Vidushi Mishra“Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”-Mark Twain Kashi was the mystical city and the source of all the devotion I had seen in people so I was thrilled to know that I'd be taking a trip to this city with my father
In India, renowned for its miracles and rich history, the unique bond between devotees and deities is evident. One such temple, dedicated to Mata Shitala, stands in Gurugram, Haryana, boasting a four-century legacy. Revering Goddess Kripi/Kirpai, wife of Guru Dronacharya, this temple draws numerous pilgrims. Shri Shitala Mata, Gurugram's Kuldevi, witnesses rituals like Mundan Sanskar and blessings sought by married couples. Legend has it that centuries ago, Sheetala Mata appeared in a dream to Singha Jat of Gurgaon, prompting the temple's construction. Locals believe the Mother Goddess resides here, with pilgrims attributing miraculous healings from smallpox, measles, and eye diseases to visits to the temple. Spread across a vast complex in Gurgaon, Shitala Mata Temple's grandeur and beauty are admired by all. The temple's towering peak resembles a pyramid, housing a splendid gold statue of Sheetala Mata adorned in red silk. The surrounding area, adorned with gold coating, offers breathtaking views. Lush green lawns and gardens further enhance the temple's allure.
During the holy month of Ramadan, exploring the spiritual significance of mosques is a cherished tradition for many. Among the top five mosques to visit, the Jama Masjid in Delhi stands as an architectural marvel, hosting thousands for prayers and feasts. Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi offers a serene retreat, renowned for its Sufi music sessions. Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai, located amidst the Arabian Sea, offers a breathtaking view and a sense of tranquility. The Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad showcases exquisite Mughal architecture and welcomes devotees with its grandeur. Let us explore some of the must-visit mosques of India to visit during Ramadan 2024.
As the vibrant festival of Holi approaches on Monday, March 25th, it's time to prepare for a celebration filled with joy, laughter, and of course, colors. Holi, often referred to as the festival of colors, is a time-honored tradition cherished by millions around the world. However, amidst the excitement, concerns about the chemical content of commercial colors have prompted many to seek safer alternatives. Fear not, for the solution lies within your own home – homemade natural colors. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating these colorful concoctions, ensuring a Holi celebration that is both safe and sustainable.BROWN: Begin your color-making journey by boiling approximately 200 grams of coffee with water to achieve a rich brown hue. To mask the strong aroma of coffee, consider mixing in some rose water. However, be mindful that coffee water may also leave stains, so handle it with care.PURPLE: Explore the depths of natural pigments by grinding black carrots and blending them with corn flour. After thorough mixing, allow the mixture to dry, infusing your creation with the delightful fragrance of rose water.GREY: Tap into the subtle elegance of grey by utilizing the seeds of amla or Indian gooseberry. Combine the dried powder with corn flour for a gentle yet striking color, free from any worries about harmful chemicals.GREEN: Channel the verdant beauty of nature by mixing henna powder with rice flour or Maida. Whether opting for dry or wet colors, exercise caution as henna mixed in water may leave stains on skin and clothing.YELLOW: Illuminate your festivities with a radiant yellow hue crafted from gram flour and turmeric. Ensure even distribution by rubbing the mixture between your palms before sieving it multiple times for a fine texture.RED: Symbolizing love and vitality, red holds a special place in Holi celebrations. Create your crimson masterpiece by mixing lemon juice with turmeric and allowing it to dry in a well-ventilated space. Alternatively, grind dried red hibiscus flowers and blend them with rice flour and saffron for a luxurious hue. For a wet variation, boil pomegranate peels in water to extract a vivid red pigment.PINK: Add a touch of sweetness to your celebration by boiling beetroot slices or red onions in water. Strain the vibrant liquid and allow it to cool before incorporating it into your color palette.ORANGE: Capture the warmth of the sun with a simple yet vibrant orange hue. Grind dried orange peels into a smooth powder and combine with corn flour and a dash of turmeric. Sieve the mixture to achieve a fine texture that ignites the spirit of Holi.By opting for homemade natural colors, you not only ensure the safety of your loved ones but also contribute to a more sustainable environment. Additionally, involving friends and family in the color-making process fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared joy, enhancing the overall Holi experience. As you prepare to immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of colors that Holi brings, remember the importance of safety, sustainability, and tradition. May your celebrations be filled with laughter, love, and the vibrant hues of nature's palette. Happy Holi!
Nowruz celebrated on the vernal equinox, marks the beginning of the Persian New Year and is observed by millions worldwide, particularly in Iran and across Central Asia. Derived from ancient Zoroastrian traditions, Nowruz translates to "New Day" and symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and the arrival of spring. Its roots trace back over 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously celebrated festivals in the world. This joyous occasion transcends cultural and religious boundaries, embracing diverse communities and fostering unity. Preparations for Nowruz often begin weeks in advance, with households engaging in thorough spring cleaning, symbolizing the cleansing of the past year's troubles and making way for new beginnings. Families gather to decorate their homes with symbolic items such as colorful rugs, fresh flowers, and the iconic haft-seen table, adorned with seven items starting with the Persian letter "S," each representing different hopes and wishes for the coming year.Nowruz festivities typically last for thirteen days, during which people engage in various customs and rituals, including visiting friends and family, exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional foods. Music, dance, and poetry recitations further enhance the celebratory atmosphere, reflecting the rich cultural heritage associated with Nowruz. Beyond its cultural significance, Nowruz embodies universal themes of hope, resilience, and optimism, making it a cherished time for reflection, renewal, and collective celebration.
Saree hardly needs any introduction. It has been worn by Indian women for centuries. A saree is a long and rectangular piece of cloth that can be draped around the body in many ways and is capable of giving a beautiful look to any woman. It is worn on special occasions like weddings, festivals, and religious occasions. But in many places, it is also worn as daily wear. There are many types of sarees in our country, which have the specialties of different states. If you do not know anything special about regional sarees and want to know, then this article is only for you. Indian regional sarees represent the unique culture, tradition, and heritage of different regions. Every state in India has its distinct style of saree, which makes this saree unique. Regional sarees are often made using traditional techniques and materials specific to the area, making them an important part of India's rich cultural heritage. The earliest evidence of sarees can be found in the Indus Valley Civilization, which existed from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. It is believed that women of that time used to wear draped clothes, which were similar to the modern saree. With time, the saree also changed. During the Mughal era, which lasted from the 16th to the 19th century, sarees became more beautiful and decorated with embroidery, sequins, and other embellishments. Mughal influence can still be seen in some popular sarees like Banarasi and Chikankari sarees.
This year the fast of Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on 29 January. It is considered one of the important festivals in the Hindu religion. Let us tell you that it is known by the names Tilkut Chauth, Tilkut Chaturthi, Sankata Chauth, Sakat Chauth, etc. According to the calendar, the festival of Sakat Chauth falls on the Chaturthi date of Krishna Paksha of Magh month. This fast is observed to protect children from all calamities. According to all the Muhurta texts, to complete this fast as per the rituals, there is only one rule there should be a coincidence of moon rise and Chaturthi. On this day, there is a tradition of worshiping Lord Shri Ganesha and fasting. Moon worship also has importance in this fast. There is a tradition of breaking the fast by offering Arghya to the moon after moonrise at night, only then the fast of Sakat Chauth is considered complete.
The average person living in Ladakh has a very normal life, and festivals throughout the year are just a break for them. Ladakh is known for the Buddhist festivals held there. One of these festivals is the Galdan Namchot Festival, which takes place in all the monasteries of Ladakh. The main reason for the event is to honor the birthday of Tsongkhapa, the Tibetan scholar who founded the Gelugpa school of Tibet in the 14th century. The date of this festival varies from year to year depending on the Tibetan calendar but it is celebrated in December. During this festival, all the apartment buildings and monasteries are illuminated with bright lights, which makes it special. This festival is the first event of the year, and it runs up to the Dosmoche Festival. The people of Ladakh also prepare traditional dishes during this festival. This is a famous part of the festival. The most important among these traditional food items is Thukpa. It is a soup made from lamb with vegetables and noodles. During these days, family and close friends come to meet each other and people are very happy.
The best season to visit Rajasthan is winter. When the weather here is favorable for traveling, many types of festivals are also organized here during this time. There are many places like Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Bikaner, that you can plan to visit. These places are not only beautiful but also have their unique specialty. Eating, shopping, royal pomp and show, every kind of enjoyment will be available here. Currently, the Pushkar fair is going on in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Pushkar fair, which started on 18th November, will continue till 27th November. During this time, you will get to see many other programs. If you are thinking of going somewhere out of the city during the weekend, then Ajmer will be the best. Here Shilpgram is being decorated on a Rajasthani theme. Every day people from far and wide will come here to see Kalbeliya and Terhtali dance. This time Pushkar fair is going to be more special. By coming to this fair, you can not only enjoy the folk dance and music here but can also enjoy the childhood games like Sitauliya, Langdi Tang, Gilli-Danda, and Kabaddi. Rajasthan is famous all over the world for its handicraft items, so there is a handicraft market at this fair, from where you can buy many beauty items ranging from home decoration to daily use. Lagaan style cricket match will be organized on 22nd November. There will also be a mustache competition on the same day. Which is a different level of enjoyment. People come here with long, different-styled mustaches and take part in the competition. There will also be a competition for tying turban. Horse dance will be the most special attraction. Camel decoration and dance competition will be organized on 23rd November. Apart from this, you will be able to enjoy the cultural show of Rajasthan. You can also enjoy hot air balloons by coming to the fair. The distance of Pushkar from Ajmer in Rajasthan is just 11 kilometers, where the Pushkar fair is organized every year. Let us tell you that the history of this fair is about 100 years old. Like every year, this time the surrounding villagers will celebrate the rich Hindu culture here by performing religious rituals, folk music, and dance. If you go by train from Delhi to see the Pushkar Fair, then you can see the entire fair at a cost of up to Rs 5,000. This includes ticket and traveling expenses. To stay in Pushkar, lodges or hotels are also available at low cost. Here you can reach Ajmer by bus and then further to Pushkar. Buses are also available here from many cities of Rajasthan like Jaipur, and Jodhpur. If you are planning to come by flight then Kishangarh Airport is the nearest airport here.
The excitement of Chhath Puja is visible everywhere, everyone is now busy preparing. This great festival of worship of Chhathi Maiya and Suryadev is of special importance. Chhath has special significance in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Chhath festival lasts for four days, it starts with bathing and eating and ends by offering Arghya to the setting and rising sun. It has a deep impact on common life also. Every wish is fulfilled by worshiping the Sun god. The Chhath festival celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Paksha Shashthi is called 'Chaiti Chhath' and the festival celebrated on Kartik Shukla Paksha Shashthi is called 'Kartiki Chhath'. Chhath Puja is especially done for children. Chhath Puja is also called the great festival of faith because it is necessary to have faith to worship continuously for 36 hours, and devotees get this faith only from Chhathi Maiya. It is believed that Chhathi Maiya is pleased by worship done with a true heart and fulfills all the wishes of those observing fast. Chhath Puja is mentioned in many texts including Mahabharata. There are many stories about its origin, which show its importance. Let’s know Why and How the Chhath festival is celebrated. According to the Puranas, a king named Priyavrata had no children. For this he made every effort, but to no avail. The king had made up his mind to commit suicide. Then Goddess Shashthi appeared in the dream and asked for Surya worship. The king did the same and had a child. After this, the king announced to celebration of this festival in his kingdom.
Every year everyone eagerly waits for Diwali. In the year 2023, Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, 12 November 2023. The five-day-long festival of lights starts from Dhanteras and continues till Bhai Dooj. In Hindu religion, the festival of Diwali is celebrated on the new moon day of Kartik month. It is said that on Kartik Amavasya, Mother Lakshmi comes to earth at night and wanders from house to house. This is why on the day of Diwali, houses and courtyards are illuminated by lighting lamps all around. According to religious texts, on the day of Diwali, Shri Ram returned to Ayodhya with Mother Sita and Lakshman after conquering Lanka and completing 14 years of exile. On this day, lamps were lit all over India including the city of Ayodhya to welcome Shri Ram of the King of Ayodhya. From this day Diwali started being celebrated every year on Kartik Amavasya. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped by lighting houses and praying for happiness, prosperity, and wealth. The festival of Diwali is celebrated for five days, it starts with Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi on the second day, Diwali on the third day, Govardhan Puja on the fourth day and Bhai Dooj festival is celebrated on the fifth day. Every day has its own importance. For five days, lamps are lit in the house and courtyard, and happiness is celebrated. The festival of Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. The festival of Diwali is starting tomorrow, and for this, people have started preparing in advance. On this occasion, people often have to buy a lot of things. In such a situation, everyone has only one question where to buy cheap and good goods. Because on Diwali, everyone's priority is from decorating homes to buying new clothes, jewelry, and items to making various sweets and giving gifts to friends and relatives. There are many places in Delhi where you will get all types of items for the festival of Diwali at affordable prices. Let us know which market is best for Diwali shopping and what can be bought from where.
Every year Sharad Purnima or Kojagiri Purnima is celebrated on the next day of Chaturdashi tithi of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month. This year Sharad Purnima is on 28th October. Also, the last Lunar eclipse of 2023 is going to occur on Sharad Purnima Tithi. Lunar eclipse will be visible in India; therefore, Sutak will also be considered. According to the Panchang, Purnima Tithi will start at 04:17 a.m. on October 28 (as per the English calendar) and end at 01:53 a.m. the next day on October 29.Sharad Purnima has special significance in Sanatan Dharma. Ganga bath is taken on this day. Along with this, worship, chanting, and donations are also done. To attain success in a special task, devotees also keep a fast for Lord Vishnu on the full moon day. Apart from this, Shri Satyanarayan Puja is also performed on Purnima Tithi. Overall, Sharad Purnima is very auspicious. There is a religious belief that by worshiping Lord Vishnu on the full moon day, the devotee gets sure results. Also, sorrow and distress go away. Come, let us know how the Lunar eclipse affects Sharad Purnima and how to worship, etc. in this article.The night of Sharad Purnima is important in many ways. While it is considered the beginning of autumn and it is even said in the Puranas that even the gods themselves come to earth to admire its beauty. There is a religious belief that on the night of Sharad Purnima, nectar rains from the sky. For this reason, people prepare kheer and keep it in the moonlight throughout the night, so that after taking a bath in the morning and eating it as prasad, they can become healthy. As per the astrologers, prepare kheer before the Sutak period of the eclipse begins. On this day, before the start of Sutak, add basil leaves to the kheer. You can keep this kheer in the moonlight before the lunar eclipse begins. But, keep in mind that before the eclipse starts, remove the Kheer from there. Before the lunar eclipse i.e., during the Sutak period, if you keep the kheer in the moonlight, then keep in mind that you should make only so much kheer that it will be finished before the eclipse starts.
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi started on Tuesday. Ganeshotsav lasts for 10 days and after 10 days, devotees immerse Lord Ganesha present in their homes with great pomp. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country but is especially celebrated in the southern states of India as well as Maharashtra. On Ganesh Chaturthi, his devotees buy his idol from the market, bring it to their home and install it with full rituals.
Some things that are included in the list of people visiting Amritsar include visiting the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh, trying the world-famous Amritsari Kulche, and going to watch the retreat parade of Indian BSF soldiers at the Wagah-Attari border. This is not an ordinary parade, in this parade along with Indian soldiers, Pakistani Army soldiers also parade across the border. In such a situation, it is natural for the enthusiasm of the Indians present in the parade to reach the heights of heights...isn't it? If you are also planning to visit Amritsar and Wagah Border, then this article is useful for you. We are going to give you all the information about the parade to be held at Wagah Border. And yes, there is a need to keep some things in mind while going to Wagah Border, otherwise, it may happen that you reach the border but return empty-handed without seeing and experiencing this magnificent parade.
In Hindu religion, the worship of Shri Krishna, who is considered to be the full incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is considered very auspicious and fulfills all the wishes. This is the reason that every year on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month, the birth anniversary of Murali Manohar Krishna is celebrated with great pomp in the country and the world. Devotees of Kanha also perform his sixth-day puja (Chhathi) like a common child, exactly 6 days after his birth anniversary, which will be celebrated this year on Tuesday, 12 September 2023. In the Sanatan tradition, just as a small child's Chhathi is celebrated on the sixth day of his birth, in the same way, exactly six days before the great festival of Janmashtami, the devotees of Lord Shri Krishna celebrate his Chhathi with great joy and enthusiasm. According to Hindu belief, the person who performs the sixth puja of Lord Krishna as per the rituals and offers him the food of his choice gets the blessings of Kanha throughout the year and he gets virtuous results. So, here we will tell Krishna’s 2 favourite bhog which have to be part of Lord Krishna’s Chhathi bhog thali.
Sawan, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, has started today, July 04. In the month of Sawan, a large number of Shiva devotees perform the Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva. There is a long queue of devotees in the temples of Bholenath in Sawan. It is believed that in Sawan, Lord Shiva himself comes to Earth and operates the universe. In such a situation, performing Rudrabhishek on Shivling in Sawan and offering dear things to Bholenath gives desired results. On this day Lord Bholenath is very pleased by offering fruits, flowers, and bel leaves on the Shivling. Shivling worship and Rudrabhishek are considered very fruitful in Sawan. It is believed that by offering 14 favorite things of Bholenath on the Shivling, he becomes pleased and fulfills all the wishes of his devotees. At the same time, there are some such things that are considered prohibited in the worship of Bholenath. So, let's know what to offer on Shivling and what not. Water must be offered on this day. On this day Lord Bholenath is very pleased by offering fruits, flowers, and bel leaves on the Shivling. If nothing happens, Lord Bholenath becomes pleased just by offering a glass of water. Offering Panchamrit before offering water is also considered good. Every wish is fulfilled by offering these 14 things on Shivling - water, curd, milk, ghee, perfume, belpatra, dhatura, aak or jasmine flower, honey, sugar candy, Ganga Jal, mustard oil, kusha water, and sugarcane juice. According to astrology, by offering these 14 things on the Shivling in the month of Sawan, along with the destruction of diseases, suffering, enemies, and sins, there is an increase in wealth, glory, son, health, wisdom, love, vehicle, building, and all happiness. There is recognition.
India is a country that is known worldwide for its unique history and interesting stories as well as temples and their mysteries. Prepare a list of mythological temples of India, thousands of such temples will be found which have an interesting history, some mysterious, and some miracles will force you to think about divine powers. In this article of Patrika.com, today we are telling you about one such Shiva temple which is known as the tallest Shiva temple in Asia. The name of this Shiva temple is Jatoli Shiva Temple. This temple established in the hills of Himachal Pradesh is famous for its miracles in the country and the world. It is told about this temple that if you pat the stones in the temple with your hand, you will hear the sound of Damru.Jatoli Shiva Temple is located at a distance of about seven km from Solan city of Himachal Pradesh. Lord Shiva is believed to have done penance at this place. Later Swami Krishna Paramhans came here and he also did penance here. It is believed that this Shiva temple was built only at the behest of Krishna Paramhans. According to the information, it took about 39 years to build the temple. It is said that by tapping the stones in the temple, a special kind of sound comes, which is heard like a drum. A water tank is also situated near the Jatoli Shiva temple and a story related to this water tank is also prevalent here. When Swami Krishnanand Paramhans came here in the year 1950, then there was a shortage of water in Solan. Due to the lack of water, the people here had to live in a lot of difficulties. In such a situation, Swami Krishnanand Paramhans did severe penance and then Shiva struck with his trident and a stream of water gushed out. Since then water bodies have existed here. It is believed that since then till today there was no problem of water shortage at this place. The people here believe that after bathing in the water of this water tank made of Trishul, the body becomes healthy. Devotees throng here on the day of Mahashivaratri. There is an influx of devotees especially during Mahashivratri and the month of Sawan. The situation is such that the devotees have to wait for hours to have darshan. The height of the dome of Jatoli Shiva temple is said to be 111 feet. Recently, an 11 feet tall golden urn has been offered at this temple. The total height of the temple is up to 122 feet. Devotees have to climb 100 steps to enter the Jatoli Shiva temple. Idols of other gods and goddesses have been installed outside and around the temple. Due to being present in the mountains, a very good view of nature is also seen all around. Being the highest Shiva temple in Asia, it is also considered very important in terms of tourism. There is a rhinestone gem Shivling inside the Jatoli Shiva temple. Mother Parvati is also sitting in this temple along with Lord Bholenath. The building of the temple is worth seeing and this beauty also increases due to the presence of mountains and forests around the temple. Apart from being grand, very fine workmanship has been done in the Shiva temple. This is the reason why it took 39 years to build this temple. The Shiva temple has been built in Dravidian style, whose carving is amazing.
Shravan or Sawan is the fifth month of the year according to the Hindu calendar, which falls in the month of July or August of the Christian calendar. It is also called the month of rainy season or 'Pavas Ritu' because it rains a lot at this time. Many important festivals are celebrated in this month, in which 'Hariyali Teej', 'Rakshabandhan', 'Nagpanchami' etc. are prominent. 'Shravan Purnima' is celebrated as 'Nariyali Purnima' and 'Avani Avittam' in South India, 'Kajri Poonam' in Central India, 'Rakshabandhan' in North India, and 'Pavitropana' in Gujarat. The diversity of festivals is the hallmark of India's uniqueness. There is special importance in worshiping Lord Shiva in the month of 'Shravan' i.e., Sawan. The Mondays falling in this month are called "Mondays of Sawan", in which women and especially unmarried girls keep fast etc. for the sake of Lord Shiva. This year 2023, the thirteenth month of the Hindu calendar is coming, which we call Adhikamas. Due to this Adhikamas, Sawan will last for about 2 months, which will be of 59 days. The special thing about all these things is that this rare coincidence is happening after 19 years. In the month of Sawan, Lord Shankar should be worshiped with his family members. 'Rudrabhishek' of Lord Shiva has special significance in this month. That's why 'Rudrabhishek' can be done every day in this month, while in other months the auspicious time of Shivvas has to be observed. Lord Shiva's Rudrabhishek is bathed with water, milk, curd, pure ghee, honey, sugar or sugar, Gangajal, sugarcane juice, etc. After consecration, Lord Shiva is pleased with Belpatra, Shamipatra, Kusha, Doob, etc. In the end, cannabis, dhatura, and quince are offered to Bholenath as bhog.
In India, there has been a tradition of considering the Guru as everything since mythological times. But do you know why Guru Purnima is celebrated? On the other hand, in the whole world, priority has been given to education to improve the personality of a human being, but on the other hand, in India education has been given a million times more priority than that, teachers i.e., teachers. There is a very old saying that it is the Guru who shows his disciple the right path. The festival of Guru Purnima is celebrated considering the Guru as a witness.
The origin of Indian classical music is believed to be from the Vedas. Music is discussed in depth in Samveda. Indian classical music has been deeply influenced by spirituality, so it originated as a means to attain 'Moksha', the ultimate goal of human life. The importance of music is also clear from the fact that Indian teachers have given it the noun of 'Pancham Veda' or 'Gandharva Veda'. Bharatmuni's 'Natyasastra' was the first such book, in which the basic principles of drama, dance, and music were rendered.
Every year, Jagannath Dev of Puri in Odisha along with his elder brother Balabhadra and younger sister Subhadra travels on three different chariots from his temple to his maternal aunt's house at Gundicha temple. Rath Yatra is organized every year in Puri with great fanfare, in which lakhs of devotees from all over the world participate. This year the Rath Yatra will be organized on 20th June. Before participating in such a big event for the first time, this information will be very useful for you.
Buddha Purnima or Vaishakh Purnima, is the most important festival for the followers of Buddhism across the globe. Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini on the day of Buddha Purnima, on this day he attained enlightenment and, on this day, his Mahanirvana also took place. It is observed on the full moon day of Baisakh month. While the festival of Buddha Purnima holds special significance for Buddhist followers, there is a different belief about this day for Hindus as well. The place named Bodhgaya located in Bihar is a holy pilgrimage place for the followers of Hindu and Buddhist religions. After renunciation, Siddhartha wandered in the forest for seven years in search of truth. Here he did severe reparation and achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya on the day of Vaishakh Purnima, since then, this day is known as Buddha Purnima. On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, a month-long fair is held at the Mahaparinirvan Vihar located in Kushinagar, the place of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana. The construction of this temple is encouraged by the caves of Ajanta. This Vihara has a 6.1-meter-long reclining idol of Lord Buddha, made of red sandstone. This Vihara has been built at the same place from where this idol was taken out. There is a stupa in the eastern part of the vihara. Lord Buddha was cremated here. This idol is also a replica of the Mahaparinirvana idol of Lord Buddha made in Ajanta. In Sri Lanka and other South-East Asian countries, this day is celebrated as the Shwesaka festival. On this day Buddhist followers light lamps in the houses and decorate the homes with flowers. Followers of Buddhism from all over the globe come to Bodh Gaya and offer prayers. Buddhist scriptures are recited on this day. Flowers and fruits are offered to the idol of Buddha in monasteries and homes and worshiped by lighting lamps. The Bodhi tree is also worshipped. Its branches are decorated with garlands and colorful flags. Milk and scented water are poured into its roots by lighting a lamp around the tree. Good deeds done on this full moon day bring merit. Birds are released from cages and food and clothes are donated to the poor.
People from all over the world prepare throughout the year to see the Ganga Aarti. The Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas is the origin of the Ganges River. It runs across northern India and splits into two rivers, the Hooghly in West Bengal and the Padma in Bangladesh. The Ganges flows through several cities which include Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi, and Allahabad. These are the prominent cities where you can experience the divinity of Ganga Aarti. The Ganga Ghats in these cities are some of the most religiously important places and tourist spots. These can also be included in your North India pilgrimage.
Shri Hanuman, the devotee of Shri Ram and the God of Kalyug, it is believed that whoever praises him with full devotion, Bajrang Bali definitely showers his blessings on him. Lord Hanuman is one of the most revered Hindu deities. There are many Hanuman temples in the country, in relation to which it is believed that only by visiting these temples all the troubles of Hanuman devotees will fade away. Some of these are such temples that have a lot of recognition as devotees come from all over the globe to come to fulfill their wishes and seek blessings. Let us know the most visited Hanuman temples in India.
Srirangam, situated at a distance of 12 km from Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, is a huge temple complex spread over an area of about 150 acres. Lord Vishnu, who is worshiped as Sriranganathaswamy, is enshrined in this huge temple complex of Srirangam. The Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, situated on an island formed by the Kaveri and its tributary Kollidam, is the largest operating temple complex in India and is believed in Hindu texts and Puranas to have existed since the beginning of creation. Srirangam is the first of the divine countries and one of the self-manifested regions of Lord Vishnu. The Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam is considered to be the first among the 108 Divya Desams. Srirangam is one of the 8 self-manifested regions of Lord Vishnu. Apart from Srirangam, there are seven other self-manifested regions, Srimushnam, Venkatadri, Saligrama, Naimisharanya, Pushkara, Totadri, and Badri. Apart from this, this area is also one of the Panch Rang areas situated on the banks of the river Kaveri.
The Ajanta Caves are located at a distance of about 105 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra. Ajanta Caves is of the most visited places in India and is much older than Ellora caves. Ajanta Caves were carved out of a horseshoe-shaped rock outcrop which has 26 caves in total. Situated on the banks of the Waghur River these caves are rock-cut Buddhist monuments and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gangaur festival is a folk festival in Rajasthan that is all about celebrating the marriage and love of Goddess Gauri and Lord Shiva. Married women worship Goddess Parvati for their husbands' long life and good health, while unmarried women worship the goddess to get a good husband.
There are about 200 small and big rivers in India and each river has its own importance. Some rivers are the main source of livelihood for the Indian people whereas, some have become hubs for activities like river rafting and some are famous as religious places where people from all over the country come to take a dip as bathing in these holy rivers is a purifying ritual that is thought to wash away a penitent's sins, and spreading one's ashes in the water upon death may improve one's karma and hasten salvation. In today's article, we are going to tell you about the holy rivers of India and their importance.
Hindu New Year is celebrated by all the communities of the world based on their local customs and traditions. According to the calendar based on Vikram Samvat, Shukla Pratipada of Chaitra month is being celebrated as Hindu New Year by the Hindu community in India for centuries. The Hindu New Year celebrated according to the calendar based on Vikram Samvat is also known as Hindu Nava Samvatsar or Naya Samvat. Along with this, this day has also been known by the names of Samvatsarambh, Ugadi, Gudipadwa, Vasant Ritu Aarambh, etc. The Hindu New Year is considered to be the beginning of the Hindu New Year in the country only from the Hindu New Year, which happens in the month of Chaitra. In the month of Chaitra, enthusiasm and beauty are displayed all around in nature and the arrival of spring. On the occasion of the Hindu New Year, the whole of nature seems ready to welcome the new year. From the spiritual point of view also, the Hindu New Year is celebrated as a very holy day.
Holi is one of the most prominent and popular festivals of India which is celebrated all over India with great pomp and gaiety by people of almost all religions and all communities. Holi also known as the festival of colors, is a spring festival celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which occurs around the month of March. Holi is such a festival in which we apply colors on each other, due to which mutual love and brotherhood increase, that is why it is also known as the festival of love. Although Holi is celebrated with great pomp all over India, but the interesting thing is that in the best places in India to celebrate Holi, Holi is celebrated in different ways everywhere, which is unique and wonderful in its own way and India itself. Not only this, it attracts tourists from abroad too, so let us know the best places in India to celebrate Holi –
The 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva have great importance in Hinduism and these are located at 12 different places in the country. According to the Hindu religion, a person who visits all 12 Jyotirlingas, attains salvation after death and all his troubles and obstacles are removed. If you are also planning to start the spiritual journey of these Jyotirlingas, then in this article you will get all information related to the entire 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Taj Mahal, a picture of supernatural beauty made of white stones on the banks of the Yamuna River, has made its identity not only in India but in the whole world. The Taj Mahal has been included among the seven wonders of the world. The Taj Mahotsav takes place every year from 18 to 27 February. Its purpose is to provide maximum sales opportunities to the artisans along with the promotion of handicrafts and crafts. You can enjoy the festival with your whole family. Tourists keep coming to see the Taj Mahal throughout the year, but during the Taj Mahotsav, there is a lot of excitement here. The Taj Mahal attracts millions of tourists from around the world including Indian tourists. This festival provides thrill and entertainment for everyone. The funfair is the biggest attraction for the children in this festival.Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department started Taj Mahotsav in 1992 to make the Taj Mahal beautiful. This festival is organized every year by Uttar Pradesh Tourism. A huge number of travelers from all over the world come to visit this festival. Tajmahal tells about the incredible India which is the most beautiful historical place in India. This festival has special significance among lovers of art, craft, culture, and cuisine. The fair is being organized at Shilpgram, located at the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal. You can attend this fair from February 18 (Saturday) - February 27 (Monday). The ticket fee for entering the fair has been kept at Rs 50. Admission is free for children under 12 and for foreign tourists. Tourists who want to participate in this fair for 10 consecutive days. With this ticket, you will also be able to enjoy the cultural programs organized here. By reaching Agra, you will get a chance to see the historical and one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, and at the same time, you will be able to feel the historicity of Agra.The Taj Mahotsav 2023 will be organized on the theme of Jashn-e-Virasat. The Uttar Pradesh government has sought people's suggestions to decide on the theme of this year's Taj Mahotsav. Renowned artists of the country will try to spread the message of love among tourists from all over the world. There will be many programs of dance and music on this occasion and you will be able to enjoy many delicacies for 10 days. You can enjoy your favorite artist's performance on these dates:Amit Mishra on 20 FebruaryIndian Ocean Band on February 21Sachet Tandon and tradition on 22 FebruaryQawwali by Warsi Brothers on 23 FebruarySadho Band on 24 FebruaryPawandeep and Arunita on 25 FebruaryWorld Designing Forum on 26 FebruaryMaithili Thakur on 27 FebruaryKhete Khan on 28 FebruaryHarshdeep Kaur on March 1If you also want to see the Taj Mahal, then it would be better to come to Agra in this season. The floors of the Taj Mahal are very hot during the very hot season, whereas in the month of February, the government gives a great opportunity to see the Taj Mahal.HOW TO REACH AGRA BY ROADAgra is connected to the rest of the country by three major national highways including Nh2, Nh3, and Nh11. Government buses, private buses, and luxury buses like Volvo are available from Agra. UP Tourism also organizes guided tours within the city to Sikandra and Fatehpur Sikri on deluxe buses. The Yamuna Expressway has increased connectivity to Agra and reduced travel time. From Delhi, you can now reach Agra within two hours.HOW TO REACH AGRA BY TRAINAgra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and is well-connected by rail. The city has seven railway stations of its own. Out of these seven, three main railway stations are Agra Fort Railway Station, Agra Cantt Railway Station, and Raja-ki-Mandi. Most of the trains pass through the former two stations, including the luxury train 'Palace on Wheels' which gives you a royal feel, and the Shatabdi and Rajdhani Express. Tundla station is well connected by road to Agra.HOW TO REACH AGRA BY FLIGHTAgra has its own airport, Kheria Airport, which is about 5 km from the city center. It is served by major domestic airlines from across the country.
The Konark Sun Temple, located on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River in the state of Odisha, is a colossal amalgamation of artistic magnificence and engineering mastery built in the mid-13th century. King Narasimhadeva I, the great ruler of the Ganga dynasty, built the Konark Sun Temple with the help of 1200 artisans during his reign in 1243-1255 AD. Since the rulers of the Ganga dynasty worshiped the sun, the temple, built in the Kalinga style, depicts the sun god in the form of a chariot and the stones are carved with exquisite carvings. This temple is made of red sandstone and black granite stones. The entire temple site is built with twelve pairs of wheels pulled by seven horses, in which the sun god is shown seated. Currently, only one horse is left, out of the seven horses. The temple as it exists today has survived partly due to the preservation of archaeological teams from the British India era.
Chokhi Dhani is a luxury heritage resort located in Jaipur, Rajasthan that gives you a feel of the Rajasthani village culture. Chokhi Dhani is located on the outskirts of the city on Tonk Road. It shows you the real depiction of traditional Rajasthan with ancient artifacts, handicrafts, paintings, folklore, and sculptures. Chokhi Dhani which means 'Good Village' was built in 1989 in the heart of Jaipur city. It is spread over about ten acres. Here, you get to see different folk dances of Rajasthan. Chokhi Dhani Village's Kalbeliya dance is the most famous. Apart from this, you can see puppet shows, marble games, predicting parrots, magic shows, horse riding, and boating here. All the tourists who come to visit Jaipur city, definitely want to go to Chokhi Dhani. If you also want to go to Chokhi Dhani or want to know about it, then definitely read this article, in this, we are going to give you complete information about Chokhi Dhani. Chokhi Dhani in Jaipur has been in existence since 1994 and serves guests from across India and the world through its 5-star hotels. Even though Chokhi Dhani is located away from the city, it attracts tourists because of the Rajasthani village feel of its 5-star hotels. Chokhi Dhani's architecture has been built on traditional Rajasthani design by the most skilled of architects and it has everything that blends the tranquillity of a village with the extravagance of a luxury hotel. Tourists visiting Chokhi Dhani can enjoy boat rides, camel rides, horse rides, and elephant and bullock cart rides. The Battle of Haldi Ghati, famous throughout Rajasthan, is regularly shown by trained artists at Chokhi Dhani, which is one of the major attractions here. There is also an ancient Rathkhana which is very popular and displays the ancient chariots used by the royal families of Rajasthan. Huts depicting the village life of Mewar, desert, and Jaisalmer are present within the Chokhi Dhani, providing a truly Rajasthani experience to the tourists or guests visiting here and also get to know the rich history of this desert state Other popular attractions in Jaipur's Chokhi Dhani include the Vaishno Devi Temple, a man-made waterfall, and the Tejaji Temple. The National Museum at Chokhi Dhani displays the culture and heritage of each state of the country, with the help of which tourists can go through the vibrant traditions of the country and learn about the culture of each state. The museum includes exhibits of the culture and heritage of states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, West Bengal Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. At Chokhi Dhani, food is served on leaf plates on which you can enjoy a Rajasthani meal which includes – Onion Kachori, Mirchi Bada, Buttermilk, Mirch ke Tipore, Aam ki Launji, Papad, Garlic Chutney, Dal Baati Churma, Gatte Ki Sabzi, Bajra, Jowar, Maize or Missi Roti, Poori, Rice, Panchmela Dal, Ker Sangri, Papad Sabzi, Rajasthani Kadhi, and lastly Ghevar. You can relish open-air Rajasthani food at Gorband which is popular for its Rajasthani snacks and delicacies. The sport-designed Chaupad Dining Hall is known for its unique design and delicious food. Here you can truly enjoy royal food like kings and queens. If you also want to shop in Chokhi Dhani, then you can buy colorful shoes, kurtis, jackets, handicrafts, and many more here.
Our country is proud of huge statues and is on its way to making them even better. Many of these statues in India claim to be the tallest statues in the world in their respective regions. Apart from the political, and religious context of these sculptures in India, they are also a rich heritage to be proud of. Being a spectacular site to behold, these places are often frequented by locals and tourists. Today, in this article we will tell you about the tallest god statues in India.
The 36th Surajkund International Handicrafts Fair will start today. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will inaugurate the fair at 4 pm. During this, ambassadors of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries and some Chief Ministers and Governors of Northeastern states will also be present. The fair complex will showcase the art culture of G-20 and North Eastern states along with SCO countries. Secretary, the Ministry of Tourism, Arvind Singh said that preparations are on to introduce the ambassadors and representatives of G-20 countries to Indian culture through the fair. Chief Minister Manohar Lal, Tourism Minister Kanwar Pal, Union Minister of State Krishan Pal Gurjar, and Minister Moolchand Sharma will be present at the inauguration ceremony. A separate zone has been prepared for handicrafts from countries belonging to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, behind the main square in the fair premises. It includes handicrafts from Iran, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The eight northeastern states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura have been made the theme states of the fair while Shanghai countries have been made the partner countries of the fair this time. Representatives from more than 45 countries will participate in the fair. These include Kazakhstan, China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Turkey, Cambodia, and UAE, besides Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Kuwait, Myanmar, Maldives, and Bahrain.Hosted annually by the Haryana Tourism Department, the 36th Surajkund fair to be held in Faridabad, Haryana will be held from February 3 to 19. The fair started in 1987. The purpose of this fair is to promote local arts. Every year the theme of this fair is different. This time this fair will be organized in a grander manner than in previous years. Several cabinet ministers like tourism, textiles, culture, and external affairs are involved in the mega art fair. This year’s theme is India's Ashtalakshmi- the Northeast. The whole fair can be decorated on the same theme. This time, due to the G-20 summit, the number of foreign tourists at the fair is also expected to double. Tourists will be able to taste Manipur's Chahao Kheer, Meghalaya's Fruit Chat, and Tripura's Bhangui Biryani at the fair. Significantly, this fair is held every year and there are a lot of craze among tourists regarding it. At this fair, tourists will be able to taste foreign and Indian cuisine. This time food courts will also be increased. The fair attracts visitors from all over the world. People from SAARC countries also participate in the fair to showcase their arts, crafts, and cuisine along with the people of the country. Both foreigners and Indians participate in the Surajkund International Crafts Fair. For this reason, the fair is called Surajkund International Crafts Fair. Many renowned folk artists and cultural organizations from across the country and the world perform at the Chaupals during the day. The fair mainly promotes indigenous products like Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and many other cultural products. There is a complete system of food and shopping for the people at the fair. Many folk dancers and musicians showcase their performances at this event. These artists come from many cultural backgrounds and perform in chaupals and outdoor festivals. Various arrangements like open-air theater have been made for the Surajkund fair.Along with the international Surajkund country, a large number of foreign tourists will also participate, in view of which elaborate security arrangements have been made. During the fair, the police will keep an eye on every corner. Along with this, guidelines have been issued to strengthen other arrangements including parking. In view of the increasing number of tourists at the Surajkund fair, every effort is being made to maintain transparency in ticket sales. A plan is being made to put a hologram on the ticket so that fake ticket sales can be stopped. Surajkund Fair Timings will be from 12:30 PM to 9:30 PM and the ticket price on weekdays will be around Rs.120/- while on weekends the ticket price will be Rs.180/- There will be a 50 percent discount on tickets for school and college students. You can book tickets by visiting the official website of Haryana Tourism or on BookMyShow.
India is a country of traditions and faith and there are some such temples in India where the style of worship is also unique and those who are worshiped are also different. Do you know that there are temples in our country where strange offerings are proffered as Prasad. So, in this article, we have listed some of the major temples of India where people offer a strange types of Prasad.
Christmas is one of the most famous and awaited festivals in India and the world, which is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ with great pomp and show in various cities of India. Christmas is primarily celebrated on 25th December as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. Everyone waits for this day regardless of their religion. Though Christmas is celebrated in every nook and corner of India, it is mostly celebrated with great pomp and gaiety in the metropolitan cities of India, Southern and North-Eastern India. Which has become a center of attraction for Christians as well as for a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. If you are also planning to visit this Christmas holidays with your family or friends, then do read our complete article where we have prepared a list of 6 best places for you to celebrate the Christmas holidays in India –
Traveling on the train is a different fun of its own… We all have traveled on a train in childhood, but have you ever traveled on a toy train? The scenic beauty of dense forests in beautiful valleys, tunnels, and tea gardens are the add-on benefits of traveling on a train. If you are planning to have a holiday somewhere in the near future, then include some places in your holiday list where you can enjoy the toy train, especially for children who enjoy riding in the toy train. Now, you must be wondering which place to choose for traveling in a toy train… no need to worry we have shortlisted some of the best toy train traveling for you. Read the article and book your tickets for the winter vacation.
People who are fond of food, every day try to see something new on their plate. That's why sometimes they go out because they don't get that taste at home. The Thali of many states is very famous in our country. Today, we are going to tell you about some such plates which are very famous in our country. Like Gujarati Thali, Rajasthani Thali, South Indian Thali, and many more. The plates of these states are different, as the dishes on these plates are also according to the taste of the state.
India's stepwells, also commonly known as baolis, as the name suggests, are wells with steps descending into them. Stepwells were a common phenomenon in India between the 2nd and 4th centuries, especially in western India, and the Indus Valley Civilization can still be traced in these stepwells. Apart from being a source of water, these famous stepwells of India are also wonderful piece of architecture which was built by the kings at different times. India's magnificent stepwells remain an important part of Indian tourism today, which has become the center of attraction for a large number of Indian and foreign tourists due to its amazing workmanship and beautiful architecture. If you are also fond of traveling and are a lover of ancient art, then you must visit these stepwells. Even today there are about 2000 stepwells in India that have maintained their water but, in this article, we are going to tell you the most famous and historical stepwells of India which are really worth visiting.
A wedding in India is a big event, with functions lasting from three to seven days. Every bride and groom wants everything related to their wedding to be the best. There are many such markets in India, which are considered best for wedding shopping. One can easily find good products at a reasonable price in these markets. So, if you are also looking for a fabulous market for your big day then, we will tell you about such places in India in this article.
Often, we see couples start many types of preparation for their wedding before the engagement, in which the most enthusiasm is about the wedding destination. That's why couples and their families search for the best wedding destination to make the wedding event superior. If you are also looking for the Best Wedding Destination in India to make your wedding special, then let us tell you that there are some such places in India that can celebrate the most special occasion of your life i.e., a wedding. It is filled with charm and incredible grandeur. All you have to do is select one of the best wedding destinations in India according to your wedding theme and choice. So here are some of the most popular wedding destinations which you must choose for your special day!
Due to ancient to new temples, India has been the center of attraction all over the world. At the same time, do you know that apart from India, there are many renowned temples spread across the globe and are recognized worldwide? People from various countries visit these prominent temples. Today we are going to tell you about those temples which are present in countries other than India.
The preparations for the Mahaparva i.e., Diwali are going on in full swing, as on October 24, the festival of Diwali will be celebrated all over the country. Maa Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and happiness and prosperity. Goddess Lakshmi, one of the main deities of Sanatan Dharma, is worshiped in different forms in different parts of the country. According to religious beliefs, worshiping Goddess Lakshmi by visiting the temple, especially on Diwali removes financial troubles and brings happiness and prosperity. There are many ancient and famous temples of Mahalakshmi located across the country which are most visited during Deepawali. So, let's know the importance of some of the most famous temples during the festival of lights.
The festival of Diwali is about to come and preparations have started across the country. While most of the houses are being cleaned for Diwali, many people are thinking of new ideas for decoration and rangoli. Meanwhile, the most important part of the preparations for the festival is shopping. From clothes, jewellery, diyas, lights, and gifts, there are many things to buy for Diwali. While most people get excited after hearing the name of shopping, it also becomes a headache for some when they do not understand where to go shopping. To remove the headache of finding perfect markets, we have brought 5 such cities in India which are perfect for Diwali shopping. Along with this, we will also tell you where it would be better to shop in these cities. Let's see which are those 5 cities-
Karva Chauth is just around the corner, and every woman likes to apply mehndi for this occasion. So, we thought to tell you about the world-famous Mehndi which is from Sojat city of Rajasthan. Sojat is a town 38 km away from the Pali district headquarters of Rajasthan. It is famous all over the world for its mehndi. From bollywood celebrities to politicians Sojat's mehndi has been applied to the hands of many famous personalities from all over the world. Earlier there was a craze among women for the design of mehndi but now women have become particular about the color of the mehndi produced. Sojat's henna is very appealing to everyone these days. Sojat alone supplies henna to 130 countries. Here the annual turnover of Mehndi is touching 4 thousand crores.Recently, actress Katrina Kaif, who got married, to the actor Vicky Kaushal also applied Sojat’s mehndi on her hands and legs for her big day. Traders say Sojat’s soil has a special kind of pigment. This pigment is responsible for the dark color produced by heena on the hands. In such a situation, the question arises that after all, what is so special in the mehendi of Sojat town of Pali district of Rajasthan that the whole world is its admirer. So, let's answer this question and know what is the specialty of Sojat's henna.
Pitru Paksha is considered very special for Hinduism. The fifteen days of the Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month are called Pitru Paksha. This time Pitru Paksha started from 10th September. On the days of Pitru Paksha, people perform Shraddh on the death anniversary of their ancestors. It is a religious belief that by performing Shraddh in Pitru Paksha, Pind Daan reaches directly to the ancestors. It is believed that during Pitru Paksha, Yamraj also frees the souls of the ancestors, so that they can be satisfied by living among their descendants on earth and consuming food and water. On the days of Pitru Paksha, people remember their ancestors and perform Pind Daan, tarpan, and charity in their name. It is believed that when people leave their bodies and go away, then for the peace of their souls, Pind Daan and Tarpan are performed in Gaya with reverence. Performing Shraddh in Pitru Paksha is considered important for the peace of the souls of the ancestors. It is said that by giving Pind Daan in Gaya, the ancestors get power and that power helps them to reach heaven hereafter. 55 places across the country are considered important for performing Pind Daan and Shraddh rituals, but the Gaya pilgrimage of Bihar is paramount among them. It is a religious belief that Lord Shri Hari resides here in the form of a father deity. That is why it is also called Pitru Teerth. Due to the importance of Gaya, lakhs of people come here every year to offer Pind Daan to their ancestors. Let us know the reasons behind performing Shraddh Karma in Gaya. 1- Brahma Ji had given a boon to Gayasur, those who donate Pind to their ancestors at this place during the period of Pitru Paksha in Gaya, will get salvation. 2- Dashrath Ji died after Shri Ram Ji went to the forest. During this, Sita Ji had given the body to the phantom soul of Dashrath Ji in Gaya itself. That is why from that time this place is considered paramount for tarpan and pind daan. 3- Knowing the son in Gaya and touching it in the Falgu River leads to the death of the ancestor. 4- By giving the proof of the letter along with the sesame in the Gaya region, the father gets to Akshayalok. By donating Pind here, one gets rid of grave sins like Brahmahatya, Supana, etc. 5- By donating Pind in Gaya one gets the result of Koti Tirtha and Ashwamedha Yagya. Here one can donate Pind to the person doing Shraddh during any period. Also, eating Brahmins here satisfies the ancestors. 6- By shaving before performing Pind Daan in Gaya, one goes to Baikunth, as well as attains work, anger, and salvation. 7- The river Falgu, Tulsi, crow, cow, banyan tree, and Brahmins present in Gayaji testify to the Shraddha rituals performed by them. 8- Mata Sita had done Tarpan in Gaya ji. By donating Pind in Gaya, the soul attains salvation. Hence this place is also called Moksha Sthali. 9- Lord Vishnu himself resides in the form of Pitrudev in Gaya. By performing Shraddh Karma and Tarpan method in Gaya, nothing remains left and the person becomes free from Pitru debt. 10- In Pitru Paksha, those who offer three anjalis of sesame-mixed water to their ancestors, their sins from birth till the day of the tarpan are destroyed.
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated every year with great pomp and enthusiasm. During this, Gajanan is enshrined from the temple in the houses and localities. On Ganesh Chaturthi, the whole atmosphere gets immersed in the devotion of Lord Ganapati. Ganesh Utsav is a 10-day festival, in several cities, the idol of Ganapati is installed, and grand pandals are decorated. During these ten days, Ganpati's cheers are heard resonating everywhere, there is gaiety all over the country with the gusto of the idols of Ganesh Ji. Some people go to Maharashtra for the special Ganesh festival which is celebrated on a large scale in Mumbai. Ganesh pandals will be found all over Mumbai during Ganesh Utsav, people from all over the country come to see these pandals during Ganesh Utsav. If you also want to visit Ganpati, then Maharashtra is the best place for it. Here you can hop to one and then another pandal for Ganpati Puja. Ganesh Chaturthi started on 31st August and will end with Ganpati Visarjan on 9th September. Therefore, one last day you must visit these 5 pandals If you haven’t visited yet.1. LALBAUGCHA RAJAThis is the most famous Ganesh pandal. It started in 1934. This pandal attracts a maximum number of devotees in Mumbai. Every day lakhs of devotees come to this pandal for darshan. Here there are two lines for the devotees, Navas and General Line. The Navas line is for those who wish to worship under the idol of the deity, while the general line is slightly away from the idol.How to reach: This pandal is located on GD Ambedkar Road in Lal Bagh Market, Mumbai. You can get down at Chinchpokli, Curry Road, or Lower Parel station to reach here.2. GANESH GALI MUMBAI CHA RAJAThis pandal is only a short distance away from Lalbaugcha Raja pandal. This pandal was started in 1928. This is one of the most famous Ganesh pandals in Mumbai. It is made every year based on a theme. Here replicas of famous temples of India are made.How to reach: You can get down at Chinchpokli, Curry Road, or Lower Parel station to reach here. The pandal is within walking distance from here.3. KHETWADI CHA RAJAThere are about 13 lanes in Khetwadi where Ganesh Pandal is installed in each street but the 12th street pandal is more famous. A 40 feet high Ganesh idol was made here in 2000. Who was dressed in real gold ornaments? This circle was started in 1959.How to reach: The nearest railway station is Charni Road and Sandhurst Road station. From here you can reach this pandal by walking for 15 minutes or you can take a cab from the station.4. GSB SERVICE KINGS CIRCLE GANPATIIt is also called the Gold Ganesh because the Ganesh idol here is dressed in pure gold ornaments that weigh more than 60 kg. This mandal was started in 1954 by a Brahmin family from Karnataka. A special feature of this mandal is that the Ganesh idol here is made eco-friendly and is made of clay.How to reach: The nearest railway station here is the Wadala station on the Harbor line. From here, this pandal can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes.5. ANDHERI CHA RAJAAndheri cha Raja is as important to Mumbai suburbs as Lalbaugcha Raja has to South Mumbai. This pandal is very famous. Many people come here during the ten days of Ganesh Utsav. The decoration here is unique in itself. Ganpati pandals are decorated here every year since 1966 by the workers of three reputed companies. The idol of this mandala is not that huge but has the reputation for fulfilling wishes. Every year this Mandal has a different theme of its Pandal. How to reach: For the darshan of Andheri Cha Raja, you can either get down at Andheri Railway Station or get down at Azad Nagar Metro Station and go to Andheri Sports Complex.
There are many such temples in India whose history is centuries old. Some temple was built in the Ramayana period and some temple in the Krishna period. For centuries, the land of India has been witnessing many such ancient temples. Even today, in every corner of India, you will get to see wonderful temples of ancient gods and goddesses one by one. One of these ancient temples is Shri Gangeshwar Mahadev. Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple located in the village of Fadum, 3 km from the city of Diu in the Indian state of Gujarat. It can be known from the name of this temple that this temple is completely dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Shiva Linga in this temple dates back to the Mahabharata period and was built by the Pandavas. According to mythology, when the five Pandavas were in their exile, this temple was built during that time. It is further said that the five Pandavas used to come here every day to worship Lord Shiva. There are five Shiva lingas in this temple, the Shiva Linga installed in this temple is about 5000 years old. The name of this temple comes from the ancient Shiva temples of Gujarat.This Shiva Linga is situated on the rocks of the beach. When the waves of the sea collide with the Shiva Linga every two seconds, its beauty is made on sight. The environment around this temple is so calm that whenever one enters the courtyard of this temple, one can clearly hear the sound of ocean waves. There are five Shiva Lingas in this temple, hence this temple is also known as Panch Shiva Linga. This temple is also known as Seashore Mandir or Beach Temple. The idol of Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi is also installed in this temple. The festival of Shiva Ratri is celebrated with great pomp in the Gangeshwar temple, during which lakhs of devotees come to see Mahadev. This temple is considered to be one of the oldest Shiva temples in Gujarat. The festival of Shiva Ratri is celebrated with great pomp in the Gangeshwar temple. Even in the month of Sawan, lakhs of devotees come here to have darshan of Mahadev. The courtyard of this temple is open for devotees from 6 am to 8 pm. You can go here for darshan by train, bus or even by personal car.
The Hanuman Mandir of Pandupol is a famous temple located inside the Sariska National Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan. In which a huge idol of Lord Hanuman is installed in a calm position. The ancient Hanuman Temple of Pandupol, situated amidst the high ridged hills of the Aravalli range, is one of the most visited places in Alwar. The temple complex is also famous for langurs, macaques, and a variety of birds and for its gorgeous 35-foot waterfall. Pandupol is believed to belong to the period of the epic of Mahabharata. The Pandavas are believed to have spent some years of their lives at Pandupol during their exile. According to another legend, this Pandupol was the place where Lord Hanuman defeated Bhima and curbed his pride.The history of Pandupol Hanuman temple is believed to be 5000 years old, according to the ancient epic- Mahabharata, Bhima struck the mountain with his mace, due to which the way through the mountain came out and the door built on the mountain was established by the name of Pandupol Hanuman temple. According to another story, Pandupol was the place where Lord Hanuman defeated Bhima and curbed his pride. According to an incident from the Mahabharata period, Draupadi had gone to take a bath in the river's reservoir downstream of this valley as per her regular routine. One day, while taking a bath, a beautiful flower flowing in the water came from above in the drain, Draupadi, express great happiness after receiving that flower and thought of wearing it as her earrings. After bathing, Draupadi asked Mahabali Bhima to bring that flower, then Bhima started moving towards the stream, searching for the flower. Ongoing forward, Bhima saw that an old giant monkey was lying comfortably with its tail spread and the path was completely blocked by the monkey.Due to the narrow valley, there was no other way for Bhima to get ahead. Bhima said to the old monkey lying on the way that if he can put his tail out of the way in the reply the monkey said that he’s old age Bhima can go over it, then Bhima replied that he cannot go over his tail rather he should move aside. On this the monkey said that Bhima looked strong, so he can remove his tail. When Bhima tried to remove the monkey's tail, the tail did not move an inch from Bhima. Even after repeated efforts by Bhima the tail of the old monkey did not move then Bhima understood that he is not just an ordinary monkey.Bhima pleaded with folded hands to the old monkey to reveal his true form. On this, the old monkey revealed his true form and introduced himself as Lord Hanuman. Bhima called all the Pandavas there and worshiped the old monkey in a lying form. After this, the Pandavas established the Hanuman temple there, which is today known as Pandupol Hanuman Mandir. Now a large number of devotees reach here every Tuesday and Saturday, the temple is the center of faith of the people. Lakkhi Mela of Pandupol Hanuman Temple is a popular fair of Alwar that fills the Ashtami of Bhadau Shukla Paksha every year. About 50 thousand devotees from Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and other places come to visit Pandupol Hanuman Temple on the occasion of Lakkhi Mela. If you are planning to visit Pandupol Hanuman Temple, then let us tell you that October to March is considered to be the best time to visit Pandupol Hanuman Temple. Pandupol Hanuman Temple is open for tourists daily from 5.00 am to 10.00 pm.
India is a country where people of many castes and religions live with great love and brotherhood. India can also be called the Land of Faith. India is a country of diversity, if any country has the most religion in the world, then that’s India. There are many Temples, Mosques, Churches, and Gurudwaras in India which are considered as the most blessed religious places. Residents of India visit these holy places almost every year. Famous religious places and pilgrimages of India are located in the mountains, in the caves, in the rugged forest, and on very inaccessible routes the path of these pilgrimages sites are very inaccessible and surrounded by natural calamities. People also explore these sacred places as tourists, as faith, and also for the purpose of devotion. Everybody should take care of their religious sites and maintain their cleanliness and sanctity, as well as cooperate in maintaining the sovereignty and integrity of India. In every region of India, in every state, in every district, and in every province; you will find some ascetic, sage-saint, math, pant, institution, etc. That's why India is a country of gods and goddesses. Today we are going to give you information about the special pilgrimage places of India through our article.
India is one ethnically affluent nation, where approximately every state has its personal language, cuisine, music, and dance forms. During the prehistoric era in India, art has been described as essential for man. Indian art and culture have an approximately miraculous value as it conveys you to a bygone period and creates every prospect to come lively. India has millennium-aged customs of conventional dance forms. It has been an affluent and antique ritual in India ever since its primeval days. Long-established dance is executed by amalgamating expressions and premises from communal survival and awareness. Lord Shiva is called 'Nataraja' i.e. sovereign of all dances who balance existence and bereavement and all this happens in harmonious cycles in the universe. So let's share some knowledge about classical Indian dances.
The city of Delhi is famous either as the Capital of India or because of mouth-watering food, crazy shopping, and ancient monuments. But places like Museums and Zoos in Delhi are also very well-known for children. Among these places, India’s first The International Dolls Museum is a treasure for kids. Many schools and parents take their children here to boost their knowledge and it is the perfect place for their amusement also.
The most awaited ritual in the month of September is to bring our beloved Bappa home on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. People in India wait for this festival very eagerly as Lord Ganapati bring a bundle of happiness, prosperity and takes away all our sorrows. Shri Ekadanta - the elephant divinity is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The lord of good destiny, triumph, and knowledge is believed to be the greatest of all the Hindu deities. Be it any occasion or festival, Ekadanta is always worshipped foremost. This Ganesh Chaturthi, we have listed out India’s five most famous Ganesha Temples for you. So, do check out this article before you plan your visit to offer prayers to your favorite Lord Vinayak.
The Ainu culture is a culture that is followed by the original natives of Hokkaido in Japan. The community had been ignored by the Japanese government over all these years and were subjected to discrimination due to colonial assimilation. Now Japan has taken a huge step to preserve the culture of the Ainu community. The Country has launched one of its kind indigenous museums to showcase the Ainu culture and cuisine. Upopoy National Ainu Museum and the park have been opened on July 12.
Teej is an important festival in North and Northwest India, but it would not be wrong to say that the zeal with which the women of Rajasthan celebrate this fast is unmatched. According to the Hindu calendar, Teej falls on the third day of the waxing moon in the month of Shravana, known as the Haryali Teej (23 July 2020) and the third of the waning moon, the Kajari Teej (6 August 2020), and waxing moons, Hartalika Teej (21 August 2020) in the month of Bhadrapad.
Other than great food to satiate your hunger and high-end fashion, Italy has a rich past too. Italy tells the tales of different pages of history through its preserved heritage. Home to one of the greatest empires of ancient times to being a hub of renaissance, Italy has a diverse cultural past. Roman Architecture standing tall in bustling cities to the revolutionary art of the Renaissance, adorning the smaller towns, this country has it all and well preserved. With the highest number of heritage sites in the world, it could be the ideal destination if you are an admirer of history and culture.
Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti, a festival that marks the end of winters and beginning of summers, according to the Hindu Calendar. In Ahmedabad, during this festival, an International Kite Festival is organised. It is among the most prominent festivals celebrated in Gujrat. The sky is filled with colourful kites, cut out in various shapes and sizes. Kite makers boast their creativity through unique designs and patterns. People from all over the world swarm like bees to participate and witness this festival. The local markets are cramped with kite buyers and sellers, weeks before the kite festival. The Patang Bazaar stays open 24 hours during this time.
Navratri is a festival of Hindu to pray to Goddess Durga, the embodiment of shakti, the feminine force that governs all cosmic creation, existence and change. This nine-night festival marks the beginning of autumn, celebrated in September or October, according to the Hindu calendar. Each of Navratri is dedicated to nine different forms of shakti or Goddess Durga. In West Bengal, the celebration of Navratri begins on the 6th day and concludes on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami, the day of Durga's victory over evil. This six-day celebration is called Durgotsava and is the largest festival of the year for Bengali Hindus.
Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated with an unmatched zeal all over the country. But some places still stand out from the rest with their own unique twists in the celebration. So if you are planning of travelling this Holi to experience something new and different. Scroll down and read about these places that celebrate Holi in with their own different level of enthusiasm. See which of these places fascinate you the most. Scroll down and read about these places that celebrate Holi in with their own different level of enthusiasm. See which of these places fascinate you the most.
Discovering cultures and facts you have never heard before is the best part of travelling. Learning about the new cultures adds to the experience and makes a trip more memorable. The world has 195 different with thousands of different cultures of their own, and the chances of your losing yourself to these different cultures are limitless. Some have made their way into the books but still, there are a lot others still lay undiscovered and isolated from the modern world.
The impact of the exposure of today’s age is such that music festivals are drawing music lovers like ants to sugar. In this new age, carnivals and festivals have emerged as the most epic way to explore a tourist destination and what can be better than music as your companion.
Travel to the ancient city of benaras where spirituality flows through the Ganges.
Let us discover the 500-year-old Sheetala Mata Mandir in Gurgaon.
Learn how to make refreshing Indian desi summer drinks at home.
Let us explore the wonders of the Grand Canyon with insights into both its South and North Rim.
Let us study about the trains which travel all over the world.
Here are some exotic birds that are unfortunately nearing extinction. So sit down as I share with you a list of some rare birds and where to find them.
Know all the important information about the parade ceremony that takes place on the border between Attari, India and Wagah, Pakistan.
The Kedarnath temple is one of the Chhota Char Dhams of the Hindu pilgrimage. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
2/328 A, Viram khand
Gomtinagar, Lucknow -226010
0522 - 2396611
info@grasshoperyatra.com
