, fun and sports events.
Procession organized by local authorities marks the inauguration of the
festival. A number of artists would be seen performing there. Traditional folk songs and various folk
dance forms of not only Rajasthan but of other states are seen providing a
charming look to the festival. Hospitality of the land, joyous and cheerful ambience
of the festival, cultural galas and picturesque location draws thousands of
tourists from across the world to witness the fascinating events of Winter
Festival
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Yamunostav
Yamunostav is annual event organized in New Delhi. Yamunostav
is held to highlight the environmental problems the river of Yamuna is facing.
Yamunostav is organized by Swechha (we for Yamuna) association in collaboration
with the British council, India. Yamunostav is held every year on 5th
June and thus also marks the world environment day. Fascinating musical program is organized on
the eve of Yamunostav. Through the entertaining programs attention of the
people is drawn to the environmental crisis the Yamuna River is facing. The event is gaining popularity as many
people from different parts of the country are seen visiting the Yamunostav.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Yatra
Yatra is a part of Indian tradition.
The term does not refer to any particular festival. But, it can be a part of
any festivals. ‘Yatra’ refers to fair, a
journey to a pilgrimage site (Tirtha yatra) and also a procession held during
the celebrations of any festivals. In the Hindu tradition ‘Yatra’ would be
observed as a part of ritual to be followed, but it is not an obligatory
ritual.
It is said that by accomplishing a Yatra
one would feel ‘full filled’. The Yatra consists of visiting holy shrines, and performing
due rituals at the holy site (such as visiting holy rivers, confluences etc. Epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana
state the desirable ‘yatras’ one should accomplish in his life time. However
none are obligatory. A Yatra is a journey to be accomplished. It involves
hardships, sufferings and arriving at the destination fulfills one’s desires.
Some Yatras are:
· Char
Dham Yatra: This includes a journey to four holy cities. They are, Badarinath, Dwarka,
Jagannath Puri and Rameshwaram. It
should be accomplished in one’s life time. Sometimes the cluster would be expanded by
adding few more cities (Sath Dham Yatra for instance).
Manas
Sarovar Yatra: This Yatra consists of visiting the Manas Sarovar Lake near
Mount Kailash.
Amarnath
Yatra: This Yatra consists of visiting the Amarnath Linga in the State of Jammu
and Kashmir. This takes place every
year.
Ratha
Yatra at Puri Jagannath: This Yatra will be accomplished by dragging the
Chariot till the Gundecha Mata temple. This takes place in Jagannath Puri,
Orissa.
Tirtha
Yatra: This Yatra consists of visiting all the holy shrines (pilgrimage sites)
at least once in our lifetime. Sometimes
devotees of a particular deity undertake a journey by walk (bhajans, devotional
songs involved) towards the shrines belonging to their particular deity during
specific times. They go in groups. For
instance, the ‘Warkaris’ in Maharashtra (devotees of Vithoba –the deity of
Pandharpur ) undertake such Yatra in June and July. Their destination would be
Pandharpur.
Fairs: These fairs are called ‘Jatra’ in India. These
‘jatras’ have significance at the regional level. They will be held once in a
year or sometimes once in two years depending upon the tradition of the temple.
Processions will take place including the chariot procession (Rath Yatra of the
particular deity) by the communities.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Ardha Kumbha Mela
Ardha Kumbha Mela and Maha Kumbha
Mela are the main river festivals of India. Maha Kumbha Mela occurs once in
every twelve years where as the Ardha Kumbha Mela occurs once in every six
years. The venue for these Kumbha Melas keeps changing depending upon the
zodiac positions.
Kumbha Melas have a significant role
to play in the Indian continent. They are part of Indian rituals related to rivers.
Earliest mention of these Kumbha Melas would be seen in the accounts of the
Chinese traveler Hsuan-Tsang.
The traveler mentions about these Kumbha melas as
these were held during Harshavardhana’s rule. As the legends describe during the ‘Samudra
Manthan’ (the great churning of ocean) drops of nectar spilled over different
part of India including rivers. So, it is said that by taking dip in the rivers
on a particular zodiac event one would accomplish the salvation. He would get
rid of the follies committed so far by him. The cities where these Kumbha Melas
would be held are: Ujjain, Prayag, Allahabad and Nashik. Millions of devotees
would witness this event. Sometimes stampedes occur. The rituals consist of
taking ritual bath in the river, mass feeding, Shayya daan (gifting beds-a
Buddhist ritual) and taking part in the discourses upon scriptures. There is not
much difference between Maha Kumbha Mela and the Ardha (Half) Kumbha Mela
except the time span involved between two Kumbha Melas. Apart from ritual bathing these Melas provide
for intra-religious modifications.
Last Ardha Kumbha Mela was held at Prayag
in the year 2007. Venue for the next Ardha Kumbha is at Nashik.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Ananya Festival
Ananya festival is a cultural fest of
Indian classical dance and music. The festival would be held in Delhi every
year at the Purana Quila. Usually the
date of the festival falls in the month of October. This is a five day event.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,