Have you ever visited the Shankar’s International Dolls Museum in Delhi?  If your answer is no, then you must visit it; especially if you are towing kids around.   Kids will love it and…

We’ve all heard of crazy stuff people do to please the rain God. But have you heard of someone getting animals married to do so? Yep! You heard it right! There has been…

The festive season in India has begun.  Many homes in India are now celebrating Dasara -  a festival of 10 days and 10 nights.  It is a festival to celebrate the victory of…

There are numerous Vraths (religious observations in Hindus) and Fasting sessions undertaken by married women of India. Of these, the Karva Chauth is obviously the most famous.  But this Vrath is followed more…

After many years I was revisiting Hyderabad and I couldn’t believe my eyes. The city had undergone a metamorphosis. Huge glass paneled commercial complexes, posh apartments, malls galore, wide roads and westernized looking…

Once upon a time, there was a great king called Mahabali in Kerala. He was just, generous, righteous and so admired that even Gods were jealous. So they sent Lord Vishnu to put…

The Lord Balaji temple is situated at in Tirumala hills in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.  It is world-famous and people come from afar to seek blessings of the Lord.  There are various…

Indians are steeped in culture. They have rituals, traditions and customs that signify deeper meaning to every step in life. Mundan is one such culturally rich ceremony to signify the new chapter of…

The birth of a new life spurs the entire household into a flurry of activities. Right from how the newborn should be held, fed and bathed, every little detail is pondered upon. What…

India is a home of numerous complex rituals and Kesh Lochan is one of such intricate rituals in Jainism. The Jain saints (both male and female) after initiation or getting the Diksha, do…

During the monsoons comes the holy month of Karkkidakam or the Ramayana month. The entire month is revered for the Hindus. They read the epic Ramayana every day in this month and visit…

A manglik is usually considered unfit for marriage. It is said to cause tension and discomfort in a relationship and this is said to cause disharmony between the spouses and may cause problems…

Saris are quite the special thing for Indian women and when draped well, they can look gorgeous. Handloomed saris are especially preferred among women, given that they’ve been around for quite a while.…

Wedding … I guess this is one of the most memorable and best moments in every individual’s life. India as one diverse cultural land displays many colours of wedding and one of the…

Ramadan , as we know,is the month of both fasting and feasting. Well, we are almost half way through and celebrations are happening in full swing all across the country. And while our…

Women have always had a fond relationship with jewellery and the nose ring isn't an exception. From head ornaments to necklaces, bangles to foot anklets, Indian women have a keen interest in the beauty…

Marwaris originated from the region of Marwar, now the modern day Jodhpur, in South Western Rajasthan, India. In the present time, Marwaris are one of the biggest commercial communities. Though Marwaris conduct expensive…

Millets were cultivated some 10,000 years ago, even before cultivation of other grains began! Earlier it was consumed daily like we eat rice and wheat now.   It was the Staple food in South…

Kumbakonam is one of the many Temple Towns in South India. Numerous temples dot the Cityscape. The 150-year old Government Arts College in this city is called Cambridge of South.  The city lies…

The rains and the cyclones that caused a lot of havoc in November have now subsided.  The Migratory birds already started building their nest in Pallikaranai and Vedanthangal.   The heat is bearable;  there…

Of late, Turmeric Lattes have become very popular in the US and across the globe.  Instagram is filled with pictures of this calling it a cure for many ailments.  The fact is true,…

Uttar Pradesh is famous for its dense population. In Uttar Pradesh, the wedding rituals are more. As the religious ceremonies are given more importance, the long rituals are held. In the occasion, prayers…

The tribes are residing throughout our country. They have a different culture, tradition, language and even food items. In every state, tribes reside in the hill, forest areas. Actually, to say, tribes are…

Christian weddings are totally different from other weddings, their customs, attire and the celebration are quite elegant. Indian Christian weddings are a concoction of Indian and Western culture. The blend of Indo-Western customs…

There are a lot of festivals and celebrations observed by Indians within various states, cultures and religions. Meelad un Nabi is one such occasion which is observed by muslims according to the Islamic…

Weddings are a grand affair in India.  So are the marriages that conducted in the Telugu belt of South India.  Steeped in age-old and very meaningful traditions, Telugu marriages were conducted over a…

The first thing you notice if walk on the roads of Chennai, is a small idol of Ganesh at small nooks and corners.  You will also notice that most of the people passing…

Jammu and Kashmir is the most beautiful part of the Indian Subcontinent. It is said that Kashmir is the heaven of India. Kashmir used to be a popular movie location decades before. The…

Banana is a tropical plant that is grown in India, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Caribbean regions.  The most common use the world has found of the plant is its edible fruit. In India, however,…

Madisar - 9 yards sari worn by TamBrahms Madisar or the Kosovam is the traditional nine yards garment/Sari of unstitched cloth worn by the Brahmins of Tamil Nadu.  Since it is unstitched, it…

While visiting southern temples towns like Chidambaram, Thanjavur or Thiruvananthapuram,  you must have seen many rows of similar looking houses around the main temple.  This group of traditional houses of South Indian Brahmins is called…

Muslims are living in all parts of the world. Even though they keep on changing themselves in dressing, food habits, and other styles according to the present trend, their marriage is still conducted…

As we all know, India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The education system of India has a big role to play in making the country the fastest growing…

Arunachal Pradesh is one of gorgeous state of India, placed in the northeast. The state is home to quite a few tribes who add color and culture to this part of the world.…

Basil is a herb that comes from the Mint herb family.  It is used for culinary purposes.  A native of India, the Holy Basil called Tulsi plant, is revered by Hindus as a…

Eri Silk also known by the names Errandi or Endi is mostly found in the North East of India. Eri is an Assamese which literally means castor. Eri silk is produced from the…

Recently my Mother-in-law got our attic cleaned.  My In-laws have been in the same residence for the past 60 years. So, you must have guessed that the attic had many heirlooms of the…

India is probably the only land where people belonging to different religions live with peace and harmony. It is because Indian culture is all about inclusiveness where the majority of the people follow…

If you are an art lover and for long is passionate about visiting an art village, then you can visit the Devrai art village. It is a non-profit initiative that is being built…

Headgear like clothing is part of Indian culture and tradition.    Headgear is generally termed Turban in India.  Turbans of India is my attempt to look at the various varieties of headgears of India…

Yoga helps to bring a balance between our body and mind. We can term yoga as the science of better life. Yoga is actually a Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means ‘to unite’. It…

  Art is found in every nook and corner of India.  From the mountains to the plains; from the valleys to the plateaus even on small islands that surround the subcontinent.  Art is found…

Dandiya is a very amazing dance form of India. This is the traditional dance form of Gujarat. The people of Gujarat are obviously very much addicted to the dance form. Now you may…

Every house has a grandmother who is the narrator of ancient tales.  My Grandmother also told me many tales of valor, Gods, and other stories. Unfortunately, she passed away by the time I…

Kumbha Mela is a religious festival in India where Hindu followers come together and take bath in the holy river. This is a festival which should be experienced by each and every Hindu…

Nagaland one of the most beautiful states in India placed at the Northeast. The state is very close to Myanmar. Kohima is the capital of Nagaland. Nagaland’s biggest city is Dimapur. It is…

Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in India. It is known as the theoretical language of Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. This was the legendary language used in Nepal and India. It is…

India is a country with a variety of customs and festivals. It is because there are many religions followed in India and everyone has equal power under the Indian Constitution. So every religion…

Goa is a small state in India which is famous for its beaches. It is also known as the ‘Rome of the East’. Goa is one of the main tourist spots loved by…

India is a country with many cultures and languages. As per the studies, there are more than 20 languages spoken in this small country. That’s the reason India is different from all other…

Let’s face it. Marriages are made in heaven, but their execution can be quite an uphill task, especially if you are an Indian. Let me clarify that not all Indians have a big…

Kanchipuram Sari is to south what Banaras Sari is to the north of India. Both Saris have the similar attributes – elegance, durability, regality, art, color and tradition. Kanchipuram  Saris are pieces of…

If you are someone who loves the Dandiya dance, then you must be on the lookout for these positions in Mumbai. Along with Garba, it is the featured dance form of the Navratri…

Dargahs are shrines built over the graves of Sufi saints or dervishes. Dargahs are also associated with Sufi hostels or meeting rooms called Khangah. Lists of Dargahs in India There are around 26…

Navrathri means nine nights. It is a festival of nine nights which is devoted to Goddess Shakti, the powerful depiction of Goddess Parvathi. It is one of the longest festivals celebrated by the…

Buddhism was one of the most popular religions around the world once. Siddhartha Gautama was the person who became Buddha, meaning ‘the awakened one’, and started Buddhism. He was born in Nepal, in…

Kerala, God’s Own Country, has a unique culture and tradition which it has managed to keep alive through the centuries. Despite being a popular trading center for spices and cotton, Kerala continues to…

The Thiruvathira star that comes in the month of Dhanu is celebrated by the women of Kerala for their brothers, spouse, and sons. It is a celebration of being a sister, wife, and…

Navagraha means the 9 planets. These are not the nine planets in the solar system; here we are talking about the 9 planets as described in the Hindu mythology. Hindu mythology worships nature…

Time flies quick and good old traditions are flying quicker. Though we learn to disregard senseless beliefs and sentiments, we sometimes neglect certain very important traditions too! Our ancestors lived a life coupled…

Valluvar Kottam is a beautiful monument dedicated to the medieval poet Thiruvalluvar and is located amidst the busy Chennai city. Thiruvalluvar wrote the famous Thirukkural which comprises of more than 1300 verses. His…

Kerala’s rich culture has always amused the tourists and traders visiting the state. During the festivities, the art-lovers can explore a wide range of art and culture that unveil before the public. The…

Kerala is known as God’s Own Country, thanks to the blessed nature and abundant resources showered across this small land beside the Arabian Sea. The place does not stop surprising the tourists who…

Guruvayoor Temple is located at Guruvayoor town in Trichur district of Kerala. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, one of the Avatars of Lord Vishnu. The temple is one of the most…

Tanjore is one of the famous cities in Tamil Nadu. It is known as the Cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. Tanjavore is well-known for its art, religion and architectural brilliance. The world famous…

Rishikesh is a place located in Dehradun district in Uttarakhand state of North India. Rishikesh is maintained by the municipal council and it is situated at the foothills of Himalayas. It is very…

It is scarcely known to all that the North Eastern frontier of the Indian Sub-continent is extremely musical, and not because of the only rich tribal music, but you will be startled to…

Dhanwanthari is the God of Medicines according to Hindu belief. He is worshipped for the well-being and health of family members. He is known as the promoter of Ayurveda. Dhanwanthari is also known…

As I was beginning to write this article, media outlets were reporting that the Himachali village of Malana, a name you are most likely to have heard in relation to some very high…

Vinayak Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival of Lord Ganesha, in which the celebrations last for 10 days. This is celebrated in all parts of India, in different ways though. The…

Aattukal Pongala is the largest women gathering festival in Trivandrum. The Attukal Bhagavathy temple, in the capital city of Kerala state and its premises, is the venue for the festival. It is actually…

Ayurvedic treatments sprouted in this pristine land of India around 5000 years back. It is known as the most ancient health treatment system in the world. Ayurveda combines both medicinal and philosophical values…

Since the 7th century, Kerala has the influence of Islam from Arab nations. Since then Islam mingled and assimilated to the Kerala culture, from where a new community born called Mappilla. Duff Muttu…

Chakyar Koothu is a traditional art form of Kerala. It is a satirical solo performance where the performer narrates Hindu epics (Ramayana or Mahabharatha) stories. You can connect this to modern stand-up comedy.…

The days from mid-July to mid-August are considered as the month of Karkkidakam in Kerala. Karkkidakam is celebrated as the month of Ramayana. It is also locally known as the Panja masam or…

The hues of the Bengali culture The best places, where you will get a glimpse of the Bengali culture and heritage are in the Indian state of West Bengal and the country of…

The Bengal of the year 1880, which was no less than a bejeweled crown of the British colonial rulers, saw the rise of the very first public Theatres of India. It is said…

April officially marks the beginning of summer in Kerala. The schools are usually closed for 2 months starting April. The month also marks the beginning of a harvest season. Vishu is celebrated in…

Pooram is a one-day temple festival celebrated annually across Kerala. It is considered very auspicious and celebrated in a grand way by a few temples. Thrissur Pooram has grown far beyond being a…

Kalarippayattu is a 3000-year old martial art originated from Kerala. Chekavars from the Theyya community were considered as the forefathers of Kalarippayattu. ‘Kalari’ means battleground or combat arena and ‘payattu’ mean to fight.…

In the first week of December, when the weather is just right for travel in India, if you are looking for a unique culturally immersive experience, why not head to the little-known heritage…

Theyyam belongs to the Northern Malabar area. It is a Hindu temple ritual predominantly performed in Kolathunadu in Kasarkode, Kannur, Wayanad and Kozhikode. This dance form is different and unique compared to other…

Onam is considered as the Malayalam New Year. The Malayalam calendar starts with the month of Chingam, the month in which Onam is celebrated by all Malayalees across the world. It is the…

Everyone knows that a typical Tamil Brahmin wedding would take anywhere from 2 to 4 days of celebrations with numerous interesting rituals to enjoy and lip-smacking food to savor. Here I take you…

If you look into the history of the India, then the existence of the classism can be noticed prominently. The existence of the caste system in the society of India is since the…

Have you seen a Snake dance? That too, on a colorful platform set with organic Rangoli? Have you seen tigers dance? That too, while enjoying the rhythm of typical Kerala percussion? Here’s something…

Local Alcohol from different parts of India IMFL is a term that explains it all. IMFL is an abbreviation for Indian Made Foreign Liquor. It refers to all foreign origin liquors that are…

Celebrating the New Year in India The New Year is a very painful time. All the revelry of New Years Eve is over and you are left with resolutions to fulfil or break.…

     Karwa Chauth - The festival of love India is a land of festivals, rituals and umpteen number of traditions. Some are colorful, others are brighter, some are customary, others seem weird;…

Rulers, Royalty, Rajasthan-the three words which are almost synonymous with the Rajput clan; a clan of warriors from the western front in India known for their valour, pride and dignity from times immemorial.…

Neel Shasthi has a very emotional and a traditional value in the life of all Bengali Mothers, Many times an individual may not be very religious or superstitious, however as a motherhood turns…

Auspicious 14 holds a very special place in hearts of every Bengali, apart from the special place this tradition also plays a very significant role during the time of Bhoot Chaturdashi. I shall explain the Bhoot…

Shubho Naboborsho'r Priti o Shubhechcha Poila Baisakh, the ultimate day of Celebration for all Bengalis. As the name referes, 'Poila' meaning the First and 'Boisakh', the first month in Bengali calendar. Poila Boishakh as childhood…

Expression of Love, is an emotion to be expressed aloud (at least sometimes),it  is always delightful to be loved. In Bengal this emotion is celebrated twice.Valentines day and the the Saraswati Puja is…

Celebration has always been a highlight in India and when it is to begin a new year, the celebration is grand. The first day of the year celebrated by people of Andhra Pradesh…

Punjabi weddings are well-known for their splendour and flashiness. They are organised lavishly and celebrated with full vivacity. To rejoice the Punjabi wedding, there are numerous rituals which are performed before and after…

A monotheistic religion which is called Sikhism is believed to have been originated in the region of Punjab during the 15th century. Sikhism is one of the youngest major religions in the entire…

Durga Puja is that time of the year, when you would be seeing a different sight of Kolkata. Trust me being a Kolkata resident I have seen it inside out, ask any local…

Our country is a land of mixed cultures and traditions in true sense, here many religions grow, withstand and flourish. As we all know India is a Secular country, hence each and every…

Lord Shiva or Bhole nath is believed to be the most powerful God in Hinduism. He is called by several names like Shivji, Mahadeva, Pashupati, Mahayogi, Nataraja, Vishwanath, Bhairava, Bhava and Bhole Nath.…

The Hindu religion in our country is full of stories, rituals, myths and beliefs just like the other religions in India. I feel each and every religion follow their own set of rules,…

One of the most common practice of the Hindus in India is breaking the coconuts in front of all their Gods and Goddesses. Yes, none of the Hindu rituals can ever be complete…

The Laad Bazaar also popularly known as the Choodi Bazar is an immensely popular market in Hyderabad. The popularity if this market is even older than the time since Hyderabad gained popularity as…

Today as our society is become more western, eating food with bare hands is getting mis-perceived too. People consider it to be bad manners, unhygienic and even embryonic. But as a true Indian…

Rangoli- a traditional form of Indian artwork drawn at the site of any auspicious function like wedding, ritualistic worship, or on a holy festival. The aim of drawing rangoli is to reveal the…

India is a country well known for its unique culture and traditions. The tradition of wearing ornaments in our country began in ancient times. Even today, women love to enhance their feminine beauty…

Indian wedding other called to be the “Vivaah means superior dedication “ is the ancient custom that represents majesty, ritual, colors then decorative celebrations connected through the sacred occasion. In India wedding is…

An Indian Wedding is an experience or if you will an adventure, not a function or a party, but an experience/adventure. Indian Weddings are posh affairs, no practically writing POSH AFFAIRS! If Indian…

I grew up seeing my mom wearing those beautiful glass bangles, never in my life I saw her with bare hands. One day while she was washing utensils, a glass bangle on one…

Bindi, a colorful and traditional red circular dot worn by the Indian women on their forehead. It is one of the most visually attractive of all forms of body decoration. The word ‘Bindi’…

Onam is an important festival in Kerala, every year during harvest period this festival is celebrated in a grand way. Usually this festival lasts for ten days. Attractive parts of Onam are Onasadya,…

Diyas are essential part of Indian festivals and closely associated with the Hindu and Jain religion/ tradition. One cannot find even a single home without diya in Hindu festivals. There are many festivals…

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of a Marathi movie called Sairat which has broken all records for Marathi films. Aamir Khan has tweeted praising it, Irrfan Khan held…

India can be defined as the land of diverse religions and culture. Our country is full of different colours which reflect in the different kinds of traditions and cultures. Be it the flamboyant…

In India, colors play a vital role in different cultures and religion, signifying a very deep meaning. Proper use of colors creates an environment, which should keep an individual happy. Artists use color…

The day when a girl is born in the family, her parents realize one bitter fact that she is a Paraya Dhan (belongs to somebody special). Girls in India are compared to the…

The role of Turmeric or Haldi in an Indian kitchen is quite important, in fact we Indians use Haldi in almost all our preparations. When it comes to Indian cuisine Haldi is one…

There are some traditions in Indian society that date back to ages or in other words to time unmemorable. One such tradition is the wearing of the ‘sindoor’, by married Indian women. In…

Indian Weddings have so many beautiful rituals, some rituals are full of fun and excitement and some are full of emotions leaving tears in one’s eyes. Apart from the Saath Pheras there is…

Datar is a sub caste of Sansi Sikh, who exists in and around of Punjab. For them, Wedding is not just a ceremony, they consider it as a celebration. There are numerous colorful…

It’s been 5 years since I got married, I too had that typical Indian wedding where my husband and I took the Saath Pheras or the 7 rounds around the Agni Kund (Holy…

The small kirana shops, or also called the roadside general stores are a ubiquitous sight on Indian streets. The never aging bhaiyya that sits and runs his shop is a pro at knowing…

Mehandi is a tradition and plays a vital role in all Indian Marriages. Mehandi is a henna paste that is normally bought in a cone shaped tube and created designs for all women’s and…

There is something about weddings that strikes a chord with everyone. Be it children, who enjoy them for the tasty mithais and ice creams, or teenagers who dreamily imagine themselves in a fairy…

The thing with Indian culture, if I may say so without raising eyebrows and opinions, is that there is really no such thing as Indian culture. Yes! I am quite right. You see…

I love plants and this is one reason why it is one those hobbies which gives me a lot of relaxation. We all have been taught that plants are living beings and we…

Kerala is one destination in India where every individual desires to visit at least once in a lifetime. This beautiful place is also known for its rich culture and tradition, elephants, mesmerizing back…

The puppet art or Kathputli’s - has this legendary form of art faded? Well what is Kathputli? This is an ancient yet legendary form of Folk entertainment in India. These days we hardly…

Our Country India can actually be compared to a storybook which is full of wonderful and weird stories. Reading through the different pages of this book, might leave you shocked, few things can…

Aeki Beki - The Tradition Weddings are one of the most loved social customs in India. Usually, a very grand affair it is often said that a marriage is not only the union…

Bollywood: Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment! Imagine life without Bollywood. “Nahiiiii!!!” An unimaginable condition for all Indians. We cannot live without Bollywood, it’s like oxygen in air. After Roti, Kapda and Makaan it is Bollywood.…

Muggu India and her glorious festivals add life to the otherwise mundane days. And one of the many forms of celebration is a colourful Rangoli, a pattern drawn at the doorsteps and then…

Language in India - A Barrier or a Bond. When travelling to one place, to enjoy the location, the beauty, the intense impact of change, one must possess the appreciative eyes of a…

What is Unique About India? India is a mystery to some and a country of snake charmers for some. But what really makes India Unique? India is rich in culture. India’s religions, languages,…

Greatness of Indian Culture India is a country which inhabits the greater part of the South Asian continent, thereby layering an area of 32,87,263 sq. km. Circumscribed by the great Himalayas in the…

Mehendi is attached special significance in Indian customs and traditions. Women adorn their hands and feet with designs made of henna which looks beautiful and colourful. Marriages are special times when even the…

Sindoor is a symbol of fertility in India. Sindoor is a hindi translation of Vermilion. In India, married women apply Sindoor on the forehead or the hair parting as a symbol of marital…

Baul Gaan - from the entertaining passengers Baul Gaan - These are songs sung by Bauls, entertaining passengers. When I was around ten years old, my family used to travel a lot across…