Indian Traditions
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 filled with love in the form of colours. Girls grow up drawing rangolies and personalising them. This Rangoli, the all white Muggu to the tradition of adorning hands and feet with beautiful and colourful Mehendi, Indian traditions and customs are unique.
Greatness of Indian Culture
Indian Culture – Indian culture has an incredible history in the world. Indians have adapted several traditions and cultures of various other countries all through invasions. India is the best illustration for unity in diversity.
Baul Gaan - from the entertaining passengers
Baul Gaan – It was during one of the train journeys that I discovered these fantastic entertainers – The Bauls. They entertained the passengers singing ‘Baul Gaan’( gaan – song in Bengali). They were a popular sight in train routes passing through West Bengal.
Muggu – the beautiful pattern at the doorstep welcoming all things good
Muggu (the all white Rangoli) – The creation would start with dots and then either the dots were joined or lines would run around them forming a beautiful pattern.
Udupi Cuisine – Food Fit for the Gods
Udupi Cuisine is a South Indian Cuisine variety which originated in Udupi, a city in Karnataka. It is a part of Tulu-Mangalore cuisine. It was developed as Kitchen traditions established as the result…
Winter Cuisine in India
It is winter in India as soon as Monsoons subside. The temperature slowly drops below zero degrees in northern regions and hovers around 10-15 degrees down south. It is the time when the…
Top Tourist Destinations in Telangana
The state of Telangana was carved out of State of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. Some of the important cities in the state are Hyderabad, Warangal, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and Khammam. It is a mountainous…
The Orchard Palace, Gondal- A Must Visit Destination
With the Christmas vacations around the corner, we all are planning for a much-needed holiday from our hectic schedule. Well, nothing can beat Gujarat. This scenic destination hosts some of the popular places…
Poompuhar Handicrafts – Arts And Crafts Corner Of Chennai
The Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited is popularly called Poompuhar Handicrafts. It was established in 1973. It is still ceaselessly working to preserve and promote the rich cultural and traditional history of…
Kite Playing Or Kite Fighting Festival In India
India's festival season lasts through the year. Most of its festivals have special meanings and have activities associated with them. For example, the Kite Playing or Kite Fighting festival that takes place every year…
Live Like Royalty By Attending A Rajasthani Wedding
Rajasthan is a land of palaces. People from all over the world come to get married in Rajasthan. Like Priyanka Chopra who married Nick Jonas in a lavish wedding at Jodhpur. Rajasthani weddings…
Gujarati Weddings: Vibrant, Warm And Traditional
The whole world is talking about Mukesh Ambani's daughter Isha Ambani's grand and opulent wedding. Global superstar Beyonce was flown in to perform at a pre-wedding function! While this is an extravagance, the…
Amazing Things You Never Knew About Malayali Weddings
There is a reason why Indian weddings are called Big Fat Weddings. The exuberance, the pomp, and the grandeur can't be matched anywhere else in the world. Home to various cultures, it has…
Kashi Yatra, The Quirky Custom At Tamil Brahmin Weddings!
A wedding is a beautiful amalgamation of two people, their families and their love. Especially Indian weddings, which are so full of color and celebration! Different castes celebrate in a special way such…
Margazhi Month – Festivals And Temples Associated With This Month
The Month of Margazhi is considered divine month in south India. It is the ninth month in the Hindu calendar. This month also called Margasirsa or Agrahanya. It falls between 18th December and…
Animal Weddings For Pleasing The Rain God
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…
Vraths And Fasts Undertaken By Women South Of Vindhyas
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…
Prasad – Food For Gods
According to Hindu mythology, there are 360 crores Devis and Devatas looking after our wellbeing. How do we thank these Gods and Goddess? Simply by singing their praises and offering something in cash…
“Ami Logaan Aisaich Bolte” – A Look Into Hyderabadi Hindi
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…
Annaprashan- The Memorable Ritual Of A Baby’s First Solid Feeding
With a new baby, every moment is special. The first time they smile, the first time they try to walk and the first time you feed them solid food. Indians celebrate that moment…
Madey Snana – Spit Bath To Get Rid Of Ailments
Why do age-old rituals persist? Some of them are baseless and are practiced with much resistance in the modern day world. Casteism still dictates those rituals which have no logic or relevance. Spit…
Pookalam – The Floral Rangoli
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…
Velakali – The Martial Folk Dance From Kerala
Velakali – the martial art-cum-dance from Kerala is an amazing spectacle where hundreds of male artistes perform some stunning body movements in sync with traditional drum beats. Legend of Velakali Just like Kalaripayattu,…
Tirupathi Brahmotsavam –Where Lord Brahma Leads Celebrations
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…
Mundan, the Indian hair tonsure ceremony for children
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…
Gaudiya Nritya: The Ancient Dance Form Of West Bengal
Dance, drama, and music have been an integral part of the Indian subcontinent since ancient times. Gaudiya dance originating from West Bengal is an example of the richness of the ancient culture of…
Upanayana – The Sacred Thread Ceremony
Hindus follow many age-old traditions and day to day practices that reflect their beliefs. Each tradition has a significance and importance attached to it. Starting with Punyojanam or Namakran( Naming a baby) it…
Gambhira- Where Tradition Meets Religion
In India, tradition and culture is interwoven with religious ceremonies and rituals. Gambhira Dance from the culturally rich state of West Bengal is the testimony of such a union of tradition and religion.…
Karnavedha Samskara- The Ear Piercing Ceremony
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…
Naamkaran, The Traditional Indian Baby Naming Ceremony
The birth of a child is a life-altering event. The parents have hopes, dreams and belief about what the child will be. They even have a name ready which is usually offered at…
Godh Bharai, The Indian Baby Shower Ceremony
For a woman, becoming a mother is like getting a new birth. She goes from being to just a woman, a wife to being a mother. Her role is celebrated and revered across…
Indian Tradition, Rolling In Cow Dung for Good Luck
Traditions have an emotional and spiritual impact on the lives of humans. Every country all over the world has different traditions and rituals to celebrate occasions and moments of joy and sorrow. India…
Symbols Of Marriage In India
Indian marriages are not just creation of a relationship between two individuals but also result in ethical, social, and moral bonding. Our ancestors have established some Symbols of Marriage to be worn by…
The Tradition Of Kesh Lochan By Jain Saints
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…
Hanging By Hooks, Garudan Thookam, Kerala
Kerala – God’s own country, known for its pristine natural beauty, its preservation of ancient traditions and culture and its 100 percent literacy status, is also the land of entrancing mysticism and strange…
Visiting the Kerala Char Dham – Nalambalam
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…
Debunked! The Concept Of Mangal Dosh In India
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…
The Gorgeous Handloom Saris Of India
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.…
The Celebration Of Dhinga Gavar
For many Dhinga Gavar is nothing more than a folk deity. This is said to be a humorous take on Gangaur who is Shiva's better half. Dhinga Gavar is called the festival of…
Jaisalmer Desert Festival A Spectacular Cultural Gala
From the endless sand dunes to the lush green oasis and ancient forts, the golden city of Rajasthan has everything in its account. Safely known as Jaisalmer, the city is worth the tourists’…
Garo A Tribe That Believes In Matrilineal Society
Imagine a society in India where women rule. A society where the groom comes and stays in the bride's house and not vice-a-versa. Meghalaya is a small state in north-eastern India in which…
The Significance Of Chooda In Punjabi Wedding
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 The Month Of Fasting And Feasting! 7 Best Places To Try Iftar Snacks In Bangalore
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…
Nose Ring – An Age-Old Indian Tradition
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…
Suhelwa In North India – A Perfect Offbeat Travel Destination
If you are someone who wants to get the best out of an unusual travel destination, then Suhelwa should be your best bet. It is one of those travel destinations in the Indian…
Marwari Wedding – A Colorful And Traditional Occasion
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: FORGOTTEN FOOD GRAINS OF INDIA
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 – LAND OF TEMPLES IN THE 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…
CHENNAI MUSIC SEASON – MARGAZHI UTSAVAM
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…
The Golden spice Turmeric and its importance in Indian culture
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,…
Wedding rituals in Uttar Pradesh – A colorful occasion with emotions
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 Badagas Tribes – A Community That Hails From South India
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 Wedding – A Moment Of Bliss And Romance
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…
Meelad un Nabi
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…
Rituals in a Telugu Wedding – Steeped in tradition
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…
Dhenupureeswarar temple – 1000 year old Temple in Chennai Metropolis
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 festivals
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 PLANT AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE TO INDIAN SOCIETY
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 Tamil Brahmins
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…
Agraharam – the traditional house of the Brahmins of South India
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…
Nikkah – The Muslim Wedding With Ecstasy And Fantasy
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…
5 oldest Universities In India
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…
Famous Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh
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.…
The Holy Basil – Why Is Tulsi Plant Revered In India
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 – The Fabric of Peace
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…
Brass Utensils Used By South India In The Bygone Era
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…
5 Amazing Hindu Festivals Celebrated in India
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…
Heading To Panchgani? Do Stop By Devrai Art Village
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…
Fascinating Turbans of India – Royal Vibrant and Colorful
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 and Indian Culture
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…
TODA EMBROIDERY – EXQUISITE DESIGNS IN RED AND BLACK
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…
4 Dandiya Gigs That You Shouldn’t Miss This Year At Any Cost
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…
Amar Chitra Katha – My Guide to Indian Mythology and History
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 – World’s largest religious festival
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 Hornbill Festival
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 Language and Indian History
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…
8 Most Unusual Rituals And Festivals Of India
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…
Goan Culture – A Blend of East and West
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…
Tamil Language – India’s Oldest Language
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…
A universal Indian Wedding
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…
The Kanchipuram Sari – Buy one this Diwali
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…
Top Places That Should Be Marked By Dandiya Lovers In Mumbai
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…
The Dargahs Of India – Visit Them To Enjoy The Cultural Heritage
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 celebrations in Tamil Nadu
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 in India
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 Temple Dance – Krishnanattam and Arjuna Nritham
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…
Thiruvathira – When women fast for brothers, husband and sons
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…
The Importance of Navagrahas (in temples)
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…
Good Old Traditions Of South India
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 – An Urban Take on Heritage
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…
The Dance of Ghosts – Kummattikkali
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…
The Unique Architecture of the Temples of Kerala
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…
The Guruvayoor Lord Krishna Temple
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 – Temples, Paintings and more
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 – A Peaceful Destination By The Side Of Ganga
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…
Rock Music And Traditional Culture Of India
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…
Worshiping Dhanwanthari – The God of Medicines
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…
Malana: The Best Kept Secret Of Himachal Pradesh
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…
Ganesh Chaturthi – Celebrating the Elephant God
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 – A Festival Exclusively for Women
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…
Ayurveda – Nature’s Own Cure in Kerala
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…
Celebrating Muslim Dance Forms – Duff Muttu and Oppana
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…
Ottam Thullal and Chakyar Koothu – A story of performance, revenge and satire!
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.…
Karkkidakam – The Holy Month of Ramayana and Ayurveda
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…
A brief on the Bengali traditional outfits and its appeal
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 Prolonged Culture Of Bengali Theatre
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…
Vishu – An Auspicious Start to a Harvest Season
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…
Thrissur Pooram – A festival of Elephants, Colours and Fireworks
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 – Kerala’s Own Martial Art
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.…
The Hornbill Festival: Nagaland’s Festival Of Festivals
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…
When Man Becomes God – Theyyam
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 – Welcoming Mahabali, the Virtuous Ruler
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…
A Complete Guide to Enjoying a Tamil Brahmin Wedding!
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…
Unknown Facts About the Varnas or the caste system of India
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…
Where Snakes And Tigers Dance – An Insight into Kerala Culture
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 Brews Of India
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 Years In India
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
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;…
What it means to be a Rajput Lady in Rajasthan
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.…
Interesting Facts Of The Celebration Of Neel Shasthi In Bengal
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…
Secert Behind The Bengali Tradition Of Auspicious 14 Busted
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…
Poila Boishakh The Ultimate Say Of Celebration For All Bengalis
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…
Saraswati Puja The Celebrate The Season Of Love In The Bong Way
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…
Ugadi New Beginning With Properities And Happiness
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 Wedding and Traditional Rituals
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…
Langar, An Age Old Tradition Practiced In Sikhism
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…
Magical legend of Jammu Kashmir Lifestyle and Culture
Are you wishing to discover really something about the Kashmir Lifestyle and Culture as well as the tradition behind the incredible state Jammu and Kashmir? Good, then this now this is the time…
Asia’s Cleanest Village Mawlynnong In Meghalaya
When I say Asia's Cleanest Village which pictures your mind instantly starts clicking to? No No don’t go to Singapore or Japan, but its time to feel proud. Yes, its Mawlynnong In Meghalaya,…
7 Things To Know About And Do In Kolkata’s Durga Puja
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…
Hundi In Indian Temples: A Symbol Of Faith & Belief
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: The God Of Destruction
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.…
Ashada Masam : The Inauspicious Month For The Hindus
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,…
Breaking Coconut: An Essential Offering In All Hindu Rituals
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…
Laad Bazaar Hyderabad: The Market For Radiant Bangles
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…
Eating With Hands: An Etiquette Of Indian Dining
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
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…
Bangles- The identity of every Indian Bride
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 – The Racial Extravaganza
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…
Saptapadi
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…
Bangles & Married Women: An Inseparable Connection
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: The Great Indian forehead art
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’…
VallamKali – A traditional culture of Kerala
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,…
Festival of light with earthen diyas
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…
The rise and rise of Marathi cinema
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…
Divergent India With Divergent Bridal Attires
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…
Significance of Saffron color in India
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…
Vidaai: A Weepy Indian Ritual
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…
Significance Of Haldi Ceremony In An Indian Wedding
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…
Importance of Sindoor
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…
Kanyadaan: An Intrinsic & Emotional Ritual
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…
Wedding traditions of Datar
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…
Saath Phere: The 7 vows In An Indian Wedding
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 friendly neighborhood “‘kirana’ bhaiyya”
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…
Significance of Mehandi in Marriage that Every Girl should know
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…
Wedding tradition – Ara Antar
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…
Wedding tradition – Madavsaro
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…
Plants For Prayer And Prosperity
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…
Explore Kerala: Gods Own Country
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…
Kathputli, A Link With Indian Heritage
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…
Puberty Ritual In South India
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…
Wedding Tradition – Aeki Beki
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!
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 – The Beautiful Pattern At The Doorstep Welcoming All Things Good
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?
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?
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
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
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 – Accident or Custom
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 - 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…