DIWALI FESTIVAL

The festival of Diwali has been celebrated for ages and the history of Diwali celebrations is as old as the history of India. Everyone on this festival enjoys the delicious Diwali sweets, the brightly lit Diwali Lamps and Diwali diyas, and the excitement for living that suddenly grips people around this time. But the festival of Diwali symbolizes much more than these things. This real meaning of Diwali can be understood in the history of Diwali, which tells you the story behind the origin and the grand celebrations of Diwali.The history of Diwali, one of the greatest festivals celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervor all over the country is replete with different kinds of legends,

which are moored to the Puranas, the mythological scriptures of Hindus. There have been so many important legends associated with the occasion of Diwali that five days have been accredited for the celebration of Diwali in India with each day holding importance of its own. The following are the five days of Diwali, each having the rituals and myths of its own.

.Dhanteras

.choti Diwali

 .Diwali

· Padwa

· Bhaiya-Dooj  

Diwali Customs and Traditions

Diwali is traditionally known by the name of the 'festival of lights", for the common practice is to light small oil lamps (called diyas) and place them around the home, in courtyards, gardens, verandahs, on the walls built around the home and also on the roof tops. There are whole lots of Diwali customs and traditions associated with the festival of Diwali in India, which make this festival worth celebrating.The Diwali customs and traditions are diverse and there are a lot many legends associated with the celebrations of Diwali.

These customs and traditions show the mythological aspect of Diwali and also reveal the festive mood of the Indians who actually follow these ancient traditions and customs, which have been passed on by their ancestors. So this Diwali, get to know about all the Diwali customs and traditions along with Diwalimela

pooja

On this day Shri Ram, Lakshman, Sita Mata returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile after defeating Ravana.

The whole city was lit with deepaks to welcome them. The Vaishyas, the business community start their new year on this day.

People celebrate by wearing new clothes, decorating the house, exchanging gifts, playing cards and bursting firecrackers. New clothes, gifts and sweets are sent to the households of the married sisters and daughters.

At sunset puja is performed to Shri Ganeshji, Lakshmiji, Kuberji and the Navagrahas. The Idol of Lakshmiji is kept on the right side of one idol of Ganeshji, as Lakshmiji considered to be a mother of Shri Ganesh.

The women of the house observe a vrat/fast for Lakshmiji. Food is eaten after Lakshmiji darshan that is after sighting a lit deepak in someone else's house.

Holi festival

Holi festival of colours

One of the major festivals of India, Holi is celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun which is the month of March as per the Gregorian calendar.
Lovers too long to apply colours on their beloved. This has a popular legend behind it. It is said that the naughty and mischievous Lord Krishna started the trend of playing colours. He applied colour on her beloved Radha to make her one like him. The trend soon gained popularity amongst the masses. No wonder, there is no match to the Holi of Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana - the places associated with the birth and childhood of Radha and Krishna

History and Meaning of Holi
 Holi Celebrated all over India since ancient times, Holi's precise forpurpose display great variety. Originally, Holi was an agricultural festival celebrating the arrival of spring.
This aspect still plays a significant part in the festival in the form of the colored powders: Holi is a time when man and nature alike throw off the gloom of winter and rejoice in the colors and liveliness of spring.
Holi also commemorates various events in Hindu mythology, but for most Hindus it provides a temporary opportunity for Hindus to disregard social norms, indulge in merrymaking and generally "let loose."
The legend commemorated by the festival of Holi involves an evil king named Hiranyakashipu. He forbade his son Prahlad from worshipping Vishnu, but Radhu continued to do offer prayers to the god. Getting angry with his son, Hiranyakashipu challenged Prahlad to sit on a pyre with his wicked aunt Holika who was believed to be immune to fire. (In an alternate version, Holika put herself and Prahlad on the fire on orders from her brother.)
Prahlad accepted the challenge and prayed to Vishnu to keep him safe. When the fire started, everyone watched in amazement as Holika was burnt to death, while Prahlad survived without a scar to show for it. The burning of Holika is celebrated as Holi. According to some accounts, Holika begged Pram and hlad for forgiveness before her demise, and he decreed that she would be remembered every year at Holi.

Traditional Holi

The spring season, during which the weather changes, is believed to cause viral fever and cold. The playful throwing of natural coloured powders has a medicinal significance: the colours are traditionally made of Neem, Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva, and other medicinal herbs prescribed by Āyurvedic doctors.
A special drink called thandai is prepared (commonly made of almonds, pistachios, rose petals, etc.), sometimes containing bhang (Cannabis indica). For wet colours, traditional flowers of Palash are boiled and soaked in water over night to produced yellow coloured water, which also had medicinal properties. Unfortunately the commercial aspect of celebration has led to an increase in the use of synthetic colours which, in some cases, may be toxic.

my son in holi colours

my son & my husband

                                                

Holi in tampa

Durga pooja in kolkatta

Durga Puja History

Durga puja is one of the most important and popular festivities of Bengal. Most of us are aware of this festivity, but none of us has got a clear idea about the story of Durga Pooja. Well, in this article, we will provide you with some interesting legends of Durgapuja festival that will enable you to get explore the origin & history of Durga puja. Read further to find out the Durga puja history.
Bengalis all over the world celebrate the festival with great devotion and by following all the rituals and customs. It is a ten-days festival starting from Mahalaya till the Bisarjan of the Durga idol. Let’s have a look on the history and legends behind Durga Puja.

Starting of Durga Puja in Bengal
History says that the first grand celebration of Durga Puja in Bengal started somewhere in the late 1500′s initiated by the the Zamindars of Dinajpur and Malda. Some also say that the first Durga Puja was started by Raja Kangshanarayan of Taherpur or Bhabananda Mazumdar of Nadiya in the year 1606.

Beginning of Baro-Yaari Durga Puja in Bengal
The concept of ‘Community’ or ‘Baro-Yaari Puja’ was first started by 12 friends of Gupti Para in Hoogly, who collected money from the local residents and performed the puja in 1790. This concept was brought in Kolkata by Raja Harinath of Cossim Bazaar who celebrated this puja in his Mushirdabad home from the year 1824 to 1831.

^ "Article On Durga Puja In Different Cities Of Kolkata"


Durga Puja Idol Making

We need to go through the pages of history for knowing that when Durga Puja had begun. According to a belief, 12 Brahmans of Hugli began the Durga Puja in the 18th century. But, making of idol was started from 11th century itself.

In the mythological period, animals were sacrificed during Durga Puja, This was stopped by Ramkrishna Rai. In the modern life, Durga Puja is restricted to wealth Kumber. The Puja tradition is not the same as before. Now-a-days, people have more interest in seeing the Jhaki rather then Puja. Idols of Goddess Durga are the symbol of faith and devotion.

These statues are artistic. It is foolish to see the female beauty of it. Durga Puja should not be considered as a medium of showing off, social status etc. Lord Ram also worshipped Goddess Durga before fighting with Ravan. Ram of today show lack of respect towards females. That is why, men has to many a times face defeat in different areas of life. Durga Puja is very famous in Bengal. The cultural roots of Bengal and consciousness of their faith towards Durga Puja is very strong.

If Mahishasur is the symbol of injustice and oppression then Goddess Durga is the symbol of power and justice. She symbolizes the victory against every injustice. Her eyes not just have tears of compassion and mercy but also the fire of anger. Durga is a great lady who is given the honoured with the name ‘Devi’. The Goddesses seated with Durga are Lakshmi (symbol of wealth) and Saraswati (symbol of knowledge). Lord Ganesha is the destroyer of obstacles and Karthikeyan is the symbol of modesty.                       

DURGA PANDAL  IN  DISNEY CASTLE  WAY

Kerala Hill Stations Kerala is more popular the world over for its beautiful beaches, bewitching backwaters, silky sand, sensuous sea and wilderness of the wildlife. But there is more to Kerala than this. Far off in the heights of the Western Ghats, Kerala has number of hill stations less ventured and explored. The hill stations of Kerala are the most perfect choice if you want to getaway from the city noises, deadlines, stress, tension and crowd. Decorated with meandering roads, ravishing rivulets, splendid springs and wondrous waterfalls, these hill stations are really different from other popular hill stations of India. The hill stations of Kerala are dense in vegetation and provide natural habitat to exotic wildlife. These beautiful hill stations of Kerala are also the source of the famous spices of Kerala. Spices such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and the cashew nut are grown in the plantations on the hill stations in Kerala. The Dutch and English colonial rulers of Kerala introduced cash crops plantations such as rubber and tea in the 18th and 19th centuries, which has continued till today. Southern Kerala is where you go to cruise the hydro-highways of Kerala's backwaters. The most popular place to organise such a trip is in Alappuzha (Alleppey) or the tranquil trading town of Kollam (Quilon). The area also includes the golden-sand resorts of Kovalam and Varkala and the city of Kottayam. Travel Video, Kerala, India - YouTube Climate of Kerala The climatic condition of this state differs in three of its divergent areas. This south Indian state experiences a range of weather condition. Basically there are four kinds of weather in Kerala such as winter, summer, the south west monsoons and the retreating monsoons. Through out the year the climatic condition is humid and sultry. The rains drops pre dominates the weather of Kerala. The season of winter is too short that lasts for three months starting from December to February. Sun shines brightly throughout the year in the southern part of India. The month of July and August is considered to be very sunny and bright. The temperature varies from 25 to 33 degrees Celsius. This heat is considered to be bearable. From the early months till the month of July, the visitors will be able to get a tang of swimming in the etherized water of the Arabian Sea. The green vegetation dotting the sea shore along with marvelous jingle of the sea will entice the heart deepest desires. The climatic condition is equatorial, with the twist of dry weather here and there. The visitors must pack their bag in the season of winter to visit this beautiful land of dream and imagination. The rainy season has its own beauty, if you plan to take a break in the back waters of the Alleppey. The lush green picturesque view with wings of imagination will make you feel to be in Elysian. The mortal souls do not know what heaven is, you must not miss the golden opportunity to take a peep-a-boo in this country of coconut trees and "God of Small Things". Arundhati Roy could not find a better plot than Kerala. Take your family and acquaintance to this place to be charmed by the beauty of Kerala. History of Kerala The recorded chronology dates back to the period of Ashoka, the Great. His ambition made Indian sub continent as a conglomerated whole. The small kingdom of Cholas, Pandyas, Kerala putras and Satiyaputras were incorporated with the periphery of the Empire of Ashoka. In the Neolithic period, the wet lands and rainforests used to be part and parcel of the animal kingdom. However, after Ashoka, the great the vision of holistic India was shattered. Later the southern kingdoms band wagon with the Mauryan Empire. Under the Mauryan rule the southern most states flourished. Politically these nuclei states could not develop to the extent the northern kingdoms under the sole guidance of Kautilya and his philosophies of Arthashatra. Following the era was the Christian period with their convents that are still found in the blood of the Kerelite culture. The Cheras provided the place both political and historical significance. The mythical hero of the Silappadigaram finds place in the pages of chronology till date. The Sangam period was marked by the three political stratifications. Different political rulers provided divergent cultures which are still present in the contemporary age. This is the best blessing that the state has received. By the completion of 8th century, the tales of Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and Pandyas are written. One can also find straits of Buddhism in this land of back waters. St. Thomas Aquinas propagated monism in Kerala accompanied with Shankaracharya. Later the visitors can also find the relics of the second Chera Empire. The tales of Tamil saints are also evident in the land of Kerala. Rajasekhara Varman Rul established the "Kollam Era". It was after Coco Houseboats,Alleppey , Kerala

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Dwarkadheesh

My kid in a getup of  LORD KRISHNA














Location: Saurastra, Gujarat, India
Prime Deity: Lord Krishna
Significance: Char Dham Yatra
Darshan Timings: Morning 7.00 A.M. to Afternoon 12.30 and Evening 5.00 to 9.30 P.M.
Main Festival: Janamashtami
Other Attractions: Bet Dwarka, Gurudwara, Haji Kirmani Pir, Kachoriyu, Hanuman Dandi, Trikamji Temple, Kalyanrai Temple, The Patrani Temple, Durvasa Temple
How To Reach: Easily accessible by air (nearest airport Jamnagar), rail and road

History of Dwarkadheesh Temple The panoramic view of river Gomti and Arabian Sea confluence, is a visual treat. Regraded as 'Mokshpuri', the shrine is a chief among the Char Dham yatra of Hindus. The great Hindu epic, Mahabharata, has references of the city when it was submerged in sea after the death of Lord Krishna. According to more discoveries the whole west Indian coast sank nearly around 40 feet in 1500 B.C. E The legendary city of Dwarka is said to be built by Lord Krishna about 3500 and 5000 years ago.
 

Discoverindia.ppt

There is a legend behind the idol of Lord Dwarkadhish in the temple. Badana, an old devotee, used to come daily from Dakor to Dwarka, in order to have a glimpse of the Lord Dwarkadhish. The Lord was really appeased with her and one day, he went along with Badana to Dakor, in the form of idol. The priests at Dwarka temple got angry at Badana, who took the idol according to them. The enraged priests chased Badana to get back the idol. Badana convinced the priests to leave the idol instead of gold.

The priests agreed upon the condition and to their surprise, the idol happened to be as light as one nose-ring. This miracle was done by the Lord himself, as he knew Badana had only a nose-ring to offer. However, the Lord didn't disappoint the priests and said that they would find a replica on a particular day. The priests could not resist their inquisitiveness and excavated the recommended site quite early. They found one yet to grow idol that is presently enshrined at Dwarka.



ArchitectureThe majestic five-storied structure of Dwarkadhish Temple stands high on the confluence of Gomati River and Arabian Sea. Built with the support of 72 pillars, Dwarkadhish Mandir presents a sight to behold. Elevated to the height of 78.3 meters, the spire of temple dominates the skyline of Dwarka. An eighty-four foot long multicolored flag, adorned with the symbols of the sun and moon, waves from the dome of temple. It is said that originally the temple was built over the 'Hari-Griha' (Lord Krishna's residential place) by Vajranabha, the grandson of Lord Krishna.

Dating back to 2500 years, Jagat Mandir (Nija Mandir) makes the sanctum sanctorum of Dwarkadheesh Temple. It comprises a soaring tower and a hall of audience. The audience hall is comprised of both, ancient and existing sculptures. The temple can be entered by two doorways. The main doorway (north entrance) is known as "Moksha Dwara" (Door to Salvation), whereas the southern doorway is called as "Swarga Dwara" (Gate to Heaven). The outer side of this doorway has 56 steps that take to the Gomati River.

Somnath Temple

The History of Somnath (as in referring to the city) is so completely dominated by the History of Somnath Temple that it would not be exaggeration in the least to say that they are synonymous 
Not much is known about the early History of Somnath temple. However it is popularly believed that the first temple existed even before the commencement of the Christian era. The second was built in the period 480-767 A.D. by the Vallabhi kings. This was again replaced by the Pratihara king Nagabhattta II in 815 A.D.

The Somnath temple which enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingas was so highly revered that people from various nook and corners of the country came to offer their prayers here.

As many as 2000 Brahmin priests were engaged in temple activities and the revenue collected from ten thousand villages were used for its maintenance. Prayers were announced by ringing the bell which was attached to a golden chain. Its walls were nothing less than pages of History. The exquisite sculptures were a reflection of the times and the pillars even had the names of the sculptors carved on them.

Unfortunately what happened in the year 1025 was a very unfortunate event in the Somnath temple history. Muhammad of Ghazni invaded the city and in spite of the valiant resistance put up by fifty thousand Shaivites, the temple was looted and razed to the ground. What was regarded as an architectural masterpiece was demolished brutally.

King Bhima of Gujarat and King Bhoja of Malwa then took upon themselves the noble task of renovating this fine edifice in red sandstone. However it was fated to be destroyed once again by Alaf Khan in 1300 A.D. This time King Mahipala belonging to the Chudasama dynasty renovated it.

Thereafter also the History of Somnath is punctuated with episodes of destruction and reconstruction at various points of time in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. Finally the temple was once again ruined in 1706 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. After that more than two hundred years passed before Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel finally took upon himself the responsibility of constructing it once again in the year 1947. Much to the glory and pride of not just Somnath but of the whole of India this stunning temple was once again reincarnated. Presently this "Shrine Eternal" is visited by a large number of pilgrims as well as by common tourists. So without further delay you too can plan your Tour to Somnath to witness this majestic temple.

Ajanta Ellora Caves

Located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the famous Ajanta Ellora caves are shrines cut out of rock, by hand, and rank amongst some of the most outstanding specimens of ancient Indian architectural heritage. The 34 caves at Ellora and the 29 caves at Ajanta, remained shrouded in obscurity for over a millennium, till John Smith, a British Army Officer, accidentally stumbled upon them while on a hunting expedition in 1819. Ajanta has been designated as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will come to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves Location:

The caves are in northern Maharastra, around 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Mumbai.

Getting to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves:

The closest railway stations are in Aurangabad for the Ellora caves (45 minutes away) and Jalgaon for the Ajanta caves (1.5 hours away). There’s also an airport in Aurangabad. It’s possible to hire a car and drive between the two cave sites. Traveling time is around 2 hours.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves Opening Hours:

9am until sunset (around 5.30 p.m.). The Ajanta caves are closed on Mondays, and the Ellora caves are closed on Tuesdays. Both caves are open on national holidays. However, try to avoid visiting then as the crowds can be maddening and you.

                                                       HAWA MAHAL

Place : Jaipur, Rajasthan
Highlight : Its peculiar Architecture
Best time to visit : October to February    

It is built by  Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh  in  1799.This five storey building of unusual architecture designed by Lal Chand Usta, is a stunning example of Rajput artistry made of red and pink sand stone, beautifully outlined with white borders and motif's painted with quick lime. The monument with a spectacular view of Jaipur city with road avenues, intersections and colourful crowds in the market, was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions in the city without being seen by others.

In the present day, the Hawa Mahal has become a famous tourist spot and one of the spectacular sights in Jaipur. From the palace, the entire Jaipur city can be seen. The palace has become a great spot for the shooting of several Indian and international films. it is also known as place of wind.



Chittorgarh Fort

                                                                     Chittorgarh Fort

Location:	At a distance of 112km from Udaipur, on a high hill near the Gambheri River in Chittaurgarh, Rajasthan
Built by:	Various Maurya rulers
Built in:	7th century A.D
Highlights:	Numerous palaces and towers inside the fort
How to reach:	One can easily reach Chittorgarh Fort either by taking regular buses or by hiring Taxis from Udaipur city

	Chittaurgarh Fort is truly an embodiment of chivalry and pride of the Rajputs. The fort has a long story of romance, courage, determination and sacrifice.Chittorgarh Fort is said to have been the capital of the Gahlot and Sisodia kings who ruled Mewar between the eighth and the sixteenth century. The Fort was named after Chittrangad Maurya.               The fort was attacked three times and every time it got saved by the daring heroism of the Rajput warriors. In 1303, for the first time, this fort was attacked by Allaudin Khilji to fulfill his desire to make off with Rani Padmini. For the second time, the Fort was sacked by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat in 1535. In 1567, it was attacked for the last time by Mughal Emperor Akbar to conquer Maharana Udai Singh. Every time, a jauhar (mass suicide) was observed and the womenfolk of the Royalty never submitted themselves.



TAJ a Seventh Wonder on The Earth

Taj Seventh Wonder on earth

Taj is best thing to introduce india not because of its beauty but for about its great culture and unity in diversity.



Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.



In 1631, in the fourth year of his reign, Shah Jahan set out for Burhanpur with his armies to subdue a rebellion. Even though Mumtaz Mahal was in the ninth month of a pregnancy, she accompanied him as she had done many times before. On a warm evening of April in 1631, the queen gave birth to their fourteenth child, but soon afterwards suffered complications and took a turn for the worse. According to legend, with her dying breath, she secured a promise from her husband on the strength of their love: to build for her a mausoleum more beautiful than any the world had ever seen before.

Taj at Google