The city of Padhavali, located near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the world’s most important historical sites. The Gohad state ruled the area for over 1000 years. The temple is one of the few remaining ruins of the Jat Rana fort, a great Hindu centre. It also has a ruined temple that depicts
The Kedareshwara Temple is a Hoysala construction in Halebidu, Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is decorated with sculptured friezes depicting the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other Hindu tales. According to Adam Hardy, the temple was built in 1219 A.D., but it is not entirely clear when it was built. The temple was
The theme of this month’s issue is about the hidden gems of the country. Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar Bhimbetka Rock Shelters in Madhya Pradesh The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram The Great Living Chola Temples The Adalaj Stepwell in Ahmedabad, India The Ramappa Temple in Telangana Garhi Padhavali in Morena, Madhya Pradesh Kedareshwara Temple in
If you have marveled over the intricate beauty of the idols of Goddess Durga during the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata, you have no doubt wondered how they are made. It is possible to see the idols being handcrafted. Where? Kumartuli Potter’s Town in north Kolkata. The settlement of Kumartuli, meaning “potter locality” (Kumar =
Along with diyas and fireworks, the rich history of Amritsar comes alive as Sikh martial bodies or ‘Nihang Singh Jathebandis’ descend upon the city as celebrations for Diwali and ‘Bandi Chhor Divas’ begin. Bandi Chhor Divas (prisoner release day) is celebrated to mark the historical release of the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind, from the
Day 1: Ghatasthapana Ghaṭasthāpanā (घटस्थापना “sowing Jamara”) marks the beginning of Dashain Festival. It means placing a kalasha or a pot, which symbolizes goddess Durga. Ghaṭasthāpanā falls on the first day of the festival. On this day, the Kalash is filled with holy water and is then sewn with barley seeds. Then the Kalash is
The grandeur of Karnataka can be witnessed in its full glory during the Mysore Dasara festivities. This 10-day festival is celebrated with great pomp and show, attracting tourists from far and wide. With magnificent processions, cultural events, fairs, and exhibitions, Mysuru Dasara is India’s most extraordinary Dussehra celebration. The festival is celebrated during Navratri and
Navaratri, the nine-day autumn festival, is a celebration of women’s empowerment. Although the festival is celebrated across the length and breadth of India, the long-standing tradition of ‘Golu’ marks the celebrations here in the southern states. Golu (or Kolu) in Tamil refers to the display and decoration of dolls and figurines of human beings and
Kullu, the “Valley of Gods,” is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful parts of Himachal Pradesh. This serene hill town of Northern India is famous for attracting visitors from far and wide. Also known as “Kulanthapitha,” the valley has always been a favorite destination for travelers to experience the mystical land and rustic way of
The Indian festival of Diwali is one of its most anticipated and widely celebrated festivals. Popular traditions mark it as the day Lord Ram defeated the demon, Ravana, and returned to his home city, Ayodhya. Southern parts of India call it Deepavali instead and celebrate the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. Irrespective of