Showing posts with label Asia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asia. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Cultural Heritage Of Chandigarh

Indian culture has been generally marked as a blend of a wide variety of cultures from across the world. Chandigarh is one of most well-planned cities in India, which was designed by the renowned architect, Le Corbusier. The rich culture of the city stands on the multi-ethnic population.

Cultural Heritage Of Chandigarh

Chandigarh which is a land of fairs and festivals observe people celebrating Baisakhi, Gurpurab, Holla Mohalla, Lohri, Tika, Karva Chauth, Raksha Bandhan, Dusshera and Diwali with great zeal and enthusiasm.

Chandigarh cuisine offers an exquisite epicurean experience. The traditional cuisine of the place consists of typical Punjabi food, which is spicy and crunchy. The people here are very fond of desserts too.

The majority of people here in Chandigarh are Hindus and Sikhs, you can also find population of Jains, Muslims, Christians, etc here. Sikhism and Hinduism are the major religions followed in the city. Other than this religions like Islam, Christianity, Jainism and Buddhism, also flourish in the city.

Chandigarh has a rich tradition of folk dances. Bhangra, Giddha, Jhumar, Luddi, Julli, Dhamal, Sammi, Jaago, Teeyan, Dankara, Kikili and Gatka are some of the popular folk dances of the city.

Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder. Culture defines itself as a social scheme of shared notions, values, rituals and behaviour patterns that are practiced within a community. So lets discover the cultural heritage of this city.....

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Friday, November 27, 2009

Allahabad

Allahabad one of the largest cities of the State of Uttar Pradesh in India. Popularly known as the Prayag City, Allahabad located in the state of Uttar Pradesh is situated at the convergence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.

Allahabad

The fast developing cities in Uttar Pradesh is a well known historical city which is known for a rich historical heritage and culture. Like most parts of North India, the climate of Allahabad is mostly hot during summers and pretty cold during winters.

The climate in the city mainly remains dry all over the year. The ideal time for coming to Allahabad is between the months of October and March.

There are plenty of tourist attractions in Allahabad which are known for their historical and cultural significance. Allahabad Planetarium, Allahabad Museum, New Yamuna Bridge, Allahabad University, Patthar Girja, Allahabad High Court, Shivkoti Mahadev Temple, Allahabad Fort, Someshwar Mahadev Temple, Patalpuri Temple, Khusro bagh and Dashaswamedh Temple are the major attractions of the city.

Expore the cultural heritage of Allahabad and have fun....

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Monday, November 23, 2009

Cultural Heritage Of Kerala

Located in southwestern India Kerala have a unique culture that has made itself a popular tourists place around the world. Formed in the year 1956, Kerala has 14 districts and Thiruvananthapuram is it's capital.

Cultural Heritage Of Kerala

Most of the dance forms in Kerala are performed in connection with harvests, festivals etc. There are more than 50 well-known folk dances in Kerela. Some of the most popular ones are Kaliyattom, Mudiyettu, Kolam Thullal, Padayani, Kolkali, Parichamuttukali, Thappukali, Kuravarkali and Thiruvathirakali.

The festivals of Kerala have a big traditional history behind them. Onam, Vishu, Navaratri, Aaranmula Boat Race, Cochin Carnival, Sabarimala Festival , Malabar Mahotsavam, Aarattu, Jagannatha Festival, Thirunakara Festival , Vettukadu Perunal are some of the popular festivals of Kerala.

Cultural heritage of Kerala can be very well revealed with it's massive forts, temples, mosques, churches etc. The massive forts that showcase the fine architecture of Kerala are Pallippuram Fort, Palakkad Fort, St. Angelo's Fort, Bakel Fort, Dutch Palace.

Kerala also came in close contact with Islam. The mosques in the state are generally covered structure, with walls constructed of laterite blocks, that comprises of a large prayer hall in the centre with covered verandhas on all the sides. Charachira Jama Masjid, Nainar Mosque, Kanjiramattom Mosque, Cheraman Jama Masjid, Odathil Mosque, Malik Dinar Mosque attract pilgrims from all over the country.

St. Mary's Church, Cheriapalli, St. Mary's Church, Manarcad, St. George's Church, Puthupalli, St. Thomas Mount, St. Joseph's Monastery, Mannanam are few of the famous churches of Kerala.

The exotic cuisine of Kerala offers the most delicious and mouth watering foods on earth. Kerala is rich in coconut and fish. Chillies, curry leaf, mustard seed, tamarind and asafoetida are important ingredients for every dish.

This tranquil state is a tropical paradise of waving palms and wide sandy beaches with rich cultural heritage.

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Thursday, November 19, 2009

Cultural Heritage Of Orissa

Located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal, Orissa is the modern name of ancient republican nation of Kalinga. The cyclone prone state in India has a beautiful cultural heritage that comes out in a great form of handicraft items and amazing folk dances.

Orissa has a distinctive cooking style which is the major part of the heritage. Both sun-dried and par-bolied rice is the staple food of the people. Rice is used in almost every dish. Non-vegetarian food is also included in the diet of the Oriya people.

Cultural Heritage Of Orissa


Handicrafts of Orissa are filled with wide variety of arts and crafts in the state is that it has witnessed the rule of many rulers. When the talk is about the folk performances of India, Oriya dances truly deserve a special mention. Orissa has a rich cultural heritage in terms of music and dance.

Some of the famous folk dances of the state are Kathi Nacha (Stick Dance), Medha Nacha (Mask Dance), Naga Nacha (Snake Dance),Sakhi Nacha or Kandhei (Puppet Dance), Ghumra Nacha, Mahari Nacha, Jatra Nacha (Folk Theatre), etc.

Orissa being the major musical centers of South India, comprises of Odissi music which is a combination of four distinctive kinds of music, namely, Chitrapada, Dhruvapada, Panchal and Chitrakala.

The official language of Orissa is Oriya, which is spoken by approximatlely 84 percent of the population. It is also one of the most prominent and one of the oldest languages of India.

The other major languages spoken in the state are Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and Telugu. English language is spoken only by a few literate people in Orissa.

Orissa has been inhabited by several tribal people. It is a combination of nearly 62 distinctive tribal groups. Orissa is a great combination of religions that consists Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, Vaisnavism, and Saivism etc.

So get ready to know more about the state and have lots of fun !!!!

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Friday, November 13, 2009

Cultural heritage of Silicon Valley of India

Bangalore or Bengaluru is very well known for it's rich cultural heritage and industrial accomplishments. Bangalore which has already acquired the status of the IT Capital has a fusion of the old and the new culture.

Arts and Crafts consists of elite bungalows and impressive palaces. The interiors of these bungalows are adorned with arts and crafts, whose beauty cannot be described in words.

 Silicon Valley of India

Bangalore languages comprise of all the languages spoken in the state of Karnataka. The major launguage of Bangaloreans is Kannad. Apart from Kannad, English is also quite widely spoken here.

People belonging to various religions, castes and communities live here. Hinduism is one of the major religions of Bangalore. The major economic hub and the fastest growing major metropolis in India, Bangalore enjoys a moderate type of climate throughout the year.

Visit the Silicon Valley of India and explore more about it's cultural heritage.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Udaipur

Udaipur the city of lakes is situated in the state of Rajasthan in western India. Udaipur has been favourite place of the Rajputs. This beautiful city has received a rich cultural heritage from the bygone age.

Udaipur


having tropical climate the city has adopted the life style of big cities; still it becomes necessary for you to know more about the cultural heritage of the city. Udaipur receives ample number of tourists from all over the world every year.

Festivals and fairs depicts the cultural prosperity of Udaipur. The lakes, temples, forts and palaces boast about the rich heritage of this city. Let's here discover about the people, cuisine, language, religion, folk dance and music of Udaipur.

Dominated by Jainism and Vaishnavism, Udaipur cuisine mainly comprises of vegetarian dishes. Food is usually made from lots of vegetables and lentils, seasoned with a great variety of spices. Delicious food like dried mango i.e. 'Ocra' and beans of 'sangri' is accompanied by many meals.

Dressed up in typical Rajsthani dress, the Bhil tribe loaded with loads of silver jewelry welcomes you with all love and affection. The traditional attire of women is ghaghra choli or skirt and blouse and for men, angrakha or Kurta and dhoti would do.

In order to communicate, Mewari is the primary language of Udaipur, yet Rajasthani, Hindi and English are also common in the city. Other than following Jainism on high note, rest of the religions include Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Christianity.

Udaipur would never let down the dance and music lovers. The dances that are famous all over Rajasthan of Udaipur are Bhavai, Ghoomar, Kachhi Ghodi, Kalbeliya and Terahtaali.

Dance of Dandi Gair is associated with Marwar and hence with Udaipur. Talking about music, Morchang, Naad, Tanpura, Sarangi and many other instruments are used to echo the courts of Mewar rulers.

Visit Udaipur to explore more about it's cultural heritage !!!

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Friday, October 30, 2009

Kolkata the cultural capital of India

Kolkata is very well known for its literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage. Kolkata which was the former capital of India was considered as the birthplace of modern Indian literary and artistic thought. Kolkata has often been called as the cultural capital of India.

Kolkata the cultural


Kolkata has many buildings adorned with Gothic, Baroque, Roman, Oriental and Indo-Islamic motifs. The Indian Museum that was established in 1814 is the oldest museum in Asia and houses vast collection of Indian natural history and Indian art.

Kolkata's cuisine include rice and fish curry, with rasagolla, sandesh and mishti doi i.e.sweet yoghurt that is a dessert. Street foods includes dishes like fried battered eggplant slices, flatbread roll with vegetable or chicken, mutton, or egg stuffing, deep fried crepe that is also addressed as phuchka with tamarind and lentil sauce and Chinese food from China Town in the eastern parts of the city are quite popular.

Durga Puja is the most important and the most glamourous event in Kolkata that in a way shows the cultural heritage of Kolkata. Other notable festivals that are celebrated with pomp and show are Jagaddhatri Puja, Diwali, Eid, Holi, Christmas, poila boishak (new year), Saraswati puja, Rath Yatra and Poush parbon (harvest festival).

Book Fair, Dover Lane music festival, Kolkata Film Festival and National Theatre Festival are the cultural festivals of Kolkata. Mostly appreciated for Indian classical music as well as Bengali folk music, the city is also rich in literary traditions.

Explore the cultural heritage of Kolkata and get soaked in the festivals, traditions and culture of the city.

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Friday, August 28, 2009

Indian dance and culture

India cultural heritage is unique because of its diversity and variety in physical, religious, racial and artistic fields. In India religion is believed to be a way of life.

Indian dance


Many dances, theatrics and folklore are religious and based on Indian mythology and a person can very well understand the culture of India. Indian tradition of theatre is rich and comprises with the ancient rituals of the country.

Dance has played an important role in the birth of theatre. There are many kinds of folklore depending on certain content such as festival songs, work songs, marriage songs etc. Festival and religious songs are usually accompamied by a suitable dance form.

It is believed that Lord Brahma created Natyaveda. Sage Bharata who wrote Natya Shastra which is a great comprehensive work on the science and technique of Indian drama and through this medium, common man was presented with the Ithihasas, Puranas, and Mythology.

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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Himachal Pradesh and its culture

Himachal Pradesh is a blend of several religions, culture as well as it is a multilingual state like other Indian states. Some of the most commonly spoken languages includes Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari, Dogri, Mandeali, Kangri and Kinnauri.

Himachal Pradesh


The Hindu communities living in Himachal Pradesh include the Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. Tribal population in the state comprises of Gaddis, Kinnars, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis. Their traditional dresses includes dhoti, kurta, coat, waistcoat, turban and a hand towel while that of the Rajput male consists of tight fitting churidar pyjamas, a long coat and a starched turban.

Himachal is well known for its handicrafts. Himachali caps are also famous art work of the people. Music and dance reflects the cultural heritage of the state. There are number of other fairs and festivals that play an important role to Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Pradesh


Himachalis cuisine is very similar to the rest of the north India. Some of the specialities of Himachal food include Pateer, Chouck, Bhagjery and Til ki chutney.

The people of Himachal have rich cultural heritage and you must visit Himachal as to know more about their cultural and religious life.

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Friday, August 21, 2009

Maharashtra's Culture

Maharashtra boasts of a rich cultural heritage in India. Maharashtra is a blend of different races, traditions and classes. In Maharashtra, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with as much enthusiasm as Diwali and Holi. The people of Maharashtra celebrate a large number of fairs and festivals through exploring its various dance forms. The most famous dance form of Maharashtra is Lavani.

Maharashtra's Culture

Maharashtra is one of the geographically most diverse states in India. You will find Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Buddhist, Zoroastrians, Christians and Sikhs, co-existing peacefully in the state.

Maharashtra, with it's large population of inhabitants is the second most populous state in India. The large number of people that reside in the state belong to numerous religions and communities.

The important tourist centers in the state include Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta, Kanheri and Karla caves, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, Panchgani, Jawhar, Malshej Ghat, Amboli, Chikaldhara and Panhala hill resorts and various religious places.
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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Karva Chauth

Festivals of India are the great essence of the Indian cultural heritage. Most religious festivals have elaborate prayers, traditions, customs and rituals attached to them. The colorful festivals are an integral part of every Indians. Karva Chauth is the most important festival for Indian woman.

Karva chauth


The festival is celebrated nine days before Diwali around October-November. Married women, old and young, begin their fast on the day of Karva Chauth well before sunrise around 4 a.m. and fast for the whole day and pray for the long lives oftheir husbands.

On this ocassion women wear bright and beautiful clothes, don’t scrimmage on their jewellery, pamper themselves by buying bangles and apply henna on their palms and feet. The puja ends with the women showering rice and vermilion on Parvati and seeking her blessings for the well being of the husband and for marital bliss.

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Monday, August 10, 2009

Cultural Heritage of India

India's culture is one of the oldest and unique. The South, North, and Northeast have their own distinct cultures and almost every state has carved out its own cultural niche.

There is hardly any culture in the world that is as varied and unique as India. India is home to some of the most ancient civilizations, including four major world religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.

Cultural Heritage of India


A combination of these factors has resulted into an exclusive culture- Indian culture. Indian culture is a composite mixture of varying styles and influences. In the matter of cuisine, for instance, the North and the South are totally different.

Festivals in India are characterized by color, gaiety, enthusiasm, prayers and rituals. In the realm of music, there are varieties of folk, popular, pop, and classical music. The classical tradition of music in India includes the Carnatic and the Hindustani music.
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Friday, July 31, 2009

Indian Cuisine-Another Cultural Heritage in india

The spices are the very essence of Indian cuisine and these colorful ingredients are what bind the rich Indian culinary tradition together. Like Indian culture, Indian cuisine has also been influenced by the outside invasions on India.

Indian Cuisine-Another Cultural Heritage in india


The cuisine in the northern and western parts of India is influenced by Central Asia while on the east and north-east of India in West Bengal and Assam respectively, the cuisine show the shades of East Asian cuisine.

The heritage tour of India is the perfect way to savour the taste of India. Indian heritage does not only include art, architecture, dance and handicraft but also the cuisine that reflects the eating habits in different regions of India. That is what makes India a different palce to live in..

Indian Cuisine-Another Cultural Heritage in india


If you paln a tour to India it is not complete without savouring the flavours of India. So, whichever part of the country you travel, you will find a cuisine or delicacy exclusive to the region. If you are in the northern parts of the country, Mughlai cuisine is worth checking out.

On the southern side of India, one gets a variety of gourmet dishes that differ from state to state. Hyderbad in Andhra Pradesh is popular for its biryanis while Kerala is known its dosas, uttpams idlis and vadas. Sambhar is another popular delicacy in South India particularly in Kerala.

India has a variety of street food too. The street food in India is not exclusive to one particular place or region. One can find rows of street vendors virtually anywhere in India serving sumptuous delicacies.

Most Indian hotels serve different cuisine from different corners of India. Some of them even have speciality restaurants that serve the cuisine of a particular region. Come and tickle your taste buds with Indian cuisine on your journey to India with Heritage in India.

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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Customs and Rituals in India

The diverse, wide culture of India makes it the most unique country in the world. India is a melting pot of different faiths and religions. Customs and rituals are an integral part of the Indian way of life.

Customs and Rituals in India

These customs and traditions are surrounded by the boundary of religion, cast and creed. Customs and rituals of India are what attract many tourists to this myriad land.

One gets a glimpse of the customs and rituals in India as soon as one is welcomed in traditional Indian style. Even the Tourism Ministry, Government of India has launched the 'Atithi Devo Bhava' campaign to make people aware of India's rich cultural heritage and the philosophy of treating a tourist like God.

Indians are steeped into various customs and traditions. Right from the birth to death, there is hardly any occasion that does not have an elaborate ceremony.

Soon after the birth of a child, an elaborate ceremony to name the child takes place, which is marked by chanting of slokas and singing of hymns. Weddings are grand affairs in India, as they follow various customs and rituals.

So much so, many foreigners come to India to marry in Indian style. Rajasthan is the place that is most popular for royal weddings in India.

Even cremation is done according to rituals after one passes away. Taking a heritage tour to India is one of the best ways to know more about the fascinating aspects of Indian customs and rituals.

Festivals are other important occasions when one can see different customs and rituals followed by people. Plan a fascinating journey to the myriad land of different faiths and unique cultures with Heritage in India.
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