Cultural Heritage Of Goa

Goa is bounded with festivals and fairs around temples and churches which also commemorate eaily legends. They are the occasions when a Goan peasant manifests joy and happiness.




Bhandap is a traditional folk dance that is performed by the womenfolk of the scheduled tribe community. Corredinho-Portuguese Folk Dance is another peasant dance which is popular among Goan elite youth. Dekhm-Beauty dance is performed only by women and it displays a rare blend of Indian and Western rhythms.

Dhangar Dance is performed in Navratra days. Fugdi and Dhalo is a folk dance again performed by women. Ghode Modnr is 111 commemoration of the return of the Ranes after victories over the Portuguese in Bicholim and Satari Taluka.

Goans are very proud of their state but often lack firmness in dealing with issues related to government utilities, administrative corruption and horrendous government services. Religion is very important to the Goans. Let it be Catholic, Hindu or Muslim. Churches, Temples and Mosques will be found all around Goa.

India nominates 20 heritage specimens to UNESCO

Twenty specimens of Intangible Cultural Heritage of India have been nominated by the country this year for the first time to UNESCO for recognition.



These very clearly include the Kolam ritual of Tamil Nadu, where designs are drawn on the porches of houses, Nacha folk dance of Chattisgharh, Chatriyam music of Assam, and Sankirtan dance of Manipur and the veena tradition.

The Ministry of Culture and the state governments this year made special efforts and have been able to put forward 20 nominations to UNESCO this year. Jawhar Sircar Secretary (Culture) said at present there are only three recognized heritage specimens Kutiyattam which is the famous Sanskrit Theatre of Kerala, the tradition of Vedic Chanting and Ramlila- the traditional performance of Ramayana, which have been included from India.

We hope that all the nominations would be given due recognition.

Classical dances reveals the cultural heritage of India

Classical dances quiet clearly reveals the cultural heritage of India. In India each dance form will have its own specialty and grace, along with a set pattern of costumes and make-up.

These different form of classical dances set the true meaning to the glory of India.

Bharatanatyam is the most popular of Indian dances and belongs to the South Indian state of Tamil nadu.



It is believed that Chakiarkoothu dance was introduced to Kerala and is performed only by the members of the Chakiar caste. This is a highly orthodox type of dance which is staged inside temples only.

The Chhau dancer very well communicates the inner emotions and themes through cadences of body flexions, movements and kinetic suggestions.

Another classical dance form is Kathak where the themes of Krishna, Radha, Shiva, Parvati and mythological characters find a exact place.

Kathakali is a story play or a dance drama. Kathakali is limited to decorative dance movements.

Koodiyattam is the oldest surviving link with ancient Sanskrit theatre that is practised in Kerala. This dance form consists of some popular Sanskrit dramas like Ascharyachudamani of Shaktibadra, Subhadradhananjeyan of Kulasekara Varman, Abhisekha Nataka and Swapnavasavadatta of Bhasa, Kalyana Saugandhikam of Mahendra Vikrama and Bhagavadajjukiyam of Bodhayana.

Krishnattam presents eight successive nights that reveals the entire story of Lord Krishna, and the dance style is almost alike Kathakali.

Kuchipudi, like Kathakali is also a dance-drama tradition which derived it's name from the vilage of Kuchipudi in the Southern State of Andra Pradesh. The female roles are also enacted by men till date.



Manipuri dances are a part of the daily life of the Manipuri people. This dance is presented as a group dance with gorgeous, colourful costumes with soft movements.

Mohini Attam as a dance form has developed in Kerala. This dance form is performed by women. Mohini Attam follows the Bharatanatyam dance form.

Odissi is considered as the oldest classical Indian dance on the basis of archival evidence.

Ottan Thullal is performed solo and it is also known as the poor man's Kathakali.

Yaksha Gana belongs to Karnataka which has a rural origin. Its heart lies in Gana meaning music. It is about 400 years old.


Every part of a dance conveys some meaning in the graceful motion of a dancer. The various dance forms have also developed a particular form of make-up for the performance, which is a skill by itself. Each dance form and style have their own traditional patterns set down.

A heritage destination- Thousand Pillar Temple

The Rice Bowl of India Andhra Pradesh is a blend of dances, delectable cuisine, ingenious arts and crafts, glorious religions, sculpture and wonderful people. Temples also play an important part in exploring the cultural heritage of the state.




Many grand stone temples still stand in South India. Apart from the main fixed stone deities, processional deities made up of gold, silver, copper, zinc and tin are bathed, dressed, decorated for various festivals throughout the year.

The richer the temple, the more elaborate the festivals. Temples also reveal the cultural heritage of South India as temples often vary in their appearance, rituals, traditions, festivals and customs from region to region.

Approximately 4 kms from Hanumakonda crossroad the Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal district is located which is a fine specimen of architecture and sculpture. It is the main attraction of Hanamkonda. The temple was built by 'Rudra Devi' in 1163 AD.

The temple very well helps to reveal the South Indian culture and it is constructed in a star shaped design and has 3 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya.

The temple is built on a 1 m. high platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill and has a majestic monolithic Nandi. There are many small lingam shrines that surround the gardens.

The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture. The culture of Andhra Pradesh is an integral part of the rich cultural heritage of the country. Come and worship to fulfil your dreams at Thousand Pillar Temple.

Tirupati Balaji Temple- Heritage Destination

Hindu temples are large and magnificent with a rich history. The temples of Andhra Pradesh State not only consists of religious but also historic value and are rich in their cultural heritage.




Some of the famous temples in Andhra Pradesh, are Lepakshi Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, Tirupati Temple, Srisailam Temple, Mukhalingam Temple, Jain Mandir, Chennakesava Temple, Gunupudi Someswara Temple, Chennakesavaswami Temple, etc are some of huge importance.

Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the most visited temple of India and this temple is also of greater significance in the country. The Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centre that is mainly linked up with Hindu mythologies, the temple is famous for its historic shrine of lord Venkateswar.

This temple is located on the Venkatam Hill and the temple is one of the richest temples of the country. The main deity worshiped at the temple is lord Venkateswar or lord Balaji, who is believed to be the incarnation of lord Vishnu, one of the most revered Hindu god.

The architectural style adds more importance in the temple's glory. The 10 feet high standing figure of lord Venkateswar on a lotus pedestal embodies the best sculptural work. Worshiping before the holy figure of lord Venkateswar lets one witness the rich South Indian culture and rich traditions.

There are also several other temples like Papavinasanam, Vaikuntha Tirtham and Tumburu Tirtham famous for sightseeing. Come and make a wish.

Jainism Culture

Jainism is an ancient religion of India and is rich in it's cultural heritage. Jainas, the followers of Jainism, are found all over India from ancient times. The Jainas strictly follow their religious practices in their daily lives.




That is why Jainism could survive in India for the last so many centuries. The Jainas, in this way, succeeded in continuing to exist as devout followers of a distinct religion in India. Jainism encourages spiritual development and self-control.

The main aim of Jainism is to realize the soul's true nature. Those who have attained moksha are called siddha liberated souls, and those who are attached to the world through their karma are called samsarin. Jain religion is unique and upholds nonviolence as the supreme religion and has insisted upon its observance in thought, word, and deed.

Vegetarianism is a way of life for a Jain. The practice of vegetarianism is seen as an instrument for the practice of nonviolence and peaceful, cooperative coexistence. Jains are strict vegetarians.

In their Namaskar Mantra Jains do not ask for any favors or material benefits from their Gods, the Tirthankaras or from monks and nuns. They do not pray to a specific Tirthankara or monk by name. By saluting them, Jains receive the inspiration from the five benevolent for the right path of true happiness and total freedom from the misery of life.